Weight Gain & Learning to Love My Body Again – My Real Story

When I first started menopause at fifty, I didn’t really feel all that different. Sure, there were a few changes here and there, but nothing major. It was only around fifty-four that I really noticed the shift, almost ten kilograms had crept on. Slowly. Quietly. And honestly, it shook me.

For the next few years, that weight gain became something I quietly battled. It didn’t just sit on my body, it sat on my mind. Some days it still does. But something had to shift, and for me, that began with acceptance.

My daughters noticed how much it was affecting me. They could see how much it brought me down; it affected my mood, made me withdraw, and I often didn’t feel like going out or being around people. One day, they gently reminded me, “Mom, you’re not 40 anymore and that’s okay. Maybe you just need a wardrobe change to feel better.” That stayed with me. So I stopped fighting my reflection and started dressing the woman I was right now. I went shopping, bought new clothes, and made sure I looked and felt good, even if nothing had changed on the scale. That gave me a short burst of confidence, but deep down I knew I needed more than just outfits to feel like myself again.

So I made a decision: I’m going to progress.

I didn’t go on a crazy diet. I didn’t sign up for boot camp. Instead, I started with one simple thing: I increased my protein (check out my protein gummies recipe at the end of this post!). Yup, just that. More eggs, more lentils, more good old natural collagen in my morning drink. And suddenly, I had fewer cravings. I felt fuller. And my energy started to rise—just a little, but enough to matter.

Then came the next step: I started moving. No pressure. No timers. No guilt. My only goal was 5,000 steps a day. I didn’t always hit it, but I was moving more than before, and that’s what counted.

Another shift? I began setting little challenges for myself—not overwhelming ones, just enough to spark some excitement. For example, I figured making sourdough wasn’t easy, so I challenged myself to try it. It ticked two boxes: proving I could do it, and giving me a healthy bread option. What I didn’t expect was that it would turn into a little side hustle and unlock a whole new level of creativity.

I also set movement goals: In 3 weeks, I want to do 30 counter squats and 30 counter push-ups. I didn’t always hit those targets, but just having the goal kept me inspired.

And you know what? Even though I wasn’t laser-focused on weight loss, those small changes started working. I began feeling better—clearer, lighter, more in control. That confidence gave me the courage to do more. I added strength training to support my joints and stability. I reintroduced yoga, gently, consistently.

It’s taken years (and I mean years), but I’ve lost weight, shed centimetres, and I’m finally slipping into some of my old clothes again.

One of the most empowering things I’ve done is start a little list. Not a bucket list, more like a “small wins” list. Tiny things I want to do or try. Each time I tick one off, I get a little confidence boost and that ripple of positive energy affects everything.

I’m not “there” yet, wherever there is. But I’m not chasing perfection anymore. I love being a work in progress. I’m evolving, and that’s more than enough.

What I’ve learned is that weight gain during menopause isn’t just about food or exercise. It’s about energy. Emotional energy. Hormonal energy. Vibrational energy. And when you start tuning into that and giving yourself small, loving changes, it makes a big difference.

So, if you’re standing where I stood, feeling lost in your body, here’s what I want to tell you: 

✨ Start small.

✨ Be kind to yourself.

✨ Eat a little better.

✨ Move a little more.

✨ Dress the body you have.

✨ Talk to yourself with love.

And then… keep going.

You don’t need to transform overnight. You just need to begin.

With love and understanding,

Asha

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My Protein Jelly Gummies Treats

As I started increasing my protein intake, I also looked for fun ways to sneak in more nutrients, especially something I could grab when a sweet craving hit.

Enter: my high-protein jelly gummies. Easy, tasty, and packed with collagen for happy skin, joints, and gut health.

My Go-To Recipe:

• 1 packet jelly powder (e.g., raspberry, strawberry – around 80g)

• 2 tablespoons unflavoured gelatin powder

• ½ cup hot water

• 10g collagen

Instructions:

• Bloom the gelatin

In a small bowl, mix the gelatin with ¼ cup cold water and let it sit for 5 minutes to bloom.

• Dissolve the jelly powder

In a saucepan, mix the jelly powder with ½ cup hot (not boiling) water until fully dissolved.

• Combine everything

Add the bloomed gelatin and stir until it completely melts into the jelly mix. If using protein powder, add it now and whisk until smooth (no lumps!).

• Pour into moulds

Pour the mixture into silicone moulds or a container. Use a jug or spoon for neat pouring. I use a glass casserole dish.

• Chill to set

Refrigerate for 1–2 hours or until firm.

• Pop & store

Remove from moulds and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Benefits per 10g block:

• ~1.9g protein (from gelatin + collagen)

• Great for joints and skin

• Supports gut health

• A low-calorie, feel-good treat

• Naturally satisfying (no need to overindulge!)

• I keep these in the fridge as a daily treat. Sometimes I top with some cream for an extra treat.