Growing up I was served fresh green beans, tomatoes, corn, carrots, potatoes, and onions from our home garden. I didn't exactly appreciate it at the time. I stuffed more than a few green beans under my chair cushion as a child. How I would love to have all of that out my backdoor today.

My grandmother and Mom frequently chanted the "eat your veggies" mantra. Of course, that mantra has stood the test of time, and for good reason. I dare say it is the only thing everyone in the wellness industry agrees on.

The Hormone Balancing Plate emphasizes the importance of eating whole vegetables and fruits by showing that they should make up at least half of your plate at every meal. Here’s why.

Vegetables and fruits are high in polyphenols and powerful antioxidants that can prevent or reduce damage to your cells caused by the environment, aging, or lifestyle. They can help protect against cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.

Vegetables and fruits are complex carbohydrates with longer sugar molecules that your body breaks down slowly. This provides a source of sustained energy, making them ideal for midlife women who need to maintain their energy levels throughout the day.

Vegetables and fruits:

• Are high in fiber, which can help you feel fuller and more satisfied after eating, lower your cholesterol levels, and reduce your risk of heart disease.

• Are rich in vitamins and minerals essential for maintaining good health.

• Help regulate blood sugar levels, which is especially important for midlife women who may be more at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

When shopping for vegetables and fruit, buy organic or non-GMO when possible. Check out the EWGs Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen list (Dig Deeper) for the most important produce to buy organic each year.

If you are trying to better balance blood sugar or lose weight I recommend you eat fruit with a meal, at the end of a meal, or with a small amount of protein and fat like nuts. Whole fruits with skins like berries, apples, and pears have the most fiber.

Our midlife bodies have been through a lot of changes. It makes sense that a focus on nutrient-dense foods is required for better health. One of the most important things you can do for your health in midlife is to ensure that you're eating a nutrient-dense diet that includes high-quality plant or animal protein, healthy fat, adequate fiber, and lots of complex carbohydrates in the form of vegetables and whole fruits.

Incorporating The Hormone Balancing Plate Guide can be an important step towards a healthier, happier you. If you are ready to live your best life in midlife contact me today for a FREE discovery call where you can discover how health coaching can help you transform your life.