The only thing predictable about menopause is its unpredictability. Factor in widespread misinformation, a lack of research, and the culture of shame around women's bodies, and it's no wonder women are unsure what to expect during the menopause transition and beyond.Menopause is not a disease - it's a planned change, like puberty. And just like puberty, we should be educated on what's to come years in advance, rather than the current practice of leaving people on their own with bothersome symptoms and too much conflicting information. Knowing what is happening, why and what to do about it is both empowering and reassuring....

Now is the time to embrace a common sense approach to eating. Instead of being concerned with food fads and foibles, mid-life is an opportunity to seize control of your dietary habits in order to gain increased health and a long and energetic life. Middle-age is the perfect time to break away from the complex, and sometimes damaging, relationship some women have with food. Instead of seeing food as an enemy, it should be embraced as an ally; helping you to achieve your health goals, manage menopausal symptoms and give you the energy needed to enjoy the next stage in your life. After all, the link between diet and energy is food is fuel. The most beneficial way to eat, if you wish to alleviate the symptoms of middle-age, is to ensure you have a balanced diet that nourishes your body, heart and soul.

Dr Linia Patel's friendly, authoritative cookbook explains how to make your menopause work for you by setting out the impact of nutrition on the body. It's about mastering your mid-life body by knowing exactly what to put on your plate. For example, why do you get brain fog, hot flushes or mood swings, which nutrients should you be getting more of to combat these, and what recipes can you make to pack in more of those nutrients? There's so much you can factor into your diet to see you through perimenopause, menopause and beyond and crucially to enable you to THRIVE, not just survive.