FIT ICON
WORDS:Sarah Ivory PHOTOGRAPHY: Debbi ClarkMegrecommendseating
andtaking superfoods
supplementsto
boosthormonalhealthMEG
MATHEWS
WE’RE TALKING TO...
The party queen turned health activist
talks about finding happiness through
good health, dog walks and duvet daysYOU’RE WORKING HARD TO BREAK
THE MENOPAUSE TABOO – WHY?
‘My menopause experience was so intense that talking about it
to help others has become my passion. I felt isolated and didn’t
understand what was happening to me, both physically and
emotionally. As I learnt about the [menopausal] symptoms, I realised
there was a lack of easy-to-read information to prepare women,so
I felt it was important to share what I had experienced and learnt.’WHY AREN’T MORE WOMEN
DISCUSSING HORMONAL HEALTH?
‘Women feel embarrassed about speaking openly about their
menopausal experience because there’s still stigma attached
to it. We mention “menopause” and feel as though people will
view us as “past it”. We brush it under the carpet so our bosses
won’t view us as unable to do a good job, or for fear that our
husband or partner many not view us as sexual anymore.’CAN LIFESTYLE HABITS HELP
BALANCE OUR HORMONES?
‘Every woman’s experience is different, but certain foods may
help to relieve symptoms such as hot flushes, poor sleep and
low bone density. Avoiding sugar also helps. The right vitamins
and supplements can be beneficial as can looking after gut
health. Getting adequate sleep is important, and exercise helps
because being more active can regulate mood and energy levels.’WHAT DOES A HEALTHY
LIFESTYLE MEAN TO YOU?
‘Diet and exercise have been important to me. I was
eating superfoods and taking supplements to replace
what was being depleted during the menopause.
I’ve simplified supplementation with my Menoblend
(£29.99; megsmenopause.com) which has the
necessary vitamins and superfoods in a sachet to help
menopausal women. I did my best to exercise as I had
osteoporosis [weight-bearing activity can improve bone
density] but, some days, it wasn’t easy, and I had to
push through it because weight-bearing exercise wassoimportantto me.Morerecently,I vebeendoingCouchto
5K [a 5K beginner running programme]. However, exercise
should be fun – sometimes, just going for a walk
with the dog is good enough.’HOW DOES GIVING UP THE
PARTY LIFESTYLE FEEL?
‘I love my life now! My party days had their place
but now my daughter Anaïs and dog Ziggy bring me
the most happiness. I also have great friends – we
support each other. Having meals and taking dog
walks together is special, and cosy, indulgent days
with a good boxset in bed makes me happy. It’s
doing the simple things with the people that I love
that brings me real peace and happiness.’Meg loves the simple life:
family meals and dog walks