⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for the information ⭐️⭐️⭐️ for the meal plan and recipes I first read The Galveston Diet in November of 2023 and was intrigued by the plan, but it has taken me until April of 2024 to find the drive to actually implement it. I appreciated Dr. Haver's explanations of perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause including symptoms, various hormones involved, and how the diet helps support your body during this time. Her explanation of appropriate supplements was helpful too, particularly the emphasis on fiber. There are three main facets to the plan: intermittent fasting, anti-inflammatory nutrition, and refocusing your macronutrients. I've never been a huge fan of intermittent fasting, but did find her explanations of why it could be beneficial helpful and have worked out an eating window that I feel comfortable with. Anti-inflammatory nutrition and macro counting are not new to me, but I appreciated the review. She does talk about how important protein is, but ironically, I don't feel like her menu plans include adequate amounts, particularly for women who are building strength by lifting weights, which is also a recommendation she makes. I do wish she offered a printable of the grocery lists and menus. I spent some time typing this up on my own. The recipes do not include nutritional information or even macro counts aside from an indication that they meet the percentages she suggests. This means that it's really difficult to mix and match or make other adjustments without entering all the recipes into some sort of tracker. Once again, lots of work that should really already be done for you in a book like this. There are some goofy things in this book that the author probably should have thought twice about. For example, ostritch is included as an approved protein. I also chuckled at "recipes" like "Cheese and Walnuts" Ingredients: 1/4 cup walnut halves, 1 cheese stick Directions: Arrange walnuts on a plate and add the cheese stick. While including recipes like this, she doesn't include them for other things that would be appropriate, like the cauliflower mash that is served with meatloaf. In addition, on one day she has you using the grill for vegetables and the oven for salmon. Seems like she could have cooked both with one method, which is what I ended up doing. In the book, she mentions that the Daily Recharge Journal is available on her website, but it looks like you have to join her online program at a cost of $70 to access that. Her website is very gimmicky with lots of testimonials and products to purchase. Anytime I tried to find more information, I felt like I was being directed to an infomercial. I did finally stumble across a YouTube channel that offers an unbiased review of the program. Check out Cathy's Galveston Diet Journey for an inside look. At this point I have completed week one of the conventional menu plan. There has been nothing special about the recipes. I have followed other plans that do a much better job at using herbs and other seasonings to add flavor to healthy meals. In spite of that, I have felt full and satisfied with the food. However, this is a high maintenance meal plan and I don't think it will be sustainable for me in the long run. I do hope that I can find ways to incorporate some of the principles into a more manageable plan for me as I have felt good while following the suggested meals. If you are looking for further insight into health and wellness as a middle aged woman, I would recommend @healthcoachclaudia and @amandanighbertrd on Instagram. I haven't purchased their programs, but glean a lot of good information from their free content.

I read the new menopause book and loved it so this was a follow up for diet. Great book, and a good guide. If you’re over 40- read this!

I ordered FOUR menopause/hormone help books, I read them all, and THIS is the most comprehensive and informational overall re: how to fight back with NUTRITION and INTERMITTENT FASTING. I will be implementing the 4 week program outlined in the book this coming week and will update this review then. UPDATE: April 24, 2023 - I have lost 12 lbs so far, husband lost 15, our 36 yr old son has lost 18 lbs. We “cheat” one day a week with a treat. We have found sugar free ice cream (Rebel) and low carb bread (Dave’s Killer) to help with cravings. (Names of all books I read below) Pros: * Written by a practicing ob/gyn who developed the program ON HERSELF * scientifically based with many credible sources sited * Detailed explanations of what is happening to our body and why, as well as how to combat it * NOT A DIET - this is not a temporary trendy fix but a permanent nutritional lifestyle * Clear and practical plan is laid out to balance hormones, feel good, and loose weight * 4 week meal plan/recipes/shopping lists with detailed nutrition information * Food is all normal foods that most people already like (nuts, dairy, meats, fruits, seeds and veg) NOT a bunch of costly supplements * Online community to interact with along the journey Cons: * Does not deal with specific plans to treat sexual or vaginal issues caused by loss of estrogen, so I took away ONE star * This will be a challenging COMMITMENT and a LIFESTYLE CHANGE for anyone who currently loves early morning breakfast, morning coffee with cream/sugar, pasta, bread, & potatoes. * Intermittent fasting is daunting (16 hours fasting and 8 hour eating window each day) * Starting out could be expensive if your pantry and fridge have to be replaced with whole foods (think food from the outer edges of the grocery store). * Everything is “make it from scratch.” If you are used to drive thrus, packaged snacks/meals, and eating out, this is gonna be an adjustment. * Book suggests “meal prepping” which is often impractical (for me) * Withdrawals from processed sugar is expected the first week (the book outlines the symptoms) and it’s “grin and bear it!” THE OTHER BOOKS I READ: (These are all great but dealt with different aspects of menopause, fell a bit short of this one.) 1. The Menopause Manifesto, Dr Jen Gunter (very medical, formal, pharmaceutical, lots of illustrated drawings, but doesn’t go in-depth into the nutritional aspect of combatting hormonal issues and also extremely liberal/political) 2. It’s Not You, It’s Your Hormones, Nicki Williams (This book is the most similar to The Galveston Diet, almost like a British copy cat of it, focusing on nutrition) 3. Slip Sliding Away: Turning Back the Clock on Your Vagina, Dr Lauren Streicher (Great book by an ob/gyn and deals ONLY with sexual/vaginal issues and treatments)

There is so little medical research on menopause it can be defeating as a woman to know what to do. This book answers many of those questions and is up to date on current studies.

This book is so informative! The recipes are yummy too!!

"The Galveston Diet: The Doctor-Developed, Patient-Proven Plan to Burn Fat and Tame Your Hormones" is a groundbreaking approach to weight loss and hormonal balance. Dr. Mary Claire Haver's expertise as a gynecologist brings a unique perspective to the realm of dieting, focusing on the intricate interplay between hormones and metabolism. The book presents a comprehensive plan that not only helps readers shed excess fat but also addresses underlying hormonal imbalances that may contribute to weight gain. What sets this diet apart is its emphasis on sustainability and long-term health, with a focus on whole foods, intermittent fasting, and stress management techniques. Dr. Haver's compassionate and relatable writing style makes complex concepts accessible to readers of all backgrounds, making this book a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their health and well-being. Overall, "The Galveston Diet" offers a refreshingly holistic approach to weight loss and hormone optimization, backed by science and patient success stories.