The Big Drink Rethink
Ep 64: Midlife, Menopause & Alcohol: Letting Go of 'Perfect’
Published: 3 April 2025 at 02:30 Europe/London
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Episode notes
What if everything you thought you knew about menopause and weight loss was wrong? In this episode of The Big Drink Rethink, host Anna Donaghey dives deep with guest Ailsa Hichens, a BANT registered nutritionist and author.
Ailsa shatters common myths about menopause and unveils the truth behind metabolism, lifestyle changes, and the role of alcohol during this crucial life stage. From dietary insights to stress management and self-care, Ailsa offers a refreshing perspective on how women can navigate midlife by prioritising their health in a way that works for them. Tune in for an eye-opening conversation that encourages us all to rethink our habits and priorities.
Here are the highlights:
00:00 Introduction
06:03 Balancing blood sugar and managing stress are crucial during menopause.
08:28 Some people are genetically sensitive to adrenaline.
12:35 High glucose causes weight gain and metabolic issues.
14:37 Alcohol is often used as a coping mechanism for stress.
18:51 Alcohol initially induces euphoria but later triggers a stress response.
25:06 Self-care is crucial but often neglected by perfectionist women.
33:20 Change begins with pain and requires support.
36:09 Negative emotions signal needed changes.
39:34 Identify and note things that bring you joy.
45:42 Extend lifespan with better lifestyle choices.
Anna’s group coaching programme ‘Unstuck!’ helps identify your alcohol ‘stories’ and beliefs, break the cycle of alcohol and all the shame that goes with it. For more information and to find out how to join, please follow this link: Unstuck! programme information
To further explore your relationship with alcohol, check out Anna’s self-guided programme, The Big Drink Rethink Experiment: https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/the-big-drink-rethink-experiment
And apply the code POD 99 to purchase for just £99 as a podcast listener
For the free resources accompanying this series, please head to https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/registration
If you’re loving the podcast and would like to give Anna a warm, fuzzy feeling of appreciation, then you can buy her a coffee:
https://buymeacoffee.com/bigdrinkrethink
About the host Anna:
Anna is a certified Alcohol Mindset Coach, trained by Annie Grace of This Naked Mind. Drawing on her own journey out of alcohol addiction, she now helps others explore and control their drinking. With a career spanning 25 years as a Strategist in the Advertising industry, she combines her own lived experiences, with great insight into what makes us tick and what influences us to behave the way we do.
Connect with Anna:
Website: thebeliefscoach.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonaghey
Instagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethink
Produced by winteraudio.co.uk
Find more about Ailsa Hichens:
Ailsa Hichens is a BANT registered nutritionist and health coach specialising in menopause and midlife. She is passionate about helping people regain their energy and confidence through practical, personalised nutrition – so they can stop pouring from an empty cup and start living a life that feels good again. Her mission is to inspire midlife women to prioritise themselves, feel powerful in their own skin, and create the freedom to live fully on their terms.
Have you grabbed your copy of Ailsa’s new book: Everything They Told You About Menopause Weight Loss is Wrong? It sounds like it's about losing weight in midlife - and it is - but it's also about so much more. You can buy your copy here: https://amzn.to/3R1F9fT
Connect with Ailsa:
Website: www.foodfabulous.co.uk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodfabulousnutrition/
