Not so long ago, fat was the most feared and villainized macronutrient. However, with the emergence of the Atkins and South Beach diet and more recently, the Paleo movement, carbohydrates became the ultimate enemy. But is all the fear mongering hype warranted? Science and many well respected health professionals say “no.”

In fact, carbohydrates come from plants rich in vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, antioxidants, and fiber. Furthermore, many studies suggest whole grains and other healthful carb sources are protective against Type II Diabetes and reduce risk of developing other chronic health conditions as well.

Don’t get me wrong. I am a big believer in hormone therapy. Hormone replacement therapy does a world of good. Starting hormones in your 50s or within ten years of your last menstrual period, treats hot flashes, keeps your bones strong, your skin soft, the vagina healthy and decreases your risk of cardiovascular disease. These are proven benefits. Proven through meticulous research on the benefits of hormones, their safety profiles and how well they work.

In your 40s and then in to your 50s, your body changes. Women gain fat and lose muscle. Our joints become less flexible and we are weaker than we used to be in our earlier years. We may spend hours hunched over a desk staring at a computer. Our bones thin. (Isn’t menopause fun!). Our lives may become stressful at midlife, dealing with teenage children, aging parents, financial stressors and now Covid 19. Yoga, in one simple hour class, takes care of all of these in one fell swoop.