If you’ve been eating well, cutting back on sugar, getting your steps in, and still feel like your belly isn’t shifting…
I want to tell you something really important.
It’s not your fault
It’s not about willpower
And you’re not alone
So many of the women I work with – smart, capable, doing everything they can – come to me saying:
“I feel like I’m doing all the right things, but nothing is changing. What’s going on?”
Here’s the truth:
That stubborn midlife belly isn’t just about what you eat.
It’s about what’s happening under the surface – hormonally, metabolically, and emotionally.
Let me walk you through it.
What‘s really going on beneath the belly fat?
✔️ Your hormones are shifting
As estrogen drops, your fat storage patterns change – hello, waistline weight gain. This is a natural shift in perimenopause and menopause, but it doesn’t mean you’re stuck with it
✔️ Cortisol is running the show
Stress (even the kind you “handle well”) tells your body to store fat around your middle. It’s a survival response… but it’s not serving you anymore
✔️ Insulin resistance is rising
Even on a clean diet, your body might struggle to process sugar effectively. This leads to more fat storage, less energy, and a vicious cycle of cravings
✔️ Sleep disruption makes it worse
Poor sleep messes with your hunger hormones and slows your metabolism. If you’re tossing and turning, your body can’t regulate itself properly.
✔️ Your liver is under pressure
With so many toxins and stressors (including hormonal ones), your liver may not be detoxing effectively – which means hormonal congestion and more inflammation.
So, what can you do?
Here’s the beautiful truth:
You don’t have to push harder – you just need a new approach that supports the you you are today.
Start with small, nourishing steps like:
- Eating in a way that stabilises your blood sugar
- Supporting your nervous system through rest and regulation
- Caring for your liver with greens, bitters, and hydration
- Honouring your sleep and rhythms
- Shifting from fight mode into flow
These are the exact principles I use in clinic every day to help women release their weight, restore their energy, and feel at home in their bodies again.
Ready to start feeling better?
If your belly is driving you crazy and nothing seems to work – you don’t have to keep guessing.
This is your first step to understanding what your body needs now, in this new season of life.
Because when you have the right support, everything changes.
BONUS: Email me (teressa@teressatodd.com) the words “muffin top“, and I’ll send you my free guide: “Eat Your Way to Hormonal Health“
With love and belief in your body’s wisdom,
Teressa
Naturopath + Biochemist
Ready to kick start Gut Health? Book a Call!
This is how gut microbes can influence weight!
Probiotics can help you gain weight or lose weight by interacting with our genetics, food and metabolism.
And yes, I did say lose or gain weight……..
Firstly, let me explain that the trillions of microbes in the gut need to be varied, meaning that there should be a large variety of species. There are many different species (or breeds) of microbes, and they all have their place in aiding health — the more variety and balance, the better health results.
Back to the weight loss or weight gain issue….
Do you eat yogurt and berries for breakfast? Thinking that it’s helping you lose weight?
Well, Lactobacillus acidophilus (like the species found in yoghurt) has been connected to weight gain.
I am not saying throw your yoghurt and berries in the bin. Instead, I am suggesting looking at the overall picture. If Lactobacillus acidophilus is the predominant micro-organism of the gut, then weight gain can result.
It is about the variety of species of gut microbes. Imagine if we only have trained german shepherd guard dogs in the world. It may be a safe world, but I am sure that other breeds may be more suitable as a family pet.
While Lactobacillus acidophilus is associated with weight gain, other Lactobacillus species correlate with weight loss.
Species like Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus gasseri, and Bifidobacteria animalis have been found to support weight loss.
Want to lose weight?
Look at your gut flora to support your goal.
Tests can be performed to identify the predominant species of the gut, and specific species can be utilised to support weight changes.
Want more information about your gut health?
Or want to look at all the factors contributing to weight gain, I’d love to be able to help.
