There I was standing in front of my closet, reaching for a pair of my favorite skinny jeans, and suddenly paused. No, I told myself, these are going to be torture by afternoon.

Feeling defeated, I shoved all my once-favourite pants into a plastic storage bin and pushed them to the back of the closet. I felt like this was the end of me feeling good in my body.

I was starting to experience persistent bloating, the kind where frustration and pain were so bad I couldn’t get comfortable no matter what position I tried.

And as the days went on, my pants would get tighter and my energy would completely dip. I thought I was doing everything 'right,' but my body clearly disagreed. I'd catch myself in the mirror and barely recognize the exhausted, puffy version of myself staring back.

I wanted to feel comfortable in my own body again, to make it through a full day without my belly bloating and needing to unbutton my jeans or wishing I had put on stretchy leggings and a flowy top.

The problem was that despite being an experienced wellness coach, none of my methods seemed to help with the persistent, painful belly bloat.

One sunny spring day, I was riding quads with a friend, complaining about how uncomfortable I felt. I had a stack of jeans I couldn’t put on anymore. My shirts were too tight, I felt heavy and drained, and I didn't even want to eat lunch. Half-joking, I said I was gaining weight just by breathing.

My friend made a small observation that stopped me: she said I needed to stop expecting my body to work as it did twenty years ago.

And from there, I thought, she’s right. I am eating and rushing through life like I’m 20.

I decided to make a plan, one that actually honored the season of life I was in, not where my body used to be. I took a close look at my diet, my changing hormones, mineral deficiencies, and all the stressors that were weighing me down.

At first, it was hard to make the changes. I was so used to pushing past exhaustion, saying yes when I meant no, and relying on sugar and caffeine just to get through the day. It was scary to let go of activities and relationships that were no longer serving me.

And honestly?

When everyone around me was eating sweets and downing coffee, it was hard to stay committed to the long-term goal of actually feeling good in my body again.

That's when I discovered something most doctors never talk about: the connection between mineral deficiencies and perimenopausal symptoms. Once I balanced my minerals first - before trying another diet or hormone supplement - everything else fell into place.

My hormones stabilized. The cravings that had been running my life quieted down. I created a food plan that actually worked with my body instead of against it.

And slowly, the bloating that had been stealing my confidence started to disappear.

My jeans fit again. My energy came roaring back. I finally felt fabulous in my body - comfortable, light, and like myself again.

I don’t want women to suffer the way I did.

That's why I created my signature program to help busy working Moms in their 40’s overcome painful belly bloat so they can feel great in their clothes again.