As a 42-Year-Old Woman: Yes, I Need Protein — But Not as Much as We’ve Been Told

As a 42-Year-Old Woman: Yes, I Need Protein — But Not as Much as We’ve Been Told

As a 42-year-old woman, yes — I need protein.

But no — I don’t need as much as the fitness industry tells me I do.

As a nutritionist and older adult personal trainer in Edmonton, I see this confusion every single day. Somewhere along the way, protein became the cure-all for aging, hormones, and fat loss. Suddenly women over 40 are being told they need to eat like bodybuilders just to stay healthy.

That message deserves a pause.

Protein Is Important — But Context Matters

Protein plays an important role in maintaining muscle, supporting recovery, and managing appetite. As women age, preserving muscle mass becomes more important — especially through our 40s, 50s, and beyond.

But more is not always better.

As a nutritionist working with older adult women in Edmonton, what I see most often is not a lack of protein — it’s a lack of balance.

Most women actually need:

• Adequate protein, not excessive protein
• Balanced meals that include carbohydrates and healthy fats
• Consistency, not extreme dieting

Over-consuming protein doesn’t automatically improve hormones, metabolism, or sleep — and in many cases, it creates more stress on the body.

The Problem With “High-Protein Everything”

Many women over 40 who come to me for nutrition counseling are already:

• Eating very high protein
• Undereating carbohydrates
• Feeling tired, inflamed, or wired at night
• Struggling with recovery and sleep

As an older adult personal trainer in Edmonton, I see how this plays out in training. Energy drops. Strength stalls. Motivation fades.

Protein isn’t the problem — imbalance is.

Carbohydrates support thyroid health, cortisol regulation, and workout performance. Healthy fats support hormones, joints, and brain health. When protein takes over the plate, something else usually gets pushed out.

How Much Protein Do Women Actually Need?

For most women in their 40s and 50s who are active but not competitive athletes:

• Moderate protein intake is enough
• Spreading protein evenly across meals matters more than hitting high daily totals
• Food quality, digestion, and sustainability matter more than numbers

As a nutritionist in Edmonton, I focus less on “max protein” and more on what helps women feel strong, energized, and consistent long term.

Protein Supports Strength — Not Stress

Protein supports lean muscle and functional strength when paired with proper training. As an older adult personal trainer, I emphasize resistance training that supports joint health, mobility, and long-term independence.

But without enough calories, carbohydrates, and recovery, even high protein intake won’t prevent fatigue or muscle loss.

A nourished body adapts.
A stressed body holds on.

How I Coach Women Over 40

As a nutritionist and older adult personal trainer in Edmonton, my approach is simple:

• No extreme diets
• No fear-based food rules
• No pushing women to eat more or less than their body needs

Instead, I help women:

• Eat enough to support their lifestyle and training
• Use protein as a foundation — not a crutch
• Build strength without burnout
• Navigate hormonal changes with practical, sustainable nutrition

Final Thought

Yes — as a 42-year-old woman, I need protein.

But I don’t need to overdo it.

I need balance, consistency, and guidance that respects my body and my life.

And that’s exactly how I coach as a nutritionist and older adult personal trainer in Edmonton — nutrition that works in real life, not just on paper.

Ready for Personalized Nutrition & Training Support?

If you’re a woman over 40 looking for realistic nutrition guidance and strength training that actually fits your life, I’d love to help.

Michelle Sherisse
Certified Nutritionist & Older Adult Personal Trainer in Edmonton
MSP Fitness & Nutrition

🌐 Website: https://www.msp-fitness-and-nutrition.ca
📧 Email: Michelle_Prezanowsky@shaw.ca
📞 Phone: 780-932-7830

Nutrition Counseling • Online Coaching • In-Person Personal Training
West Edmonton | Gym • Pool • Studio Options