May: a month for lightness, nourishment and movement in midlife
- erindearlove
- May 19
- 3 min read
I love this time of year for the longer days and lighter mornings and knowing that spring will soon deepen into early summer, May is a perfect month to lighten up—not just in spirit, but in how we nourish and move our bodies. For those of us navigating midlife, this season can be a gentle reset: a time to simplify, energise, and treat ourselves with more kindness and intention.
Why 'lighter' works in midlife
Midlife often brings changes we don’t always expect: metabolism slows, energy levels can plummet and fluctuating hormones impact everything from appetite to sleep! That’s why "lighter" doesn’t mean restrictive or punishing—it means supportive, sustainable, and aligned with how we want to feel.
Lighter meals: think nutrient rich and seasonal
Instead of crash diets think of lighter meals as meals that leave you feeling satisfied but not sluggish. In midlife, digestion can slow down, and blood sugar balance becomes more important. Here are a few gentle shifts to consider:
Focus on freshness
Think english asparagus, buttered jersey royal potatoes , peppery greens like watercress , crunchy radish, english strawberries, all are their very best now - foods harvested in season are typically more nutrient dense and more flavourful plus more sustainable and support best farming practices
Add lean proteins
Grilled fish, beans,salmon or eggs help maintain muscle and keep you fuller for longer. Load your breakfast with protein and make it savoury , eggs with avocado on sourdough with seeds and watercress or smoked salmon , oats with greek yogurt, some nuts and berries.
Don’t fear healthy fats
Avocados, olive oil, full fat greek yogurt, nuts, and seeds help hormones stabilise and cognitive brain function.
Quick idea
A light but satisfying dinner could be grilled salmon with quinoa or spelt which will give you a yummy nutty salad with a handful of fresh herbs such as parsley or chives and a lemon vinaigrette for extra vitamins and minerals. Like other green vegetables, asparagus is very nutritious high in antioxidants such as vitamin E, vitamin C, as well as various flavonoids and polyphenols.
English Asparagus is delicious and available for such a short time. Shave the spears in salads and eat raw with some other green goodies like cucumber, rocket and spinach, add a sharp cheese for contrast and flavour and added protein. Try this easy asparagus and feta salad.
Lighter movement: consistent, not crushing
You don’t need to go to the gym for hours ( and who wants to when the sun is shining!?) or run marathons to benefit from movement in midlife. In fact, overly intense workouts can sometimes lead to increased stress levels or injury. What works best now? Lighter, more regular movement that supports strength, mobility, and joy.
Walking: Still one of the most underrated, joint-friendly forms of cardio and mindfulness walking is free, simple and very effective
Strength training: Just 2–3 sessions a week helps counter muscle loss and supports metabolism.Again you don't need the gym, doing some planks or using some small hand weights at home will still deliver results
Stretching and mobility: Some simple morning stretches can ease stiffness, mobility and boost circulation. Try some hip bridges, shoulder rolls and hip circles
Try something fun: Dancing, swimming, cycling, or a gentle Pilates class—find
something you enjoy that will keep you coming back. I've just started Ceroc! absolutely amazing , fun and sociable too . Plus I am going to try bowls in a few weeks - in the fresh air and learning a new skill
Habit hack: Even 15–20 minutes a day adds up and lifts mood significantly. Set your alarm 30 minutes earlier and Put your trainers by the front door and you are more likely to go for a walk when you get up plus you will see the sun rise
May mindset: gentle is powerful
If your inner voice still whispers “do more, eat less, push harder,” this might be the month to soften those messages. Gentleness isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom. You’re in a season of tuning in rather than chasing extremes.
Ask yourself:
How do I want to feel this month?
What would lighten my body and mind right now?
What if commitment and consistency to some small changes mattered more than intensity?
Remember, be kind to yourself.
Let May be a time to nourish and nurture yourself with delicious seasonal meals and movement that feels like self care—not correction. Small positive actions, repeated often, are what create real change that will make you feel good and do you good.
Take Charge of Your Health Today!
This May, let’s prioritise self-care, well-being and feeling in control of our health. A healthy balance is within reach, and I am here to guide you every step of the way. To find out more, book a free consultation below.
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