New menopause cookbook challenges how we eat

A menopause focused cookbook by Mariella Frostrup and Belles Berry argues for meals that support sleep, energy and mood through protein and fibre rich recipes.

Menolicious presents practical meals to ease menopause symptoms

The cookbook Menolicious, published by DK RED on 28 August 2025, brings together more than 100 recipes aimed at easing menopausal symptoms through nutrition. Co authored by Mariella Frostrup and Belles Berry, the book ties diet to sleep, energy and mood and markets meals built around protein, fibre and healthy fats while keeping refined sugar low. Frostrup, who serves as the Governments Menopause Employment Ambassador and chairs Menopause Mandate, says better fuel can help midlife women power through daily life. The recipes are designed to be quick, with most taking less than 30 minutes to prepare and many suitable for busy families. Examples highlighted in the book include kale pancakes and a firecracker sesame beef stir fry.

The book does not promise dramatic weight loss but focuses on long term nutrition. It notes there are no calorie counts, only nutritional values like protein and fibre, and it discusses alcohol intake as the body metabolises drinks more slowly with age. The authors urge practical cooking that fits into real lives, including ideas for snacks, lunches and dinners that keep meals balanced and flavorful. The tone remains candid about imperfect eating habits while stressing that a steady diet of nutrient rich foods can ease brain fog, sleep issues and hot flushes while supporting overall health.

The piece frames menopause as a health and life issue that connects work, family and personal wellbeing. The government angle gives the project legitimacy but also raises questions about public messaging and funding for wellness programs. The cookbook approach blends science with everyday cooking, turning dietary choices into a practical toolkit rather than a moral test. It reflects a broader trend that treats menopause as a phase that can be managed with lifestyle changes rather than medication alone.

At the same time, there is a risk of oversimplifying a complex biology and relying on food marketing to deliver medical relief. The article leans on personal experience, which makes the subject relatable but could blur boundaries between medical advice and wellness culture. If this becomes a model for public health messaging, it will need to balance accessibility with rigorous guidance and avoid creating pressure to improve every moment of midlife through food alone.

Highlights

Healthy eating stays a long game, not a quick fix.