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    Here’s How Better With Balance Influencer Michaela Mallett Healed Her Relationship With Food

    Healing your relationship with food while trying to lose weight is no easy task. Just ask influencer Michaela Mallett, who’s known for her healthy eating hacks on Insta. She managed to heal her eating habits and shed 22kg in the process. Here’s how.

    The gain

    When Michaela Mallett, 28, signed up to study culinary arts, she didn’t expect it to worsen her existing binge-eating disorder. In high school, she’d begun a cycle of restrictive eating which eventually led to binge-eating. During her time studying, she was once placed in a restaurant where she was the only chef in the pastry department. It set her off on one of her biggest binges – eating 17 croissants in one sitting. In a YouTube video about her binge eating disorder, Michaela Mallett details how this became a pivotal moment for her. “It was one of the big binges that made me realise that something was wrong and I needed to get help,” she shares.

    READ MORE: The Healthiest Times To Eat If You Want To Lose Weight

    Despite this, Michaela continued her restrictive dieting, followed by periods of binge eating. “My bingeing kind of went up and down. I would have several reverse transformations a year. I would basically lose a good couple of kilograms and then I’d gain double, if not triple the amount of weight. It got to a point where I was like, 20kgs going up and down,” she explains. At her heaviest, Michaela weighed 80kgs. 

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    The change

    Things eventually came to a head and Michaela checked herself into rehab for a month. But she felt that the experience didn’t give her the tools to really heal her relationship with food. “Although it was very controlled and very structured, I still felt like it didn’t teach me how I would get better when I left rehab,” she explains. 

    After being discharged, Michaela decided to try something different. She opted to take in all the calories she would usually eat. But this time, eat them healthily. She opted for whole foods instead of junk food. She also incorporated structure into her mealtimes by eating at scheduled times, thus not allowing herself to become hungry and binge. “I would have loads of potatoes, butternut, vegetables, lean protein, obviously still incorporating whole grains, fruits and vegetables,” she says. 

    To feel like she was restricting herself, she also prioritised dessert. “Every single night before I went to bed, I would have ice cream or fruit and yoghurt with crushed biscuits, or a cupcake, or whatever it was that I felt like on the day. I just had to make sure that the dessert was incorporated.”

    Michaela Mallett, now at 58kg

    A healthier her

    It took her between 10 months and a year to finally feel like she was healing her relationship with food. While her goal was never to lose weight, she found herself in the sustainable, healthy weight of 58kgs and is now able to maintain that through healthy food. 

    Through her qualification from Precision Nutrition, Micheala has set up a coaching business where she’s a lifestyle and weight loss coach who helps others heal their relationship with food. And she swears by healthy eating habits. “It definitely comes back down to building the lifestyle and that’s also where a lot of people struggle. They want the weight to come off but they’re not willing to build the habits that come with a healthier lifestyle. And that’s exactly me as well, I kept going back to gaining and losing because the lifestyle wasn’t there.” Now, she helps others smash their #BodyGoals – dessert and all.

    READ MORE: “I’m Not Healed From My Binge Eating Disorder, But I See Food As Fuel Now”

    Michaela’s tips

    Get Support 

    “You need to have a good support team, be it coaches, family or your partner.”

    Develop A Routine

    “Focus on your habits and your day-to-day routine. Knowing what time you’re waking up, going to gym, having your meals and delegating tasks throughout the day is important.”

    Prep Your Meals

    “If, for instance, you have a crazy life in a corporate job, making sure that you’re prepared for the day really helps a lot.” More

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    This Crunchy, Buttery Macadamia Nut Pie Is So Satisfying

    Fun fact for you: while macadamia nuts hail from Australia, South Africa is the largest producer of macadamia nuts in the world. To celebrate, why not make this crunchy and buttery macadamia nut pie?

    South Africa has much to be proud of in terms of macadamia nut production. The sector employs nearly 30,000 people across the value chain. Over 700 farmers grow the nuts, with growing regions expanding rapidly across the country.

    And while the nuts are in abundance here in SA, they’re also choc-a-block full of benefits. With one serving, you’ll get 58% of your recommended daily allowance of manganese. You’ll also get 9% of magnesium, as well as iron and vitamin B6.

    They’re also high in monounsaturated fats, the kind that’s good for your heart and even lowers your LDL, or the “bad” kind of cholesterol.

    In this macadamia nut pie, you’ll be serving yourself up a portion of antioxidants. These nix free radicals in the body, boost your brain health and stave off disease.

    Macadamia nuts boast some of the highest flavonoid levels of all tree nuts. This antioxidant fights inflammation and helps lower cholesterol. Plus, regularly eating macadamia nuts may reduce your risk of metabolic syndrome and contribute to lower, more stable blood sugar levels.

    Here, get those benefits with this delicious, buttery macadamia nut pie.

    Macadamia Nut Pie

    This macadamia nut pie is buttery, crunchy and oh-so satisfying.

    Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 39 minutes mins

    Course DessertCuisine American

    1 ready made pie crust, pressed into a pie dish3 large eggs1 cup syrup or honey1/2 cup sugar2 tbsp butter melted1 tsp vanilla extract2 cups chopped macadamia nuts roasted and unsalted
    In a bowl, beat the eggs, syrup, sugar, butter and vanilla until combined.Stir in the nuts. Pour into crust.Bake at 160°C for 50-55 minutes or until centre is set and the top is golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.

    Keyword macadamia nut pie

    Easy as pie

    Get more from your baking experience with these essentials.

    Babylonstoren Raw Macadamia Nuts

    Roast these nuts in the oven for a few minutes before adding them to your pie.

    KitchenCraft Round Pie Dish

    This pretty-as-a-picture dish is homemade and goes from oven to table in style.

    Country Road Nolan Cake Serving Set

    Serve up your delicious creation with these golden tools. More

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    This Is Why You’re Starving After An Intense Day At The Office

    Can you barely make it through the door after a day at work without nose-diving into a bowl of hummus? You may think it’s boredom or stress levels making your appetite surge after an intense day in the office, but research shows that mental exhaustion can be just as appetite-inducing as physical work.

    Studies, such as a paper from 2022 published in Current Biology, show when we’re focussing on a mentally straining task our brain not only gets fatigued but also becomes hungry.

    Every cell in our body needs the energy to function, says Nuna Kamhawi, a registered nutritionist and coach – and that includes our brain.

    ‘Our digestive system, our muscles and even our brain is using up energy in those moments of complete relaxation. So it’s no surprise that when our organs work harder, they require more energy to function – and that’s not just true of our muscles when we exercise, but also of our brains when we go into deep focus.’
    Nuna Kamhawi

    Enter glutamate

    The same paper found that when we’re focused and concentrating on a mentally exhausting task (we hear you with those end-of-month reports) it can cause, potentially, a toxic by-product to build up in the front part of the brain called the prefrontal cortex. This by-product, called glutamate, Kamhawi explains, may ‘also be the reason for the signs of fatigue we experience after a long day of deep work.’

    But, how come it makes us grab for a snack, to suppress our appetite? ‘Intense thinking requires more energy from calories, which is the reason why stress and anxiety can cause an increase in appetite in some individuals,’ says Kamhawi.

    READ MORE: Um, People On TikTok Are Eating The Peels Of Fruit & Veggies – And They’re So Good

    And although the build-up of glutamate is more centred around fatigue, when we’re tired our stress hormones means our appetite will also change. So, if we’re regularly pulling late nights trying to meet deadlines, and you’re trying to quit sugar, how can you fuel your hungry brain on healthy options?

    Kamhawi explains, ‘It’s really important to ensure you have a balanced diet, full of variety, colour, taste and textures so that you don’t miss out on any of the essential macro and micronutrients.’

    Here are the three food groups you should include:

    Complex carbohydrates

    ‘Our brain’s main source of fuel is glucose, which means it’s crucial to include ample carbohydrates in your diet,’ explains Kamhawi. Switch simple carbs like sugary snacks and white rice or bread for complex carbs like wholemeal bread, brown rice and brown pasta. Also, pair them with a good source of protein (meat, fish, beans, pulses) and healthy fats (like olive oil or avocado) to reduce the blood sugar spike and crash and have energy that lasts longer.

    READ MORE: 4 Natural Sweeteners That Are Better Than Sugar, According To A Dietician

    Omega-3

    ‘This is a major building block of the brain and plays an important role in memory and cognition. To get your daily dose add oily fish, such as salmon, mackerel or fresh tuna to your diet, or other foods such as walnuts, chia seeds or food supplements,’ Kamhawi adds.

    Anti-oxidants

    ‘These protect the brain from oxidative stress, which causes cognitive decline. Stick to brightly coloured fruits and vegetables- the brighter the colour, the higher the concentration of antioxidants. Choose vegetables full of beta-carotene, like carrots, Lycopene is also found in tomatoes, while anthocyanins are found in blueberries,’ says Kamhawi.

    This article was originally published by Sarah Finley on Women’s Health UK. More

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    Magnesium Is Brilliant For Sleep And Cramps – Here’s How To Get Enough Of It

    Amid wellness trends like sea moss and custard apples, there’s one classic yet oh-so-important nutrient dominating the industry: magnesium. Magnesium-rich foods are continuously trending on Google as people take to the search engine to find the simplest ways to top up on this nutrient – but do you know exactly why it’s so important?

    ‘Magnesium is an essential mineral that is involved in over 600 cellular reactions in the body, from supporting brain function to maintaining a healthy heartbeat and making DNA,’ says nutritionist Eli Brecher.

    Sounds important, right? Yet, up to 30% of people are at risk of low magnesium levels.

    What are the benefits of magnesium?

    As Brecher said, magnesium is associated with many, many processes in the body. But getting enough of it comes with certain benefits, including:

    Exercise performance

    A study from the University of East Anglia looked at 2,570 women aged 18 to 79 years old and found that those who had the highest intake of magnesium had more muscle mass and power. It was even shown to be more important than protein intake when it came to improving fat-free mass.

    PMS reduction

    A report from the Magnesium Research Journal found that magnesium supplementation can prevent or reduce symptoms of dysmenorrhea, PMS and menstrual migraines.

    READ MORE:5 Quick-Fix Food Remedies That Do Everything From Flatten Abs To Tame PMS

    Muscle support

    Magnesium is thought to be effective at reducing muscle cramping, with a 2021 Nutrition Journal study reporting that magnesium improved nighttime leg cramping in sufferers. Meanwhile, the reduction in PMS pain includes stomach cramps, as it’s thought to reduce uterus cramping.

    Improved sleep

    Magnesium is a popular pre-bed supplement and, according to The Sleep Foundation, magnesium may relax the central nervous system and cause chemical reactions in the body that increase sleepiness. A 2021 paper reported that older adults with insomnia who took 500 milligrams of magnesium a day for eight weeks fell asleep fast, stayed asleep longer, reduced nighttime awakenings and increased their levels of naturally circulating melatonin.

    Foods high in magnesium

    According to Brecher, the best foods for magnesium include:

    Green leafy vegetables like spinach (around 12mg of magnesium per 100g) and kale (44g of magnesium per 100g)

    Pumpkin seeds (262mg per 100g) and flax seeds (392mg per 100g)

    Almonds (285mg per 100g) and cashews (292mg per 100g)

    Avocado (58mg per medium fruit)

    Dark chocolate (232mg per 100g)

    Wholemeal bread (82mg per 100g)

    But did you know you can get extra magnesium by absorbing it through the skin?

    “Adding some Epsom salts (magnesium sulphate) to a bath is a great way to soothe sore muscles and aid recovery after exercise while winding down in the evening,” says Brecher.

    READ MORE: 10 Signs You May Have a Magnesium Deficiency

    How to make sure you get enough magnesium

    Before you start adding more magnesium to your diet, check if you’re already getting enough. ‘The UK recommended daily allowance for magnesium is 300mg for men and 270mg for women,’ says Brecher.

    ‘In theory, you can get all the magnesium you need from a healthy, balanced diet. However, so many of us don’t eat a balanced diet – at least not consistently, day in, day out – and many of us are not meeting our daily requirements for magnesium.’

    There are a couple of ways you can help your body make the most of your magnesium intake:

    Pair it with vitamin B6

    The amount of vitamin B6 in the body determines how much magnesium will be absorbed. So, if you take a multivitamin containing B vitamins, or a B-vitamin complex, take this alongside eating your magnesium-rich foods to optimise absorption,’ says Brecher.

    Time your other minerals

    ‘Taking zinc supplements and eating calcium-rich foods at the same time as magnesium-rich foods both reduce how much magnesium you absorb, so it’s a good idea to have these at different times,’ Brecher adds.

    Get the right supplement

    There are many types of magnesium, so if you think it’s time to test a supplement, make sure you choose the right one.

    ‘For example, magnesium glycinate may be helpful for sleep and anxiety, magnesium threonate may support brain function, magnesium malate may help support energy levels, while magnesium citrate can have a slight laxative effect, so may be helpful for constipation,’ says Brecher.

    There are some people who need to be more cautious than others when it comes to their magnesium intake. ‘People following a restricted diet (low in vegetables and nuts) may not be getting enough magnesium in their diet, and low magnesium levels are more common in older adults, as magnesium absorption from the gut decreases with age.

    ‘Certain gastrointestinal conditions such as Crohn’s and coeliac disease have been associated with magnesium deficiency, and various medications may deplete magnesium or make it harder to absorb, including blood pressure medications, antibiotics or diuretics,’ explains Brecher.

    Adding Supplements To Your Diet

    And before anyone starts changing their diet or adding supplements, it’s always best to check in with your GP. Overdoing the magnesium can cause diarrhoea, according to the NHS, so it’s important not to eat too much. ‘Magnesium can also interact with common medications, so always speak to a healthcare professional before taking supplements,’ advises Brecher.

    Solal Magnesium Glycinate

    The Real Thing Tri-Mag

    This article was originally published by Chloe Gray on Women’s Health UK.

    Women’s Health participates in various affiliate marketing programmes, which means we may get commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. More

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    How One Personal Trainer Lost 30kg – And Kept It Off

    Trying to lose weight is no easy feat. Almost everything you do comes into play, from working out, eating well and even sleep. But personal trainer Kelly Smith lost 30kg – and kept it off. Here’s exactly how.

    The gain

    At one point personal trainer Kelly Smith, 27, weighed 100kg. She felt uncomfortable in her body and out of place at work – where the super-fit roamed and reigned. “I was instructing people to do all these exercises: push-ups, burpees and thought to myself, ‘I can’t even do that myself’,” she recalls. “What kind of trainer am I when I can’t do anything physically myself? I chose this profession. I need to look the part.” These thoughts formed the impetus that pushed Kelly to pursue weight loss as a goal. To start, she already had access to a free gym membership as a trainer, so she followed the script she’d been handing out to countless clients. 

    But Kelly had a deep-seated penchant that she’d been cheekily avoiding – she loved junk food. She was convinced that she could out-train her diet of Coca-Cola and chips (a habit she’d honed since her tertiary days, where cheap chip rolls were easy to obtain and even easier to consume). During her studies, she’d tuck herself away and enjoy KFC away from prying eyes. Working in the health and fitness space made Kelly ashamed of her habit. “I thought, ‘If I train extra and don’t diet, it’ll be fine,’” she says.

    The change

    As a trainer, her eating habits hadn’t changed much and her fledgling efforts at the gym weren’t showing the results she’d hoped for. So, she enlisted the help of a trainer for extra motivation and found a nutritionist who could curate her diet. “I realised you kind of have to diet to get to where you want to be,” she says. 

    But it was a big change. The first to go? Sugary drinks. As a substitute, Kelly opted for sugar-free options and found healthier substitutes such as protein pumpkin doughnuts, instead of the refined kind. She also recorded everything she ate using a calorie tracking app and kept at it, through trial and error for two years. 

    Her training involved lots of weighted workouts and only 20 minutes of cardio. On top of that, she joined in on the daily HIIT classes she taught. “I think that’s what pushed me to get to my weight loss goal as fast as I did,” shares Kelly. 

    She would send her coach her data and, together, they built options into her menu. So, she could pick between a chicken salad for lunch or tuna and vegetables. They also built ‘fun foods’ into her diet: 200 calories that Kelly could play around with, so she didn’t feel too restricted. This often included chocolate protein bars, something she relished. “This made it enjoyable for me to not keep going back to my old habit of getting quick little takeaways,” she says.

    A new lease on life

    Now at her ideal weight of 70kg and having lost 30kg, Kelly feels fantastic. She also started competing in bikini fitness competitions and has gone on to become successful in her field – having won six gold medals, four overall trophies and even represented South Africa on the world stage. “It’s been a long journey with its fair share of downfalls and uprisings, but I feel it’s a story that a lot of women could be inspired by,” muses Kelly. 

    Kelly’s tips

    Find Substitutes

    “There are substitutes for everything that you like. Yes, it doesn’t taste the same, but spice it up a little and you’ll get there.” 

    Be Consistent

    “Anything is possible once your coach understands you, as well as your training and your eating habits.” 

    Be Accountable

    “I had someone that was checking my form for me, someone motivating me to get to all the things I needed and then in that, found a gym community.” More

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    How To Braai Like A Pro

    Move over boys, we’ve got this!The sun is out which means it’s time to get the fire going this weekend, right? Here are five tips that’ll help you to get the most out of your grill.

    1. The Oil

    Look we all love a good drizzle of cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil now and again, but it’s one oil that should be reserved for salads only. The moment the olive oil hits 199°C it starts to degrade, which gives your meats a bitter taste (not to mention it releases toxins). We’ll pass on that, thanks! Rather opt for oils with a higher smoking point, like refined peanut oil (it’s good at 232°C) or avocado oil (it can be heated to 271°C).

    READ MORE: This Braai Dessert Is So Simple Even Kids Can Make It

    2. The Marinade

    Hands up if you marinate your meat in a little alcohol to cut down on carcinogens? FYI – there is an alternative. According to a study, a marinade of garlic, onion and lemon juice reduces heterocyclic amine contamination, a carcinogen created by charcoal flames, by 70%. So, what’s the perfect ratio then? Try two parts garlic and onion to one part lemon. Bonus: It makes for one delicious marinade.

    3. The Sauce

    Ah, tomato sauce, how we do love thee… unfortunately our waistlines don’t. Your fav bottle of tomato sauce contains a quarter sugar. And we have more bad news… that mayo in your potato salad has a whopping 11.5g of fat per tablespoon! But, not all hope is lost. Try swapping mayo for Greek yoghurt and opt for a fresh salsa instead of reaching for tomato sauce. You’ll still get maximum flavour (minus the bad stuff).

    READ MORE: Exactly How To Make The Perfect Pizza On The Braai

    4. The Carving

    Fact: After a long hard week you need a little R&R… your steak is exactly the same. The temperature of meat rises during cooking (obvs) and as it’s heating up, the muscle fibres shrink. This pushes water towards the centre of your meat. If you cut into it as it comes off the braai, all the moisture will pour straight onto your plate. So, let it rest for at least 10 minutes before you slice into that bad boy.

    5. The Kit

    Burn your meat and blame your tools? It might be time to invest in some essential grilling gadgets that will not only elevate your braai game but also make your grilling experience a breeze. Consider adding these must-have braai tools to your arsenal: sturdy braai tongs for precision handling, a reliable basting brush to infuse mouthwatering flavours and quality cleaning equipment to keep your grill in top-notch condition. With the right tools at your disposal, you’ll be on your way to becoming a braai master in no time!

    Grillight Tongs with LED Flashlight

    Mid-week braais, a South African passion, especially during loadshedding. These tongs come equipped with a built-in torch, set to amplify your grilling experience.

    Braai Brush

    Say hello to the guardian of your gleaming braai grid – the braai cleaning brush! Armed with brass bristles, it fearlessly tackles even the most stubborn dirt, while its beech wood handle keeps your cleaning mission a breeze.

    Megamaster Basting Brush And Bowl

    This basting combo? Nails a rock-solid 4.9 out of 5-star rating! “Great, solid strong quality and so affordable. Definitely worth buying. Perfect for the braai! The basting brush cleans easily and is my go-to for all types of cooking and baking.” Charne

    Looking for more ways to up your braai game this summer? Here are 4 low-calorie cocktails to enjoy next to the fire and a delicious braai dessert you need to try. More

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    This Braai Dessert Is So Simple Even Kids Can Make It

    Looking for an easy braai dessert? These mini chocolate braai pies only use three ingredients and take 10 minutes to cook on the coals. Perfect for after-summer lunches or as a sweet treat on Heritage Day on the 24th of September.

    READ MORE: Exactly How To Make The Perfect Pizza On The Braai

    If you’re looking for more braai recipes and inspiration, make sure to pick up a copy of Mynie Plays With Fire. You know you can trust her recipes because she is a self-confessed braai addict and has even been cooking over fire since she was just 10 years old!

    This is the ultimate braai and entertaining cookbook, you’ll reach for every chance you get.  It has braai-tasting menus so you have a carefully curated menu just for you. There are themed menus accompanying music playlists, fun facts, and of course, delicious recipes. If you haven’t planned out your Heritage Day menu or weekend yet, this cookbook has you more than covered (plus, it makes an amazing gift if you’re not the one hosting).

    READ MORE: Treat Yourself! These Lemon Slices Are Dreamy AND Healthy

    And now for the star of the show! This fuss-free dessert means you can carry on entertaining or whip it up in minutes if you don’t have the time or energy to spend hours in the kitchen. We love a quick, yet delicious dessert!

    Mini Chocolate Braai Pies

    Mynie Steffens

    Trust South Africans to take classic puff pastry that can take up to five hours to make and whack it onto a braai. Just one example of how South Africans make Frenchie things better by bending the rules.

    Prep Time 5 minutes minsCook Time 10 minutes mins

    Course DessertCuisine South African

    400 g Pack frozen ready-rolled puff pastry, defrosted6 tsp Chocolate spread (e.g. Nutella)36 mini Marshmallows (or 6 regular-sized ones cut into 6)
    Roll out the puff pastry on a cutting board and divide into 6 squares, each ±10 x 10cm. Spread a teaspoon of chocolate spread over half of each square, leaving a clear edge of 1cm. Scatter 6 mini marshmallows over the  chocolate spread on each. Fold the uncovered pastry over the filling and press the sides together to prevent the filling from seeping out too much. Keep the pies as cold as possible and refrigerate if necessary.Arrange the cold pies on a warm braai grid but leave the top uncovered so as not to puncture the puff pastry. Braai over medium-hot coals for 10 minutes in total, making sure the pastry is golden-brown underneath before turning the first time. Once turned, close the grid loosely and continue braaing.

    Keyword braai, chocolate, chocolate pie, comfort food, dessert

    Stock Up On These Spreads For Your Easy Braai Dessert

    The hazelnut content of this dairy-free chocolate spread is 38% more than regular spreads. Yum!

    This keto-friendly spread is sweetened with Lakanto Monkfruit Sweetener.

    It is handmade in Cape Town from a blend of ethically sourced, organic ingredients.

    Women’s Health participates in various affiliate marketing programmes. This means we may get commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. More

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    Empower Your Journey: Unveiling The Secret To Strong Bones With MenaCal.7™

    As life’s adventures unfold, strong bones become the foundation that supports our dreams and ambitions. Introducing MenaCal.7™, your support in nurturing bone health, empowering women to take charge of their vitality from the earliest years. Let’s delve into why investing in bone health is a lifelong gift we owe to ourselves.

    Early Years: Building a Foundation for Life

    MenaCal.7™ isn’t just a supplement; it’s an investment in lifelong wellness. By fortifying bone structure from an early age, it establishes a robust foundation for an active lifestyle. As the years unfold, this investment translates into graceful ageing, empowering women to embrace life’s every phase with unwavering confidence.MenaCal.7™ understands this pivotal phase, offering a unique blend of calcium, Vitamin D3, and the secret ingredient – Vitamin K2 (MK-7). Together, they provide optimal bone development and calcium absorption, providing a solid foundation for an active life ahead.

    READ MORE: What To Eat Before A Morning Workout, According To Nutritionists

    A Lifelong Partner

    The journey of womanhood is diverse and dynamic, and so is the support MenaCal.7™ provides. Whether you’re embracing motherhood, pursuing a career, or relishing your golden years, strong bones are your steadfast companions. They enable you to dance, run, and embrace every moment with confidence and grace.MenaCal.7™ isn’t just about bone health; it’s about embracing life’s chapters with strength and resilience. As women, our bones weave stories of perseverance and achievement. With MenaCal.7™ as your wellness partner, you’re not just investing in bone health – you’re investing in a lifetime of vitality. Empower your journey, starting today, and unlock the secret to strong, resilient bones that support your unique path through womanhood. More