We sit down with Dr. Maria Luque, an Air Force veteran and the go-to expert on fitness during menopause. Dr. Luque sheds light on the complex relationship between menopause, body image, and fitness, challenging common misconceptions that often hold women back. Contrary to popular belief, weight gain isn't a given, and exercise doesn't necessarily worsen menopausal symptoms; it can alleviate them. We honed in on navigating body image through the menopause maze for this episode. Dr. Luque offers empowering strategies for women navigating the 'new normal' that comes with menopause. Among these are mindfulness practices and the importance of strength training, which can go a long way in boosting body confidence. We discuss the pivotal mental shift from asking, 'Why isn't my body making me happy?' to 'What can I do with my body?' as a way to focus on capabilities rather than limitations. We also touch on women's unique dietary and exercise needs in this life stage, debunking the need to conform to social media standards or extreme diet cultures. The conversation takes a turn to critique the fitness industry's lack of attention toward women in midlife, with Dr. Luque advocating for more inclusive and tailored fitness programs. The episode wraps up with an intriguing 'Menopause Survival Kit,' featuring unconventional items that extend beyond physical needs.  Don't miss this episode full of actionable insights that challenge the status quo and empower midlife women to reclaim their body confidence. Whether you're going through menopause or know someone who is, this episode is a must-listen. I'd love to hear from you once you've thought about your action steps. Send me an email with the subject line "Body Image" to heike@heikeyates.com. Share your biggest win, your progress, or any questions you have. I'm here to support you on your journey and can't wait to celebrate your successes. How to contact Dr. Luque: Website Instagram Facebook     ?️  Listen to the Podcast! https://heikeyates.com/category/podcast/   ⭐️ Take The Pursue Your Spark Blueprint Course  https://heikeyates.com/l/spark-blueprint/   ?‍♀️ Work with me 1:1 privately  ​​https://heikeyates.com/private-coaching-program/   ? Grab all the midlife goods!  https://heikeyates.com/   ? Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/heikeyates/   ? Grab your 3 Simple Ways To Recapture Your Health + Thrive over 50  https://heikeyates.com/l/3-ways-to-thrive/ ? Grab your Intermittent Fasting Cheat Sheet  https://heikeyates.com/l/fasting-cheat-sheet/ ❤️ Join the club! https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepursueyoursparkclub