Belles Berry, Chef

Newly perimenopausal at 51, Belles Berry - chef and daughter of the much-loved Mary Berry - turned to food to navigate midlife. Her search for ways to ease symptoms inspired the book she’s co-written with broadcaster and menopause campaigner Mariella Frostrup, helping women nourish themselves through their second act. She shares her midlife musings.

1. The best thing about the menopause is…..

Being in control of your diet and life choices – learning to own who you are and being comfortable in your own skin. It’s also about having the experience and confidence in business to go boldly forward without fear.

2. The hardest thing about the menopause is….

Managing symptoms, feeling so alone and not wanting to ‘burden anyone’ because you are usually the strong one. I hope that making the invisible visible will change how women communicate through their stages of menopause.

3. My lightbulb moment was….

After my first hot flush, I went to my local GP who was brilliant and prescribed HRT – what a relief! Then taking part in the Menopause Mandate March outside parliament in October 2022 and hearing so many empowering women speak. When I realised nobody was talking about how food can help during menopause — even though what we fuel our bodies with is vital at this stage of life — I thought, ‘I can do something about this with Mariella!’

4. My selfcare superhero is…..

My morning ritual swim. I swim 50 lengths, run through an A to Z of positive words, visualise the day, and focus on new projects. The peace underwater brings clarity to my busy life, and I leave the pool feeling I can take on the world!

5. I couldn’t live without…

My family and friends…

MENOlicious: Eat Your Way To A Better Menopause, published by DK Red, is out now.

Photo: Dan Jones

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