The legendary Hollywood actress Bette Davis once remarked: “Growing old is not for sissies.” And she was right - especially when the phrase is applied to women.

As women age, their bodies go through a variety of physical, hormonal, and psychological changes. On the physical side, women may experience wrinkles, gray hair, sagging skin, and weight gain. Hormonal changes can cause hot flashes, night sweats, and changes in menstrual cycle. Psychological changes can include changes in self-confidence and mental health.

There’s a legitimate reason why menopause is called “the change of life.” Happily, the perception and management of menopause has, itself, changed over the past 45 years.

Once, menopause was seen as something to be ashamed of, an embarrassing sign of aging that women needed to hide or deny. Today, menopause is recognized as a normal and natural event in a woman's life, and it is seen as an opportunity for growth and exploration.

There are now more resources available to help women understand and manage the physical and emotional changes associated with menopause. Society is becoming increasingly aware that menopause is not a one-size-fits-all experience, and that women may experience a wide range of symptoms and changes.

But, with the right attitude and support, women can navigate the changes of menopause and come out the other side with newfound strength, confidence, and resilience.

And, perhaps even more encouraging, is the treasure trove of information that can be found in “The Galveston Diet,” a breakthrough nutrition program developed by a female obstetrician/gynecologist, Dr. Mary Claire Haver, a UTMB trained board-certified specialist who lives in Galveston.

“Working as an OB/GYN, women often complained that they were experiencing weight gain, specifically around their midsection, even though they had not changed their eating or exercise habits,” said Dr. Haver, who shares two daughters, Katherine and Madeline, with her husband Christopher Haver.

“I would give the same ‘eat less, move more’ advice that many other doctors and I had always given, and when my patients returned with the same complaint, I wondered if they had changed their habits or were fooling themselves. Then, it happened to me.”

Following the tragic loss of one of her brothers, Bob, Dr. Haver turned to food in her grief.

“He was a creative, fun spirit and my dance partner growing up, winning dance competitions all over Louisiana. I was heartbroken when he died and dealt with my crushing grief by washing down handfuls of Goldfish crackers with glasses of wine,” she said.

Before she knew it, she’d gained 20 pounds. “In my heart, I knew this was not how he wanted me to live.”

Despite restricting calories and exercising more, Dr. Haver had not seen any lasting results and wanted to find a better answer. She began researching the changes that occur in midlife. After consulting colleagues and studying the available literature, she discovered that optimizing hormones, reducing inflammation, intermittent fasting, and training the body to burn fat could be beneficial.

“Ultimately, I enrolled in Tulane University's culinary medicine program to better understand how food can truly be medicine. I began intermittent fasting, following an anti-inflammatory approach to nutrition and fuel refocusing. Before long, the extra pounds came off, and friends and family members asked what I was doing. I began sharing my program with my patients, who were experiencing the same benefits, and the Galveston Diet was born.”

WHY IT WORKS

The program is science-based and rooted in common sense.

“It may seem simple, but what you put in your mouth really does have a profound impact on your health. The declining estrogen levels during menopause mean that women's bodies have different nutritional needs than earlier in life. What used to sustain us now needs a little tweaking to keep us strong and moving ahead in our active lives, so choosing the ‘right’ foods provide the fuel we need to fight the changes that occur in midlife,” Dr. Haver said.

“Better nutrition can help reduce hot flashes, improve sleep, improve cardiovascular health, increase bone density and muscle mass, and maintain a healthy weight.”

Dr. Haver said that during the hormonal fluctuations of menopause, which generally occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, increased fat cells in the mid-section of the body are linked to systemic inflammation. Lower levels of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are associated with elevated levels of cytokines, interleukin-1, and interleukin-6, all of which are pro-inflammatory chemicals.

“As our levels of inflammation rise, so does our susceptibility to disease, weight gain, and chronic illness,” she said. “The aging pathway is very susceptible to nutritional choices: some choices cause rapid progression of the aging process, while others curb the speed of the inevitable.”

The early effects of systemic inflammation in menopause may be ambiguous and go undetected for an extended period, she said.

“You may feel tired or run down, your sleep patterns may change, your moods may deteriorate quicker than usual, and you may notice you are gaining weight - especially belly fat - and be confused as to why these changes are happening, especially with no changes in your nutrition or exercise habits.”

So, what causes inflammation, and how can The Galveston Diet program benefit women? According to research, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can provide natural antioxidants and polyphenols, which are protective compounds found in certain plants.

Additionally, nuts have been linked to reduced inflammation, as well as a lower risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Coffee and green or black tea, both of which contain polyphenols and other anti-inflammatory substances, are also effective for fighting inflammation.

Omega-3 fatty acids, which can be found in cold-water fish (such as salmon and tuna), tofu, walnuts, flax seeds, and chia seeds, are also known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Grapes, celery, blueberries, garlic, olive oil, tea, and certain spices (ginger, rosemary, and turmeric) are further sources of inflammation-fighting nutrients.

Dr. Haver said The Galveston Diet was a hit with her own patients, and she decided to offer it to the masses.

“When I first started out, the Galveston Diet was nothing but typed pages I photocopied at the Kinkos down the street and handed out to my patients,” she said. “They were reporting back to me these amazing results and it was only then, that I knew I was truly on to something.”

An instant bestseller, “The Galveston Diet” is a patient-tested nutrition and lifestyle program designed specifically for women in midlife that provides an array of balanced nutritional options including more than 40 delicious recipes and six weeks of meal plans to help sustain weight loss.

In addition to a book, there is an online component with helpful information and an online support system that provides step-by-step guidance from certified coaches.

The plan offers a choice between Program ($59 one-time fee), Program+ ($99 one-time fee), and Platinum Coaching ($49 per month, cancel anytime).

The Program offers a range of educational tools - videos, text, research articles, and visual aids - to meet a variety of learning styles, plus 13 weeks of meal plans and guidance on achieving hormonal balance to reduce inflammation and promote weight loss.

Program+ contains all of the above, plus the following digital tools to help you stay on track: The Companion Guide, a printable/downloadable PDF guide of all the course information; The Galveston Diet App, a mobile app that allows you to track your progress, customize meal plans, and get helpful tips; The Online Community Forum, a place to connect with other dieters and receive support; and The Weekly Newsletter, a weekly update with recent news and content related to the Galveston Diet, and more.

Platinum Coaching is designed to provide additional guidance and support while implementing the Galveston Diet. All course material is incorporated into the Platinum Coaching Community, which provides members with access to the Galveston Diet's digital assets, as well as a downloadable/printable Platinum Coaching Workbook for use during Platinum Coaching and beyond.

“We intentionally have a very small but effective coaching staff of four certified coaches, all arriving at the Galveston Diet as students. Three of them began before there was a coaching program established when there was only an online self-study course available,” she said.

“Each of them is passionate about the work they're doing. Because they started as students, they can connect with our members on a different level, making our coaching program a unique and personal experience.”

Dr. Haver said some members stay in Platinum Coaching for one month, while others remain in the community longer. “The time frame is completely individual, with the option to cancel anytime.”

Upon canceling their subscription, members may opt to continue their health journeys by purchasing lifetime access to the Galveston Diet Program or Program+. Utilizing a nutritional tracking app is beneficial, especially when starting the program, she said.

“Most Americans cannot determine what foods amount to the recommended 25 to 35 grams of fiber each day or what prepared foods contain added sugars,” she said.

“Tracking your nutrition can be eye-opening and help quickly identify where easy changes can be made. Improving the nutritional quality of your body's fuel not only helps you lose weight, but it also helps you gain life.”

The meal plans offer a multitude of options, including options for vegans, vegetarians, non-seafood eaters, and more.

“Ensuring you're consuming high-quality, nutrient-dense foods is critical to lowering inflammation and optimizing your health. We encourage you to identify healthy fats and nutrient-dense carbs to pair with your protein sources.”

Since its inception, Dr. Haver said the mission at the Galveston Diet has been to encourage its students to create sustainable, healthy habits and reframe their mindset to help increase their longevity.

“We know this takes time, and we realize there may be some hesitation to jump in. We do our best to meet our students where they are and provide them with the support and encouragement they need, whether they are communicating with our social media team, email Success Team, coaches or staff at my clinic.”

While she no longer performs traditional OB/GYN examinations in her clinical practice, Dr. Haver is accepting new patients at her Friendswood, Texas clinic, Mary Claire Wellness. Located at 355 E Parkwood Drive, a one-hour visit with Dr. Haver will provide a comprehensive assessment of your lifestyle and health history, as well as your short and long-term goals.

During the visit, an InBody scan and laboratory evaluation will be performed, and you will receive access to the Galveston Diet and Group Coaching, plus additional coaching support with a Galveston Diet Certified Coach.

You will also receive one-month's supply of Galveston Diet Supplements (GDX Fiber, Omega 3+ Vitamin D, Turmeric, and Sparkle Collagen), the Companion Guide, and any necessary prescriptions filled at a pharmacy should you both agree to their benefit. Finally, you will have a follow-up visit in three months with an InBody scan and interpretation.

Dr, Haver said she couldn’t be more thrilled that she’s been able to reach so many women – over 100,000 and counting - that she might not otherwise have been able to help maneuver through the perils of perimenopause and menopause using the Galveston Diet program.

“There is no magic pill, potion, or powder that can make someone lose weight and increase their health, but if someone reads the science backed information I present, listens to the videos, follows the actions, creates new habits and makes some changes to their lifestyle, they will be successful,” she said.

“It may not always be easy, but it will absolutely always be worth it.”

Mary Claire Wellness is located at 355 E Parkwood Dr. Friendswood, Texas, 77546. For more information, visit www.maryclairewellness.com. For more information about the Galveston Diet program, visit www.galvestondiet.com.

AT A GLANCE The Galveston Diet, created by Dr. Mary Claire Haver, a board-certified OB/GYN, is an anti-inflammatory nutrition plan and community designed to help women in perimenopause, menopause, and beyond create healthy, lasting habits and a positive outlook on life.

Its focus is on eating nutrient-dense, whole foods, healthy fats, and quality proteins. Additionally, the program promotes mindful eating, physical activity, and stress management.

This diet is not a fad or mere weight-loss solution; it is a lifestyle change that is all about feeling and living your best. Its science-backed approach is here to help you create habits that will support your long-term wellbeing.