If you’re in perimenopause or menopause and want to look and feel so much better—you’re in the right place. I’m Melissa Neill, and my mission is to help women over 40 (and like me, over 50!) get into the best shape of their lives. Yes, it’s absolutely possible to feel confident and strong in your 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond—but it starts with knowing what to avoid.
Let’s talk drinks—because there are a few that could be sabotaging your fat loss and muscle-building progress without you even realizing it. I’m breaking down the top three you’ll want to ditch to feel better, burn fat, and build lean muscle.
Why Certain Drinks Hit Harder After 40
As we age, our metabolism slows, our hormones shift, and we begin to lose precious muscle mass. That’s why strength training and smart nutrition are crucial. But if you’re still consuming drinks that mess with your hormones, blood sugar, or recovery—you’re making it harder on yourself. I used to drink these in my 40s too, but once I made some big changes, everything shifted—not just for me, but for thousands of women in my programs.
#1: Alcohol – A Hidden Fat-Loss Killer
Let’s start with the big one: alcohol. I stopped drinking completely over 5 years ago because I realized it was holding me back. And while I’m not saying you need to quit altogether, limiting it can transform your results.
Here’s why alcohol hurts your progress:
- Disrupts your hormones – already fluctuating during menopause.
- Spikes insulin and blood sugar – making fat loss harder.
- Blocks muscle building – which is crucial to reshaping your body.
- Adds empty calories – with zero nutritional benefit.
- Worsens sleep – and poor sleep equals poor fat burning.
- Hits harder – due to lower water content in our bodies as we age.
What to do instead: Save alcohol for truly special occasions. If you drink, keep it to 1–2 glasses and hydrate well.
#2: Juicing – Not as Healthy as It Seems
Juicing sounds healthy, right? But in reality, fruit juice without the fiber causes a sharp blood sugar spike. That’s especially problematic for women over 40 who are more likely to experience insulin resistance, which leads to fat gain—particularly around the midsection.
Without the fiber, your body quickly absorbs the fructose, leading to:
- Insulin spikes
- Increased belly fat
- Energy crashes
- Loss of muscle (hello “skinny fat”)
Better alternatives:
- Eat whole fruit instead of juicing.
- Blend fruit with protein (like berries in a protein shake).
- Try pairings like an apple with tuna or Greek yogurt to balance sugar with protein.
#3: Sugary Drinks & Hidden Calories
Sodas are the obvious culprit, but don’t be fooled by fancy health drinks, fruity lattes, or sweetened coffee-shop favorites. Many are packed with added sugars and hidden calories—sometimes up to 500 calories per drink.
What’s the problem?
- They’re empty calories that don’t keep you full.
- They cause blood sugar spikes and mess with insulin.
- They sabotage fat loss and keep cravings high.
What to do instead:
- Swap sugary sodas for those with natural sweeteners like Stevia.
- Keep coffee simple—black or with low-calorie creamers.
- Avoid caffeine too late in the day to protect your sleep.
- Drink at least 2 liters (70 oz) of water daily to boost fat burning and stay full.
Want to Work with Melissa and her elite group at the highest level?
We created an exclusive opportunity to learn and work with Melissa and her top coaches in her network.
This is exclusively just for women over 40 who want to put themselves first and want the power of Platinum.
👉 Click here to apply for Melissa’s Platinum Program
Elite Personalized Wellness Coaching with 1:1 Expert Support. Your transformation is just one smart choice away—ditch the drinks that hold you back and fuel your body for the results you deserve. You’ve got this!
