Merina Nutrition

Blog

Nutrition research, wellness tips, and practical guides for women over 40.

Why Meal Prepping is the Ultimate Self-Care
Article

Why Meal Prepping is the Ultimate Self-Care

It's 5:47 PM. You just walked in the door after a long day. You're tired. Maybe a little hangry. You open the fridge and stare. Nothing jumps out. Nothing is ready. You close the fridge, open it...

Protein + Resistance Training: The Non-Negotiable Combo
Article

Protein + Resistance Training: The Non-Negotiable Combo

Protein is good. Exercise is good. But put them together? That's when the real transformation happens. Think of it this way: protein gives your muscles the building blocks they need, and resistance...

How Much Protein Do You Really Need
Article

How Much Protein Do You Really Need

Happy Valentine's Day! Today, we're showing your muscles some love with the one question nearly every woman over 40 asks us: "How much protein do I actually need?"

Sarcopenia 101
Article

Sarcopenia 101

There's a medical term you've probably never heard before, but it might be quietly affecting your body right now. It's called sarcopenia, and it describes something surprisingly common: the gradual...

Why You're Losing Muscle During Menopause
Article

Why You're Losing Muscle During Menopause

You used to carry all the grocery bags in one trip. You opened jars without a second thought. You got up from the floor without planning your exit strategy. Then somewhere in your late 40s or early...

Article

The Honest Truth

Can you build and maintain muscle on a plant-based diet after 40? Yes. But it requires a different strategy than eating animal proteins. Here's the complete, research-backed guide to plant-based...

Self-Care Isn't Selfish
Article

Self-Care Isn't Selfish

As we wrap up Valentine's week, let's settle this once and for all: Self-care isn't selfish. In fact, the research shows it might be the least selfish thing you can do.

Article

Why Protein Quality Matters More After 40

Not all protein sources are created equal. Some deliver exceptional muscle-building benefits. Others barely move the needle. Here's the definitive ranking based on DIAAS scores, leucine content, and...

Valentine's Restaurant Guide
Article

Valentine's Restaurant Guide

Going out for Valentine's dinner? Great! You can absolutely enjoy a beautiful restaurant meal while supporting your protein goals. Here's your complete guide to high-protein ordering at any type of...

Article

Why This Breakfast Formula Works

Most women over 40 start their day with 10-15 grams of protein at breakfast. But research shows you need 25-30 grams - with at least 3-4 grams of leucine - to maximize muscle protein synthesis. This...

Article

What is DIAAS?

Two protein powders sit on the shelf. Both say "30g protein." Same price. Same size. But one will help you build muscle, and the other won't. The difference? DIAAS scores - and most people have never...

The Oxygen Mask Principle
Article

The Oxygen Mask Principle

On every flight, the safety announcement reminds us: "Put your own oxygen mask on first before helping others." But how many of us actually apply this wisdom to our daily lives?