The Voice That’s Holding You Back: How Your Inner Critic Can Sabotage Your Nutrition (and Confidence) in Perimenopause

You know that voice in your head—the one that whispers, “You’ve failed again,” when you reach for a biscuit at 4pm after a chaotic day?

Or the one that chimes in after a ‘bad week’ with, “You’ll never stick to anything,” or “What’s the point?”

That voice isn’t truth. It’s your inner critic. And for many women navigating the chaos and confusion of perimenopause, that voice is louder than ever.

In my work with perimenopausal women, I’ve seen time and again how this internal dialogue becomes one of the biggest barriers to change. Not cravings. Not willpower. Not even time.

But the story we tell ourselves.

And the good news? Once you notice that voice and learn how to respond to it with kindness and compassion, everything begins to shift—from your food choices to your energy, your confidence, and even your symptoms.

“Why Can’t I Just Stick to It?”

If you’ve ever found yourself frustrated that you “can’t stay on track,” please know: it’s not because you’re broken or lazy.

It’s because your inner critic has been driving the bus.

That inner voice is rooted in years of social conditioning, diet culture, perfectionism, and the pressure to “do it all.” And when perimenopause hits, with its unpredictable symptoms and emotional rollercoasters, that voice often gets louder.

It’s the one that tells you:

• “You’re too tired to cook, just grab something quick” (and then shames you for doing so)

• “You should be able to handle this better”

• “Look at you, you’ve gained weight again—what’s wrong with you?”

It chips away at your motivation, your confidence, and your belief that change is even possible.

And in a season like perimenopause—when so much feels uncertain—feeling like you can’t trust yourself only adds fuel to the fire.

Perimenopause Already Feels Like a Loss of Control

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: perimenopause can feel like your body has turned against you.

You might be doing all the things you’ve always done—eating relatively well, exercising, trying to get rest—and yet the weight creeps up. The sleep gets worse. The moods swing wildly. The motivation disappears.

And the inner critic doesn’t just whisper now—it shouts:

“See? Even your body can’t be trusted.”

This loss of trust in yourself and your body is one of the most painful parts of perimenopause. And yet, most women I work with haven’t been told that it’s okay to feel this way. They think they’re the only one.

You’re not.

How the Inner Critic Impacts Your Symptoms

Let’s get practical for a moment. You might be wondering—how does my inner voice actually affect my perimenopausal symptoms?

Here’s the link:

1. Stress Amplifies Symptoms

That harsh inner dialogue activates your stress response. And when cortisol (your stress hormone) is chronically elevated, it can worsen:

• Sleep issues

• Cravings

• Weight gain around the middle

• Anxiety and panic

• Blood sugar imbalances

• Fatigue

2. Low Confidence = Low Motivation

When you’re constantly berating yourself, motivation tanks. Not because you’re unmotivated, but because the fear of “failing again” keeps you stuck.

3. You Stop Listening to Your Body

The more critical you are, the more disconnected you become from your body’s cues—like hunger, fullness, and the foods that make you feel good.

Instead, decisions come from a place of fear, guilt, or “shoulds,” which often backfire.

What If We Rewrote the Script?

Imagine if, instead of that harsh internal monologue, your inner voice said:

✨ “You’ve had a hard day, love. Let’s get you something nourishing.”

✨ “This is new. You’re learning. Let’s take the next best step.”

✨ “Rest is not lazy—it’s necessary.”

What would change?

Everything.

Your food choices. Your energy. Your willingness to try again. And most importantly—your relationship with yourself.

It’s Not About Being “Perfect.” It’s About Being Kind.

One of the most common things I hear from women is:

“I’m either all in or all out. I can’t seem to stay consistent.”

But here’s what I always say: Consistency doesn’t mean perfection. It means showing up for yourself with kindness, again and again.

Sometimes that means making a balanced meal from scratch.Sometimes it means having eggs on toast and calling it a win.Sometimes it means resting instead of pushing through.

When we quiet the inner critic, we can start tuning into what we need instead of what we should do.

The “Plan” Doesn’t Fail—The Pressure Does

Here’s the truth bomb I wish more women heard:

It’s not the plan that fails. It’s the pressure.

The pressure to be perfect. To get it “right” every time. To fix everything in two weeks flat.

That pressure? It’s unsustainable. It leads to burnout, guilt, and the all-or-nothing cycle that so many of us know too well.

Instead, I teach women how to build a way of eating that feels good, not forced. That fits their lives, not fights against them. That prioritises protein, supports blood sugar balance, eases symptoms—and leaves room for joy, connection, and chocolate.

No calorie counting. No guilt.

Just nourishing your body with kindness.

A Note from Someone Who’s Been There

I’ve been that woman crying in the kitchen, and wondering why I couldn’t just “get it together.”

I’ve also been the woman who slowly, gently, learned to talk to herself like she would a friend.

I know how hard it is to rewire that inner voice. But I also know how transformative it can be—especially in midlife.

If you’re reading this and feeling a bit emotional, I want you to know that you’re not broken.

You’re not lazy. You’re not failing.

You’re human. You’re navigating hormonal chaos. And you deserve support that sees all of you.

This Is Your Sign to Be Kinder to Yourself

If you take one thing away from this blog, let it be this:

🚫 You don’t need another restrictive plan.

💗 You need permission to be kinder to yourself.

Your inner critic may always be there, but it doesn’t have to run the show. You can learn to listen to a different voice—the one that nurtures you, honours your needs, and cheers you on.

And that’s exactly what I help women do inside Jo Leccacorvi Nutrition.

Ready to Change the Conversation in Your Head?

If you’re ready to ditch the guilt, get clarity around perimenopause nutrition, and start feeling more like yourself again—I’d love to support you.

Book a free discovery call and let’s talk about how we can quiet that inner critic, nourish your body, and build a way of eating that finally feels good.

You deserve to feel well, confident, and empowered in midlife. Let’s get you there—together.

👉 Click here to book your free call now.