Menopause as a new beginning rather than a final destination – this refreshingly positive message runs through Mimi Lawrence's first guide "If Not Now, When?". The fitness expert and podcaster, whose show “Fitness & Gesundheit mit Mimi” regularly tops the German fitness charts, has packed her years of consulting experience into a comprehensive handbook for women in menopause. The result is a Spiegel bestseller that actually delivers on its promises.
A Book That Inspires
The first impression alone is convincing: Lawrence writes in a relaxed, humorous language that immediately puts you in a good mood. Here, an expert does not lecture from above, but a woman speaks to women – honest, encouraging and without wagging a finger. This positive basic attitude runs through the entire book and makes it a real motivator for everyone who wants to understand the new phase of life as an opportunity.
Science Meets Practice
Particularly successful is the way Lawrence explains complex metabolic processes and hormonal changes. Without getting lost in medical jargon, she conveys all the important facts in an understandable and compact way. The author does not shy away from a detailed discussion of controversial topics such as hormone replacement therapy vs. bioidentical hormones vs. naturopathic approaches and provides a well-founded overview of the different therapy options.
Impressive is the spectrum of mentioned complaints. In addition to the classic menopause symptoms such as hot flashes and sleep disorders, Lawrence also addresses rarely mentioned problems: changes in taste and smell, vision problems or the often underestimated effects on performance at work. Here her practical consulting experience shows – she knows what women really struggle with.
New Insights and Important Topics
Particularly valuable are the latest scientific findings that Lawrence includes. For example, she highlights the important role of the microbiome in the increased disease risks of women in menopause – a field of research that has received far too little attention so far.
Another highlight is the chapter on changes in the brain: Lawrence describes in detail how the loss of estrogen not only brings about changes that require getting used to, such as concentration difficulties or dementia risk, but how the changes can also lead to a better handling of strong emotions such as grief, anger and anxiety as well as greater life satisfaction and composure - a real ray of hope for many readers. The fact that she also addresses important but often hushed-up topics such as libido and the difficult conditions in everyday work life sets the book apart from other guides.
Exercise: Detailed, but Strict
The detailed exercise chapter reflects Lawrence's expertise as a personal trainer. Here, various forms of training are discussed in great detail, and limitations and underlying diseases are also taken into account. However, you can also notice her professional standards here: The recommendations were very emphatic in my opinion. Perhaps she also actually caught me right where it hurts: overcoming your own inner resistance. The fact that Mimi Lawrence does not provide concrete training plans with exercise examples is certainly due to the format of the book and possible risks in improper execution. I think Lawrence remains true to her principles of individuality and personal adaptation of training, and that is also completely okay. On her social media channels, you can find countless videos of exercises - a very useful addition, in my opinion!
Nutrition: Balanced, but Not Concrete Enough?
Mimi Lawrence's appreciative approach becomes particularly clear in the nutrition chapter. Instead of working with prohibitions and diet stress, she conveys a differentiated and calm approach. For some readers, this might be too little concrete – those looking for "miracle solutions" will be brought back down to earth. The book offers a realistic, balanced overview of the current state of nutritional science.
The book contains very good, practically applicable tips – many are described in the color-highlighted info boxes, but the real game changers are actually found more often between the lines. So careful reading is definitely worth it: The recommendation to stir flaxseed into yogurt daily, or the well-founded information about coffee and smoking (even vapes are mentioned) is worth its weight in gold.
Structure and Readability
A major plus point is the modular structure of the book. The six main chapters can be read individually without any problems, and important facts are visually highlighted. So every reader can decide for herself which topic she wants to dedicate herself to first – perfect for the often hectic everyday life of working women and mothers, who form Lawrence's primary target group.
Personally, I was very happy about the valuable chapters on sleep, stress, belly fat and emotional eating. Her reports from consulting practice make the book authentic and approachable.
Conclusion
"If Not Now, When?" is an all-round successful guide that covers all the important aspects of menopause. Lawrence manages the balancing act between scientific foundation and practical applicability. Her positive, encouraging manner gives courage to actively shape this phase of life.
The book is particularly recommended for women who are looking for a comprehensive overview and are ready to become active themselves – because Lawrence does not tire of emphasizing that change is possible, but requires personal initiative. Those looking for further instructions or even consulting will find it on Mimi Lawrence's website, social media or in her podcast. Everyone else gets a motivating, scientifically sound companion for the "Menopause Restart".
Recommendation: Definitely worth reading for all women over 40 who want to understand menopause as an opportunity. A book that you like to have at hand and that really helps to live through this phase of life with more composure and joy.
"If Not Now, When?" by Mimi Lawrence was published in May 25 by S.Fischer Verlag.
