At 57, I Need Protein That Actually Works With My Body — Not Against It
If you are in menopause like me, you know protein isn't just for gym folks anymore. It's for keeping our muscle, our bones, our metabolism, and honestly, just feeling full and steady until lunch.
For years I tried whey and those super sweet, flavored powders with a list of ingredients I couldn't pronounce.
They left me bloated, or they were so sweet I couldn't finish them.
Then I found this simple blend — SUNWARRIOR PROTEIN — and I started mixing it with my DOSE MUSHROOM COFFEE every morning.
Game. CHANGER!
My everyday breakfast:
1 scoop of this protein powder + 1 serving of my Dose mushroom coffee + 8-10 oz unsweetened almond milk, shaken.
It tastes great — creamy, slightly nutty, not chalky at all — it satisfies me till lunchtime, and I get the calm energy and focus from Dose plus real protein to support my menopausal health.
👉 This is the exact combo I drink every morning:
Shop My Protein Powder | Shop My Dose Coffee
Why I Chose This Protein Powder: The Clean Ingredients
What I love most is what's not in it.
This is not a 30-ingredient powder. It's focused on just two powerhouse plant proteins: Organic Hemp Protein and Pea Protein Isolate. That's it. No added sugars, no artificial sweeteners, no artificial flavors, no fillers, no dairy, no soy, no whey.
For menopause, that clean label matters. Our guts are more sensitive, our inflammation is already higher,
and we SURE don't need extra junk making hot flashes, mood swings, or bloating worse!
Clean label check:
Unsweetened & Unflavored: So I can control the taste — it blends perfectly with Dose without making it sickeningly sweet
Vegan, Dairy-Free, Soy-Free: Easy on the stomach
Minimal ingredients: I know exactly what I'm putting in my body every morning
Check the clean ingredient label HERE!
Key Menopause Benefits of This Hemp + Pea Blend
This is why this specific combo is so good for midlife:
1. Complete Amino Acid Profile Hemp is one of the few plant proteins that provides all nine essential amino acids, and pea rounds it out with extra BCAAs. That combination helps preserve lean muscle mass and keeps metabolism from slowing down when estrogen drops.
2. Hormonal Support via GLA Hemp naturally contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a healthy omega-6 fatty acid that helps reduce inflammation and can ease hormonal imbalances linked to hot flashes and mood fluctuations.
3. Heart Health Protection During and after menopause, our heart disease risk naturally rises. Hemp is rich in arginine and has an optimal 3:1 ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids, which supports circulation and cardiovascular wellness.
4. High Digestibility If whey makes you gassy or bloated, you'll feel the difference. Hemp protein is naturally high in fiber and gentle on the stomach, and pea protein is one of the most hypoallergenic, easily digestible proteins available. No bloat, no heavy feeling.
5. Pea Protein Protects Muscle, Bone & Metabolism Pea provides an easily digestible, allergen-friendly way to meet the higher protein needs we have now to protect muscle mass, bone density, and metabolic health.
Why Protein Matters MORE During Menopause
Our experts say we need more protein now, not less.
Fights muscle loss: Falling estrogen accelerates age-related muscle decline. Adequate protein paired with daily walking or strength training helps preserve lean muscle.
Supports weight management: Higher protein increases fullness (satiety). My shake keeps me full till lunch, so I'm not snacking by 10 am. It also helps prevent metabolic slowdown.
Protects bone health: Combined with resistance exercise, sufficient protein supports structural strength and lowers fracture risk.
Boosts daily needs: Experts now recommend increasing intake to roughly 1.2 to 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight during this life stage.
This morning shake gives me 20g+ before my day even starts.
How I Make It: My Dose + Protein Morning Routine
This is my non-negotiable 2-minute breakfast:
Ingredients:
1 serving DOSE MUSHROOM COFFEE
1 scoop SUNWARRIOR PROTEIN Hemp + Pea Protein Powder
8-10 oz unsweetened almond milk
Instructions:
Shake or blend for 20 seconds. That's it.
Why it works together: I get all the mushroom coffee benefits from Dose — focused energy without jitters, immune support, gut health — PLUS menopause-focused protein. Two things, one delicious cup. No extra coffee needed.
This combo has replaced my old coffee + separate protein shake, and I feel steadier, calmer, and fuller.
How to Use & Store
Best time to drink it: First thing in the morning, before or instead of a second cup of coffee — it holds me till lunch.
Storage: Keep the protein powder tub sealed tightly in a cool, dry pantry. No fridge needed unless your label says otherwise.
Make it dairy-free or nut-free: Swap the almond milk for oat milk, coconut milk, or plain water if you have a nut allergy or prefer a different base.
Batch tip: I don't batch this one — mix it fresh each morning so it stays smooth. It only takes 20 seconds anyway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hemp protein safe?
Will it show up on a drug test or get me "high"?
No — food-grade hemp protein powder is made from hemp seeds, which contain no meaningful THC. It won't get you high and reputable brands test for THC levels well below any legal or workplace concern. Always check the label for third-party testing if you're concerned.
Can I drink this if I'm not in menopause?
Absolutely. The clean hemp + pea blend works for anyone wanting a plant-based, easily digestible protein — it's just especially well-suited to menopausal needs because of the amino acid profile and GLA content.
Will this replace my HRT or help with hot flashes on its own?
No — this is a nutrition choice, not a treatment. It may support overall hormonal balance through its GLA and inflammation-fighting properties,
but it isn't a substitute for any treatment your doctor has recommended.
Please talk to your healthcare provider about your personal protein needs and menopause management.
Do I have to drink it with Dose coffee, or can I use it separately?
You can absolutely use the protein powder on its own — in water, any milk, smoothies, or oatmeal. I just love combining it with Dose because it turns two morning routines into one, but the protein powder works great solo too.
How much protein am I actually getting in this shake?
Between the protein powder scoop and the almond milk, my shake gives me 20g+ of protein before my day even starts — a solid head start toward the higher protein needs (1.2–1.6g per kg of body weight) many experts recommend during menopause.
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👉 Ready to try my morning combo? Here's exactly what I use: Shop All My Favorite Wellness Swaps
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please talk to your healthcare provider about your personal protein needs and what is right for you during menopause. Contains affiliate links; I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
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