Article

The 7 'No Crap' Conditions for a Happier, Healthier Midlife

Ruth MacIntyre
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Updated  
October 20, 2025
No Crap Cake
Ruth Mac lunging on grass, with a palm tree and the sea in the background.
You’re forty plus and feeling stuck. The weight won't budge, your energy is gone and the old tricks just don't work anymore. You’ve tried everything, yet nothing seems to stick, leaving you frustrated and wondering what’s wrong. The truth is, there’s nothing wrong with you. The conditions of the game have simply changed.

Forty plus brings new challenges, from hormonal shifts, like those experienced during perimenopause and menopause, to a packed schedule and constant mental load but getting healthy doesn’t have to mean resorting to another restrictive diet or punishing workout plan that just makes you miserable. This article is for you. It’s about ditching the diet drama and the "all-or-nothing" mindset for good. We’ll explore the 7 'No Crap' Conditions to help you build a happier, healthier forty plus life on your terms. It’s time to stop fighting against your body and start working with it, creating simple, sustainable habits that actually fit your life.

The No Crap Cake Method started with food. It was all about noticing those little bits you eat without even thinking, like a "sliver of cake" or a bite from your kid's plate. My rule was simple: if I was going to eat something, it had to be worth it. It’s not about cutting things out. It’s about being smart with your choices. You say no to the foods that are ‘bang average’ so you can say a big yes to the ones you really love.

This simple idea made me feel freer, and not just with food. This way of thinking works for your whole life. It’s about saying no to things that wear you out, like doing things you don't want to do just to be nice. By saying no to the draining stuff, you can say yes to things that give you energy and actually make you happy.

So, if you’re fed up with the old rules, tired of feeling guilty, and ready to explore a different way (a way that works with your real, chaotic, beautiful forty plus life) then you’re in the right place. Let’s leave the crap behind and make space for what truly nourishes us. Let's say No to Crap Cake.

Ruth Mac leaning against a palm tree and smiling, with the sea in the background.
"Stop fighting your body. Work with it. Small wins, smart choices, and a life that fits you."
  1. Ditch the "All-or-Nothing" Mindset. You don't have to be perfect to make progress. A small win today is better than waiting for the perfect week to start. It's about consistency, not perfection.
  2. Prioritise Protein and Fibre. Instead of obsessing over calorie counts, focus on fuelling your body with protein (you need more at 40+ and it keeps you fuller for longer) and fibre. This simple shift will help you feel full, manage cravings, and support muscle health.
  3. Embrace Strength Training. Stop fearing heavy weights. Strength training is non-negotiable for women over 40. It builds muscle, protects your bones, and boosts your metabolism making you stronger and more resilient. Strength training is more than great big dumbbells and bulging biceps, you can to it all with bodyweight and a few exercise bands.
  4. Manage Your Mental Load. Your brain can only handle so much, so learn to offload your thoughts, manage stress, and protect your nervous system. When your mind is calm, making healthy choices becomes so much easier.
  5. Use Calorie Ranges, Not Rigid Numbers. Forget the strict 1,200-calorie diet. The "No Crap Cake Method" uses calorie ranges for the week, giving you flexibility to live your life without guilt and still achieve results.
  6. Prioritise Sleep. Sleep isn't a luxury; it's a foundation of good health. Poor sleep disrupts hormones and increases cravings, making fat loss feel impossible. Make it a non-negotiable priority. Here’s a free sleep audit you can try.
  7. Find Your Tribe. Surround yourself with a community that supports you, not one that competes with you. Having a group of like-minded women on the same journey can make all the difference.

Ready to Say No to Crap Cake?

The journey to feeling stronger and healthier in midlife isn't about perfection; it's about making a series of small, intentional choices. You've already taken the first step just by reading this.

If you’re ready to leave the frustration and 'all-or-nothing' mindset behind and join a community of women who are building a life they love, then the No Crap Cake Method is for you. This isn't another quick fix; it's a sustainable way to nourish your body and mind.

Ready to start your journey? Visit ruthmacfit.com to find out more and join our tribe.