kristy.ramnarine@cnc3.co.tt
When doctors examined Lisa Feveck for heart palpitations, they couldn’t find her heartbeat on the left side of her chest. Moments later, the cardiologist discovered it was beating closer to the right. She would later learn she had one and a half lungs. Tests revealed even more surprises: an inverted stomach and a womb turned upside down.
“It was like when God finished making me, someone passed with a swizzle stick,” she joked. Yet it wasn’t random check-ups that uncovered these rare conditions—it was the early, unexpected arrival of perimenopause in her thirties.
For Feveck—a registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator, three-time best-selling co-author, and menopause coach–those discoveries shaped both her personal journey and her professional mission: guiding women through the physical, emotional, and mental transitions of perimenopause and menopause with compassion and cultural insight.
Feveck said she began noticing signs of perimenopause long before most women expect it.
“I didn’t have hot flushes. It started with a toothache that would come and go. Then came the hair loss, anxiety, digestive issues, bloating, weight gain, and eventually heart palpitations,” she recalled.
“I found out my stomach was inverted–upside down. Then, at 35, after more tests, I learnt my womb was inverted too.”
Things got even more unusual. “When the cardiologist was trying to hook me up for the palpitations, he couldn’t find a heartbeat on the left side. Then he switched to the right and said, ‘Oh! Your heart is closer to the right.’ I have one and a half lungs. A lot of craziness in there!” she said.
“I wish I’d known earlier; it would explain why it’s so hard for me to lose weight.”
“Every time I drop a few pounds, menopause rears its head and I gain it back.”
Feveck’s personal journey gave her deep empathy for women going through similar challenges.
“My experience made me more compassionate,” she said.
“Every woman’s journey is different. Menopause can bring uncontrollable blood sugar and blood pressure spikes, and suddenly you’re on a whole bunch of medications.”
It was while pursuing her MPhil at the University of the West Indies that she discovered she was transitioning into perimenopause.
“My research was based on white women from the UK,” she explained.
“I had to figure things out for myself and reinterpret the data through a Caribbean lens.”
That process opened her eyes.
“I found out there were over 100 possible symptoms. It doesn’t always start with hot flashes, which is why it’s so hard to diagnose,” she added.
“When I realised suicidal thoughts were one of the symptoms, I said, ‘This has to become my full-time job. I need to talk about this as much as I can.’”
A Caribbean approach to menopause
Feveck knows menopause is about much more than hormones. In the Caribbean, it often overlaps with intense family responsibilities, workplace stress, and cultural expectations–all of which shape the menopause experience.
Through her company, Natural Beauty Ltd, Feveck offers holistic programmes designed to help women get healthier, reclaim their energy, rebuild confidence, and feel at home in their bodies again—especially those who can’t or choose not to use medication.
“Perimenopause and menopause are hormonal transitions, yes, but what you eat during this stage can make just as much of a difference,” she said.
“As oestrogen levels decline, the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, blood sugar issues, and heart disease increases. But with the right nutrition, the body can navigate these changes more smoothly.
“You don’t need expensive or unfamiliar foods. The foundation should be plant-based meals.” See Box
Eat well during menopause
Feveck recommends basing meals on whole, plant-based foods packed with vitamins, minerals, fibre, and protective compounds.
“Fibre is only found in plants, and it feeds beneficial gut bacteria that influence digestion, mood, anxiety, and even symptoms of depression,” she noted.
Protein is also essential during perimenopause and menopause. It helps preserve muscle mass, supports metabolism, and balances blood sugar.
“Combine plant and animal sources for variety. Skinless chicken breast and fish are excellent. Fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and tuna (even canned) provide omega-3s for heart and brain health,” she said.
For those eating little or no meat, tofu is a great plant-based protein.
“Just remember, vitamin B12 is not found naturally in plants, so a supplement is necessary if you’re fully plant-based,” she added.
Vegetables–These should fill at least half your plate. Local favourites like callaloo, melongene, pumpkin, okra, sweet peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers and bodi are all rich in fibre, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that reduce menopause symptoms, inflammation and disease risk.
Fruits–These should be your go-to snacks. Choose a variety of colours, especially those in season. Our local fruits are naturally rich in fibre, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help ease menopause symptoms, lower inflammation, and reduce the risk of chronic disease.
• Peas, beans and lentils—including channa, red beans, pigeon peas, and black-eyed peas. All are excellent sources of plant protein and other nutrients, which can gently support hormonal balance.
• Nuts and seeds–the Internet always mentions almonds and walnuts. But don’t forget pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, and ground flax seeds. These provide healthy fats and plant compounds that help manage cholesterol and support heart and brain health. They’re also more affordable, too!
• Fibre-rich carbohydrates–Local provisions, oats, brown rice, whole grain pasta, and wholewheat roti provide slow-releasing energy and help stabilise blood sugar levels throughout the day. If you’re using white rice or refined flour, try finding ways to boost the fibre content—for example, cook bhagi rice, mix in peas or beans, or grate carrots and other vegetables into flour when making bread or bakes.
• Healthy fats–Adding olives, nuts and seeds to meals offers the benefits of monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. (Olive oil can be beneficial, but it’s high in calories, so use it sparingly.)
Foods to limit, not eliminate
Refined carbohydrates (white bread, sugary cereals, biscuits): cause blood sugar spikes and make weight management harder. Choose wholegrain versions instead.
Red and processed meats (beef, lamb, sausages, deli meats): High consumption is linked to greater cardiovascular risk—already elevated during menopause.
• Sugary drinks (sodas, sweetened juices): Add calories and increase insulin resistance.
• Highly processed snacks (chips, cookies, cakes, fried fast food): Often loaded with sugar, salt, saturated fats, and additives.
• Alcohol: Can worsen hot flashes, disrupt sleep, and increase health risks.
Importantly, Feveck believes Caribbean cuisine can be just as nutritious as any “foreign” diet.
“The same principles as the Mediterranean diet–whole grains, healthy fats, lean proteins, and plenty of plants–apply here too,” she said.
“A plate of stewed pigeon peas, brown rice, callaloo, and grilled fish is just as nourishing.”
Feveck’s approach reminds women that while menopause brings changes we can’t always control, how we nourish ourselves is a powerful tool.
“Focusing on plants, adding quality protein, and limiting processed foods can reduce health risks, support hormonal balance, and help you feel better inside and out,” she said.
Her message is clear: menopause is not just a medical event. It’s a holistic experience, and with the right support, women can move through it with strength, clarity, and confidence.
