Sydney, Australia, 28 July 2025 – While it’s a well-known fact that cravings and food preferences can evolve over time, new survey data suggests that Australian women may not be adapting their protein intake to match the changing hormonal needs of different life stages with potential implications for their long-term health.
According to the latest survey findings from global nutrition and food tracking app, MyFitnessPal, the estimated daily protein intake of more than half (51%) of Aussie women surveyed are falling short of the recommended daily protein intake of 46 grams, in spite of nearly half (47%) respondents believing they’re consuming enough. In fact, Gen Z women prove to be more self-aware of nutritional shortcomings, with almost half (49%) respondents in this age group believing that their daily protein intake is insufficient.
Concerningly, the findings also point to potential nutrition gaps in the long run, as more than 7 in 10 (71%) Australian women surveyed admit to not adjusting their protein consumption across different times in their life due to hormonal or other factors, with older generations least likely to make such adjustments.
MyFitnessPal Ambassador and Nutritionist Michaela Sparrow said: “Being a woman isn’t easy - hormonal shifts and life changes mean our nutritional needs are constantly evolving. It’s essential that Aussie women are actively thinking about making changes that positively affect their health in the long term. It’s easy to fall behind, especially on key nutrients like protein. But doing so can have real consequences, including muscle loss, which becomes more common during and after menopause.”
The data also sheds more light on the shifts in food cravings across life stages, revealing a complex relationship between appetites at different times of the month and over the years.
Chocolate tops the list of food cravings most desired across different life stages, with 2 in 5 (40%) women surveyed craving chocolate treats during their menstrual cycle, followed by over a third (32%) of women during menopause and 18% of respondents during pregnancy.
Other beloved treats include salty snacks, craved by over a quarter (27%) of Aussie women surveyed experiencing menopause, 23% of women during their cycle and 16% of surveyed expectant mothers. Cold or refreshing foods, spicy treats and dairy also feature prominently in the list of craved items – pointing to a varied range of preferences and desires depending on fluctuating hormones, especially during pregnancy.
While changes in hormones are often the underlying reason for changing appetites, with almost one in three (27%) women surveyed reporting stronger cravings during their menstrual cycle, a quarter of those surveyed (25%) also points to high stress and emotional changes as a key factor.
“Cravings for foods like chocolate, carbs and chips are very common and often spike due to hormonal shifts, whether it’s your cycle, pregnancy, or menopause. These treats can trigger a quick feel-good response in the moment, which is why our bodies reach for them. It’s a natural response, not a lack of willpower,” said Michaela.
“Tracking your nutritional intake, especially as we go through different stages of life, can be a powerful tool to help us understand what we’re giving our bodies and empower us to understand what they truly need to adapt and thrive. Whether realising you might be low on iron around your period or not hitting protein goals during busy weeks, these insights help you respond with small, meaningful changes that can help support your health and wellness goals.” added Michaela.
To discover the latest features and learn more about your macro intake, visit: www.myfitnesspal.com or download the MyFitnessPal app for free via the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Key Facts:
● More than half (51%) of Aussie women estimate that they fall below the recommended daily protein intake, despite believing they’re hitting the mark, according to a new survey from number one global food and nutrition tracking app, MyFitnessPal.
● More than 7 in 10 (71%) women surveyed report that they do not vary their protein intake across different times in their life to match hormonal or other changes, pointing to a lack of awareness around the different nutrition needs that come with different life stages.
● The survey findings also highlight how hormonal shifts impact cravings, with chocolate and salty snacks topping the list of most desired foods during their menstrual cycle and when experiencing menopause.
● While cravings can change, Australians can spot patterns and make more informed dietary choices by tracking nutrition with tools, like MyFitnessPal.
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About MyFitnessPal
MyFitnessPal is the #1 global nutrition and food tracking app founded in 2005 with a mission to help people around the world reach their health goals through better food choices by providing knowledge, motivation, and a sense of progress. Supporting nearly 1 million people in reaching their nutrition and fitness goals every year and with a community of over 280 million members in over 120 countries, MyFitnessPal offers members one of the world’s most comprehensive nutrition and food tracking platforms, allowing them to track their food, create personalized and goal-driven meal plans, record exercise activity, and log their weight. With one of the largest food databases in the world comprising over 20 million foods, access to over 2,000 recipes, and over 35 connected fitness partners, MyFitnessPal provides members with the tools for positive healthy change.
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For more information about MyFitnessPal, contact: [email protected]
