Menopause - The power of food
Menopause - The power of food
“I believe whole-heartedly that age is a mindset. Biological age is what it is, but I truly believe it’s more about how you feel—how you feel in your body and how you feel about your body.” – Jennifer Grey
Menopause is a natural process of aging and although natural, it really does not make it any easier.
Entering this new world can be an emotional one as your hormones gradually throw your world upside down and inside out.
So let us speak about diet and which foods to eat to get you through this change in your life.
You know that boring familiar saying, “You are what you eat”? Well, unfortunately, this can be a true.
Diet and a lifestyle change may not be the most attractive calling but your choices in food can make a massive impact on your health.
As you enter this phase of your life, simple changes can really help ease not only your physical health but your mental health too. Everything is linked.
Your body is going through a lot right now so be kind to yourself. The little changes will make the most impact to you and your health.
So, your body will need a little more of certain nutrients such as,
Protein
Omega 3 fatty acids
Fiber
Calcium
PROTEIN
So, as you enter Peri Menopause, you lose your muscle mass but consuming enough Protein weekly can help assist in keeping this maintained and up to a decent level.
Your hormones fluctuate so finding a natural balance is the key. The best place to find this is through the power of food.
Introducing Protein into your diet can help by regulating your appetite and blood sugar levels and can also help balance out your hormone levels.
Simple changes like adding Peanut butter to your toast for breakfast or adding some Salmon or Chicken to your salad for lunch. Beans are a great protein boost so adding these to your casserole or even creating a delicious vegetable and bean soup.
Foods that contatin Protein
Eggs
Milk
Yoghurts
Fish
Turkey
Soya
Nuts
Seeds
Pork
Beans
Pulses
Omega 3
Omega 3 in your diet can help to improve your low moods to naturally balance them out as well as decrease any inflammation that you may have.
Omega 3 is also linked to decrease depression which can also be a symptom of Menopause.
Introducing fresh fish or fish oil supplements into your diet will also help with your skin, nails, and hair too.
According to Healthline, a study in 483 menopausal women concluded that Omega 3 supplements decreased the frequency of hot sweats and night sweats.
Food that contain Omega 3 are
Mackerel
Sardines
Salmon
Herring
Oysters
Cod Liver Oil
Leafy Greens
Eggs
Chocolate
Nuts
Seeds
FIBER
Fiber is a great go to as it can keep you fuller for longer and curb cravings.
Also, introducing fibre into your diet is known to decrease the risk of Strokes, Heart Disease and Cancer.
Foods that contain Fibre are
Apples
Bananas
Oranges
Pears
Avocados
Carrots
Lentils
Oats
Quinoa
Popcorn
Almonds
Chia Seeds
Sweet Potatoes
Dark Chocolate
CALCIUM
Your calcium needs increase during menopause because the loss of estrogen can speed up bone loss.
Calcium is a vital nutrient for regulating the heart and what your body needs to carry messages into your nervous system. Low levels of calcium can additionally contribute to menopausal mood swings, stress, anxiety, and depression. What you eat during menopause will, therefore, influences how your body manages the changes.
Foods that contain CALCIUM
Milk
Yoghurt
Cheese
Dark Leafy Greens
Almonds
Broccoli
Sardines
Beans
Lentils
Tofu
Rubarb
“Our mothers were largely silent about what happened to them as they passed through this midlife change. But a new generation of women has already started to break the wall of silence.” – Trisha Posner
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