Menopause causes many hormonal changes within a woman’s body that might lead to excessive weight gain around their mid-sections. But there are a few do’s and don’ts when it comes to a diet that Dr Clare Spencer from My Menopause Centre told Express.co.uk women must take into account.
She revealed there are certain foods that help manage the long-term health consequences of menopause that can also have a big impact on weight loss.
What food women should be eating
It’s no secret that eating more protein is good for weight loss, as it can help reduce cravings for unhealthy foods and “bad” carbohydrates.
“Swings in blood sugar can trigger hot flushes and changes in mood such as anxiety,” Dr Spencer revealed.
“Eating food with a low glycaemic index such as wholegrain-containing food like porridge, lentils, green vegetables, sweet potatoes, most fruit, can help avoid this.”
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She continued to explain eating a Mediterranean-style diet can reduce the risk of heart disease, as the diet is rich in fruit and vegetables, oily fish, such as sardines, and wholegrain cereals, with modest amounts of meat and low-fat dairy.
And to help reduce the risk of osteoporosis, women need a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, plus B vitamins, vitamins C, E and K and a number of minerals.
Dr Spencer added: “These vitamins and minerals are all found in food that make up a healthy balanced diet.”
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But she made clear that food rich in calcium doesn’t just mean dairy. Other calcium-rich foods include green leafy vegetables, almonds, dried fruit, pulses, sardines and fortified foods such as cereal, where extra calcium has been added.
“Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and vitamin D-rich foods include oily fish, eggs and fortified bread and cereal,” she said.
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Caffeine and alcohol can also alter blood sugar levels, with the latter known to cause unhealthy food cravings.
“It goes without saying that avoiding or reducing alcohol can have a positive effect on how you feel,” she said.
“Avoid foods with poor nutritional value, make sure that, if you need fewer calories, those calories contain as much nutritional content as possible.
“Working with a dietician or nutritionist can help you work this out!”
Dr Spencer also warned that while tasty, spicy food can trigger hot flushes and sweats.
Source: Daily Express | Diet
