20/10/2021
Interesting advice re nutrition during peri menopause and menopause…
Yesterday was yesterday, (oops, I’ll blame my peri menopausal brain fog for missing that one!) I thought I’d share a few (hopefully) helpful things.
The first thing to say is that there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ menopausal diet or lifestyle plan and the second is that this is a BIG topic, beyond what I can cover here, so I primarily want to share some great resources for further reading / learning. And I intend to share more of my own personal experience and research with you soon.
Here are a few general principles:
1. Protein. Aim for a portion (roughly the size of your palm) at each of the 3 meals per day. This can help us to feel fuller for longer, regulate blood sugar and support muscle mass. Sources include pulses, soy, natural yoghurt, nuts & seeds, meat, fish & eggs. Be more mindful, however, when it comes to red and processed meat).
2. Be mindful of refined carbohydrates & sugar. Ideally consume in stricter moderation from the perimenopause onwards, as blood sugar regulation may change with hormonal shifts. Opt to fill up on vegetables, fresh fruits, wholegrains, proteins and healthy fats wherever possible instead.
3. Reduce alcohol & caffeine. These can potentially stimulate hot flushes, especially when consumed late afternoon/evening. Stick below 14 units of alcohol per week, but I’d generally suggest much less than this (and often I’d recommend avoiding alcohol altogether).
4. Be conscious of calcium. The potential risk of osteoporosis increases around the menopause, so it’s sensible to include calcium-containing foods into our diets. Take a look at the calcium calculator (link in my bio) if you’d like to see a rough estimate of your weekly intake and to learn which sorts of foods contain calcium (hint - it’s more than just dairy!)
Useful books:
The Midlife Kitchen Mimi Spencer &
The Perimenopause Solution & .bardwell
The Complete Guide to the Menopause .hormone.doc
The Happy Menopause: Smart nutrition to help you flourish
Natural Menopause
Cracking the Menopause &