Weight gain is a common and frustrating symptom of menopause. As women approach their 40’s and 50’s, they often note that it’s more difficult to maintain their physique and shed unwanted pounds.
Muscle is replaced by fat, and the midsection is one of the first places to expand.
The good news is that there are steps that women can take to limit weight gain and make this period of transition easier.
Continue reading to learn about the connection between nutrition and menopause, including tips for improving your diet and health.
Why Do Women Gain Weight in Menopause?
Weight gain in menopause is due to a natural decrease in metabolism and declining levels of estrogen and progesterone.
Additionally, women tend to exercise less and take in more calories than necessary during this time of their lives.
Nutrition and Menopause: Tips for Avoiding a Midlife Metabolic Crisis
In order to keep weight off and avoid health issues, it’s important to discuss nutrition and menopause.
A nutrient-rich diet is one of the best ways to manage your weight and menopause symptoms. Your meals and snacks should be primarily composed of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat diary, and lean proteins.
These foods are packed with vitamins, free from chemicals and artificial ingredients, are easier to digest, and will keep you full for longer periods of time.
When it comes to nutrition and menopause, patients should also be mindful of their liquid as well as food consumption.
If you drink alcohol, you should limit yourself to one drink per day and focus on increasing your water intake. Staying hydrated helps with digestion and may also alleviate hot flashes.
Avoiding caffeine and spicy foods can also reduce the intensity of hot flashes.
These lifestyle modifications, paired with 30 minutes of exercise per day, can protect you from unwanted bulges and medical issues, including high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and insulin resistance.
Learn More About Nutrition and Menopause
If you would like to learn more about nutrition and menopause, please call our office today to schedule a consultation with board-certified gynecologist Dr. Melinda Hall.