Menopause Diet

[GeneHuntsCowboyBoots]

Posting here for traffic as the Menopause board isn’t always busy.

I’m peri, chronically ill and consequently knackered and bloated. I’ve recently cut out caffeine which I didn’t think I’d ever do but I’m noticing a difference.

Has anyone found any particular way of eating that gives them a boost? Whether that be in energy or mood?

I suspect I need to balance my blood sugar as I also have PCOS and insulin resistance, though my diabetes blood tests are always fine. I can’t do fasting as I end up with migraines and anything too restrictive is a no go too (previous ED). I’m asking for health not weight loss. Also, I cannot stand porridge or avocado! The only oats I eat are usually found in flapjacks. 😂

I’d be grateful for any recipes or meal ideas or just anything you’ve found that’s helped you.

I've been doing the glucose goddess method for a couple of weeks and am feeling more energetic.

It's basically controlling your blood sugar by doing low carb, you don't count calories, when you have a carb always have some protein and fat with it. It also says to have a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar once a day before a meal (mixed with water) and to have the order or your food as fibre, protein and fat, then any non-sugar carbs, then sugar carbs (though preferably don't have the sugar carbs at all. It's not intended for weight loss.

I don't know about the vinegar and food order stuff, but low sugar and low carb definitely helps.

I've done Michael moseley's blood sugar diet before as well, but with more calories than he recommends. That doesn't sound right for you though as it is for weight loss and you calorie count.

I can't eat sugar or processed foods so I just make everything from scratch. It's time consuming but keeps you well.

Sorry forgot the meal ideas - I'm doing Greek yoghurt and berries and flax seed for breakfast. Salads with chicken or salmon with hummus and tzatziki for lunch. Stir fries with chicken / other protein and a bag of ready chopped 'mediterranean roasting veg' from Sainsbury's.

Also nuts, cheese, have a few boiled eggs on hand as snacks, berries, a bit of dark chocolate. Rye bread now and again with cheese or salami or peanut butter on it.

I find fewer processed carbs help my energy levels.

I don’t do high fat diets or MM’s stuff as I’ve got extremely high cholesterol (genetic) and even though MM says it’s ok my condition means I’m advised not to eat more cholesterol than in a medium egg each day.

My friend has just lost a ton of weight on slimming world. I’ve never tried it but it looks like you don’t exclude any particular food groups so isn’t too restrictive.

I find that if I cut sugar and wheat out I just feel a lot better, and not so utterly exhausted.

That doesn't stop me from having cycles where I just eat shit for weeks and feel like shit - but I do KNOW that if I can eat better I will feel better. It just sometimes feels like too much effort.

I found going dairy free had a massive impact on my hormonal health. I managed for two months and didn’t get any symptoms at all. Fell off the wagon due to a holiday this month and I am bloated, lethargic and mood swingy again :(

I've cut out caffeine so no coffee since 3 years ago when I was diagnosed with the menopause. Helped with brain fog. Not on any diet.

Thanks for the replies. I’ll take them on board.

@Nachtvlinder it’s not been as bad as I thought cutting out the caffeine. I did have a horrible headache on Friday but it’s settled. I have allowed myself one cup of tea every now and then (like when I pop to my mum’s) but it’ll only be about twice a week. I’ve been having decaf coffee which isn’t too bad. The only thing I’m finding is mid morning I’m absolutely floored. Hopefully that will settle though.