When it comes to staying in shape and managing menopause symptoms, what you don’t eat can be just as important as what you do eat.
While I believe no food should be completely off-limits, there are certain foods—I avoid because they simply don’t serve me anymore. Spoiler alert – I’n not talking about carbs!
Here’s why I’ve cut them out and how it’s helped me stay fit and feel my best during and after menopause.
With all the changes that happen to our bodies as we approach menopause, there are certain types of food that do not serve us anymore and don’t do us any favors.
- White Flour Pasta
Pasta, especially the kind made with white flour, no longer fits into my high-protein lifestyle. Here’s why:
- Low Protein: Classic pasta dishes are typically heavy on carbs and light on protein, which doesn’t align with my protein-focused eating habits.
- Blood Sugar Spikes: White flour causes rapid blood sugar spikes, which can be harder to manage as we age due to increased insulin resistance.
- Lack of Fiber: Unlike whole grains, white pasta lacks the fiber that keeps you fuller for longer and supports digestive health.
Instead, I opt for whole-grain or alternative options like zucchini noodles, black bean or yellow split pea pasta when I want a pasta-like meal.
- Pizza
Who doesn’t love pizza? But as much as I enjoy the taste, I’ve cut it out almost entirely for several reasons:
- High in Calories: Loaded with cheese and refined carbs, pizza is calorie-dense but not very filling.
- Minimal Protein: Pizza is often low in protein, which means it doesn’t satisfy my hunger or support my fitness goals.
- Insulin Resistance: The combination of white flour and high-fat toppings wreaks havoc on blood sugar levels, especially during menopause.
If I’m at an Italian restaurant, I’ll choose protein-rich options like grilled chicken or steak with a side of vegetables.
- Ultra-Processed Takeout Foods
Fast food like burgers, fried chicken, and other takeout meals are on my no-go list. Why?
- Highly Processed Ingredients: These foods are packed with preservatives, unhealthy fats, and hidden sugars, which can trigger menopause symptoms.
- Hormonal Disruption: Ultra-processed foods can worsen insulin resistance and make it harder to lose or maintain weight.
- Nutritional Void: They provide empty calories without the nutrients your body needs for longevity and overall health.
Instead, I prepare quick, balanced meals at home or choose healthier takeout options like grilled proteins and salads when I’m on the go.
