3 Tips to beat the menopause bulge

We're seeing lots of women in our clinics battling expanding waistlines caused by the menopause, so we thought we'd give you some insights into why it's happening, and how to deal with it (because we're nice like that....)

Tip 1

When you go through the menopause your body uses food differently. You can't cope with as many carbs and your blood sugar levels become more unstable if you don't balance your meals. Try eating protein, veggies and fats and a small portion (clenched fist size) of slow release carbs like oats or sweet potato with your meals, rather than bread, grains or pasta to keep blood sugar levels steady. You'll start to bring down that tummy fat, have more energy and banish that brain fog.

Tip 2

Whilst fruit juice is generally thought to be healthy, it contains a large amount of fructose, which women going through/have gone through the menopause can't process. Try eating a piece of fruit rather than drinking orange juice - you'll still get the goodness but with far less fructose, and in a way your body can cope with.

Tip 3

Disturbed sleep, hot flashes, night sweats and moodiness are all common complaints from women going through the menopause - all of which raise your cortisol levels, which in turn increases your waistline.

Cut back on coffee and alcohol - two of the main culprits for this, drink more water and opt for foods higher in fat and protein for dinner, along with foods that boost your melatonin and serotonin levels, like cherries, bananas and greek yogurt.

You'll soon be snoozing soundly, reducing that waistline and banishing all of those nasty side affects.