Menopause and Weight Gain
Despite what you have probably heard about menopause and weight gain, it is NOT inevitable that your waistline will expand as your body goes into the hormonal chaos that is perimenopause and menopause.
Women entering the menopausal years are indeed statistically more likely to change shape and gain weight, but I’m afraid you cannot use your hormones as an excuse to give up maintaining or aiming for a healthy weight. If anything we – sadly – have to try harder as our metabolism slows down.
You might well be feeling quite indignant that you are having trouble zipping up your jeans even though your diet and exercise plan hasn’t changed. So, here are some top tips to help you avoid weight gain, and maybe even manage to improve your BMI and general health along the way!
1. Check Your Portion Sizes
This is the simplest way to keep your weight in check without calorie counting or following a complicated diet. The easiest way to manage portion sizes is to simply serve your food on a small plate.
If you avoid piling it high, a nicely covered small plate will help convince you that you have had a generous meal. Otherwise, you might be tempted to fill the gaps on a large plate with food you don’t need. Breakfast plates are the ideal size.
The physical and emotional toll that menopause takes means that you need support. Here are a few tips for explaining menopause to your spouse.
