Hot Tips

"BURNING" CALORIES:

Not all weight gain is bad.

As estrogen levels fall and you transition into menopause a very interesting natural process begins. The dip in estrogen from your ovaries slowly sends a message to your 30 billion fat cells to start swelling and multiplying, especially around your waist. These cells are particularly adapted to produce the estrogen your ovaries used to produce. Basically, they are modifying to pick up the slack. So don't be ungrateful! Some midlife weight gain, especially around the waist, is normal and actually healthy. Some estimate the average weight gain between 35 and 50 to be 12 pounds. But after that it's time to bite the bullet instead of the cheesecake. Additionally, for some unknown reason, being drastically overweight or underweight makes hot flashing worse.

Stay away from artificial sweeteners, junk food, carbonated drinks, spicy foods and alcohol. These are considered "triggers" for a hot flash. If you do choose to imbibe, be prepared for the consequences twenty minutes down the road i.e. fan, moist wipes, ice water etc.

Get familiar with the "glycemic index" for a better understanding of how the body processes food into sugar and insulin. The GI is a ranking of how quickly certain foods release glucose (sugar) into your bloodstream. Since sugar can trigger a flash, choosing low index carbs might just reduce your "flashpoints" and help with a little weight loss as well. For instance, little "new" potatoes are preferable to large, older potatoes...greener bananas are far better than old, ripe ones. Everything you ingest is eventually turned to sugar for the body to metabolize. The key is to slow that process down as much as possible and not "spike" you insulin with every meal. Moderation is the key. Additionally, high carb foods tend to make to hungrier later on. Check sites that elaborate on the glycemic index of carbohydrates and GI number assigned to various foods such as www.prevention.com. Analysis of this system began about 20 years ago. Many sites are on the net reference this. Just type in "Glycemic Index History".

Chocolate cravings may be more pronounced at our life stage. These craving may indicate a magnesium deficiency since chocolate is high in magnesium. Supplements of magnesium can be beneficial. Another solution is to learn to like dark chocolate, (at least 70% cacao) and savor it slowly. See our recipe for soymilk and hot dark chocolate, "Hot Cocoa With an Attitude". Good quality, dark chocolate is full of antioxidants. Plus, it can give you major attitude adjustment because it boosts serotonin levels in the brain. Then go brush your teeth. Oddly, that can sometimes curb your appetite for anything further that is sweet.

Make your plate a rainbow of color. All white food makes you pasty and plump. Darker greens, lots of fresh herbs, darker fruits (blueberries, black cherries, blackberries, black currants, black raspberries, red grapes are all available in juice form) pumpkin seeds, ground flaxseed (always store in refrig or freezer) almonds, walnuts, lots and lots of fresh garlic, good, cold-processed olive oil, and avoiding saturated fat will all help your diet change for the better. Forget the "Combo" meal at the drive-through. Better yet, forget the drive-through. Why aren't you walking?

"Rule of Palm": Some suggest that your entrée at any one meal should be no larger than the palm of your hand. For special occasions, however, you can use your husband's or your largest brother's hand.

 

~ more hot tips ~

 

"Information supplied by FLASHionables, Inc. is not intended, nor should it be construed, as a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your health care provider to make sure your complaints are menopause related and follow his or her advice before changing your dietary regimen."