How to Menopause

Content Warning: This section features discussion of disordered eating.

Fadal remembers how perimenopause caused her to gain weight (despite no lifestyle or diet changes) and feel bloated often, which affected her self-esteem and self-image. She admits that when she was younger, she partook in strict diets and exercise that led to health risks and is still working to manage her relationship with food. She encourages readers to rethink their “food goals” and aim for nutrition rather than weight loss for its own sake. Following a nutritious diet, paired with sleep and exercise, can naturally lead to weight loss and less bloating. Fadal also believes that finding personal reasons to eat healthier and changing the way one describes themselves (i.e., Telling yourself “I don’t drink sugary drinks”) can help (195).

Fadal recommends a Mediterranean diet, which encourages low processed sugar, red meat, and processed foods. The diet is high in whole grains, lean proteins, vegetables and fruits. Fadal insists that this diet is not only healthy, but delicious. It is high in fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats due to the use of olive oil.

Drinks to avoid include caffeine (especially after mid-afternoon), soda and other sugary drinks, and alcohol.