Menopause? Try out these 7 steps before prescription medication!
Of course first I have to say, LISTEN to what your doctor says.
But then, also listen to what your body says.
We both know that what you eat and how you move can make a HUGE improvement in some of the symptoms of menopause. Not to mention how common it is for ladies to gain weight at this time of life. (Ugh!)
And as we both know eating better and moving more will help you build energy, keep your cells healthy and help keep your body from having to become diseased!
With that in mind what do I specifically recommend to help you “eat better and move more”?
Seven things and here they are:
First – Hydrate:
Drink more water. This is so crucial to maximizing your health and your energy. Your body is primarily made up of water and waaaaaayyyyyyy too many of us are walking around dehydrated and wondering why our bodies aren’t functioning properly.
The general consensus is to drink 8-10 glasses per day. And, if you don’t feel you need that much you definitely need to at least drink enough throughout the day so that you’re not thirsty.
I know that’s easy to say but really it’s also easy to do.
Try having a full glass first thing in the morning before you eat or drink anything.
Don’t like plain water? Add in some berries or chopped frozen fruit.
Prefer tea? Steep some sliced lemon and/or ginger or your favourite caffeine-free herbal teabag. This counts toward hydration as well.
You can also keep a large bottle or mug beside you all day wherever you work so it’s always easy to grab and have sips throughout the day to make sure you’re not getting thirsty.
Second – Bump up your intake of whole plant foods:
Things like (yes, you guessed it) vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts and seeds. We’re going for quantity here. Try to include them in every meal and even most (if not all) of your snacks.
Want another reason to eat more plants?
Plant-based diets are associated with fewer hot flashes. Bonus!
Plus, my recipe below is your “no excuse” solution to getting more veggies wherever you go.
Third – Don’t forget high-quality protein:
While you’re chomping your plant foods don’t forget to include some good quality protein (and healthy fats) from eggs, fish, meat, nuts and seeds (and their butters).
With animal foods we’re aiming for quality so try to get organic, wild, and/or pasture-raised if you can. The less toxins you introduce into your body, the easier time your body will have regulating its own systems and keeping you healthy. The body really is this amazing!
Fourth – Some things you want to cut back on:
Reducing and/or eliminating alcohol, caffeine and processed foods can have a tremendous impact on balancing your hormones naturally without the help of pharmaceutical medications. Again, this comes down to reducing the load of contaminants and toxicity that your bodies system has to deal with each day. If it is constantly eliminating toxicity, your body can’t focus on maintaining your peak physical health!
With those increases in hydration, whole plant foods, and quality protein, you simply won’t have as much room for alcohol, caffeine, and processed foods with added salt and sugar.
You already know that’s good news, right?
Fifth – Move:
If you don’t do this already try to move up to 5 hours per week. You can gradually increase that over time, and believe me, you will thank yourself!
To do this, include things like walking (especially outdoors in the sun, if possible), or even some weight-training. If you need any help in this area, you can ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS email me at info@amandagazzola.com.
You’ve heard the saying that the best exercise is the one you’ll actually do?
Well, go ahead and do it. 🙂
Sixth – Get enough sleep:
Sometimes menopause can bring on (or ramp up) sleep problems.
The most important thing to do is set a daily routine where you’re relaxing with no screen-time (computers, tablet, phone, tv) a couple hours before your bedtime.
Electronic devices emit strong blue light which can prevent the release of melatonin, your sleep hormone.
Try reading a book or having a bath.
It’s also important to have dim lights in your surroundings to reduce your exposure to blue light before bed.
You can also install black out curtains to make sure you are sleeping in the darkest possible environment.
Seventh – Find great stress relieving activities:
Have FUN!
Do whatever works for you to destress. Just make sure you do it regularly as a preventative measure to avoid accumulated stress.
Have you tried meditating, deep breathing, or having a warm bath? What about the newest craze of colouring?
Of course I will give you bonus points for using exercise as a form of stress relief. The endorphins that get released and the extra health benefits you get make it an optimal form of de-stressing.
Conclusion:
Hopefully now you can put at least a few of these great ideas into action to reduce those menopause symptoms naturally.
Now go ahead and make two of these mason jar salads to eliminate any excuse of not being able to get fresh veggies when you’re out and about.
Recipe (Veggie): Mason Jar Salad
Serves 2
3 tablespoons almond butter
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
1 tablespoon maple syrup
2 teaspoons sesame oil
½ granny smith apple (diced)
4 radishes (sliced)
2 celery stalks (diced)
4 tablespoons of your favourite nuts or seeds (walnuts, slivered almonds, pumpkin seeds, etc.)
4-6 cups of your favourite greens (spinach, kale, mixed greens, etc.)
Add first four ingredients to a small bowl & whisk until smooth.
Add apple to dressing (so it’s covered and won’t brown) and divide between two mason jars.
Layer the radishes, celery, nuts/seeds, and greens on top and seal.
When ready to eat shake up the jar, open and enjoy or pour it into a large bowl to mix more thoroughly.
Tip: Wide-mouth jars work best for this ah-mazing way to bring veggies with you wherever you go!
By kevinyan|2017-03-28T06:45:09-04:00March 28th, 2017|food, Health & Wellbeing|Comments Off on Menopause? Try out these 7 steps before prescription medication!
