My Menopause Journey: How Ditching Processed Carbs Changed My Life

As I approached the age of 38, I found myself struggling to lose the weight I had put on after the birth of my second child. Despite my efforts to eat well and stay active, I was tired, irritable, and constantly craving carbs. Little did I know, I was experiencing the early stages of menopause.

As a woman’s estrogen levels decrease during menopause, her tolerance for carbohydrates decreases as well. This is due to insulin resistance and impaired carbohydrate tolerance. So, I had to re-evaluate my carb intake and adjust my meals accordingly. Here are my top eight reasons for ditching processed carbs and how it changed my life.

1. Not All Carbs Are Equal

Choosing other sources of carbohydrates such as fresh fruits and vegetables assists in maintaining a healthy colon. Constipation is a common complaint as women age, and the fiber content found in green leafy vegetables helps to keep constipation at bay.

2. Fight Fatigue

Processed carbs tend to cause a spike in your blood glucose levels, which will eventually crash, leaving you feeling fatigued, tired, and drained. By eating fewer processed carbs and more nutrient-dense foods, you’ll stay energized throughout the day.

3. Eat More Nutrient-Dense Foods

As we grow older, our bodies require fewer calories to sustain it. I found myself eating less as I sat down to eat, leaving some of the meals to be used the following day. This saved me time and allowed for a lunch on the go the following day.

4. Ease Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal imbalances are one of the most common issues that result from menopause. Certain foods contain phytoestrogens, which are estrogenic compounds that regulate and restore hormonal balance. A diet rich in phytoestrogens helps to minimize hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms. Such foods include sunflower seeds, linseeds, sesame seeds, pumpkins seeds, celery, green beans, and rhubarb.

5. Treats That Don’t Make You Happy

We often crave foods with associations to happy times we’ve had in the past. I’m not suggesting that you have to forego treats forever, but be aware that some of these foods can cause blood sugar levels to spike and then crash, leaving you feeling miserable.

6. Save Money

If you cut down on the amount of processed food and increase your carbohydrate intake with more fruits and vegetables, you’ll save money in the long run.

7. Decrease Stomach Bloating

Highly processed carbs are usually packed with artificial sweeteners, which are linked to promoting bloating and stomach discomfort when eaten in excess. Eating more green vegetables will aid in decreasing bloating, but be prepared to experience some initial bloating if you previously followed a low-fiber diet.

8. More Facts on Bloating

Processed carbs often contain high sources of sodium, which causes water retention and bloating. However, potassium counterbalances sodium and has a diuretic effect. So by eating foods high in potassium such as oranges, bananas, papayas, kiwis, strawberries, spinach, rocket, and cooked beets, you can reduce bloating naturally.

In conclusion, menopause is a challenging time for many women, and understanding how to adjust your diet can be beneficial in making the transition more manageable. The key takeaway from my personal experience is that ditching processed carbs and embracing nutrient-dense foods can yield incredible results, from improving energy levels to easing hormonal imbalances. So, if you’re experiencing symptoms of menopause, consider re-evaluating your diet and adjusting your carb intake to make your journey more comfortable.