As the female body transitions into menopause, weight gain is very common. Fortunately, with the right lifestyle and diet, it's easy to maintain or even lose weight during and post-menopause. The Ketogenic diet, a diet rich in proteins and healthy fats, with very few carbs and sugars, is the perfect diet for women looking to take control of their weight.
Reduces or eliminates your sugar intake
In menopause, there is no worse enemy than cupcakes, sweets, and refined sugars. If you're serious about losing weight while you're in menopause, these are the first things that have to go.It's understandable that cravings for sugar do occur from time to time. When some sugar is really necessary, reach for fresh or dried berries to satisfy your sweet tooth. Berries are typically the lowest in carbs compared to other fruits, and can still be eaten in moderation for a healthy, sweet snack.Sugar is one of the main foods that's cut out in keto diets, so when you're doing a ketogenic diet, you shouldn't be eating much sugar anyway.While in ketosis, be mindful to choose the right portion size when snacking on anything sweet. While in ketosis, your body uses fat for fuel instead of sugars, so reintroducing sugar back into your diet can knock you out of ketosis pretty easily.
Allows you to eat more fats
With many fat-free foods, including salad dressings and peanut butter, you're gaining in sugar what you're losing in fat, which is not good for weight control, energy, and overall health.Good fats, like those in fish, nuts, and avocados, are shown to reduce the risk of colon cancer, and kickstart weight loss. Eating quality foods rich in fats and low in additives can make you feel better and add a pep to your step.While in ketosis, your body will burn fat for fuel instead of sugars, resulting in significant fat loss. For this reason, your diet must contain fatty foods to use as fuel instead of sugars.
Increases calcium intake
Your bones need more calcium, because in menopause, your estrogen reduction means that it's more difficult to absorb calcium.Consuming plenty of calcium is important for reducing fat while retaining muscle mass. Luckily, in keto, a healthy balance of dairy, red meat and other calcium rich foods will keep your bones healthy and strong.
Helps reduce bloating
One of the most common issues women face is the feeling of bloating. By reducing carbs to a minimum and replacing those carbs with healthier alternatives for energy, your body naturally reduces feelings of bloating.Thick, fluffy breads and sweets may satisfy a craving now and then, but they can easily cause lots of bloating.
Controls cravings
Eating plenty of protein and healthy fats is one of the best ways to control cravings. Protein rich foods and snacks are naturally dense and fill you up faster than sugary and carb filled options.Instead of reaching for a pastry, reach for some cold cuts and cheese for a quick and easy, filling dish.
Promotes Muscle Gain
Higher protein in your daily diet leads to muscle gain, keeping bones more supported, and reducing the risk of menopausal mainstays like flabby arms and a pudgy midsection.With even moderate exercise, the higher protein intake promotes healthy muscles, making it easier to get stronger, while still slimming down.
Adds Nutrients to Dieting
Ketogenic diets are packed with nutrient-rich foods that are helpful for getting the right foods you need. Omega-3s from fish, vitamins from veggies, and calcium from dairy are just part of what makes keto great for your diet, without having to force down vitamin pills every morning.With the ketogenic diet, you can track your food intake and gain energy, while ketosis prevents spikes in energy and weight. The result will be a healthier, slimmer you.
