One of the biggest mistakes many women make during perimenopause and menopause is going on a super restrictive diet.
It might sound like a good idea, but it can actually do more harm than good.
Here鈥檚 why:
1. Hormonal Imbalance: Perimenopause and menopause can already throw your hormones like estrogen and progesterone out of whack. Cutting calories or whole food groups can make this worse, sometimes leading to fatigue, irritability, and anxiety.
2. Nutrient Deficiency: Restrictive diets often mean missing out on key nutrients like magnesium, calcium, and vitamin D. These are crucial for bone health, mood stability, and overall well-being. Missing out on these can actually make symptoms like sleep troubles and mood swings feel worse.
3. Metabolism Slowdown: As we age, our metabolism naturally shifts. Extreme calorie-cutting can put your body into 鈥渟urvival mode,鈥� making it harder to manage weight or keep muscle mass.
4. Increased Stress: Constantly worrying about calories and 鈥済ood鈥� vs. 鈥渂ad鈥� foods can spike your cortisol levels, which can make anxiety, weight gain, and even digestion issues worse.
The takeaway? Focus on a balanced, nutrient-rich approach. Think anti-inflammatory foods, steady protein, and keeping your blood sugar stable.
Taking care of yourself doesn鈥檛 have to mean restrictions鈥攊t's about nourishing your body in a way that feels good for this stage of life.
Tanya is a Registered Dietitian with over 17 years of experience and an Integrative and Functional Nutrition Certified Practitioner. She is passionate about helping women navigate perimenopause and menopause by focusing on root causes and empowering them to take charge of their health. Tanya鈥檚 simple, practical strategies boost energy, reduce bloating, and build confidence, helping women feel stronger, healthier, and more in control of their lives.
