Tasty, sweet, sugary snacks can be incredibly tempting to the menopausal woman. An allure to chocolate is just one of the many symptoms of menopause, especially when such a stressful period of life can produce the desire for solace within delicious foods. The combination of symptoms present during menopause time often manifests an inability to maintain a healthy diet, as carrots and lettuce are not exceptional forms of comfort food. The hormonal imbalance experienced by menopausal women can greatly increase cravings for sugar, and can thus promote the unfortunate weight gain dreaded by all women approaching middle age.
Sugar Cravings Worsen During Menopause
The chaotic status of a woman’s body during menopause causes a great number of irritating symptoms. A general depletion in energy is usually the culprit of an increased craving for sugary foods. This lowering of one’s energy levels occurs as a result of more cortisone being released into the bloodstream, increasing sensations of stress. Such stress induces bursts of adrenaline to be released, tiring the body and depleting reserves of energy. Next, find out how sugar cravings induce weight gain.Why Sugar?
The rapid fluctuation in energy levels that occurs during menopause causes the body to crave foods that will quickly replenish lost energy. Sugar is absorbed into the bloodstream at a much faster rate than other carbohydrates, like those obtained via wholegrain breads.Although sugar can provide one with a boost in energy, it usually has a very short duration. What follows is often known as a “sugar crash”, a condition that occurs from sugar leaving the body. Extreme fatigue is a common characteristic of these crashes, beginning a disadvantageous cycle of sugar consumption.
Avoiding the Cycle of Sugar Consumption
A healthy diet should be the cornerstone of all menopausal women’s daily routine. Eating smaller portions of wholesome foods is a great way to improve energy levels throughout the entire day. Remaining satisfied is the primary goal of frequently eating smaller meals, which fends off hunger and the ensuing cravings for sugar. It may be beneficial to purchase a diet book, as these usually provide many meal ideas and tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.Although it seems counterproductive, it may sometimes be helpful to simply fulfill a desire for sugar. Because snacks that are classified as “low-calorie” or “low-fat” tend be eaten in greater servings, the intake of fat and calories from such snacks is often equal to that of a smaller serving of chocolate (or similar sugary snack).
You must ensure that this practice is not conducted regularly, or a return to previous habits of sugar consumption is inevitable.
Some may find it helpful to prepare meals and snacks before leaving for work. This allows you to be positive of the amount of sugar that is being consumed, and also eliminates the temptation to purchase other snacks while away from home. Packaging your own meals is also a great way to introduce one’s body to a healthier diet, as more wholesome choices can be gradually implemented into the prepared meals and snacks.
Although the cravings for sugary foods during menopause may seem relentless, it is possible to eliminate such superficial needs by implementing a healthier diet and sometimes succumbing to the temptation to eat sugar. Sugar promotes weight gain, especially during menopause, and thus must be alleviated to ensure an easier and healthier hormonal transition.
Next, find out how to shop during menopause weight gain.
