Motivations 4U

  Menopause is a natural part of life, but it can have unwanted consequences. Fortunately, many of these symptoms can be controlled through simple changes to your diet. Find out how to lose weight, reduce hot flashes, and protect your heart and bones. Manage Your Weight:   Increase your fiber intake. Your metabolism slows down as you age. Plus, after menopause, women tend to gain weight around their waistline, where it can have the most harmful health effects. Eating more fiber is one of the easiest ways to slim down because you’ll feel full while eating fewer calories. Load up on vegetables and fruit. In addition to providing important nutrients, vegetables and fruits are packed with fiber. Remember you can drink your vegetables but always eat your fruit.   Calculate your portions. At the same time, trying to avoid any treats can backfire because you’re more likely to start craving chips and candy. Enjoy your favorite foods

As a middle-aged person (40-60), you may wonder if it's too late to become a vegetarian. In reality, a meat-free diet could be especially beneficial for older adults. Several studies suggest that eating more plant-based foods can reduce the risk of age-related health conditions and may even help you live longer.   Of course, the details matter. You could call yourself a vegan if you ate French fries for three meals a day, but you'd hardly be a healthy one. It's still important to eat a balanced diet of nutrient-dense foods.   Find out what a vegetarian diet can do for you. Eating more plants may help you look and feel younger.   Vegetarian Eating for Middle-Aged Folks   There is ample evidence that vegetarians may be less prone to heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and certain cancers. The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine review found that a plant-based diet lowers the risk of heart attacks by 40% and the risk of type 2 diabetes by