The low carb diet
Studies have shown that low carb diets are one of the most effective plans for weight loss and to reduce belly fat, according to Healthline. During a recent study, postmenopausal women who were following a low carb diet lost over 20 stone within six weeks.
Another study analysed the paleo diet and concluded it produced even a greater reduction in abdominal fat after a two year period than a low-fat diet.
The low-fat diet provides 55 to 60 percent of calories from carbs while the paleo provides 30 percent.
The Mediterranean diet
The Mediterranean diet is known for improving health and reducing the risk of heart disease. However, studies have shown it is also one of the most effective diet plans for weight loss, especially during menopause.
According to Healthline, one study of women aged 55 years and older saw a significant reduction in abdominal fat.
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Nutritionist Brynn McDowell said about the “delicious” Mediterranean diet: “We often find that taking a look at your meals as a whole is a great starting place. Look at what you eat in a day and then a week, paying attention to how often you include fruits and veggies, how often do you eat red meat…
“Increase fruits and vegetables, enjoy fish at least two times a week, focus on healthy fats, use fresh herbs and spices for flavour and choose whole grains when possible,” she recommended.
A vegan or vegetarian diet
Vegan and vegetarian diets are also highly beneficial for weight loss.
Studies in postmenopausal women reported significant weight loss among those who followed a vegan diet during a prolonged period of time.
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The vegan or vegetarian plan also helps reduce menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes.
Emma Scrivener, 64, explained how she managed to lose five stone during menopause.
She said: “I don’t think anyone really prepares you for the changes that you will go through when you start to experience menopause symptoms.
“I was peri-menopausal for a number of years and then started full blown menopause at 55.
“I can remember standing by my open bedroom window, not a stitch of clothing on and my hubby asking what I was doing.”
Emma, along with her husband Tony, their daughter Katie Thomas and Katie’s husband Shaun Thomas, decided to create The DA Group weight loss plan and developed specially formulated supporting supplements to slim down.
Following the plan, Emma lost more weight than she had ever hoped.
She explained: “The diet is easy to follow, and I set myself small targets of half a stone each as sometimes to look at a big block of weight can be very overwhelming. Before I knew it, I had lost my first stone and realised I could do it!
“The plan still allows everyday foods and you can still have chocolate if you want to.
“Instead of missing food thinking it would help me lose weight, I was eating three good meals a day with snacks and enjoying all the different foods I could have. I never thought I was missing out on anything, and my hubby was so impressed he joined me as well and he lost three and a half stone.”
Emma explained changing her way of eating “helped with other menopausal symptoms”.
“My hot flushes seemed to decrease, I had more energy, I was sleeping better, and my blood pressure dropped back to normal levels. After losing five stone, I feel so much better in myself and have dropped from a size 24 to a 16, which I never thought I could do.”