Quiz any menopausal gal and you’ll find, when it comes to food and drink, most of us will have an achilles heel 
and it will be different for everyone 
… Alcohol is mine and I’m pretty sure will be for some of you too??? I used to love a glass or two … or three of wine but I’m afraid nowadays it really doesn’t like me 
?!!!!
I managed my symptoms for a long time without HRT and back then just a sniff of alcohol would bring me out in a hot flush 
… no actually floods of sweat 
and completely wreck my sleep 
.
I can tolerate it better now 
however it doesn’t take more than one or two glasses to make me feel rotten, bloated, makes my joints ache and let’s not even mention the weight gain 
.
I haven’t given alcohol up completely … I’ll still have a drink when I’m out for a meal etc … but this is knowing there will be consequences for the next day or so (my choice 
)!!!!!
I am sharing this with you because I’d hate to come across as a ‘zealot’ when sharing tips/info. I just hope the info helps you like it’s helped me 
… Here you go:-
Alcohol consumption can contribute to weight gain during menopause in a number of ways.
Firstly please read day 3 tips about sugar, alcohol and insulin resistance.
Empty calories. Alcohol contains empty calories, meaning it provides calories but few or no nutrients. This can make it easy to over consume calories and gain weight.
Impaired fat metabolism. Regular alcohol interferes with the body’s ability to metabolise fat. This means that more fat is likely to be stored, especially around the midsection.
Increased appetite. Alcohol can stimulate appetite, making you more likely to overeat.
Poor sleep quality. Alcohol can disrupt sleep, which can lead to weight gain. When you don’t get enough sleep, your body produces more of the stress hormone cortisol, which promotes fat storage.
Alcohol can seriously trigger menopause symptoms, such as hot flushes and night sweats. These symptoms can disrupt sleep and make it difficult to exercise, both of which can contribute to weight gain.
Alcohol can also act as a depressant which is the last thing you want to deal with if low mood happens to already be one of your menopause symptoms.
Here are some tips for limiting alcohol intake:
Simply set limits:-
Buy a mini bottle rather than a large bottle of wine etc.
If you drink every night cut back by drinking every other.
Only purchase the amount you intend to drink that eve … when it’s gone it’s gone.
Alternate alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic drinks, such as water or soda.
Switch up your alcohol choice for a less calorific version … eg a splash of wine in a long glass with soda rather than a large glass of wine.
Don’t drink on an empty stomach
Don’t keep alcohol in the house.
When going out volunteer yourself as the designated driver.
Set yourself a limit and share this with the folk you’re going out with (no arm twisting).
Set yourself an overall weekly unit limit.
Find other ways to relax and socialise, such as exercising, and meeting friends for a walk or going to a coffee shop rather than a bar or pub.
I really hope some of these tips help you out, let me know if they do.
Jayne xxxxx
#menopause #menopausefitness #menopausediet #midsectionweightgain #getfitwithjayne #fitnesstips #menopausetips #alcohol