I know, I know.

You've been there before, you're in a room full of people and your body starts to heat up from having hot flashes so much that it's uncomfortable. 

The only way for me at this point is if I take off my cardigan or let the car window down but by the time you take off one layer or lower it down to let an open window for ventilation, everything has cooled off again!

How have you dealt with your own internal personal struggle -- did someone give you any advice? Or did something just work out on its own without trying too hard?

It's not just once or twice either; this happens all the time! If only there was some kind of food that could help with these issues…

Oh wait! There is! 

As a woman over 40, I know that there are many things you can do to make yourself feel more comfortable during menopause.

One thing is eating the right foods - and not just for your physical well-being but also for your emotional well-being.

There's been an upsurge in women seeking help from their doctors after being prescribed antidepressants or mood stabilizers because of hormone changes.

I don't know about you but that's not something that I want to experience.

Honestly, I feel that menopause is an exciting time in a woman's life. And personally I don't feel that it has to change your lifestyle or taste buds!

I'm here to help you navigate the most natural part of being a woman with grace and style

I want to empower women to feel their best, no matter what stage of life they are in or how old they are.

So when we experience these huge hormonal shifts it affects how our digestive system works as well as brain chemistry." 

In this blog I'm going to share with you some of the best foods to eat if you're experiencing menopausal symptoms so that next time someone asks what did you make for dinner or what do you want for dinner, you have a few good options in mind to add into your existing menu plan. 

The best way to help women with menopause feel feminine and confident is by eating a balanced diet. 

Foods to help manage menopause symptoms so they don’t get in the way of enjoying life

Have you ever noticed that when women go through menopause, it can be difficult to feel feminine and confident?

That’s because the hormonal changes associated with menopause may lead to weight gain, thinning hair or hot flashes.

Fortunately for those ladies who are feeling less than their best during this time of life, there are plenty of foods available on the market today which offer relief from these symptoms.

With a little bit of creativity in your cooking routine (or grocery list), you too can whip up some delicious dishes that will help quell any discomfort associated with hormone fluctuations! 

The best way to help women with menopause feel feminine and confident is by eating a balanced diets. Here's what they are and how to make them work for YOU.

01 Mixing up Your Whole Grains

It can be difficult to maintain your weight and energy levels during the menopausal years. Quinoa is one of my favorite healthy grains that can make this time in your life that much easier! The days of counting on a hot flash to keep you warm during the winter months are long gone and it's time to find other ways to stay comfortable.

Quinoa is one food that can help menopausal women with their symptoms because of its high protein content and low glycemic index. This is one grain with lots of protein to help build muscle mass which decreases as you age increasing the risk for osteoporosis in menopause.

02 The One Healthy Fat That Is A Must

At first, I was pretty skeptical about trying the avocado. It seemed like a weird thing to eat for breakfast or lunch and it definitely didn't seem like something that would help me through menopause symptoms!

But after hearing about all of its benefits, I decided to give it a try. And guess what? Not only are avocados super tasty but they actually do make my menopausal symptoms better. My skin is less dry, my hair feels thicker and healthier--and best of all--my hot flashes have decreased significantly since adding these healthy green fruits into my diet!

Avocados are a great source of healthy fats, fiber, and folate. They also contain potassium which is good for your heart health. If you're in menopause or post-menopause avocado can help with menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings!

This is the one fat that actually create healthy fats so your cells have enough energy to function properly. As your body changes so do your energy levels do, for doing what you love most...enjoying life. 

03 Purple Eggplants Isn't Just For Royalty 

Eating eggplant during menopause can be a great way to ease the symptoms of hot flashes and mood swings. Eggplants contain phytoestrogens, which are plant-based estrogens that help balance estrogen levels in women going through menopause.

The high fiber content in eggplant also helps reduce bloating and water retention as well as improve bowel function, all common problems for those experiencing menopause. 

Eggplants are low in calories but high in fiber which makes them very filling and they also contain important nutrients like vitamin B1, copper, manganese, potassium and magnesium. Eating eggplant during menopause can be part of an overall lifestyle change that will improve your well being.

04 Fish Doesn't' Have To Smell Fishy

Omega 3s reduce inflammation in the body by decreasing levels of irritable hormones which cause pain/discomfort during menopause. Seared, poached, and baked or raw is how I enjoy them. I love Salmon for it's Omega 3 fatty acids because it helps reduce symptoms like mood swings, anxiety, depression and insomnia.

Wild caught is a better quality so try adding a piece of wild caught salmon or two into your diet if you've also been having issues with inflammation in your body. This will help by decreasing levels of irritable hormones which cause pain/discomfort during menopause.

05 A Little Kick Of Ginger Never Hurt Anybody

If you're like most women, your menopause symptoms are more than just annoying. They're debilitating. Ginger has been used as medicine for thousands of years because it works wonders on everything from morning sickness (yes, still) to arthritis pain relief. It also helps ease the uncomfortable feelings associated with menopause that so many experience every month!

The hot flashes, the mood swings, and night sweats all make it difficult to do anything besides lay around in bed all day. It's not an easy thing to deal with for anyone involved; but thankfully there is a solution!

You can find ginger capsules at any health food store or online at places like Amazon - just be sure to read reviews before making your purchase! This delicious root has been found to decrease hot flashes in postmenopausal women by up to 50%.

When adding to food, grating them is one way to get the maximum absorbency. You may have heard that ginger can help with the symptoms of menopause, but do you know exactly how?

Ginger is a root that has been used for thousands of years to treat nausea and other stomach issues. When it comes to menopause, ginger can help with irritability, hot flashes, night sweats and mood swings. The compounds in ginger work together synergistically to give you relief from these symptoms! 

06 It's Time For You To Live A Decadent Chocolate Life

Do you have hot flashes? Do you get irritable? Do your mood swings make it hard for you to be a good mom, wife or friend? Well don't worry. There is a solution that can help with these symptoms and increase your energy level!

It's chocolate! Yes, the wonderful food we love so much has been shown to alleviate many of the unpleasant side effects of menopause. In fact, studies show that eating chocolate daily can reduce menopausal symptoms by up to 70%! So go ahead and buy yourself some delicious chocolates today because it will make both you and everyone around you happier.

You're probably thinking, "How can chocolate help me?" If you are a woman between the age of 35-55, then you are likely experiencing some symptoms that have to do with menopause. These could include hot flashes or night sweats. You might even be having trouble sleeping at night due to these symptoms!

This is super common and there's nothing wrong with you for feeling this way...but what can we do about it? Well, I've got some great news...chocolate has been shown in research studies to help ease those pesky menopausal symptoms so you can feel good again!!

That's right ladies--chocolate isn't just tasty; it also makes us feel better

Hot flashes make you feel like your temperature has suddenly increased to an uncomfortable level. They can be very intense and last for several minutes at a time as well as happen multiple times per day.

So, give yourself permission without guilt to indulge in a piece  high quality dark chocolate with at least 75% cocoa content every once in awhile because it has phenylethylamine which can improve your mood.

07 Herbs Will Be The Best Friend You'll Ever Have

Try herbs like chamomile tea or peppermint oil capsules if you want something other than medication to help sleep better at night. Herbs are synergistic so when they are combined the effects are felt moreso. 

 I know that many women who are going through menopause have a difficult time feeling comfortable in their own skin, and I want to share with you 7 foods that can help.

These foods will not only make you feel better, they're also great for your overall health.

Other foods like nuts, eggs, green vegetables that are plant based, whole grains and flaxseed could also be helpful for your body's health as well as yours!

I hope this article has given you some insight on the foods that can help menopausal women feel more feminine and confident. If you are interested in learning how to cook these healthy dishes, learn more about The Color Me Beautiful cooking class! 

Join us at our next event by clicking here or schedule a call to speak with us about your wellness needs if you have any questions!