Nutritionists have named the worst time to eat during menopause

0

Menopause can take a toll on a woman's body: some experience hot flashes, mood swings, and weight gain.

As women get older, they may start to notice that the numbers on the scale are going up, even if their eating habits haven't changed. In the years leading up to and during menopause, women may begin to gain weight, which can continue at a rate of 1.5 kilograms each year for fifty years.

The reason women gain weight during menopause is due to hormonal changes that mean they gain weight in the abdominal area rather than in the hips and thighs.

However, it should be noted that lifestyle and genetic factors can influence weight gain. While there are a variety of diets and supplements that experts recommend for menopausal weight gain, changing the time of day you eat can help combat menopausal weight gain.

A registered dietitian says that “when you eat matters.” If you undereat early in the day or overly restrict your food intake to lose weight, you’re more likely to overeat later in the day and at night.

“Because of the impact of circadian rhythms on our metabolism, nighttime is the worst time of day to catch up on calories,” says a registered dietitian.

The reason we eat is because of our body's natural circadian rhythms. Eating consistently will regulate energy levels and prevent people from eating too much when they're hungry.

“Meal timing is gaining popularity due to its role in weight control, blood glucose regulation, improved sleep and possibly reduced cancer risk.”

Eating late at night can make it harder to lose weight. The doctor said women should avoid eating too much and too late, as eating late at night “is a killer when trying to lose weight.”

Afternoon snacking can also make it harder to lose weight, especially if you eat mindlessly. What a woman does from 3 p.m. each day can “determine how big her belly is.” She added, “That’s when most women tend to overeat and snack.”

To avoid snacking in the afternoon, the doctor suggested eating for eight to 12 hours a day and then not eating for the rest of the day. While this is great advice for anyone looking to lose weight, she said it's especially important during menopause.

“One way women can follow this rule is to finish eating by 7 p.m. and not eat again until 7 a.m., so there's a 12-hour window. It's best to talk to your therapist or doctor before trying this method so you can discuss any risks.”