One thing I have going for me in my fight against perimenopause is that I’m naturally drawn to healthy food.
It doesn’t happen very often, but every once in a while, I feel that maybe I should take a break from all that bitching and complaining about perimenopause and midlife crisis, and write something positive.
Don’t worry, it never lasts long!
Still, I figure it might not be a bad idea to acknowledge that some things in my life are actually going well.
Like, for example, the fact that I eat better and healthier than most Americans.
(Granted, the bar isn’t set very high.)
In midlife, healthy nutrition is more important than ever, especially for those of us trying to combat our raging hormones, lose weight, get back in shape, and stay as healthy as possible for years to come.
In the past couple of years, I have read tons of books and articles written by nutritionists, health coaches, and/or physicians specializing in working with midlife women, and while there are some differences in opinions, most experts seem to agree that we should stay away from processed foods, added sugar, and white flour; eat a of fruits and veggies, hydrate, and get enough protein.
Which is finally something I can be happy about, because I have been eating like that for a long time. Every time I read about the importance of fresh vegetables or the danger of excess sugar, I feel all smug and self-righteous, and think way ahead of you, bitches!
It feels good, especially considering that I suck at everything else — haven’t been to the gym in ages, can’t sleep through the night, and my cortisol is probably all over the place due to me being unemployed and stressed out.
But hey, at least I have my one apple a day!
Even though most experts agree on the basics, there are still plenty of controversies. I have read articles written by physicians passionately defending a vegan diet. I have read articles written by physicians claiming that a vegan diet leads to nothing but an early grave.
The jury is still out on whether dairy is good or bad for us.
It can be overwhelming to make the right choices when there is so much information out there.
If I had to put a label on what I eat, I would probably say that I’m (mostly) following the Mediterranean diet.
The funny thing is that I have never consciously decided to follow the Mediterranean, or any diet — I just started cooking from scratch and using whole ingredients, and then one day I read an article about the benefits of the Mediterranean diet and realized that I had been on it in the past couple of years, without even realizing it. Go figure.
The Mediterranean diet is a lifestyle, not a diet in the traditional sense. It emphasizes fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, healthy fats, and lean protein.
I have Greek yogurt for breakfast every morning, and I love me some feta cheese. I eat mostly fish, chicken, and turkey, and when I want red meat, I usually opt for lamb or goat (it doesn’t get more Mediterranean than that, does it!?). I have multiple servings of fruits and vegetables every day. I don’t eat anything processed, and/or deep-fried (except for a rare treat — deep-fried chicken gizzards from the Chicago Grill up the street). I don’t drink soda, ever.
As for sugar, I treat it like some of my friends treat cocaine: A special substance for special occasions.
Overall, I would say I’m doing pretty well!
Both my doctor and my dentist agree that when it comes to nutrition, I am a model patient.
Which, and now I’m back to my cranky self, is what makes it even more frustrating that I have gained all the extra weight and can’t get rid of it. Come on, I haven’t touched ice cream in years — how is that fair!?
Of course, intellectually, I know that it’s my hormones, not food, and I still have a long way to go before achieving a healthy balance. But it still drives me nuts.
And now, excuse me, I have a lentil vegetable soup to make for dinner, and all that chopping is going to keep me busy for a while, so I have to take a break from writing.
I would love to hear from you! What food do you consider healthy, and what do you do to stay on track?
I dont eat healthy, but I have been reading more and more to cut down on carbs, some dont eat any of them and have had great results with blood work and many have lost wt. Some say more protein. Makes sense to me, it keeps you full. I dont forsee myself ever giving up red meat. I like it too much.
It would be very difficult for me as well! Thanks for reading 🙂