Fiber for Weight Gain during Menopause

When designing a diet for menopause, women often think about which foods they’ll cut out of their daily meals to lose weight. But what about the foods you should add to your diet? If you're battling weight gain during menopause, it’s a good idea to consider adding more fiber to your diet. Read on to find out why.

Why is fiber good for me?

Fiber is made of cellulose, a part of the plant cell wall that human beings cannot digest. Every time we eat foods that contain fiber, our bodies act like a deconstruction crew, breaking down the foods and carrying away valuable nutrients for later use. Fiber, however, goes relatively untouched by the digestive system. This can result in multiple benefits for the woman looking to curb her caloric intake.

Fiber, because it is not easily broken down, remains in the stomach longer than most foods, and thus keeps your hunger satiated for a longer period of time. It also makes you feel full quicker than eating other foods. When you are planning a healthy diet to combat weight gain, fiber can give you more ‘bang for your buck.’ For example, one slice of fiber-packed whole grain bread can satisfy your eating urges longer than two slices of white bread.

In addition to its effects on appetite, fiber also binds itself to cholesterol and causes it to move through the digestive system quicker. Because it has less time to be absorbed into the body, much of that cholesterol is ‘flushed out’ as waste.

How can I pack the most fiber into my diet?

Before you start planning your new fiber-rich diet, remember that the key to losing weight is maintaining a balance. A balance between eating and exercising is critical, as well as a balance between fiber and other nutritious foods. Some of the food groups with the most fiber include legumes (beans and peas), vegetables, whole grains and nuts.

More Information about Weight Gain during Menopause:

There are three primary types of weight gain that women experience during menopause: an increase in fat deposits, an increase in muscle tissue and an increase in water retention. All three of these types of weight gain can be traced to hormonal fluctuations. Click the following link to find out more about menopausal weight gain treatments available.

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