The menopause is an ideal time to take stock of eating habits and begin some gradual changes to help ensure the best health possible while entering this new phase of life. Taking steps to achieve a healthy diet, a good level of fitness and an ideal body weight can help to ease immediate symptoms such as hot flushes, and improve longer term health, such as reducing risk of developing osteoporosis (brittle bones) and heart disease.

5 a Day

Eating five portions of fruit and vegetables every day means that you are more likely to be getting enough fibre and the essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants which are important during the menopause. On average we eat around three portions a day so for most of us there is still room for a little more.

One portion is equivalent to one whole apple or banana, a large slice of mango or pineapple, a couple of plums or satsumas, three heaped tablespoons of cooked vegetables, a side bowl of mixed salad or a bowl of vegetable soup.