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I am struggling with this issue myself at the moment. However, much as I am finding losing weight a little difficult, I think I know what I need to do, in order to lose some weight. One of the problems with the menopause is that your weight seems to redistribute itself around your body. Invariably your waist thickens, no matter whether you are fat or slim ,and your bust size increases. If you are not careful you will develop a matronly figure, which is almost square, with a large bust and thin legs. The best way to address these issues is when you are still on the menopause. Starting a healthy nutritious diet with plenty of gentle but regular exercise now, will pay dividends later.

So onto losing weight after the menopause.

If you begin a diet, aimed at losing weight, you must keep the vital nutrients and vitamins needed at this time of your life. After the menopause women need to protect their bones against the possible ravages of Osteoporosis. A calcium rich diet plus a vitamin supplement should do the trick if combined with weight bearing exercises. Tasks as simple as carrying the shopping or walking the dog will really help. Another consideration is your heart. Before the menopause a woman's level of Oestrogen will offer some protection against certain heart diseases and conditions. After the menopause that protection is no longer there. As such our diets need to be low in saturated fats and hydrogenated fats or trans fatty acids. Combining these first two pieces of advice will mean that you may lose weight, but wont damage your health.

To lose weight try to:
Eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit.
Restrict the amount of cheese, butter and saturated fats that you consume.
Watch out for hidden fats, sugars and salts in processed foods. As most labels give comprehensive details of the products nutrition this should be easy.
Avoid chocolates, sweets, biscuits and cakes. A little dark chocolate occasionally is a reasonably healthy treat. However only eat in moderation.
Avoid pies and pastries.
Cut down on your bread intake.
Avoid cream and full fat milk. Try Soya or Rice milk for a, healthy, low fat,change.
Eat lean meat such as skinned chicken.
Eat fish such as tuna, mackerel, sardines, pilchards and kippers, as they will help keep cholesterol levels low.
Avoid snacking between meals as it's easy to forget what you have nibbled.
Limit your alcohol intake. A little red wine will not harm you occasionally though.
Stay active.
Stay happy. Depression and mood swings can be

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