Menopause: Recipes and Advice to Relieve Symptoms: Food Solutions

Physically, psychologically, and emotionally, all women go through huge changes during menopause. Fortunately, diet can alleviate many of the symptoms, and make this rite of passage more comfortable, by balancing your hormones and replacing important vitamins and minerals. Three factors are crucial: watching the amount and types of fat you eat; choosing foods (like tofu) that contribute directly to estrogen and progesterone levels; and adding specific nutrients that benefit your body during this time. Because osteoporosis can become a problem post-menopause, you'll need to boost calcium levels--but not with high-fat dairy products; instead try sardines, broccoli, salmon, lentils, and nuts. You'll find food suggestions and fully laid-out menus for implementing them here, as well as tasty, health-giving recipes that include soups, risottos, pastas, and low-fat (but high-taste!) desserts.