Is the keto diet the secret to weight loss in menopause? Let’s find out!
Ketogenic (‘keto’) diets are having a major moment.
You’ve seen the headlines, right? "Burn fat faster than ever!" "Drop a dress size in weeks!" Sounds tempting. But let’s hit pause for a second.
Is it really that dramatic? That easy? Or is it another overhyped trend that’ll leave you weeping into your carb-free crackers? And I get it. As a woman in midlife myself, I've gone back and forth with the question is the keto diet really so great in menpause. So here's the lowdown. Spoiler alert: it can be but not always...
If you’ve been wondering:
Can I actually burn fat faster?
Will this make my midlife belly vanish?
Is keto the best thing to lose weight in menopause?
…then keep reading, my friend. I’ve got the lowdown on what keto is, whether it’s worth it, and – spoiler alert – if it’s even sustainable for us mere mortals.
What is the keto diet?
In a nutshell, the keto diet is the Beyoncé of low-carb diets: it’s bold, it’s dramatic, and it’s got everyone talking.
Here’s the deal: it’s ultra-low carb, moderate protein, and very high fat. Yes, you’re basically swapping your toast for butter and your pasta for… well, more butter.
Sound a bit like the Atkins diet? You’re not wrong. Keto is like Atkins’ cooler, more scientifically backed younger sibling. Recent research has shown keto’s potential for health conditions like:
Diabetes
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Neurological disorders (hello, brain boost!)
Cardiovascular risk management
But here’s the twist: keto’s not just about weight loss. Its fans rave about its therapeutic benefits, which might explain why some stick with it beyond just fitting into smaller jeans.
So… what is ketosis?
Glad you asked! Ketosis is your body’s backup energy plan.
Normally, your body loves carbs – they’re like the fast food of energy sources. Quick, easy, and everywhere. But when you cut carbs, your body has to hustle harder. It starts breaking down fat in the liver, creating ketones – a super-efficient energy source your brain actually prefers. (No wonder people on keto claim to feel sharper and more focused.)
What do you eat on keto diet in menopause?
Get ready for some serious commitment. The keto diet is high in fat and protein, with very little room for carbs. It’s filling, satisfying, and can keep those hunger cravings at bay. But what’s on the menu?
Keto-approved foods:
Meat, fish, poultry, and eggs
Leafy greens – spinach, kale, and all your above-ground veg like broccoli and cauliflower
High-fat dairy – cheese, cream, butter (basically, a dairy lover’s dream)
Avocado – the keto poster child
Nuts and seeds – but easy on the cashews, they’re sneaky high in carbs
Low-sugar berries – raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries are all good
Foods to avoid on the keto diet:
Carbs, obviously – that means bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, and your beloved pastries
Starchy veg – like carrots and sweetcorn
Most fruits – apart from those low-sugar berries
Sugary treats and drinks – including the sugar in your wine (sorry!)
Even some nuts, like cashews, and drinks like lattes and cappuccinos are no-go zones. And yes, alcohol gets a downgrade too – spirits are your best bet, but mixers need to be sugar-free.
Is keto right for you?
Now for the honest bit. Keto works and the keto diet in menopause can be bring results way beyond weight loss, but it’s not for everyone. And that's the tricky thing about nutrition. There's not ONE thing that all midlife women should do.
For starters, it’s strict – and by strict, I mean you’ll be Googling “carbs in spinach” at 9 pm just to make sure you don’t blow your macros. Plus, cutting out entire food groups can feel, well, a bit joyless (looking at you, pasta).
On the flip side, if you’re dealing with midlife weight gain, hormonal chaos, or metabolic sluggishness, keto can be a game-changer. But here’s the catch: it only works if you can actually stick with it.
The verdict on the keto diet in menopause & midlife
Keto can be a powerful tool for weight loss and improving certain health conditions, but it’s not a magic fix – and it’s definitely not one-size-fits-all. If you’re curious, start with small changes. Experiment. And always listen to your body.
Still wondering if keto is right for you? Get in touch – let’s figure out if this high-fat, low-carb life is a good fit for your midlife goals.
Are you a low carb or keto queen? 👑 Or maybe you're wondering whether it's the right step for you (especially if you want to lose weight in menopause / midlife). Check out this fab free resource, which will delve into exactly how to know whether keto is the best thing for you... Click the picture of the book below or the button to snag this guide.
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