How to Jump-Start Your Metabolism While in Menopause

Menopause, the stage in a woman's life when her monthly periods stop, usually around age 50, is a time of change. For many women, one of those changes is hormonal- and age-related weight gain, especially in the abdomen, which increases the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and some types of cancer. Jump-start your metabolism in menopause with targeted changes to your diet and exercise routine.

Engage in regular strength training. Resting metabolic rate, or the rate at which you burn calories, declines each year with the normal loss of muscle tissue that occurs as you get older. Counteract this trend by participating in regular strength training to preserve or build your muscle mass and burn more calories.

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Aim for 30 minutes of aerobic exercise most days. Aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking or using a rowing or elliptical machine, burns calories and can help you manage your weight. Dress in layers and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration from hot flashes that may occur during exercise.

Eat less. However, don't eat less than 1,200 calories per day. During your 50s, you need about 200 fewer calories each day than in your 30s or 40s. Choose nutrient-dense foods, which are rich in nutrients relative to calories, so you still get adequate nutrition. Eat an apple instead of pretzels, a potato instead of chips, extra veggies instead of a dinner roll and whole wheat bread instead of white. Don't reduce your calories below 1200, because extreme calorie-cutting can slow down your metabolism considerably.

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Consume fiber-rich foods. Foods high in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes, are relatively low in calories and high in volume, and take longer to eat. A high-fiber meal fills you up and curbs your appetite, which may help you maintain or lose weight.

Eat lean protein. Protein takes more effort for your body to digest, which adds up to more calories burned. Aim to get 16 to 20 percent of your calories from lean protein each day from foods such as skinless chicken and turkey, fish, low-fat dairy products and legumes.

Warnings

Consult your doctor before starting any exercise program.