Grocery shopping - you either love or dread it, right?
It can be a love-hate relationship. So many aisles, so many products, and let's not even start with all the marketing promises on packages. And let's not forget about shopping when hungry - suddenly your cart is filled with extra goodies!
I want to help you keep it simple.
If you're in your 40s and beyond, it's time to focus on foods that will your gut happy.
Why? During perimenopause and menopause, our gut changes. We can end up with more bad microbes, or our gut lining might become more permeable. Plus, our gut plays a role in how our bodies process estrogen. All of this can make your symptoms even worse.
Here are 7 foods to add to your grocery list every time you shop:
1. Fermented Foods - Loaded with probiotics to help keep your gut bacteria balanced.
- Sauerkraut
- Kefir
-Tempeh
2. Whole Grains - Full of fibre to help with regularity and feed those good gut bacteria.
- Oats
- Barley
- Quinoa
3. Lean Protein - Provides the amino acids needed to repair and maintain your gut lining.
- Lean meats
- Fish
-Eggs
4. Prebiotic Vegetables: Rich in fibre that feeds the good bacteria in your gut.
- Garlic
- Leeks
- Asparagus
5. Cruciferous Vegetables - Packed with fibre, antioxidants and sulforaphane to support gut health and reduce inflammation.
- Broccoli
- Brussel sprouts
- Cabbage
6. Fruits - A great source of fibre and antioxidants to boost your gut health and reduce inflammation
- Berries
- Apples
- Pineapple
7. Calcium-rich foods- Important for maintaining bone density, which becomes crucial during perimenopause and menopause
- Leafy greens (like kale and collard greens)
- Greek yogurt
- Fortified plant-based milk
By including these powerhouse foods in your grocery cart, you’re setting yourself up for better gut health, stronger bones and help ing yourself feel your best.
Next time you are at the grocery store, start adding these must-have foods to your cart and see the difference in how you feel!
