Eat to Thrive During Menopause

Dietitian Huber offers an approachable guide to diet and meal planning aimed at alleviating perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms. After entering perimenopause—the transitional phase between one’s reproductive years and menopause—in her late 30s, Huber explored hormonal treatments, but ultimately saw her symptoms improve after embracing a diet rich in protein, fiber, calcium, soy, phytoestrogens, and omega-3 fatty acids. She clearly outlines the stages of menopause—early perimenopause, late perimenopause, and postmenopause—and their common symptoms, including hot flashes, sleep problems, mood changes, and weight gain. Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone, she explains, create such short-term changes as brain fog and vaginal discomfort. They can also affect long-term health by increasing the risk of heart disease and bone density loss. The latter half of the book comprises 55 recipes that put into practice the guidance offered in the first half of the book. Divided into categories such as breakfast, salads and small plates, and sweets and snacks, the recipes are plant-forward and easy-to-follow. This is a welcome resource for any woman entering midlife. (Oct.)