Struggling with weight gain? What can you do?

As a nutritionist I find the most common question I get is; “which diet do you think is the best to go on?”

I love this question because it gives me an opportunity to address so many areas that I feel really passionate about.

Firstly, when I take on a new client we don’t really talk about changing a diet as opposed to creating new long-term lifestyle habits. For some; the word “diet”may have very restrictive connotations. My eating plans are not designed to restrict but rather to nourish. Enjoyment of good quality clean healthy food is paramount to the success of the program.  I encourage people to really relish their food, nourish their bodies and find the eating plan that works for them. We are all unique, there is no ‘one size fits all’ model and the only way to find out which size fits YOU is to get to know you and to create an eating program designed for longevity, designed so that you will be able to stick to it, something that will fit in with your unique lifestyle. You may travel a lot, have many work related late night commitments that involve food, that require you to be out regularly. You may have health issues, you may be going through perimenopause, menopause or surgical menopause. You may be struggling with chronic health conditions, food intolerances and dietary restrictions. Your likes, dislikes and food preferences are all taken into consideration as well when planning your lifestyle health program.

Did you know that your changing hormone picture may also have an effect on the foods that you eat and your metabolism? Many of our patients at the Australian Menopause Centre complain that they have been eating a certain way for the past 20 years and have never gained an ounce, yet now whilst going through peri-menopause or menopause proper, they are suddenly, it seems gaining weight? The truth is, that when we are heading into menopause we need to make changes that will support our bodies. Sometimes it’s really small changes –its about being mindful. Most of my clients don’t realise that they are actually eating a lot more than they think they are eating. When we start writing it all down and investigating; it becomes evident why they have put on a kilogram a year for the past 10 years…it just creeps up.

Its insidious – it’s the extra biscuit at tea time, it’s the ice cream after dinner, it’s the extra teaspoon of sugar in your tea – it doesn’t seem like much but it all adds up over the years. On many occasions making small daily adjustments will have a big impact on your weight and long-term health.

We coach and mentor you to embrace ‘taking responsibility for your own health’. Gone are the days when you go to the dietitian or nutritionist to be weighed measured and scolded for eating the wrong foods. Here at Australian Menopause Centre, we encourage you to take full responsibility for your health as we guide, support and mentor you through the process.

In my practice I run a 12-week program for many people who struggle with their eating, their weight and who have been diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. It is quite common for women to struggle with this condition whilst going through menopause.

12 weeks gives you enough time to break old habits and form new ones whilst being fully supported and encouraged.

My goal is to educate, support and empower you to make healthy choices.

Book into my Wednesday clinic anytime between 11am – 1pm for your free consult. If you live in the Sydney area – come in and get your free Body Volume Scan which gives you a real life 3D image of yourself, your fat %, muscle distribution, measurements and the risks you carry for long term health.

Remember metabolic syndrome is a LIFESTYLE disease – the good news is that it can be reversed by addressing lifestyle issues like weight, diet, exercise and stress levels. Practice preventative, lifestyle medicine with us at AMC.