The Menopause Diet

This book is still on target for being written in 1999. I lost 27 pounds and have not regained it since I followed Dr. Gillespie's very sound, documented advice. It's all about our hormones, and how they affect our health. The chapter on "Are Hormones Making You Fat?" is worth gold, as it explains why a little ERT ( not HRT..doesn't anyone at MassEDU read???)goes a long way towards protecting us from the diseases brought on by aging and lack of exercise. This plan gets women away from "counting" calories and instead relies upon using protein to start a meal in order to stimulate the release of glucagon, a hormone that helps to lower your insulin response. I learned that progesterone makes me feel bloated and slows down my stomach's emptying, which leads to MORE weight gain. Now I baste in low dose estradiol, exercise and eat fresh fruits, protein and good fats at will and never looked better! Anyone who says this book is pro HRT NEEDS some estrogen because they are going blind! This book was ahead of its time, presenting the dangers of progestins and premarin, yet explaining that nothing is risk free. Don't pass up this book if you want a healthy time during menopause.

The Menopause Diet isn't a week-long Slim-Fast approach to losing that extra 5 lbs. to get into your bathing suit this spring. As those of us who have struggled with mid-life weight gain know, the quick-fix approach just doesn't work. As our bodies change, our eating has to change as well. The Menopause Diet book doesn't contain day-by-day or week-by-week eating plans, but rather it tells you what things to eat and what things to eliminate from your diet to get rid of your "Buddha Belly." Dr. Gillespie gives each of us the tools to make this new way of eating part of our lives; she doesn't dictate each and every mouthful of food. The recipes in The Menopause Diet are wonderful: fresh, healthy, without additives or conveniece products. For a more detailed "diet plan," I recommend The Menopause Diet Mini-Meal Cookbook, which actually gives some daily menu recommendations. The recipes in this book are really good as well. The same goes for The Gladiator Diet book, which is aimed at men. While Dr. Gillespie does use recipes that call for ingredients that might not be familiar to everyone, it is well worth the effort to find those ingredients and make the recipes. An added benefit is that the flavors and ingredients that might be new and different for some people, help to keep your mind off the fact that you aren't eating the high-carb, pot-belly-producing meals that got you to the point of buying a diet book in the first place. The Mini-Meal plan keeps you from being hungry, and the diet really, REALLY works to remove that menopausal pot belly. I can't recommend it enough. In addition to The Menopause Diet (which gives the whys and hows of the plan), and The Menopause Diet Mini-Meal Cookbook, which gives menu suggestions and many, many recipes, I recommend adding The Gladiator Diet book as well--if not for your spouse, or other male relative or friend--get it for the recipes! Try the Thai Waterfall Salad--it's really fantastic!

We, of the Baby Boom generation, have been in denial for quite some time. We refuse to believe that aging can actually happen to us! We still FEEL young, we think we still LOOK young, we even listen to rock and roll! But one day, (and it seems to happen overnight) we look down and our bodies have changed. In place of the slim, lithe body that could wear a bikini or a pair of hiphugger jeans, is what Dr. Gillespie called the "Buddha Belly." Either we continue with denial and wear loose tunics over elastic-waist pants and skirts for the rest of our lives, or we do something about it. The first thing to do is to buy "The Menopause Diet." The good news is: It isn't really our fault. The bad news is: Yes, we do have to change the way we eat. Dr. Gillespie explains in a clear, funny, self-deprecating, we're-all-in-this-together way, that our bodies metabolize carbohydrates differently once the hormonal balance has shifted to "menopause." Dr. Gillespie points clearly to the foods to avoid and the foods to enjoy. Changing our eating habits from three squares to smaller meals throughout the day is also one of her recommendations. But the most compelling reason to buy "The Menopause Diet" book, is that her recommendations work. And they work FAST. With a moderate amount of exercise to accompany the dietary changes, the weight just falls away, revealing the slim, if not quite as youthful, body we each remember.

"The Menopause Diet" is an excellent guide for women to a healthier life. I purchased Dr. Gillespie's first book, "You Don't Have to Live With Cystitis", many years ago. I still use it as an invaluable reference. When I heard of her new book, "The Menopause Diet", I had to have it. I had just turned 40 and had started experiencing bloating and weight gain. The book did not disappoint. In her usual easy to read, witty style Dr. Gillespie explains what changes our bodies are going thru during this time in our lives and, most importantly, what to do to get and stay healthier. She discusses many aspects of menopause including diet, hormone replacement, nutritional supplements and exercise. I am now confident, with this book as a reference, I can make healthy lifestyle changes and educated decisions to gracefully make it thru menopause.

I was so encouraged to know that I was not the only one who was suffering from that horrific "menopausal weight gain." I, like many others have tried all sort of diets and plans to get back my girlish figure. Dr. Gillespie has approached the subject of menopause, the dreaded time of life for women, and given us all hope and encouragment. She helps us to know that we are not helpless and can look forward to a lean and healthy body. The doctor's book is very informative, containing much scientific data, but more importantly, it is written with a sense of humor and applications to which each and every woman can apply. It is a fast read to glean out those pertinent facts that all women are seeking, but also a great source of reference when further questions arise regarding the menopause. Larrian has shared many personal experiences with the reader. This helps us all to understand why our bodies work so differently from those of the opposite sex. She is a brilliant writer -- charming, witty and encouraging to all. When my mother read "The Menopause Diet", she was impressed by all the unique and tasty recipes. I would recommend this book wholeheartedly for women of all ages. It truly is a must read for every female.