Meal plan grocery list
Greek yogurt
Mixed berries
Flaxseeds
Quinoa
Mixed vegetables
Tofu
Sesame ginger sauce
Salmon
Sweet potatoes
Broccoli
Spinach
Feta cheese
Eggs
Whole grain bread
Lentils
Vegetable soup mix
Mixed green salad
Chicken breast
Brussels sprouts
Kale
Banana
Almond milk
Protein powder
Chickpeas
Lemon
Tahini
Cod
Asparagus
Avocado
Smoked salmon
Turkey
Whole grain tortilla
Shrimp
Brown rice
Cottage cheese
Peaches
Almonds
Cherry tomatoes
Cucumber
Feta cheese
Olives
Steak
Yogurt
Walnuts
Tuna
Balsamic vinaigrette
Bell peppers
Oatmeal
Chia seeds
Honey
Chicken
Curry sauce
Tilapia
Spinach
Meal plan overview
Navigating menopause? Our 7-day meal plan focuses on hormone-balancing foods. It's tailored to support your body's changes during menopause.
Expect meals rich in calcium, fiber, and antioxidants, helping to manage symptoms and maintain overall health.
Foods to eat
- Lean Proteins: Choose lean protein sources like skinless poultry, fish, eggs, and tofu for muscle maintenance and repair.
- Low-Fiber Vegetables: Opt for cooked and peeled vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, and spinach to minimize fiber intake.
- White Rice and Pasta: Include well-cooked white rice and pasta as they are easier to digest compared to whole grains.
- Low-Fiber Fruits: Choose peeled and seedless fruits like bananas, melons, and applesauce for a lower fiber content.
- Probiotic-Rich Foods: Consume yogurt, kefir, and fermented foods to support gut health and balance the microbiome.
- Smooth Nut Butters: Include smooth nut butters like almond or peanut butter for a source of healthy fats and protein.
- Well-Cooked Eggs: Incorporate well-cooked eggs as they are a good source of protein and easy to digest.
- Hydration: Stay well-hydrated with water and herbal teas to support overall digestive health.
✅ Tip
Foods not to eat
- High-Fiber Foods: Limit high-fiber foods like whole grains, nuts, seeds, and raw vegetables as they may exacerbate symptoms.
- Spicy Foods: Avoid spicy foods, as they can irritate the digestive tract and potentially trigger symptoms.
- Dairy (if lactose intolerant): If lactose intolerant, limit or avoid dairy products to prevent digestive discomfort.
- High-Fat Foods: Limit high-fat foods, especially fried and greasy items, as they may be harder to digest.
- Caffeine: Limit or avoid caffeinated beverages, as they can stimulate the digestive system and potentially worsen symptoms.
- Alcohol: Limit alcohol consumption, as it may irritate the digestive tract and interact with medications.
- Processed Foods: Minimize intake of processed and packaged foods that may contain additives and preservatives.
- Artificial Sweeteners: Avoid artificial sweeteners, as they may cause digestive issues in some individuals.
Main benefits
The Meal Plan For Crohn's Disease is tailored to support individuals with Crohn's disease by focusing on foods that are easy on the digestive system. This plan emphasizes low-fiber, well-cooked options, including lean proteins and refined grains. By minimizing potential triggers and incorporating nutrient-dense choices, the plan aims to support digestive health and alleviate symptoms associated with Crohn's disease.
🎓 Recommended nutrient breakdown
Fat
Carbs
Protein
Fiber
Other
Food alternatives
To support women through menopause, incorporating nutrient-dense foods can help manage symptoms and promote overall health. Here are some suitable alternatives:
- Replace Greek yogurt with soy yogurt for a plant-based, phytoestrogen-rich option.
- Instead of flaxseeds, try chia seeds for a similar nutrient profile with added omega-3 fatty acids.
- Switch whole grain bread with sprouted grain bread for better nutrient absorption.
- Use tempeh instead of tofu for a higher protein, fermented option.
- Substitute feta cheese with goat cheese for a creamy, easier-to-digest alternative.
How to budget on this meal plan
Extra tips
Any healthy snack ideas?
Healthy snacks for menopause focusing on nutrient density:
- Edamame with sea salt
- Walnuts and dried cranberries
- Greek yogurt with flaxseeds
- Carrot sticks with hummus
- Whole grain crackers with avocado
- Chia pudding made with almond milk
- Cottage cheese with pineapple
What should I drink on this meal plan?
During Menopause, beverages that support overall health are beneficial. Water is essential for hydration and maintaining bodily functions. Soy milk can be helpful due to its phytoestrogens. Herbal teas, particularly those with black cohosh, can alleviate menopausal symptoms. Green tea offers antioxidants, and bone broth can provide calcium and other minerals.
How to get even more nutrients?
Meal plan suggestion
7-Day Meal Plan for Menopause
Day 1
- Breakfast: Greek yogurt parfait with mixed berries and a sprinkle of flaxseeds
- Lunch: Quinoa and vegetable stir-fry with tofu and sesame ginger sauce
- Dinner: Baked salmon with roasted sweet potatoes and steamed broccoli
Calories: 1800 Fat: 65g Carbs: 145g Protein: 110g
Day 2
- Breakfast: Spinach and feta omelette with whole grain toast
- Lunch: Lentil and vegetable soup with a side of mixed green salad
- Dinner: Grilled chicken breast with quinoa and roasted Brussels sprouts
Calories: 1900 Fat: 70g Carbs: 150g Protein: 120g
Day 3
- Breakfast: Smoothie with kale, banana, almond milk, and a scoop of protein powder
- Lunch: Chickpea and vegetable salad with a lemon-tahini dressing
- Dinner: Baked cod with quinoa and steamed asparagus
Calories: 1800 Fat: 60g Carbs: 140g Protein: 115g
Day 4
- Breakfast: Whole grain toast with avocado and smoked salmon
- Lunch: Turkey and vegetable wrap with whole grain tortilla
- Dinner: Shrimp and vegetable stir-fry with brown rice
Calories: 2000 Fat: 75g Carbs: 155g Protein: 125g
Day 5
- Breakfast: Cottage cheese with sliced peaches and a handful of almonds
- Lunch: Quinoa salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, feta cheese, olives, and grilled chicken
- Dinner: Grilled steak with sweet potato wedges and roasted vegetables
Calories: 1900 Fat: 72g Carbs: 140g Protein: 120g
Day 6
- Breakfast: Yogurt and berry smoothie with a handful of walnuts
- Lunch: Mediterranean tuna salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and balsamic vinaigrette
- Dinner: Grilled vegetable and quinoa-stuffed bell peppers
Calories: 1800 Fat: 65g Carbs: 135g Protein: 110g
Day 7
- Breakfast: Oatmeal with sliced bananas, chia seeds, and a drizzle of honey
- Lunch: Chicken and vegetable curry with brown rice
- Dinner: Baked tilapia with quinoa and sautéed spinach
Calories: 1850 Fat: 68g Carbs: 150g Protein: 115g
These values are approximate and can vary slightly based on specific portion sizes and preparation methods.
Want to learn more?
⚠️ Keep in mind
Article reviewed
- Written by our editorial team.
- Published on Dec 19, 2023
- Updated on Nov 22, 2024