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One day meal plan for menopause

The following one day meal plan for menopause incorporates foods that are rich in calcium, iron, and phytoestrogens, along with fruits and vegetables for overall health. This will help diminish most of the general symptoms related to menopause, which includes hot flashes and gaining weight. It's about giving your body nutritionally balanced food in the new phase of life.

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Meal plan grocery list

  • Whole grain bread
  • Avocado
  • Mixed berries
  • Lentils

  • Salad greens
  • Olive oil
  • Greek yogurt
  • Almonds

  • Salmon
  • Quinoa
  • Asparagus

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Meal plan overview

Welcome to "One Day Meal Plan for Menopause", tailored to address the unique nutritional needs during menopause. This plan focuses on foods that can help balance hormones and manage symptoms.

Each meal is thoughtfully selected to provide key nutrients like calcium and iron, vital for women in menopause. Explore a day of eating that supports your well-being during this transitional time.

Foods to eat

  • Calcium-Rich Foods: Include dairy or fortified plant-based milk, leafy greens, and almonds to support bone health.
  • Iron-Rich Foods: Consume lean meats, poultry, fish, legumes, and fortified cereals to maintain iron levels.
  • Fruits and Vegetables: Eat a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables for antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber.
  • Whole Grains: Choose whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, and oats for sustained energy and fiber.
  • Healthy Fats: Include sources of healthy fats such as avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil for heart health.
  • Protein Sources: Incorporate lean proteins like chicken, fish, tofu, and legumes for muscle maintenance.
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Eat fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), flaxseeds, and walnuts for their anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Hydration: Stay well-hydrated with water, herbal teas, and infused water for overall health.
  • Soy Products: Consider incorporating soy products like tofu and edamame for potential relief from menopausal symptoms.
  • Flaxseeds: Include flaxseeds in smoothies, yogurt, or salads for their potential to alleviate hot flashes.
  • Whole Soy Foods: Choose whole soy foods like tempeh and miso for their potential benefits during menopause.
  • High-Fiber Foods: Include fiber-rich foods to support digestive health and manage weight fluctuations often associated with menopause.
  • Low-Glycemic Foods: Opt for low-glycemic foods to help manage blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of weight gain.
  • Herbal Teas: Enjoy herbal teas like chamomile and peppermint, which may provide relaxation and relief from stress.
✅ Tip

Incorporate foods high in phytoestrogens, like flaxseeds, to help balance hormones naturally.

Foods not to eat

  • Processed Sugars: Avoid or limit foods and beverages high in processed sugars, as they can contribute to energy fluctuations.
  • Highly Processed Foods: Minimize intake of highly processed foods that may contain additives, preservatives, and unhealthy fats.
  • Caffeine: Limit caffeine intake, especially if it interferes with sleep or exacerbates anxiety and irritability.
  • Alcohol: Consume alcohol in moderation, as excessive alcohol intake may disrupt sleep and hormonal balance.
  • Salty Foods: Reduce consumption of high-sodium foods, as they may contribute to water retention and bloating.
  • Fried and Greasy Foods: Limit fried and greasy foods, as they can be harder to digest and may contribute to weight gain.
  • Excessive Red Meat: Moderate the intake of red meat, as high consumption may be associated with certain health risks.
  • Artificial Sweeteners: Avoid artificial sweeteners, as they may have potential hormonal effects and impact gut health.
  • Spicy Foods: Be cautious with spicy foods, as they may exacerbate hot flashes and digestive discomfort in some individuals.

Main benefits

The One Day Meal Plan For Menopause has been designed to help women transition through menopause by closely monitoring food intake relative to particular hormonal changes and symptoms associated with it. This meal plan involves high-level intakes of nutrient-dense foods that contain high levels of calcium, vitamin D, and phytoestrogens.

By incorporating a wide range of foods that promote bone health and hormonal balance, the diet aims at alleviating symptoms of menopause while offering general well-being.

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🎓 Recommended nutrient breakdown

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fiber

Other

Food alternatives

During menopause, it's important to include foods that support hormonal balance and overall health. Here are some suitable alternatives:

  • Whole grain bread can be swapped with sprouted grain bread for better nutrient absorption.
  • Avocado might be replaced with hummus, providing healthy fats and a creamy texture.
  • Mixed berries could be varied with cherries, offering antioxidants and a sweet flavor.
  • Lentils may be substituted with black beans, providing a similar fiber and protein content.
  • Salmon might be exchanged for mackerel, another fatty fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

How to budget on this meal plan

Whole grain bread and avocados can be more economical when bought in bulk. Mixed berries are often cheaper when bought frozen or in season. Lentils and salad greens can be bought in larger quantities for savings. Greek yogurt and almonds are more affordable when purchased in bulk.

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Extra tips

Any healthy snack ideas?

Snacks for menopause should focus on balancing hormones and maintaining a healthy weight:

  • Edamame with a sprinkle of sea salt
  • Low-fat Greek yogurt with berries
  • Whole grain toast with avocado
  • Almonds and dark chocolate
  • Cottage cheese with pineapple
  • Baked apple with cinnamon
  • Carrot sticks with hummus
What should I drink on this meal plan?

For this, beverages that will help women in hormonal balance and overall well-being are important. Hydration can be satisfied with water. Herbal teas like green tea may give a boost to the antioxidant intake and could help alleviate some of the symptoms. Bone broth supplies minerals and collagen. Unsweetened almond milk adds calcium to the diet, while water infused with either lemon or cucumber may add refreshing changes.

How to get even more nutrients?

Menopause will be easier to sail through if the symptoms are at a minimum and health is maintained with the right diet. Emphasize calcium and vitamin D, which have key relevance to bone health: food sources include dairy or fortified plant milk. Phytoestrogens come from food such as flaxseeds and soy, helping in balancing hormones, while lean proteins and whole grains offer a constant energy supply. Fruits and vegetables will keep your body well supplied with vitamins and antioxidants very important during this transitional phase.

Meal plan suggestions

One Day Meal Plan for Menopause

  • Breakfast: Whole grain toast with avocado and a side of mixed berries
  • Lunch: Lentil soup with a side salad and olive oil dressing
  • Snack: Greek yogurt with a handful of almonds
  • Dinner: Grilled salmon with quinoa and steamed asparagus

Calories: 1500  Fat: 70g   Carbs: 155g   Protein: 80g

These values are approximate and can vary slightly based on specific portion sizes and preparation methods.

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⚠️ Keep in mind

As with any dietary change, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before changing your dietary habits.