Hello,
If you’re committed to a no added oil lifestyle, you’re probably doing it for reasons such as protecting your heart, supporting your weight goals and staying aligned with whole-food values. Oils, after all, are highly processed, calorie-dense and stripped of the fiber and nutrients found in their original sources.
But during menopause, a unique question arises:
Could a diet that’s too low in healthy fats, even without oils, be contributing to brain fog, joint discomfort or hormonal imbalance?
As hormone levels shift during this stage of life, your body’s needs also shift. Fats are crucial for:
- Brain function: Your brain is nearly 60% fat and essential fatty acids support memory, focus and mood.
- Joint health: Healthy fats play a role in cushioning joints and managing inflammation.
- Hormone support: Fats help maintain the building blocks your body uses to regulate hormones.
To be clear, I’m not talking about reintroducing processed oils like olive or canola oil. Instead, ensure you’re getting enough whole-food fats such as:
- Ground flaxseeds and chia seeds
- Walnuts and almonds
- Avocados and hemp seeds
If you’re already 100% oil-free and still experiencing some menopause symptoms, consider whether your intake of these whole-food fats is adequate. Your body may simply need more of these nourishing essentials to feel its best.
Stay strong, clear and balanced.
I started out several years ago watching Forks Over Knives, decided to “try out” the plant-based meal plan and had shockingly incredible results. I’ve never turned back. I have lost nearly 50 pounds, and that is just one side effect that me, my family, friends and clients have experienced after making the change.
Having been an incredible cook my entire adult life, I started my own personal chef service, NuYu Nourish, to extend my help to others. I interned under a celebrity chef, became a celebrity chef myself and have been expanding my reach and goals ever since! My plan follows strictly and simply those of Dr. Mcdougall, Dr. T. Colin Campbell and Dr. Esselstyn.
