Sugar

Excess sugar and high levels of refined carbohydrates can cause a number of issues when going through the menopause. They can unset your blood sugar regulation and when this happens it has a domino effect causing imbalance of your other hormones and often feelings of fatigue. In addition, too much sugar triggers the release of insulin which is your primary fat storage hormone.

The Different Types of Sugar…

There are many books claiming to help you reduce or eliminate sugar in your diet. Although some of the alternatives suggested might seem more natural than the white sugar you put in your tea (e.g. honey, agave) they still are quite processed and can also contain fructose which is processed by the liver and can be stored there as fat if consumed in excess. Dates, raw honey and maple syrup are more natural but still contain sugar. If you need a sweet treat, then one option is to use a natural sweetener such as stevia.

Coconut Strawberry Mousse (Serves 6)

Ingredients

• 400 g coconut milk (from a tin), full fat and cooled
• 200 g strawberries, hulled
• 1 vanilla pod or 1 tsp ground vanilla
• 2 tsp powdered sweetener e.g. Stevia adjust to taste
• extra strawberries to decorate

 

Method

1. Make sure your coconut milk is cold and firm. Scoop only the thick bits out of the can (if you chose a full fat coconut milk, this should be a significant proportion of the contents). You do not want your mousse to be liquid. Blend half of the coconut milk with the strawberries and sweeten with 1 tsp sweetener
2. Flavour the rest with the vanilla and 1 tsp of sweetener.
3. Fill into shot glasses and serve, decorated with extra strawberries

Guest Writer