Summarize the following:
Fast foods and junk foods are high in sugar and salt. As weight gain can be a problem during menopause due to a slowed metabolism, it's best to cut out unhealthy and high-calorie foods. Try to avoid the drive thru after work and skip on dessert most nights. Keep indulgences to once or twice a week instead of making them a daily habit. Fizzy and carbonated drinks can interfere with the body's ability to absorb calcium. Avoid these drinks, especially with meals. Opt for plain water instead. To make your water slightly more appealing, try adding slices of fruit to enhance its flavor. Go for a smaller plate, bowl, or glass. When eating out, try to only eat part of your food and save the rest for later. Bigger portions contain more calories, and therefore more things like fat and sugar, so it's best to try to limit portion size whenever possible. As your metabolism slows down as you age, your body will need fewer calories. Portions that were once acceptable may now be too large. Consider calculating how many calories you should be eating each day based on your age and activity level, and talk to your doctor or dietitian about how to modify your meals to stay within your calorie limits. It may help to familiarize yourself with what one portion looks like for each food group so you can eyeball your serving size when you eat out or prepare your meals. For instance, one portion of meat or fish is 3 ounces and about the size of a deck of cards. One serving of a nut-butter is about the size of a ping-pong ball, or 2 tablespoons (29.6ml). 1/2 cup of grains, or one portion, would fill a cupcake wrapper. Sugar can contribute to weight gain and other age-related problems. During menopause, try your best to cut back on your overall sugar intake. Go for sugar-free beverages, like water, decaf tea, or water infused with fruit (like lemon or berries). Avoid adding table sugar to things like cereal and oatmeal. Flavor meals with things like vanilla, almond, and fruit extracts as well as fresh fruit instead of sugar.
Avoid fast food and junk food. Stay away from fizzy beverages. Pay attention to portion size. Cut back on sugar.