You essentially have two choices: you can face menopause angrily and in denial (but it's still going to happen), or you can accept it and make the most of the transition period to set yourself up for the remainder of your life. When you feel negative emotions creeping up, or you find yourself overwhelmed by symptoms, stop and breath. Say to yourself, "I accept this change." In a youth-prone society, it is very easy to fall into the trap of feeling that post-reproductive age, your womanhood is somehow reduced. The reality is that you're no less a woman! In fact, menopause is one of the most unifying experiences for women! Use this change as an opportunity to connect with other women. By talking with other women about these changes, you can create new and lasting bonds that are forged through woman-ness. For many women, menopause is a time of redefinition of roles, interests, and reawakening of purpose. Many women find that this is a time for reflection about where they have been and where they are headed. Is there something that you have always wanted to do? Is it finally time to end or alter a negative relationship? Could this be the time for you to put yourself first and get what you've always wanted? If you feel stressed during menopause, the fluctuating hormones are probably going to simply add to these feelings. Rather than reaching for a pill, consider ways to reduce the stress. Can you handle your workload differently? Can you take up yoga, meditation, a gym class? Deep breathing exercises can help with hot flashes. It takes practice but is very effective. A healthy body will support a healthy mind and ease you through this transition. Use good food, water, and exercise to fortify you for this change in your life. Use food as a way to improve your mood. Turn to "menopause super-foods" such as unprocessed foods, fruit and vegetables, beans and pulses, fish, sugar-free foods, etc. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. The changing hormone levels affect how the cells in our body retain moisture. Use exercise as a way of maintaining a good mood and good physical health. Exercise has also been proven to lower the intensity and frequency of hot flashes.
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One-sentence summary -- Make a choice. Remember that you're still a woman. Reawaken your purpose. Use anti-stress techniques. Maintain good physical health.

Express empathy and explain that you want to help, but that can't understand them when they whine. Without frowning or looking angry, calmly ask them to say what's wrong using their nice voice. Say, "I really wish I could help you, but I don't understand you when you talk like that. Can you please use your nice voice?" Ask them to use their nice voice twice. If they don't respond after 2 requests, shrug, say "Well I guess you don't want my help," and ignore their misbehavior until they change their tone. Try to remember to grab crackers, dry cereal, fruit, or another snack before leaving the house with your child. If you're at home and lunch or dinner will be ready in 15 or 20 minutes, give them something small, like a few crackers or carrot sticks. When they ask nicely, say, "Of course you can have a snack! Thanks for asking so nicely!" Try to think ahead and pack a coloring book and crayons, puzzles, or a toy to keep your child busy when you leave the house. If you don't have something entertaining on hand, think of a task or game that could distract them. For example, if you're at the grocery store, say, "I've got a special job for you! I need you to pick out 5 of the very best apples. Can you help me?" The best way to deal with a cranky, tired child is to stick to their napping schedule. Whenever possible, take them to the bank, store, and other boring places when they're well-rested. If you can't avoid taking them out before their nap, try redirecting their whining with an activity, task, or game. If your child isn't whining because they're hungry, tired, or bored, chances are they want a toy or candy. While they're whining, keep the item they want out of their access as best you can. If it's something they can have, explain that they can have it if they ask nicely. Say, "I can't understand what you're saying when you talk like that. Maybe if you use your nice voice and say 'please,' I'll know what you're asking for." If they can't have the item, try expressing that you understand that they're upset, then briefly explain why they can't have it. For example, say, "I know you want another balloon, and I'm sorry you can't have one. If you got an extra one, there wouldn't be enough for the other kids."
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One-sentence summary -- Tell them you can only understand if they use their nice voice. Offer a snack if they nicely say that they're hungry. Give them a task or activity if they're bored. Schedule a nap before running errands, if possible. Let them have the toy or treat they want only if they stop whining.

When you're ordering Chinese takeout, it may be tempting to order a few tasty appetizers as well. Although appetizers can add calories to your overall meal, if chosen wisely, they can actually prevent you from overeating. Here are your best bets: Hot and sour soup. Order a small of this low-calorie soup. It'll help fill you up and possibly save you extra calories overall. Steamed vegetable dumplings. Splitting an order of four or six won't push you too far over your calorie limit. Spring rolls. These non-fried, vegetable-filled rolls are the perfect low-calorie appetizer. Chinese food entrees are known to be high in fat, sugar and sodium. Stick to these healthier options: Buddha's delite. This common dish is filled with steamed vegetables and tofu and leaves out unwanted calories and fat. Chicken and broccoli. This is another popular dish that is also naturally lower in calories. Ask for the sauce on the side to help control calories even more. Moo goo gai pan. Similar to Buddha's delite, this dish is filled with vegetables and steamed chicken. It's low in calories, fat but high in fiber. Shrimp with lobster sauce. A tasty seafood dish that's high in protein and moderately low in calories. Sometimes the side dishes of Chinese takeout are the tastiest part; however, they can pack on a significant amount of extra calories. Limit these: Fried egg rolls. These large, deep fried rolls are high in calories and fat. Crab rangoon. These little deep fried dumplings contain little filling and are mostly deep fried dough. Fried rice. This side dish is re-fried, refined white rice. It has a ton of calories and fat. BBQ spare ribs. Sometimes these are listed as an entree as well, but are incredibly high in saturated fat and calories.
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One-sentence summary -- Choose a low-calorie appetizer. Stick to low-fat and low-calorie entree options. Limit unhealthy side dishes.

You can also garnish the whipped cream with chocolate shavings, more cocoa powder, or a dusting of powdered sugar. If you prefer, scatter mini-marshmallows over the hot chocolate instead of whipped cream.
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One-sentence summary --
Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and serve them with whipped cream.