If you are suffering from Peri-Menopause (or any hormonal imbalance) – YES!, we want you eating carbohydrates at night.
Remember, we here at Strength & Grace are not about restricting all your carbohydrates and taking them away, it’s about balance and eating them wisely.
Carbohydrates are an essential source of energy for the body, and they play a critical role in regulating insulin levels. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body to process glucose (sugar) and convert it into energy. When insulin levels are balanced, the body can effectively regulate other hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone.
This key factor plays into whatever age a woman is. If you are over 40 and struggling with these hormones thinking they are on some amazing roller coaster ride, and you’ve been following along with us on social or in our emails, then you know just how important it is to regulate the major metabolism hormones – insulin and thyroid when our “sex” hormones change.
Better sleep – yes!
The most important key factor here is that carbohydrates at night can help to promote better sleep. When the body consumes carbohydrates, it releases serotonin, a neurotransmitter that promotes feelings of calm and relaxation. Serotonin is a precursor to melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep-wake cycles. Consuming carbohydrates at night can, therefore, help to promote better sleep, which is essential for hormone regulation.
Carbohydrates at night may reduce anxiety
Many women over 40 have so much on their mind, and when our blood sugar drops too low, it can make things worse. Not only are our hormones all over the place, but our body is extremely effected by excess stress. Having a bit of carbohydrates calms down our adrenaline and turns the “worry” part of our brain down slightly.
Got a family?
And, let’s not forget, that skipping carbohydrates at dinner when the REST, and I mean everyone else in the family is eating them can be downright miserable and leave the person with the willpower of iron, caving. So, we encourage the women we work with to eat carbohydrates with dinner!
Guidelines for Eating Carbohydrates with Dinner
- Keep those carbohydrates grain free! That means skip the traditional bread, rice and pasta, instead choose lentils, potatoes, coconut/almond flour breading, and riced or pasta type veggies – cauliflower and squash. Or add healthy fats that also have good carbohydrates in them like nuts or legumes.
- The serving you need is no more than 30 grams, maybe 45 if you just got done working out
- These carbohydrates shouldn’t include any added sugar in them
- Eat at least 3 hours prior to bedtime so your body has time to digest and relax
So, yes, you can enjoy your carbohydrates, and still achieve weight loss and HORMONE balance!