5-Day Menopause Diet: An Easy Jumpstarter For Weight Loss

Looking for a practical, beginner-friendly diet plan to help with weight loss during menopause? This 5-day plan offers balanced meals, tips on hydration, and strategies for boosting energy, designed to support your health goals.

GoWellness is reader supported. If you purchase through a link mentioned in this article, we may receive a small commission.

Download The Free 5-Day Menopause Diet Plan PDF

Menopause 5-Day Diet Plan for weight loss

No email required! Just click the button below and hit the download button!

What's Inside?

High protein recipes

1-week strength training program (menopause-specific and beginner-friendly)

Special coupons for preferred brands, as voted from my members

Menopause Diet & Exercise Plan (Free)

Many of my clients who are currently in menopause have been seeing great results on the scale, but more importantly, in their clothes.

How?

First, they are sticking to fueling their body with the right foods that

Second, they pair it with a very light and beginner strength training program. You can check which women's strength training apps my clients have been using!

I created this article as a guide for my readers that are seriously considering a change in their overall wellness. These are the meals and foods that have been working with my clients.

Five days to kickstart your weight loss journey in menopause – through the proper diet. I challenge you to stick to the diet plan – it's just 5 days! But, the way all of our menopause women win the challenge is to take it one day at a time. Focus on winning today, follow the plan, and you'll be on the path to healthy, sustainable weight loss.

5 Days To Kickstart Your Weight Loss Journey Through Healthy Eating

Day 1: Setting the Foundation

Starting your first day on the right foot is key, especially when it comes to nutrition during menopause. You don’t have to make drastic changes overnight. The goal for Day 1 is to ease into healthy habits while focusing on balanced meals that provide energy, stabilize blood sugar, and support weight loss.

Breakfast: Protein-Packed Start

Breakfast is a crucial part of the day, which helps regulate your metabolism and keeps you full until your next meal. Start your day with a balanced meal that includes protein, healthy fats, and some carbs for energy.

  • Example Meal: Scrambled eggs with spinach and avocado. Add a small portion of whole-grain toast or a serving of fruit if you want to keep your energy up through the morning.
  • Why It Works: Protein keeps you full, and healthy fats like avocado help with hormone regulation. Spinach is rich in magnesium, which can help with muscle function and sleep, key considerations during menopause.

Lunch: Light & Nourishing

Lunch should be filling but not heavy. Focus on lean protein, fiber, and veggies to keep your energy steady throughout the afternoon.

  • Example Meal: Grilled chicken or tofu with a mixed greens salad (spinach, arugula, kale), cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a homemade olive oil dressing.
  • Why It Works: Protein from chicken or tofu fuels your muscles, and veggies provide fiber, which aids digestion and keeps you feeling satisfied longer. Olive oil supports healthy fats and gives you the energy you need for the rest of the day.

Dinner: A Balanced Meal

For dinner, aim for a meal that includes protein, vegetables, and a healthy carb. Keep it light, but make sure it’s filling enough to avoid snacking after dinner.

  • Example Meal: Baked salmon with a side of roasted sweet potatoes and steamed broccoli.
  • Why It Works: Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation and support brain health. Sweet potatoes provide complex carbs that give you sustained energy, and broccoli is high in fiber and vitamin C.

Day 2: Focus on Fiber and Hydration

Day 2 is about supporting your digestion and keeping your body hydrated. Many women in menopause experience digestive issues, so it's important to include fiber-rich foods that support healthy digestion while making sure you stay hydrated. Also, when you’re hydrated, your body can process nutrients more efficiently, helping with weight loss.

Breakfast: Fiber-Rich and Filling

Start the day with a meal that supports your digestive system. Fiber helps keep you full, supports your gut, and ensures you’re not sluggish.

  • Example Meal: Greek yogurt with chia seeds, berries, and a sprinkle of flaxseed. Add a few almonds for crunch.
  • Why It Works: Greek yogurt provides protein and probiotics, which support gut health. Chia seeds and flaxseeds are great sources of fiber and omega-3s. Berries add antioxidants and fiber, which help with digestion and inflammation.

Lunch: Balanced and Satisfying

For lunch, incorporate more veggies and lean protein to keep you satisfied without feeling heavy. If you’re feeling a bit bloated, this meal should help balance things out.

  • Example Meal: A quinoa salad with roasted vegetables (like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant), chickpeas, and a lemon-tahini dressing.
  • Why It Works: Quinoa is a complete protein, giving you the energy you need. Chickpeas provide fiber and are great for digestion. Roasted veggies are packed with vitamins and antioxidants to help reduce inflammation.

Dinner: Keep It Light and Nourishing

For dinner, keep it light but nourishing. Focus on protein and vegetables while staying mindful of your portion sizes.

  • Example Meal: Grilled shrimp with a side of steamed asparagus and a small baked potato (with a little olive oil and herbs).
  • Why It Works: Shrimp is a lean source of protein that’s easy to digest. Asparagus is a great detoxifier and contains fiber to keep you feeling satisfied. The small potato provides fiber and helps stabilize blood sugar.

Day 3: Balance Hormones and Boost Energy

On Day 3, we’re going to focus on foods that support hormonal balance and boost your energy levels. Menopause can cause fluctuations in hormones like estrogen and progesterone, which can affect energy and mood. By eating nutrient-dense foods, you can help keep your hormones in check and feel more energized throughout the day.

Breakfast: Energizing and Protein-Packed

For breakfast, we’ll keep things simple but effective, with plenty of protein to start the day right.

  • Example Meal: Scrambled eggs with spinach, avocado, and a side of whole-grain toast.
  • Why It Works: Eggs provide high-quality protein to keep you feeling full and satisfied. Spinach is rich in magnesium, which helps regulate hormones and promotes better sleep. Avocado adds healthy fats, which are essential for hormone production. Whole-grain toast provides complex carbs to keep your energy stable.

Lunch: Hormonal Balance with Healthy Fats

Lunch is all about adding healthy fats to your diet to keep your hormones balanced and energy high. Healthy fats help regulate hormones and keep blood sugar stable.

  • Example Meal: Grilled chicken salad with mixed greens, avocado, walnuts, and olive oil-based dressing.
  • Why It Works: The chicken provides lean protein to help repair tissues and maintain muscle. The walnuts add omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for hormonal balance. Mixed greens like kale and arugula are packed with vitamins and minerals, while the olive oil dressing supports healthy fat intake.

Dinner: Light Yet Satisfying

For dinner, we’ll focus on a lean protein and a mix of colorful vegetables to help reduce inflammation and promote healthy digestion.

  • Example Meal: Baked salmon with roasted sweet potatoes and steamed broccoli.
  • Why It Works: Salmon is rich in omega-3s, which help reduce inflammation and support heart health. Sweet potatoes provide fiber and antioxidants, while broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable that supports liver health and helps balance estrogen levels. This meal is light but filling and will leave you feeling satisfied without being overly heavy.

Day 4: Support Metabolism and Fight Fatigue

On Day 4, we’ll focus on boosting metabolism and reducing fatigue, two common challenges during menopause. Eating foods that support your metabolism and help maintain steady energy levels throughout the day can make a huge difference in how you feel.

Breakfast: Fiber-Rich and Energizing

A great breakfast helps fuel your day and keeps your metabolism active. Today, we’ll include fiber to support digestion and stabilize blood sugar levels.

  • Example Meal: Greek yogurt with chia seeds, flaxseeds, and berries.
  • Why It Works: Greek yogurt is high in protein to help you feel full and support muscle maintenance. Chia seeds and flaxseeds are packed with fiber and omega-3s, which help regulate hormones and metabolism. Berries add antioxidants and a touch of sweetness without spiking blood sugar levels.

Lunch: Metabolism-Boosting Protein and Veggies

For lunch, we’re going to focus on lean protein and plenty of vegetables that help increase energy and support your metabolism.

  • Example Meal: Turkey lettuce wraps with cucumber, bell peppers, and a sprinkle of olive oil and lemon juice.
  • Why It Works: Turkey is rich in lean protein, which helps with muscle maintenance and metabolism. The crunchy veggies are low in calories but high in fiber, which promotes digestion and helps control hunger. Olive oil and lemon juice offer healthy fats that support hormone regulation.

Dinner: Nourishing, Low-Carb Meal

Dinner should be light but satisfying, and this meal will give you the perfect balance of protein and healthy fats to keep you feeling great and energized.

  • Example Meal: Grilled shrimp with a side of roasted asparagus and cauliflower rice.
  • Why It Works: Shrimp is a lean source of protein and very low in calories, making it a great choice for weight management. Asparagus is high in antioxidants and fiber, which helps with digestion and energy levels. Cauliflower rice is a low-carb alternative that adds volume and nutrients without the extra calories.

Day 5: Refuel and Recharge

On Day 5, it's time to recharge your body and support the long-term benefits of this plan. Today, we’ll focus on refueling with nutrient-dense foods that promote balanced energy, reduce inflammation, and help you feel your best as you finish the week strong.

Breakfast: A Balanced Start with Healthy Fats

To kick off Day 5, we’re going to focus on a breakfast that supports sustained energy levels throughout the day.

  • Example Meal: Avocado toast with a poached egg and a sprinkle of hemp seeds on whole-grain bread.
  • Why It Works: The healthy fats in avocado and eggs help nourish your body, while fiber from the whole grain bread keeps you full longer. Hemp seeds add additional omega-3 fatty acids and protein to support muscle health and reduce inflammation.

Lunch: Lean Protein with Nutrient-Packed Greens

For lunch, it’s important to focus on lean protein and plenty of leafy greens to continue fueling your metabolism and balancing your hormones.

  • Example Meal: Grilled chicken salad with spinach, mixed greens, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and olive oil-based dressing.
  • Why It Works: Grilled chicken provides lean protein, which helps with muscle repair and energy. Spinach and mixed greens are high in antioxidants and fiber, which aid digestion and support your overall wellness. Olive oil adds healthy fats that help with hormone regulation.

Dinner: Light but Satisfying Dinner

Dinner on Day 5 will be light but still packed with nutrients that help you feel nourished and satisfied.

  • Example Meal: Baked salmon with roasted Brussels sprouts and sweet potato wedges.
  • Why It Works: Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation and promote heart health. Brussels sprouts are high in fiber and support digestion. Sweet potatoes provide slow-digesting carbs that help maintain blood sugar levels and provide long-lasting energy.

Wrapping Up: Your Next Steps on the Journey

By following this simple 5-day plan, you've taken an important first step toward feeling stronger and healthier during menopause. Remember, consistency is key. The goal isn’t just weight loss—it’s about creating sustainable habits that help you feel your best every day.

I encourage you to keep going after these five days. With every meal, every workout, and every little victory, you’ll get closer to reaching your wellness goals.

And remember, focus on winning today!

ps: have you thought about taking a GLP-1, like Semaglutide or Tirzepatide? I'm getting a lot of questions on this, so I decided to create a free resource for my clients and loyal readers. Check it out here – Find out if GLP-1 treatments are right for you in menopause.

Photo of author

Courtney D'Angelo, MS, RD

Courtney D'Angelo, MS, RD, earned her masters degree in Nutrition and Foods from the University of Georgia. She's a Registered Dietitian at Morrison Healthcare and has a strong passion in helping people improve their wellness! Currently, she helps women in menopause find hormone balance through diet, exercise and science-backed products.

Leave a Comment