Dr Mindy Pelz has supported numerous high-profile clients including singer LeAnn Rimes and ex-racing driver Danica Patrick
A celebrity health expert has spotlighted one ordinary kitchen staple that could help prevent weight gain. Dr Mindy Pelz has several high-profile clients, including singer LeAnn Rimes and ex-racing driver Danica Patrick, while others like actress Penelope Cruz and entrepreneur Steven Bartlett also follow her on Instagram.
Earlier this week, Dr Pelz opened up on the platform, drawing attention to a specific superfood that not only helps to ‘fuel gut bacteria’, but supports ‘weight balance’ too. This is especially the case for anyone going through menopause, she claimed, as our ‘microbiome shifts’ with age.
“Post-menopausal weight gain often starts in the gut,” she wrote in her post to 931k followers. “As we age, our microbiome shifts, losing the oestrogen-supporting estrobolome and impacting how we store fat and handle stress.
“The good news? Our ancestors knew the secret: fibre-rich foods like sweet potatoes. These tubers fuelled their vitality and can do the same for us today, especially when paired with fasting for balance and weight management.”
Separately, she added: “Fibre-packed and nutrient-rich, they nourish the microbiome and reduce belly fat.” While excessive consumption of processed carbohydrates is often linked to weight gain, it’s a more complicated picture for sweet potatoes.
These are what’s referred to as ‘complex carbohydrates’ which provide a more gradual release of energy, allowing you to feel full for longer, potentially cutting your temptation to snack. Whole grains, vegetables, quinoa and beans are examples of complex carbohydrates too, due to the structure of their sugar molecules which are arranged in long chains.
As with everything, it’s still crucial to eat these in moderation, though advice from the British Menopause Society (BMS) suggests that carbohydrates should make up around one quarter of all meal portions. In a 2023 document, the specialist authority echoed that sweet potatoes are among several ideal ‘low glycaemic’ options for anyone who experiences sweet cravings.
It explained: “It’s essential that menopausal women consume carbohydrates, especially while increasing physical activity levels. Exercising with insufficient intake of carbohydrates will result in lean muscle mass loss, which will of course be counterproductive.
“It’s worth discussing low glycaemic carbohydrates with women who may be susceptible to insulin resistance, or those who experience sweet cravings. Carbohydrates should make up approximately ¼ of all meal portions.”
Beyond sweet potatoes, the BMS also encouraged menopausal women to eat more plant-based meals, while reducing caffeine, alcohol and spice intake as this may increase hot flushes and sleep disturbances. However, it asserted that it’s ‘highly unlikely menopause symptoms can be controlled through diet’ overall.
“The focus on diet in menopause should very firmly be on eating well and eating a variety of foods to support all round health – especially heart and bone health,” the BMS added.
You can buy sweet potatoes from various supermarkets, including Tesco at 42p, Sainsbury’s at £1.19 and Aldi at 69p.
Common physical symptoms of menopause: NHS’ full list
- Lower sex drive
- Heart palpitations
- Painful gums, sensitive gums or other mouth problems
- Hot flushes – sudden sensations of hot or cold in your chest, neck or face which can trigger dizziness
- Joint pains and muscle aches
- Worsened headaches and migraines
- Skin itchiness or dryness
- Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Vaginal pain or dryness, itching or discomfort during sex
- Sleeping difficulties which may be influenced by night sweats
- Change in body shape and weight gain
