An 'incredibly good' diet plan can help women slim down during menopause - 'the healthiest way of eating!'

One plan that should not be missed for menopausal women is the popular Meditteranean diet, according to co-founder of The Fast 800 Dr Clare Bailey.

Speaking exclusively to GB News, she said following the plan is good for your health as well as for weight loss.

Dr Bailey explained: "A Mediterranean-style diet, known worldwide to be the healthiest way of eating, includes olive oil, plenty of fruit, vegetables, oily fish, nuts and lots of fibre in terms of beans, lentils and pulses – which are all incredibly good for your gut health.

"In addition, this way of eating is well known to help reduce chronic inflammation in the body, which can be the cause of poor health."

The Mediterranean diet is high in healthy fats and full of protein and whole foods, such as nuts, fruits and vegetables.

However, those looking to lose weight and maintain results must make sure to cut back on how much processed food they eat in additional to eating more Mediterranean-approved meals.

The expert added: "The reality is that if you are still eating ultra-processed foods and sweet or starchy foods, that will undo quite a lot of the benefits of eating the Mediterranean diet.

"It can help to simply keep temptation at bay by keeping out of sight, or ideally out of the house. Will power is limited, especially during the menopause."

The diet consists of fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, fish, whole grains and extra virgin olive oil. Those following the plan should have low to moderate consumption of poultry, eggs, cheese and yoghurt.

Red meat, sugary beverages, added sugars and processed meats should be avoided.

Research has backed up that the Meditteranean plan is one of the best for maintaining a healthy weight. A study published in the National Library of Medicine found those who followed the plan for five years were less likely to gain weight than those on other diets.

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The high fibre content of the diet plan is more likely to keep slimmers feeling satiated and less likely to opt for unhealthy snacks.

The diet plan is also shown to be anti-inflammatory, which can reduce signs of bloating, helping Britons to appear slimmer.

This comes as Dr Bailey explained intermittent fasting can also be an "incredibly effective" diet to help women over 50 shed body fat.