How to Replace the Foods You Love With Soy-based Products

Increasing the amount of soy in the diet is an effective way to ease the uncomfortable symptoms of the menopause. During menopause, women can experience hot flashes, fatigue and headaches, caused by fluctuating levels of the hormone estrogen. Soy can help alleviate these symptoms as it contains phytoestrogens, natural elements which mimic the role of estrogen in the body. Soy can be introduced into your diet in numerous ways, and it is surprising how many soy food products are available. Read on to find out which of your favorite foods you can replace with soy.

Foods That Can Be Replaced with Soy-based Products:

Dairy Products
Milk is the most commonly-known food product that can be replaced with soy. Made from soybeans, it is comparable to cow’s milk, and is available at most supermarkets. You can easily replace most of the dairy you use on a day-to-day basis with soy milk products, including:

• Chocolate
• Ice cream
• Cheese
• Yogurt
• Butter
• Flavored milk

Meat
Many meat products can be replaced with soy-based alternatives, made from textured vegetable protein or soy meat. Soy meat is a meat analogue made using soy flour, and it contains as much protein as regular meat. If you look around, you will find that all the following can be substituted with soy-based products:

• Beef
• Burgers
• Sausage
• Bacon
• Hot dogs
• Chorizo
• Chicken nuggets

Snacks
It is not only your main meals that can be replaced with soy products, but you will be able to find the right soy product to replace your favorite mid-morning or afternoon snack. There are soy replacements for all the three main players in the snacking world:

• Cookies
• Chips
• Chocolate

Guilty Pleasures
Everyone knows that the demons caffeine and alcohol should be avoided, particularly at times of bodily imbalance such as menopause. But if you can’t fight that inside urge, indulge with a little less guilt in the knowledge that what you are consuming are sources of soy:

• Soy coffee
• Soy vodka

Many of these products can be purchased from supermarkets, online or from specialist health stores. Replacing your favorite foods with soy-based products is easy, and a higher level of soy in your diet can help ease uncomfortable menopausal symptoms. However, soy can have some undesirable side-effects. Make sure you are aware of these before embarking on a soy-heavy diet, and consult your doctor if you are in any doubt.

Click on the following link to learn more about soy and other herbs for menopause.