Start Losing Weight Today
Even As You Approach and Experience Menopause
Have you noticed that your waistline has gradually been expanding, and attempts at losing – or even maintaining – weight have been unsuccessful? Weight gain as you approach middle age is quite common among women. As a matter of fact, if left unchecked, you can expect to gain at least one pound a year during perimenopause (the years leading to menopause).
What Causes Weight Gain in Middle-Aged Women?
In fact, there are may be several factors contributing to your expanding mid-section.
- Hormones – As women approach menopause their hormone levels begin to decline, which leads to reduced muscle mass. When you lose muscle mass your metabolic rate slows down, resulting in the inability to burn calories like you did when you were younger.
- Inactivity – Because women experience many symptoms as they approach menopause, they tend to lack the energy needed in order to stay active. For instance, sleep patterns during this period may become broken and interrupted, which will no doubt lead to fatigue during your waking hours.
- Increased Calories – When you’re not active you tend to eat more, which results in fat accumulation
You Can Lose Weight and Keep it off
Fortunately, you don’t need to accept your added weight; you can eliminate it and keep it off.
- Physical Activity – Make exercise a priority; you don’t need to spend a significant amount of time exercising, but be sure to weight train so that you will build the muscle you’ve lost in recent years. As your mu scle mass increases, your metabolic rate also increases, enabling you to continue burning calories, even at rest.
- Fewer Calories – You’ll benefit a great deal when you start exercising
because you’ll be burning a significant amount of calories. That being said, you’ll jump start your weight loss by consuming fewer calories, as well. I’m not encouraging a “diet,” but rather be cognizant of what you’re eating, and how much. The majority of diets fail because individuals deprive themselves of the foods they truly enjoy. Remember, deprivation leads to temptation and cravings; therefore, it’s best to simply limit the amount of your favorite foods that you’re actually consuming. For instance, if you order pizza for the family, eat a half slice with a large salad – this way you’re enjoying your pizza, but filling up on salad. For some excellent and enjoyable recipes, click here.
Keep in mind that as you get older you develop a sense of confidence that your younger counterparts simply don’t have so be happy you’re not young anymore. BUT, use that confidence to realize that you can reach any goal you put your mind to, and you will achieve the lean and toned body you so desire.
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