How to Stop Menopause Weight Gain
Menopause weight gain is becoming a worse problem than ever now that we're in the super size meal generation. It seems everywhere you go they offer large amounts of food. This might be okay for the young ones that exercise it off, but for older women whose energy levels are low it's bad news.
Instructions
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Menopausal weight gain doesn't have to be an issue if you get a jump on it. Women who are in their 40's and 50's need to know that metabolism slows down as they age. As a result, things they used to do with ease will become a chore as energy isn't abundant as it was.
The good news is that it doesn't have to be this way. As mentioned above, you can prevent or delay it. One of the ways to do it is by increasing metabolism and you do this by changing how and what you eat and by adding muscle.
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Change how you eat by not eating 3 large meals a day, but instead eat 6-7 smaller ones. There should be no such thing anymore as a large meal. If you do this before you get to pre menopause age there will be no menopause weight gain! In fact, you can even lose weight.
Along with how you eat is what you eat. A primarily vegetarian diet is best with fruits and vegetables that are water rich. If you eat meat eat only lean meats and fish as well as whole grains in small portions. Naturally, you need to start replacing soft drinks, coffee and tea with water.
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Another way to boost metabolism is with exercise. Muscle burns more calories, so you want more muscle. A combination of cardio and weight training is best. This way you pump the heart muscle as well as body muscles. You can avoid menopausal weight gain altogether by combining how and what you eat with consistent exercise.
I keep repeating consistent, because so many begin and drop off and as a result gain weight. To help with commitment you need to choose exercise and foods that you enjoy. It's also good to have a partner for support and to involve the family. If necessary join a group program such as Weight Watchers for support.
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Keep your calorie intake at 1200-1500 no less than 1200 unless you do strenuous work and can get rid of excess calories. A calorie calculator is a good way to keep track in the beginning until you get it down pat.
Additionally, menopausal women are known for being moody, irritable or stressed. Therefore, it's important to be involved in some form of meditation and do other activities which are relaxing. Stressing may cause emotional eating.
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The last way to gain control of menopause weight gain is with hormone replacement. As you know, it's the hormones that throw women off course, so it's sometimes hormones that have to get them back on track.
Know that the use of natural methods are best. It's okay if drugs are necessary; however, it's better to do what you can on your own first.
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Resources
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