One of the many problems when we women reach that stage in life is weight gain. Unexplained and unwanted weight gain. You have just spent most of your life trying to understand and love your body and all of a sudden it's all out of control again.
Jeez... it's tough.
Unfortunately for women our hormones and fat cells are closely linked in a complex web which is responsible for metabolism, appetite, digestion, heat regulation and detoxification. This web is extremely difficult to regulate and any destabilization results in symptoms such as food cravings, hot flushes and of course, weight gain.
We need to make sure this intricate web is working harmoniously so that it remains stable. There are many links between hormones and fat but one critical link is the connection between insulin, metabolism and body fat.
The human body has three primary hormones: insulin, adrenaline and cortisol. Adrenaline and cortisol are stress hormones and insulin, as you already know, regulates blood sugar levels. Stress is one of the most damaging things our bodies have to cope with. So, if on top of stress our diet is high in processed foods, carbs and sugars, then our bodies will become insulin resistant - a recipe for disaster.
Life is stressful, and if your body is out of sync with one primary hormone then it will have difficulty producing the necessary levels for secondary hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. Most of
Weight gain can often be associated with estrogen levels. The fluctuation of this hormone during perimenopause and it's relation to other hormones such as progesterone that can cause problems in maintaining the body's balance. Here's a fact... fat cells can produce estrogen. So your hormone depleted body stores fat as a precaution in case it's estrogen levels get too low, it will use the excess fat as a source of estrogen.
If on top of all this you have other conditions such as bone loss, stress or your diet doesn't have enough healthy fats in it, then your body will be even more likely to store fat as a safe guard.
As our hormones fluctuate so does our mood. Our patience flies out the window and we can sometimes feel as if the whole world is against us or we turn into a fire breathing dragon from one innocent "Hello"! Our emotions are at a very sensitive level, and if you have been an emotional eater in the past then at this stage of life it could get even worse.
If you find you are craving for "naughty" foods that you would only eat occasionally before, you might want to stop yourself and think about why you want that piece of cake. Are you really hungry?
Many women when they reach menopause find themselves living alone... their children are off doing their own thing or away at university. Their husbands are at work all the time or maybe they are single. Quite often women feel lonely and turn to food for comfort... trying to fill a hole inside. Maybe it's time to reflect on what you do every day. Do you like what you do? Do you need to change your job? Maybe it is time to do something you have always wanted to or even start a new hobby. Think about what gives you more... pleasure from something you enjoy or extra pounds from too much cake?
On of the most important things in life is to embrace who you are and the stage your are in. If you go into menopause hating it, then it will probably be a terrible experience. Open your heart and mind to it, embrace it and yourself. Take a long look at how much stress is in your life and how you can make changes that will reduce stress, make you happier and how you can improve your diet.
Kick out the high sugar, processed foods and carbs and embrace healthy fats such as olive oil, avocados, nuts and seeds. Make small and achievable changes that give you happiness and satisfaction and work towards a goal.
Make YOU your priority.
I can help you improve your health. If you would like to make an appointment with me either in person or via Skype, just send me an email to lucycarr@socialnutrition.com
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