Change Of Life & Change In Body?
Ladies, did you know that there is a physiological reason we gain weight? When we get older and peri-menopause and into menopause itself hit us, our body's lose a natural fat burning activity? Our menstrual cycle. Didn't think about it that way did ya? Well, think about it.
Have you noticed a bulge in the belly region that seemed to come out of nowhere? Are you working out as usual and eating as usual? Well, our body has changed internally. Our hormone levels have probably decreased and that can lead to a drop our RMR (resting metabolic rate) by 40-70 calories/day.Well, maybe that doesn't sound too bad until you multiply it by weeks, months and years. Yikes! Not nice universe.
Add to that, our energy expenditure goes down. When we were younger and healthy we could increase our energy output by 8-10 calories/minute whereas a menopausal woman only 6-8 calories/minute. That means we need to increase our workout time to compensate for the lessened expenditure. Or increase the intensity of the workout.
Add another day of cardio, try intervals and for heavens sake, do some strength training. Don't be afraid to lift heavy, barring any physical limitation such as osteoporosis. Trust me, it's rare that a woman is going to show massive hypertrophy or huge, bulging muscles. Especially when we've begun or gone through the menopausal process.
How and what we eat will also need some tweeking. Drink more water,eat more often and smaller meals. More focus on fruits and vegetables and less on sugars, fats and foods high in sodium.
Estrogen, or the lack of it, can change how your body burns fat, places fat and affects our appetites. Try keeping track of your health.
Keep a food journal
Keep an activity journal
Keep a workout log
Keep a sleep log
Then take this information to your Dr. In some cases he/she can help. You may need to go on hormone therapy or some other form of treatment.
Now, not every woman gains weight due to menopause but for those of us who do, I'm hoping some of this info will help you.
Stay well & keep dancin'
Peace
Have you noticed a bulge in the belly region that seemed to come out of nowhere? Are you working out as usual and eating as usual? Well, our body has changed internally. Our hormone levels have probably decreased and that can lead to a drop our RMR (resting metabolic rate) by 40-70 calories/day.Well, maybe that doesn't sound too bad until you multiply it by weeks, months and years. Yikes! Not nice universe.
Add to that, our energy expenditure goes down. When we were younger and healthy we could increase our energy output by 8-10 calories/minute whereas a menopausal woman only 6-8 calories/minute. That means we need to increase our workout time to compensate for the lessened expenditure. Or increase the intensity of the workout.
Add another day of cardio, try intervals and for heavens sake, do some strength training. Don't be afraid to lift heavy, barring any physical limitation such as osteoporosis. Trust me, it's rare that a woman is going to show massive hypertrophy or huge, bulging muscles. Especially when we've begun or gone through the menopausal process.
How and what we eat will also need some tweeking. Drink more water,eat more often and smaller meals. More focus on fruits and vegetables and less on sugars, fats and foods high in sodium.
Estrogen, or the lack of it, can change how your body burns fat, places fat and affects our appetites. Try keeping track of your health.
Keep a food journal
Keep an activity journal
Keep a workout log
Keep a sleep log
Then take this information to your Dr. In some cases he/she can help. You may need to go on hormone therapy or some other form of treatment.
Now, not every woman gains weight due to menopause but for those of us who do, I'm hoping some of this info will help you.
Stay well & keep dancin'
Peace
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