Menopause can be a scary time. Across the world, it’s estimated that over 32.8 million women are experiencing it. That’s one in every five women. And what’s more, 1 in 3 of those women are overweight or obese. So if you’re struggling with weight gain during menopause, you’re not alone. It’s a common concern, and there are several things you can do to fight it.
Exercise
Just like any other part of your body, your hormonal changes during menopause cause your fat to redistribute. So if you’re looking to shed those extra pounds, you should consider exercising. Even a 20-minute walk each day has been known to boost your mood and reduce stress. And in some cases, it’s led to women losing weight even when following a strict diet regime.
If you’re really struggling, you might want to try a gym membership. Even just going to the gym for a stroll has been known to reduce stress and promote relaxation. So it’s important to find what works best for you. If you’re looking to try out a new sport, there are plenty of gym options to choose from. You might even find that taking a class or joining a gym with a spin class works best for you.
Change Your Diet
Just like with most other changes in your life, you’ll need to read the food labels and examine what you’re eating. If you’ve been relying on takeout or processed food, you’re going to have to change up your diet. Start by avoiding foods with lots of added sugar and instead choosing foods that are high in fiber. Eating healthier won’t happen overnight, but you can start by simply cutting out the snacks and desserts that you know you shouldn’t eat. Then, gradually change what you’re eating to incorporate more fruits, veggies, and whole grains. When you make these dietary changes, you’ll start to shed some weight naturally. So don’t be afraid to try them out!
It’s also important to note that what you eat affects your hormones. Certain foods, like strawberries, raspberries, and dark chocolate, have been known to increase your levels of serotonin, the “feel-good” hormone. So by eating these foods, you can help your body produce more serotonin and reduce your cravings for junk food. Additionally, eating the right food will change the way your body functions and helps you to lose weight faster.
Take A Look At How You Live
Another way to lose weight fast is to change up your daily routine and do some things differently. If you’re looking for ways to boost your metabolism and reduce food cravings, you might want to try some of the new habits developed by medical experts. They’ve found that by changing up certain daily activities, you can help your body to function at its optimum level and burn calories at an accelerated rate. So instead of going for a long, leisurely walk after work, why not try out a quick bike ride or a swim at the pool? Start by simply changing up how you normally sit at your desk. Instead of plopping down in your chair, get up and walk around for a while. If you think that this has the potential to help you lose weight, try out a new habit for a week and see how it makes you feel. If you try out a new activity and it doesn’t feel right to you, you can always go back to your previous routine. But at least you tried something new! And who knows – maybe adding a new ingredient to your diet or doing some stretching exercises could help you to lose a few pounds as well.
No matter what, though, it’s important not to lose hope. Even if you’ve tried a few of these tips and failed, don’t give up! Just keep trying new things until you find something that works for you. Menopause can be a challenging time, but it’s also a time when you can change your life for the better. You’re going to have to work hard, of course, but with a little bit of experimentation, you might be able to find the perfect fit for you!