Don't Make Menopause an Excuse for Being Fat

As women approach menopause, weight gain is one issue that becomes a primary concern for many. If you've had a weight problem before, you may find it harder to lose the additional weight. If you've been able to maintain your weight over the years, you many now find you have to work much harder to keep the pounds off. Therefore, menopause and nutrition go hand in hand, so don't make menopause an excuse for being overweight.

While there are some experts who claim that the fluctuation in a woman’s hormone level is the cause for weight gain, others believe it is due to an increase in age and the decrease in muscle mass and metabolism. Who can really say? The key to keeping the weight off, in any stage of a woman’s life, is through a combination of diet and exercise; and should commence during the perimenopausal stage.

It is important to consume foods low in fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol and it is also recommended that the fat intake should be less than 30 percent of your daily calorie intake. Eat fruits, vegetables, and whole grain cereal products, especially those high in vitamin C and beta carotene. Persons of all ages should consume 20 to 30 grams of fiber daily. Avoid foods and drinks with processed sugar, as many of these products contain empty calories and promote weight gain. Avoid salt-cured foods, which would eliminate pork from your diet. That means giving up ham, bacon, hot dogs, etc. These foods are high in sodium, which can lead to high blood pressure, which is a serious risk for aging women. White bread is also another no-no as it contains starch, which provides no nutritional value.

Regular exercise not only benefits the heart and bones and helps regulate weight, but can elevate one’s mood and create a sense of balance within. Conversely, women who are physically inactive are more likely to suffer from coronary heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and osteoporosis.

While dieting and good nutrition habits are important when we are young, it has become a vital component of good health when we reach menopause. Although it may seem the cycle never ends, maintaining a proper diet is necessary to enjoy this particular time in your life. If you have never had the desire to exercise before, now would be a good time to begin. If you incorporate a healthy diet and exercise into your daily life, there should never be a reason to blame menopause as an excuse for being fat.


Beverly Mahone is the author of "Whatever! A Baby Boomer's Journey Into Middle Age." She recently appeared as a baby boomer expert on MSNBC-TV.

A Review from a Fellow Author

Thank you Bev, for the delicious candid account of words so many of us women have been accused of thinking. I just couldn't put the book down; it was completed in one day, wow! This book is awesome you must read it! Your story brings out your compassion, and wittiness, and serious side as you glide us through the expectation of entering the baby boom era, thank you.

Bev expresses her dilemmas with younger co-workers that we all can relate too, the pretty faces with little to no substance for most of them. As a pre-menopausal boomer myself, I was in awe, but now I understand my mood swings, and crazy fire department heat flames is only a beginning of possible other symptoms to come, and am elated, I no longer need to visit a shrink, I am sane. I am in the beginning phase of menopause, and “yes I am still sexy but it comes in flashes now,” as Bev has expressed. They (symptoms) do not divert me, but I welcome them, because now I have an understanding of them…whatever, and as the youth would say, “bring it on” and I concurred.

I recommend this book to all that wanted to know, the men that need to know, and the cute faces that will need to know…”whatever” because they too must pass this phase. Bev, I can’t wait for the sequel, continue to keep it real, and know no matter what people say about the baby boomers, we are real women with real issues, with real symptoms, and still SEXY! “Your book hits home, and there is a time and season for everything, and WHATEVER IS RIGHT ON TIME”


Much blessings always,

Loretta Scott (author of “YES I CAN”)

www.gulfnurse.com

Augusta, Ga

Whatever! A baby Boomer's Journey Into Middle Age is availabe on Amazon.com

WHATEVER! A Baby Boomer's Journey Into Middle Age (review)

Oh ladies!!!

I just last night finished Beverly's book, *Whatever!* and I've got to tell you....WHAT A REFRESHING treat!!! It was like sitting with Beverly herself and just chatting with her! I devoured the book in two sittings. Initially, I was going to take the book with me on my girlfriend weekend that I go on every year (it's this weekend!!!!) But the book just sat on my desk, calling out to be read!!! So...I indulged myself and I am so glad that I did!

I especially loved the way the book unfolded...as you read through it...your mind thinks of questions that you would like to ask Bev as she shares and to my delight....I found myself reading the answers in very short order!!

She is candid, and MOST honest about her own journey through menopause and the aging process......if you already love this woman....you will love her even more when you are finished with her book...

Thank you Beverly, for daring to address and share your experiences with this trying time in a woman life....

I love you dearly....and thrilled that you call me a friend!

Big Ol' Hugs from Oregon!!!!
Deb