Can We "Older" Women REALLY Beat Belly Fat?

Now that I am on the backside of 50....uh hmmm...I find it harder and harder to control my weight. Just recently I have not been able to control the belly fat. So I take off to the doctors to find out what I can do. I am diagnosed with Adrenal Fatigue, which causes my adrenals to pump out more of the hormone that causes belly fat that's so affectionately called "menopot." I am told that during menopause, most women gain a pound every year unless they change their exercise and eating patterns.  So now I am on this quest to see if it can be reversed; the belly fat, not the menopause...I think once you're in it, you're in it...COL (chuckle out loud)

Even if you don't have any weight gain during perimenopause, your cloths may not fit like they used to because fat redistributes from the limbs to the abdomen. Research from Rush University Medical Center  is showing that higher levels of testosterone promotes this, rather than lower estrogen. It is suggested that a good core workout like pilates can help. Well, I guess this exercise will now have to be added to my daily walking.

Did you know that gaining 20 pounds during menopause can increase your risk of heart disease, diabetes and stroke, not to mention breast cancer! BUT this can all be reversed. And I am trying my hardest (more than I ever have in my life) to make these changes. I am in the gym now at least 4 times a week. I wasn't able to go to the gym last night, so I got on my Healthrider for 30 minutes, burning a little over 500 canaries. (I really have to be more careful with my diet on the weekends. I tend to "allow" myself to have more than I should.)

For me, it is frustrating to cut back on my diet and find that it still doesn't work to shed those pounds, but I am told there are two factors to this; age and body composition. When we are sedentary we lose muscle as we age. This slows the metabolism because muscle cells require more energy to function and when lost, overall calorie needs decrease and weight is gained even with a marginal diet. Whew, all of this is just a perfect storm for belly fat!  NOW I KNOW and can BEGIN NOW to correct it!

To combat this belly fat, I believe I should add weight training to the routine. At least with two 20-minute sessions to start out with. Don't worry folks, I will consult with my doctor first!

According to Joan Endyke, registered dietitian with a master's degree in nutrition and food science, and a certified personal trainer, "with fat storage shifted to the abdominal area, insulin may not work as well and linger in the blood stream, creating inflammation and making it more challenging to lose weight. To minimize this, limit or avoid simple carbohydrates such as white bread, pasta, crackers, soda, juices, sweetened coffees, cookies and others. Replace them with anti-inflammatory foods such as whole fruits, vegetables, oatmeal and other whole grains, cinnamon, small amounts of nuts, and lean proteins such as fish and chicken."

She also gives a tip to "eat a 100-calorie-pack of almonds one hour before meals to quell appetite and then skip the starch and pile on the non-starchy vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus or green beans to accompany a lean protein."  Good advice Joan!!

So get out there and exercise and eat better foods.
Here's to your health!

Photos by Microsoft