By Sally Cross, Therapeutic Life & Relationship Coach, Natural Change Coaching.
Artist unknown
As we approach and transition through our menopause years, one thing that is a common occurrence is weight gain, particularly around our middle, with abdominal bloating as an unwelcome bonus….
Why is this happening? Some reasons to consider…
Hormone imbalances can cause weight gain, with fluctuating oestrogen and low progesterone, changes with insulin levels and resistance, and increased cortisol levels.
Hot flushes and a racing mind can cause sleep deprivation which equates to stress, hormone imbalances and weight gain!
Unhealthy food cravings, increasing desire for salty, sugary or high carbohydrate foods, results in an increase in size around our middle.
Disruption of gut function increases, with bloating, IBS and irregularities with bowel function.
Stress is a major factor in unwanted weight gain, unhealthy eating patterns and health problems. If we are not managing our stress levels well, then this affects our hormone function and body responses. Stress causes increased levels of the hormone cortisol, our natural body response in preparation for ‘flight or fight’. This is necessary to respond to an urgent/emergency situation, but when we stay in this state and it becomes a chronic condition it can create many health problems.
So what can you do about it?
Improve your management of stress, find ways to calm your mind and body.
Improve your quality and quantity of sleep.
Improve hormonal balance, naturally or through allopathic medicine.
Increase, adapt or change the type of exercise/movement you do.
Improve your lifestyle.
Make any appropriate changes to your diet:
Improve the nutritional value of the food you eat.
Find healthy substitutes for food cravings.
Avoid high processed foods.
Go organic.
Consider a plant-based, Mediterranean style diet.
Improve bowel function.
Be kind to yourself!
My Therapeutic Life Coaching and Stress to Serenity sessions may be able to help you in guiding you to reducing your stress levels, make adjustment in lifestyle, mindset changes, replacing chaos for calm.
留言