Weight Loss and Stress in Midlife Women

[Guest guest]

Weight Loss and Stress in Midlife Women

By Michelle Prince

http://www.HolisticMenopause.com

 

 

Weight gain is common in midlife women and isn't just the result of

too many calories and too little exercise. Oh, if it were only that

simple! There are many physical and emotional factors involved. Women

gain weight for different reasons and what works to help one lose,

might not do a thing for another. Maybe that's why " diets don't

work " . Weight loss plans need to be tailored to meet the specific

needs of each individual. If you're saying, " No matter what I do, I

can't lose weight " , consider adding stress reduction to your weight

loss program.

 

Stress and the adrenal glands play a major role in midlife weight

gain. Briefly, the adrenal glands react to stress by releasing

cortisol into the bloodstream. The kind of stress doesn't matter to

the adrenals. It can be physical, emotional, environmental, bio-

chemical or even imagined. Since midlife women experience stress in

multiple aspects of life on a daily basis, cortisol remains elevated

for sustained periods. It settles in the fat cells causing weight

gain, typically around the middle of the body.

 

Elevated cortisol also effects thyroid function. And, it's no

surprise that compromised thyroid function is associated with weight

gain. High cortisol prohibits a normal response to the thyroid

hormone signal which is sometimes called " thyroid resistance " . This

resistance impacts other hormone receptors like insulin,

progesterone, estrogens and testosterone, requiring more hormones to

create a normal effect. The connection between elevated cortisol and

insulin resistance is yet another cause of weight gain. Stress

clearly creates a vicious cycle!

 

To help balance cortisol levels and nurture your overworked adrenals,

avoid stimulants, alcohol, refined sugars, carbohydrates, processed

and fried foods. Eat smaller portions more frequently. Include lean,

hormone free meats and dairy, vegetables, legumes, high-fiber grains,

leafy greens and fresh fruit. Drink plenty of pure, fresh water every

day to help flush toxins from the body. Utilize supplements and herbs

to nurture the adrenal glands. And, take time each day to rest,

restore, reevaluate and reinvent yourself for the next chapter of

life.

 

While eating well and getting plenty of exercise are essential for

good health, consider reducing stress and learning effective stress

management techniques an important part of your weight loss program.

Journaling, meditation, yoga, Tai Chi, self-hypnosis, guided imagery,

breathing exercising and listening to soothing music are just some of

the ways to support healthy weight loss through relaxation. It's also

important to take time to address unresolved emotional stressors like

conflicts at work and in relationships, feelings of guilt and

unhealed wounds from the past.

 

For midlife women, losing those extra pounds means much more than

looking better. Other benefits include more energy, better sleep and

a reduced risk of hormone related conditions like elevated

cholesterol, type II diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart

disease. Obesity in midlife is also associated with a higher risk of

Alzheimer's disease. Maintaining a healthy weight will add years to

your life and enhance the quality of each and every day. You deserve

it and you can do it!

 

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Michelle Prince, CHT, is a holistic health practitioner and

consultant with over 30 years of experience. Certified and skilled in

multiple body/mind modalities, Michelle introduced Holistic Menopause

in 2004. Her Online Retreat, Personal Consultations, Workshops and

Renewal Retreats have helped women around the world learn to embrace

perimenopause and menopause with confidence, honor and ease. Contact

Michelle at www.HolisticMenopause.com or call 623-512-7593.