Achieving Weight Loss after Menopause

Not only is weight loss after menopause entirely possible, it is really a necessity. When you are going through menopause, weight gain is practically a prerequisite. In fact, you should pretty much expect it. On average, most women gain about fifteen pounds throughout the whole process – from pre menopause to post menopause, that is. The good news is that, also on average, they only gain a pound or so a year.

That means that if you eat right and try to stay active during menopause, you can at least keep your body toned. A lot of people, doctors and women, insist that it is all but impossible to lose weight during menopause. They think that for a good reason. It is extremely difficult. However, there are eight great ways to lose weight after menopause, so you can start getting your life back together.

The first thing you need to do is quit using estrogen as an excuse. It may be primarily at fault but excuses only go so far. Worst of all, they can give you even more of an excuse to simply not to anything. After all, you cannot control your estrogen levels, right? Right, and many women use this to convince themselves that they need not exercise or eat right, because it will not do any good anyway. This is entirely untrue. Worse, it is highly unhealthy. Once you have gone an entire year without menstruating and enter into post menopause, your hormones start to balance out again. Therefore, this excuse does not really work well any longer.

Secondly, try to stay away from alcoholic beverages, or at least drink them in extreme moderation. See, alcohol, whether it is beer, wine, whiskey, et cetera, has a very high calorie content. Even more than that, they are empty calories. There is a very strong link between post menopausal weight gain and alcoholic intake.

The third tip you need to consider is building muscle. When you lose muscle mass, it generally leads to an increase in body fat. The reverse is also true. Regular exercise can help you do this.

However, you absolutely cannot, should not, and better not starve yourself. Far too many women think this is the answer. In trying to pare down their calorie intake a ridiculous amount, they do begin to starve themselves. This can lead to anorexia. You have to remember that taking in less than 1,200 to 1,400 calories can make your metabolism slow down, which will actually lead to more weight gain. Try to stick to the 1,600 to 1,800 calorie range.

Tip number five: remember that every bite really does count. Try not to munch throughout the day. This does not mean you cannot have a midday snack. It means, think before you take a taste or three of what you are cooking for dinner. More importantly, think about when you eat. Try not to do so right before you go to bed.

You need to be careful when you eat out as well. Those portions are enormous! Either share your portion with a friend or ask for a box right away. That way, you are not tempted. Plus, you can take it home with you and have a ready made meal the next day.

You also need to eat healthy foods which are full of nutrients. By and large, they are more feeling anyway. Look for foods with vitamins and minerals. Remember, a baked potato is more filling and nutritional than a cheeseburger. Fruit will take you farther than a candy bar.

Lastly, try to stay mellow. Be relaxed as much as possible, stay out of stressful situations, and take some time for yourself. Remember, as well, that regular exercise can actually reduce your stress level.