So many women struggle with weight gain during midlife. To gain insight into this issue, I had a wonderful interview with Alison Bladh, a registered nutritional therapist, on the Real Life Momz Podcast. During our conversation, we discussed the underlying reasons for this phenomenon and what can be done to address it.
Midlife weight gain is a complex area and there are many factors that come into play. As we age, we lose muscle mass and that can cause us to burn energy less efficiently. Alison explains that “we also tend to shift from a pear to more of an apple-shaped” body, which can be due to hormonal changes, like an increase in testosterone dominance. Additionally, stress is a big factor. When we're constantly stressed, our bodies produce a fat-storing hormone called cortisol. This can make it difficult to lose weight and even cause us to crave unhealthy carbohydrates.
We also need to pay attention to our thyroid, as the risk of hypothyroidism increases during menopause. Our hormones can be thrown off balance due to lack of sleep, so it's important to prioritize rest and relaxation. Finally, we need to watch our portion sizes and focus on eating whole foods in balance as a lifestyle change. Foods rich in fiber, like cruciferous vegetables, can help eliminate and detoxify hormones from the body, while phytoestrogens found in soy and flax have been shown to reduce menopausal symptoms. Eating fermented foods and taking care of your gut bacteria is also key for hormonal balance.
Ultimately, it's important to remember that there are no quick fixes when it comes to weight management. Self-care and small steps can go a long way, like taking 10 minutes a day for yourself to do something you enjoy.
To discover helpful tips on nutrition, mindset, and lifestyle during midlife, make sure you listen to the Real Life Momz Podcast or watch the episode on Youtube! Check out the link at https://www.reallifemomz.com/nutrition-mindset-lifestyle-in-midlife-with-alison-bladh/ or watch the Youtube video at https://youtu.be/Tc-4Fix17KA to learn more.
Lisa Foster, podcast host of Real Life Momz
