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Perimenopause, the transitional period before menopause, can bring with
it many symptoms, challenges and changes for women. You may notice that
you’ve gained some weight, particularly around your mid section, or
perhaps your periods aren’t as regular as they once were. You may also
be experiencing hot flashes or night sweats and you’re wondering if
this time in your life marks the end of your youth.
According to several studies, the answer is “absolutely not.” As a
matter of fact, perimenopause can very well signal the beginning of a
more mature, happy, beautiful and energetic you – if you have the
determination and self-control that are necessary ingredients in the
fountain of youth.
You may believe that the days of feeling youthful and full of energy
are history, but this couldn’t be farther from the truth. Maybe you
witnessed your mother – or perhaps aunts – get older and the results
weren’t pretty. Believe it or not, that has very little to do with you.
As a matter of fact, a study conducted by Swedish scientists found that
our genes only contribute 20% - 30% in determining how healthy we’ll be
and how long we’ll live. That’s very good news, because this means that
it is we who determine our fate.
Three key factors to staying youthful and reducing symptoms of
perimenopause are: Diet, exercise and a healthy, positive attitude.
Unfortunately, most women don’t believe in healthy eating and exercise.
As a matter of fact, far too many people become complacent and are more
than happy to sit around watching television or writing e-mails, yet
the excuse is always the same – “I don’t have time to exercise and eat
healthy.” If you were to face unfavorable health conditions and severe
symptoms of periomenopause (likely as result of an inactive lifestyle)
there’s no doubt you would find the time to seek and receive treatment.
Why not use that time for preventative maintenance on your body so that
you may reduce the risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, stroke and many
other conditions that so many women face as they enter middle age?
Let’s take a moment to examine the lifestyle of many Americans who are
now living past the age of 100. Those individuals currently living past
the age of 100 never inactively sat behind a desk, ate fatty processed
foods, experienced road rage, or believed that exercising no more than
their fingers at the computer was a sufficient amount of activity for
the day. Let’s face it, in the early 1900s people walked miles to work
not by choice but out of necessity, because cars were still a luxury
back then. Boys and girls were expected to till the fields because
their farmer parents needed cheap help. People ate what they grew
because it was available. Most labor was manual then, and most
nutrients were natural. Preserved food was what they sealed in a jar.
Tobacco and alcohol were available in the early 1900s, but the majority
of today's centenarians didn't indulge to excess.
The lifestyle changes necessary to look and feel youthful and
energetic, and reduce symptoms or perimenopause, are so very easy and
you’ll be thrilled that you took the time to make these changes,
because the results will astound you. Your diet doesn’t need to be so
strict that you can’t enjoy those foods that you love. As a matter of
fact, recent studies have shown that the consumption of cocoa or dark
chocolate may offer protective effects for healthy people and those who
are at risk for cardiovascular disease. So, go ahead and enjoy your
chocolate – if consumed in moderation, and as part of a well balanced
diet, it may be very good for your overall health.
Additionally, red wine has been proven to increase longevity, serve as
an antioxidant and may reduce the risk or spread of breast cancer.
Also, as you may know, a strong association between moderate
consumption of red wine and reduced cardiovascular disease and lower
cancer risk has been documented.
So, as you can see, many foods and beverages that you thought you’d
have to give up can easily remain a part of your everyday diet. Foods
you will want to avoid, however, include those that will contribute to
fat accumulation, such as white rice, potatoes and white bread.
Instead, add wholegrain bread, oats, rye and wheat germ to your diet.
I know you’re probably not fond of the word “exercise,” as many women
don’t understand the benefits of a regular exercise routine – both
physical and emotional – but you will be shocked and amazed by the
positive results you’ll see by devoting a small amount of time to
regular physical activity. You’ll lose the weight you’ve gained around
your mid section, and you’ll become toned, fit and thin. You’ll also
have much more energy, which is likely a result of being in better
shape, as well as knowing that you’ve accomplished a great deal, which
leads to so much more self confidence than most of us are accustomed to
having.
In summary, perimenopause really can be the start of a beautiful new
beginning if you should choose to make it so. Remember, it’s up to you;
do you want to become frumpy, overweight and lacking energy, or will
you devote a small amount time and effort to looking and feeling
youthful, energized and beautiful? I know I’m experiencing some of the
best years of my life and if I can do it, so can you – enjoy! |