If you have been working out and becoming more active; along with eating healthy, and finally, you are observing desirable changes in your body then you are on the right track. . However, if you’re not getting your desired result and noticing more Belly Fat then it doesn’t mean you’ve fallen off the track, but the lack of hormones in balance could be holding back your ability to burn fat. It’s difficult enough to lose weight but you have to work even harder to lose belly fat. From daily crunches to homemade belly-busting concoctions, belly fat has its own way of doing things.
We all know by now that excessive consumption of unhealthy foods and physical inactivity contribute to fat accumulation in the belly. But there are many other contributing factors that are often overlooked, and that is hormones.
Hormones are powerful little messengers in the body that turn cellular functions on or off and if your fat-burning hormones are turned off then you could be a whirlwind trying to burn belly fat and give up the fight only to feel miserable.
Menopause is popularly known as the phase of a woman’s life where things begin to slow down, estrogen levels and other hormones dwindle and the menses permanently cease. Weight gain is one of the repercussions of diminishing hormone levels, particularly around the midsection.
BALANCE THESE HORMONES TO BOOST YOUR BELLY FAT BURNING POTENTIAL DURING MENOPAUSE:
Cortisol: Cortisol levels are up and down throughout the day. Cortisol regulated your body’s ability to make glucose (sugar). When stress is high, cortisol production is in overdrive
Testosterone: Helps to burn fat and build muscle. Have you ever noticed how the man in your life can lose weight easily within a matter of days versus a woman? Men have 10 X as much testosterone hormone in their bodies as women. Testosterone pellets are one of my favorites.
Estrogen: Estrogen excess causes weight gain and makes it harder to lose weight. Increase your diet with cruciferous vegetables to help with estrogen metabolism.
Progesterone: Progesterone is a natural diuretic. It helps to keep your swollen ankles down
Thyroid:
Plain and simple, you can’t lose weight without adequate amounts of Free T3! This thyroid hormone is the active form of thyroid hormone. It’s often overlooked but provides the biggest bang when it comes to losing belly fat.
Two factors determine how much fat we amass around our tummy; food and activity. An unhealthy diet and minimal physical activity are displayed upfront, at the belly. And it is, for this reason, there is always an emphasis on consuming a healthy diet and exercising regularly. Of course, it isn’t as easy as it sounds. Maintaining these healthy habits requires consistency and discipline. So how does one take the first step? By starting small! It isn’t necessary, to begin with, a giant leap. So, kickoff with minor changes, small but firm decisions.
Keep moving!
The universal recommendation for physical activity is aerobic exercise. It may be challenging to get into it right away, thus focusing on resistance training. As we age, muscle mass and tone decrease. Therefore by focusing on resistance training, one can restore muscle mass and tone. This type of exercise also reduces joint stiffness and improves flexibility, also reducing the risk of osteoarthritis.
You can begin by practicing yoga. Or pick up some light weights. As you slowly build up your physical stamina, move onto light cardio. Go for regular walks or join a dance class! The goal is to keep moving every day.
Dish it!
I always say; you are what you eat. Consuming unbalanced non-healthy foods manifests on our body’s in a myriad of ways. From skin allergies and acne to hair and nails texture, from weight gain to bloating, food affects our appearance. Consuming nutrient-dense balanced meals can reduce belly fat. But if it’s not working then take a deep Hence, increase the intake of fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and legumes. And, of course, reduce the intake of processed and junk foods and foods rich in saturated fats. Initiate culinary changes by swapping your regular cooking oil with healthy fats oil (such as olive, avocado, or flaxseed oil). That is if you do not already use healthy fats oil. Legumes and nuts are tiny but mighty foods. They are abundant in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They also contain omega-3 fatty acids, which improve cardiac health.
THE GIST OF IT ALL
The aim is to be steady and persistent with our healthy habits. It is alright if you regress from your progress once in a while; the key here is to keep getting back on that belly buster wagon. Be lenient with yourself, the absence of estrogen does leave a mark, but it is up to you to ensure that this mark on the belly is not permanent.
