Perimenopause – A New Beginning
Susan Megge
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!
About The Author: Susan Megge is the founder of
http://www.40isbeautiful.com , a
website designed to assist
mature women as they approach and experience menopause. Susan
started experiencing symptoms of menopause several years ago
and researched various avenues to deal with these symptoms
naturally. This led to her discovery that menopause can be a
very manageable, and even wonderful time in a woman's life.
Susan Megge is the author of "Being Beautiful Beyond 40", a
book dedicated to helping women to be inspired, confident and
beautiful as they approach menopause.
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