Some Advice for Women as They Start Aging

As women start aging, they go through certain phases in life, while they become attuned to their career and way of life in which they get settled.  It can be a fabulous time when they begin to hit their stride. At the same time,  they may start noticing that their metabolism is beginning to slow down.  Here is what they should do in  order to strike the right balance as far as their health and welfare are concerned:

Weight Control:  As their metabolism begins to slow down, they will, as a result, burn fewer and fewer calories,  as they gain weight, especially around the middle where it  becomes harder to lose.  This, in turn, can have an undesirable effect on blood sugar, levels of cholesterol, and blood pressure.

What can be done:   They should not skip breakfast.  Starting the day by eating a light breakfast helps control cravings and, therefore, consume less fat through the rest of the day, compared to those that skip breakfast.  It is highly recommended that women should eat three meals a day, at regular times, and stop snacking between intervals. This routine helps reprogram their appetite.

Nutritional needs:  As calories start dropping, nutritional needs increase, while it becomes necessary to cut back on processed foods, deficient in vitamins, minerals and fiber, and high in fat and sugar.  Focus on oatmeal, not granola bar; potato, not chips; whole wheat bread, not white bread; fresh fruit, not fruit punch. Diet, high in fiber, is the way to go. This helps balance female hormone estrogen, thus reducing the risk of breast cancer, as well as symptoms of perimenopause.

Perimenopause is the period when estrogen levels fluctuate, prior to menopause, signaling the importance of proper diet.  Evidence shows that estrogen-like compounds called isoflavones is contained in soybeans which can help offset the drop in a woman’s estrogen.

Importance of soy foods:  Add a daily serving of soy foods to the menu, containing about 30-50 mg. of isoflavones.  One serving equals l/2 cup of tofu, one cup of soymilk, or 3 tablespoons of roasted soy nuts. Adding soy to the diet helps reduce hot flashes by forty percent.

Protecting bones:  Osteoporis may begin to set in, in the wake of menopause; hence, the need for calcium becomes all the more necessary to prevent its onset.  Plain yogurt contains calcium and helps strengthen bones.  Eat a low fat, high fiber diet, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grain breads and cereal.

In conclusion:   Do what is best for the body in order to prevent problems while aging. 

Keep the “demon” out of the door, and you’ll never ask for anything more.