Navigating Midlife: Karen Viesta
Ever noticed how belly fat seems to become a loyal companion once you hit a certain age?
Blame it on the hormones! As we journey through perimenopause and menopause, our estrogen levels take a dive. And suddenly our body starts storing fat differently. Enter the ‘meno-pot’ or the ‘menopause middle’ – it’s like a hormonal party in our bellies, with visceral fat as the VIP guest.
“It’s all about balance, my friend.”
Understanding Fat Types: Subcutaneous vs. Visceral:
Alright, let’s talk fat. There’s the friendly subcutaneous kind, just hanging out under your skin, not causing much fuss. Then there’s the not-so-friendly visceral fat, sneaking around your organs, releasing all sorts of hormones and inflammation. Not exactly the kind of guest you want lingering.
So, how do we bid adieu to that stubborn belly fat? It’s all about balance, my friend.
The Three-Pronged Approach: Food, Exercise, and Lifestyle:
Food:
Load up on protein and fiber like they’re going out of style. Lean proteins and fibrous foods keep those hormones in check and help flush out toxins. Think chicken, veggies, and maybe a sprinkle of quinoa for good measure.
Exercise:
Mix up your cardio with some strength training – nothing too intense, just enough to get your heart pumping and those muscles working. And don’t forget to stretch it out with some yoga or Pilates for that added flexibility.
“It’s like planting seeds in a garden; you gotta give them time to grow.”
Lifestyle:
Stress less, sleep more, and don’t forget to hydrate! Cortisol, our stress hormone, loves to play tricks on us, so keeping it in check with some relaxation and self-care is key. Oh, and did I mention good ol’ H2O? Your body will thank you for it.
Now, here’s the kicker – results don’t happen overnight. It’s like planting seeds in a garden; you gotta give them time to grow. So, be patient with yourself, keep up the good work, and trust that those efforts will pay off in the long run.
The ‘wellegant’ approach to the physical changes and challenges during midlife is about embracing the journey, loving our bodies, and living our best lives, one belly fat-busting step at a time.
Ready to join the ride? Download the Midlife Glow Up Guide: 10 Steps to Your Healthiest, Most Radiant Self and let’s do this together!
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About The Author:
Karen Viesta is a Certified Health and Lifestyle Coach who works with women in over 40 who want to transform their bodies and their lives. She is the founder of Wellegant Woman Coaching and host of the podcast, Wellegant Woman: Redefining Midlife. After going through her own midlife reinvention, Karen is passionate about helping women in midlife to age powerfully, create extraordinary health and vitality, and make each new decade even better than the last.
To dive deeper into these 10 steps and to receive additional guidance and resources, head over to Viesta’s site and download the free “Midlife Glow Up Guide: 7 Days to Your Healthiest and Most Radiant Self.” This guide is packed with practical tips, exercises and inspiration to support you on the beautiful journey toward creating a body and life you love. And if you want an incredible community of women in midlife, I encourage you to join the Wellgant Woman community HERE.