Alright, ladies, we all know that there are certain times of the month when we may feel a bit pudgier around the waistline. Those days when we prefer sweatpants or elastic waistband pants versus the squeezing into button jeans and having our circulation cut off by the overflowing muffin top. Don’t fret, ladies. You’re not alone.
3 Simple Ways to Battle “The Bulge”
Our waistlines
We all pride ourselves in seeing our waistline. The hourglass-figured woman is one we really like to see ourselves as. However, as we all know, sometimes the image we see in the mirror is sometimes altered by our self-esteem or our mental image of ourselves.
For example, the 5’4″, 95 lb. woman that continues to see a 170 lb. woman staring back at her in the mirror. Or the 5’6″, 230 lb. woman who believes she looks like Charlize Theron when she puts on her spandex pants and tube top.
Yes, sometimes our mental ability to see what is factual, is sometimes blinded by our need to be socially accepted (the “Barbie Doll” complex).
Did You Know #Healthy Bodies Come in All Shapes & Sizes? #womenClick To TweetChanging your body image means changing the way you think about your body. However, healthy lifestyle choices (eating healthy, exercise, and plenty of rest) can help improve your image as well.
Hormonal
As we grow older, our metabolism tends to slow down. When women are peri-menopausal and near menopause, we tend to gain a few more pounds around the waistline. What was once muscle, relaxes and turns into fat. The loss of muscle decreases the rate of the calories we burn. Thus, adding belly fat. Let us not forget the decrease in estrogen levels can also contribute to “the bulge”.
Visceral
Visceral fat is lies deep inside your belly, surrounding your organs. Visceral fat is linked to many serious health issues, such as:
- Colorectal Cancer
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Cardiovascular Disease
Obviously, this is very unhealthy and could lead to premature death.
The Waistline
Take a minute and grab your measuring tape. No, not the one in your husbands tool box. An actual cloth or plastic, flexible tape measure.
- Wrap it around your waistline, just above your hip line. Come on. I know you can find it! 😉
- Pull the tape around you so that it is snug but not pinching.
- Be sure the tape is “level” all the way around. If not, please adjust.
- Do Not Suck Your Belly In! Relax! It’s only you who will see this reading.
The results
Statistics have shown, a waist measurement of 35 inches or more, may indicate an unhealthy amount of belly fat and increase your risk for serious health issues.
Let’s Get Healthy
Time to learn a few simple ways to get rid of that belly fat!
From Visually.
Simply Put
- Sleep more
- Eat healthier
- If you don’t like to exercise, dance your way through your chores around the house! Shake that booty!
Lastly, Don’t Get Frustrated
We all battle some type of weight issues during our lives. Sometimes it can be related to our genetic composition. However, by replacing that McDonalds Big Mac with a Subway sandwich, may help you beat the battle of “The Bulge”.
Don’t Give Up
Get support from women friends, not men. Men will not understand the battle we face, especially during menopause. Women are more sympathetic and understand the hormonal battle.
Are You Ready?
I will be the first to admit, I have gained too much weight in the past 2 years. I mentioned it in my previous post and believe my expanding waistline to be from:
- Lack of exercise
- A sedentary desk job
- Hormones
- Medications
However, I am determined to lose at least 10 pounds in 2016. Yes, I’m giving myself the entire year to lose 10 pounds. Anything more will be an added bonus! I think I could do it by simply getting up more from my desk at work!
It's Time think #Healthy and beat the Battle of 'The Bulge'! Click To TweetOver to You
Are you currently battling “the bulge”? If so, how are you doing it and are you successfully making progress? How many of you have conquered “the bulge” and how?
I’d love to hear from you!
