Here we go. It’s time to have that one-on-one with you. This is a personal sharing based on my knowledge and experience on topics covering beauty and wellness.
Question (Q): Why did I suddenly gain weight? I am 50 years old and feeling bloated.
Answer (A): It might have everything to do with your hormones. As one approaches perimenopausal and/or menopausal age, the usual tendency is to feel the following symptoms:
- Weight Gain
- Mood Swings
- Headaches
- Hot Flashes
- Trouble Sleeping
- Changes in Sexual Drive
- Vaginal Dryness
- Erratic Menstrual Flow
This Period May Last Two To 10 Years Due to The Changing Levels of Your Hormones Like
- Estrogen
- Testosterone
- Progesterone
- Thyroid
- Cortisol
May I suggest you see your obstetrician/gynecologist who will recommend an endocrinologist. Based on the results of your blood test, you will be given the option to undergo hormone replacement such as HRT (hormone replacement therapy) or BHRT (bioidentical hormone replacement therapy/plant-based)
Q: What is the easiest way to achieve good complexion at any age?
A: Great skin is founded on good health. You have everything to gain from eating right and following the basic tenets of wellness which bear repeating.
- Whole foods and produce, especially leafy greens
- Vegetable juicing daily
- Good sleep
- Hydration
- Exercise
- Stress Management
- No junk food
- Vitamin/mineral supplementation
Q: How can I have a smaller waistline?
A: Eat less carbohydrates.
- Limit your sugar intake.
- Eat more veggies.
- Eat less animal meat (especially beef and pork).
- Cut down on fast-food.
- Choose water over carbonated drinks.
- Exercise. Burn those calories.
- Have your meals at regular hours. Erratic eating habits can cause weight gain.
- Do not go on a starvation diet. It can lead to future health problems.
Q: I crave different kinds of food at different times. For example, one day it’s peanuts; the next day, it’s ice cream. Why is that?
A: Cravings they say is an indication that your body “needs” a certain vitamin or mineral. This is partly true. But did you know that cravings can be emotionally triggered? Your state of mind plays a very important part in all of this. So does your diet and emotional state. There is a need for some self-observation and examination. It’s okay to give in to a craving but don’t go overboard. Remember, moderation is key. This topic deserves more discussion, so we will go back to this more extensively in the near future. The important thing to remember is that having a craving is not such a bad thing. You may give in to it in moderation.
Q: I am too lazy to exercise but I know it is necessary. Any suggestions on how to begin?
A: Thank you for your honesty. Yes, admittedly we all fall into that lazy phase. That’s okay. But don’t let it become a habit.
The best way to get started is to have an exercise buddy. This will give you the motivation to stick to it.
Start small. Perhaps you can join a walking group. Walking is one of the most effective forms of exercise. And it is the cheapest. Walk 30 to 45 minutes each day.
Joining a gym is lots of fun. The group energy of your class can be contagious. Besides, this gives you the opportunity to make new friends and expand your circle. Be with like-minded individuals. Obviously, you cannot seriously focus on your health goals if you are constantly with the party crowd.
Affirmation: “Success is my middle name.”
Love and light.