Shape Shifters

Shape Shifter:

Definition: A person or being with the ability to change their physical form at will. While it seems that this is what our bodies are doing as we age.  We are the same weight and our bodies are so different than they were last week or even worse!  Last year!   

I work harder to weigh the same.  At the same time my body shape seems to be changing literally.  I have been doing some research to find out just why this is the case. 

Spoiler Alert!  Our body shape begins to change around age 30!  These changes occur because of a decline in muscle mass and an increase in body fat, due to decreasing estrogen. So, sadly there is a reason behind the menopause apron, pannus stomach or mother's apron, or apron belly.  So not cute! Vanity might be a motivator in this but Health could be the icing on the cake.  According to the Mayo Clinic belly fat carries serious health risks. Luckily the risks can be reduced!  Most of this comes down to math... if you put more calories in your body each day than you burn you will gain weight. There some extra added fun in here!  Our muscle mass decreases while our fat naturally increases, because muscle is the better calorie burner.  

What to do about all of this?   

Self Care is something that everyone talks about, and its bigger than getting a facial.  Make time to help yourself be healthy.   

Eat a healthy diet.  We will be focusing on some great recipes that highlight this focus area. Take away sugars. Don’t eat too much! Move! 

I will also add, create manageable expectations. Be real - if you have never had a six pack - you will NEVER have a six pack. Everyone’s bodies are different, and built differently. So, do what makes you feel good. Take a walk, work in your garden, park a little farther away that you usually do, spend more time standing than sitting. There are little tweaks that can help you maximize your health today!