Growing into adulthood is an exciting experience. The realization that yes, I am a woman or a man now, is one most people find rewarding and others find challenging. Sometimes these challenges appear in the form of responsibilities while for others it could be the changes your body's experiencing. It is true that with age comes knowledge and understanding we certainly didn’t have in our youth, but expanding waistlines, buttocks and the ability to gain weight faster than we lose it are all a part of the package as well.
Most men and women between the ages of 28-55 experience similar concerns with their weight and there are no specific answers to why our buttocks spread, our jeans get tighter and the energy we once had to do all the things we love has turned into us having our meals on the sofa while reclining, or lying down after having a meal.
I am exaggerating, of course, but I do find that most men and women start experiencing changes they are not familiar with as soon as they hit the 30-year mark. It progresses and by the time you are 40 you are left wondering, “What the hay is going on here?”
It is obvious that our bodies change, and along with that change comes a change in our appetites and a change of the foods we love to eat. Personally I believe this is normal. We shed our
20-year old bodies for a more mature one and the process continues well into our 50’s and possibly further into our 60’s. I can’t speculate that far because I have yet to hear the complaints of that age group.
There are many reasons for the changes, but there are no specific solutions as to how to deal with them. We can listen to others’ suggestions and form our own conclusions, but the truth is, what works for me, may not work for you and vice versa. However, we can learn our bodies. We can begin to understand what makes us tick in a sense and find a healthy balance. As long as your weight gain is not affecting your health in a negative way, don’t stress too much about it. Stressing will only cause you to eat more and gain more weight.
Fighting weight gain during adulthood is winnable. Maintain a positive outlook and begin by:
Getting to know your body. Know what works for you and what doesn’t.
Understanding what you like versus what you need. We all have foods we like or love to eat, but as our bodies change those foods may no longer be the best choices for us. I’m not referring to just unhealthy foods such as chips and sweets alone. Maybe you now have to choose low-fat dairy instead of 2% or whole fat dairy. It could be that 1 cup of white rice should become ½ cup of brown rice. Certain foods provide many calories with few nutrients. Choosing a healthier alternative to something you are eating now could decrease the rate at which you gain weight.
Moving. Our metabolism slows with age and inactivity, as well as with muscle loss (a factor of aging). Being active and staying active throughout your adult life can help you maintain a healthy weight. An active lifestyle keeps us youthful, boosts our metabolism and builds muscle.
Staying fresh. Fresh foods provide more nutrients and less harmful additives and toxins (if you choose organic). Eat fresh fruits and vegetables daily. Stay hydrated and refreshed with at least 8 cups of water daily. Water replenishes fluids lost and keeps our blood flowing, as well as keep our skin clear and vibrant.
"No one wears YOUR body as well as you do, wear it well."
