Nature Knows Best

Nature knows that the female body changes during menopause and the midlife transition. Many women complain that they put on weight as they enter this stage of life. This can then become a conflict of wills as they lament and resist what they feel is the loss of their young, sylph-like body.

This resistance has produced many large industries selling weight-loss products or services. Endless promises are made about rapid and easy weight loss. Yet few people get permanent benefits, no matter how hard they try.

Why is this?

Might I suggest that this happens because they are fighting against Nature’s will — and cannot win.

In fact, by getting into a fight with Nature, they may only make matters worse.

Changes During Perimenopause

As your reproductive organs change with peri-menopause, other changes start in your body. You will probably notice changes in your skin and hair growth. These changes vary according to the individual.

As with pregnancy, your body may also begin to make unusual demands for food or changes in habits.

Predictably, many women treat these symptoms purely as a medical issue. Instead of talking only to your doctor, perhaps you should also be talking to your body.

Weight gain during menopause is actually very common. Hormonal shifts and ageing can slow metabolism and reduce muscle mass, making it easier for the body to store fat.

The Two Stages of a Woman’s Life

Women’s adult lives are often divided into two parts.

The first is birthing and nurturing their own children.

The second is birthing and nurturing women in a wider community by passing on experience and wisdom. This includes educating women on how to deal with the ever-present pressure from men and the patriarchy.

To perform this role, we need a body and image that enable us to be taken more seriously.

We lose the flightiness and frivolousness that we might have displayed when we were younger. These are replaced with seriousness and gravitas. This can come partly from body shape and weight.

Caring for the Body Nature Has Given Us

Of course, we should not let this go too far. We should not allow our appearance to deteriorate through neglect or allow our body size to get out of hand through careless eating habits.

Instead, we need to take care of our bodies far more consciously than we may have done before.

We should work out an eating routine that is right for us with a Nutritionist. We should also develop an exercise routine that is right for us with a Fitness Expert.

Working With Nature, Not Against It

Above all, we need to learn to communicate with our body and listen to what it asks for and why.

In this way, we can learn to work with the body that Nature has given us, rather than fighting against it.

You can learn more about getting the best out of your middle life and beyond by becoming a Silver Member of the Midlife Butterfly Club.

Love,

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