Body image after 40

Loosing weight after 40 can be very challenging, it seems like many women and man, speaks of this constant struggle and emotional roller coaster ride.   They say; “It’s overwhelming and sometimes I don’t know who I am anymore!   The sense of losing control and feeling inadequate are very common.  In my holistic practice, feelings are important to be addressed, as well as the physical being, I believe that are physical, mental, spiritual and social being is all interconnected.  I would like to share some perspective on fat cells, hormones, inflammation and oxygen that can be key components to weight balance.

Let’s start with fat cells, we are born with a certain number of fat cells, some people are genetically predisposed to having a larger number of these cells concentrated in specific areas.

When we diet, fat cells expand when people consume more energy than they can burn. During weight loss, the cells shrink. … “If anyone of us overeats long and hard enough, we can increase the number of fat cells in our body, (Park, 2011) When we lose weight, we don’t lose the number of fat cells.  Your life style and diet can determine how quickly you will shrink your fat cells or enlarge them.  It is a building block, if we have unhealthy habits for a long period of time, we can assume, we will reap what we sow.  Be consistent and continue to eat healthier and change will come!

Another area to look at is, hormone imbalance which can result in slowing down the process of weight loss. Some test can help determine if this is the case, for instance; thyroid, blood sugar levels, lipid and even blood pressure. Herbology therapy can help reduce some symptoms that are related to hormone imbalance, another approach that is very effective are cleansing detox and increasing fiber intake to thin down bulging flanks.

• Adding supplements that will contribute to good fats by reducing unhealthy fat deposit. Increasing fish oil, pancreatic enzymes, cleansing (liver, lymphatic system, digestive/colon) is extremely helpful to building blocks to a healthier body and quicker results.

Inflammation can create bloatness, increase acidity, oxidative stress. Take for instance a rusted car, if it is not maintained it will spread, just like oxidative stress.  Stress can also create Mental hunger = That gnawing urge or desire to eat something when you know you aren’t hungry or that nonstop chatter in your brain telling you that you need to eat a specific thing. If you are eating mostly processed foods, it will produce inflammation which equals, slowing down of the metabolism.  Also, reduces overall energy in our bodies and mind therefore we are tired and take longer to connect the dots.  The emphasis on deep breathing is fuel to our bodies, it creates energy that allow our metabolism to speed up.  The more oxygen we intake, helps regenerate our organs, which helps increase overall performance and detoxication. Exercise is not the only way to lose weight!

In conclusion, we are all different. Find what you need, what makes you happy, let your body mind and soul speak to you. Most importantly take the time to explore what works best in your life. Whether it would be cleansing, diet, exercise, or any other therapy. I truly believe happiness and being in our hearts helps us achieve, a life time of connection. The ability to restore your body comes with awareness, being conscious and trusting to make the right decision and embracing the moment.

Enjoy the moment, and remember good health is good living!

Anna