For years, many people have labored under the impression that middle aged weight gain is inescapable. Middle aged spread as it is commonly called is usually accepted as just hormonal, especially for women, and many people don't take the steps that can actually prevent it. While there are some factors that can make you more likely to keep weight on during this period in your life, there is nothing that says you have to get fat. Here are some easy ways that you can avoid middle aged weight gain.  Can you tell I have been reading too many health, diet, and fitness books?

1. Avoid empty nester weight gain.

When most of us reach middle age, our kids are just going off to college. For parents this means that you'll no longer be running around, doing laundry, going up the stairs five million times a day or cleaning as much. This sudden drop in activity can lead to weight gain if you don't modify your diet. Try this simple technique to help you stay on track. Purchase a pedometer and wear it for one day. If you're not taking 10,000 steps or at least close to it, you're not getting enough exercise. By wearing that pedometer, you'll be able to see just how close you are to that goal and you'll be able to stave off the battle of the bulge.

2. Don't let your hormones get the best of you.

It is true that as women age their hormone levels start to go a little bonkers. Too much or too little estrogen can lead to weight gain that is hard to control. If you're on HRT some of the side effects may include gaining some weight. Don't be a passive victim! If you're finding that you can't eat like you used to, take action before it's too late. Change your eating habits and try to exercise more. While hormones do play a role in where we store weight, the old equation of calories in - calories burned still applies.

3. Address physical issues that may be holding you back.

It's perfectly normal to get a bit stiff and sore as we age. However, if you're finding that your activity levels are taking a hit due to pain, you need to do something about it. Talk to your doctor and see what they prescribe for typical joint pain and stiffness. In most cases, it will be an over the counter pain relief pill or cream that will help you stay active. You may also need to modify your exercise plan a bit or start one that will be more joint friendly. For example, instead of jogging, try water aerobics. You'll be doing a lot less harm to your joints.

Middle aged weight gain does not have to be inevitable and you don't need to sit around hoping for the best. By meeting the problem head on and addressing it properly, you'll be able to stay slim, toned and healthy throughout your middle ages and well into your golden years.

Photo Credits: 1

Related Posts

• Sunday Roundup - New US President Welcome to another edition of WL's Sunday roundup. Election is over, we hope you went out and voted. Our congratulations to President-Elect Obama on a great campaign. We'll see you in the oval office! The Fitness Health Network presents: Get Fit Slowly asks How Fat Smart Are You? Fat Man......
• Is Stress Making You Fat? If you're living a stressful life and wondering why those pounds keep creeping on, there is scientific evidence that has proven that stress can actually make you fat. The good news is that there are many ways you can combat stress and start getting healthy. But first, let's look at......
• 3 Ways to Blast Past Your Plateau Every year, millions of dieters experience the same problem. You're going along great, losing weight steadily and then boom - nothing. No matter what you try or how you limit your diet, you can't lose any more weight. There are a few easy answers to this and a few easy......
• My Weight Loss Coach Nintendo DS I have always been a big fan of video games. I don't play them very often anymore...  if I do I usually stop after no more than a week.  I just have too much to do and too many other things that are more important.  That being said I ran......
• Carnival of Weight Loss #2 -- Halloween Edition Welcome to the November 1, 2008 edition of carnival of weight loss. The Day after Halloween edition. diet NickIrons presents Top 5 weight loss myths posted at Get Results! Fitness Blog, saying, "These days you can’t go anywhere without hearing about a new weight loss breakthrough. A pill, a......

If you liked this article, vote for it on del.icio.us and stumbleupon.

Time the change your life? No longer content to live a sedentary lifestyle and revel in couch potatoism? Click here to download the 31 page the 100% FREE eBook "How to Lose Weight and Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle."

Categories:

activities, exercise, healthy eating, hormones

Tags:

10 000 steps, battle of the bulge, bonkers, calories, diet, doing laundry, eating habits, empty nester, estrogen, exercise, hormone levels, hormones, middle age, million times, parents, passive victim, pedometer, stairs, weight gain, women age