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.
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Originally posted 2008-12-02 12:51:07. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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11 comments ↓
wow – where did you find that picture of me up there? hah..
@Pete
On a serious note… I would like to thank all of the wonderful photographers that make there work, hobby, passion, or pastime available for other to use…
Some interesting new research by a doctor has identified several species of parasites and a specific type of goopy plaque that if left in your bowels makes you fat, bloated, developing a pouch and spare-tire belly.
This is the cause of people’s obesity — fortunately, this research also reveals how to stop it. It further explains that the same cause of why people get fat is also the same reason why people eventually get sick and die prematurely — often cutting off years from their lives (not to mention the quality of their lives).
People who flush these parasites out, often report rapid weight losses up to 100 lbs or more — and without changing a single thing about their diets. Not that you need to lose anywhere near that amount… but it does prove how well it works.
Fatlosssecret
For more information please visit Fatlosssecret
@Jessica
Clearly you haven’t read much of this blog… I need to lose north of 100 pounds. See the chart at the side…
@Readers… I am leaving her comment but removing the links… In hopes that anyone that happens across this search will at least see the comment for what it is spam and think twice and maybe thrice before buying anything from this site with your hard earned money.
Ha! I love that spam. I say this because I am also trying to promote a weight loss tool. Except it’s a tool, not a quick fix.
It is an iPhone food journal called iScale. It helps you track what you eat and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
http://www.allofzero.com/
I am happy to answer any questions. I am looking for feedback and advice on how to make iScale better.
Please check it out. If you hate it and never want to hear from me again, you won’t. I promise!
–Derrek
I’m a big fan of colon cleansing…and 100 pounds? C’mon. Wanted to comment that, for me, weighing myself daily right after I wake up helps set a firm boundary. I know the scale can drive many people crazy–especially those with “food issues”–but it’s part of my sanity program. We need feedback. Of course, I’m talking about maintaining a healthy weight once a person has gotten to that point, which I have (after 40 years of ups, downs, ups…).
what’s middle age now?
methinks Im almost there…and I have a TODDLER!
*sigh*
I’ve tried to get the ball rolling by taking my “after” picture on the first day of my new eating plan.
see here:
unknowndieter.wordpress.com
I really think that lots of people believe that middle-age spread is something that is virtually unavoidable. When celebrities in tv commercials say if you’re past 23 you just need to buy some bigger shirts, it just reinforces the myth. This is a great post, because it not only exposes the myth, but provides some reasons why it happens and methods for overcoming it.
Great work.
Alan
This was a great post. I’m gonna pass this on to my parents, aunts and uncles. I just got my father into being active again and if he conveys information like this to his peers, I think it’ll reinforce what I’ve been trying to tell them for quite some time now.
MizFit – me too!!! Ok, my two are a bit older than a toddler – they’re in Kindergarten & Grade 2. Still, I know how you feel
I can’t believe how much harder I have to work at maintaining my weight at my age (43). I used to be the skinny girl who could eat anything, and now I’m that “middle aged(?)” woman with the post baby ab fat that I swore I’d never have!! Yeesh. On the upside – I’ve lost about 14 lbs in the past 2 or 3 months with calorie counting and LOTS of walking, so it is possible – I just can’t believe how much harder it is.
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