Diet and Exercise is my Fountain of Youth
Menopause
is a major life change for women. Some
welcome it, as it means the end of the dreaded monthly visitor. Nevertheless, some mourn,
viewing it as the end of their youth. No
doubt, menopausal women are not as youthful as we once were, but this can
be the best time of our lives. So true,
except for that one enormous elephant in the room. That elephant can be us due to the typical
weight gain associated with menopause.
My
experience is slightly different than most because I am also saddled with a
chronic disease that limits my activities. Combine the natural weight gain many menopausal
women face with the neurological damage of multiple sclerosis and I could
become that elephant quite easily. Yet, I
am not. Why? Follow me and I will share all my
secrets.
Move that body!
Even
though my form of MS is a chronic progressive type, which chips away at my
stamina, I have found that I can exert myself for short periods successfully. I take advantage of this by exercising for 30
minutes in the morning when it is cool; heat drains those with MS. I then rest
for ten minutes before showering. Also,
since menopausal women tend to lose bone mass, my daily exercise routine
includes weight training. The added
benefit is that building muscle burns more calories than other forms of
exercise.
Note
Gilad's
Bodies in Motion and Shine Dance Fitness are my favorite morning exercise
programs. Find both on YouTube. I also
use resistant bands during the day while writing. I write a bit and while editing, I use my
band. Easy!
An adult tricycle wins the race.
Unfortunately,
as we age our metabolism slows. These
days, even 30 minutes of daily exercise does not keep me in my size-7 skinny
jeans. In the past, I would take up the
belly-fat slack by riding a bicycle, but with my MS-related balance issues, I dare not try.
Luckily, I found a three-wheel cycle. Now I ride at least an hour each
day. Walking and riding are my preferred
modes of transportation.
Note
I
also walk at least two miles each day.
When it is too hot, I turn to YouTube for walking videos. Crazy!
These are surprisingly enjoyable and effective.
Pass the leafy greens, please.
I
confess; I am a carnivore. I love my
steak paired with a silky red wine. This
should not be a problem for most people.
However, for those with limited mobility and a slow metabolism, it can
add pounds. I found that I could enjoy a
decadent meal once a week with no weight gain if I balance it with healthier
options.
My
favorites are all forms of vegetables – especially leafy greens – grains, nuts,
and at least three servings of fruit each day.
Of course, I supplement my diet with vitamins and extra doses of calcium
and vitamin D,
which is known to reduce MS relapses.
So, is menopause really the death of a woman's youth?
I
have more gray hair, a few more wrinkles, and I do not dance around the room as
I did when I was twenty. Nevertheless,
following my regimen of diet and daily exercise has enabled me to appear more
youthful than my sixty years would imply.
Consequently, mourning my youth is not on my agenda. For me, I've found my fountain of youth.
More
by Rebecca
What I Want
You to Know About Multiple Sclerosis
Don’t Let MS
Keep You From Traveling
How Multiple
Sclerosis Helped Me to Be a Stronger, Better Person
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