How to Counteract Perimenopausal Weight Gain

As you approach perimenopause, release your inner-control freak. Grabbing hold of the situation before it impacts you puts you in control. Perimenopausal weight gain may start as young as the early 30s, so pay attention to your body and what it is telling you. Linda Dyan, a medical doctor, advises women to, "Be active, watch your diet and, perhaps most importantly, get a feel for who you are as a person and how you want to develop as a woman in this stage of your life. A positive outlook will serve you well."

Instructions

• 1

  Plan ahead. Count those birthdays and realize when you are in age bracket to start watching for the signs of perimenopause.

• 2

  Start exercising and watching what you swallow before the typical 5 to 10 lb. increase begins to build up around your middle. Controlling your perimenopausal weight gain is easiest done before it starts, as more work is required once it settles in.

• 3

  Eat well. Go for salmon, leafy greens and olive oil; avoid sugar, milk chocolate and other high-calorie-low-nutrition food. You "know" this, but now it is time to "do" it.

• 4

  Get a couple of 5 lb. weights and start pumping iron. Lifting weights will keep your bones strong and healthy. This can be done as you watch television so there aren't any "I don't have time" excuses.

• 5

  Challenge your brain. Do crossword puzzles, enroll in a philosophy class or study another language. Keep mentally active just as much as you keep physically fit to embrace a balanced approach to this new phase of your life.