Click this link for Harmonic Living Part 1

Your physical being – Your physical self includes many aspects that will make or break you when you are going through menopause or even just being over the age of 40.  We all know the benefits of exercise from a traditional model:  strong bones, clearer mind, increased metabolism, strong heart…the list goes on and on.  But in menopause exercise is imperative to living a fuller life well into your later years.

Our bodies have distinct needs to function at an optimal level.  And exercise is one of them.  A false pretense is that we think as we age we fatigue easily, decrease muscle mass, have impaired memory, plus a list of other things.

And in reality this is not true.

According to the National Institute of Aging it has been determined that it these issues are from the disuse of the body.  So not only will exercise combat aging, but is also a key solution to dealing with menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, weight gain, irritability, sleep patterns, etc.

Are you confused where to start?  Begin just by making it a point to move everyday.  Or even better yet, get a customized program based on your medical history, goals and needs.

Your nutrition – This is where as a society we have failed miserably.  Take a look at when you were a child.

What kind of food did you eat?

Did your parents cook meals?

Most likely, this was true for the majority of households.

Our trend toward a fast paced life has lead to a disaster in eating habits.  The food that we eat on the run due to our hectic lifestyles is processed and has virtually no nutritional value.  They are high in saturated fat, salt, low in vitamins and have a host of unidentifiable ingredients in them.  Yet we expect in our stressed induced world that this food is good enough to fuel us, give us long lasting energy and avoid disease.  Wrong!

On top of that, can you imagine how eating this way can affect your symptoms menopause?

Remember, if the foundation of your body (fatty acid levels, vitamins, minerals, enzymes) is not in balance this will create additional issues when your hormones start to decline in your body.  That is why eating nutritionally sound food is imperative to aging.

Your own mind has control of what you eat.  Don’t blame society for your lack of eating healthy.  Take control of this aspect of your life.  It is not about counting calories, fats or carbohydrates.  It is about fueling an intricate machine.  James Ray once said that it would take 40 million dollars to replace your body parts.

If this is true, why are we feeding it with trash?

Start by taking a step at a time.  Work with a food coach in a small group or individually to feel great until you are well into your 100’s.

Gail Edgell is certified personal trainer with 17 years of experience.  She is the owner of Inside Out Wellness, where she helps busy people finally answer the question, what exercise is best for me?  Contact Gail at gedgell@insideout360.com or call #888-WELL-360.  To get your free report - Seven Tips to Improve your Health and Wellness go to www.insideout360.com.