Worried about gaining weight during the holidays? You’re not alone, especially if you’re experiencing menopause. While symptoms like hot flashes and mood shifts are uncomfortable, menopause also makes weight gain easier. Keep reading to learn about combating the extra pounds this season plus over the counter menopause relief options that can help you feel better this season.
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Get Active
The holidays may not be the best time to embark on a new fitness routine. However, you can incorporate bite-sized activities into your celebrations. After that big holiday dinner, why not take a walk? It’s the perfect excuse to go look at your neighbor’s light displays and share some quality time with family — and you burn calories while building muscle. Got holiday shopping on your list? Pick a less busy time and walk a lap or two around the shopping center while you’re picking the perfect presents.
Stay Hydrated
Water is responsible for carrying nutrients to our cells, cushioning our joints and organs, flushing out toxins and regulating our body temperatures. Yet it’s also key for maintaining a healthy weight. Try drinking 16 ounces of water about a half hour before your meal: You’ll not only quench your thirst, but you’ll also feel a little fuller and eat less.
Choose Tasty Healthy Foods
Holiday food is comfort food, full of flavors that keep us coming back for more: savory, creamy, sweet, fatty, salty and spicy. While it can translate to a few extra pounds, the solution isn’t to run away screaming or embark on a holiday diet that’s certain to fail. Instead, try swapping out healthier versions that are just as tasty. Baked squash and root vegetable dishes seasoned with parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme are excellent alternatives to bread-based stuffings. Stuffings with whole grains like quinoa and wild rice are also great choices.
Consider OTC Menopause Relief
Over-the-counter relief such as Equelle helps alleviate discomfort associated with menopause hormonal shifts. Equelle contains S-equol, a non-steroidal compound that shares a similar molecular structure with estrogen. Because S-equol binds to estrogen receptors, it prompts the body to react in the same ways as it does to the estrogen our bodies produce.
Does Equelle cause weight gain? Because it binds to estrogen receptors without adding more estrogen to your body, it doesn’t impact existing estrogen levels. Alongside healthy lifestyle practices during the holidays, Equelle targets the menopausal discomfort that could prompt you to reach for that extra cookie or another helping of stuffing.
Don’t Worry About Setbacks
No one’s perfect. During the holidays, it’s important to take moments for relaxing and simply enjoying yourself. Whether it’s a cup of tea with a friend to reconnect, playing video games with your grandkids or making snow angels in the yard, these moments also let you destress and have some fun. Even if you gain a pound or two after the festivities, don’t look at this as a failure. Also, don’t stress out over any Equelle side effects: Because it doesn’t add or subtract estrogen from your body, you shouldn’t experience negative impacts or increase your risk for related health conditions such as breast cancer.
Also Read: What is Black Carrot? How it is beneficial for health?
