The new year brings us a time to look forward to new beginnings.  Why not take this time to take a personal inventory on your wants, needs, and desires?  You have the power in you to be whatever you want to be, so start today by making your dreams a reality!  The journey of a thousand miles begins with one small step.  Take your first step today!

Here’s to a great new year!!  Have a safe and happy new year from all of us here at Femestra!

Another year is coming to a close.  While many are taking the time to reflect on the year that has been, I am looking forward to the year ahead.  Like most people at this time, I have high hopes of losing weight, getting into shape, and getting healthy.  The problem with most of these resolutions is that it takes real effort to sustain that level of commitment.  To really be successful at reaching a goal, the best course of action is to set moderately challenging short term goals. 

Following my own advice, I have decided to start by looking at my diet.  I know that I am lacking all of the nutrients that I need to maintain health, so my first goal is to visit my doctor and discuss supplementing my diet with vitamins and minerals.  I can achieve this goal with a minimum amount of effort to be successful, so to challenge myself a bit, I will add that I will pledge to remember to take my supplements at least 6 out of 7 days a week.  Seeing that my life is hectic, this is a goal that I can achieve with a bit of persistence. 

My second goal is to increase my level of exercise.  Dealing with menopause has taught me that I must pay closer attention to my health in order to regain some sort of control over my body.  The menopause symptoms of fatigue, emotional upset, and weight gain will wear me down if I don’t start fighting back.  I pledge to walk at least three times per week for the month of January.  This is an attainable goal, but still challenging enough to keep me motivated.  We’ll see how I do.

Now you have a good idea of what my new year will be like, but how about your’s?  Are you going to set goals for your new year?  By keeping them small and attainable, you will be setting yourself up for resolution success.  Best of luck in the new year!

Now that we are in the midst of the holiday season, you may be finding that your clothes are fitting a bit tighter than they were just a few weeks ago.  All of that holiday cooking with its delicious pastries and extravagant dinners may be taking a toll on your waistline.  Unfortunately, for women going through menopause, gaining weight may be one of the holiday gifts that they will most likely want to return!

To keep weight in check during menopause, many women will have to make some lifestyle changes that may be different from what they are accustomed to practicing.  Smaller portion sizes, a more varied plate, and increased exercise times are all necessary to ensure that weight gain stays at bay.  Some women, in conjunction with their doctors, develop and successfully follow a diet and exercise plan that incorporates nutritional supplements to help keep weight gain to a minimum.  If this is something that interests you, suggest this approach to your doctor during your next visit.

Holiday cookies, candies, and dinners do not have to ruin your plans for slimming down.  By making a few changes in your lifestyle, you can keep your energy levels high and your metabolism revved even while going through menopause!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!  Unfortunately, for those of us slogging our way through menopause, it’s also the most stressful and energy-zapping time of the year.  Try these few suggestions for improving energy levels throughout the holiday season and the rest of the year.

1.  Take a 5 minute vacation.  Lock yourself in the bathroom, closet, or anywhere where you won’t be bothered and practice deep breathing techniques for five minutes.

2.  Try to get at least a 20 minute walk in to help combat fatigue and improve sleep at night.

3.  Watch your diet.  Be sure to get in adequate levels of nutrients by choosing a variety of healthy foods and supplementing with vitamins as directed by a physician.

4.  Use yoga to combat anxiety.  Yoga has a naturally calming affect by combining deep breathing with physical stretching. 

5.  Don’t sweat the small stuff!  Don’t be torn to pieces if the “perfect” gift that you thought you bought wasn’t quite right, or the sweater that you were just so sure that she would love turns out to be the wrong color.  The holidays are for spending time with the ones that you love, not breaking yourself down in a competition to be the best. 

Have a great holiday season!