Is beauty past the age of 40 possible? Of course it is; why do you ask? My guess is that you?re a woman in your 40?s (or perhaps approaching 40) and you?ve recently noticed some changes in your physical appearance. Maybe you?ve gained some weight, or perhaps you?re starting to notice fine lines around your eyes and mouth. The skin on your chest, arms or legs appears thinner and perhaps has the consistency of crepe paper. In addition to the changes in your physical appearance, you may have also noticed that you?re more easily tired out than you were a few years ago.
So now you?re wondering if you?ll ever be able to re-gain a youthful appearance. Well, that?s up to you; if you have no desire to put forth a little effort so that you will feel and look both young and energized, the answer is probably ?no.? If, however, you badly want to feel and look your very best during this next phase of your life, and you?re willing to make a few lifestyle changes, then yes ? most definitely ? you will re-gain your youthful appearance and have the energy you had a few years prior.
The first step to a healthier, happier and more beautiful you is making an attitude adjustment, if necessary. It?s important to realize that you can be anything you want, and age shouldn?t be a deterrent; know that you?re a capable and mature woman whose goals can be accomplished if you?re determined enough to make some necessary changes.
If your goal is to lose weight, it?s crucial that you understand the link between physical activity and weight loss. You see, cutting calories is no longer enough to have a lean, toned and healthy body. This is due to the fact that as you get older, your body is working hard to convert your consumed calories into fat to make up for the declining levels of estrogen you?re experiencing as you approach menopause. You absolutely need muscle to burn calories and gain some tone, therefore, it is a necessity to exercise regularly, incorporating weight training into your workout routine.
If you?re feeling sluggish, no doubt exercise is going to give you so very much energy, but it?s also important to treat your body well by consuming foods that are healthy, such as fruits, dark leafy green vegetables and whole grains. Avoid white rice, potatoes and white bread, which can result in additional fat accumulation.
By treating your body well ? through exercise and diet ? your skin will also benefit and won?t sag quite as much as you begin to build muscle. As for the fine lines you may be noticing, there are so very many products available that will easily reduce the appearance of wrinkles, without necessitating the need for surgical or cosmetic procedures.
You see, you need not accept some of the changes that naturally occur as you get older. It is up to you to take care of your body, and by doing so you will be happy, healthy, fit and beautiful. I know from personal experience that anything is possible if you?re determined enough. Use your maturity ? and the confidence that comes with it ? to your advantage by accomplishing those goals which you set for yourself.
Susan Megge is the founder of http://www.40isbeautiful.com, a website designed to assist mature women as they approach and experience menopause. Susan started experiencing symptoms of perimenopause several years ago and researched various avenues to deal with these symptoms naturally. This led to her discovery that menopause can be a very manageable, and even wonderful time in a woman's life. Susan Megge is the author of "Being Beautiful Beyond 40", a book dedicated to helping women to be inspired, confident and beautiful as they approach menopause. | |
