|
Special problems faced by women
More women than men are concerned about their looks and specially about being thin. They are bombarded by overt and subliminal messages that they need to be the smallest size possible. They are also told that they are only attractive when they are thin.
All high fashion is geared to thin and tall women and when women look at their role models, whether they are models, movie stars or other women in the media, they are all invariably thin, tall and attractive. So women are more body conscious, and that too from a young age.
Women find it difficult to lose weight
For a number of reasons women find it difficult to lose weight. The way their bodies are built, they are genetically predisposed towards child-rearing and so have extra reserves of fat on their body. There is a conflict between the way they are supposed to be and the way they perceive they should be.
Women find it difficult to lose weight because of their hormonal cycles as well. Estrogen can cause weight gain and this happens to almost all women at different times of their lives. There are other hormones involved as well and hormones and weight are intricately linked. For women who are taking birth control pills, there may be fluid retention and weight gain as well.
Weight loss plans
There are few weight loss plans which are geared to women’s special requirements. If you can find one that suits you go ahead. At the same time, if you have tried many weight loss plans and not been successful in losing weight, you really need to go to a doctor to check that your hormonal levels are normal and not causing the problem
Women may also develop thyroid problems which aggravate weight gain. This can be checked by a simple blood test. If you have weight gain due to an under active thyroid, you will be have to take thyroxin orally, the dose depending on your requirements. It is important to rule out any medical problems which may cause weight gain and get them treated.
Special needs of women on weight loss plans
Women on weight loss plans have special needs. If they are young, they have to be careful that they get enough iron. They have to make sure they are getting enough calcium throughout their lives, especially around menopause, because women are more prone to osteoporosis.
Apart from a diet which provides optimum nutrition, they need to exercise not only to lose weight and keep physically fit, but also to keep any health risks at a minimum.
Nutritional importance in women’s diets
A woman has to be careful of what she eats, not only because a lot of women tend to put on weight easily, but also because she needs to take care of her health. The building blocks of nutrition in a woman’s weight loss plan should be iron, calcium, low fat, and high protein.
It is very important to get all the nutrition that your body requires so that in your quest for weight loss, you don’t lose your health.
Foods to concentrate on while on a weight loss diet
You can go on a weight loss plan but you have to make sure you are getting enough nutrients. While you can always take supplements to augment your diet, your body can absorb nutrition from foods better than from supplements. Try and include some nuts and seeds in your diet.
Flax seed and sesame seeds help with omega 3 fatty acids and calcium respectively. Flax seed is also a source of estrogen. Soy flour or soy granules can be added to foods for added estrogen. Calcium rich vegetables and fruits like broccoli, spinach, kale, collards apart from low fat dairy products will help your intake of calcium. Lean meats, green vegetables, whole beans are a good source of iron as are iron fortified cereals. So you must eat a varied diet to get optimum nutrition even if you are on a weight loss plan.
also see:
|
