The Winning Combo to Reduce Menobelly Fat After 40!

Hi everyone! If you have reached 40 and are noticing weight beginning to accumulate around your midsection… welcome to the club! Many women experience shifts in where fat is stored as they reach perimenopause and menopause - one of the most common questions I get is “How can I tackle menobelly?”

The good news is that a few steps can help keep menobelly at bay; my tried-and-true suggestions below WORK - you just need to make that pledge to yourself to stick with it, and once you do, you WILL see and feel the results! Let’s tackle that belly fat - together!

First, let’s talk about why menobelly happens. As estrogen begins to decline, women' s bodies store more fat around the abdomen rather than the hips and thighs. Our metabolisms are also slowing, and we gradually lose muscle mass if we aren’t actively working to maintain it. Muscle helps your body burn calories more efficiently (even when you are sleeping!), so when muscle decreases, fat can increase, especially around the belly.

Another factor is stress - chronic stress causes our bodies to produce more cortisol, a hormone that can encourage fat storage around the midsection. That’s why gentle, consistent movements like those below can help when it comes to menobelly: exercise helps regulate stress hormones and improves mood at the same time! 

A winning combo to tackle menobelly is strength training, walking, core-specific moves, and eating right… try the following:

1. Strength training is one of the best things you can do after 40 to help build lean muscle, boost metabolism and improve bone health. Light dumbbells (or even cans of soup!) will work, as will bodyweight exercises like lunges and squats. Try the strength workouts in my Membership 2-3 times per week to keep your muscles strong and active - you can do it, and I am right here to guide you along!
2. Walking is one of my favorite forms of exercise because it’s gentle and you can do it anywhere. A 30-minute daily walk helps you burn fat, improve heart health, boost that metabolism, and reduce stress. My 4-Week Walking Program gives you a steady fat burn - give it a try, it’s in my Membership and one of my most popular programs!
3. Core workouts are vital: Strong core muscles help support posture and create a toned midsection. I love Pilates and yoga to help build a strong core, and I have an entire core routine in my Fit Over 50: New Year, New Abs Magazine to get you started! Just 5-10 minutes of core work a day can help strengthen and support your midsection - you can do this!
4. Finally, nutrition is important - maintaining energy and managing belly fat during menopause can come down to your plate. By focusing on foods that boost your metabolism and steady your blood sugar levels, you will feel your best. Try adding foods with protein (eggs, fish, Greek yogurt and beans and lentils); fiber (oats, whole grains, veggies and berries); and healthy fats (avocados, olive oil and nuts and seeds) to your meals. My Eat Like Denise Meal Plan can boost your metabolism while eating tasty meals - give it a try!

Remember that even as your body is changing, you are still able to become stronger, healthier and more radiant - no matter what your age! Here’s to staying strong, confident, and vibrant at every stage of life!! We are WORTH IT!