Happy & Healthy with Jen Blog

Did you know that healthy eating is both a spiritual & physical act of stewardship?The Bible reminds us to practice moderation, gratitude & recognize that food is a gift from God. “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” - 1 Corinthians 10:31Yes, even what you eat!

Have you tried every diet under the sun? You're eating "clean," moving your body & doing everything you think you're supposed to do, yet the scale keeps creeping UP?This is one of the most frustrating parts of perimenopause, although it can happen with other hormonal & metabolic concerns too.You're doing all the right things, but your body is no longer responding the way it used to!Your clothes feel tighter. Your energy is lower. Your confidence takes a hit. You start wondering whether this is simply how things are going to be from now on.But, you DON'T have to starve yourself to lose weight!

When it comes to your mental & emotional health, it isn't all in your head!There are MANY physiological factors that can influence how you feel mentally & emotionally.Prolonged stress, poor nutrition, hormonal changes, inflammation & underlying health conditions can all affect your brain chemistry, nervous system & overall well-being.

Your hormones aren't broken. Your lifestyle may be sending them some very confusing signals!Skipping meals, running on caffeine, overexercising, under-eating, sleeping too little & constantly being on the go can all affect how your body functions.Your hormones are chemical messengers that help regulate everything from your metabolism & menstrual cycle to your energy, mood, appetite & sleep.What you do consistently matters because your body is constantly responding to the signals you're sending it!Here are five common habits that may be working AGAINST your hormone health.

Strength training is NON-NEGOTIABLE during perimenopause!Why? Because of what's happening hormonally, and how those changes affect your muscles, bones, metabolism & overall health.During perimenopause, estrogen begins fluctuating significantly, eventually declining as you approach menopause. These changes can contribute to muscle loss, reduced bone density, changes in body composition & increased abdominal fat.

Your menstrual cycle should generally be predictable, with manageable bleeding, minimal pain & relatively little fuss.Unfortunately, that isn't the case for many women! If your periods have suddenly become irregular, heavier, lighter, longer, shorter or more painful, there's a reason behind those changes, and it's worth understanding WHY!Conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis, adenomyosis, uterine fibroids or thyroid dysfunction can affect your menstrual cycle at various stages of life.However, if you're in your late 30s or 40s and your periods have started changing from their usual pattern, PERIMENOPAUSE could be the reason!

You don't need to look better for God, but you DO need to steward the body He's given you well!I want to encourage you to HONOR GOD WITH YOUR HEALTH.When you truly honor God, you seek to honor Him in every area of your life, including the way you care for your body, mind & spirit.Romans 12:1 reminds us to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is our spiritual worship.Caring for your health isn't about vanity. It's an act of WORSHIP! It's gratitude for Jesus' sacrifice & reverence for the life God has entrusted to you.

Are you in your mid-to-late 30s or early 40s? If so, you may think you're too young to be experiencing perimenopause. YOU AREN'T!Perimenopause can begin several years before menopause, sometimes as early as your late 30s or early 40s. For many women, this transition lasts approximately 4 years, although it can be considerably shorter or longer.You could be experiencing it RIGHT NOW without even realizing it!

When it comes to making changes in your health & life, real transformation begins with your THOUGHTS!As Frank Jackson wisely said:“Watch your thoughts, they become your words.Watch your words, they become your actions.Watch your actions, they become your habits.Watch your habits, they become your character.Watch your character, it becomes your destiny.”

You've probably heard the saying, "Self-care isn't selfish, it's necessary."Well, I couldn't agree more! Investing in your health is exactly that. INVESTING!Working with a health professional (like me!), getting a gym membership or purchasing equipment to work out at home, setting aside time for relaxation & adequate sleep, reading your Bible, investing in quality supplements when appropriate, and spending time with friends & loved ones who encourage and build you up.These aren't simply expenses or things that take time away from everything else you need to do. They're INVESTMENTS in your health & well-being!