Although millions of women struggle with weight problems at various periods of their lives, it's particularly after childbirth and as menopause sets in that we are the most vulnerable to weight gain. Perimenopause weight gain can start as early as 40 years old. The average age however for menopause is around 50 years old.

The most probable reason for weight gain in menopause is hormonal imbalance. The main hormones involved are estrogen, progesterone and androgen. These hormones have a direct impact on our appetite, fat storage and our overall metabolism.

There is a saying that states that nutrition accounts for 70% of our health, exercises and lifestyle account for approximately 25% and our hormones count for only 5%. But the key thing to know is that those 5% are very important because it is those 5% of imbalance that affect the other 95% big time. So balancing our hormones is essential for feeling healthy and slim during perimenopause and menopause.

This balance can be achieved with a healthy diet, made of more fruits, vegetables, legumes, pure grains, and lean proteins. Highly processed and fried foods should be avoided at all cost.

However it's important to keep the good fat in the diet such as Omega 3 Fatty Acid found in some fish (such as salmon, tuna, herring, mackerel), egg yolk, nuts, soybeans and flaxeed oil. These real fats are our friends in good health because the body cannot produce fats on its own, therefore we need to get them from the foods we eat.

In addition, we need these real fats because they are essential for the hormones involved in cell reproduction and breaking down old cells. It's important to help the body in the reproduction of healthy cell otherwise it may start producing abnormal cells.

As we approach menopause and at perimenopause, it becomes imperative to control any weight gain as extra weight during this period may lead to cardiovascular diseases, diabetes or Alzheimer's disease.

In addition, because our metabolism slows down as we get older, it's important to keep our muscle mass in shape in order not to put on extra weight. This means that we need yo not only engage in cardiovascular exercises, but also very important, some type of weight or resistance training.

So as you see, perimenopause weight gain doesn't have to be an inevitable fact in your life. By making some efforts and by being watchful about what yo eat and how you eat, you can control and even lose any perimenopause weight gain so you will enter menopause in great shape.