Many women are horrified in middle age to notice an increase in belly fat without eating any more food. Age, gravity and sendentary lifestyle have much to do with it. Your abs are still there you just can't feel them let alone see them.
We've all been there when our jeans don't fit around our ever expanding waistline, leaving us feeling more like a sad sumo than a sexy siren.
The truth is in middle age, menopause (the change) promotes belly fat due to hormonal changes, bloating and age related weight gain, better known as the "old lady body." Combined with water retention, drinking too much coffee, (caffeine), and wine, the problem will only escalate out of control until you no longer recognise yourself.
Venus Cow says, "You have two choices, either learn how to love it or recognise you can no longer eat and drink what you like."
Common sense tells us less food and more exercise keeps us looking trim and younger. It is not about being a stick insect or about being on a diet for life. It is about changing your lifestyle habits and getting excited about looking more like the old you again.
My top tip when this happens is not to go out and buy a massive jumper and a larger size pair of jeans. Get a pair of leggings on instead, more modern and hip and instead of covering everything up they will make you more body conscious, self aware at meal times and more disciplined about those unconscious trips to the fridge.
It is not easy to give up anything but it is possible and if nothing else, do it because you want to be healthy, live longer and look good.