Put bluntly, women are biologically different from men. These differences may seem obvious but are sometimes neglected when it comes to issues of weight loss. There are some guidelines for diet, exercise, and general health matters that apply specifically to women and these need to be taken into account.

An example of these biological differences, and one that has a great bearing on weight loss, is that women have a naturally higher percentage of body fat than men. On average, this percentage for women is 27% compared to a fit male who would usually have a percentage of 15.

This information alone is helpful if one of your exercise or weight loss goals is fat reduction. Any woman who is trying to reduce her percentage of body fat should take into account this natural difference, since it can help avoid guilt and provide a realistic goal.

As women age they experience hormonal changes that differ considerably from those that occur in men. Even young women can have irregularities in their menstrual cycle that may result in physiological changes.

Weight gain and weight loss effect the menstrual cycle and changes in the cycle may also effect weight. To gain a better understanding of this link we need only look at a two extreme cases. In concentration camps in WWI, women often ceased having menstrual cycles as a result from the effects of starvation and malnutrition. Highly trained female athletes often experience similar changes as a result of ultra-low body fat and extreme exertion.

The ill effects of Premenstrual Syndrome can often be reduced by stabilizing blood sugar levels and regulating fat intake. Other dietary changes may also lower ill effects.

Mood swings can be smoothed out to a degree by higher amounts of soluble fiber. This helps produce a slower rise in blood sugar and will therefore also decrease sudden sugar highs and their inevitable crashes. Combining fat with protein and carbohydrate intake in a balanced way will help slow the rise in blood sugar from the carbohydrate consumption. Ice cream may indeed be a comfort food but the effect is short lived and tends to cause an imbalance. Increasing the consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables will help restore balance to your system. Bananas and walnuts are particularly good for this purpose.

Another difference between men and women is that women are more prone to arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other conditions. Food allergies are thought to worsen the symptoms of these conditions. Because of this, testing is essential to discovering any food sensitivities that are undiagnosed. Conversely, a healthy diet without irritants will help reduce symptoms.

Rice beverages can be used by those who are sensitive to milk. There are wheat-free breads on the market that are still whole grain. Peanuts may need to be avoided by some, as underlying sensitivities are common. For example, some women who suffer from rheumatic symptoms will find they are allergic to wheat. A gluten-free diet will help lessen that problem. Although it may initially be time-consuming to find substitutes for ordinary cereal, standard bread, pasta and other foods made from wheat flour the resulting increase in quality of life is well worth it for many women.

During the years of menopause, when menstrual cycles become less regular and large hormonal changes are occurring, diet can help lessen the severity of any discomfort. Lowering the intake of sodium is often helpful as it will often reduce any water retention issues. Instead use herbs, garlic, or lemon juice for flavoring. Remember that each individual is different and you should therefore always consult a physician for proper amounts.

Menopausal women are also likely to benefit from reducing saturated fats, beyond that of younger women or males. Estrogen levels naturally decline during this period. This results in HDL cholesterol (the beneficial type) falling and LDL cholesterol (the potentially harmful type) rising.

Although men have a higher risk of heart attack as they age, during this time a woman's risk of heart attack is equal to the risk that is present for men of similar age. Reducing saturated and trans fat can help decrease these risks.

Moderate wine consumption is beneficial since it provides anti-oxidants and other helpful compounds. It is also generally lower in calories than many alternatives containing similar compounds. Remember though that the key here is moderation.

Also ensure that you do not drink alcoholic beverages when taking various medications as the mixture of the two can be detrimental- always check the package insert of your medications and speak to your doctor or health practitioner to be safe.

Another useful thing to know is that lowering caffeine intake can help to reduce the loss of calcium, thus preventing or at least slowing the loss of bone mass.

What constitutes a healthy eating plan varies somewhat by gender and age. Investigate what is right for your particular circumstances. Knowledge is the key to health, and health is vital for a good quality of life.

.