Does it feel like you woke up one morning and couldn’t zip up your favorite jeans? You haven’t changed your eating habits but all of a sudden, you’ve got a new roll of belly fat. Your jeans don’t fit right. Your shirts feel extra tight. And frankly, you’re not feeling super great.

First of all – it’s okay. Yes, this is okay because the great news is, the too tight jeans and annoying muffin top are not permanent. Yes – you can get rid of the extra belly fat and get back to your sexy curvy self. And no, it doesn’t matter if you’re experiencing perimenopause or menopause symptoms!

I know your hormones are doing crazy things and you’re really not sure what to do or where to start. Trust me, I’ve been there. I started perimenopause at 40 and learned the hard way how to get my curves back and get rid of my belly fat. So, I know what you’re going through. And this is exactly why I wrote this blog.

I want you to understand the connections between perimenopause, menopause, hormonal imbalances, and weight gain. I promise not to overwhelm you with science – I’ll tell you what you need to know about your hormones and how you can reset your hormones and metabolism.

You’ll also learn about a supplement called Hormone Focus that naturally supports hormonal balance. Hormone Focus supports healthy estrogen levels and helps get rid of stubborn fat around the belly, thighs and arms caused by hormonal imbalances. It also relieves hormonal symptoms such as night sweats, mood swings, fatigue, water retention and poor sleep to help you improve your energy, and vitality.

What are hormones?

Hormones are specialized chemical substances in the body, controlling and regulating the activities of other cells and organs.

Your body depends on hormones and the messages they send to regulate every process in your body including appetite, heart rate, sleep cycles, reproductive cycles, sexual function, metabolism, mood, and body temperature.

The Society for Endocrinology explains how hormones are used for two types of communication. “The first is for communication between two endocrine glands, where one gland releases a hormone which stimulates another target gland to change the levels of hormones it is releasing. The second is between an endocrine gland and a target organ, for example when the pancreas releases insulin which causes muscle and fat cells to take up glucose from the bloodstream.”

In other words, everything is connected – for example, healthy liver function is critical for hormone regulation and in keeping the hormones responsible for fat burning and stress management balanced.

The good news is, your hormone health is under your control. Regardless of perimenopause or menopause symptoms, you can reset your hormones and kickstart your metabolism. Join the JJ Smith Facebook Community page to connect with other people, who like you, are taking control of their hormonal health.

What you need to know about perimenopause, menopause and your hormones?

Unfortunately, no one really prepares us for perimenopause and menopause. These very important changes in the female body are taboo topics and this is why so many women struggle with hormonal imbalances, weight gain, belly fat, and frustration.

It’s time to put an end to the lack of information about perimenopause, menopause, and your hormones. Without getting too scientific, here is what you need to know about perimenopause, menopause, and your hormones:

Perimenopause

During perimenopause your estrogen levels begin to fluctuate, and your progesterone levels start dropping. Typically, women begin this hormonal and reproductive transition in their 40s. Perimenopause lasts on average for four years, and in the last few years of this cycle, the drop in estrogen levels accelerates.

According to Healthline, the symptoms of perimenopause can include:

• Hot flashes and heat intolerance.
• Sleep disturbances.
• Menstrual cycle changes.
• Headaches.
• Mood changes, such as irritability.
• Depression.
• Anxiety.
• Weight gain.

Menopause

Menopause happens when your menstrual cycle ends. When you’ve had 12 months without a period, you are in menopause. This happens anytime in your 40s and 50s but occurs for most women in their early 50s.

The hot flashes, weight gain, sleep disturbances, headaches, and mood changes associated with perimenopause are linked to the natural changes in your hormone levels and are often referred to as menopause symptoms.

Estrogen, Progesterone, and Testosterone

Estrogen and progesterone are the two main female sex hormones. During perimenopause the production of these hormones fluctuates and ultimately when you reach menopause, your body no longer produces estrogen and progesterone.

These hormones are also critical in developing strong bone health, regulating cholesterol levels, and in helping you maintain a healthy weight.

Testosterone is the male sex hormone, though women also have testosterone. Testosterone is key to building strong bones and maintaining muscle mass. During menopause your testosterone level also drops.

As your estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels change during perimenopause and menopause, your body’s ability to maintain muscle and to regulate your metabolism changes. This is why so many women gain weight throughout perimenopause and menopause.

The five key hormones linked to weight gain and belly fat

Typically, when we talk about losing weight, building muscle, and getting rid of extra belly fat, we focus on diet, exercise, and detoxing the liver.

But the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation emphasizes how hormone changes also cause weight gain, accumulation of belly fat, and a loss in muscle mass.

And this why I want you to know how these five key hormones are linked to weight gain, belly fat, and a sluggish metabolism:

1. Thyroid hormones control your ability to burn calories and convert food into energy. When your thyroid hormones are low, your metabolism slows down, causing weight gain and low energy levels.
2. Leptin is your hunger signal or appetite hormone. This hormone tells you when you’re full and should stop eating. When you consume too many high sugar or high carbohydrate foods, your body stores the extra sugar and carbohydrate as fat. This extra fat creates additional leptin, causing your brain to get confused, ignoring signals to stop eating.
3. Insulin is responsible for converting sugar and glucose from food into energy. Consuming processed foods and those high in sugar or carbohydrates causes your blood sugar levels to spike, and overtime this results in high blood sugar levels and insulin resistance. Insulin resistance causes a range of health problems including fatty liver disease and increased accumulation of belly fat.
4. Cortisol is secreted by your adrenal glands when you’re under stress, injured, nervous, or depressed. Too much cortisol can cause insulin resistance, an increase in appetite, and trigger cravings for sugary, salty, and high-fat foods. All of this adds up to weight gain particularly around your belly.
5. Estrogen levels, as I noted above are directly connected to your weight, metabolism, and insulin levels. Remember during perimenopause and menopause, you produce less estrogen. Because your body is used to having estrogen, it looks for it from other sources and one popular source is fat. This kick starts a cycle ultimately resulting in weight gain around the belly and lower body.

How to reset your hormones and metabolism

Do not trust people who tell you weight gain and losing your sexy curves are simply part of aging.

This is simply not true!The truth is this – you can take control of your hormones and metabolism so you can get your curves back, fit into your skinny jeans, and feel fantastic.

If you follow my five tips on how to reset your hormone and metabolism, you will keep turning heads – regardless of your age.

1. Take Hormone Focus Hormone Focus supports healthy estrogen levels and helps get rid of stubborn fat around the belly, thighs and arms caused by hormonal imbalances. Hormone Focus also relieves hormonal symptoms such as night sweats, mood swings, fatigue, water retention and poor sleep to help you improve your energy, and vitality.
2. Eat the rainbow. Look at your plate and try to fill it with as many bright colors as possible. Make sure you’re getting plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables with every meal (even breakfast). Try to add these top liver superfoods to your diet and do not overlook the connection between food and your health.
3. Sleep and rest. I know you’re busy and have a lot going on. But your body needs you to slow down and rest. You need to sleep for at least eight hours a night, so your body has a chance to repair cell damage, strengthen your immune system, and rebuild your energy levels.
4. Take care of your liver. Your liver is responsible for metabolizing carbohydrates and fat, regulating your hormones, and creating protein so you can build muscle mass. When your liver is overloaded, it cannot function properly, resulting in weight gain, a sluggish metabolism, and excess belly fat. A natural liver supplement like Liver Focus gives your liver the support it needs to function properly and to naturally improve your fat-burning capabilities.
5. Manage your stress. When your stress level is high your cortisol hormone level increases. This makes it hard to get adequate sleep, changes your mood, and causes you to overeat. Pay attention to signs of fatigue, low moods, and feeling overwhelmed – these are all signs you’re stressed. Take a step back from activities and hit the reset button on your commitments.

Now, remember you cannot kickstart your metabolism and get your hormones balanced overnight. It takes time and patience. Focus on making small changes on a daily basis and soon enough, you’ll be feeling and looking like yourself again.

And I know you have lots of questions about your hormones, belly fat, weight gain, and liver health. Get your questions answered with the insider tips I send out to my mailing list subscribers and remember to join the JJ Smith Facebook Community page.

Protect

While the sun provides vitamin D and other health benefits, there has always been a strong correlation between sun exposure and aging of the skin. Too much sun exposure has consequences such as skin pigmentation, wrinkles, and dryness. Sun exposure has also been linked to skin cancer, which is why most dermatologists advise that wearing sunscreen is the most important part of a skin care regimen! Here are some of the best ways to protect your skin from the sun:

1. Wear SPF 15 – 30 to protect the skin from the sun’s rays every day. Wear makeup or moisturizers that contain sunscreen and put it on your face, neck, chest and hands.
2. Don’t use moisturizers with sunscreen overnight, the ingredients are not meant to be used 24/7 and may aggravate the skin.
3. Cover skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, pants, and wide-brimmed hats and stay indoors when the sun is at its most intense, usually between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
4. Avoid tanning beds. They are just as harmful as direct sunlight.

Detoxify

Every day our skin is exposed to countless external stressors, like smoke, dirt, fumes, and air pollution. The skin is the largest organ in the body and toxicity can often manifest itself as recurring conditions like eczema, redness or breakouts. To detox the skin, I recommend using an infrared sauna that produces a moist heat. After sitting for about 15-20 minutes you begin to sweat and your pores are rinsed.

A sauna induced heavy sweat really helps cleanse and rejuvenate your skin by eliminating toxins from the body. Saunas provide both a health AND a beauty benefit.

My tips for using a sauna:

1. Try out different types of saunas (steam, infrared and oxygen steam sauna)
2. If you can’t make it out to a sauna, try an in-home approach with a portable infrared sauna
3. 2-3 times per week is ideal.
4. Remember to consult your doctor prior to use if you have heart issues, sensitive skin, asthma or if you are pregnant.

In the following series, we’ll be back with more tips on how to turn dry, dull, aging skin to clear, glowing, youthful skin. Until next time…

-Xo JJ

Cleanse & Exfoliate

Skin can start to appear rough, dry, and malnourished when dead skin cells begin to build up on the surface of your face. The buildup of dead skin cells also leaves you at risk for clogged pores and acne. Exfoliating helps clear up and cleanse your face of dead skin cells while rejuvenating and exposing healthy ones to give your face that glowing youthful look. You should aim to cleanse the face in the morning before applying makeup, and at night to remove dirt and grime that builds up throughout the day.  For ultimate facial cleansing to get radiant and healthy skin, I recommend the Clarisonic Cleansing Brush to reach the pores of your skin you’d otherwise miss with a simple cleansing face wipe.

Moisturize

 Moisturizing is a basic law of beauty everyone should use no matter their skin type. Even oily skin benefits from moisturizing. The purpose of a moisturizing cream is to retain moisture in the face and increase the hydration of the skin. The type of moisturizer you should use is based on your skin type:

• Dry Skin: Oil-based (to restore the essential oils that have been stripped from your pores)
• Oily Skin: Water-Based (to restore water and hydration to your skin)

Omega-3 fatty acids have been called “the natural moisturizer for dry skin.” Consider adding some of the following foods to your diet to promote hydration:

1. Nuts and seeds (walnuts, flaxseeds, almonds, pistachios)
2. Fish/Fish oils (salmon, tuna)
3. Olive Oil
4. Cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts

In the following series, we’ll be back with more tips on how to turn dry, dull, aging skin to clear, glowing, youthful skin. Until next time…

-Xo JJ

JJ’s 30-Day Killer Curves Challenge is here! This program is designed to help you lose the weight, but keep the curves! In this Challenge, I’ll teach you the tips and strategies that will help you get perkier breasts, a slimmer waistline and a nice, round booty! CLICK HERE TO JOIN ME: https://goo.gl/VcCecu

JJ’s 30-Day Killer Curves Challenge is here! This program is designed to help you lose the weight, but keep the curves! In this Challenge, I’ll teach you the tips and strategies that will help you get perkier breasts, a slimmer waistline and a nice, round booty! CLICK HERE TO JOIN ME: https://goo.gl/VcCecu

When you’re combing through your closet looking for an outfit, do you ever notice you have 2 or more of the same  clothing pieces? Do you pass on buying clothing items you really love because you feel like you already have too much at home? A closet inventory is more than just a way to declutter your closet. It’s a way to get a grip of your wardrobe, remove  the guesswork out of shopping and the hassle of digging through your closet looking for the perfect outfit for the night. It’s time for you to take back control of your closet! Here are step by step instructions to give your closet the makeover it so desperately needs::

Step 1: Grab a big box and take out pieces of clothing from your closet in chunks and create a pile.

Step 2:  Begin trying on all of your clothes in front of a mirror. Do the clothes fit your body type? Are they too big or too small? Rate everything on a scale of 1-10.

Step 3: Items that are in good shape, fit you well, and make you feel good when you try them on receive an “8” rating. Place these clothes back in your closet. Clothes you feel just ok about get a rating between 5-7. These pieces go in the ‘maybe’ box. Anything lower than a “5” like damaged pieces, items that don’t fit, outfits you haven’t worn in years, and  clothes that don’t make you feel good when you see yourself in the mirror wearing them immediately go into the donate box. 

Step 4: When you’re trying things on, consider making a list of the types of clothing you have you can have a good idea of your pant to skirt ratio versus, your tank top to long sleeve ratio, etcetera. Also, ensure you have enough clothes for all seasons.

Step 5: After going through all of your clothes, reevaluate your ‘maybe’ box with your girlfriends or with the help of your inventory list. Only keep the clothes that fit your waistline and compliment your best features. The rest, donate or give to family/friends.

Step 6: Make sure you keep your list close so the next time you’re shopping you know  what to look for specifically.

Step 7: Repeat this every few months as necessary to avoid spending money on unnecessary items.

Remember, style is what you wear that gives you the most confidence and makes you feel good about yourself. Take these tips in the style makeover series as guidelines to help you begin to find the confidence it takes to embrace your beautiful body. With just a few tweaks, you can transform your  style and wardrobe from frumpy and outdated to fabulous and trendy.  Until next time…

-xo JJ

According to Google, the definition of “sexy” is: “having sexually appealing qualities,” and the definition of “classy” is: “stylish and sophisticated.” Clearly, the two definitions overlap. So, while most people view sexy and classy as two very different qualities, it’s possible and easier than you think to be sexy and classy at the same time! Here’s how…

Rule 1:

Being sexy does not mean baring it all. You want to make sure you’re still presenting yourself in a flattering light. While you should always feel confident in your body, leaving something to the imagination can go a long way. Revealing only one section of your body at a time is the perfect balance between sexy and classy. For example, if  you show off your legs in a revealing mini skirt, wear a top that has longer sleeves or a blouse that isn’t cut too low. Pair this with a fitted jacket or loose coat. This is a good practice rule because too much skin can kill the class.

Rule 2:

If it’s too tight, don’t wear it! Some women assume tight is synonymous with sexy, but that’s not the case. Generally speaking, clothes that are the right size will fit your body nicely, leaving little excess material. In addition, you don’t want to wear clothes so tight the buttons look like they’re about to pop open. The goal of the fit is to see clean lines that are appealing to the eye and flattering to the body. Going too tight can lead to unwanted bra lines and add pounds to your waistline.

Rule 3:

Fake it until you make it! Every “sexy” woman will tell you only 20 percent of her sex appeal comes from what she’s wearing. The other 80 percent comes from her attitude, her confidence, and her self-love. Every now and then, you may have on Spanx or a Push Up Bra, but don’t forget that your favorite actress or celebrity probably uses them too! She just struts the red carpet like she doesn’t. It’s all about how you carry yourself. If you feel sexy and confident, it’ll show.

Rule 4:

All rules go out of the window if you’re dressing for your significant other. That’s right…all rules are meant to be broken. If you want to show off a little bit with your partner and do something creative like a romantic, fantasy date night, the rules I just mentioned don’t apply. Showing multiple body parts might be a good option for the right situation and more importantly the right person i.e. your significant other. For example, a leather mini skirt with a revealing top instead of one that’s a little more conservative would be a good choice when out with your beau. It’s all about what makes you feel comfortable and confident. No one knows what works best for you and your relationship better than you.

Dressing sexy and classy at the same time can be easy and fun when you have a few guidelines to follow. So just remember you’re in control of how others view you, and most importantly how you view yourself. Stay confident and the rest will take care of itself! Until next time…

-Xo JJ

As women, we can never underestimate the value of looking and feeling sexy. It takes just a quick glance for someone to evaluate you when you meet for the first time. In this short time, the other person forms an opinion based on your body language, your demeanor, and your appearance. First impressions are nearly impossible to reverse, so those first encounters are important because they set the tone for every subsequent relationship with that person going forward! Here are 3 sexy style must-haves that help you make a great first impression and set the tone for positive relationships in the future.

3 Sexy Style Must-Haves

Whether your style is a bit more demure and coy, or sexy and risque, there are 3 must-haves every woman should own.

1. Push-up Bra: Push-up bras work to lift the breasts. They help them to look larger and fuller creating a slimming effect to your waistline. Avoid overly-padded push-up bras that make you look 2-3 cups larger. Not only is it deceptive, but too much padding can make you appear top-heavy. A good push-up bra will lift what you have–there may be a little padding as a means of lifting, but it shouldn’t be deceptive in making your breasts look larger than they are. The perfect push-up bra will enhance your cleavage, making you look and feel a lot sexier.
2. Stilettos: Heels not only make your look taller, they also make your calves look more toned, because they engage those muscles. Wearing heels also naturally changes your posture by rotating your hips, tucking in your bottom, and helping to keep your back and shoulders straight. Clothes also look better on you, especially jeans and full length dresses or skirts that would have otherwise touched the ground. I’m not saying you need to wear a pair of 5-6 inch heels everyday, but there are definitely times when they will come in handy.
3. Stretch Jeans: Sometimes you’ll hear them referred to as denim leggings or jeggings. They are miracle workers! They tighten and lift your butt and tuck away unnecessary hip and thigh flesh we don’t want showing. Stretch jeans slim your waist and work for practically every body type since they stretch to fit you and not the other way around. They act as Spanx around a woman’s body and look great paired with a cute top.

Being sexy isn’t about showing as much skin as possible, but about owning and feeling confident in whatever you wear. Remember, you can never underestimate the value of feeling sexy, confident, and radiant! Until next time…

-xo JJ

Having style and class doesn’t require spending a fortune. There are affordable alternatives to your favorite brands everywhere, you just have to look. The key is to pick pieces that do three things: balance your shape, highlight your best assets, and hide your flaws. This is the “conceal and reveal” strategy; you hide the flaws and focus on showcasing your best assets. This formula will have a dramatic effect on how your figure appears and how you look in your clothes.  

Here are 4 wardrobe tips to showcase your best assets.

Don’t wear clothes that make you look bigger than you are:

I often see women wearing clothes that make them look much bigger than they actually are. The goal is to wear clothes that make us look ten pounds thinner than normal. For example, If you have thick thighs and hips, you want to avoid wearing clothes that put extra weight on your hips. Clothing that draws people’s eyes away from your hips and thighs will work well for you. A shapely pencil skirt, for example, would create natural curves and give you more of an hourglass shape, but stay away from mini skirts! Mini skirts draw attention to your lower body and make it hard to cover your hips and thighs. To switch the attention to your upper half and even out the body, pair the pencil skirt with a bold top with ruffles.  This will create a beautiful, slimming look!

Find ways to conceal unflattering arms:

We all seem to struggle with flabby arms at some point as we get older. Flabby arms is a common trouble area, but it can be concealed. You want to wear sleeves that go all the way to the elbow and completely avoid tops with sleeves that cut off at the widest part of your arms, which for most women, is right in the middle. Sleeves that stop right in the middle part of flabby arms bring even more attention to this troublesome area. Instead, to conceal that extra jiggle, wear dramatic, wide, billowing sleeves. They stop a little farther down, are wider, and do a great job of concealing that unwanted fat.

Mastering the illusion of angles and dimensions to make your face look thinner:

There are simple ways to make your face appear thinner. Women with naturally round faces should stay away from round glasses and a middle part in their hair. If you have a chubby face, you want to create angles to add dimension to your face and make it look thinner. Adding bangs will create nice angles, frame your face well, and make your face look less round. You can also put highlights in your hair and cut it in a layered forward style to create the illusion of angles and dimensions, making your face look thinner. If you wear makeup, highlight your cheekbones in order to add contours. Blush will break up the roundness and give your face more depth. Apply blush in an angular motion from your cheeks towards your temples.

Avoid the dreaded muffin top:

Let’s talk about muffin tops —the unfortunate layer of fat that gets pushed up when your jeans are too tight. Unlike flabby arms or a chubby face, muffin tops are completely avoidable. The key is finding jeans that aren’t too tight.. Just say no to very tight low-rise jeans. If you have excess weight in the waist, these tight low-rise jeans will create an extra roll. High-waisted jeans are a good alternative. They help conceal back-fat  and hide all of the extra weight in the waist. Don’t be afraid to turn to Spanx, girdles, or any shape-wear for some extra help! You shouldn’t wear them everyday, but for special occasions, any shape-wear product will help keep things smooth and tight.

Style isn’t about fitting into a particular size so others will find you sexy. It’s about picking clothes that create balance, fit your body correctly, and show off your best assets. Trust me, when you look good, you feel good. Until next time…

-xo JJ

JJ Smith (www.JJSmithOnline.com) is a nutritionist and certified weight-management specialist who has been featured on The Montel Williams Show, The Jamie Foxx Show and on the NBC, FOX, CBS and CW networks. Her advice has also been featured in the pages of Glamour, Essence, and Ladies Home Journal. Since reclaiming her health, losing weight, and discovering a “second youth” in her forties, bestselling author JJ Smith has become the voice of inspiration to women who want to lose weight, be healthy, and get their sexy back! JJ may be contacted by email at info@jjsmithonline.com and on Twitter: jjsmithonline and Facebook Page: RealTalkJJ