Describe how the components of a balanced diet contribute to an individual's health at different life-stages.

A balanced diet would help in the betterment of one's body. What I would like to discuss is information on weight gain. It is good to keep a balanced diet, though some women wonder why despite they starve themselves, they still gain weight.

What you should understand is that your female hormones and weight gain is the work of nature. Since your body knows exactly how much body fat it needs to function properly, you should not worry over temporary increase in weight. It is during crucial times such as puberty, pregnancy and even menopause that your body works biologically in order to keep it in good condition.

During puberty, your figure develops into that of a woman. It is during this time that your hormones work so that fat tissues grow in places in your body where they are needed most, particularly the hips and the breast. Your estrogen levels, at this point, are at its peak. This shouldn’t worry you, however, if you look closely, you will see that you are now developing those beautiful curves you always see on TV. Don’t go on a hunger strike, but instead give it more time. Soon the excess fat will shed off and you can go parade your success.

During pregnancy, on the other hand, most of the fat you gain is concentrated around your buttocks hips and thighs, and also of course in your tummy area and the breasts. All these can be attributed to “baby gain” which your body needs to support the weight of the baby inside your womb. This weight gain, however, will naturally be lost after delivery. The process becomes even quicker when you eat right and exercise regularly.

During menopause, your physique will change again into a more apple-shaped figure, as fat will be distributed mostly around your belly. The reason for this is that during this stage, the female hormones of your body naturally decline. Since estrogen, a female hormone, is needed to protecting your bones, breasts and bladder, your body tends to find means to make up for its loss by producing this hormone from other sources. One efficient source of estrogen is fat cells. Knowing this, the body converts calories into fat to increase estrogen levels.

Now that you know that you gain weight not because you eat too much, it’s about time you quit starving yourself. Instead get your hormone levels checked. It’s most possible your female hormones are out of balance.