Cutting out most processed foods, sticking to organic fruits and vegetables as much as possible, eating grass-fed beef and free-range fowl and steering clear of trans-fats all contribute to lessening the impact of the xenoestrogens on the waistline. Making the effort to get a minimum of eight hours of sleep every night will contribute to a healthy appetite and reduce the tendency to overeat. And finally, we have to find ways to deal with our stressors so they do not cause serious imbalances in body hormones. Whatever helps quiet the mind and contributes to inner calm-be it music, walking, yoga, meditation, alone time-will reduce the release of cortisol, allowing us to more easily shed those abdominal pounds.

The road is not easy and it definitely not quick. As I said at the start, this is probably the meanest by-product of the great hormone shift. But, the benefits of addressing these areas-hormone balance, healthy nutrition, stress reduction, exercise-are significant. In the past year, there have been articles published in well-known medical journals linking abdominal fat to increased risk of stroke, heart disease, Alzheimer's and even increased mortality in women over the age of forty.

There is no reason to settle for less than our best selves. Especially as we age, the choices we make can go a long way in optimizing our overall health and enhancing our pleasure in life. So, take one step in the right direction today and one tomorrow. Step by step you'll end up on the right path.