Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => Other Health Discussion => Topic started by: LadyCC on September 07, 2021, 07:04:20 PM
-
Hi all
I am looking in to this more and more as the weight side of things has been problematic from the beginning.
I was hoping people who have managed to lose weight during this time can share with me what their approach was. Looking on Amazon I see for example Keto seems to be pretty popular. One thing that I am seeing reading between the lines is that gluten is a no no and that diets that are recommended are generally quite low on calories and no 'treat's like alcohol
Surely it doesnt have to be so joyless to lose weight at this stage in life?
-
Have you looked into Ayurvedic nutrition? It can be interesting just to see what "type" you are and eat what your type requires rather than being enslaved to something you can't enjoy and is therefore a chore? Life's too short! There are questionnaires online to determine type. These can be interesting to do. Obviously, smaller portion size on smaller plates and a 5:2 plan can motivate without being too rigid. Is it possible to have your biggest meal in the middle of the day? Set a small goal and see how you get on? Good luck!
-
I’m intolerant to wheat. It wasn’t difficult to give up. It was a severe reaction. I immediately lost a stone within a month. This coincided with peri menopause. I’d become ‘chunky’ as one person told me. Then I was advised to limit sugar as my glucose levels were rising, with symptoms of pre-diabetes and a very strong family history or type 2 and late onset type 1. I took this seriously and lost another stone. I rediscovered my waist and am a healthy weight. I eat smaller portions, which is not difficult as I no longer want more. I limit processed foods, try and eat plenty of veg, although limiting starchy root veg. But I do have naughty treats. I don’t feel deprived. It’s now a way of life. Don’t eat late at night. I don’t after 7.00pm if I can avoid it. Listen to your body. Mine is very vocal if I eat too much.
-
Have you looked into Ayurvedic nutrition? It can be interesting just to see what "type" you are and eat what your type requires rather than being enslaved to something you can't enjoy and is therefore a chore? Life's too short! There are questionnaires online to determine type. These can be interesting to do. Obviously, smaller portion size on smaller plates and a 5:2 plan can motivate without being too rigid. Is it possible to have your biggest meal in the middle of the day? Set a small goal and see how you get on? Good luck!
Hey,
Ive never heard of Ayurvedic nutrition - where can I take the test?
-
Just put in a search. It's free online. Ayurvedic type test or dosha test.
-
I’m intolerant to wheat. It wasn’t difficult to give up. It was a severe reaction. I immediately lost a stone within a month. This coincided with peri menopause. I’d become ‘chunky’ as one person told me. Then I was advised to limit sugar as my glucose levels were rising, with symptoms of pre-diabetes and a very strong family history or type 2 and late onset type 1. I took this seriously and lost another stone. I rediscovered my waist and am a healthy weight. I eat smaller portions, which is not difficult as I no longer want more. I limit processed foods, try and eat plenty of veg, although limiting starchy root veg. But I do have naughty treats. I don’t feel deprived. It’s now a way of life. Don’t eat late at night. I don’t after 7.00pm if I can avoid it. Listen to your body. Mine is very vocal if I eat too much.
Hey Ju Ju,
So far so good, pleased its working for you :). I have been advised that the most effective way to lose stubborn weight at this time of life is gluten free. But similar to you, year on year my insulin levels have been rising and I have diabetes in my family. Those treats are important arent they? Im tired of seeing 'diets' where they tell you you shouldnt be having these things. I get that they cannot be daily or regular occurrences but I think that everyone needs a treat now and again - after all, there are approximately 21 meals in a week, surely I can afford for one of those to be an indulgent meal!
I enjoy eating 'good' foods - I have scheduled an appointment with a nutritionist who has experience with creating meal plans for peri/menopausal women and a bunch of test results have come back for me so my fingers are crossed that she will be able to give me a 'structured' approach that finally works.
I find people have been 2 ways to me - I can either see the shock and horror on their faces when they encounter me and see how much bigger I am or there are those who say nothing and then you catch them out of the corner of your eye making comments about you. Unsurprisingly I havent been out much in recent months and certainly make sure its out of the town where I live and no one knows me to judge me :-\
-
Listen to your body. Mine is very vocal if I eat too much.
Mine is vocal if it thinks I haven't eaten enough ;D
I eat the same as I've done all my life. I haven't had a problem until peri and now I seem to be on frequent diets. If you find a good answer let me know. I'm starting to think I have to eat smaller meals every day, I eat fairly healthily anyway. I think the food processors have a lot to answer for, hidden sugar and fat in may items. When I was a child you put some sugar on your cereal, now it's already in it so you can't avoid it (cornflakes, rice krispies etc not sugar puffs that you know will have too much in. Probably need more exercise too but that's hard when you feel sh*te.
-
Listen to your body. Mine is very vocal if I eat too much.
Mine is vocal if it thinks I haven't eaten enough ;D
I eat the same as I've done all my life. I haven't had a problem until peri and now I seem to be on frequent diets. If you find a good answer let me know. I'm starting to think I have to eat smaller meals every day, I eat fairly healthily anyway. I think the food processors have a lot to answer for, hidden sugar and fat in may items. When I was a child you put some sugar on your cereal, now it's already in it so you can't avoid it (cornflakes, rice krispies etc not sugar puffs that you know will have too much in. Probably need more exercise too but that's hard when you feel sh*te.
Hey sheila99
Yes, I will share once I do - re reducing eating, I guess it depends how its done - as long as you are eating dense foods and are not hungry then im sure this has its benefits. Problem with a lot of general weight loss plans you eat less but lose the substance and they become unstainable. As I understand it, its 80/20 food/exercise for weight loss and I have been advised that also the best exercise is strength rather than cardio for the, ehm, over 40s ;)
-
Oh LadyCC, bless you! We tend to judge ourselves so negatively, don’t we? And most people are concentrating on themselves, rather than judging others. It hurts when someone gives a negative opinion, but actually it says more about them than you. And if possible, avoid!
Losing weight should be for you. And the best reason for is for health reasons. I do appreciate that clothes look far better on me now I’m slimmer, but I was sad to get rid of some clothes that are far too big now. In my 40s I had to buy size 16. Now 12 on top and bottom 10. Exercise is good, but you would have to do an awful lot to lose any weight. I benefit in other ways by walking, distance depends on how well I feel. If you ever see me running, you had better follow behind in case I’m running away from danger! :o
I’m a recovering chocoholic! But chocolate makes me feel rough, but now I have discovered a free from chocolate made with coconut sugar and milk! Still sugar in it, but not so bad as refined sugar. That’s my naughty treat.
-
Oh LadyCC, bless you! We tend to judge ourselves so negatively, don’t we? And most people are concentrating on themselves, rather than judging others. It hurts when someone gives a negative opinion, but actually it says more about them than you. And if possible, avoid!
Losing weight should be for you. And the best reason for is for health reasons. I do appreciate that clothes look far better on me now I’m slimmer, but I was sad to get rid of some clothes that are far too big now. In my 40s I had to buy size 16. Now 12 on top and bottom 10. Exercise is good, but you would have to do an awful lot to lose any weight. I benefit in other ways by walking, distance depends on how well I feel. If you ever see me running, you had better follow behind in case I’m running away from danger! :o
I’m a recovering chocoholic! But chocolate makes me feel rough, but now I have discovered a free from chocolate made with coconut sugar and milk! Still sugar in it, but not so bad as refined sugar. That’s my naughty treat.
Ooh Ju Ju - though I'm a savoury person very occasionally I feel partial to a bit of chocolate but also notice it doesnt necessarily make me feel great either - can you share the chocolate you refer to?
Well done to you for your weight loss - its so great to be able to look at yourself in the mirror and like what you see ;D.
I have been having a hard time for months. I spent my teens and very early 20s being deemed 'chubby' and a bit of a joke amongst some, even those who were so called friends - everyone grew tall I only managed just over 5ft 1" so that didn't help. My mum is tiny and slim and there was always comments about how little I took after her. She has never had to watch her weight either. In my 20s I managed my weight well and was slim throughout and managed to get back even when I had my kids in my early to mid 20s. That continued in to my mid to late 30s but my weight went haywire when taken off the combined pill and put on other types. I then managed pull it back in my early 40s only to have it go off piste again despite me not changing anything except my hormones changing and this new phase of life interrupting my weight health and well being.
I am so tired of not being in control - I long for day that the activity I do and the food I eat finally clicks with my body and the numbers on the scales start going down and my clothes fit with room. I would totally get it if I was eating badly but I am not. I know a few woman at this and differing post menopausal stages in their life and when they put their mind to weight loss it works. For some reason it is evading me despite my best efforts - This nutritionist is an attempt for her to refine the foods I eat specific to me as I think this may be the missing link perhaps. I certainly hope this works - fingers and toes crossed :).
-
The chocolate is called ombar. Varying flavours, but I like the ‘milk’ chocolate. I buy the 70g one. Not cheap, but a girl has to have her treats! You can buy it in Waitrose, Ocado and Amazon (10 at a time).
It might be worth exploring food intolerances. In my 40s, I would often feel rough after eating, while the weight increased. It was subtle until one day it wasn’t. It was definitely wheat, then later I found all gluten products were a problem. That was more than 20 years ago, when wheat went by numerous weird names. You had to get clued up on various names for different forms of wheat. Now it’s easy. Wheat is highlighted in ingredient lists. And it’s called wheat! Yeah! ;D
I think hormones or lack of do play havoc in many ways. Whereas before you could tolerate stuff, you can’t as you get older. Tough too with weight. The dreaded middle age spread. And why can some people eat whatever they want and others put weight on by looking at it?!! Not fair is it? DH has always been thin, though a bit of tummy is developing now in his 60s. ;D His eating habits are interesting. He takes forever to eat a meal. I leave him to it. He eats little, but often. It’s a joke in the family that he eats half of something, like half a small banana or half a biscuit! How does he do that? I can’t! But it is said if you slowly chew your food, it helps your digestion and gives it time to inform you when you have had enough. If you eat quickly, you can easily overeat. I keep forgetting to eat slowly!
Paul McKenna has written a book on eating and hypnosis. It has been reported that a lady played the accompanying cd regularly, lost weight. Her partner had no interest, but it was playing in the background. He lost weight too. How true that is I don’t know. Worth exploring maybe?
-
The chocolate is called ombar. Varying flavours, but I like the ‘milk’ chocolate. I buy the 70g one. Not cheap, but a girl has to have her treats! You can buy it in Waitrose, Ocado and Amazon (10 at a time).
It might be worth exploring food intolerances. In my 40s, I would often feel rough after eating, while the weight increased. It was subtle until one day it wasn’t. It was definitely wheat, then later I found all gluten products were a problem. That was more than 20 years ago, when wheat went by numerous weird names. You had to get clued up on various names for different forms of wheat. Now it’s easy. Wheat is highlighted in ingredient lists. And it’s called wheat! Yeah! ;D
I think hormones or lack of do play havoc in many ways. Whereas before you could tolerate stuff, you can’t as you get older. Tough too with weight. The dreaded middle age spread. And why can some people eat whatever they want and others put weight on by looking at it?!! Not fair is it? DH has always been thin, though a bit of tummy is developing now in his 60s. ;D His eating habits are interesting. He takes forever to eat a meal. I leave him to it. He eats little, but often. It’s a joke in the family that he eats half of something, like half a small banana or half a biscuit! How does he do that? I can’t! But it is said if you slowly chew your food, it helps your digestion and gives it time to inform you when you have had enough. If you eat quickly, you can easily overeat. I keep forgetting to eat slowly!
Paul McKenna has written a book on eating and hypnosis. It has been reported that a lady played the accompanying cd regularly, lost weight. Her partner had no interest, but it was playing in the background. He lost weight too. How true that is I don’t know. Worth exploring maybe?
On your recommendation I have ordered the Ombar chocolates - thanks for that ;D
Funnily enough, the panel of tests with nutritionist also includes food allergies so I am sure I will know soon enough...
In the meantime I will check out the Paul Mckenna hypnosis - I dont have any issue with eating well but maybe I need to learn to moderate fretfulness etc as this no doubt is detrimental to cortisol etc.
-
Hi all
I lost 2.5 stones (35lb) in about 4 months with NOOM. Was better for me as I like food and don’t want to eat differently to others when eating out of at home with DH. It won’t be right for everyone I am sure but I found the daily psychology and support very useful. It’s a year later now and I did out about 7 lb back on over summer and am using what I learnt last year to get rid of those again.
S
x
-
I was told I was pre-diabetic, which was enough of a wake up call for me to do something about my weight. I went low carb, basically cutting out all bread, potatoes, pasta etc, and all processed foods and sugar too. It was hard initially but I lost 2 stone in 3 months and am now down to my ideal weight. I have maintained the weight loss by more or less eating in the same way. I basically follow a low carb way of eating, but now cook with almond flour for the occasional cakes, biscuits etc. Just google keto in front of anything you would normally like to make to eat for recipes. The Michael Mosley book, the 8 week blood sugar diet, was a great help to me.
Like JuJu I am intolerant to wheat and I just feel so much better eating this way. My chocolate treat is Lindt 90% dark chocolate, just a couple of squares is enough. If I am tempted to eat ‘normally’ I usually feel pretty rubbish afterwards, so that is a good incentive to keep on the straight and narrow.
-
Hi all
I lost 2.5 stones (35lb) in about 4 months with NOOM. Was better for me as I like food and don’t want to eat differently to others when eating out of at home with DH. It won’t be right for everyone I am sure but I found the daily psychology and support very useful. It’s a year later now and I did out about 7 lb back on over summer and am using what I learnt last year to get rid of those again.
S
x
I’m considering this Sparkler. Despite having two stoma bags I’m about 30lbs overweight which isn’t helping. My diet is restricted though in so much as I can’t eat tons of veg or fruit, I’m mainly carbs and protein plus im a sugar addict 😩. My daughter is getting married next April so I really must start plus I know it will make me feel better about myself. I’ve joined up for the two weeks trial so fingers crossed x
-
Hi groundhog, lovely that you have a wedding to look forward to but sorry to hear about your challenges. The programme doesn’t tell you what to eat at all and will fit any restriction. My resting heart rate, BP and blood sugar have all improved since losing weight and eating better. The sugar is very difficult to kick, I understand, and ended up on sweet and salty popcorn when I needed some sugar, or ice cream in small tubs, which is lower in calories than cakes and sweets. I feel so much better though, less irritable, fewer aches and pains and no headaches. I was on the cusp of prediabetic but am now comfortably back in the healthy blood sugar zone.
It’s not a cure-all and ideally I would lose another 10 lbs, but it feels good to have dropped some excess. My elder daughter got married this summer and my younger daughter is getting married summer 2023, so it’s good to have events to spur us on.
Good luck and let me know how you get on:)
Sparkler
-
Hi
This is a really interesting thread. I really struggle to lose weight now despite going to the gym 5 times a week and eating a fairly healthy diet, with lots of veg.
I'm toying with trying the 5-2 diet, as I find it difficult to follow a really strict regime due to socialising etc ( I rarely drink alcohol and try to make healthy choices).
Hi @groundhog, if you do try noom, could you let us know how you go? I keep getting emails from them offering me a deal, but just not sure.
I need to lose about 10 pounds (but not off my boobs, please ;D)
D
-
If only we could push unwanted fat to other parts of the body! I would push tummy fat down to my skinny legs and boney bottom! ( Just been sitting on a hard stool for 2 hours. I really needed some cushioning!) And I shall donate a couple of cup sizes to Dougalina!
-
Hi ladies,
Great thread!
I’ve had to watch my weight for as long as I can remember and am concerned that it’s getting harder as I age. I couldn’t be trusted with 10 bars of anything sweet so daren’t try Ju Ju’s recommendation! I don’t have a ‘STOP’ button!
I’m maintaining OK weight by being very organised and eating 4 medium meals a day. I try to not eat anything processed, eat my favourite fruit and veg and binned booze.
Unfortunately somebody showed me how to make a cake in the microwave in 60 seconds so the microwave is being rehomed :'(
If you find a magic way of getting into exercise please share.
A friend has an ongoing fight with Noom over card debits she wasn’t expecting, £200.00 but I don’t know the in’s & out’s. Trust Pilot reviews are worth reading before committing.
Take care.
Victoria.x
-
I already do eat healthily and did leading up to Peri menopause which is why I was so frustrated when I put on weight despite no change to my diet. Recent test results reveal some areas where supplementation is required and it is these imbalances that are impacting my ability to lose weight. I don't quite understand it yet but hopefully it will become clearer once I get the full details. Bottom line is that I will need to have a gluten free approach to eating and a shed load of supplements to take too.
-
LadyCC, I’m taking the Gluten approach too as I think it’s going to get better results. I’m learning about it and it sounds pretty simple. I’ve made some really fresh and zingy meals and am on the look out for more recipes. My grocery bill has reduced drastically too!
-
LadyCC, I’m taking the Gluten approach too as I think it’s going to get better results. I’m learning about it and it sounds pretty simple. I’ve made some really fresh and zingy meals and am on the look out for more recipes. My grocery bill has reduced drastically too!
Let me know how you get on Victory V
In the meantime anyone heard of these guys...
https://trinitytransformation.co.uk/
Some really good testimonials on their website and targeted to women over 40
-
Brief update:-
So having spent several hundred pounds over the last few months and being poked and prodded only to find out what I already knew about my hormones - they are all over the place and on the overwhelming side re oestrogen, I was recently advised on what foods I should be eating. Now, I was suspicious at the beginning that this was just another generic plan and although I think they have tailored it somewhat, whatever it is isnt having good results so far as I already have gained 1.6kg and am eating less food.
This is not a great sign and also, I am having a re-currence of cramping which I cant understand.
I have invested in a lot of food stuffs to give this programme a go, I will give it several more days but im not hopeful. Ive been here before and in the end only a structured and tailored specific programme has worked and made the shift. I can 'feel' that there is not any change physically. :-\
-
I am a bit sceptical about advice from anyone who wants to flog you something. The diet industry is worth billions and many people are unable to keep the weight off when they've lost it. Hormones really don't help as when you feel lousy you move less so it makes everything worse.
Could you go back to basics on the diet? You know which foods are high in calories and should be avoided. I try to avoid processed food and keep a stock of veggies that can be eaten raw for when I get hungry. They say they're good because it takes more energy to digest them than cooked food and I find they fill me up.
-
I am a bit sceptical about advice from anyone who wants to flog you something. The diet industry is worth billions and many people are unable to keep the weight off when they've lost it. Hormones really don't help as when you feel lousy you move less so it makes everything worse.
Could you go back to basics on the diet? You know which foods are high in calories and should be avoided. I try to avoid processed food and keep a stock of veggies that can be eaten raw for when I get hungry. They say they're good because it takes more energy to digest them than cooked food and I find they fill me up.
Hey sheila99, this isnt a diet as such - it is a meal plan which incorporates some interesting recipe ideas that are all natural, whole and healthy. Nothing wrong with the food as such but if my body was responding to conventional weight loss methods I wouldnt have engaged the services of the nutritionist in the first place. I was expecting different/more from them and at the beginning they seemed to be on the same page but it seems all the build up and a healthy but generic plan.
I also cant rule out that the supplements that have recently been prescribed - which are costing me in the hundreds, have also antagonised something hormonally and are causing the low to medium level PMS cramps to have returned.
Back to the drawing board methinks :(
-
I wonder if they come from a different perspective? Their job is to make sure you have everything you need in your diet and much of their work will be for those who need to increase their weight. A diet by definition is where you don't have enough and perhaps it's hard to get all the vits etc without the calories. Or maybe you've been short of something in your diet for years and now you have it your body is making better use of everything else?
The hormonal link is interesting though. If you have an underweight animal getting it pregnant will usually improve it's condition - something you wouldn't expect. Whatever it is having to be a continual diet is a PITA >:(
-
Hi, I’m a bit on the sceptical side too but if your own methods haven’t worked I can understand reaching out to profs.
I feel like I’m battling to maintain weight, everything I’ve done to not put on weight/lose weight before isn’t working. I’ve got three sizes of jeans and I’m wearing the biggest now. Mentally I’ll struggle if I put on weight.
I feel this is all due to hormone changes, i was feeling like this before I started HRT so I don’t think it’s caused by HRT for me. I’ve made radical changes and the scales aren’t moving.
I feel for you LadyCC, disrupting HRT is a difficult one, do you know which supplement is responsible?
-
Hi, I’m a bit on the sceptical side too but if your own methods haven’t worked I can understand reaching out to profs.
I feel like I’m battling to maintain weight, everything I’ve done to not put on weight/lose weight before isn’t working. I’ve got three sizes of jeans and I’m wearing the biggest now. Mentally I’ll struggle if I put on weight.
I feel this is all due to hormone changes, i was feeling like this before I started HRT so I don’t think it’s caused by HRT for me. I’ve made radical changes and the scales aren’t moving.
I feel for you LadyCC, disrupting HRT is a difficult one, do you know which supplement is responsible?
Hi Sheila99 and VictoryV
So a bit of back history - my weight issues have always been linked to my hormones as far as I understand.
- In my mid 30s I was taken off of the combined contraceptive pill and told I had to stick to PoP. At the time I smoked.
- I tried a number of different PoP including the coil which was horrendous for me. I had a number of hormone related issues including inability to lose weight and adult acne
- I went back to my GP who put me back on a low doseage combined pill and whilst that didnt help me with weight issues, it did eliminate my acne issues
- In total I spent approx 6 years in the wilderness with weight and skin and other hormone related issues
- I then tried one last ditch attempt at my weight after also spending the last 6 years trying tried and tested conventional methods amongst other off the shelf approaches with no success
- The new approach was one that was tailored based on bloods and miracle of miracles, it worked. I lost weight, went down to what I was in my late teens very early 20s pre kids. I came off the combined pill and my skin just glowed. I had lots of compliments on how well and healthy I looked and most importantly I felt it.
- I kept that off for almost 3 years until BOOM - Peri menopause. I initially put on around 10lbs but have added another 7lbs since trying to manage and balance hormones and weight
- Once I had confirmation on Perimenopause but before I started on the HRT, I redid the tailored test getting new bloods done again etc and got a new eating plan but it was not successful this time round.
- I wonder if now that I have started tackling the hormones whether this will work for me now
- Given my long experience with hormonal issues and managing my weight, that is why I turned to professionals [/li][/list]
I need to do something quickly - It needs to be something that takes my hormones in to consideration and prevents my weight from escalating.
Like you Victory V, this is having a toll on my mental health and well being. I am looking for a new job at the moment and am at a high point in my career but I am flagging in terms of confidence and I cannot even tell you the humiliation I feel when having to purchase clothes in the largest size I have ever been to attend an interview and just feel so frumpy.
I sincerely hope that we find what works for us both asap and that it grows with us throughout this tumultuous hormonal journey!
-
Hi.
LadyCC - Sounds like you’ve been through the mill with hormones and know your body pretty well. I totally understand the mental health risk, that’s my biggest fear as it pulls confidence down fast. Good luck on the job front.
I’m holding on to the weight I am now but I don’t like it and I’m struggling. I feel hungry all the time and I can’t really be because I’ve not seriously increased activity. I’m craving everything that we know piles weight on.
I quit sugar a few weeks ago, I don’t feel good for it and I dream about guzzling jelly babies - I don’t even like jelly babies! So I’m starting on sugar again and I’m not omitting anything. I’m not counting calories but I am being careful with portion control. I don’t buy low fat stuff preferring less of full fat version.
The only diets that have worked for me are the ones that have few rules and encourage more activity. So fresh ingredients bought and trainers on feet. My goal is to do 20,000 steps a day, cook from scratch, not eat after 7pm. I’m giving this approach 7 days and expect to lose at least 2lbs, if I don’t lose 2lbs I’ll have a re-think. I’m weighing on day 7 only.
I’ll do C25K as it gets steps done quickly. If anybody fancies joining in please do!
-
I fancy doing C25k. Had hysterectomy in June, just waiting on pelvic floor physio to give me go ahead to start running mid October. Does the programme involve running straight away?
-
Anxiety… that’s what has been the only thing to help me loose weight… crippling anxiety! Wouldn’t recommend it though! ;)
-
I fancy doing C25k. Had hysterectomy in June, just waiting on pelvic floor physio to give me go ahead to start running mid October. Does the programme involve running straight away?
Hi Gnatty, that’s great! I hope the physio says yes. C25K does involve running straight away BUT for short periods, I think it might be 60 seconds, and at your own pace.
It’d be great to have a virtual running buddy! Please let me know if you start. I’m doing it with a puppy so won’t be doing it as quickly as the suggested 9 weeks as I think it’ll be too much.
-
Hi VictoryV, Physio will say yes, she just wanted me to do a few exercises every day to build up strength in abdominals and pelvic floor first. So am expecting green light soon. Are you going to use the App?
-
That’s brilliant, good on you! Yes I’ve got the app on my phone.
-
Hi.
LadyCC - Sounds like you’ve been through the mill with hormones and know your body pretty well. I totally understand the mental health risk, that’s my biggest fear as it pulls confidence down fast. Good luck on the job front.
I’m holding on to the weight I am now but I don’t like it and I’m struggling. I feel hungry all the time and I can’t really be because I’ve not seriously increased activity. I’m craving everything that we know piles weight on.
I quit sugar a few weeks ago, I don’t feel good for it and I dream about guzzling jelly babies - I don’t even like jelly babies! So I’m starting on sugar again and I’m not omitting anything. I’m not counting calories but I am being careful with portion control. I don’t buy low fat stuff preferring less of full fat version.
The only diets that have worked for me are the ones that have few rules and encourage more activity. So fresh ingredients bought and trainers on feet. My goal is to do 20,000 steps a day, cook from scratch, not eat after 7pm. I’m giving this approach 7 days and expect to lose at least 2lbs, if I don’t lose 2lbs I’ll have a re-think. I’m weighing on day 7 only.
I’ll do C25K as it gets steps done quickly. If anybody fancies joining in please do!
Hey Victory V
Insulin resistance is an issue for me I think so I am looking for a programme that takes this in to consideration. I also need strong structure but I dont think exclusion diets work long term - at least for me they dont but I am happy to moderate or minimise having those things that are not good for us.
I admire your resolve and approach in relation to your plan, not eating after a certain time makes sense and 20,000 steps is really getting you moving - do let me know how you get on.
-
Hi!
I've been low-carb for about 7 years. It started as a one-month experiment to see whether eliminating processed and refined foods and reducing carbs (essentially eliminating all white foods except cauliflower) would reduce my inflammation. I had suffered from joint pain since the age of 3, back pain and sciatic issues since my early teens, and aging wasn't improving my knee pain. My father had type-2 diabetes so I was always very conscious of my carb intake and didn't want to follow the same path.
My husband agreed to participate in the experiment. We purged the kitchen to prevent falling back into old habits. There was nothing in the house we couldn't eat. And so it began. We both felt so good after the first 30 days that we extended the experiment to 3 months, and then 6 months, etc.
My husband lost 35-40 lbs. He was a TOFI (thin outside/fat inside). Before the weight loss, he was frequently asked how he managed to stay so trim. He noticed an improvement in mood and energy levels, probably due to improved blood sugar regulation. His job required him to work an occasional 12-hr night shift and the change in diet helped to ease the transition.
I also lost weight without any effort or hunger and my body proportion changed. It restored my waistline, which had been slowly starting to thicken in perimenopause. I'm now 57 and have, so far, been able to maintain my waist. Fun to rummage at the back of the closet and be able to wear the clothes I wore in my 30s. More importantly, the diet reduced my inflammation and joint pain which allowed me to increase my exercise, have a more active lifestyle in general. The inflammation had been exhausting and affected my mood, so this was life changing. I have less joint pain now than I did in my 20s and 30s. And I don't have to worry about becoming like my father and developing diabetes. It's such a horrible disease.
I had attempted similar dietary changes several times when I was younger, but it was difficult when I had to prepare different meals for my family. In comparison, it was so easy when my husband and son signed on to the experiment. We don't think of it as a diet. It's just food and it's just the way we eat. We discovered that our sense of taste changed. Many of the foods we once enjoyed no longer taste the way we remember them, so we don't feel deprived.
I still bake using almond, hazelnut, coconut flours, etc. My husband loves organic lemon cheesecake with berries and an almond flour crust. When I have to take a packed lunch, I'll make flax-based flatbread and pack a sandwich and muffin or something similar. It looks like everyone else's lunch. I occasionally make crepes using buckwheat flour. We eat a lot of salads with homemade dressings.
It's a big adjustment but it's doable and sustainable. As they say, the best diet is the one you can stick to. I hope you find yours. It can make a world of difference and improve the quality of your life. Because diet (esp blood sugar) so greatly affects mood, it can not only improve how you feel but improve your relationships with others. We're all more resilient and have a longer wick when we feel good and have lots of energy.
You may find this interesting. It's the summary of a recent article published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition which argues the root causes of the obesity epidemic are more related to what we eat rather than how much we eat:
https://nutrition.org/scientists-claim-that-overeating-is-not-the-primary-cause-of-obesity/
If you're curious about keto, I'd recommend Gary Taubes book, The Case for Keto: Rethinking Weight Control and the Science and Practice of Low-Carb/High-Fat Eating.
-
Good post Ana21
I’ve been doing low carb for a while and the pounds have dropped off. I’m not as disciplined as you and have to have occasional treats but am inspired to make healthy treats if I can source the healthy flour (here in Spain).
Can I ask do you allow alcohol?x
-
Hi!
I've been low-carb for about 7 years. It started as a one-month experiment to see whether eliminating processed and refined foods and reducing carbs (essentially eliminating all white foods except cauliflower) would reduce my inflammation. I had suffered from joint pain since the age of 3, back pain and sciatic issues since my early teens, and aging wasn't improving my knee pain. My father had type-2 diabetes so I was always very conscious of my carb intake and didn't want to follow the same path.
My husband agreed to participate in the experiment. We purged the kitchen to prevent falling back into old habits. There was nothing in the house we couldn't eat. And so it began. We both felt so good after the first 30 days that we extended the experiment to 3 months, and then 6 months, etc.
My husband lost 35-40 lbs. He was a TOFI (thin outside/fat inside). Before the weight loss, he was frequently asked how he managed to stay so trim. He noticed an improvement in mood and energy levels, probably due to improved blood sugar regulation. His job required him to work an occasional 12-hr night shift and the change in diet helped to ease the transition.
I also lost weight without any effort or hunger and my body proportion changed. It restored my waistline, which had been slowly starting to thicken in perimenopause. I'm now 57 and have, so far, been able to maintain my waist. Fun to rummage at the back of the closet and be able to wear the clothes I wore in my 30s. More importantly, the diet reduced my inflammation and joint pain which allowed me to increase my exercise, have a more active lifestyle in general. The inflammation had been exhausting and affected my mood, so this was life changing. I have less joint pain now than I did in my 20s and 30s. And I don't have to worry about becoming like my father and developing diabetes. It's such a horrible disease.
I had attempted similar dietary changes several times when I was younger, but it was difficult when I had to prepare different meals for my family. In comparison, it was so easy when my husband and son signed on to the experiment. We don't think of it as a diet. It's just food and it's just the way we eat. We discovered that our sense of taste changed. Many of the foods we once enjoyed no longer taste the way we remember them, so we don't feel deprived.
I still bake using almond, hazelnut, coconut flours, etc. My husband loves organic lemon cheesecake with berries and an almond flour crust. When I have to take a packed lunch, I'll make flax-based flatbread and pack a sandwich and muffin or something similar. It looks like everyone else's lunch. I occasionally make crepes using buckwheat flour. We eat a lot of salads with homemade dressings.
It's a big adjustment but it's doable and sustainable. As they say, the best diet is the one you can stick to. I hope you find yours. It can make a world of difference and improve the quality of your life. Because diet (esp blood sugar) so greatly affects mood, it can not only improve how you feel but improve your relationships with others. We're all more resilient and have a longer wick when we feel good and have lots of energy.
You may find this interesting. It's the summary of a recent article published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition which argues the root causes of the obesity epidemic are more related to what we eat rather than how much we eat:
https://nutrition.org/scientists-claim-that-overeating-is-not-the-primary-cause-of-obesity/
If you're curious about keto, I'd recommend Gary Taubes book, The Case for Keto: Rethinking Weight Control and the Science and Practice of Low-Carb/High-Fat Eating.
Hey Ana21
Thank you for sharing your experience with me. I'm so pleased to hear that you have found something that works for you. I myself have been following a no carb/very rare carb approach, even forgoing alcohol and unforunately, its not working for me at the moment. Im going to get my hormones checked and as per my original post, am still looking for that elusive best approach. I think my body needs a major shake up and shock - but quite what that looks like I am not sure yet.
Meanwhile I am sure lots of people who are struggling will be inspired by your post ;D
-
Perinowpost, my diet works for me because I don't have to be disciplined. I hesitate to call it a "diet" because it's just a matter of my personal food choices, so it's easy. I think it's how we eat 90% of the time that really matters, so I'm not a fanatic. If a small child gives me a cookie or a candy, I'm going to eat it and enjoy it because life is too short to miss those special moments. I rarely drink alcohol, not because I have anything against alcohol, but because it can trigger inflammation and joint pain. But if someone really wants me to taste a particular wine or cocktail, I'll have a few sips. I'll have a drink on special occasions for the joy of clinking glasses.
LadyCC, I hope you find your estrogen happy place. I hope we all do. It's such a struggle to find the right balance. I haven't been absorbing the patch, so I've started oral estrogen this week. Fortunately, I haven't experienced the anxiety that so often accompanies low estrogen. I've been wondering whether I have my diet to thank for that. Keep us posted on your journey.
-
I too try and cut down on carbs 'most days' and i can keep my weight down with exercise, which for me is just a long walk, any special occasion, meal at friends house etc we attend, i just eat what's on offer, but do still try and have a smaller portion if its carb loaded....so not a low diet as such just cut out were i can..
Nearer to my 90days holiday i do keep carbs really low and can lose 7lbs in 10-12days...
Lady CC sending you a huge this blooming menopause is horrible, i had no real weight issues until my periods stopped at 55 now 72 i am 1.5st heavier, i eat far less and move far more..xx
-
Perinowpost, my diet works for me because I don't have to be disciplined. I hesitate to call it a "diet" because it's just a matter of my personal food choices, so it's easy. I think it's how we eat 90% of the time that really matters, so I'm not a fanatic. If a small child gives me a cookie or a candy, I'm going to eat it and enjoy it because life is too short to miss those special moments. I rarely drink alcohol, not because I have anything against alcohol, but because it can trigger inflammation and joint pain. But if someone really wants me to taste a particular wine or cocktail, I'll have a few sips. I'll have a drink on special occasions for the joy of clinking glasses.
LadyCC, I hope you find your estrogen happy place. I hope we all do. It's such a struggle to find the right balance. I haven't been absorbing the patch, so I've started oral estrogen this week. Fortunately, I haven't experienced the anxiety that so often accompanies low estrogen. I've been wondering whether I have my diet to thank for that. Keep us posted on your journey.
Thanks for your well wishes Ana21,
Just had a blood test for hormones with a focus on oestrogen and progesterone so hope they are a revelation and can provide much needed answers! Will let you know once I have had them back and have met with the Integrated practitioner
-
I too try and cut down on carbs 'most days' and i can keep my weight down with exercise, which for me is just a long walk, any special occasion, meal at friends house etc we attend, i just eat what's on offer, but do still try and have a smaller portion if its carb loaded....so not a low diet as such just cut out were i can..
Nearer to my 90days holiday i do keep carbs really low and can lose 7lbs in 10-12days...
Lady CC sending you a huge this blooming menopause is horrible, i had no real weight issues until my periods stopped at 55 now 72 i am 1.5st heavier, i eat far less and move far more..xx
Thank you for you message Rosebush - Yes the menopause is just horrible, im being continually challenged. Its so maddening that I cannot lose at the moment because I guess my hormones are not 'happy' - I hear you when you say you are heavier whilst eating less and moving more - Are you actively trying to lose weight now?.
Some people seem to get to grips with this and can manage it. I hardly see any women on tv over a certain age succumb, certainly not to the weight part of it though many are revealing that they have many of the other symptoms. I wonder why this is for some women and not others? - surely its not just about money because many women that I have come in to contact with have had to pay at some point for additional support.
-
Lady CC I watch what i eat everyday, and i know if i have 2 items that contain carbs i will gain up to a pound, i am between a size 12 - 14 top and a 14 dress, but it has to be A line, as all my extra weight is on my tum & hips, i have only found during last 5 months 2 summer dress that fit me! so frustrating when i see ladies in lovely dresses, and i wish i could just be a normal size 12 again :'(
My sister is barely a size 10 and her weight hasn't changed since her 20's infact she is a few pounds lighter and try's hard to 'gain' weight, her GP gave her a high calorie diet sheet, and still she's not gained! some women bless them have no problems even after meno ??? xx
-
Lady CC I watch what i eat everyday, and i know if i have 2 items that contain carbs i will gain up to a pound, i am between a size 12 - 14 top and a 14 dress, but it has to be A line, as all my extra weight is on my tum & hips, i have only found during last 5 months 2 summer dress that fit me! so frustrating when i see ladies in lovely dresses, and i wish i could just be a normal size 12 again :'(
My sister is barely a size 10 and her weight hasn't changed since her 20's infact she is a few pounds lighter and try's hard to 'gain' weight, her GP gave her a high calorie diet sheet, and still she's not gained! some women bless them have no problems even after meno ??? xx
Snap! the weight is on my tummy and hips too. I had a family event this year and loathe my picture being taken at the best of times but this just highligted it with me alongside slim family members where I am now twice their size because I feel I am twice the size of whats 'normal' for me. My mum when she had me, within days she was back in size 8 clothes, it took me a year with my kids to lose the baby weight so I feel you when you say about your sister comparatively. The one thing I will say is that at least you are able to 'manage' your weight but I completely understand that you are not where you want to be. Hopefully things will settle for you too and your body will be receptive to your efforts in a more sustained way :)
-
My problem is that I cannot stop eating in the evening. The thing is when you stop eating your brain still want to get more energy and you cannot stop. It is also possible because after your meal you do not have to do something. So I decided to find an activity after the meal - I started learning cycling. I use it (https://www.bikethesites.com/best-beginner-road-bikes/#product_1), call my family for the help and I do not think about the food. When I am not feeling well, I read interesting detective stories. So the decision is to find something to do after meal. If I do not want to go outside, I just use this (https://houseandbeyond.org/best-treadmill-for-walking/#product_1) treadmill for walking at home.