Pre Menopausal and no weight loss

[joannashaw]

I started early menopause at 42 . Whilst at the time I was pleased (I’ve already had 5 children) I’m not happy about the 2 stone weight gain over 5 yrs. I’ve always exercised a lot but found that the weight was still creeping up. Over the years I’ve tried (and failed) Slimming World, Weight Watchers, 5:2 diet. I then tried good old fashioned calorie counting (combined with 0-5 km running and walking) . It’s a pain planning , weighing and documenting everything I eat, but something seems to be working , as I’ve lost 4Lbs this week.

[Zest]

Hi joannashaw

Welcome to the Healthy eating forum. Congratulations on losing 4 pounds this week, it sounds like your planning is making a change.

Have a look around our various Topics and Pinned posts and see what interests you. I would also like to suggest that you might join the NHS weight loss forum as well - because there are lots of group weigh-in events there (all free) and lots of support. I'll pop back with a link:

healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh...

Wishing you success with your weight loss goals. Hope you have a lovely weekend.

Zest

[Penel]

Greetings from the other side of the menopause.

Well done on finding a weight loss regime that works for you. I found that the best way to control my weight was to eat a moderately low-carb diet and to choose carbs carefully. A very low-carb diet didn’t suit me.

This article has some useful information on how many carbs to eat.

healthline.com/nutrition/ho...

[ladyofcastile]

Also greetings from the other side.I agree with Penel. Keep an eye on carbs and focus on nutrition and feeling strong, not calories. Find a kind of activity you enjoy. not because of the weight loss, but because of your enjoyment and general well being. Your body might need some time to adjust, but if you take good care of yourself, it will pay off in time. The problem I find with dieting for weight lost is how all consuming it is. It just takes over one's life, from morning to night. It is stressful. It is upsetting. It's exhausting. I also believe that weight has often a psychological reason, so taking care of our emotions is as important. As someone with lipodema, I have a very high inflammatory response. I have found gentle yoga and mindfulness meditation to greatly reduce my stress response, therefore the release of cortisol in my system, which is one of those horrible things that make weight control so difficult. For those who are desperate to get the numbers down and reclaim some space in their minds apart of thinking what the hell I am going to eat today so I don't balloon tomorrow, I mentioned before that some people very close to me got great results with Cambridge. I have nothing to do with this company, I have seen it happening and I rather share it, in case it could help someone else. Treat yourself with kindness. Whatever you do, ask yourself first if what you are doing is self care out of love of self punishment. A few years ago I was feeling so weak both physical and mentally that the idea of being under the sun or walking to the park made me cry. Two days ago I have completed my second cross country Half Marathon in a month. At 54. Preparing for a Triathlon now and planning to train for the ultra endurance The Wall for next year. Menopause can be the best time of our lives. It is what we make of it.

PS: 5 kids!! That was my dream! My very best wishes to you and your beautiful big family.

[andyswarbs]

I would advise a whole food plant based diet which involves NO calorie counting. Eat as much as you want until satiated and lose weight the easiest most natural way. Honestly people lose weight on this lifestyle even WITHOUT exercise. Optionally add exercise to stay looking healthy and trim.

[JAS9 in reply to andyswarbs]

I second this. Low carb diets are the hardest to stay on. WFPB is easy because when you eat high-fiber food you feel full. And when you eat high-nutrient foods you feel great. And when you eat food with antioxidants you live a healthy, long life.

[Penel]

This is also has some useful ideas.

Doing some regular exercise is essential to keeping muscle mass.

healthline.com/nutrition/lo...