Discussion Board

Hi ladies...I really thought I could use the power of "not me" thinking with experiencing symptoms of menopause but seems not the case. This WOE sure helps with the flashes that don't happen too often and last a short time (I'm superstitious- knocking on wood) - its the weight gain!!! I'm up 10 lbs eating the same as I have for past 4 years 100% MWL. I'll lose a few pounds then they're back...been this way for 4 months.

I have oats in the morning, only 1 or 2 fruits per day and starch and veggies for lunch and dinner. No fats, sauces, alcohol...zero off plan. I exercise every day at the gym for at least an hour and weight train 4 times a week.

My weight has been so stable I really don't get why I'm struggling with these darn 10 lbs. is the normal? Any suggestions on what I should do different?

Thanks so much in advance for your feedback

Cheers

Have you had your thyroid levels checked lately?

Blessings,
Jubilee

Yes, about 2 years ago and all ok there.

All I can say is welcome to the next phase of life. I gained 40 pounds in about 6 weeks - I ate the same, I exercised the same (which like you was a lot), just nothing fit around the waist anymore. I talked to my doc about it and she said it part of what happens with the changing hormones. I wish I had the magic cure or magic words, but I struggle with it, too. But, I will add, that is about the only symptom of menopause I had - no hot flashes, no other issues at all. So, eating less is just my new normal (well, I am working on it - sometimes more successfully than other times!). You aren't alone.

Sharon

My weight has definitely been an issue since menopause. I was always normal before, but now am in the overweight catagory. Wish I had some word of wisdom for you, but eating small portions is what works for me (when I do it).

i cant eat as many calories at all being 40 as i did when i was 20 to maintain my weight. but they say much of it is lean body mass or hormones. i am not in menopause yet, i dont think.

I am not there yet, but I wonder if maybe keeping the volume of food you eat the same, but adding more low calorie dense foods like veggies and salads might help? Sort of like MWL?

I know I'd have a hard time eating smaller portions, because I really like to eat, so this is just a thought about how to keep eating a large volume while lowering the caloric intake levels.

My thyroid did not start to flounder until after I went through menopause. What I'm saying is, just because it was given the ok two years ago, a lot could have changed.

The older I get, the less calories I can afford, and I'm an enthusiastic exerciser, too. I agree, it's aggravating.

Karen

I'm a lousy sleeper and always have been...meaning, I get about 5 hours waking up once for a bathroom break. I'm usually out of bed by 3am! So nothing new...just the occasional flash and weight gain. Since I already only eat MWL I'll try reducing portion size

Thanks for sharing and advice so far...hope this helps others too

I got my tubes tied at age 43, quit taking the pill, and was immediately plunged into hell. Okay, that sounds overly dramatic, but quite honestly, my journey through menopause, or hormonal restructuring as I termed it, (pausing my menses is just so not the whole thing, so why is it named that, the term is just so woefully inadequate, inaccurate) was on the far right side of that bell curve. The doctor said I was too young, that the average age was fifty something, and I said that the operative term in his sentence was average.

Anyways, we were, at the time, transitioning from SAD to vegetarian, so I cannot comment on the effects of this way of eating with respect to menopausal symptoms. However, my biggest problem was that that bitch, Madam Flash, would wake me up every two hours, I mean, honestly, I could frigging tell time by it! Thus I never got adequate rest. I got stupid, literally, because I wasn't rested, I couldn't think. I also know that not getting proper rest means I cannot control my appetite, or my choices. Even now, if I have a bad night, I have to be extra vigilant about my food choices. I have learned that even if I'm not sleeping, as long as I'm resting comfortably, it's alright, I'll be okay in the morning. So you might keep that thought in mind.

Watching the calorie density, that's been a very useful lesson for me, a saving grace. But I agree with the others, post menopausal means I need less calories to stay at a particular weight. Keeping a big pot of vegetable soup in the fridge is very handy for me. But take heart, I have lost two sizes, post menopause, and am almost where I think I want to be. Oh, and who doesn't need a bathroom break in the middle of the night? I always have, even as a young woman.

I went through menopause at 38, years before I started this WOE. I've lost 175 pounds. A high percentage of 'green and yellow" veggies and moderate amounts of whole unprocessed starches allows me to feel full and still have large portion sizes - a necessity since I am a compulsive overeater. My only real exercise is walking and bike riding. Nothing too strenuous on my 57 year old body. My current weight is 130 pounds, BMI 19.2. It is possible to achieve your 'ideal' weight, whatever you decide it should be. I highly recommend you go on YouTube and search for Doug Lisle's 'How to lose weight without losing your mind' lecture. It is a real game changer.

Kate

Good info here which I appreciate too.
I'm plateauing at the mo and need to do something.

My flashes are minimal fortunately but my sleep pattern is rubbish.
Mind you, when 'someone' forgets to shut the bathroom window and all 3 of the cats have escaped and then one by one between midnight and 4 in the morning they want in, well that's gonna disrupt your sleep.
Yawn. Zzzzzzz...

Thanks so much folks and to Plumerias and Kate...so encouraging.

Cheers

Instead of reducing your portion size, you might try eating the majority of your foods earlier in the day - having a decent sized breakfast, making lunch the biggest meal and having a lighter dinner might help. I have also found myself gaining weight when I snack too often - even if the snacks are healthy.
As already said - getting good rest is also very important.
If you're getting up at 3 a.m does that mean you're in bed by 7 p.m.?
I think overall, as women, we tend to chronically cheat ourselves of consistent quality rest. Our bodies need quality sleep everyday to rest, repair and relax from the stresses of our busy lives.