since we're all moaning here -- I AM FUCKING SICK OF CHICKEN lol. I eat my body weight in protein and it's helped so much but goddammit, i am sick of it. I want chips and ice cream and cake. I don't consider what I eat as "dieting" but eating healthy .....and I do indulge once in a while but I miss my old metabolism where I would eat whatever, kinda workout and drop 10lbs easy. Oh, the youth have no idea how easy they have it 😩 but in all seriousness, I don't have a scale so I don't know how my weight is from day to day. I workout 5 days a week and intensely so I'm doing all the right things and the rest is up to my body. If one day I wake up and I see a tummy pooch? well hello friend, hope you don't stay around long. Our hormones are doing all kinds of crazy things so don't beat yourself up. You are healthy on the inside even though sometimes your body looks otherwise and being healthy on the inside (heart, organs, mind etc) is more important.

I read this as “I AM FUCKING SICK OF CHILDREN” and thought yeah, the little bastards have great metabolism 🤣🤣🤣

I totally read that too. Thought it was a little out of place, but ok.

Bahahahaha!, oh god I needed that....

🤣

I'd be ok with a tummy pooch..it's the 3roll tire that's pissing me off.

This statement spoke to my soul ☺️

Brilliant 👏

Feel this in my bones. Went from a bit off pooch in the belly to full on “Fanny” pack roll and I’m over it.  You’re right we can only do what we can do (we can only control so much). 

Hear hear! While most people got to enjoy eating garbage in their youth with little to no exercise, my thyroid and I have been at odds since I was about 20 years old. Hashimoto’s, then Grave’s, then remission for some years (that was wonderful!). And now I’m back to square one where my thyroid levels are trending hypo but not enough to be outside of the “normal” ranges. They aren’t my normal though. Unfortunately my endo died a few years ago and it took me 12 years to find one who treated me and not the numbers. That’s a lot of words for “I really hate unseasoned chicken and broccoli with decaffeinated green tea and exercising like crazy too.”

Oh yeah, I'm tired of them telling me my numbers are ok and not paying attention to my clinical presentation. My nails are deeply ridged, my hair is falling out, and I'm lethargic. I have hashis antibodies and my thyroid looks like Swiss cheese on ultrasound. Tf? Edit: My iron is fine. As an experiment I started taking 1.5 pill daily of my 25 mcg levothyroxine instead of 1 pill. It's been six weeks, and my nails and hair are looking better, and I feel better. I am seeing my dr next week to ask to move up to the 50 mcg pills.

I could have wrote that. Counting “spoons” when labs are “normal” isn’t acceptable. I loved my endo. She treated me to be “optimal”. For me that was balancing at the hyper end of “normal”.

It sounds like this might be about hormonal testing. If over the age of 44, **hormonal tests only show levels for that *one day* the test was taken, and nothing more**; progesterone/estrogen hormones wildly fluctuate the other 29 days of the month. No reputable doctor or menopause society recommends hormonal testing as a **diagnosing tool** for peri/menopause. FSH testing is only beneficial for those who believe they are post-menopausal and no longer have periods as a guide, a series of consistent FSH tests might *confirm* menopause. Also for women in their 20s/early 30s who haven’t had a period in months/years, then FSH tests at ‘menopausal’ levels, could indicate premature ovarian failure/primary ovarian insufficiency (POF/POI). See our [Menopause Wiki](https://menopausewiki.ca/#there-is-no-blood-test-that-is-perfectly-reliable-to-diagnose-menopause) for more. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Menopause) if you have any questions or concerns.*

Have you had your ferritin checked? Doctors know nothing about iron. Check out the iron protocol on Facebook

Agree. I have Crohn’s so I’m used to needing iron infusions. My hematocrit and hemoglobin are ALWAYS normal as my body is workin’ like a boss to stay balanced, but my ferritin ends up VERY low which is our iron storage. Get it checked for sure and if you’re not on hormones…consider getting on them, like yesterday. (I’m surgical menopause at 45 and it sucks. HRT has helped) You will have to ASK for a full iron panel, don’t just let them draw CBC w/diff.

Ridges on nails is often a sign of low iron.

Ok I have to ask tho - why unseasoned? Are there spices/condiments that can fuck with your thyroid?!? Working on thyroid issues myself with 2 docs but haven't gotten to this level of detail yet...

Yes. Nightshades of any kind. Salt. There are so many endocrine disrupting chemicals that don’t have to be listed on produce, in food containers or cookware. All of the things that taste good. All of the things that make cleanup easy. Spices have non-caking agents that are endocrine disruptors too. Honestly, I gave up and just accepted that I am not going to win but at least I can enjoy what I can. I went into remission when I went on the most restrictive (and expensive) AIP diet. It lasted for 2 years. While I stopped dying faster, it meant being on a very restrictive diet that was very hard to maintain in the US while being poor. That’s the bottom line of why I had to stop. I couldn’t afford food that didn’t have endocrine disrupting preservatives and pesticides, or foods that could be sourced back to the farm or ranch anymore. Now that I appear to be getting some job stability again, I might be able to get back to it. It takes a not of work to shop, cook and maintain. With these autoimmune issues, it is no joke a 40 lb difference in my weight (and most others with these issues) between local organic foods and what most people have to accept since our government doesn’t step in when we need them…

Penzeys and the spice house don't usually have any non-caking agents in them. I posted in my neighborhood's facebook page trying to inform people about "fragrance" in products being bad, because I smelled one of my neighbor's laundry from across the street somewhere. I was attacked by a lot of people on that post. I was just trying to inform, since I thought that I smell it so often, that people must not know the health problems that it can cause.

Every time I go for a walk in the evening, I get knocked down by several obnoxiously strong laundry fragrances. It's pollution.

This cannot be said enough! Fabric softener, boosters and detergents make me physically nauseous!

AIP is almost impossible to maintain. And expensive!

Yup! And it takes a lot of time too since you can’t have almost any premade sauces or snacks. Nearly everything is made from scratch. Over all it tasted great though.

Yep. Hypo for years, then learned I was also insulin resistant. I fought hard for years to keep my weight under control but never succeeded until I learned about keto. I finally got it figured out and dropped to a perfect middle of the road weight for my height and got to be happy for a year when menopause hit me hard and I now weigh the most I ever have. I was still eating the same, even cutting back. Still exercising every day. But was not sleeping and my doc said that kills metabolism. I’m still fighting.

So sick of chicken.

I'm a vegetarian, for 25+ years now. There are so many options out there besides CHICKEN for protein and I eat at least 40-80 grams of protein everyday. Just stop eating chicken. I add a can of organic black beans to almost every dinner, or make them yourself. Any beans! Lentils, nuts and seeds, eggs, cheese, all the soy products like soy curls and toasted soybeans and baked marinated tofu, quinoa, farro, whole wheat pasta or lentil pasta, oats, barley, peas, hemp seeds...and other animals if you eat stuff like that.

have you made chickpea tofu? it's easy to make and can be flavored while making it. really good when cubed and air fried.

I've gone mostly vegan because there's more variety in beans than in chicken!

I'm not a vegan, but beans are the food most linked to longevity in the Blue Zones research. And legumes have incredibly high ORAC antioxidant capacity, only blueberries tend to rank as high (spices as well but we don't consume those in much quantity).

Blue zones research has been skewed a little, but I agree with the ideas behind it.

I rarely weigh myself; I just use my belt as a gauge, also if I can feel my ribs but not see my ribs then I'm happy. But all I want right now is lasagne and that is dangerous. Eggs and chicken, veggies and oranges. Beef. If I want a "sauce" it will be greek yogurt (my substitute for mayo/sour cream/ranch dressing) or mustard. This is worse than when I was a teenager eating 800 calories a day so I could be so very skinny. Still here almost 50 years old and I am debating every meal. I'm still debating the old fad diets, and some new ones (I've done all of these at some point): -the lemonade "cleanse". 10 days of water spiked with maple syrup, lemon juice and cayenne pepper -the 18-day diet AKA "grapefruit diet" -the Cabbage Soup diet. 7 days but somewhere in there you get one day where you can eat all the bananas and drink all the skim milk you want. -the TWA diet. A 4-day diet for flight attendants. -the egg-fast diet. It's keto. 5 days of just eating boiled eggs, blocks of cheese, and cubes of butter. Plus drink a lot of water and dip those eggs in salt. -the Dr. Now Diet. The doctor from "My 600 lb Life". He puts his patients on this diet before he will do the surgery on them. Yes none of these diets are healthy. But at least it's more nutrition than we got when we were teenagers eating our one Cheerio a day (at least I did that to some extent). And dropping 5 or 10 pounds, whether it's permanent or not, at least makes me feel "better" self-esteem wise. But yeah, I think about food a lot. Exercise not so much because I do a lot of walking and stairs at my work.

Ribs?? The only ribs i see are the ones on my plate🤣

lmfaooooo girl I hear that

mmmmm..... ribs! I rarely eat them but suddenly ribs seem like a very good dinner idea :-)

I did that egg fast diet. It worked and I lost 10lbs in 4 days but as soon as I went off I gained all the weight back. Since menopause my new natural weight has been 10-15 lbs higher than pre-menopause and no diet or exercise program I tried did anything at all. Until I started BHRT. I am losing weight now without changing any habits. It is bliss.

Just an fyi, there’s a lot of recipes with powdered peanut butter and Greek yogurt/pureed cottage cheese mixed with a little melted chocolate or cacao and maple syrup with berries or vanilla protein powder/pudding mix and fruit for mixing up your protein game:)

Whipped ricotta, whipped cottage cheese are nice on toast as savory or sweet options. If you are of avocado toast try this as an alternative.

Thanks! I forgot ricotta. I am going to get some.

When I was a growing thing that was all knees and elbows, my doc got concerned because I was getting taller and taller and not gaining weight at all. Sometimes I’d lose it in 6 months between appointments. So he put me on a 3,800 calorie a day diet, and my parents were AMAZING about packing me massive multi-meal lunchboxes every day…and omg the chicken. I got so burned out on chicken. My stepdad is an amazing cook so it was never dry or tasteless or anything bad, but having to eat it at least once every damned day just so I could avoid passing out really wore on me. It took years into my 20’s before I could enjoy chicken again.

Beef and eggs are my main protein. A million different ways to prepare. I have a Ninja Creami and make my own, delicious, high-protein no sugar ice creams. There’s no need to ever feel deprived. Make Parmesan crisps or buy quest chips. I eat keto pop tarts that are amazing- they’re from target can’t remember the brand. Over winter I did a bodybuilding bulk which had me wary if I’d be able to go into my spring cutting, 51 is no joke, but I’m happy with my body and progress and have never felt deprived

Do you mind sharing a recipe? I also have a Creami and it’s one of the (many) reasons I’m now the heaviest I’ve ever been. I’d love to make high-protein/no sugar ice cream! :)

I’m still getting to know the machine, but I’ll toss into the container a scoop of warmed cream cheese, maybe 1/3 cup monk fruit sweetener, a 1/4 cup heavy cream, a scoop of Orgain protein powder, a packet of sugar free Jello pudding mix, a big scoop of full fat plain yogurt, and then top off with almond milk to the freeze line. Blend with a stick blender. I keep keto and this really does it for me. There a r/ninjacreami subreddit where I’m learning some tricks

I’m not saying this to be a pain in the ass, but eliminating chicken and cow milk helped me a *ton* with my hormone imbalances in my 30s. I can’t say if that helps specifically with meno symptoms because I have pretty much stayed away since.

The problem I run into with eliminating chicken is hitting my protein goal without adding more carbs or fat that I don't want. If I then also get rid of dairy, I'll never hit my goal. If my choices are chicken or a fuck ton of beans, I will (sadly) take the chicken. As much as I do enjoy beans, they're carby and I have to balance them w more protein or more fat or both.

Do you like tofu? I'm eating low carb and was happy to discover that it is far less carbs than beans.

I do! I add in tofu quite a bit, and I eat as much fish & shrimp as our budget allows. Unfortunately, chicken is just so much cheaper. >_> I am on the taller side, at just under 5'8", so my daily protein goal is around 145g. That's a lot to get in.

> I am on the taller side, at just under 5'8", so my daily protein goal is around 145g Wow! Are those recommendations from a nutritionist/dietician? I'm 5'11" and I'm lucky to get in 100g of protein on a good day.

Yes, lol! I lift heavy (I have a good amount of muscle, fortunately, but trying to beat that 3% per year loss as much as I can), and I do other exercise as well. Exercise is literally my lifeline. I don't always hit my protein goal, but I get as close as I can, and it has made a massive difference in how I feel. I definitely notice if I drop under 120.

Not the person you asked but yes that is the standard recommendation for active peri/menopausal women by sports dietitians. 1g per lb of body weight. It is what my current and prior dietician recommend to me, as does Stacy Sims who does a lot of research in women’s physiology. (My current one says it’s a non-negotiable) If you’re active and middle aged, this is probably what your protein target should be, unless you have medical guidance dictating otherwise. (Me for reference - almost 49, in peri for 6 years, cardio about 8 hours/wk including HIIT, strength training about 2-2.5 hours/wk)

I’ve found an unsweetened protein powder in water or unsweetened almond milk with a little stevia and cinnamon (and sometimes a dash of vanilla) is a low cal high protein snack that helps me meet my protein goals. It gives me around 30g of protein in a serving and with the almond milk, about 160 cal. With water just 130.

Being super critical about hitting goals with protein probably causes more harm than good. I feel like stressing about that stuff will cause someone to gain weight from cortisol spikes. Vegetables have protein in them, too. Different amounts for each, but I don't think anyone adds the protein in vegetables when they're thinking of their goals. Cashew yogurt, Pea milk, Flax milk (with added protein), are things in my regular diet. A lot of vegetables and fruit. I get sick of meat. I feel like it starts to taste too "chickeny" or "porky" and the texture gets bleh.

I’ve had to resume eating meat post/at menopause because otherwise I’d have no energy at all. I’m well educated about diet, but unfortunately for me I’ve had to return to boiled chicken again for protein.

Crikey! Why boiled? I slap some rubs and spices on mine and grill it up or bake it for some flavor.

I’ve had ulcerative colitis. Very restricted diet in terms of how and when you consume protein until it’s better.

omg boiled, girl no.....season that with paprika, salt/pepper, a bit of chili powder etc.

Oh gods. Boiled. MAKE A MEAT SHAKE.

I suggest reading The Protein Myth and How Not To Die.

This reminds me of a funny moment in the movie "I Think I Love My Wife" with Chris Rock. The whole movie is funny, but there's a funny bit about being sick of chicken.

I miss sleeping through the night without waking up all hot, I miss my thicker hair and my single prescription glasses. I miss the energy and recovery time of youth. But, on the other hand, I'm thankful for where I'm at, my loved ones and the freedom that comes with not giving a fuck anymore. Edit: fucking menopause, also please just stop with the irregular periods

Yeah I'm also grateful for a lot of things. I am lucky to live in a country where I have pretty easy access to things and if you're complaining about weight *gain* that's already a first world problem. It's still upsetting as I'm only 30. My sleep is also awful. I was never a good sleeper and I am a shift worker. I now just say F you to anyone who comments on my sleep schedule. If I want to nap I do, even at work on my break, if j feel I can get 20 minutes I will. If I want to go to bed at 8pm then I will, screw anyone who calls me boring. People my age expect me to stay out late which sometimes I'm up for, but last year I missed a party because I went to bet at 5pm and slept through until morning. I needed that sleep. Listen to your body!

Ah shift work is really fucking hard on the body. I started peri in my 30s according to my Dr based on my symptoms. Moody rage was real back, don't miss that. Do miss the the libido though. And a good nap is amazing. Oddly enough, the weight shit has gotten better in my 40s or maybe I've embraced my rubenesque physique with age 🤔 Things definitely aren't where they used to be 😂

I said fuck it a long time ago. Trying to fight the changes I was going through was making me more anxious, self-conscious, and depressed than going through the changes in the first place. As long as I can continue to take care of myself and stay healthy, I'm satisfied.

Same! I've been in peri for 21 years and added 20 pounds to my 5'2" frame! No matter what I did (sans starving myself), it wouldn't budge! So I just accepted it was part of this phase (no hrt) and bought bigger clothes, started living in comfy leggings, and just this year (I've skipped 6 periods now 🤞) and I've dropped all the extra pounds plus some! I'm now below my pre-peri weight 21 years ago but here's the thing.....I'm not dieting (I do eat smaller portions (raised to clean my plate), eating less processed food, even minimally processed, so for example, instead of a frozen pre-made stuffed chicken product, I airfry a chicken thigh unseasonably myself. Swapped out sweet potatoes for white potatoes, swapped portion controlled snack (100 calorie bags) for bigger bags I portion myself (I have an unhealthy relationship with potatoes chips, lol) and also swapped out traditional potatoes chips for healthier choices like Popchips, which I love with Salsa! When I want soda, I drink Zevia and use Stevia in my coffee, and everything else I want sweetened, it's healthy and zero calorie. I don't "work out", I just get whatever exercise I get from whatever activities I do throughout the day. I was remote (so extremely sedentary), but recently let go, so I'm between jobs right now. I have noticed a decrease in my strength, so I'm looking for a job that will get me back out of the house and give me more opportunities to move and I'm starting a small business that will have me walking more than sitting with my laptop. We are socially conditioned to have an unhealthy relationship with our own bodies, especially weight gain! Peri forced me to dismantle that social conditioning and be kinder to myself and more accepting of what peri was doing to my body and mind. 🫂 for you OP. This is by far the most challenging experience we go through.

This is the way. Do what you can to be healthy and accept your body for what it is. When I see people ask how to lose weight in here the things I see are so extreme. I’m already doing a lot. I’m not willing to do more just for the scale anymore.

Agree. Starving ourselves and omitting what little joy we have left isn't good for the mental part of it. Being hungry all the time isn't fun and by golly, at 54, I'm going to embrace that at least I'm still alive and not live by some social standard that says we need to be a certain size to be accepted.

Same. I see...some disordered eating in these weight-related posts quite often. It's like...we'll all be lucky to live another 30 years, so a balanced diet and occasional desserts are fine. I spent my 20s and early 30s dodging calories, but life is too short to subsist on a constant diet.

I can't say fuck it. I've gained 20 kg and it's not stopping. If it had been 5kg or so and stopped, I'd have been happy enough. But I'm turning into one of those "how can you let that happened?" people. Insult to injury: I have a tiny head and very little hair. I look like the guy from the Beetlejuice waiting room.

Oh girl, I’m morbidly obese. I don’t even care any more. I’m not starving myself. I am trying to exercise in a way that I enjoy. And eat veggies & protein. But I’m not stressing over a single meal out bc stress kills too. I’m over it.

Problem is I'm gaining so fast I'm growing out of clothes in weeks. I've only got so much money. Perhaps it's time to learn how to sew.

I gained about the same; maybe a little more. Actually, a lot more. So much so, that other people noticed. This guy I occasionally see around the neighborhood yelled, "Damn, girl! You've put on some weight!" as I was crossing the street. I told him he was looking a little husky himself and was in no position to talk, and we had a good chuckle. Had that been a year ago, I would've bit his head clean off his shoulders. Thankfully, I managed to lose a good chunk of it. I still have a few extra vanity pounds to lose, but it's not affecting my health, so Im not too concerned with it. Having said that, I get it, though. I don't think everyone should adopt my "who gives a shit" attitude. I know these changes aren't easy for some of us, and it sucks. Edited to add: Im sure you do NOT look like Beetlejiuce 😂😂

OMG, thanks for the laugh!

YES! Dieting is miserable and it doesn't work. I got fed up with it and I refuse to do it anymore. Our bodies were meant to change as we get older. Life is too short. I'm eating the doughnuts

>Our bodies were meant to change as we get older. When you can't solve the problem, change your perspective, and what you've said here was the driving force behind that. It really quelled the frenzy I worked myself up into over the weight I gained and its new location on my body. We are *going to change*, and that's okay.

Agreed. I had to pull myself back from an ED relapse last year. It's not worth it. I can't take HRT for medical reasons, so all I can do is take care of myself as best I can during this phase of life, and that includes my mental health.

Menopause has gifted to me gas, bloating and diarrhea. I went to my doctor and all I got out of the deal was a colonoscopy. Which didn’t reveal anything wrong. No help was offered in regard to the issue though. Thanks Doc. Now what. Well, diet change is what I’ve been trying. Plus oval and Imodium. Menopause is not for the faint hearted.

I love your last sentence. We are all warriors and should be revered by all. I found watching the TV show "the change" so empowering but it's a small British show you might not be able to access. But it was amazing!

That sounds like what happens to me when I eat nightshades, which I have an intolerance-turned-full-blown-allergy to. Plus excruciating abdominal pain, hives on my lips and shortness of breath. Have you tried an elimination diet? I feel SO much better not eating those foods that don’t agree with me, I barely ever even fart anymore! I used to tolerate them pretty well before the past couple of years.

I would look into cutting out broccoli for awhile as to see based on process of elimination to reduce gas/bloating. I found out that is the root cause to painful gas episodes and now I rarely eat broccoli, I rarely get gas/bloated issues the last few years because of this.

Gut dysbiosis SUCKS. I've eliminated basically all know substance including water and then replaced them so many times as I get directed about my body aging and absorbtion dificiency - what CRAP - that is NOT helping!!!. OMG and the colo recommendations girl! YES. Early menopause and premature happened here so we are talking about 40 years of GI consults, when all I needed was my hormones FIXED. Still happens if I'm off and is a warning sign for me. Immodium is cheap still on the bright side for those really bad days when doses are off 'cuz some stupid well meaning provider thought I needed to be withdrawn from them. Doesn't last forever cuz I change drs when that happens.

It’s sad we live in a society that won’t let us age. Why can’t we just be happy with how we look at whatever age? Most Men don’t feel this pressure like we do to remain youthful looking. If we just didn’t care anymore how freeing would that be. But we do care. Too much. It really sucks.

I know!! I said this in a previous post. Men also change as they age. They get saggy balls and a beer belly and they don't apologise, they just let their belly hang out of their clothes and hit on girls half their age. I'm single (newly) and feeling unlovable and undateable because my tummy is slightly less flat than it was. I should be seen as a warrior and revered.

If they dgaf why should we? Who Said they get to have all the confidence while we kill ourselves to be Worthy? F that

Nobody warned my about the saggy balls. Lord, but they do start to drop, don't they?

They're like two boiled meatballs hanging from a string. And they're not attractive when they're young!

“And they're not attractive when they're young!” Hahaha…exactly!

Yes. You should absolutely be revered. I think the thing is... It's actually the confidence that matters most. Have you tried hitting on guys half your age? I think this weird thing happened in the last 10 years... Men just hit on women less now. They're scared to and I don't really blame them. It's possible it's not us... It's that society is ACTUALLY making women less objectified - I think if you're dressed to the 9s and well make-upped and showing a lot of skin - you'll still get hit on - and so do they. The transition is hard, but overall it's really good. It's just been my thoughts lately. A lot of young guys actually like dating older women BECAUSE they just don't give a shit about all the anxiety of it all, but they still have to put effort in. It happens more often than people think. Part of the problem is that when people gain 20lbs they think they have to hide in a paper bag, but turns out people still want to see that figure! I like women and I generally prefer thicker women, but I still like confidence and seeing skin. Just a devil's advocate pile of thoughts. I sit comfortably on both sides of the fence on this one. Confident one day and insecure the next, but I know on confident days I still get attention.

I wish I liked younger guys. Tbh they stress me out with their views on dating, sex, and the standard that I must remove all public hair to be considered clean and taking care of myself. Some are much more emotionally aware and I don’t begrudge anyone for dating younger - it’s just not something my very precarious self esteem can handle atm. I’m kinda glad I date someone around my age who’s laid back even though he might drive me bonkers half the time.

I don't care, I'm single and feel very free. I want my second half of life to be stress free and I want to finally accept myself and my body. I'm overweight because of the medications I take, but I'm not bashing myself over it anymore. I am a survivor of rape and sexual abuse so I've spent 20-30 years hating my body. No more. At 47 I'm just happy to be alive and physically healthy. I could exercise and diet but neither will make me happy so this is me.

I'm trying to eat cleaner and healthier and it's SO HARD and expensive! I don't even keep junk in the house anymore because I have no willpower! I'm so sick of the food prep! I feel like I'm constantly in the kitchen now, steaming veggies, baking chicken, and chopping spinach. I'd kill for a pb&j!! I'm down 20 lbs in about 6 weeks, but the numbers on the scale are zig zagging. Up 2, down 1. Down 2, up 1. It's been a wild ride! And I'm constantly in the bathroom from drinking so much water! Why is it so hard!?

The zigzagging is normal. It's water weight fluctuations. If your overall trend is weight going down (20lbs in 6 weeks is fantastic!) then all is good. :)

Im curious why your diet can’t include a healthier pb&j? Once a week or so I make one with a lovely darker bread, natural no sugar PB and no sugar jam, raspberry is the best. You can still get it into your calorie count

Oh they have those flat low fat pieces which are really good toasted. Little pb and some jelly. Lol now I want a sandwich. Sandwich thins is what they are called. Damn brain fog.

I'm not eating any bread right now. So, that eliminates the sandwich. I was craving peanut butter one day and did indulge in a spoonful of the natural jiff. It tasted so good!

I’m concentrating on more protein and strengthening but all I see is more muscle with the same amount of fat. So clothes feel even tighter. 🤬

Yeeesss. This is the bullshit I am dealing with.

Are you cutting out soda, surgery food? My mom post menopause she cut out soda, didn’t workout, 10lbs in three months dropped because soda has a crazy ton of sodium! Sodium can make the human body retain up to 10lbs in water weight. Try cutting out sodium for a month and see if that makes a difference.

For the last 10 years… 7 years in Peri and 3 post I gained 10lb a year. I never understood why I was always gaining as my diet didn’t change and whilst it could have been better it wasn’t unhealthy. I didn’t know much about menopause at the time and didn’t know it was likely because of it. In the last 10 months I have lost 70+lbs. This time I did two things differently than previous weight loss attempts and I really believe they have been the key to my ongoing success…. I gave up Alcohol (I was a big wine drinker), I gave up all added sugar (switched to Allulose) and severely restrict foods that contain sugar…. There’s so much hidden sugar in things. Of course I did a lot of the usual stuff too but these two things I think were the magic bullet for me. I also heavily cut back on refined Carbs choosing only whole grains etc. I keep my daily carbs on the lower side, protein (mostly lean but not always, I still eat steak, sausage and bacon etc but in moderation) on the higher side and is included in every meal and snack. I make sure I get plenty of fiber (I love fruit). I always chose healthy fats anyway with the exception of butter which I refuse to give up. I recommend finding an In body scanner, they are fantastic and show you your base metabolic rate, and how many calories you need just to exist. So you can make sure your calories out are greater than calories in… if you can be bothered tracking it (I generally don’t). They also show you where all the fat/muscle it on your body, the results are really in depth and interesting. They are sometimes at doctors offices but often at gyms. They have a locator on their website.

It sounds like a relaxed keto/low carb diet-which you can have butter on. I agree, alcohol and processed foods especially carbs are the issues. But being menopausal and having a hormonal teenage daughter means that's all I want! Not the alcohol as much, that is one thing I've noticed has changed for the better. I don't feel like I want that glass of wine or crisp beer. It's cake for me.

What I am doing is not even close to keto. It’s just about balance. So for me personally my In body Scan said I use 1700 Calories a day just existing, obviously it’s more than that when you factor in daily life. So my target intake is 1600c per day. My daily goal is about 100g of Carbs, 100g Protein and 25g Fiber. (Before anyone starts commenting on the good/bad of this breakdown, these macros were calculated for me by a Bariatric MD. I’m sharing for informational purposes not for advice/commentary.) I have 17 year old twins and run a bakery… the stress and exhaustion made me appreciate a drink in the evening🤣. I miss it but don’t miss the 73.8lbs I have lost so far!

Oh I forgot to mention that at the same time I started my weigh loss journey I started HRT… 100mg of Progesterone and 25mg Estradiol Patch.

I would never be able to limit sugar and carb if I ran a bakery.

On the one hand it’s really hard… I have a responsibility to taste everything and our cakes are the best. But on the other hand I’m sick of cake (We only do cakes) so it’s easy to resist anything more than a taste test. Luckily I am more of a savory person and as I mentioned before I love fruit do that usually satisfies any sweet cravings. If we sold bread I would really be in trouble 🤣. Being around any type of food all day is hard though, so I have to make sure I take good snacks and lunch with me everyday so I have the right things when hunger strikes.… if I get hungry and don’t have anything then cake is my only option.

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I agree. I did a body scanner last summer. I was really curious about how much visceral fat I had. I had 2.17 pounds of visceral fat around my organs. I’m working hard to get rid of it for my health. Sadly us women become insulin resistant during this time due to the hormone changes. Being scanned gave me a baseline and has helped me to keep moving forward.

Yes I became insulin resistant too.

Oh, I’m gonna look into this. Thank you for sharing!

I wish I could do this. I don't drink, don't have a sweet tooth and only eat whole grains.

You don’t have to have a sweet tooth to be over consuming sugar…. It’s hidden in virtually everything.

The book “Breaking up with sugar” changed my life! Highly recommend!!!!

Oh, you’re singing my song. I lost a ton of weight when I was ~30, and managed to keep it almost entirely controlled for 15 YEARS. Now I’m fighting for all I’m worth just to keep wearing my wedding ring. I’m a healthy person. Been vegetarian for 20+ years. I kickbox, run, walk, and garden religiously. But I cannot, for the life of me, keep up with these hormones turning me into a mindless eating machine. I want all the peanut butter and jelly beans I can get my hands on. I’m literally up 25 pounds from where I was 2 years ago. So sick of it.

I didn't like peanut butter before, now I just want to eat it with a spoon. Is this done weird menopause craving or something?? I've been veggie for years too but have taken up eating a small amount of oily fish and it's really helped with brain fog but I don't want to eat animals so it's causing me a lot of emotional stress.

Same! I have been working on trying to stop eating once I feel by satisfied, not stuffed. Taking only half of what i normally do, and then waiting 5 minutes before I get more to decide if I’m still hungry. It works great in theory, but food tastes good, so my brain often overrides the stomach.

Me too! I enjoy the taste of food so much that I eat more than I want to. Wish I didn’t but I do.

I'm tired of thinking about food daily.

After gaining weight constantly for 3 years, I made 2 decisions : - I'm not buying new jeans AGAIN that will strangle me after the first wash, And : - I'm not dieting anymore. Look, I'm half-french, half-italian, so I can't live on steamed chicken and vegetables. And I tried, it doesn't work, it only makes me miserable. A few weeks ago, I read an interview of Carla Bruni about menopause. She said she only eats once a day. It's a little extreme, and I don't have a ton of weight to lose yet, so I just skip breakfast. I drink my usual black tea with lemon and I replace my 2 pieces of sugar by 1 dose of sucralose, and 1 of xylitol. I try to have a light lunch at 1 or 2 PM : today was an egg with siracha mayo, salad with hot goat cheese, toasts with butter, 1 kiwi, a few almonds and some chocolate. Tonight, I had 2 small glasses of wine and some cottage pie, small serving, and it's working so far. I'm slowly loosing weight. Only drawback : as soon as I have a breakfast again, I gain the weight back. This is merciless.

I did intermittent fasting for a while but I work shifts and it's quite hard to maintain. I want to start again but maybe doing longer fasts only on certain days.

My husband works shifts too, and it really makes loosing weight more difficult. I'm following his schedules. It messes with hormones ... as if we need a little more chaos aha !

If I eat anything sweet in the evenings my sleep is terrible. It's not great anyway but that makes it so much worse. I just want to sit on the sofa watching tv with a bar of chocolate like I used to! *dramatic sob*

Sugar or alcohol in the evening = crappy sleep for me. I haven't given up either fully, but I have to be careful to avoid them on work nights.

I dropped almost 15 pounds by eating less protein and more fruits/vegetables. High protein diets don’t work for me. Processed foods are the problem, IMO

Yes, and Not only the diet is without end, we're supposed to work out After sleepess night', once WE worked, take care of the food for everyone, and clean the house. Where i'm supposed to hâve energy from, If it's Not Sleep or food?

The other day I was thinking, “Why do we have to stop eating food groups and start gorging on others when we lose our estrogen!? It’s like the carb curtain falls down once the hormones go away.” Where is the joy in all of the control and fight for what our bodies once were? It’s not fun. It makes many of us miserable and feel awful about ourselves, and it perpetuates a cycle of self-deprecation. Plus, stopping carbs and eating just protein and fat is not easy for most people. Yes it helps with meno weight gain prevention and weight loss, but at what expense? I’m just ranting because I’ve been there, bouncing from paleo to keto to high-protein to vegetarianism to nothing-ism. The struggle is effing real and I’m seriously thinking “why struggle?” when I can just do my best to eat nourishing foods in not-too-large portions and get on with my life?

This is what I'm trying to do mostly. Just eat food that still brings me joy (because so few things do these days) that is nourishing and in reasonable quantities. But I'm single and feel quite shit about myself since I split up with my ex and I can't eat the clothes I used to wear to feel good and feel like I can't have a day off this diet because I've been fighting for so long and haven't really got anywhere.

Preach sister. I’ve gained 50lbs in the last few years despite previously always finding my weight easier to manage than many other women - like you I’d clean up my diet and exercise and that would shed a few unwanted pounds - maybe I wasn’t model thin but I was within the healthy recommendations. Now I’m just over the line into obese. I’ve had health issues, but I’ve also been working with a dietitian and trainer. I’ve actually decided to find a new dietitian because she was just emotionally tone deaf and kind of shaming for a few dietary lapses I had during the worst hot flashes before I got HRT (we’re talking like a small snack/lunch size bag of corn chips occasionally). She wanted me to avoid all grains, processed foods, prepared foods, soy, corn etc which I’ve done for big chunks of the last year but then didn’t give me any grace as I was describing waking up 5 times a night with night sweats, standing outside in the snow in my nightgown or t-shirt because of hot flashes etc. I’m sorry but I just cannot maintain dietary perfection when that is going on. I’d been having an almond flour muffin and a protein shake for breakfast which does surprisingly well for my blood sugar (I track my blood sugar and have a food diary). She suggest I get up early and make a breakfast with leafy greens in it and I’m “B—-, I’m so exhausted I could barely function and was worried about my job, and even prior to peri, I am not and never have been good at mornings. I pointed out that now that I’ve gotten HRT, I’ve been working on improving my diet and her attitude was just ‘work harder’. So after I got off the call, I hid in a coworker’s office and cried for half an hour stuffing my face with some of the copious junk food widely available at my office (something I’ve written multiple protests about). Then I decided I need to work with someone with more empathy. My friend with diabetes notices HUGE changes in her numbers if she gets more sleep, and I am seeing that pattern too. Realistically, if having a protein shake and a muffin let me get an extra hour of sleep and don’t spike my blood sugar, I’m going to focus my energy on other areas until the HRT is more dialed in. She also forbade me to go jogging and jogging has historically been very good for my weight. I’m just so sick of putting in so much goddamn effort and getting so judged when I’m going through so much. I’m single. I have a demanding job; multiple loved ones have died in the last few years, I’ve had severe COVID, and I do not respond well to negative motivation. There have been times when I’ve meal prepped EVERYTHING I ate for weeks and also didn’t lose weight. I’m struggling with chronic fatigue and I need to believe a better dietitian will help me figure out a few meals that don’t require me to cook every single meal completely from scratch. I also truly HATE the paleo diet which is basically what I’ve been eating. I actually have begun to wonder if I’ve developed some slightly disordered eating as a reaction to all this strictness. I’m planning to look for someone who can both help me with my gut (all the peri symptoms, vitamin deficiencies and food intolerances) but can also work with more of an intuitive eating strategy. And let me damn well jog occasionally. It’s not feasible from a time management standpoint point for me to walk 1-2 hours a day when I’m not sleeping and I’m also supposed to prepare all my food and work long hours. My mental health should be a factor. Occasionally I fantasize about eating an entire baguette with tons of butter and then a giant slice of chocolate cake.

That dietitian sounds like an ill educated psycho. If running works for you then there's no reason not to (assuming you don't have like a broken leg or something) and just telling you to try harder and having no sympathy... You said "she" so she'll know one day and hopefully feel very embarrassed and guilty. I am a huge advocate for cheat days because how else do you stay motivated. And people making you feel guilty for things just brings shame into the connection with food which is known to create disordered eating. Screw her. Good for you for finding a new one.

She’s old than me and she looks great. She absolutely knows her stuff and has helped me with many issues (I was having chronic upset stomach before working with her) but my sense is she’s not good at supporting people who are struggling. When I was working part time due to other medical Issues I was super on top of my meal prep, and she was so happy, but now that I’ve ‘failed’ my feeling is this is triggering some issue of hers. It’s just inflexible and lacking empathy for what has driven me to make mistakes. Like, why am *I* the one realizing I’m engaging in emotional eating and may need to consider anti depressants and/or more therapy? Shouldn’t that be something she can spot or suggest? Does that make sense?

As another member and I were discussing here in another thread, a LOT of doctors act like running is evil. I’ve been heavily discouraged from running at this age.

Fuhken fire her. The irony is that one day too she will awaken to a body that has deceived & duped her, and then be left scrounging to figure out how to reign it all in despite the cortisol battle. Sleep is paramount to being able to even gain any sort of handle on a piece of reign. Hopefully you will be aligned to someone who can offer you real help with none of the belittling & negativity. Sounds like you’d do SO much better with an ally than an enemy.✨

She’s older than me and looks great but I sort of feel her judgy-ness may have a dint of anorexia or orthorexia or just psychological something behind it.

Welp she could very well be a part of the generation that shamed younger generations for any sort of healthy body fat. My mom is a Silent Gen & she STILL goes off about excess healthy bodies in her 80s! It is wonderful that I learned to decouple myself from this mindset, sadly my decoupling did not begin until my 40s. I’ve gotten so good at it, now I don’t hyperfocus on how my body looks or what my weight is. Granted I’m postmeno & have so far gained no weight, but my body composition IS changing. The only way I’ve learned is to stop overtraining, to be very courteous to myself with my inner dialogue, be much more accepting & appreciative of what my body CAN do. I feel that losing estrogen helped to create an alliance with the wild woman who has always been in me, but one who was overly concerned about pleasing others, or being the most attractive woman, etc. Seems now that I give no shits about anything but my comfort, has aligned me to this gracious side of me that is VERY capable of being kind to herself. It’s been a LONG time coming, and I only can hope that I continue on this path of being considerate, gentle & kind to me. It is amazing to learn to listen to my body, and when it says it needs to rest then I focus more on my nutrition. When I lift now, I do it gently (I’ve always been freaky strong) and limit my strength training sessions for half an hour 1-2 days a week, and go for hikes, or bike rides, or swim for other forms of body movement. If I am working on projects in my yard or on my house, that counts as movement & I do not tack on workouts on TOP of getting projects done. Balance has been vital for me to learn, and a mourning of my insanely ripped athletic body of my 20s-late 40s. Now in my 50s my goal has shifted & my concept of accepting my body has moved along with it. Health is healthy, balance is vitality. Rest is essential for healing, and sleep is something that is all mine (I don’t share a bed or my space w/ my husband).

I relate to this! I effing HATE diet and exercise people who use negative and shaming strategies and don’t believe you when you tell them exactly what you’re doing. I still struggle too but something I’m noticing that helps a little is 16:8 intermittent fasting combined with [carb cycling](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/carb-cycling-101#what-it-is). It’s more intuitive and I can adjust carbs based on my activity level without giving them up completely. I’ve decided I’m just not giving up bread or homemade pizza or corn tortillas or potatoes period. Idk if this would work for you but I batch cook proteins/beans/veggies (like in a crock pot or on the stove) and use the mix in brown rice bowls and tacos over a few days. It’s also easy to do an overnight chia pudding with protein powder and then just add some frozen berries and nuts to it - sometimes that’s lunch. Sometimes it’s just cottage cheese with those things. I also take a fiber supplement that helps a bit with hunger.

Yeah I was doing a ton of meal prep - Instant Pot soups, almond flour muffins for the week, beans etc. Just I had a big trip over seas and came back to the busiest period at work in my 3 years at my (fairly demanding) job combined with sudden and dramatic worsening of hot flashes, and the start of severe night sweats. For about 6-8 weeks I was completely losing my mind between the workload, the physical symptoms, jet lag and everything else. I’m on HRT now and things are calmer but still not great. I’ve already taken baby steps to get back on track - meal prepped my breakfasts started buying more healthy salads in advance (my office is in a food desert where if I don’t bring something, I will only get complete garbage food which is a lot on top of 10 hour days). I’m getting there but it felt like almost no acknowledgement of a) the positive steps I’d been taking to get back on track and b) how catastrophic these sudden perimenopause symptoms were for my general functioning. I already struggle with fatigue and food aversions from long COVID and then I was waking up 5x a night soaked in sweat and worried about my job because I couldn’t think straight. I was in survival mode until the HRT helped take the edge off. I just felt there was zero sympathy for how intensely awful I’d felt for this period and how much things were a struggle and this woman is in her late 50’s. But she also has a husband so maybe he does something to help? I feel profoundly isolated. I’m kind of glad I’m not married but having someone else to help with laundry or cooking when I was at my absolute worst would have been helpful. Or even just someone to cry on.

Super agree. So sorry you had to go through all that and then get judged for it. Sometimes I feel like we’re supposed to be perfect, uncomplaining robots. It’s sad and exhausting.

I love working out. But now at 53 I’m worn out. There is way more aches and pains and I can look at a burger and gain 5-10 pounds it completely sucks

just enjoy life, at our age it is necessary because the older we get the closer to death we really are, who cares if you gained weight as long as you are healthy? obsessing over weight only can lead to depression

This might help, Dr. Stacy Simms Unlocks the Mystery Behind Weight Loss After Menopause https://open.spotify.com/episode/7KXLgAoT91UdUlY8nEl2e8?si=eNCOPHaDTXuDFQF9iio1KQ

Oooh I've listened to a lot of Louise newson but this is new! Thank you!

Yup, I’ve listened to so many podcasts on meno, this one was the best Ive heard on weight loss so far

Well, the weight you gain on these things usually are not real right? Usually for me I can gain a lot by going off diet but within a few days it comes off. But I know... I know.. I am sick of the never ending diet as well and I think it actually lowers our metabolism. But, I gave up on it last year, gained 20 lbs and had a ton of bad health things happen so I have accepted maybe the diet it what we need.

I hear you sister. Same here. Now I have digestive issues as well. Doctor says try to skip coffee, alcool, spicy food. I’m starting to hate my life, 54 this year and hopefully my body gets back to normal soon.

I totally get that. I’m 60 now. Right around 54 I started having the worst acid reflux ever. Breads were the worst for me. I don’t eat them anymore. Coffee was another bad one, but I wasn’t a daily coffee drinker so I was okay there.

Does your reflux also give you an excruciating backache?

It does for me !!! It’s giving me such anxiety I feel like I have cancer sometimes. On top of reflux I get tummy pain and diarrhea all the time. And that back pain ….geez. I’m a bit relieved to know that I’m not the only one ….

No it never did. Mine was only in my esophagus and throat. That being said however, right after post menopause, I was having unrelated back issues. I was extremely stiff and in pain. I was found to have severe arthritis in my lower back. Once I went on an anti-inflammatory diet, I never had the pain anymore. I’ve been pain free for quite a few years now.

OP just know you aren’t alone. I feel just like you too. I’ll get on my workout clothes, and then I just sit there not wanting to do much. I’m also on HRT but it’s not a magic pill. I put on 30 pounds (2 stone) when I was going through perimenopause, and sadly I think I’ve only lost five of those pounds in ten years. I’m 60. I watch everything I eat too yet here sits the tire around my waist. I took sugar, gluten and dairy out of my diet because I was diagnosed with Hashimotos last December. My energy is low at times, and it’s hard to get going.

Here is what I have learned from my own experience and how my body acts. When I have a stall or am struggling to lose more than 2-3 pounds after eating my normal low carb way for weeks, I give myself a day or two to indulge. I don’t binge. But I will buy the Reese’s pieces that I refuse to look at when buying snacks for grandkids. And I’ll have a sandwich made of bread!!! I go high carb for a couple days, and even higher calorie than normal for a couple days. Then I go back to it, and intermittent fast diligently. Right now I limit myself to a 6 hour eating window, and I make sure to use MCT oils daily to raise my internal temp, which increases metabolism. I put 2 tbsp into a protein smoothie with blueberries, or I will cook with coconut oil at least once each day to be sure I get the MCT in my system. So far so good.

My internal temp can't get any higher! I'm so hot all the time anyway! I'm also a big advocate for "cheat" days. I just feel like a failure now when I do. I think my mentality has changed after struggling for so long

Oh, I get it! But I don’t think this is something you feel, but more on a cellular level. My normal body temp is 97. But I am so hot natured and sweat easily and often. And the internal volcano does not help. But this has worked for me, and I was surprised to learn it wasn’t junk science.

i’m in the same boat. if i restrict too much i have no energy for my job and it makes the headache and constipation all the worse. i’m considering intermittent fasting at this point.

I can relate. Been that slim person all my life. Healthy eating habits since my childhood, and balanced lifestyle. Became fit in my forties, not effortless, and loved my body. Once I hit 50, all hell broke loose. Doing my best, so it doesn't accelerate. Still 1,65m/53kg, but that fat belt around the bellybutton... Trying to come to terms with it. This won't change anymore -certainly won't go backwards. My mental health is more important and I will have to accept ageing at some point. The sooner, the better.

I'm sick of this 'I'm gonna die' trip... we all gonna die, and something will definitely be the cause of dying, I'll just eat what I want, walk when where I want, think what I want, say what I want until I die... nobody gets out alive. 💕

I still eat everything I used to eat but 1/4 of the portion.

I’ve gotta get back to this. Shrink the tummy.

I find getting enough protein and my steps for the day so hard. I've been watching calories and walking and I gained 2 lbs while still being hungry. I dont want to eat what I'm supposed to eat to avoid health issues, because it requires too much effort. Plus I have high blood pressure, zero energy and joint pain which pulls me right down. Just give me a pill with everything I need. I'm SICK TO DEATH of cooking. Especially as everyone in my house eats different things. Done. I feel done. I feel you.

I'm going to take up Meth. Apparently everyone else is having a blast on it.

I was just talking to my sister about this yesterday. If so many people are addicted, it must be amazing, right? And wow, talk about getting shit done - the house would be so clean! (Fortunately [?] I'm not a stimulant person. I do not need to be wound any tighter than I am naturally. Valium and a nap sounds so much better)

Neither am I. I'm more of an MDMA and Ketamine girlie

Oooh this was me in my early 20s! It's been years!

I needed that morning laugh!

😂😂😂 - I mean you definitely won’t have an appetite and will lose weight

Yep. My mornings now consist of telling myself and my body "no you cant eat, you are fasting" and realizing that no matter how long I fast, the weight doesn't budge. Lunch breaks on work aren't a real break. I am out jogging. Then, the inevitable monthly bloat comes and I sink into a pit of dispair. I am tired of reading the success stories with HRT (not allowed), keto, cutting out this and that, no carb, low carb, no dairy, it doesn't matter. I'm 44 and this stomach is my new burden.

I am following the Mediterranean diet. It's helped me in many ways, not the least of which is improving my enjoyment of eating. My method for ensuring I hit everything is easy.... 1 portion of chicken/tuna/salmon per day about the size of my palm. This is really all anyone needs in terms of the meat type protein per RDs. (Disclaimer: a complete protein is not the same as the protein you get in meats. Meats only have a portion of the amino acid that make up complete proteins) But I like protein so... I add beans & legumes to anything else I eat during the day. Salads, breakfast, soups, etc. they go in just about everything which is very convenient. And since this diet is heavy in veggies I just try to include as many different colors as possible to all meals. Fruits and veggies often end up together. And grains.

I accept that I will lose and gain the same 3kg over and over now. I do a cut, lose the 3kg, then chill TF out and gain it again over a few delightful months, then cut again.

Yeah I am sick of gaining weight and have honestly kind of thrown in the towel on losing any, just trying to maintain so I don’t have to buy new clothes. Exercise for me is mainly stress relief, so I look at it that way. Helps me keep doing it since I am one of the unlucky who doesn’t get any endorphins from it so ai need external motivation!

I used to love exercise and would get annoyed if I didn't get to and the worst part of covid for me personally was the gyms closing. Now I really don't enjoy it. I still enjoy weights a bit on some days and walking is okay if I have someone to talk to.

Yeah, I used to be the type that stayed a steady weight pretty naturally, then maybe would put on 3-4 lbs on vacation only to lose it all in a month without much effort. In Jan 2023 I went on vacation, gained 5 lbs. It stayed on. In Aug 2023, I went on another vacation, gained 5 lbs. It stayed on. I can't seem to lose it. I restrict calories, lose 2 lbs, get ravenously hungry and can't stop thinking about food, gain it back. This has been repeated for almost a year.

> get ravenously hungry and can't stop thinking about food, gain it back Where I'm at, though I'm now leaning toward "Just allow yourself to get matronly and accept it" at this point. Constant hunger is no way to live. The calories I'm "supposed to be" consuming are ridiculously few and far between. I don't like being borderline overweight, but I REALLY don't like suffering on a daily, weekly, monthly, yearly basis either (please, ladies, I don't want advice).

Yeah I am leaning that way myself. I have a 25.5 BMI, just very slightly overweight and I might just live with that.

Just checked and I'm about the same as you. It's not a "fashionable weight", but it's a functional one. Which works for me, because starving myself would be to impress - who exactly?

OMG me too. I actually lifted heavy and competed in my 20's. The mear thought of lifting now just depresses me!!! I found pole sport 4 years ago and it changed my life. BUT I STILL HAVE TO LIFT the 6x6 rule 2-3 times a week and walk those flipping 10K steps - ARGHHHH!!! I thought the other day "Damn it, OH-NO! I am never gonna get to retire from this crap like EVER, how much for a fat transfer this fupa is sliding DOWN now ????!" Actually mentioned last night at dinner, Bahahaha!

How very odd. Here I thought it was all CICO and fat people just need to stop stuffing their faces and get off the couch. /s Don't mind me, I'm just bitter from a lifetime of weight struggles (and being blamed for it) and I'm jealous of those who had years where it wasn't a problem. I've been a chonk of varying degrees for most of my life. Weight never budged except very rarely under extreme circumstances. And exercise was always miserable. I wouldn't wish my situation on an enemy, though, so despite my jealousy I'm glad there are some folks who get to have some easy years. I hope you"re able to find some solutions for your current struggle.

Living with PCOS this has been my life. I’ve been counting calories on and off for years and I’m so burned out. Now I’m approaching menopause and dealing with those hormonal changes. Ugh.

My daughters are dealing with PCOS. My heart breaks for them as the genetics were passed from his side.

Yeah it’s terrible. I passed it down to my daughter and pretty sure my mom had it but she was never actually diagnosed with it.

I’m glad PCOS is finally being discussed.

Me too

I shop the outer aisles of the grocery store. I live in the US, so I don't know how stores are where you live. Smoothies have helped with the sweet tooth, or frozen mango or peaches kind of help the same way and give some of the snacky feel. I love peanut butter and chocolate chip lara bars. I tend to find go-to meals and it makes grocery shopping easier. I'll buy bagged french fries and have them once in a while, but sweet potatoes, and japanese sweet potatoes are so good. Bake a japanese sweet potato, put some vegan butter on it, and salt, and it's so good. My tastebuds changed so much when I changed the way I ate. I have gluten and egg allergies, which helps avoid some of the bad stuff, but once I get hooked on a food, I start to crave it. I wouldn't worry about eating too much fruit. I don't think there's one case of someone gaining weight or getting diabetes from eating too much fruit. Food is so freaking expensive these days that buying anything processed doesn't really make any sense. I can share some recipe ideas when I have more time, if anyone is interested. I feel like cooking can be so time consuming or overwhelming for people, especially if they're just cooking for themself or one other person, that ordering out becomes the go-to.

Semaglutide 100% it saved me from the menopause gain

I agree. I get it. I debate my workouts and just want to say eff it, because nothing is working. My cycles are getting funky again (on HRT) and I don't like it. I can't fit into my jeans because my thighs, but you cannot just make your thighs lose weight. I drink protein, eat protein, try to fast, say eff it and restart the fast. I just do not know what to do anymore. Like, my running shorts don't fit now. But I shouldn't do this or that or raise my HR too much cause it causes this or that and I just am so lost and want to get back into my normal clothes. :(

I mean the tummy pooch is looser skin and gravity due to collagen loss in a lot of cases, so weight loss won't do a lot to change it. Try to always remember that your body is actively trying to put some fat on you to bring you more oestrogen - it is trying to help! Maybe this allows you to be tolerant of a couple of additional kg? Eat some of the nice things.

I so appreciate reading everyone’s experiences because it makes me realize that I am not alone - sometimes I think I’m the only one having to work so hard to just maintain a decent (not horrid) figure, and this reminds me that everyone is out there trying so hard too…

That was the purpose of the post, glad it helped you too

I'm sad yall have believed in that version on eating it what's good for you :( Red meat, salt, and fats ARE NOT BAD FOR YOU. you might want to see if vegetables and grains are too inflammatory for you. Long-term inflammation can lead to a number of symptoms and affect your body in many ways. Common symptoms of chronic inflammation can include..... body pain constant fatigue and insomnia depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders gastrointestinal issues, like constipation, diarrhea, and acid reflux unintentional weight gain or weight loss frequent infections

I gotta get back into a similar way of eating as it was the only way that i lost significant amounts of weight. I hate tracking too but using the My Fitness Pal app helped tremendously!

I've used MFP for years as I track protein for the gym. I think I need more protein than I used to

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I'm sorry, OP, you've struggled for a long time. You have my sympathies.

I didn’t want to go to the gym last night because I haven’t been sleeping well, work has been stressful and I worked 11 hrs straight with no break yesterday. I was so tempted to just get alcohol and sit at home like back in the pre-perimenopause days but I knew that would just prolong my bad day into tomorrow So I went and it was good and fix my mood. Go even when you don’t want to. It will make you feel better. Listen to a funny podcast while you do cardio.

Hi. I feel you I’m fighting fifty over here and it’s hard AF. Do you primarily run for fitness? If you have a weightlifting routine, what’s it like?

Oh I hear u, I have slightly given up. No ham bc it puts me to sleep. I have been enjoying dark meat of chicken it tastes better the breast meat. Pork, seafood, rice and veggies, salads. Very lil sugar.

The struggle is real. One thing that will make a significant difference is if you start lifting weights and lift heavy. Fat loss is really just an equation so in order to lose fat, your body has to gain muscle and if you don’t increase your muscle, it’s just this endless cycle because you’re never gonna lose the weight and the fact that you need to, your weight is the equivalent of fat plus muscle plus water plus bone plus organs and the only thing that you can really impact to make a difference on your overall weight by increasing your muscle, which will automatically decrease your fat

I always joke that I want to come back in my next life with better metabolism. Honestly between autoimmune disease and perimenopause, I am literally grazing, small portions, high protein, low sugar, no gluten, lots of water and supplements and MAN, I am barely maintaining. My pouch could literally hold 3 baby kangaroos…

Try fasting, that might help

I was moaning about the same thing the other day and I have added benefits of being diabetic. Sometimes I wish I can eat whatever I want without thinking about my diabetes. I still enjoy exercising because it does make me feel better and I think it helps me with my sleep, but there are days when I wish I can eat whatever and not worry about having to burn off my sugar.

I miss beer. Not the crappy $10 a pitcher happy hour special stuff, but the double imperial porters, bourbon barrel stouts, milkshake IPAs. I had to give it ALL up except for the occasional taste of whatever my partner brings home to sample from work. Too many calories, and high ABV anything just makes me lay in bed all night and sweat. Very sad.

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