Finding a balance with menopause

lydialozano319

Hi I’m Lydia and I’m in the midst of menopause and all the symptoms that come with it. Apart from hitting a wall with my hormones I’ve hit a wall emotionally and mentally due to being a full time caregiver for my ailing husband, working, and taking care of myself. It has been an insurmountable task to lose weight while having all these stressors in life. Sharing this with like minded people we can encourage one another and offer tips on how to lose weight and stay sane!

#menopause #winningatlosing #womengoals

Nova

Hi Lydia, welcome to the community!!

AnnPT77

Hi, Lydia!

I empathize with your situation. I was a caregiver for my husband, too, in the past. Stress can drive food cravings (often through increased fatigue), and at the same time it feels like there's no time/energy to plan and consume healthy meals.

The one thing I can say is that if you can find a way to gradually tweak your eating habits - whatever they are - in a positive direction, the improved nutrition in itself should gradually increase your sense of physical well-being.

Convenience foods are fine: There are some good frozen meals these days, for example. Notice especially the protein level, look for meals with 25g or so protein, or supplement to get there. (Some frozen meals are a little low on protein.) Other good options are pre-cut veggies/fruit, Greek yogurt (look for the lower added sugar ones), hard boiled eggs. Grab and go things are great, in this situation.

If you're cooking for your husband, too, I know there could be special dietary requirements. Without knowing more, I can't suggest much, but a lot can be done with rotisserie chicken and frozen veggies to make quick, tasty, nutritious, filling meals.

In your situation, I'm thinking "lose weight fast" isn't the best option, because you have plenty of stress in your life already, and a calorie deficit is a physical stress, too - even though it can have long term benefits. Slow loss is less stressful, and it adds up, when consistent about it.

If you can fit in some mild exercise, that might help with stress, too. It's not necessary to do anything exhausting or unpleasant. If your husband can be alone for a bit or there's respite help, just a walk around the block in fresh air and natural light can be reviving. If in-home, there are short videos on YouTube of things like yoga or other lower-intensity exercise that can feel really good,

I'm not trying to be overwhelming here. Just finding a way to make a small positive change, practice until it's habit, then tackle another small change - that can really pay off.

Sending you wishes for strength and stress reduction!