Perimenopause and Weight Gain

GermanMe

I have never had any major problems with my weight. Sure, I gained weight when moving out, but who doesn't. But I got that under control with portion control, work out and healthier eating.
Even after having my kids (I have 3) I lost almost all the extra weight pretty fast. 5 years ago (we lived in Germany back then, I am from Germany) I went to the gym regularly and out of curiosity I enrolled in a 6-week program. They developed a personalised meal plan for me, a workout plan and I lost the extra pounds, and finally lost my muffin tops. I was amazed by the results.

4 years ago we moved to the US (my husband got transfered) and I stopped going regularly to the gym, tried TaeKwonDo, loved it, but bodywise it did not have a huge impact so I started going to the gym again. I would have loved to get some personal training sessions, meal plans or something, but could not afford it so I have just done a bit of this and that. I did not help me losing the muffin top that had sneaked up on me again, but I did not gain any weight.

Earlier this year I felt the first signs of perimenopause - hot flashes. And then, over the summer, we had to move, stressful times, not very regular eating and not too healthy eating, I suddenly gained too many pounds for my taste. My muffin top have grown, I feel I have a belly pouch which I hate. I have increased my workout, I watch extremely what I am eating, but I am not losing any weight. I feel fat, ugly and hate my body right now. Which does not really help when you are very irritable anyway.

I hate diets, the special meals you have to cook. I tried the Dukan diet, but cannot make myself doing it, the idea of eating days and days just protein and then protein and veggies does not appeal to me. I have tried the negative calorie soup which might help, but it does not taste very well.....

I have no friends here who are going through perimenopause and who are experiencing what I am experiencing, so I am at a loss what to do. I have a doc appointment next week, maybe there will be some support from that him.

I came across this forum and hope for support, the occasional kick in the behind, maybe ideas ...I do not know. I just feel not too great right now.

SameMe_JustLess

I am not sure I am going through exactly what you are, but I am trying to lose weight in my mid-40's while taking medications which make it very difficult. Feel free to add me as a friend!

peenzer

Let your doctor know your concerns. depending on where your hormone levels are, he may prescribe a hormone replacement. That or try some herbal remedies and see if you feel better. Menopause in and of itself can add some pounds but the stress and erradic eating probably didn't help. Just eat an extra fruit and vegetable when you want to snack and watch out for hidden wasted calories- regular ranch dressing as many calories as chocolate, I'd rather eat the chocolate, Be kind to yourself!!! your body and mind are going through a lot, let it settle out and see where you are.:)

77tes

Losing weight at this time of life isn't easy, but it can be done. You are smarter now, so forget the diets and start eating healthy with a small deficit and get more active.
I'm on maintenance, but my diary is open.