Anybody else suffering from the 40s metabolism slump?
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I have definitely noticed a shift. Before my 40's and even after childbirth, my body didn't want to hold on to weight. Granted I used to run about 25-30 km a week, which I can't do anymore because of piriformis syndrome, but still ...
I have to admit that the last two years (I'm now 45) I've been in an extremely sedentary job that pretty much limits me to my desk. And I've continued eating exactly the huge portions I always have. It's not a recipe that's working for me.
I've been watching my waistline expand, trying off an on to make a difference through HIIT training, walking, weights, elimination diets, juicing, etc.
HOWEVER, a few months ago I started doing pilates and swimming, and for the first time I started to see great results (not on the scale, but in my shape, my posture, etc.) Then I went on a 3-week cruise and though I kept on stretching, hiking and doing ab work, I ate and drank whatever I wanted whenever I wanted. And when I came back home and stepped on the scale I had to face the music. I was at my heaviest ever. Lesson to me: I can't indulge the way I did in my teens, 20's and 30's. Not if I want to be fit.
So I've been back here on MFP for the last two weeks. Logging EVERYTHING. Activity level set at sedentary. Keeping it real. Reducing portions and eating as many unprocessed foods as possible. Trying really hard to stay within my calorie allowance. Carrying my Camelbak water bottle with me everywhere. Doing pilates with an instructor 2 times a week. Trying to walk whenever I can.
I've lost 4 lbs so far. My weight hasn't shifted at all in the last 3-4 days. But we'll see if this works. I've chosen to do something that I know is extremely sustainable for me. No elimination, no burning myself out working out to a schedule I won't be able to maintain with a busy 10-year-old and a full-time job. I've not been hungry once yet.
So yes, I have seen a difference in the way my body processes food. But I'm not yet convinced that I can't retrain it if I treat it right. I'm willing to go slow: I will be happy with .5-1 lb loss a week. I still have hope!0 -
Yes! I am 47 and have a bunch or hormonal issues and the weight is GLUED to me.0
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I quit using this site about a year ago and gained all my pounds back. I realize I need MFP or I fail. Looking for some new best friends to help me get back to where I was at before I started drinking Pepsi and eating Doritos again. I promise I will be very active and try to be supportive. Anyone feel free to add me.0
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I am 47. I had my annual and had gained 10 pounds in one year, after a decade of maintaining a stable post-baby weight. I never used to weigh myself at home, so that was a wake-up call. I've tried paleo and IF for the past several months but made almost no progress. That's why I'm here. I am optimistic; I feel in control keeping track of everything and I've finally lost a pound. I expect to be active here, and welcome new friends!0
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I tried IF and gained 6 pounds.0
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Oh I can so relate. I'm 45 and have noticed a shift in my weight (fat) distribution mostly in my tummy area and can't seem to lose my last 10 lbs. It's so frustrating because I'm fairly active. I started a strength training program (StrongLifts) back in April and have been consistent although I've cut down on cardio. I'm miss a good run so I'm trying to incorporate runs on the same day as my strength training program. Another issue: I'm a total foodie and love me the red wine, so I know what my problem is. Anyway, I welcome new friends and try to be supportive when I can.0
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Lots of good info. 55 and trying to lose 30 lbs. first five came off quick probably water weight. I get on the gazelle and do one hour every other day and some crunches. So hard to lose the weight but I'm going to try some of the above advise and see if the scale moves. Good luck to all!0
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I just hit 43, and I think the slowdown just hit me. I am losing much slower and gaining much easier than even six months ago, and if I go out of ketosis, when I get back in, low carb flu slaps me down hard.
But I won't let that derail me. Because Stephanie Keto Person (47, looks 27, in incredible shape, has been in ketosis for years). That lady is one of my major inspirations for keeping out of the cookie jar. Now if I could just get rid of the cheese and coffee...0 -
I want badly to have all my hormone levels checked but can't afford it, but have discovered through logging at MFP that my set point to lose is around 1000 cal a day. If I eat 1200 or so (my goal) I actually gain. In the past few years I've tried 1500 after listening to all of those who immediately start screaming "You're not eating enough" and that was a complete disaster. This time I've definitely pinpointed the magic number, but is that really what I'm stuck with now?!?!0
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I am 43 and I feel like ever since I caught pneumonia last December, I feel much older and weaker. I never used to gain weight and over the last 9 months, I gained 10 pounds, which is nearly 10% of my body weight. All of a sudden everything I eat makes me gain weight and it seems to be getting worse. I have to turn things around now!0
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jenniferbfab wrote: »I am 43 and I feel like ever since I caught pneumonia last December, I feel much older and weaker. I never used to gain weight and over the last 9 months, I gained 10 pounds, which is nearly 10% of my body weight. All of a sudden everything I eat makes me gain weight and it seems to be getting worse. I have to turn things around now!
Just curious - did you by any chance take a round of antibiotics for your pneumonia? And if so, did you do anything to "re-stock" your gut flora like use probiotics or eat yogurt?
I'm also 43 and it's been bad for me the last three years. I started probiotics recently on the recommendation of my gastroenterologist (I have Ulcerative Colitis). I'm curious to see if I see any weight-related health benefits, given all the recent reports about intestinal flora playing a role in weight maintenance.
But yeah, to echo everyone here, my 40s have not been a great time for me. Put on 10 lbs a year for the last 3.5 years, after having a stable healthy weight for all of my adult life with little effort (and I was underweight as a teenager). Started MFP to turn things around.
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I took augmentin and had to miss work for well over a week. I swear I have not felt the same since!
I tried a Fit 30 video on Roku last night and could only get thru 17 minutes before I had to give up. I will try again today. I refuse to stay looking and feeling like this!0 -
Oh and no I did not do anything to re-stock the good bacteria... Not sure if that helped or hurt me0
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@dcresider, fat storage for everyone is different. Some people store most fat (primary fat) in their hips, thigh, belly, back of their arms and bottom. The rest of the fat (secondary fat) is spread out over the body. The problem is most people will lose the secondary fat first and then everything else come to a screeching halt when the rest of the fat left to shed is the belly or one of the primary fat deposit area. Those usually are problematic area for women especially the belly fat is the most complained about (Men & Women). Unfortunately, belly fat simply expands as we age. This is tied to an increased production of Cortisol, the stress hormone. Combined with other hormonal factors, fat cells become inflamed and tissues expand to create fat where you want it least (mid line). I have read that eating in reverse can take care of this problem. Eating in reverse means you eat heavy food such as spaghetti in the morning because you will have time to burn it early in the day and then eat lighter food in the evening such as high protein foods. Because your metabolism is slowing down later in the day, it is very important to try eating dinner no later than 6pm so your body has enough time to burn some of it before bedtime. You can even take a walk around the neighborhood after dinner. This usually gets the metabolism going.0
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Yes but I've had quite a bit of progress with consistent strength training, HIIT, and keeping my daily sugar intake under 40g.0
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I find it difficult to exercise regularly. I am tired when I get out of work and the last thing I want to do is move. And it is pitiful because I am really out of shape. My endurance is just...gone! I only can get myself to the Y once a week and figure I can do an exercise video on Roku maybe 2 times a week. Even that little bit would be an improvement for me. I got spoiled with my high metabolism when I was younger. Never exercised, people assumed I did. Now, it has caught up with me!
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I felt like I dropped this weight at a fairly reasonable pace (I'm 42). My approach was to run daily, at least 30-40 minutes at a time, and I set my weightloss goal fairly aggressively (1.5 pounds / week). I've lost about 40 pounds since March of this year.0
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I definitely have the 40s metabolism slump. Took me two months of exercising and eating fairly well to see just the minute progress I have had on the scale... BUT my body is changing as I see the inches retreating, my body just doesn't like to give up the fat. But my 42DD breasts are now 40DD... which is a plus for my back.
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Thanks for elaborating on the acronyms HIIT K8Fit! Some people may not know what you meant that's why I asked.0
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I second (third? fourth?) the comments re resistance training (free weights for me). It is consistently the difference between me being able to lose and not lose. Plus seeing the definition in my muscles gives me motivation to continue on the right path, which can be difficult if you have a long way to go (or even if you don't). I've read that second only to tracking calories, weight training is the most important thing you can do for fat loss.
This is such great advise, I'm going to start the resistance training. I've been pretty good about my diet (1,000-1,200 well balanced) but I've lost 1 dear blessed pound in 5 weeks.
AND, I'm going to try to break my self in in short intervals during the day.
I hope that this helps everybody else too, some great advise here.
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I agree over 40 even well before menopause it is harder. Building muscle in whatever way you can and if time is short sneaking in mini-workouts helps. I do stairs at the station waiting for the train or at work (in high rise office building). And being aware that seemingly minor dietary indiscretions seem to have a greater impact than before.0
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Free weights are my thing too. I don't like going to the gym so have Chalene's Lean Extreme program. Lots of easy modifications for those with back issues (me) and I like her energy. You can use bands or weights, whichever suits. Slow and steady wins the race... I feel like I only have to look at a dessert and my waist expands... blurrggghhh! lol0
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Im in my early 40's and have lost about 30 lbs this last year by mainly cutting calories by eliminating added sugar( a true addiction). It is hard to maintain and keep it off for sure. My advice is to just keep exercising and eating healthy.0
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hellokittymaui wrote: »Yes! I am 47 and have a bunch or hormonal issues and the weight is GLUED to me.
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That's the way I feel. My stomach looks like I'm pregnant but I'm really not . My doctor tested my glands and they're normal. She said just keep doing what you're doing because it is helping my heart . That's the only positive I came away with. I want my sexy back , lol. It's hard some days but I'm not giving up. I've been working on watching my diet and staying away from fast foods. Sweetness is my weakness so I have to be careful because she said my sugar is a little high.I'm going to fight this because I'm losing 30lbs. !0
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hellokittymaui wrote: »I tried IF and gained 6 pounds.Im in my early 40's and have lost about 30 lbs this last year by mainly cutting calories by eliminating added sugar( a true addiction). It is hard to maintain and keep it off for sure. My advice is to just keep exercising and eating healthy.
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I'm really working on eating healthy. I've added more vegetables to my diet. I've been exercising with no results . Now that I put this together I should start seeing results.0
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