Middle aged spread starting

[Floowho]

I have always been one of those lucky people who could eat anything, but always stay around the same size. I used to be really slim and size 8 before my children (youngest aged 9), but have settled into a comfortable size 12 for the last few years. In the past if my clothes have felt tight I have eaten less (sensibly, more veg, less desserts etc) to drop those few pounds. My hips seem to be staying the same size it is my breasts and my stomach that the extra attaches it self to. In the past 3 years I have gone from 32 dd to 32 f, and it was brought home the other night when I wore a dress (Monsoon size 12) and it clung, rather than skimmed . I am trying to eat healthier and build more exercise into my life. Please tell me that the spread is not inevitable, and how to dress to disguise the tum. My weight tends to stay consistent, and I am an hourglass shape unless my waist completely disappears

[Pupsiecola]

It absolutely is not inevitable :-) I thought it was for a while, but I refused to accept it and look/feel better than I have since having my DCs (13 and 11).

Most of it comes down to diet. It's a cliche but it really is the 80/20 rule (80% diet, 20% exercise). If you're not already doing resistance training/weights, do consider it. Ditto HIIT. You don't need to spend hours in the gym; 20 to 30 minutes a day 4 or 5 times a week is enough.

I personally believe in moderation food-wise. I haven't cut anything out. If I want something I have it, but I no longer eat mindlessly. I really recommend The Beck Diet Solution (not a diet, but CBT around changing eating habits).

As you get older you do need to take a different approach as the things that worked when we were in our 20s don't often work as well. Look at Metabolic Effect stuff - videos or website. They focus on hormones, figuring out what works for YOU. Oh, and walk walk walk. Such a great stress reducer, and stress can really contribute to fat gain, especially in middle age (not saying you are middle age lol but I am!), due to the hormones.

Good luck!

[fiorentina]

Maybe shake up your exercise regime, include some weights and try something different. Weights do make a difference to shape in my experience more than cv exercise. Hopefully that may help?

[Pupsiecola]

PS when I say weights, you don't need actual weights. Body weight stuff is fab. For ideas look at the app, PT in my Pocket.

[Floisme]

Your body shape can change after the menopause. Mine did. I echo everything that's been said about healthy eating and exercise but my other recommendation is good underwear.

[Floowho]

I am middle aged (40), and just noticing little changes, eyesight too, so I am off to the opticians next week. I am terrible for getting in hibernation mode in Winter.