Positive weight loss stories particularly post menopause

[CatUnderTheStairs]

Could do with some motivation and encouragement. Been exercising regularly since the summer (always walked as well) but that's mainly to keep my body more flexible. I don't eat loads, but I like my carbs and cheese and wine.

I need to lose about 2 stone. Big menopause tummy! HRT helping with everything else.

Some positive stories would be great.

I've lost almost two stone in the past few months by really examining my portion sizes, I was eating way too much so I've cut them back. It was a struggle at first but I've become used to it now.

I have indeed hugely reduced my carb intake and I think that along with my portion control has had the most effect. All exercising has done is tone me up.

Oh and I've reduced my wine consumption too.

I'm a post menopausal women in my 50's.

I’ve found reducing carbs and lots of walking now works best for me (5:2 worked great for me a few years ago as well). And I find I really do have to cut out the alcohol, as it’s empty calories and it wrecks my sleep now.

What kind of exercise are you doing OP and how regularly? You need to be doing cardio 3x a week ideally, raising your heart rate and keeping it elevated in order to burn fat. Walking is good, but that on it's own won't make you lose weight. As for the carbs, cheese and wine - well I think you know the answer to that. They are probably all contributing to that 'menopause tummy' you so dislike. For me, booze makes me fat, as do carbs. Cheese depends on the type and the amount you eat, so are you eating cheddar on crackers, or do you eat ricotta with lettuce? It's just about being honest with yourself really and using good sense. It's hard to give up (or limit) the foods you love, but you have a choice - either prioritise looking good or eating what you want. The choice is yours.

I'm early 40s so not menopausal yet, but definitely starting to find weight loss trickier over the last few years.

I've been doing the 5:2 diet since August and have lost about a stone so far (goal is to lose another stone, imagine it'll take a bit longer).

I've never even tried to follow a diet in my life as I have zero willpower, but I find the 5:2 diet really do-able. I don't feel I have to restrict anything on the 5 non-fast days (I generally find my appetite is naturally reduced anyway), and I get through the 2 fast days by constantly telling myself "this time tomorrow..."! As nothing's forbidden (most of the time), I find I don't crave junk as much, and feel no guilt if I do pig out once in a while. I've shocked myself at how effective it has been and how (relatively!) easy

Yup, smaller portions (I now only eat 2 meals a day), no alcohol and low/no carbs.

I need to get a stone off so am trying the above. And if my willpower was better, I'd probably achieve it...