Autumn perimenopause waist reclaim thread

[EssexLioness]

Welcome everyone, this is a thread for all of those that would like to support each other in the lead up to Christmas, in our efforts to reduce our waists. All those that suspect or are going through perimenopause are welcome.
I have tagged everyone from our August thread: this thread is for September onwards, so we can continue using the old thread in the meantime. @Katekarate @ginsparkles @CakeandGo @badpuma @HelpMeTree @RoseAddict @SailorGeri @Bambooshoot @LlamaofDrama @GreySweater @MrsDThomas @shallwegoforawalk @torquewench @foxandbee @HoliHormonalTigerLilly @pastaparadise @theghostofchristmasarse @CharmingScene @Rupeertpenrysmistress @katplva @OverbyYer @dudsville @isthismylifenow @boon @ThatsAllFolks @AliciaMayEmory @Cornishbelle @Purplepeopleeaterz @Eggmcmuffin @MinnieMountain @AttaGirrrrl @TheRealKateAdie @Badgerstmary @Jackieweaverishere @pinkcattydude @EarringsandLipstick @VivaDixie @AliciaMayEmory @JMAngell @GarethBatesManBun @polkadotpjs @HappyHedgehog247 @Tiggles @Leftbutcameback @Itwasgoodwhileitlasted @Timeforredwine

Yep, evening time is my downfall too. I usually start raiding the kids treat cupboard 😂

Me too on the evening treat raid. I've even reduced my meals to one a day knowing chocolate at night is my downfall just to allow for the extra calories (not good I know). It works to an extent and is only sustainable while I'm wfh and in front of a laptop all day and not needing the energy (or burning it either). Still playing with exactly the same four lbs though. They come off during week as I restrict meals (but not chocolate ) and if I even dare eat slightly more 'normally' at weekend and skip a run then on they go again by Mon. In my twenties and even thirties I used to be able to drop half a stone with minimal effort. Gah!

Evenings are worse for me too.
At the moment Im trying to do 10000 steps a day walking but know that will be hard when back to working from home next week. Im currently on annual leave. I went to my local wellbeing centre today and have booked in for a free MOT. Appointment is at start of October. They tell you your blood pressure, body fat percentage, cholesterol etc. Ive got between now and them to at least get some weight off. Fingers crossed!

That sounds like a great idea @boon.
I've just measured, so putting it here as a record:
Bust 38in
Smallest part of waist 32in
Belly 38in
Hips 41in

Weight 11st 4lb

Welcome to all those that have joined us! 😊

@Ladyrattles sorry to hear about your mum. Sounds like you have a great target to work towards now though.
@JMAngel1 I totally relate to having to choose between your face and waist, although my waist is determined to hide away regardless atm! I think your meal plan sounds great and not too much at all. I have reduced my carbs considerably (just small portion potatoes/ pasta/ rice in evening) and increased my protein. Found it’s really helped my hunger and stopped most cravings.
@LlamaofDrama well done on keeping going. Sounds like your exercise is going really well!
@Happyface120 let us know if you need suggestions for a plan. Unlikely as it sounds, I found by cutting down on carbs I actually wanted them less. It takes away the cravings, though you will need to increase your protein to prevent getting too hungry.
I’m lucky that I have never been a big evening slacker. Mid afternoon is my cupboard raiding time… I work from home and the kitchen starts calling me then. I have managed this by planning in healthy snacks. I have protein shake for breakfast and save half of this to drink in the afternoon instead. If I am really snacky, I sometimes also have plain soya yoghurt with passionfruit. I find that keeps me going till dinner around 7pm.
Had another good day today. Food all on plan. I intended to have lentil bake for dinner but really didn’t fancy it so will have it tomorrow instead. Had session with my personal trainer again this morning which was really good.

Cross posted…@boon the well-being check sounds a good idea.

I've just taken my measurements:

Bust 39 inches
Waist 35 inches
Evil belly 39 inches
Hips 39 inches

I am basically a bloody square, no actually I'm shaped like a block of cheese! No surprising considering how much of the stuff I eat.

Well, it has given me a kick up the bum. That's for sure.

Well done for measuring and posting here for accountability @Itwasgoodwhileitlasted. Onwards and upwards from here!

I jumped on the scales today and have just squeezed into the 10 stone bracket for the first time in over 11years! Only just at 10st 13.8lbs, but I’m still taking that. Brings my total weight loss since last June to just over 3stone. Goal weight is 10st 4lbs, but really I could do with losing about another half after that, but as long as I can get into my healthy bmi range then I am happy.
Just shaved off a little over a minute off my 4K run this morning too so feeling really positive today. Meals all planned. Just need to make sure I don’t undo all my hard work when I go away on Friday.
Hope everyone is ok and don’t forget this is a supportive group so please feel free to post whether you have a good day, or you are finding things a struggle. 😊

Wow, well done on losing over 3 stone @EssexLioness

I'd like to join too please as hardly any of my clothes fit me. I'm mid forties and feel constantly tired. I've put on a stone and a half since this time last year eating junk and doing no exercise. Not done any measurements as don't have an appropriate tape measure but will be able to tell by my clothes hopefully.

I started last week and am cutting out bread completely which is very difficult for me as I love it and am a lazy cook. I'm going on holiday in 5 weeks so hoping to be one stone lighter if possible. I've also started going on a thirty minute brisk walk daily.

Have a good day all!

@zighead thank you! 😊 it’s been a real slog - weight has come off so much slower in my 40s! Welcome to the group. Sounds like you’re already well on the way to making healthy changes in time for your holiday.

How is everyone doing today?

I just took my measurements:
Boobs: 36
Waist: 31
Hips: 41
Widest part of stomach: 37!!! 😱

My starting measurements last year were: 42-39-47 (didn’t measure my stomach so not sure what that was originally)

Can I join too please? Waiting to start hrt and hoping it makes me feel a bit more human again. Very anaemic so exhausted but really do need to shift some weight!

Of course, @Newuname199987… the more, the merrier! I started hrt a month ago and it has transformed my life already so I really hope it helps you too!

Hello all,

Sorry I went awol, everything got a bit much, I've been poorly, it's my dads birthday in a couple of weeks, and he passed away in March. So I have taken some time to be kind to myself.

I weighed myself this morning, I'm exactly 12 stone, this is a stone and a half above where I want to be. I'm writing this to hold myself accountable. It's the heaviest I have been in a long time. So despite the horrid days that are coming in the next month or so, I want to sort this out. Tomorrow DD goes back to school, I have my gym induction tomorrow (which could be fun as illness always upsets my broken spine so I can barely walk never mind use gym equipment ). So calorie counting begins again. 16;8 fasting on working days will resume also.
Taking measurements seems sensible @EssexLioness I think I will follow your lead. If I can find my tape measure I'll post them tomorrow.

Hi to any new faces i have missed. I'm off to have a good read of all I have missed!

Hi @ginsparkles, so lovely to have you back with us! So sorry things got too much for you and sorry to hear about your dad. Taking time to be kind to yourself sounds like exactly the right thing to do with everything you have been dealing with.
Hope the gym induction goes well and it sounds like you have a good plan for losing the weight going forward.

Hello @Newuname199987 I think I need to start HRT too. Are you being treated for your anaemia?

Good luck for your gym induction tomorrow @ginsparkles Go easy on yourself over the next few weeks as sounds like they will be tough 

@EssexLioness you're right, it's so much more difficult to lose weight now I'm in my forties. Need to find out if HRT affects weight gain/loss.
I'm going to try and get a suitable tape measure too as it looks like good inspiration to keep going.

Started iron tablets a month ago but they take a while to make a difference. Now I’ve had a couple of other issues sorted out my gp will prescribe hrt so I will ring tomorrow for an appointment.

@zighead my understanding is that HRT doesn’t in itself cause weight loss/ gain however many women do lose weight while on it due to things such as changes in mood/ energy/ sleep improving which means that they are more likely to eat well and be more active. I was told that it can help with the stomach fat though and your weight distribution may balance out more, because this extra gain around the stomach is largely due to a drop in oestrogen.

Had a week away and put on almost all the weight I had lost. I didn't even eat that badly.
Diet starts again tomorrow as kids back in school.

Hi pals. Congrats EssexLioness on your weight loss that's brilliant.

All gone downhill for me today with my period due and I ate a whole box of chocolate mints and some other crap. Tomorrow is a new day!

Wow @EssexLioness well done!

Just caught up on all the news....

Big well done @EssexLioness !! I'm going to meet you in that 10 stone bracket, I will shift this bloody stone if it kills me (and it might yet!) ....

Wide awake again, I wonder if I'll ever have a full night sleep again?! I can hear child breathing deeply and husband snoring blissfully, it's not flaming fair!

I’m in just started HRT tablets Elleste Duet must look at the combo. I feel I’ve put on weight since starting 3 weeks ago

Good morning!

Today’s challenge for me is not doing tired eating. I’ve been awake since 4:45.

I hope you got some sleep @ginsparkles

Giving up bread is hard but seems to really help.

Thanks everyone! 😊just weighed again this morning and I’ve dropped another pound! I’m going away for a few days today though so hopefully it will stay off during that time. I’m going to my sister’s overnight, then the Peak District until Wednesday. Should be lots of walking and I’ve planned to have salad with wraps for dinner most nights, plus fruit for breakfast. I’ve also packed some low cal crisps and popcorn for if I get the munchies. I plan on checking in here most days still as it helps keep me accountable.
Must admit, I am struggling a bit mentally after measuring my stomach yesterday. I knew it was too big and flabby but I’m shocked that it is 6” larger than my waist! I haven’t had kids either so feels even worse I have this saggy apron of fat.
I feel a bit like I am doing all the right things to get fit and healthy but I will be stuck with this forever now. Bit worried about the risks of visceral fat too. Ironic really that I should be more worried about the health implications than I was when 3 stone heavier.
Anyway hope you all have a good day!