Meno belly weight gain - fasting?

[sillyuniforms]

I've gained 1/2 stone round my middle despite eating less. Awful. Thought it was worse with HRT but I've reduced dose and hasn't made a difference. I keep seeing about fasting - has anyone tried this?

I'd be careful with starting to run outdoors as a novice, @TempersFuggit .The paths and roads are bloody hard. Heard more stories than enough of people hurting their joints and ending up further back than square one. If it's hilly near you, you could walk the dogs at a gradient I suppose. Always makes me feel better afterwards.

I think weight training is meant to help target ab weight though. And core stuff- pilates etc.

I’d suggest weight training to you all. You need to maintain & build muscle. Diet too of course, no sugar, white carbs, UPF. Lots of veg, pulses, nuts , seeds.

This. Since cutting down on running and starting weight training, plus eating my weight in lbs in grammes of protein I have a hard time keeping weight on. I've actually lost over 2kg over the last 12 months (I didn't want to as my BMI is low[ even though I've built a lot of muscle. Protein really fills you up!

The only thing that's worked for me has been cutting out sugar - and by sugar I mean carbs, most fruit, rice, oats etc.

I naturally fasted anyway as didn't eat breakfast.

Animal protein, eggs, meat, fish, cheese, veg, berries only.

Reintroduced fruit when belly fat reduced. It works.

Calorie counting doesn't help belly fat - I've been there.

Good luck :)

Dropping oestrogen encourages us to store fat round our middles as fat cells do actually produce oestrogen. One option is to increase the dose of oestrogen and add in testosterone, minimise the fact of progesterone by doing long cycle hrt.

Belly fat will go or at least reduce with calorie counting but you may need to be end up being pretty lean for that.

Like the previous PPs I eat quite a high protein diet, eat fairly clean but I haven’t removed any food groups/fasting/funny food rules.

I have quite a lot of muscle through (heavy) weight training and this is what’s made the biggest difference to my shape and posture. I do still have some fat on my belly but I’m okay with it as my shape has changed - wider shoulders, decent bum, thicc (ish) thighs.

My maintenance calories are about 1800 and I aim for 100-120g of protein per day, 6 portions of fruit and veg then whatever else I fancy eating.

I managed to shift it (back again now after overindulgence) by low carb. Eat low carb for 5 days a week and then have what I want on Friday nights and all Sunday.

Unfortunately, my arse also disappears!

Also bread is my worst culprit. When I do eat carbs I nearly always have potatoes as they don't seem to affect me as much as pasta and rice.

I do love bread though so usually have a baguette on Sunday evening.

I find soup very hard to enjoy without at least ONE piece of bread. And as it it now soup weather, that's difficult...

I prepare 5 litres of hearty veg soup ( butternut, carrots, leeks, onions, lentils) and add grilled chicken. It's so filling, no need for bread!

Can you recommend a good starting point for weight lifting please?

If you can pocket a PT to show you some basic moves & check form & work put a programme. 2 Sessions to get started. Buy some weights & kettlebells & work out at home.

Alternatively if you have a decent gym with interested staff. I know they can be hit & miss.

Even starting with body weight for squats, lunges, push ups. There’s loads of stuff on you tube. I’ve heard Caroline Girovan quoted here as good but have no personal experience.

I believe it’s get started, get moving & do something. Once you get into it you’ll find your way. There’s the Weights Room forum here that can help too.

Very similar to @PortiaWithNoBreaks ( although my weight loss cals are about 1800).

I gym 4 times a week and lift heavy / do resistance training.
I also run a couple of times a week and get steps to 12k most days.

I eat! I focus on getting protein (100-150g) and 7 portions fruit and veg, and have mainly whole foods - but I do eat some processed stuff ( protein bars mainly) and I do eat carbs.

47, have lost 20 pounds so far since May.

Thanks a million for the reply.

OK, thanks for reply and advice.

Was in LIDL last night and they have loads of weights and work out mats and my son also wants some, so I'll look into buying a few.

@halfpasteleven I've had fantastic results following the free Caroline Girvan You Tube programmes for the last year. A mat and dumbells are all you need. I don't live near a gym so it's more convenient working out at home!

Thanks @samthebordercollie
I'll look her up..

Been doing the body coach videos on you tube and I do like his approach..
thanks again for the info