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Weight loss chat

A space to talk openly about weight loss journeys and challenges. Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. You may wish to speak to a medical professional before starting any diet.

Original poster

So frustrated by how few calories I need in peri-menopause

55 replies

BansheeofInisherin · 13/04/2023 17:25

Just that really. Recently lost 3 kilos with much difficulty and drastically slashing calories. And then put it all back during the Easter hols:( It's just astonishing how little sustenance I need in peri.

I need to lose weight for health reasons- not vanity-so I can't even ignore this.

OP posts:
2023Hope · 14/04/2023 09:36

Movinghouseatlast · 14/04/2023 09:18

The other problem is that our bodies are desperately trying to produce oestrogen and the only way that can be done is to create more fat.

I have put on 3 and a half stone since peri menopause. I was exercising 5 times a week, eating healthily and still the weight kept coming.

I went to see a menopause specialist and nearly cried when she said " menopause has hit you hard with weight" as I felt suddenly someone understood.

I have given in and started Ozempic. I think it's the only way I'm going to be able to lose weight because my natural body doesn't want me to. I've lost 7lbs so far and finally I don't have raging hunger all day long.

I listened to the Zoe podcast about Ozempic and similar drugs yesterday, good luck with your journey on it, the podcast was brilliant and very interesting.

Jellyx · 14/04/2023 09:37

I recommend watching some videos by 'Eric berg' on YouTube about intermittent fasting.

Jellyx · 14/04/2023 09:46

BansheeofInisherin · 14/04/2023 09:00

Low carb is really hard for me because I am Asian vegetarian and much of our family culture revolves around Asian meals with curries, rice and rotis. Not greasy like in restaurants but definitely carb heavy ( though also veggie heavy). However, I have done my best to slash my rice intake. Eat only a half cup once a day now. And upped the veggies and protein. My mum thinks I am mad giving up rice!

Have your tried cauliflower rice?
Microwave packets cost £2 but very easy to make your own.

Jellyx · 14/04/2023 09:46

Touty · 14/04/2023 08:37

It’s not just about calories, it’s what you are eating. After menopause metabolism changes, more difficult for body to breakdown carbs and sugars. Low carb is the way to go, with good quality fats. Forget bread, pasta, potatoes and rice, these foods are effectively sugar. Carbs increase blood sugar which raises insulin which makes body store fat. I started eating this way and I lost 2 stone im 49. If you are eating more protein and good quality fats ie butter and olive oil, avocados etc you will lose. To burn fat you need to eat more fats and cut the carbohydrates to under 20 g per day.

Totally agree with this!
Carbs = sugar and there are loads of receipes for keto bread

beguilingeyes · 14/04/2023 10:01

I lost three stone with Mysimba and intermittent fasting (16:8). I find it impossible otherwise.

FoxFeatures · 14/04/2023 10:03

OP have you considered brown rice? It's not as good, but much lower carb.
Also consider probiotic supplements. Your gut biome might need a boost.

Original poster
BansheeofInisherin · 14/04/2023 10:23

Cauli rice and brown rice both tried. Didn't enjoy very much but do use brown rice about 50% of the time. I agree carbs= sugar and keto probably would work better, but I struggle to give up lentils, for instance. It's too much a part of my culture. I also do IF about 5 to 6 days a week.

I am 5"7 and 69 kg, so not hugely overweight, but just carrying it in the wrong place, and unfortunately Asian genes mean I could be diabetic even at a healthy BMI. Not yet at the place where I want to take any supplements.

Am really hoping I turn out like my mum who after menopause is slim, eats rice twice a day, and supremely healthy!

OP posts:
AutisticLegoLover · 14/04/2023 10:45

About a year ago I was blaming being perimenopausal for my weight gain and inability to lose weight despite being very active. I walk 50 miles a week on average up some big hills, brisk walking, not strolling. Then I inputted everything into my fitness pal and saw how I was just fooling myself because I was eating far more than I thought. I've lost about 12kg since September by eating 1600 calories a day. I've gained a kilo over Easter but that will disappear once I'm back in routine next week. No food is banned, I eat a reasonably balanced diet but stick to my calories worked out using tdee and smaller portions and input everything on my fitness pal every day. I weigh everything to ensure I'm eating the correct size portions. Hormones can make things tricky but certainly for me I wasn't being honest with myself about how much I was eating. I now weight 57kg at 5'3". My goal
Is 55kg.
Good luck on your weight loss journey, it's not easy but it's worth the effort.

Touty · 14/04/2023 11:24

Brieandme · 14/04/2023 09:08

@Touty fair enough, but <20g of carbs is incredibly restrictive, there's 5g of carbs in a carrot!

That's a pretty extreme diet, and if you're not eating high fat at the same time, would be an extremely low calorie diet. Telling other people that that's what has to be done to lose weight is dangerous advice. It might suit you but please don't extrapolate that to everyone

The best way of healthy eating is one that an individual can stick to, not just for a two week crash diet but one that fits into their lifestyle, with whatever family and social commitments come with that.

For me, I don’t think that a carb restrictive diet is extreme. It isn’t a quick fix, it is something sustainable, increasing protein and some good fats (not high fat diet) has worked for me, I lost 2 stone over a year ago and I’ve kept it off.

yes a carrot is high in sugar, but other veg can be eaten instead.

Brieandme · 14/04/2023 11:28

Still though, you won't get many vegetables and presumably no fruit on sub 20g a day?
It'd require entirely excluding food groups and being unable to eat out, or at friends houses, unless you take your own food or have a chef make you something specific. Not sure how you find define that as extreme..

Don't get me wrong, I get it if it works for you and what you're doing - I have several friends who do sessions of BB competitions so they have some serious diet commitment (and stay relatively lean off season). I understand why some people take certain routes, but they have an awareness that what they're doing isn't common, isn't easy, and requires consistent sacrifices/changes to day to day life.

AutisticLegoLover · 14/04/2023 11:33

A carrot is not high in sugar. Some people are ridiculous and dangerous about food on mumsnet.

mauveiscurious · 14/04/2023 12:26

AutisticLegoLover · 14/04/2023 11:33

A carrot is not high in sugar. Some people are ridiculous and dangerous about food on mumsnet.

low carb in its true form is very restrictive, I think most people would lose weight cutting out processed ready meals and processed carbs.

I bake occasionally and it's always a good reminder how much sugar goes into cakes etc

CleaningOutMyCloset · 14/04/2023 12:52

In the last 7 years I've put on over 4 stone. I'm 50 and have never been overweight in my life, but now I'm classed as obese

If I stick to a strict 1400 a day I can lose about 1lb a week. But if I go over that at all it, it goes back on. I'm now yo-yoing with it going up and up.

ChinUpChestOut · 14/04/2023 13:08

CleaningOutMyCloset · 14/04/2023 12:52

In the last 7 years I've put on over 4 stone. I'm 50 and have never been overweight in my life, but now I'm classed as obese

If I stick to a strict 1400 a day I can lose about 1lb a week. But if I go over that at all it, it goes back on. I'm now yo-yoing with it going up and up.

Oh God me too. I've just had my 60th and I'm now 81.9kg. Pre menopause I was 62kg. I work out with a trainer twice a week (including boxing), and walk and cycle every day. I'm in despair - I'm 176cm (5'9") and at this weight I'm a good size 16-18. I eat healthily, but lose no weight - take my eye off the ball, and I gain a kilo. Nothing in my wardrobe fits any more. I've just started logging my food, and I'm going to go the low carb route for the next 2 months to see what I can achieve. If nothing much happens, its Ozempic for me.

FeelingwearyFeeelingsmall · 14/04/2023 13:16

I was there too. I was post menopausal , eating and exercising as I always have and about 17kg overweight. I just couldn't shake it. I was resigned to being dumpy forever.

then I found out I had high BP. I bloody hate doctors and hospitals so decided to try and fix it on my own. I completely revamped my eating habits. I cut out most carbs plus butter, cream, crisps, cakes , salt etc when at home. I eat about 7-10 portions of fruit and veg a day plus small amounts of protein at every meal. It is all naturally low fat. I don't buy 'diet' foods. I cut back on processed foods and takeaways, from 2/3 times a week to 2/3 times a month. If I ever crave carbs I eat an oatcake or two.
I eat whatever I want when we eat out (maybe twice a week) or when we have guests but my portion sizes are very small. I will often have a starter and a salad instead of a main course. If we have steak at home or in a restaurant we buy an 8/10 oz one and I have 2/3 oz and DH has the rest. I fill up on salad and veg, lots of it. My adult child has a history of anorexia so I never, ever calorie count - I'm only too aware of what a slippery slope that can be.

in 8 months I lost the excess 17kg, My BMI is around 21 and my BP is normal. A year later I have relaxed a bit - I might eat a chocolate at night or have a few crisps when out for a drink but the cravings aren't there. My energy levels are higher than they were pre-menopause.

it can be done.

HuggingtheHRT · 14/04/2023 13:59

@HormonalHetty

I completely relate to what you are saying. Am totally trapped in that cycle too. I'm trying to let go of the dieting and focus on upping physical activity. I figure, even if I'm not slim, I'll have a stronger heart and better muscles and balance, so that's got to be a good thing, right?

PickAChew · 14/04/2023 14:10

Definitely don't give up lentils, particularly if you're vegetarian. They're highly nutritious and the carbs are complex carbs and slower to metabolise, in the same way as brown rice. Pulses and nuts are a pretty much daily part of my diet, now, and I feel a bit out of kilter if I go a few days without them.

HormonalHetty · 14/04/2023 14:18

HuggingtheHRT · 14/04/2023 13:59

@HormonalHetty

I completely relate to what you are saying. Am totally trapped in that cycle too. I'm trying to let go of the dieting and focus on upping physical activity. I figure, even if I'm not slim, I'll have a stronger heart and better muscles and balance, so that's got to be a good thing, right?

That's exactly the approach I'm trying now. Focusing on healthy and the right choices. Which will help my bp and cholesterol. More exercise. Less wine, sugar, fat etc.
I am toying with the idea of doing a more drastic approach like fast800 if I don't get much weight off by early autumn though as have a big holiday planned. I have to be slimmer

23usrnm · 14/04/2023 16:50

I’ve replaced rice with quinoa and it’s working out fine. Today I did around 75% quinoa and rest frozen cauli rice and that was fine too.
I agree with PPs that logging every mouthful is really an eye opener. I was definitely consuming well over 2k cakes per day before I started this. Some days I could have eaten 3k (no stranger to eating a tub of ice cream when PMT hits). Now I’m treating treats as treats, rather than every day and after lunch and dinner. And I’m replacing some carbs with veg. It’s hard but I’ve had to accept that I can’t eat what I used to eat without the weight piling on.

23usrnm · 14/04/2023 16:51

2k cals not cakes although…hmmm!

MotherofPearl · 14/04/2023 17:59

Following with interest. I've always been slim to very slim with very little effort, but now that I'm 48 it's turning into a terrible struggle. I am 170cm and all through my 20s and 30s was about 54kg (outside pregnancies of course). Since turning 40 it's gradually crept up and I'm now about 60kg, which I know is not overweight particularly, but is much heavier than I'm used to.

I flip between thinking that I don't care and can't expect to weigh the same as I did in my 20s and 30s, and that I should just buy clothes in a bigger size and accept it, and then thinking that I care desperately and that it's a slippery slope and I need to take action to at least get back to 57 or 58kg.

I really struggle with restricting calories and foods, and loathe exercise, so that doesn't help. I suppose I just need to knuckle down and discipline myself to be eat less, and especially less of the wrong things like cake.

Disneygirl37 · 14/04/2023 18:20

I started weight training about 6 months ago and it's helped loads. I've not lost weight but my shape has completely changed for the better! And it's helped load with general aches and pains.
I've just started to do a bit of calorie counting but I'm not restricting to much (1800 ish) and it's definitely coming off but a lot slower than in my 20s and 30s.

Original poster
BansheeofInisherin · 14/04/2023 18:55

Some good tips here. I am definitely not giving up lentils or carrots. I wouldn't be able to stick to such a restrictive diet, as it just doesn't go with our way of life. However, I have ordered some cauli rice:) Time to take drastic measures.

@FeelingwearyFeeelingsmall great to hear you have lost weight. I like to hear success stories. I am lucky in that I don't have much of a sweet tooth- not all that keen on cake and chocolate- and not much appetite for ready meals either. I actually prefer nuts to sugar. Carbs are my nemesis: rice, rotis, noodles and so on.

OP posts:
Touty · 14/04/2023 21:52

Brieandme · 14/04/2023 11:28

Still though, you won't get many vegetables and presumably no fruit on sub 20g a day?
It'd require entirely excluding food groups and being unable to eat out, or at friends houses, unless you take your own food or have a chef make you something specific. Not sure how you find define that as extreme..

Don't get me wrong, I get it if it works for you and what you're doing - I have several friends who do sessions of BB competitions so they have some serious diet commitment (and stay relatively lean off season). I understand why some people take certain routes, but they have an awareness that what they're doing isn't common, isn't easy, and requires consistent sacrifices/changes to day to day life.

so I eat cauliflower, broccoli, peppers, raw tomatoes, onions, lettuce

I also eat blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and some type of melon, in limited amounts.

socialising - it just takes a bit of thought, snacks could be nuts, olives, cheese. Some type of protein and a salad?

I also like a drink - so I drink vodka (no carbs) and diet tonic.

yes it can be restrictive but for me its worth it to keep the weight off.

reesewithoutaspoon · 15/04/2023 11:15

I gradually put on weight in peri despite no changes in my diet and ended up 2 1/2 stone heavier than the weight I had been since I was 16, eventually got my arse in gear and started MFP. what I found was I can only lose weight if I stay between 1000 to 1200. 1400 is maintenance and anything over that and I can easily put on a 2 to 3 pound in a week. It's crazy. I swim 3km a week in 2 sessions and walk up hills on a weekend. It's taken me 2 years to lose 2 stone.

At one point I was stuck at the same weight for 8 months, despite restricting calories, I would be really disciplined and lose a lb then slip up once and it would be straight back on. My body definitely did not want to go below that set point. Then for no reason I started losing again, but it's taken me 5 months to lose 8 pounds.
I don't diet continuously. I won't restrict myself on holidays or social occasions but I will make better choices from menus, like picking items in tomato-based sauces instead of cream, avoiding chips for boiled potato, If I want a pudding I won't have a starter so I never do the full 3 courses and I tend to choose sorbet or mousses instead of fudge cake, etc.
I just had to accept that I can't eat the same calories as I used to if I want to lose weight/not continue to put it on. it's just become a way of life now.