Weightloss in Peri menopause

[OlderandwiserMaybe]

Hi - I wasn't sure whether to post this in the menopause area or here so apologies if in wrong place.

I've found that over the last few years I've very gradually gained weight. Currently heavier than I've ever been - and although i'm not even that over weight I just weighed this morning and I'm 10 st 5 (5 foot 7)

Now I know this isn't really over weight - but I've always been very slim - so I'm struggling with this weight gain. I'm getting to hate my shape and clothes I've previously loved I now cant stand the sight of myself in.
I'm convinced the weight gain is due primarily to perimenopause and also lower activity levels as I've also had a long term physical condition that restricts the amount of exercise I can do.

I feel I would like to loose about a stone but I've tried just cutting down on food - tried a short spell on slim fast and really i only seem to still gain weight.

Can you lovely people suggest a good effective eating plan that will be effective for perimenopause. I do also coo for my partner and teenage kids so would have to be adaptable for eating with others.

You have to seriously up the protein and cut the carbs. Balancing hormones is key so make sure you have the right nutrient levels, are doing plenty of nervous system calming work if you are stressed as cortisol causes more belly fat. Plus you need fewer calories. Oh and need to lift weights. It's crap but doable.

Hi OP, I'm shorter than you at 5'4 and was 9 stone 5 just after Christmas; like you say that's not overweight but it's not where I've been in the past, plus all my weight goes on my gut and I honestly looked pregnant. I've dropped half a stone by intermittent fasting and lowering carbs. I basically stop eating after dinner - I tell myself the kitchen is closed, so no final nibbles on biscuits or whatever in the evening! Then I don't eat breakfast (I do have a cup of tea with sugar free soya milk, which isn't true fasting but I need something!). I'm busy until lunchtime, then have a carb free lunch. Afternoon snacks are fruit and nuts. I generally eat a normal dinner with husband and kids in the evening, might have a slightly smaller portion. Cutting down on carbs also means cutting out a lot of UPF, which I think explains why I generally feel less hungry.

For me it all feels sustainable and healthy, I'm still eating as normal with my family (important for me, with a teenage girl in the house) and I like how I fit in my clothes. I still have a gut, but with my body shape I'd probably have a gut if I weighed 7 stone!

Good luck x

OK so cutting carbs sounds like a target. And i think I could at least try intermittent fasting. @Brownhairdontcare can you recommend a specific regime? I'm wondering if I can fast during the week and then relax a bit at weekends?
I've always (well as long as I remember) had sandwiches for lunch.

So any suggestions on a carb free transportable lunch?

I'm vegetarian so hyper aware of not eating enough protein, so most days I have a huge bowl of yoghurt (a high protein one) with fruit, seeds, nuts, sometimes prunes and a drizzle of honey. I genuinely love it and it keeps me full for hours, much more satisfying for me than a cheese sandwich! I guess you could prep it in a tupperware and take it out with you?

I tend to still skip breakfast on the weekend but I'm definitely more relaxed in my food choices - wine and pizza feature strongly in my Saturday nights! But I'll just have a glass or two, so I'm not hungover the next day, which is generally when I want to eat ALL the food.