Losing After Menopause

Losing After Menopause

I adopted a strong strategy, envisioning myself as a healthy, thin woman approaching middle age. I embraced my halfpound successes and tried to keep an open mind. People following the Weight Watchers plan can expect to lose 12 pounds per week.

Pam lost weight with a prior Weight Watchers programPam shares unique insights and lessons learned after losing both her baby weight and the weight that crept on after menopause with the Weight Watchers plan.

I have successfully lost weight twice with Weight Watchers. The most amazing thing about the two experiences was how extremely different they were. They really gave me an insight as to just how a womans body can change as she gets older.

The first time I joined Weight Watchers meetings and started following the POINTS WeightLoss System I needed to lose the weight I put on by cleaning the leftovers off my toddlers plate after every meal. I was in my thirties and, with driven determination, kept track of each morsel. Gratefully, I experienced steady and predictable weight loss. I was thrilled with my newfound control and was able to keep the weight off until another milestone threatened my physique, my fortieth birthday.

I heard stories about how women in their forties needed to watch out for changes in their bodies. But like other healthy 39 year olds, I didnt want to believe it would happen to me. I certainly didnt expect that my body would begin complaining after what seemed like just days after my fortieth birthday.

Through some unfortunate drug side effects and some poor food choices, my weight crept up. I never called it regaining my weight, as I felt that this was a totally new set of circumstances that put weight on my body. I refused to beat myself up and went straight back to the plan that had helped me lose weight the first time. What I would discover is that losing this time would be a different story!

It was nearly 10 years since my first weightloss experience, and I found myself happy to return to the world of POINTS values. I was dismayed to find that steady and predictable weight loss was a thing of my past. It seemed that only serious tracking and the incorporation of long walks at least five times a week would earn me small doses of weight loss intermittently.

Was I frustrated? Certainly. My doctor confirmed that I was postmenopausal and that my weightloss goals could not be expressed in numbers at this time. I couldnt even think about how long it would take me to lose 10 pounds, let alone how long it would take to get my body back in shape.

Instead, I adopted a strong strategy, envisioning myself as a healthy, thin woman approaching middle age. I embraced my halfpound successes and tried to keep an open mind. I learned the Core Plan and tried to make healthier choices in my diet. I discarded clothes the moment they became too loose and always kept a new pair of jeans in a smaller size in my drawer as incentive.

Slowly but surely, I hit goals that had numbers attached to them, like my first 5 pounds or my 10percent target. My message to anyone experiencing the same obstacles that I did is to never to give up. Envision yourself where you want to be and you are already there. I am so proud to have given myself this gift and I hope you give yourself the chance to experience the pride and joy that comes with attaining your goals.

Treat yourself like a guest. Make mealtimes special. Use your dining room table for more than just mail and set the table with pretty plates and glasses. Eating while having a warm family discussion is great for your digestion.

Plan ahead. Make a big pot of soup for the week. Stock up on seasonal fruit and put it in a pretty bowl on your coffee table. Boil some eggs and put them at eye level when you open the fridge. Keep Smart Ones in your freezer for days when you are too tired to cook.

Make exercise fun. Listen to your favorite music, learn a foreign language or catch up on the newest bestseller while you walk through the park or work out on a treadmill.

Consider vitamin supplements. I really do believe that my multivitamin and calcium supplement are crucial parts of keeping healthy. I think its a good idea for everyone to discuss what they need with their doctor because vitamins can be tailored for your individual needs. Personally, I need some extra calcium to make sure my bones remain strong through menopause. I take a multivitamin with minerals and an extra dose of the B vitamins they keep my energy level high.