I consider myself somewhat of an expert when it comes to eating plans. I think I’ve been on most of them over the years. That’s a good thing and also a bad thing.
I’m an expert at losing weight. The problem is I keep gaining it back. 🙂 However, through the processes, I have learned quite a bit about my body, especially in the menopausal years. And I had some thoughts that I wanted to share with you.
Thoughts About Eating Plans for Midlife Women
One thing I learned is that most eating plans work in one manner or another. You initially lose weight and sometimes it tapers off but usually, there’s a reason for that.
Most of the time the reason is you’re introducing foods back into your system that your body cannot handle or process. Or maybe, you need to start moving to help burn the calories.
Another option is that it could be that diet you happen to be on it’s just not right for your body.
After I had my child I could not get all of the weight to come off. But I also recognize that I started eating the wrong type of foods. I was not exercising as I should, and I ended up sitting for long periods of time at different jobs. My body was not used to any of that.
As I age and went through menopause, I realize now that my body was starving for nutrition. The nutrients in our food have declined over the years and I started being highly affected by all of the chemicals in our food. Plus, I was not eating enough vegetables – straight up the truth.
Fast forward to today and for the past six years, I have really focused on trying to give myself the nutrition my body needs. I’m eating more vegetables and adding different types of supplements I know I need.
I’ve also started embracing more of a keto-style diet which has greatly improved the amount of inflammation I was carrying. It’s actually astounding just to see where I used to be versus where I am now even though the weight number on the scale reflects a different story.
Another thing that has really helped me control my eating is fasting. I never thought I would fast in my life. However, it truly does help you control the out-of-control feeling you get when it comes to food.
A lot of those feelings come from the chemical additions to our food. I have found that fasting 20 to 23 hours a day, sometimes eating two meals but mainly eating one, has greatly reduced the must-eat feeling too. Or the “I guess I’m hungry, frustrated, bored… I better eat something” compulsion. It’s an amazing feeling to be in control when you put food in your mouth.
Kicking the chemicals is the best thing I’ve ever done for my health. I mainly eat veggies, salads, some berries and fruits, and proteins. I can’t tell you the last time I had something out of a box. I don’t go too fast food restaurants anymore. It’s extremely rare. By getting rid of as many additives as possible I feel better, I sleep better, and I’m so much more in control.
As a postmenopausal woman, I know what has helped me when it comes to eating plans.
- Listening to your body is key number one
- Dumping the chemicals
- Fasting by slowly reducing the time between meals so you can only eat 1-2 times a day with the shortest amount of time between them. Longer fasts burn fat! – Start by getting rid of breakfast or dinner and adding plenty of fiber (salads, beans) to your foods and you won’t miss that 3rd meal
- Eating more of a keto-based plan, which includes basically protein and veggies, helps burn that belly fat
- Adding in movement. I’m struggling here but I have got to find a plan for that since I have not been in my pool as much this year.
I hope these thoughts about eating plans have helped you process things. I’m all about saving money and going on a structured plan like Jenny Craig or something like that is not worth it to me. Plus, I can’t eat that many meals loaded with chemicals.
So now I’m combining all sorts of experiences and eating plans that I’ve had throughout the years and then tweaking them to work on what’s best for me, my body, and my mental clarity.
Maybe these thoughts will help you analyze your past for a better healthier future.
Hi! I’m Chris! Just a Midlife Wife sharing about life’s journey; screaming and kicking through it while supposedly aging gracefully…
Focusing on healthy living, low carb & keto, things I am loving right now, and life in general.