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I'm thinking about trying the 5 small meals a day program. Anyone here on hormone replacement and NOT gained weight?
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I'm on HRT and successfully maintaining a 120 pound loss - for almost three years now.
I lost the weight at the same time as I was going through menopause AND I'm hypothyroid on top of it, so you'd think it would be darn near impossible for me to lose, but it really wasn't hard. I did the five small meals a day (try it! - it really helps), counted calories, did daily cardio, and learned to love lifting weights (still do all these things religiously). Once I got honest about what I was eating and started doing some serious exercise, it all came together and the weight came off.
Regardless of hormones and menopause, it still comes down to calories in versus calories out. Our metabolisms slow as we get older because we lose muscle mass every year - you naturally lose 30% of your muscle between the ages of 20 and 70 (unless you're working to rebuild it). So even if your weight stays the same as when you were in high school, your body composition is changing dramatically as you age. Less muscle = slower metabolism = weight gain. The
only way to counteract the natural loss of muscle as we age is ...
... weight lifting/resistance training. Every kg (2.2 pounds) of muscle that you add to your body burns an additional 50 calories a day. 24/7. Not too shabby! It's the best way that we can fight back against the dread middle-age weight gain.
I'm completely convinced that weight lifting is the Fountain Of Youth for women in their 40s and beyond. It will increase your metabolism, strengthen your bones, and get you a tight, toned body. Plus, it's fun!