Over 40 Belly Blues

[Lucky 13]

Hi Ladies.
Just wondering if any of you out there have the same issues. I am 46, relatively athletic 5'2 and weighing in around 155-160. My high school weight was anywhere from 140-150 and I've always been a size 12-14. So, here's the problem. Each "season" I committ to biking, I've always PUT on weight. Yes, some would say it's muscle but not really. The Buddha Belly suddenly appears and it pisses me off. I totally understand that it's probably what's in the diet. However...I just want to chow after riding 10 miles to work in the morning and 10 miles home in the afternoon in Boston...especially now when it's getting cold out. It's my first time trying the fall/winter riding. I can't seem to figure out the carb thing when I am very active. 2 years ago when I was out of work for 6 weeks after a bunionectomy, I went on South Beach and lost 20 pounds ( I had reached 175 prior to the operation). I can't fathom going on South Beach while I am riding 2-3 times a week to work.
Anyone else have the peri-menopausal metabolism and belly blues? :confused:

Lucky 13

[Bikingmomof3]

Welcome to TE and you are not alone. I do not have a magical answer. Sorry. I try to eat 6 evenly spaced meals a day, it helps keep me from being hungry and over eating.

[Aint Doody]

Lucky, it doesn't seem to matter what we do. I've been told that it's the way we age--rounder stomachs and flatter behinds. I'm considered slim, but it looks like I have a basketball in my pants! I've done countless crunches, everything. I agree the Southbeach helped, but cyclists need those carbs. I'm 57 and just try to hide my tubby tummy. It ain't easy in lycra!

I hope somebody has a magic wand. I'm not too keen on liposuction.

[ridethewind]

Lucky, it doesn't seem to matter what we do. I've been told that it's the way we age--rounder stomachs and flatter behinds. I'm considered slim, but it looks like I have a basketball in my pants! I've done countless crunches, everything. I agree the Southbeach helped, but cyclists need those carbs. I'm 57 and just try to hide my tubby tummy. It ain't easy in lycra!

I hope somebody has a magic wand. I'm not too keen on liposuction.

Hope you're right about the flatter behind part. I'm still waiting. :D

Jean

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

The facts:
40 year olds are not shaped like 20 year olds.
50 year olds are not shaped like 30 year olds.
60 year olds are not shaped like 40 year olds.
This is independent of weight issues. Weight issues will emphasize it perhaps, but a woman's shape changes with age even if we are not overweight.

So, if you're shaped like a 40 year old don't be moping about not being shaped like a 20 year old...just be glad you're not shaped like a 60 year old. And if you're shaped like a 60 year old don't be moping about not being shaped like a 40 year old...just be glad you're not shaped like a 80 year old. And if you are shaped like a 90 year old, you probably won't be looking in the mirror much anyway...hopefully you'll just be glad to be alive and kicking! ;)

[Popoki_Nui]

Oh I am so with you on this. I lost almost 50 pounds on Atkins and cycling, but the moment I turned forty the weight started creeping up. Now despite longer, harder rides, and -with a few oopsies- careful attention to diet, my belly almost qualifies for its own zip code. WTF? :mad:
I actually believed doctors who say that exercise and diet would = weight loss.
Ha-ha. Silly me.... :(

[Lucky 13]

Thanks so much, ladies for your words of wisdom....and humor! It's helping me to put it all in perspective. I just need to be thankful that I can ride a bike...and ..and...and...

The self descriptions are priceless...I am with y'all too!

Lucky

[PinkBike]

wow y'all i thought it was just me, maybe due to being over 50, post-menopausal, or (wishful thinking) more muscle underneath. well, this just aint fair. i see all these super cycling guys with these tiny little butts, but even the women pros seem to carry extra weight. guess we just learn top live with it? accept it? what else can we do? wish i knew

[KSH]

Ah... yes... I know this well.

Here is how it went for me over the summer:

"I just rode 40/50/60 miles in 100 degree heat! I can CHOW DOWN! Hhhuuummm... will it be Taco Bell or Taco Bueno today? Or pizza! I can eat pizza!"

Yea, uuuummm... that lead to me gaining 10 pounds.

Unfortunately, just because we ride a bike, doesn't mean we get to eat all we want.

Good luck on getting the food in check and figuring out how to ride and keep the belly away! I have done pretty good with couting calories... BUT, I am also not in the height of my riding season either. :(

Take care... and keep riding!

[mimitabby]

my belly.
when i was 18, i had a gorgeous belly. Then some years later, i had two kids.
(one at a time) even though for a time, i weighed LESS than i did at 18,
my belly NEVER EVER EVER could compare to that 18 year old belly that i had.
now i am 55 and i just try not to think about it.

[KSH]

I went on South Beach and lost 20 pounds ( I had reached 175 prior to the operation). I can't fathom going on South Beach while I am riding 2-3 times a week to work.

Yea, the low-carb thing doesn't work with a physically active person.

You do have to find a balance between carbs, protein, fats, and calories... to eat enough for energy... but not too much.

Otherwise... gravity works against us every year we get older. I am in my 30's.... but I certainly relish everyday I am phyiscally fit enough to ride my bike.

I can only HOPE that I will be in this good of health (as many of your ladies are!) when I hit my 50's!

[kelownagirl]

I too have been frustrated with my body since my last child. I'm 46 and he was born when I was 37. Since that time, I have gained a little over 20 lbs and seemed to be gaining about 5 lbs a year in the past few years. I have tried dieting alone but it didn't do much. Then last spring I started riding along with the dieting and I started losing. I did not eat more even though I was riding a lot. I drank only water and unless I was riding thru the lunch hour, I didn't eat power bars or anything. So I consumed less calories, and burned lots of calories as well. I lost 15 lbs before summer, then all summer I didn't diet although I didn't go overboard either. I rode lots all summer and only gained back 2 lbs. Now I'm back to dieting and exercising again and I'm slowly losing weight. I KNOW that I can't have a 20 year old body again but my goal is to be able to wear a bikini again by next summer. I figure it's my last chance. If not next summer, then it'll never happen and I can live with that. But I figure I may as well try.

My point, if you make a concerted effort to eat fewer calories and burn extra calories, you will gradually lose weight, even at our age. But I tell ya, it's HARD and if I didn't write down eveything I eat, I wouldn't be able to do it. There are so many places where I didn't realize I was adding up a lot of calories. (I eat between 1200-1500 calories a day, staying pretty close to 1200 if I can and I only lose about 1 lb a week.)

I think peri-menopause is just beginning for me although it's hard to tell because I'm still on the pill...

[jobob]

Pilates might help.

[bambu101]

I am also a 53 year old member of the Blubber Belly club, and 2 years post-menopausal. About 6 years ago, I lost 35 pounds on Weight Watchers, and have put all but 10 pounds back on again.:( When I lost the weight, the belly was still there, only smaller, but iy never went away.

A friend of mine at work bought one of these midriff bulge smoother things that she referred to as an all-in-one. She manage to suffer for a whole 30 minutes before running to the restroom to wriggle out of it. It sure smoothed out the belly, but all that blubber had to go somewhere, so all of a sudden her hips ballooned out form all the belly fat being squished downwards.:D She was bemoaning the fact that it didn't squish the fat upwards to enhance her cleavage! The rest of us that were witnessing this display were laughing hysterically!

[nuthatch]

...my belly almost qualifies for its own zip code. WTF? :mad:
.....(

I love this!

My perma-belly is just revenge of the gods. When I was younger and firmer (just three years ago), I looked at the older women in my cycling club and thought, "they must not be working hard enough - look at all that flab!" Now that 50 is here, I'm seeing them in the mirror! :p

Anyone have your family ask what you're doing to your face? My family was advocating that I start smearing vaseline on my face because being out in all weathers was bringing on the wrinkles so fast. Welcome to the crone's club!

[Crankin]

I think that some of this has to do with genetics. We can't do much with that. On the other hand, think of trying some type of weight, core, resistance training. Don't just ride. Sometimes you need to fool your body into revving up your metabolism (which does slow down with age).Although I don't need to lose weight, I have struggled with the end of season change in body. It's like clock work. I am just as active, but doing slightly different things. I do try to restrict my carbs a little more in the off season, but if I am out x country skiing, it's hard to do. The suggestion of eating more, smaller meals a day is a good one. I know that I am ALWAYS hungry, even though I don't starve myself. In fact, most of my life seems to revolve around food and exercising! I am almost 5 years post menopausal and my weight has pretty much stayed the same since I lost 15 pounds when I first started cycling, about 7 years ago. I was seeing some not so nice changes, even with a steady diet of aerobics and walking (since I was 25). Once the effects of cycling kicked in, it was a matter of tweaking the diet and mentally preparing for challenging eating times, like holidays, etc. I don't believe in diets. Once you establish healthy eating habits, they should be easy to stick with.

[Dianyla]

Oh crap, you mean it's gonna get worse?!?! :eek:

Vent: When I was a wee little kid, I was skinny all over except for my tapeworm belly. As an adolescent and adult I've been a variety of sizes from slim to chunky and the belly is always there. Not to mention it's covered in stretchmarks, and I've never had a kid! Lately, it's even starting to droop a little. I'm 29 and already have the belly of a 50+ year old. What n' hell is it gonna look like when I am 50? :rolleyes:

Oh well, rather than flog myself mentally I think I'll just meditate on the Venus of Willendorf (http://donsmaps.com/clickphotos/venuswillindorflarge.jpg) and recite an Earth Mother Goddess mantra instead. :p

[ACG]

So I'm doomed I guess.

[Aint Doody]

I can give y'all a few tips on the face. I belong to a group of 4 women from 51 to 67. We all study the wrinkle stuff out there. I'm totally sold on Strivectin. I use it at night. Then in the a.m. I'm putting on some other creams--all with a minimum of SPF 15. We all know how important that is.

Now--for the real secret--clear, medical-type adhesive tape! I used to do Botox, but have found that a piece of tape stuck between the eyebrows before I go to bed does just as well. And since it's clear, my husband doesn't even notice! I'm not too sure he'd notice if I went to bed bald-headed! I also put a few pieces on those wrinkles around the mouth. I haven't been doing them as long as the forehead, but I swear to y'all that it works. When you sleep on your side, your face gets all scrunched up and that encourages the wrinkles. Give it a try--you'll be amazed! Don't do the crows' feet, as that skin is too delicate.

[momof4greatkids]

Anyone else have the peri-menopausal metabolism and belly blues? :confused:

Lucky 13

I have the peri-menopausal belly blues. I could so easily get discouraged, because I feel like I could starve myself and exercise until I drop, and my belly wouldn't budge.

I'm learning to dress appropriately for my age (45) and just try my best to camoflauge it in clothes. But as AintDoody said, it's not easy to do in lycra!

Lucky, I think the best thing I can do is learn to learn to accept myself the way I am and focus on the positive. For instance, being very grateful that I am fit and healthy enough to have ridden 23 miles in the great outdoors on this very fine day in NE Ohio.

[Bikingmomof3]

As was posted earlier by I think Lisa (my apologies if this is incorrect), no matter what, the body changes as we get older. Gravity affects us all. My tummy will never be the same as when I was 18, but you know what, I am not the same person I was at 18 and for that I am truly grateful. :) Each year (I noticed many changes after age 35) has brought new changes, but also a new acceptance of who I am and I happen to like myself and be more comfortable with me with each passing year. :cool: Stretch marks and all. :)

[Bikingmomof3]

My point, if you make a concerted effort to eat fewer calories and burn extra calories, you will gradually lose weight, even at our age. But I tell ya, it's HARD and if I didn't write down eveything I eat, I wouldn't be able to do it. There are so many places where I didn't realize I was adding up a lot of calories. (I eat between 1200-1500 calories a day, staying pretty close to 1200 if I can and I only lose about 1 lb a week.)


Wow, I need to eat at least 2000-2200 calories a day or my metabolism shuts down or worse, I lose muscle not fat. Another thing I can be grateful for-more food. :D

[momof4greatkids]

Hi Ladies.
So, here's the problem. Each "season" I committ to biking, I've always PUT on weight. Yes, some would say it's muscle but not really. The Buddha Belly suddenly appears and it pisses me off. I totally understand that it's probably what's in the diet.
Lucky 13

Lucky, one thing I want to add: NEVER EVER give up! I know a lot of women in our age group (I'm 45) who have exactly the same problem. I think it's doubly important to say, adamantly and with fist in the air "NO SURRENDER"...do not give in, do not give up. Real women DO NOT look like the anorexic, surgically enhanced versions of femininity that our culture routinely portrays as the "ideal".

Each season you commit to biking, but the belly persists. Better to commit to biking and have a belly, than to give up biking and have a bigger belly, flabby thighs, calves that moo, a butt that jiggles and arms that wave back at you! And that's without even mentioning the emotional and health benefits, beyond the outward appearance, that biking enhances.

How many women your age do you know who can put in the miles you can on your bike? Precious few, I am willing to bet.

This reminds me of the time I placed third in my age division for a cross-country running race. Well, there were only three women in my age group! Who cares? That in and of itself tells me, I'm doing pretty good. I treasure my third place prize mug!

Keep moving, never stop!

Colleen

[jamom]

It's soooo not fair! The older we get the less we can eat and the harder we have to work out. I totally relate to the belly thing and the pounds creeping up with each year-maybe it would help if I stopped eating like a pig!:D (I seriously don't eat like a pig but could stand to cut back!)

[suzbyrd]

I turned 40 this summer, did a trithlon to celebrate, and then my body just seemed to go nuts. First, let me say, I have been basically the same weight since college. I have been a runner, cyclist, etc. my whole life. I actually eat more now than when I was running 50 miles a week in my early 20's. I'm much healthier now. I have carried my weight on my hips and never on my stomach. I hate my "fat butt" :-) My body has just revolted on me. I started having periods every 2 weeks, gaining weight, moody, moody, moody. I went to the doc and she put me on birth control. That took care of the menstrual cycle, but the first thing I did was gain 5 lbs. It makes me feel gross and bloated all the time (it's a very low level of hormone, she said). Long story, shortened, I can't gain weight b/c of my part time job which is officiating. On the court, women just can't carry any extra weight. Men can carry a keg on their belly, but women have to be slim. It's driving me nuts. I have quit drinking any alcohol. I have maintained a calorie intake that is very reasonable considering I ride almost every day and work games 3-4 times a week. I have to take in calories or I can't operate. If it only gets worse as I get older, then it seems I have a tough road ahead. Don't get me wrong, I have worked too hard to give in now, but jeez, something's got to give. Please some of you women older than me, give me some kind of hope for the future :-).

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Suz,
I don't think it gets worse and worse as you get older.- the weight thing that is.
Our bodies do continue to change shape as we age, but it doesn't mean we get fatter and fatter. Changing shape might mean our breasts aren't as perky, or our butts get less round, or we have a little belly- it also means our skin texture changes and becomes less elastic and firm. BUT...we can still look absolutely beautiful at any age, and we don't helplessly get fatter and fatter.
As we get older we need fewer calories and we need less sleep. We shouldn't depress ourselves by wanting to continue eating and sleeping like a 20 year old. Having a tummy that sticks out is pretty normal for middle aged women.
We should stop negatively comparing ourselves to younger ages and just focus on being in a healthy condition for OUR age, yes?
Here's to being older AND fit! Being fit is HOT at any age! :D

[Maureen Valley]

I'm LOVIN' this thread. Lisa you hit the nail on the head with your response....as did many of you ladies. I guess I'm the matriarch (at 63) of this illustrious bunch of ladies and guess what......you just have to get used to the fact that there is this little thing called gravity that is bigger than all of us. I manage to get through the day with SOME excersize....a morning weigh in that determines what I eat that day....a smile for myself in the mirror....and about a pound and a half of Max Factor!!! No kidding...I don't go to the mailbox without blush. Anyway.....No...I don't look 30 anymore....40 anymore....even 50 anymore. Who the hell cares? I'm glad to put both feet on the ground in the morning (pain free!) ....be able to feed myself....ride my bike....commiserate with friends ...well.... I could go on and on.

It's all between your ears, girls.

Hugs to all:
Maureen

[bambu101]

Amen to what Lisa and Maureen said! My experience has been that as I have gotten older, I may not be thrilled with some of the changes that aging has brought, but I am more accepting of it. I think you can obsess over it, like a friend of mine that went to Weight Watchers at work with me, lost 60 pounds, and keeps it off by starving for a few days before her monthly weigh-in in order to make the lifetime member threshold weight. She also stashes “forbidden” foods like candy around the house so she can eat them after the weigh in is over for the next 4 weeks, and then starts the whole cycle all over again. Or you can just give up completely, like another co-worker who is close to 300 pounds, eats junk all day long, has Type 2 diabetes as a result, and complains constantly about how badly she feels.

I guess I am somewhere in the middle of these 2 extremes by trying to eat healthy foods most of the time, and exercising to feel good and stay physically fit.

To me, getting older means being comfortable in your own skin (wrinkled or not), having a deeper appreciation of the amazing things your body can do, like riding 100 miles, and realizing what is truly important in your life (Is it being a size 2 ?)

[Maureen Valley]

To me, getting older means being comfortable in your own skin (wrinkled or not), having a deeper appreciation of the amazing things your body can do, like riding 100 miles, and realizing what is truly important in your life (Is it being a size 2 ?)


Bambu....you said in a few words what I think we're all trying to say....

Thank you for being succinct.

Maureen

[Bikingmomof3]

Very well stated ladies. :)

[eclectic]

Hi Ladies.
I went on South Beach and lost 20 pounds ( I had reached 175 prior to the operation). I can't fathom going on South Beach while I am riding 2-3 times a week to work.
Anyone else have the peri-menopausal metabolism and belly blues? :confused:

Lucky 13

I just got caught up on this thread- yes I am turning 50 in Dec and yes I have the belly blues. With all the exercise, crunches, scrunches and whatever else have you, I just tell people "I have a 6 pack under there somewhere! :)"

I started Southbeach the middle of September and I LOVE it. It is NOT low carb, Atkins is low carb. SB is somewhat for the first 2 weeks but even then if I was riding my bike longer than a hour I ate some bread before I went to keep the glycogen stores up.
SB is about keeping your glycemic levels stable (similar to a diabetic diet)
It basically cuts out sugars and processed grains.
Now my belly fat is reducing along w/ the rest of me,(fifteen lbs less to pull up a hill since the middle of september) I sleep better at night and have more energy during the day. AND have absolutely no sugar cravings which is the best part!

[mtbdarby]

I love reading your responses on this thread! My tummy magically appeared last winter at the age of 38 - and with that came almost 15 pounds. I'm still trying to find my correct attitude and love for my body and when that comes I feel my body will adjust. I stopped obsessing about how much I work out and I'm concentrating on spending time with my son and finding a balance in my life. Thanks for the great words of wisdom!

[DeniseGoldberg]

...I just want to chow after riding 10 miles to work in the morning and 10 miles home in the afternoon in Boston...especially now when it's getting cold out.
Are you eating at all before you ride? If you're not, that may be the cause of your extreme hunger.

I only commute to work by bike during the "light" months - late spring to early fall. When I do, I always eat breakfast before I leave home. And I have a light snack when I get to work. I always eat something before I leave work to ride home. And then I have a light dinner. I eat to support my activity levels, and I suspect that fueling early and eating many light meals (or almost meals) saves me from that extreme hunger.

--- Denise

[Lucky 13]

I am just thrilled to hear from y'all about this topic. It is comforting to know that this is not just my struggle but practically every athletic woman who ages...despite our best efforts to keep in shape, what we once worked in our 20's and 30's, probably won't keep us in check years later. I appreciate the rooting section telling us no matter what, stay active and bike. It really does do us good vs. flab and being out of shape.

Somebody made a comment about going on the pill to regulate periods. Here's an interesting story. Last June I went to a dermatologist to fix my adult acne..brought on by, you guest it....those lovely menopausal hormones. The Doc put me on Spironolatone, which in higher doses is used for blood pressure. But lower doses are used to control acne. Here's how it works. The drug is an anti-androgen...which in turn works on the amount of testosterone floating around. The testosterone causes the cyst like-acne in hormonally challanged women (how do you like that phrase?:D). So by controling the testosterone...voila, clear face. Great I thought. By August, I had to come off of it although it did clear my face up. It made me miss me period for two months (essentially thru me into menopause) and I ended up with mega breasts-looking like a fertility goddess of sorts. This was NOT good, since I was getting married in Sept and my dress no longer fit.
Fortunately, I was able to deflate with stopping the med and fit into the gown. (I found the Presta valve!)

Oh how I enjoy being a girl
My new mantra is Accept, accept, accept the changes!
Lucky

[five one]

Whoo boy, can I relate to all of your replies to this thread! I have never been a thin person. I'm short, but am big boned and have lots of muscle thanks to the riding I've been doing for over four years. I'm strong and I'm fit, but I'm also heavier than I have ever been, too. I don't own a scale, but whenever I get weighed at the doctor's office, I'm shocked at the number. The belly thing began for me about five years ago - perimenopause, followed by menopause about a year ago. I understand the "why" of it all, but admit to being a wee bit frustrated about it. I always had hips and thighs. Never a tummy. Still, I feel very fortunate that I can get out on my bike as often as I do and am not willing to forgo certain foods for fear of gaining a couple pounds. And like the rest of you, I'd rather be fit and healthy than obsess about the size of my clothes. Personally, I think we rock. I have a friend who is in her 70's and until recently, was still doing tri's. She is so alive and vibrant. I want to be like her when I grow up!

[Aint Doody]

I think what I'm hearing (and liking to hear) is accept it, but don't give up.

[trail_mommy]

Ok judging by some of the replies on here I just could be the youngest gal posting;) I am 26 and a Mother of 3 boys! Jared is 5.5, Dylan turns 3 onFebruary 12th and Kyle turned 1 yesterday. I am 5'9 and 160 lbs. Doesn't sound bad does it with the height *but* I was a size 18 months ppd with my first son after I weaned him and did some pilates...then pregnancy 2....got pregnant with #3 when #2 was just 13 months so I still carried some leftover baby weight. I didn't start biking until recently. I had not biked at all since I was a teenager and started hitting these MTB trails after my dh got me into it. All my weight is mainly the tummy, the hips...and breasts. I have this problem with late night eating. I'm a night owl and I tend to snack late at night. I have been riding 2-3 times a week for about 2 weeks now and doing tae bo twice a week. So far I have gained a little which I know must be muscle. I am still nursing so I know that helps my metabolism. I have lost 35 pounds since I had our third...but my target weight is 130...I hope if I keep this up I can lose the pounds. I want to be better and faster and I know losing weight will help me in my manuevering, speed and just all around...


Edited to say silly me not paying attentiong to the thread title...it's the lack of sleep I tell ya!

[rocknrollgirl]

Hi guys,
I have been following this thread and I want to add my 2 cents. I just turned 45 this month, and a few years ago I too started to notice a change. I was running and biking and hiking and still did not feel that I was in the shape I should be in. Not a huge belly, just not where I should be.

And then I rededicated myself to weight training again. Now I am not talking a huge aamount of time, or a huge amount of weight, just twice a week for 30- 40 mins. I did have to cut back on my cardio to fit it in.

Well, I have to tell you it made a huge difference in how I looked and felt. So in my case at least, to keep my engine revving and my metabolism high, I have to lft some weights. All of the cardio in the world was not doing it for me.

So for those of you out there who are not lifting, you may want to give it a try. I really do feel it will make a difference.

Ruth

[hirakukibou]

All my weight is mainly the tummy, the hips...and breasts. I have this problem with late night eating. I'm a night owl and I tend to snack late at night.

This thread is really helpful. I too carry my extra weight in my belly. I am 5' 2'' and used to weigh 220 lbs which I gained from a medication. I changed medications and the weight came off and am now 125. But the belly still persists. And like you, trailmommy, I am a night eater, sometimes binger and it is causing me to gain weight. I actually have gained 10 pounds since the end of the summer and the trend worries me. So, I know that I have to work on my compulsive eating and also at getting more exercise. I rode on average 200 miles per week in the summer months and that has dropped to half now that the weather is yucky some of the time. I do weight lift some, but could do more. I think I am going to have to break down and join the gym to get the aerobic exercise my body and mood need.

[PinkBike]

trail mommy, for being 5'9, i don't think your goal should be 130, that is way too thin. i'm 5'8, and when i was 130 (five years ago) everyone said i was too skinny, even the doctor. then menopause struck and now i'm 148 pounds.

i just can't accept this weight, my clothes still fit but they're tight and i like them loose. i can't eat any less than i do, so i'm following this thread and seeing that maybe i need to do some weight training to jumpstart my metabolism.

ladies, is that even realistic? does weight training help your metabolism? also, any other thoughts on the south beach diet? i do totally low fat right now, which has been successful for 30 years and has now failed me.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

trail mommy, for being 5'9, i don't think your goal should be 130, that is way too thin. i'm 5'8, and when i was 130 (five years ago) everyone said i was too skinny, even the doctor.

I was going to say the same thing. 5'9" and 130 pounds seems WAY too thin to be healthy. Even 140 would be very thin at that height.

[roguedog]

"Buddha Belly". I love it. I thought I was the only one who called it that!

uh... (as I shovel dinner into my mouth and having gained 5 lbs over tday (damn))

I now just called it the underbelly of success..

[KnottedYet]

trail mommy, for being 5'9, i don't think your goal should be 130, that is way too thin. i'm 5'8, and when i was 130 (five years ago) everyone said i was too skinny, even the doctor.

I'm 5'8 and 145, and I'm utterly thrilled at how lean I am! 140 would be nice, but 130 would be far too thin for me at 5'8, even though I have very "thin" bone structure.

At 5'9 I'd worry about 130. Seems like a person would have to lose a lot of muscle to get that low.

Can you try switching your food from night-time to morning? If I eat a ridiculous huge b'fast, I eat much less the rest of the day; and less over all without ever feeling hungry.

[hellosunshine]

ive just been put onto the gi diet,check it out,in theory it should sort out cravings,and help energy levels.ACCEPT,the 20 yr olds have flat stomachs,but we have a wealth of experiences and life knocks as well as that extra roll,which would you rather,and some lucky ones have kids too.,what a reward for an extra bit of blob!

[Velobambina]

I've read that having extra fat in your midsection helps protect your bones when you go thru menopause. I'll take the belly over osteoporosis any day!

Lifting weights will do wonders for you -- I'm almost 44 and have been lifting about 10 years. Heavy weights. I'm much stronger now than when I was 20 and I look better, too. Best of all, I don't have to ask my husband to pick up heavy items, open jars, etc. ;)

[eclectic]

I've read that having extra fat in your midsection helps protect your bones when you go thru menopause. I'll take the belly over osteoporosis any day!


Wow first I've heard that but at least it makes it a plus :)

I think weight training is the best gift any woman can give to herself (well one of the best - a new bike would be nice :) It has soooo many benefits.

RE the belly fat (mine is all abdominal) Now everyone can tell me "my you look like your mother . . . grandmother. . . aunt . . . cousin ....." Sometimes you just can't fight genetics :D

[Lucky 13]

I was talking to one of my colleagues the other day who works in the OR. She called her belly and "insurance policy" as sometimes women who have breast cancer, and have to have mastectomies may elect to do a "TRAM" flap, where they use belly skin (and fat) as breast replacements. This avoids the other type of breast implants (silicone or saline). Interestingly, those who do have TRAM flaps and who normally gain weight in their mid section, when they do gain weight.....gain weight in their new breasts! Needless to say, my colleagues were not eager to lose the belly or have liposuction to quickly...they really consider it an insurance policy of sorts!

Anyway, I think I'm gonna do a modified South Beach. Knock of the white carb/sugar stuff, increase my protein, and try to eat frequent small meals.
It will be a challenge during the holiday season, but gotta start somewhere!

Lucky

[eclectic]

I was talking to one of my colleagues the other day who works in the OR. She called her belly and "insurance policy" as sometimes women who have breast cancer, and have to have mastectomies may elect to do a "TRAM" flap, where they use belly skin (and fat) as breast replacements. This avoids the other type of breast implants (silicone or saline). Interestingly, those who do have TRAM flaps and who normally gain weight in their mid section, when they do gain weight.....gain weight in their new breasts! Needless to say, my colleagues were not eager to lose the belly or have liposuction to quickly...they really consider it an insurance policy of sorts!

Anyway, I think I'm gonna do a modified South Beach. Knock of the white carb/sugar stuff, increase my protein, and try to eat frequent small meals.
It will be a challenge during the holiday season, but gotta start somewhere!

Lucky

Very interesting! Silver lining in everything

I starting SB the middle of September and looked at it as a way of life. I LOVE it and feel so much better. (plus dropping 16 lbs so far) I really recommend the 2 week carb cleansing period - it isn't that tough and you know it is only going to last 2 weeks. It takes some planning but is very doable and at the end the cravings really are gone. (I did eat some bread a couple of hours before riding my bike or exercising to keep the glycogen stores up - Dr anaston, the author of SB, recommends that even during the low carb first 2 weeks)

I made it through thanksgiving eating smaller portions and healthier choices although 2 pieces of pie and a piece of cake got worked into the mix somehow :p but I still lost a lb that week! Now after 3 months it is getting easier and easier, fruit tastes so much sweeter, I have more energy, sleep better and have less aches and pains! (I have also cut out beer and caffiene - blasphemy!) Red wine and Bacardi Limon are still on the list however :)

Good LUCK!