weight loss support?

[kjay]

I probably shouldn't be adding my two cents here because I haven't read through all the posts, but just want to say that ever since I've been in my postmenopausal years, the only thing that has helped me to lose weight was bicycling five hours a day every day (on a bike tour). I lost three pounds and ate enough for energy and nutrition. Otherwise, it's next to impossible for me to lose. Not a happy thought, is it? . . . unless, of course, one lives to ride and has the time as well.

[emily_in_nc]

I probably shouldn't be adding my two cents here because I haven't read through all the posts, but just want to say that ever since I've been in my postmenopausal years, the only thing that has helped me to lose weight was bicycling five hours a day every day (on a bike tour). I lost three pounds and ate enough for energy and nutrition. Otherwise, it's next to impossible for me to lose. Not a happy thought, is it? . . . unless, of course, one lives to ride and has the time as well.

I think that happens to a lot of women after menopause - I guess it's a serious slowdown in metabolism?? My mother, who was a skinny rail in her 20s-30s-40s, put on a lot of weight after menopause and has seriously struggled with her weight ever since (she's 71 now). No matter how little she eats, she can't lose more than a few lbs, and that amount doesn't show since she has 30-40 lbs. to lose. She doesn't exercise nearly enough, though. She's always hated sweating. Knowing that I share a good number of her genes and am thin now, at 45 and pre-menopausal, I am determined to stay very active for the rest of my life. If I don't, I can look at her and see what is likely to happen to me.

I guess it pays to do everything possible to get to one's ideal weight prior to menopause, since it's so hard for many women to lose weight afterwards.

Emily

[nancielle]

You might like to check out "Sparkpeople". It's a free diet/exercise/lifestyle change site. You can track your food intake, they have meal plans, track your weight, etc. There's a boatload of message boards for support.http://www.sparkpeople.com