Over 40 Belly Blues

[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?!?!

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?

Oh well, rather than flog myself mentally I think I'll just meditate on the Venus of Willendorf and recite an Earth Mother Goddess mantra instead.

[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?

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. 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.

[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! (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!

[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.