Over 40 Belly Blues

[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

[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 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!