One more time. Again.

Posted on January 3, 2016

Well, here I go again! I don't know how many times over the years I've started this process. Whether it be at the New Year, or anytime in between. I've actually made my goal weight a few times along the way, but never kept it off for more than a year. I get lazy, it's easy to do, and the scale number creeps back up.

This past year was particularly difficult. I'm 51 and deeply mired in the muck of menopause. Ugh. Such a roller coaster of emotions and hormones. But it has become incredibly difficult for me to lose weight. My metabolism feels like someone poured rubber cement in it. So sluggish. I feel like I literally have to fight for each ounce I lose and it just doesn't happen without a pretty strict regimen of diet and exercise.

Over the course of the last year or so I lost about 18 pounds. But then life got super busy and stressful around the beginning of August and in 4 months I put it all back on. So discouraging for me. And during all this time my husband lost 85 lbs and super fit. I was happy for him, but it wasn't always easy to show it. Each time he weighed in he did a happy dance, and I was lucky to have lost a half pound, if any.

So here I am. Feeling positive again and ready to get this done. My overall plan is to Eat Better, Eat Less, and Move More. I find when I get too regimented it drives me crazy. So while I'm not really counting calories with an app, or not completely restricting carbs, I'm making mindful and better choices. I'm also seeking out organic ways to help with the hormone issues. And I'm definitely upping the exercise and cardio ante to try to kickstart my sluggish metabolism. Thankful to have a great group of friends and support all around me.

LisaA

walking/dancing/biking/hiking my way to better health

Comment Now!

Jessie

01/04/2016 3:51PM

I had to walk all the way to Mullen's room 2x... as when I got there, she informed me she needed more from me. LOL! More stairs = GOOD! Hope you had a great day too.

LisaA likes this comment.

Jessie

01/03/2016 3:32PM

Why is it that it's so much easier for guys than for us? My husband is the same way. We will just have to stick together and get it done! Here's to will power! (let's hope I have some!)

Cathy H. likes this comment.

Leah H.

01/03/2016 12:34PM

Have you ever thought of lifting weights instead of cardio?

LisaA likes this comment.

LisaA

I am adding more weight training to my routine this year. I tore a rotator cuff last year so my range of motion and strength in my left shoulder/arm are pretty low. It's a long slow process to heal this thing.

Leah H.

ouch! good for you. More muscle means more calories burning all the time! Here's to a great 2016!

Dawn M.

01/03/2016 6:15AM

I think you have a really good attitude, Lisa. I'm no good at heavy duty restrictions, because I inevitably rebel or abandon them. Small, sustainable changes will stick. I'm right with you on the menopausal metabolism, but as long as we don't give up, we'll get there. :)

LisaA likes this comment.

LisaA

Look at us rebels! LOL! Who knew? This time lets rebel against the inevitable and kick menopause in the butt! Sounds good, right? It won't be easy. All the hormonal changes have clearly changed both my body shape and just the way I look and respond to everything physically. Hate it. But I'm prepared to fight and I don't lose gracefully - lean and mean in 2016!

Beth R.

01/03/2016 6:06AM

Ugh I hear you about having to re-start over and over again. I figure that it's better than never having tried at all though! While I re-gained what I lost on the dietbet this past summer I also have to look at the fact that I'm still far away from the 200+ I was after having the kids. Baby steps! I foremost want to look at ways to combat stress - that is one of my main reasons for overeating and getting lazy with the exercise again. Good luck to us both!!

LisaA likes this comment.

View 1 more comment

Johnoson C.

This is going to be your year!!!!!!

LisaA

Thanks! Yours too. Lets do this!