cel.vr's Journal, 20 Oct 23

How old are you? (I am female and this is a relevant question 😊) 

40 😊 

Long messages incoming... 1/2 Oestrogen is one of the hormones that regulates metabolism and insulin secretion. Going off the pill means your body has to rely on natural oestrogen again, which may be in short supply. If you're nearing perimenopause, this is more likely the case. Due to various complicated factors, I went into perimenopause in my mid-30s (I'm early 40s now) and can confirm that it doesn't take much to gain weight when your natural oestrogen is low. Sugar, white wheat, alcohol and dairy are HUGE culprits, specifically because of how they affect insulin. If your weight gain is mainly in your hips and belly, it's likely that you're more insulin-resistant because of the sudden drop in natural oestrogen. If this is the case, the major rules of thumb for diet and exercise for weight loss apply. This is what has worked for me - use it; don't use it, but it took me the LONG road to learn: ... 

2/2 1. Lower your calories and increase your movement. If you can maintain a deficit of 500-600 calories then you should lose weight gradually. And be strict with your tracking because rogue calories have a way of sneaking in to ruin it all. Be very honest with yourself. 2. Protein. Protein. Protein. Make sure you are feeding your muscles, as this will help to increase your resting metabolism (which happens gradually over time and needs consistency). 3. Weight training is essential. Your protein intake needs to be utilised. Weight training doesn't mean bulking up, it means focusing on bodyweight exercises, building lean muscle and strengthening your core. Squats, planks, bridges, burpees, push-ups, pull-ups, lunges are all your friends - as are a set of heavy dumbbells and compound exercises. Focusing on lean muscle will also support your bones. An early decline in oestrogen increases the risk of osteoporosis and heart disease, but regular cardio and weight training can reduce that risk. Take a magnesium supplement if you aren't already. 4. Alcohol must go. Your liver processes alcohol first (because it's literally poisonous to your body), which means the conversion of your macronutrients to usable energy has to wait. Alcohol gets in the way of weight loss and health in general in so many ways, so if you want to kickstart weight loss, the easiest way is to ditch the poison. I really miss a good glass of red wine, but the last time I drank it, it triggered horrible night sweats and a lot more hair fell out than usual. It's not worth it. 5. Reduce simple carbs (sugar, biscuits, bread, pasta, lactose) and you'll have more room in your calorie RDI for the good stuff: protein, good fats and complex carbs - especially vegetables (low-calorie; filling). Don't deep-fry anything. 6. Eat your main meal in the middle of the day. Eat your last small meal at least 3 hours before you go to sleep. GET GOOD SLEEP - at least 7 - 8 hours a night. Try to keep 12 hours between supper and breakfast. 7. Try to sort out your hormones before you do any intermittent fasting. IF didn't work for me because my body is more efficient without starvation. 8. Get REAL honest with yourself about the role of food in your life. We all eat emotionally. If you have a pattern of losing a bit of weight, gaining it back, losing a bit, gaining it back, then become conscious of how you might be using treats as a way of rewarding your weight loss. This is self-sabotage at its best. Eat for fuel. Get scientific about how macronutrients work and how to optimise what you eat to get the best out of your day (see above about main meal for lunch and getting enough sleep, etc.). When you experience hard emotions, write about what you're feeling to get those emotions out of your body. Acknowledging what you feel will have a significant impact on eating patterns - just try it. If you want to stay off the pill, then the supplements to try for hormone regulation are: Black cohosh Ashwagandha Shatavari Panax ginseng Moringa Maca root (all available in capsule and/or powder format at Clicks and Dischem) Go see a doctor and get your hormones tested 🌸 My doctor said I was too young for menopause until I insisted on the blood tests.  

Wow thank you for your message!! I will definitely make a few tweaks and see what the outcome is. I thought I had water retention but what you said makes so much sense!  

You're so welcome. I researched this for years and have implemented a lot of good changes. My body is finally coming to the party - it does eventually pay off. All the best 💐 

Hormones can be hell! the only way I can make my way through it, I drink a vitamin in the morning "Slowmag" apparently magnesium helps beat cravings. and Slowmag has a great magnesium boost  

@foodshaped thanks so much for taking the time to share; I will definitely be using as a 45 year old woman with Graves Disease. With super appreciation! XXX 

@jadesnell Only a pleasure. I hope it helps. Thyroid issues are a whole other kind of complicated, so I hope you are working with a specialist to get that under control. Be kind to yourself in the meantime x 

I am 25. I went off the pill about 5 months ago. Since then I have picked up about 7kgs. Feel like I have blown up like a balloon. Have battled constant bloating too. My eating habits hadn’t changed. Was the same. You are not the only one.