Getting older is exploring uncharted territory.  So very often things that worked in your youth can’t be relied on now: like when you try to lose weight.  There are people who feel that once you hit menopause and gain weight your destiny has been sealed.  And it’s true that you can probably forget those diets that melted pounds away in your 20’s, 30’s and even 40’s – menopausal weight gain is a formidable adversary that has triumphed over even the most stalwart diet and exercise fanatic.  It is formidable – but are things hopeless?

Your doctors will acknowledge that weight gain is the norm during menopause, yet in another breath they’ll complain that you should really be dropping some of that weight.  Hang on, isn’t there a missing link here?  We’re experiencing an extreme life changing phenomenon – how about a little help beyond the typical lame advice “you should eat less and exercise more” – really???  This is where I actually feel sorry for those women who have never had to think about dieting before.  These poor souls are cut adrift and left to fend for themselves in a terrifying void of useful knowledge while simultaneously being pelted with every “lose weight fast” scam in the stratosphere.  At least those of us who have spent our lives on a gain/lose yo-yo have a modicum of working knowledge – a weight loss barometer if you will.  But even with years of dieting experience the reality that you’re in menopause and you have gained is daunting.

In an earlier post I mentioned that the diet I used to lose 35 pounds – 6 years ago – was merely helping me tread water now.  I was at my wits end and starting to think that my fate had been sealed.  For some inexplicable reason I decided to give NutriSystem a try.  And to my great surprise and delight it has been working.  I’ve lost 20 pounds and it honestly hasn’t been all that hideous.  I feel so much better!  My balance has actually improved.  And I love fitting into pants that couldn’t be buttoned earlier this year.  This has been a good move for me.  But don’t expect to see me waltzing around in a bikini in a NutriSystem commercial any time soon.  And now that I think of it they seem to have backed off on the “ladies of the night” string bikini parade since Mormon Marie signed on as celeb spokesperson.

It’s not that I wouldn’t endorse using this weight loss program, but don’t be fooled into thinking it’s as effortless as they try to make it seem.  I guess they’re afraid that total honesty will keep too many customers away – but it’s challenging until you figure out how to make the program work for you.  I would strongly suggest talking to a real person who has had success before making the significant investment.  It’s not right for everyone.

Not to mention that by my calculations I still have another 10 or maybe even 15 pounds yet to go.  In fact I won’t really know when I’m done until I get there.   So for me there are still some unanswered questions, like “will I get there?” and “will I keep it off?”  The things that only time will tell.  What I can tell you right now is that losing weight during and after menopause is absolutely possible.  Hard work – but possible.  So I’m a work in progress but I’m living proof that there’s hope.

It’s been quite a struggle making myself write about this.  I admit that it makes me feel somewhat exposed.  Wrestling with my weight is not really something I ever wanted to address publicly.  I also hate to put myself out there as a shining example when I really am a work in progress.  But it’s a very real challenge of menopause and it’s a very pivotal point in so many lives.  It’s one of the hardest obstacles to overcome – and it can really make you feel so isolated and overwhelmed.  I think it will help to know that you’re not alone.  And if it’s working for me it can work for you.