Before I jump into the first lesson, I just want to quickly remind you that the Organize Yourself Skinny eCourse is on sale for 50% off this week until October 8th, 2021, at 11:59 pm Eastern. Use code oct2021 at checkout! This sale is to celebrate my 11-year weight loss journey anniversary. Learn more and enroll here.
Hey there!
Okay, let's get to my first lesson learned.
When I started my weight loss journey, I was 35. My big issue back then was trying to work full-time while juggling little kids. That was so hard! Ugh, it sucked!
Not only was I exhausted all the time and stressed to the max, but I was also dealing with the emotional guilt of dropping my kids off at daycare every day, only to drag myself into a job that I grew to hate.
The great news is that I put in place habits and routines that helped me get my life under control.
For example:
- Creating weekly meal plans.
- Carving out time each week to meal prep.
- Starting a morning exercise routine.
- Time-blocking and other time management habits.
But, here's the thing. I used to think I didn't have the time to do any of these things, but then I forced myself because I wanted to lose weight.
What I quickly learned is that all of those habits I thought I didn't have time for were the exact things that helped me add more time to my schedule, in addition to losing weight. That's where the real change happened in my life.
Even though I now own a home business, and my kids are older, all of those habits still help me today the way they did back then.
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However, one of the most significant issues I have now, and I guess the lesson learned, is managing hormones while keeping up with a healthy lifestyle.
It's not easy.
As a 46-year older woman, here are some of the weight loss struggles I experience.
Exhaustion. There are times throughout the month where I'm so tired I could lay on the kitchen floor and sleep soundly. And it's not tired with kids feeling; it's pure exhaustion that comes out of nowhere and will give me a sucker punch.
Migraines. Again, there are times during the month where my head feels like it will explode.
Lack of motivation. Is this hormonal related? I don't know, but I'm going to blame hormones anyway. Because tired + headache = no motivation to do anything. And then when I don't exercise for a few days, it makes it so challenging to get back on track.
Stubborn midsection. I guess I should just say it, belly fat. Ugh, I hate that word. Honestly, I always struggled with my stomach area. But, not like I do now. It seems that's where all my extra weight goes.
Not only is losing weight difficult in perimenopause but maintaining it is even more challenging.
Over the last 5-6 years, I've learned some tips that help me manage this hormonal time of life. I wouldn't say I have it all figured out, I'm always working towards getting better.
Here are the things that help me:
Listen to your body. A hormonal body is a loud body, at least for me. It will tell me if a particular food or anything isn't working.
For example, 11 years ago, carbs were my friend, and as long as I ate pasta in moderation, I was good. The weight came off, and life was good.
Well, that has changed. I still eat carbs, but it's a minor part of my diet now because I tend to gain 5lbs just looking at it.
When I'm talking about the carbs that didn't work for me, I'm referring to pasta, bread, rice, and potatoes, not fruit or veggies.
Focus on the foods that help. This goes along with listening to your body. I figured out the foods that make me feel worse, but I also paid attention to the foods that help me feel better.
For example, green smoothies, mason jar salads, and dinners that include lean protein, veggies, and light on the rice, potatoes, and pasta work best for me. When I stick to that menu is when I feel and look my best.
Add in strength training. I fought using weights for years! I was a cardio queen and that's what worked for me in the beginning. Well, cardio didn't cut it once the perimenopause kicked in.
Then a few years ago I started to do light toning exercises along with my cardio and it made a huge difference. HUGE. I finally started to see results again.
Women lose a lot of muscle as we get older so adding toning exercises is essential to losing and maintaining weight loss.
Get sleep. As I said, I'm going to be exhausted no matter what, but if I skimp on sleep it will be 100% worse. So, I make it a priority to get 7-8 hours of sleep a night.
Stay hydrated! This has been important since the beginning but as I got older I felt more of the negatives effects of not drinking enough water.
Drinking smoothies helps tremendously with hydration but to keep my hormonal migraines under control I need to also prioritize drinking water.
I know these lessons are not groundbreaking. But they have worked wonders for me. Also, I think it's good that these are more straightforward habits because you can fit them into your lifestyle without a lot of time or money.
So, those are my lessons learned about weight loss as I've transitioned into my hormonal season of life. Fun times!
Okay, the next lesson will come your way on Monday. Have a great weekend!
Don't forget; the Organize Yourself Skinny eCourse is on sale for 50% off. The final price comes to $63 after the discount. So, if you've been on the fence about enrolling in the eCourse, then now is a perfect time.
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Tammy Overhoff
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