How to Address Midlife Weight Gain Related to Menopause
Aline struggles with the types of issues many women deal with during midlife. She’s going through menopause, has gained weight and can’t seem to drop those last 10-15 pounds. She eats relatively healthy and exercises regularly, but the tricks she used to lose weight in her thirties no longer work in her late forties.
While it is tempting to credit hormones for the extra weight she is carrying, there is more going on for Aline at this stage in her life than just a slowing metabolism. She’s also experienced a slowing of her work life and her children are older and need less of her attention. Aline has noticed that she often turns to food to fill in the gaps left by these changes.
As a mother, Aline prioritizes her family and wants to be a good role model. She wants her kids to see that it is important to practice self-care and knows that feeling guilty for doing things that bring her joy does not set a good example. Yet she feels conflicted because she believes she needs to compensate for her changing hormones with an even stricter diet.
This dynamic along with a few other subconscious limiting beliefs have left her feeling stuck and unsure how to improve her healthstyle at this stage of life.
Wish you had more time to listen to the podcast? I use an app called Overcast (no affiliation) to play back my favorite podcasts at faster speeds, dynamically shortening silences in talk shows so it doesn’t sound weird. It’s pretty rad.
Related links:
Home Court Habits: The Secret to Effortless Weight Control
Limiting Beliefs: The No.1 Thing That Prevents You from Changing Your Habits
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This podcast was very powerful for me. Even though I am older than Aline- I’m 65- I have retired and sort of lost my sense of purpose. I find myself needing to fill myself up at times when not hungry, but food is there. I have gained 10 pounds since retiring. The biggest insight from this podcast is that I also feel guilt around doing things for myself simply for pleasure.
My husband is still working, and so I spend my days doing housework and cooking and feel guilty that I’m not organizing my closets, etc. and doing more.
Thank you,Darya and Aline, for the insight that its okay to enjoy things and have fun. Now I will work on putting this concept into practice!
As a 48 year old woman whose children are almost grown (one already’s gone!), this podcast really spoke to me. It is hard as the kids get older to find a new sense of purpose. I found that once I got past the idea that my life needed to be all about them, there was a wonderful world out there for me! I’ve taken up lots of new hobbies and am really enjoying myself. I think, in addition to being a role model for my children regarding nutrition and fitness, it’s important for them to see me pursuing things I enjoy for myself. And when I talk to them about it, they actually agree! Great episode! Thank you!
I, too, am older (turning 60 in August), but gained a lot of insight from this podcast. I had lost 30 pounds on Medi Weight loss, but have gained about 12 back. I need to lost about 35 pounds to be at a healthier weight. I realize that I do need to do more with strength training – I do some, but obviously not enough. I have a home-baking business. When I have tons of orders, it is so easy to eat out – just don’t want to deal anymore with the stove. This podcast has given me a lot to think about. I also need to try more to do the mindful eating. Again, I am always thinking about what I need to do next. Thanks for all you do!
I’m on my 3rd listen to this episode. I can relate in so many ways to Aline’s story and her honesty combined with Darya’s insights have helped me to shift my own story about my body. I now have a useful context for what is happening at 46 years of age, with two kids growing older, a shifting employment situation, and a very real desire to have a strong and well-cared-for body! I’m paying attention to my “wise but not accurate” subconscious, looking at discomfort in a new way and seeking more gray areas. Thanks to you both for sending this thoughtful and empowering conversation into the world.