Life Update: My Mindset to Achieve the Most Positive Changes! 

I’ve followed you since the red brick wall days. We are the same age and I am going through something similar. The weight gain is horrible and mix that with being tired and low motivation. Yikes! We keep fighting though! So glad you are being open with us. Especially as we get older, women need to band together and support one another. And, feel comfortable talking about uncomfortable things. Keep up the good work Lisa!

I’m 52. I’m 5’9’. I was 195 lbs January 1 2022, today I’m now 140 lbs, I went from a size 10/12 to a 6/4, it took me 10 months to get to goal weight and I’ve kept it off! I had always been thin, easily lost weight this was different. I was so depressed. Yup hormones are a real thing. Don’t like medications so I did a ton or research. First I completely and I mean completely stopped having any alcohol for a solid 7 months. I did start measuring out all my food and making every single meal high protein. I also for the first time started concentrating on weights instead of cardio for working out. I watched a RU-vid video on weight programs for women geared for our age I do all my workouts at home…. A treadmill and free weights. I have three weights two armheld barbell things and a Kettlebell that’s it. . Legs, thighs , consistent weight program. Two days cardio three days weights. The weight very slowly but consistently came off. A solid pound a week. 5-7 pounds per month. I’m now the healthiest and strongest I’ve ever been. Menopause issues…. Acne etc are gone. Research natural foods that help w hormones for women. Carrot salad, broccoli etc. Carrot salad recipe I feel strongly about. I went out to eat once a week only. Saturday night. Ordered what I wanted even dessert. Didn’t count calories that meal. But my body started naturally craving protein cleaner food. Weight lifting does that and it also burns fat faster. Honestly if you want to ask me questions I think I can help. I didn’t follow any program just researched. I lost 55 lbs and changed my body and just am happier all around! Peace. Carrie

Shout out to all my grumpy menopausal chubby sisters. I never used to be like this. Its soooo hard. 52. Not giving up get - still trying,

I hear ya, Lisa. I'm older than you & was about 180 lbs for a few years. I started cooking healthier, walking 4 times per week, cycling & skiing. I think the main reason I'm back to my current weight at 160 lbs are the changes I've made in the kitchen - drinking more water, cutting out chips & cutting back on sweets. It's not easy, believe me but start in the kitchen & do activities that you enjoy doing most days.

I’m so glad you’re talking about these struggles and I love that you say not to accept all of these struggles as “normal” Life can’t end at 50!! I’ll be 55 next month and am also struggling so much. Tammy’s ageless beauty has lots of high protein and other food ideas too. ❤ love this topic!!!

Same age, similar issues. I increased protein and healthy fats, eat lots of fiber-rich carbs, and have cut out most processed foods and sugary desserts. All of my perimenopause symptoms are gone (no more anxiety, interrupted sleep, fatigue or brain fog), and I'm back to my normal adult weight. I feel better than I have in years--so much more energy and, more importantly, I feel like myself again. Our bodies process carbs differently when our hormones shift in perimenopause. Small changes make a big difference. I thought this change would be hard, but I am so satiated by my meals, I don't even snack most days. I hope you find what works for you.

Hi Lisa. I’m a long time follower and love your content. I’m 55 and feel good and at my target weight consistently 5’7” 135. We lose our estrogen at menopause and we need it. I’m on HRT and started learning what my body needed mostly by watching Dr Barbara Taylor aka menopause Taylor on you tube. She is a god send for getting women our age correct information. You can even have a private consultation with her. We don’t need any gimmicks or resets. Our hormones change in menopause and we completely lose our needed estrogen. Please look her up or another reputable doctor that actually knows about women in menopause. It’s crazy how most doctors don’t know or really care what women go through . Dr. Taylor does. Dominique Sachse is the way I found this doctor. Good luck in your menopause journey Lisa

I would describe your style as elevated classic comfortable.

I just want to reach out and give you a huge virtual hug❤ 🤗 I’ve been here since “red brick” days and I have always thought of you as authentic, genuine and confident person. Nothing has changed (just a few numbers). I know you will rock this 8 week program and come back stronger, happier, healthier💪 💯Thank you for opening your channel to this uncomfortable conversation ❤ Real women, real talk! Love it!👊

I am 59 and am 5’3” and weigh 135. I intermittent fast, am plant based and play tennis, walk and do weights. I went plant based because I became aware that meats are all high fat foods. I used to eat mainly baked skinless chicken which I finally realized was still a high fat food. How was I to lose weight eating a high fat food almost everyday.??? Now I eat lots of beans, vegetables, rice, gluten free pasta, etc. research it, All meat and fish are high fat. I finally realized continuing to do the same type of diet to lose weight and fail was insanity. I had nothing to lose, went plant based and will never go back. I am also oil free, even Evoo, no dairy, low sugar.

You're such a genuine, open, sweet person Lisa. Thank you for sharing with us and I think we all can relate to this in some way or another.

Great video. I’m right there with you in so many ways. The hardest part is not knowing what to do to change things. I don’t want to go the drug route because I also don’t want to be on anything for the rest of my life when I have so much life left. Keep us posted on the new program and good luck!

What a wonderful video, it’s like you were describing how I feel right now too. My husband recently diagnosed with Severe coronary artery disease at 47 so we have had to really change diet and the food we eat. I was hopeful this would help with not only my ever increasing weight but also my mood. My husband is looking amazing and is loosing weight, he wasn’t overweight to start with but you can see the difference. I on the other hand seem to be increasing. It’s definitely harder as a woman as we age to loose weight, mine is all in my middle and I am only 5’3. Really appreciate you sharing something so personal, it helps to normalise how a lot of us must feel. BTW you look amazing 🤩

Menopausal symptoms suck. It’s so painful. I can’t sleep, my anxiety is thru the roof. I hate it here 🤦🏻‍♀️😂 I wish you so much luck with whatever path you choose girl. 💕

I feel ya girl! i'm a little older than you but have had the same weight gain and things i used to do aren't working. I am in menopause and it is crazy. belly fat, tired, dull skin blah blah blah. Thanks for sharing and i look forward to updates on your program.

Hi Lisa, I turned 50 in April and although I still have a regular cycle, I have similar symptoms that I refuse to accept due to my age. My joints have been a struggle for me- and about 3 years ago (47 years old) I could barely walk and was told my only course of action was a total knee replacement. That just seemed so severe. It took me a year to really figure out what I needed and April of 2022 I cut gluten from my diet. I have been gluten free for a little over and year and although I still occasionally have a painful catch in my knee, I run with my dogs and dance and walk with no issues. It is definitely not a weight loss fix. In fact I gained 20 lbs in the first few months. I have gotten most of that off since then and have learned to eat real food. Cut as much processed food out and it made all the difference. I’m excited to see the changes this next 8 weeks holds for you! You got this!!! 🤗

Hi Lisa. This is such a common story of nearly all women going through menopause. I am a nutritional endocrine consultant and although not wanting to interfere with your chosen programme am really happy to review your blood work and offer a second opinion should you want it. The main causes of weight gain in perimenopause are (a) relative increase in testosterone to estrogen and progesterone (b) Subclinical thyroid (c) Loss of Human Growth Hormone (d) Relative Increase in Cortisol (e) Low DHEA due to adrenal stress (f) Increase in Insulin and/or leptin resistance. (g) disruption of leptin and grehlin (controlling appetite) possibly due to the reasons below e.g. sex hormone loss and the need for a supply of estrogen! Loss of muscle mass as we age is a big factor in losing insulin sensitivity (and why both strength training and 7 minute HIIT are good because they increase muscle without increasing cortisol. HRT does help maintain an hour-glass shape providing it is bio-identical and dosed correctly. The reason why the body want s to put down fat is because the main estrogen supply (which every single receptor in the body needs even the eyes!), after menopause is from the fat cell (and a little from the adrenal gland), so it is beneficial to be fatter from an estrogen perspective! However, the type of estrogen changes as the estrogen stored in fat cells is 'estrone' which can be a more problematic estrogen, rather than estradiol produced from the ovary during our reproductive years. Obviously HRT is not for everyone. If you are showing signs of insulin resistance e.g. your HBA1c is greater than around 5.6 then you could try just taking Metformin (dosed differently than for diabetics); The problem with ozempic is that it not just depletes fat but also muscle....hence probably the rebound weight gain found by many, plus there are more onerous side effects that this potentially. No-one wants to lose muscle mass with age!! Metformin is a very well tested drug and can even increase longevity, is more readily available and can offer a 7% weight loss in most people with correct diet and exercise! It is worth discussing with your clinician! Hope you start to feel better soon....I am now 59 btw and still in perimenopause, and even with all my knowledge I still have a bit of weight to lose. I am not currently taking HRT nor metformin or anything else to assist in that weight loss. Btw, you can also investigate carbohydrate and fat blockers....but you need to be cautious with these as they can cause bloating and gastro upset but do result in about a 300 calorie deficit. I certainly do not recommended these to everyone, but they are another option. I hope you feel more like your old self really soon. Perimenopause is a drag...make no mistake!

I’ve had to switch to weight lifting/strength training and lifting heavier. I follow Caroline Girvan. Really love her programs. It’s made a huge difference. I’m also tracking my steps and slowly increasing them. I’ve also had to change my diet as well. It is working, slower than it used to when I was younger, but it is working. I’m hoping you have found what will work for you and look forward to seeing how it goes for you! You can do it!!!!

I loved this video. Thank you for being so open ❤️❤️❤️

Thanks so much for sharing- it is not easy going through these changes. I am working with Laura - I started in January - the program is great- the food is amazing. I hope you love it as much as I do! You got this!!

I can relate. I'd suggest intermittent fasting - eating 2 meals a day + snack in between within a 8 hour window and then reducing the window to 7 and then 6 hours. After covid lockdowns I had the quarantine 15 (plus a few) and was estrogen dominant and couldn't lose more than 5 of those lbs. I couldn't believe how hard it was to lose the weight at age 40, I was eating healthy and exercising regularly. It was so much easier in my 30s. It took some time, but I got back to my goal of 130 lbs, I'm also 5'6". I changed my lifestyle and still do the fasting years later. At first I crammed my 3 meals worth of food into the two meals + snack, and was then able to lessen the size of the meals and the weight came off and stayed off. I can eat sweets a few times a week too. Just don't snack after your final meal of the day. I eat brunch and dinner personally, but you can play with your eating window.

Yes I am 48 and starting to go through this. I started intermittent fasting and clean eating. I am down 11 pounds and feeling so much better. I understand it when you say nothing works and the weight just keeps coming. I am rooting for you!

Great video! Honest, vulnerable, and one so may of us can relate to!

Thanks for sharing with us and keeping it real. I'm feeling the same frustration that no matter what I do, it's not working, and I'm gaining weight just from breathing. I look forward for your updates and good luck!

Right there with you. Wishing you luck. Hope you continue to share your journey with us. I am glad to know I'm not the only one feeling this way❤

Best of luck Lisa! This is a great shift in your videos, good for you for finding the courage to share it with us.

I’d love to see a closet edit.

Love your hair! I’ve gained 20lbs over the last 10 years (I’m 43) and after trying EVERYTHING, the generic Ozempic made the fat melt right off. I have since completed six months of it and weaned myself off and have been successful at staying at my goal weight with lots of protein and fiber and exercise.

I’m 60 and I had a heck of a time losing the last 10 pounds bad belly bloat! What I did was Intemitten Fasting!! Gin Stephens changed my life and I feel so much better and didn’t feel like I was deprived. I have a big sweet tooth but I don’t feel like I’m on a diet with intermittent fasting. Don’t do the diet drug. I doesn’t last. Look into intermittent fasting. I don’t exercise either and still eat sweets. Get rid of this diet brain and limitation. It’s like a punishment when I hear you talk about all this. Good luck I feel you. I was there

Lisa, I went thru the EXACT SAME THING !! What helped me a lot was a change in diet. I eat a gluten, dairy free diet and mostly veg/fruit/protein. And I try to be sugar free but like you I love sweets so I limit them to special occasions . It's difficult at first but really works. And i have to be so careful because I can gain it back quickly. You will figure it out!!

Love this and you. ❤❤❤

Luv this video! Thank you for sharing! ❤Ana

Lisa I have followed you since the red brick wall days. Loved this video. Also your hair is amazing, the color and style is so pretty, fresh and summer-ish.

Same...I understand your discouragment!! I've always been thin until perimenopause. I am losing weight right now by cutting portions in half, very little sugar, rice, pasta and potatoes. Minimal snacks...and a type of intermittent fasting (14 hours)...it's the only way the weight is coming off. I've come to the conclusion that this is how it needs to be for the rest of my life (I'm 64). 😢 I am also taking the same approach with my wardrobe...I just purged my closet...feels so great!

Thank you so much for sharing. I’m 46 and over the past few years I’ve noticed that it’s harder to to a point where my stomach is flat and I’m sure I’m creeping up in weight. I don’t know for sure because I refuse to weigh myself but I just can see it. I complain to my husband about it but he says that I’m getting older and I’m not going to stay the same weight forever. But I’m with you, I’m not going to accept that as an excuse. I’ve noticed issues with mood, not able to sleep, night sweats, etc. and my doctor said it’s pre-menopause and many people have success going back on the pill. So I tried it and it actually does help with sleep and mood. It’s crazy because I’ve tried to stop just to see if anything changes and somehow my husband can tell with my mood and I don’t even tell him I stopped. I am worried the pill is affecting my weight and I’d prefer not to be on it so that’s why I keep trying to stop. Who in the heck knows. I wish I could just embrace how I look and enjoy life. My daughters are teenagers and they all embrace curves and they WANT a bigger but. I just haven’t grown up with that mindset! They are lucky to be in this age where curves and acceptable.

I’m right there with you. I’m so glad to see this video, it hits home and not something I’ve talked to anybody about… and here I am commenting on the interweb lol. But I need to voice it, so Thank You. I’m a few yrs older than you and over the past year have not felt like “me”. I’m on a similar journey. I’m active and healthy but feel stuck. It’s not just the extra lbs, it’s that “feeling” of not being me and feeling anxious, brain fog, etc. I’m also at the point where those little words “you’re too old for that” are creeping in from others….. but what do they know lok😂 We will get through this and be far better on the other side.

I just love you. Thank you for the video. I’ve gained weight and it’s been so hard for me to get off too. I’m 47 and 180 and it’s been so frustrating.

How are you 49?!?!? I remember you showing us your wedding shoes! You’re going to kill it! ❤

Thank you for making this video! I feel exactly the same - it's like I'm me, but not me!!! You're not alone!!! I've decided the same thing re: ozempic. It's definitely tempting, but I'm looking for long term results too. We can totally do this and we will get there! 💗💗💗

Thank you for talking about this Lisa!

Hi Lisa. I’m 60 years old and peri menopausal. I had 10 lbs that I couldn’t lose matter what. Finally I tried an 11 day meal plan called MetaBoost to boost the metabolism by use of spices. You also use certain combinations of fruits that make them better for us so I can eat a whole banana when it’s paired with blueberries and strawberries for example. I lost 8 lbs in 11 days, put 2 back on. That summer we vacationed in Disney and because of all the walking, I lost 4 pounds in 6 days. I was also very careful how I ate, but I certainly did eat and snack. This worked for me. I still make the smoothies that I had in the meal plan but didn’t love all the spices. I will still use the ones I enjoyed. I maintained my weight for about 1 1/2 years but regained 5 lbs in January. I believe because I wasn’t walking as much because it was wintertime (I live in NY). Peri menopause/menopause is no joke. Find what works for you and stick with it. Lifestyle changes are necessary for us at this stage. 🌹

My daughters and I just had this conversation two days ago I would like to lose 18 pounds and I beat myself up that I walk four miles in the morning trying to eat more protein and it just doesn’t budge my feelings about ozempic is I’d like the quick fix but then the cycle of beating myself up again over weight gain after going off it

I'm so glad you did not go on the "quick fix, trendy" diet shot. I follow a life coach on RU-vid that tells you like it is, no it's because of menopause, kids, the list goes on. You're diet isn't on point and you're not moving your body. She's right, but your friends and family won't tell you that when your out eating brunch and sipping cocktails!

I’m 36 and a late onset T1D. Nothing I was doing to lose weight was working. Nothing! My body was holding on to weight and at 5’3” I was at 174 pounds. It was mentally and physically debilitating. So my endo put me on ozempic. I started out on the .25mg for 3 months, then moved up to .5mg for two months and then only 1mg now. I’ve lost 40 pounds since September. Very slow and smooth is the key to keeping the weight off. I’ll slowly go down on my dose and just have a maintenance dose of .25mg bc there are added benefits of cardiovascular health with ozempic. Maintain a healthy diet and exercise while you’re on it as well. It’s not an easy or simple fix, if done correctly. You don’t want to shock your body into overdrive, but I don’t regret going on it. Also, I only pay $100 for 3 months. You can try Semalgutide or wegovy. But my insurance also doesn’t cover Mounjaro. That one costs thousands of dollars per month.

Jen Lefforge has been opening up about perimenomause symptoms also. But sure, if she'd be helpful for you.

I love you are sharing I do believe you are not alone I’m 51 and sounds like you are talking about me lol😊

I am 100% there with you. My pre-2020 high weight vs. now are very different numbers and progress to get that down is slow, so much so that I typically get frustrated after a month and go back to not worrying about it. However I also feel sluggish and not myself and I know that I need to make a real change to get out of what feels like a perpetual funk. I am glad to hear you are still doing the N-Sale but looking at it differently. I feel like I always end up with some things that don't get used and I need to be more intentional with my purchases--not to mention I'd like to make progress on my weight.

It’s all about food intake. IMO. Not an easy task for sure.

Also!! Ellie and Jared here on RU-vid are doing a similar diet plan!! They've been really happy with it. Ellie has struggled for years with migranes and they're thinking this is the solution.

Hi Lisa! Good luck on your mission. I found HRT SottoPelle along with food portioning that I learned in Weight Watchers has been working for me. I am 5’8” and weigh between 150 and 155. I made that 1/2 cup measuring cup my best friend. Also I easily lost between 10 and 15 pounds when I started HRT. ❤️Lynn

Regarding personal style, I am also a classic and have a closet full of classic clothes, but when I get dressed in the morning, I ask myself, how will this look after walking the dog in South Florida in the humidity, cleaning the house, and my afternoon nap on the couch? I’ll be a wrinkly mess. And on goes the t shirt and a skort. It’s like I feel safe and it’s okay because I technically have the “stuff.” Just don’t want to wear it.

Same story on the weight gain! Menopause isn’t fun! Don’t know what I’d do without my Lexapro!

We are similar age and size. I had similar weight issues in the mid section so I restarted WW and lost 17 pounds. My exercise remained the same. It’s a real struggle as we get older.

I think the most successful people, when it comes to weight loss, eat out very, very seldom. As someone who hates to cook, we eat out way too often and that’s a big problem. Restaurant food is generally high in fat, sodium, carbs and portion size and I have no self control. I need suck it up and to cook at home.

Hi Lisa !! So in case this helps… I’ve always been thin, and then I had a baby just over 2 years ago (I was 40) I thought the weight would just come off… but it didn’t. I figured out (what I’ve already known) the only way too loose weight it to be at a cal deficit. I started tracking my calories and… and few months later I was good. I recommend my fitness pal app… they have a free version. Save your money and do a trendsend! The last one was hilarious! I prob watched it 3x!! ❤ your chanel !

I totally understand what your saying.. I’m older then you but have been where your at. I follow Dr Mindy Pelz .. She teaches fasting which I started about a year ago. I lost 22lbs .. She is one to watch very educational. We all just try to find what’s best for ourselves. You will find yours.

Be wary of Ozempic!!! My customer was on it and she did lose weight but it is not a long-term fix and after she stopped using it although she said she had modified her eating activity etc. she gained back 50 pounds and all she had was 20 to lose! My heart breaks for her She’s really struggling now because she knows it’s expensive and it’s a quick fix but it is not meant to change anything other than it speeds up that weight loss but then if you don’t take the medicine, your body returns back to the way it was as if you had never took it. That’s what her doctor told her, it causes a rebound effect. Some people that have taken it may disagree with me. I’m only going by one person’s story and I have watched her journey for the last 15 years doing her hair.

Thank you for sharing! Have you tried intermittent fasting? It completely changed my life! You sounded like me about 4 years ago!! I’m 58 and have never taken any hormone replacement IF just changed my insides

❤❤❤

I'm 55 and I have successfully lost weight by doing the 5 bite diet. It's not for everyone, but it works.

How much is ozempic?

Lisa I have been with you since the brick wall days the red one…I can relate to what your feeling google 66 symptoms of menopause you will be surprise at all of these symptoms I have been strength training since July 2021 I do four days a week my minimum is three and I have increased active mins that’s a Fitbit term to 275 a week started at 150 active mins and have slowly increased in the last year and a half I don’t follow a diet I have smaller portions and everything in moderation when I’m full I eat slow to I learned the slow eating over twenty years ago it makes a difference and I push my plate away…I was on vacation for two weeks actually worked out but I ate out way more then I usually do I had a few things like Krispy Kreme where for dessert I had one donut we go to the outer banks every year for our wedding anniversary I have a Krispy Kreme in my city rarely get them from here I wait for vacation lol I had to change my thinking around exercise and eating better because I know I need to do this the rest of my life so there is no end goal…because even if I get to a weight that fits me I’m still going to work out my cardio is for my heart and my strength training is for strength bones and balance and when I don’t feel like working out I just do it anyway…a lot of the problem for me is what’s between my ears 😂😂😂 a lot of self talk pep talk type stuff

Yes if you can stay away with ozempic since you’re aware of the non sustainability of weight loss plus since you said you’re not taking any medications for any chronic disease you’re lucky. I know of people who have been taking ozempic or antidiabetic drugs have irreversible effects on their liver. This hits home since my father who was a nonsmoker, nondrinker, exercises regularly but was a type II diabetic and was taking only antidiabetic maintenance drugs but was diagnosed with progressively liver cancer and very sad lost him after only two months from the time of his cancer diagnosis 🥲💔