Eat More Fat! The Nutritional Ketosis Challenge continues... page 64

[Ayla2010]

I am 53, just started menopause last fall. Jeans that fit last summer were too tight overall before going low carb high fat on Jan 19. I've lost about 8-10 lbs since. The jeans are now baggy in thighs, loose in the butt, but are still too tight in the waist.
What the heck? Is some sort of pennance?
Does anyone else experiencing this and has anyone ideas for a solution? (I confess I haven't exercised much since minor knee surgery last November, and don't do sit-ups. I will start them eventually, just not right now...)

Def don't need to do sit ups
Def dial in your eating, and things like planks and lifting weights will help your core. Sit ups are useless

[jenn26point2]

I am 53, just started menopause last fall. Jeans that fit last summer were too tight overall before going low carb high fat on Jan 19. I've lost about 8-10 lbs since. The jeans are now baggy in thighs, loose in the butt, but are still too tight in the waist.
What the heck? Is some sort of pennance?
Does anyone else experiencing this and has anyone ideas for a solution? (I confess I haven't exercised much since minor knee surgery last November, and don't do sit-ups. I will start them eventually, just not right now...)

Sit-ups won't widdle your middle, much to everyone's surprise. The Army tests sit-up strength to determine hipflexor strength. From my own experience after 9 years of doing situps for the Army, while I experienced some abdominal muscle strength, most of it occured in my thighs. My chiropractor (who practices Active Release Techniques and treats me for sciatica and running injuries) told me my hipflexors are too strong - thanks to the Army - and has caused most of my lower body nerve issues (namely the sciatica) and low back weakness. And they're stressful to the lower back tissues (discs and whatnot). I would recommend Planks for core strength and shaping per the Primal Blueprint Fitness model.

All I know about the Optimal Diet is what Paleobird posted. I think the ideal weights can come from many sources. I got mine from the SPEED program book that a few of us did last year. I'll look it up for you.

Thanks Paula.

[jenn26point2]

Def don't need to do sit ups
Sit ups are useless

^w0rd

[tomi]

I am 53, just started menopause last fall. Jeans that fit last summer were too tight overall before going low carb high fat on Jan 19. I've lost about 8-10 lbs since. The jeans are now baggy in thighs, loose in the butt, but are still too tight in the waist.
What the heck? Is some sort of pennance?
Does anyone else experiencing this and has anyone ideas for a solution? (I confess I haven't exercised much since minor knee surgery last November, and don't do sit-ups. I will start them eventually, just not right now...)

Welcome to menopause! Androgen now rules! And its job is to thicken the waistline and smooth out the curves. Damn hormone! When estrogen and progesterone decrease - this hormone becomes dominant and shifts the fat deposits from the limbs to the mid-section. UGH! As if hot flashes and lack of libido aren't enough - now we get fatter in the middle too?

Androgen
Androgen, known as the male hormone, occurs in women in small quantities. Androgen stimulates sexual libido, raises energy levels and enhances your mood. Elevated levels in females cause facial hair, a deepened voice and fat cells to form around the midsection. Although androgen levels decrease during menopause, estrogen levels drop at a higher rate, making androgen higher in ratio. Prior to menopause, you may carry more weight in the hip and thigh area. Overweight men tend to accumulate weight around the stomach and waist area, and during menopause, you may also notice a shift in the way fat is deposited. Adipose fat collects around your midriff area and decreases in your legs and arms.

Read more: Why Does Your Waist Thicken At Menopause? | LIVESTRONG.COM

[Pebbles67]

Jenn - The range for a 5'4" person is 131-148, so your guess of 140 hits right in the middle.

[geostump]

this does not sound normal at all. How close are you to menopause?

Like I said before, I'll be 37 next month and according to what my mom went through and my sisters are going through now, I could be looking to start perimenopause any time now. My oldest sis just turned 54 in December and she is just now completing menopause. I also know that with having the thermal ablation done in August, it can either complete end it or make it to where you barely have a cycle and I am experiencing the latter except I do have slight cramping.

[jenn26point2]

Jenn - The range for a 5'4" person is 131-148, so your guess of 140 hits right in the middle.

Thanks.

[Ayla2010]

Anyone around?
Am considering asking Dr for blood tests to make sure my hormones are not completely effed. What would I ask for exactly? Any specific one? You would think he would know when I explain stuff, but sometimes they are pretty clueless.

[NZ primal Gwamma]

Hi guys
Just thought that I would report in.
I have been trucking along since the start of the year, with absolutely nothing significant to report. Until this week. The only change has been dropping my calories. I am still keeping high fat, moderate protein and low carbs within that count, and all of a sudden BANG – 2kg so far this week.
So not sure if this will continue to work for me, but will plug on with my little experiment.

[naiadknight]

For the thyroid: T3, Free T3, T4, Free T4, Reverse T3, and TSH.
Check your vitamin D3 levels.
Try to get him to do a saliva test for adrenal function.
No clue on the female hormones.