posted May 26, 2009 07:08 AM         

Okay. I'm getting fatter. Since having a baby my metabolism has changed. My weight has fluctuated quite a lot over the years, most of the time I am in a healthy weight range though. I remember looking back at photos where I am quite slim, and at the time I ate a lot of food and was happy that I didnt pack on the weight. Now, it seems I can't eat the amount I used to, I simply see the fat being stored in the wrong places! I see other mums with big bums and bellys and always thought I would never get like that, but if I'm not careful I could go that way, I'm a leo and a phlegmatic.

what is your body size? are you happy with it? and what amount of food do you eat in the day? My mother and brother are both very slim, and eat very little, they dont require much food to maintain their weight, and the bigger girls I know eat quite a lot more food than I, yet they don't realise they are eating more than they need. As we get older, do our portion sizes need to be reduced? I think so! Even if I eat half as much as I did when I was 18, I still put on weight.

I really enjoy food, gourmet,raw, vegan/vegetarian gourmet cuisine, healthy fats, I simply like a banquet most days . haha. For some people though, I notice, especially the slim people, that they dont think/ or plan their meals until the time comes. For me, I know what the day is going to bring, and I look forward to meals.

If I eat very little i feel deprived and irritated. Whereas my mum says she enjoys the sensations of being hungry, and is quite comfortable and used to it,and can wait a long time for a meal. I don't feel that way, and that's why I am overwieght I suppose, if my stomach rumbles I will be making food. Tomorrow I was thinking to stick to a routine, 3 meals,small, and if I am hungry in between I should learn to wait?

Thoughts please! Share and compare. I have been told by men and some girls that I look better with a bit of chunkiness, apparently it is sexy, I prefer the lean look though, otherwise I think my head appears smaller on a larger body. I truly dont think it suites me, as for some women, I think fleshy is sexy though (just not on me). hmmm

posted May 26, 2009 10:48 AM         

Yeah, on some people, a bit of extra weight looks good, but I dont think so on me. What's more important is I dont FEEL as good carrying around extra weight.

I think what you said here maybe your key:

quote:

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Tomorrow I was thinking to stick to a routine, 3 meals,small, and if I am hungry in between I should learn to wait?

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Yes, learning to wait or not giving into your body's every grumble is actually a good thing, I think. We shouldnt let our bodies control us so much, they can be beasts. lol The yogis speak alot on controlling your body's hungers and desires and how important that is. I agree with this, but it takes practice. Probably after a short period of time, you will notice that your body stops acting up like that. And your thirsts and hungers will be more properly regulated and under your control. Hungers and other desires can be beneficial meditations; if you can move through them and try to get into what they are and know that, really, you should be the one in control, not your rumbling tummy and things of that nature. Those are base bodily cravings and while we need them to survive, we have to have a certain degree of mastery over them, if that makes sense. They shouldnt be allowed to "rule" us.

Anyway, just some rambling thoughts. Every time I have seen you, you always look glowing and gorgeous. Maybe it's a matter of just eating a little less and moving your body more.

Keep us posted.

posted May 26, 2009 06:18 PM         

quote:

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Maybe it's a matter of just eating a little less and moving your body more.

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As you said, I thought I'd burn enough just running around, changing nappies, washing and chasing after her all the time but obviously my body has adapted. I don't do any other exercise. The thought of it is horrid, since I feel so tired by the end of the day- although I did hear that pushing through that tired barrier and doing exercise regardless actually promotes more energy. It's just hard to agree with that when I'm slumped on the couch by 9pm. lol

I remember fasting- and feeling hunger & the wisdom of the Yogis- I can do a fast however, when I know I can eat I go into piglet mode. I guess to apply the same ideas to eating as I did with fasting I would be more balanced. I'm sure there is a Zen to eating. I'll give that a go.

Thanks for your thoughts

posted May 27, 2009 11:04 AM         

You are quite correct in realizing that as women age our metabolism changes, especially after we have children.

Women can never, ever compare their weight losses and gains to men cause we are very hormonally driven and our bodies are very different as we progress through life.

Genetics has alot to do with it as well. Look not only to your mom, but you dad, kind of mentally create a vision of what their two body types together would yield, you. While most favor either the mom or the dad, there is always a bit of mix between the two.

You have to find out what works for you at the point of life you reach as you get there.

For example, I am 47 and in the throws of peri-menopause. After my first child was born, when I was 26, I quickly lost the preg weight and could maintain a good weight with low fat foods and a minimum of exercise, really just keeping up with a baby and working, etc. When my 2nd was born at 30, I could not loose the preg weight as easy and have had to really work at it since.

Still in my 30's low fat, not eating after 4pm kept me farily in balance, but....

In my 40's things really began to change.

As my hormones are going more caty-wonkas than ever, and my metabloism is slower than ever (and getting slower) I have to adjust my food consumption to work with the age I am at, my genetics, my (already altered brain chemistry), stress, etc.

Very low carb and low intake works well for me now. I have to throw in a carb day, or week, or month from time to time just for a seratonin release so I can be really happy and sleep well, but low carbs is my basis for "diet."

All in all, you have to find out what works best for you and what works for you in one phase of your life will probably change in the next phase.

Use your intuition, and when you crave food, stop and analyze the craving. Is it emotional? Are you really hungry or just bored? Are you sad and craving a big bowl of pasta for a brain feel good effect? OR are your blood sugars out of wack, too much glucose lately? Not enough balanced intake? Etc....

Remember to flush with water also. Dont force water, just a moderate intake to help your body flush and function properly.

And the biggest thing to remember is to love your body, at all phases of life.

I too look back at pics of my teenage years, but I know that is not me now and I would not/could not go back there for anything, (for many reasons!)

Your body, a women's body, will never be what it was 5 years ago, it will always be better!

I have a tattoo on my back of the Celtic symbol of the druidac threefold goddess, maiden, mother, crone, and it always reminds me that we, as we age, are always at all phases, spiritually, emotonally, wherever our bodies be!

blessings

posted May 27, 2009 06:12 PM         

I believe I would be back to my normal weight by now if it wasn't for the problems I still have with depression causing lack of motivation, etc. I have lost some of it- but still have a bit more to go. I'm hoping to do something over the next few months as the summer weather motivates me as it boosts my sense of well being.

Getting older does slow down your metabolism a little. I'm a big believer in intuitive eating though- I think the body will us what we need if we learn to listen- I find there are days where I don't feel very hungry (usually when I've not done much), and days when I do.

I also relate to what you said about feeling deprived and irritable when you don't eat. Besides, fasting/ dieting slows down the metabolism....and I would rather have the energy than go through all that than endure it and end up with less energy in the process!

posted May 27, 2009 07:28 PM         

I took care of a patient several years ago...she was in her 70's of Mexican heritage, and the only reason I mention the heritage is that, seems to me, that this culutre "ages" about the same as anglos..

She was a spinster, never married, never bore child...

And her body was beautiful!!! Amazing!!! Not a streach mark, nary a scar....beautiful!!!

Really she looked as if she was in her late 20's to early 30's, and in my profession, I see alot of bodies ( )

sigh...

still is worth is, tho....

posted May 28, 2009 03:14 PM         

Pregnancy only changed my figure slightly in the way of permanent changes- my boobs are slightly smaller and my waist isn't as trim as it used to be.....however I have 2 gorgeous sons who I brought into the world!

posted May 28, 2009 11:22 PM         

All the replies are good- gave me lots of ideas. I lost most of my pregnancy weight, it's been 19 months since I had my baby- had a life changing moment last year, became skinny because of stress, and being busy then moved back into my comfort zone and starting eating more. I love my raw food but find I am going for more comfort foods such as grains and diary sometimes.

posted August 16, 2009 05:43 PM         

IT CAN BE DONE! I did it!

Over the last 5 weeks I have eaten probably HALF of what I used to eat, and now my stomach is smaller and only requires a smaller amount of food, I have lost 5kg! Still have energy, feel good and not hungry at all. I eat what I can fit into both of my hands at one meal, I used to eat double that. Woo.