Outsmarting the midlife fat cell
Joanna, Bk:
I did go out and get the new book, now out in paperback, entitled Outsmarting the Midlife Fat cell. The information in that book is most consistent with your advice. One point made by the nutritionist-author of the book is that midlife women "eat far too much," thinking that fat-free foods permit them an increase in quantity. She suggests limiting meal intake to "no more than a handful of food."
Well, ladies. That handful thing just isn't getting it for me. I'm ravenous--- particularly after these tough workouts. Have you managed to curtail your eating? Are you still hungry? What about the effect upon your weight?
On the positive side, the book itself does detail the important effect of estrogen/fat cells on the midlife transition. Interestingly, women with lower bodyfat, often achieved via intense exercise, have a harder time with menopausal symptoms. The logic here is that estrogen is produced by fat cells: more fat cells=more estrogen=aleviation of menopausal symptoms. Interesting, huh? The theory is that menopausal fatigue is the body's way of slowing us down, permitting our fat cells to do their natural job: fight to produce estrogen as our ovarian function declines.
Joanna, yes, I've read about soy---and natural estrogenic foods. Try draining that tofu and freezing it, before you prepare it (marinate it in a ginger soy sauce and grill or bake it.) For some bizaare reason, freezing tofu changes the texture, making it more like chicken.
I tried Evening Primrose and Black Cohosh---and I swear, I felt pregnant from the effects. (Maybe I really am crazy.)
I'll schedule the medical tests you mentioned, Bk. Thank you so much. At the very least, it helps to vent my anxiety.
