Menopause sucks. Can I get an Amen?

I have been in menopause for a few months now. I have only had one major hot flash, thankfully. My old running partner had multiple hot flashes a day, but that has not been the case for me. My biggest thing is being tearful..and the weight gain. OH….the weight gain!

I remember when I was 16 and came home from school one day, I found my mom sitting in the floor crying. I’m wondering what is wrong with her! Now…my grandparents lived with us and she was always stressed taking care of them. But she went through menopause at 45 and she cried all the time. When you’re 16, you think folks’ can be overly dramatic. I thought she was just too sensitive.

I am now my mother! I am one who could always separate emotions prior to menopause. That’s not so much the case anymore. I cry on the fly, sometimes without warning. I don’t like that. I have never been a tearful person, so I’m working through those emotions.

My biggest battle is weight gain. I was not prepared for this. I have a certain weight I prefer to be. I have been staying within my daily caloric intake, walking, and yet, I still gain weight.

This just sucks!

As I was walking yesterday, I listened to the sounds of spring and tried to solve the world’s problems, along with my weight issues. I did some research and I am going to a different route in my diet. Many articles recommended the Mediterranean diet, which is cutting out sugar and processed foods. I did this years and was super clean.

I know I cannot be alone in this struggle. Sometimes it’s a bit mental. My hormones are balanced for the most part. I take vitamins daily and continue to take daily moments for myself.

If you’re going through menopause, you are not alone. There are no symptoms, emotions, or actions/reactions that are too crazy to discuss.

Exercise has always important to me, and it’s important to menopause. Walking is my go-to. (Since my hip replacement, I’m not supposed to run anymore.) I’ll report in regularly and blog about this diet. My focus is eating the right foods and not just eating what fits into my caloric intake. I had Greek yogurt with blueberries and raspberries for breakfast. Lunch was pickled beets, hummus, and whole grain crackers. I have no idea what I’m eating for supper at this moment.

I’m starving as I’m writing this..on the verge of being hangry. Guess that’s better than crying about it. Ha!

Going to take my Gracie Mae for a walk soon. She’s my calm. She’s napping right now, but she never turns down a walk.

Until next time, peace out, Trouts!