When I turned 45, I began planning my 50th Birthday party. It would be a disco theme with Studio 54 décor: disco ball , music, lights and all guests dressed in their 70’s finest. All of my family and friends would be there. There would be a Soul Train line and we would all dance till 3 am and have the time of our lives. I would get to have all of my favorite people together for a special night of gratitude and fabulousness!
When I turned 49, I was in no mood for a party. I was at my heaviest weight, tired all the time, and I looked pasty and bloated. Menopause was messing with my mojo. Nothing I had tried was working, not the regular exercise regimen, not the multi vitamin I was taking, not the expensive regimen of holistic supplements from the special “women’s” practitioner. I couldn’t seem to wean myself from the bagels and sweets and the more I ate, the more I craved. There was no way I was putting on a slinky dress and doing the Hustle.
For women in their 40’s and 50’s, weight gain can be a troubling and common fact. Even without an increase in our caloric intake or a decrease in our physical activity, pounds seem to sneak in and pile up, and it can feel like no matter what we do, we can’t seem to lose much. Menopause surely plays a role, but weight gain is most closely related to diet, and 80% of weight loss results from what we put in our bodies, rather than how much we exercise. Add to this mixture of a lack of energy and emotional issues resulting from hormonal factors, and you have a recipe for continual weight gain.
A few months after I turned 49, I ran into an old friend and was stunned because she looked completely different, transformed, and glowing. I had known her for 20 years but had never seen her looking so healthy, fit and happy. Naturally, I had to know what she had done, and before long I had joined her in the system of nutritional cleansing that is taking the country by storm.
Studies have shown that a system of calorie restriction, intermittent fasting (12-36 hours without solid foods) and high-protein liquid meals combined with a sensible daily meal is an effective strategy to lose weight and keep it off, especially helpful to me during these menopausal years. Within 30 days of beginning my nutritional cleanse, I lost 15 lbs and 17 inches. I was happily shocked, as this had never happened to me before, despite trying all kinds of plans in the past. Having had such success, I wanted to share it with my friends and family who were having the same challenges. Soon I found myself coaching others with the system and discovered how much I loved helping others reach their personal best. With a supportive coach or mentor to guide someone through the process, you really can get to your best weight even after your 40’s have ended.
Sooooo, guess who turned 50 a few months ago…dressed in a tight vintage 70’s dress, under a spinning disco ball, surrounded by family and friends, dancing the soul train line. I found it at 50! And it feels REALLY good.
Lisa Ebert is a Nutritional Cleansing Coach, as well as a mother, writer and college administrator. She grew up in Maplewood and South Orange, and is a supporter of the South Orange Fitness Challenge. For a complimentary consultation and bonus upon enrollment, please contact her at lisa.ebert@gmail.com.
