Have you ever found yourself tirelessly working out, eating a restricted diet, and still struggling to lose weight? That was my reality for over 25 years. Little did I know that my body was desperately trying to tell me something - that it needed fuel, not deprivation.

In my 40s, I began noticing an unexpected change. Despite dedicating nine hours a week to cardio and engaging in 2 to 3 hours of weight training, my body started gaining weight. Confused by this, I delved deeper into understanding the reasons behind it.

That's when it hit me—I had unknowingly been in a calorie deficit for most of my adult life. By never giving my body the proper amount of fuel it needed, I had unintentionally disrupted my metabolism and pushed my hormones out of balance. The consequences were weight gain, low thyroid function, and a plateau in weight loss despite being active and in a calorie deficit.

Desperate to find a solution, I took drastic measures. I embarked on a two-week 800-calorie diet, hoping to kickstart my weight loss. However, to my dismay, the scale refused to budge. It was then that I realized the problem was much deeper than a simple reduction in calories.

Determined to turn my health journey around, I decided to focus on understanding my body's needs. I spent an entire month meticulously tracking the number of calories I burned using a watch. Armed with this data, I made a conscious effort to consume at least the number of calories my body required to sustain itself.

However, breaking free from years of ingrained habits proved to be a challenge. After being in a calorie deficit for so long, it felt unnatural to eat the amount of calories my body needed. I had to constantly remind myself that it was okay to eat, that my body required these nutrients to function optimally and achieve my desired goals.

With time and persistence, something incredible happened—I started losing weight. It was a slow and steady process, but over the course of a month, I shed 8 pounds. This was a significant achievement considering I hadn't seen any weight loss in three years.

Reflecting on my journey, I realized the pivotal lesson I had learned: track your calories and ensure you're giving your body the fuel it needs. If you find yourself in a similar situation where your body has halted weight loss, especially during perimenopause or menopause, monitoring your calorie intake becomes even more crucial.

Take the time to understand how many calories you burn in a day and analyze this data. If you notice that you aren't eating enough to match your body's energy expenditure, it's time to make a change. Instead of extreme calorie deficits, opt for a minimal deficit of around 150 to 250 calories per day. This gentle approach allows your body to adjust, gradually shedding excess weight without causing metabolic turmoil.

If I could go back in time, armed with this knowledge, I would prioritize understanding my body's needs and give it the fuel it requires. So, if you've been dieting your entire life, consider taking a long break from dieting and focus on nourishing your body instead.

Remember, your body is remarkable and deserves the care and attention it needs to thrive. Embrace the power of tracking your calories and eating in a healthy deficit tailored to your unique needs. Your body will thank you with sustainable weight loss and improved overall well-being.

So, let's say goodbye to the vicious cycle of deprivation and hello to a new era of nourishment and balance. Your body will reward you with the health and vitality you've always craved.