Carorees, the book I was referencing is titled, Taking Charge of the Change by Pamela Smith, R.D. It's an interesting read, although there are some parts I disagree with, but here are some excerpts which are definitely pertinent to this thread:
...in periomenopause, it's where the weight is being deposited. During the childbearing years, all excess weight seemed to go straight to hips and thighs to provide and protect for conception. Now it goes to the waist - and is most resistant to being burned because the body can better use it there.
...the very pounds that used to be called "middle-age spread" are actually your body's genetic programming to help you transition through the hormonal charge of mid-life.
...The theory is that when short on calcium the body produces a hormone called calcitrol, which encourages the body to store fat and fat cells to become bigger and better. When adequate calcium is received, the body sends a message to the fat cell to burn fat for energy - excellent news for people in mid life.
She highly recommends exercise, proper nutrition, all the stuff we know, but the focus is on how to counteract some of the symptoms we women may experience as we age. One thing interesting is she highly recommends the early breakfast and snacks which after following 5:2 I would now disagree with as a flat rule. But still a good read.
