Menopause

Hi ALL--I'm a new member and am having weight problems, especially since MENOPAUSE.  I took myself off estrogen and am trying to regain my old self.  Also, I take blood pressure medicine.  I am not sure what creates a huge appetite, but I have one now.  Does caffeine do this?  Please let me know what you know. 

Welcome to CC.  Ive been here since February.  I went off hormones last month and started meds for high blood pressure at the same time.  But I lost 9 pounds during that month.  Had to go back to the dr. last week to check on my BP since starting the meds.  I really counted my calories and measured portions.  Started walking more.  I have a terrible time in the afternoons after school and before dinner.  Now school is out I have free range of my kitchen all day long .  I try to keep busy and the weight lose has given me new resolve.  It's not easy but meeting people here with the same problems is helpful.  Lots of good info and encouragement.   I love graphs and lists so this is right up my alley. 

Take care and good luck.

Thanks for your answer.  We have a similar problem with the blood pressure-- Yes, I am a teacher too--AP English and a lot of stress and no down time.  I am learning how to do this though.  Today I read how cucumbers are great for fiber and they add no calories to salads.  I have learned that high fiber diets really help as well as low sodium foods.  I am working through the diet to get off the meds--I have noticed that the meds slow me down and if I am down--I get bored and eat.  I need to keep busy.  I am walking 5 days of the week.  On weekends I ease up on the diet and exercise.  I realize that this is a lifestyle change--not a quick fix.  It took many years to get this heavy, but if I work at it, it won't be so long to lose this weight.  One other trick I learned about snacks is this--I have some low cal. crackers on hand and carrots to munch on.  I have also learned to love V8 low sodium juice.  I have also learned not to give up.  If I fall off the wagon by eating at a wedding, it is o.k.  I've learned not to wait until Monday to begin again.  I am hoping I won't need extrra pallbearers at my funeral.  LOL!