44 Year old mom of 3 (1 young adult and 2 teens). After being a single, sole-support mom for 12years, I met my husband. We have been married now for 4 years.
My 'life cycle' has seen me transform from being a highly fit and active female (lived at the gym and on my cycle) to more than doubling my weight 15 years ago (I went up to 332.5 lbs and it was by NOT eating - my body went into severe survival mode). I never wanted to experience the abuse my first husband had put me through ever again. So, rather than return to my weight of 145.7 lbs after my youngest was born, I gave up the gym (and all sports / cycling) and other than a nibble here and there so that my children saw me eating - I didn't eat.
My body went into sever shock and survival mode. After my ex passed away (Nov 1999), I was able to shed 100 lbs immediately! It felt amazing!! Now my body fluctuates between 199 and 245.....I hit 200 and it plateaus then without warning, sky rockets again. I have tried everything, including P90X (fyi...program works, my husband who trained with me looks amazing and I was on track as well - then I hit 200 and nothing!! Kept up with the program and weight went up again instead of down.)
I am back to exercising minimum 4 times a week and have rejoined the gym. Processed foods have been ‘unwelcome’ in my consumption for years; everything is steamed, baked or raw. So- what am I missing?? How do I turn OFF the survival mode?? HELP!!