If you’ve been trying to lose 50 lbs during menopause, it can feel like your body is fighting against you. That’s exactly how Hilary felt before she joined TRINITY. Traditional diets weren’t working, intense cardio was making her feel worse, and her confidence was at rock bottom.
Many women in their 40s and 50s find themselves gaining weight despite eating healthily and staying active, leaving them frustrated, uncomfortable in their clothes, and wondering if they’ll ever feel like themselves again.
But it is possible to lose weight in menopause, and Hilary’s story proves it.
At 58 years old, Hilary lost 50 lbs (3 stone 8 pounds) through the Fit Over 40 programme – without cutting out carbs, spending hours at the gym, or following unsustainable diets.
Her journey shows what’s possible when you have the right strategy, the right support, and a programme that actually works for women in menopause.
“At the end of 2022 I had reached my heaviest ever (more than when I was pregnant), had a very limited range of clothes that fitted (and wasn’t prepared to buy larger sizes), and generally felt miserable.”
Struggling With Weight Gain, Exhaustion & Brain Fog
Hilary hit a turning point at the end of 2022. She had reached her heaviest weight ever, even more than during pregnancy. Very few of her clothes fit, and she wasn’t willing to buy bigger sizes. Every day felt like a struggle. She was working long hours, living off sugar highs, sleeping poorly, and moving very little.
“Menopausal symptoms caused brain fog making me worry I was starting to follow my father’s journey towards dementia, and I constantly felt grumpy, snappy and tearful.”
A good day meant 2,000 steps. She was commuting two hours daily, glued to her desk for 10-12 hours, and falling into bed exhausted. Menopausal symptoms made everything worse.
I hadn’t undertaken any exercise for years, having actively disliked all forms as a result of the tactics employed by school PE teachers decades earlier.
She also had a dream holiday booked for late 2023. But the thought of not fitting into her favourite clothes, dreading summer wear, and feeling uncomfortable in her skin pushed her to act.
Why Traditional Diets & Workouts Don’t Work During Menopause
Hilary tried the usual methods to lose weight, but they didn’t work. The problem? Most plans don’t factor in the hormonal shifts that happen during menopause. And studies show an increase in total body fat and an increase in abdominal fat during this time. What used to work in your 30s just isn’t effective anymore. In fact, it can make things worse.
“I was doing everything I thought I should—eating less, exercising more—but nothing was shifting. I felt like I was failing.”
The female body becomes more sensitive to stress with age. Overdoing cardio, under-eating, or skimping on sleep can trigger the weight gain triangle: leptin resistance, insulin resistance, and thyroid deregulation. This slows your metabolism, ramps up cravings, and leads to fat storage around the middle.
We had an extended “holiday of a lifetime” planned for the end of 2023 and I was faced with the prospect of being unable to fit any of the clothes I already owned that this type of trip would require. None of the techniques I’d used previously to loose weight were working. Something had to change…..
TRINITY’s approach is designed specifically for menopausal women. It addressed Hilary’s real-life struggles in a practical, sustainable way—and she followed it step-by-step.
1. Strength Over Sweat: Training Smarter, Not Harder
Instead of chasing calorie burn through high-intensity workouts, strength training is key. Building lean muscle improves metabolism, balances hormones, and enhances body composition—all without the physical burnout of constant cardio.
“For the first time ever I am enjoying exercise, to the extent that although currently on my extended holiday I have continued to exercise while away.”
LIST—low-impact strength training—helps build lean muscle and fire up your metabolism without sending your stress hormones soaring.
With just 2–3 strength sessions per week, paired with daily walking and restorative movement like yoga, results can come faster and feel far more sustainable.
2. Reducing Stress Was Key
Chronic stress is one of the biggest barriers to weight loss in menopause. Overworking, poor boundaries, and lack of sleep lead to cortisol dysregulation, which increases cravings, belly fat, and burnout. Addressing stress is essential.
And stress was a huge factor in Hilary’s weight gain. She was working 10-12 hour days, commuting for hours, and managing menopausal symptoms on top of it. The constant pressure left her wiped out, craving sugar, and sleeping poorly.
“I was effectively doing two jobs for an extended time during this period leading to physical and emotional burnout and exhaustion. Self-care had become something others practiced.
Through TRINITY, she learned how to prioritise herself again and created better work-life boundaries.
“I’ve acknowledged that I could work 24/7 and still not get everything done so there is not point trying to the detriment of my health. I am getting better at delegating to my team rather than feeling that I need to do everything myself.”
Establishing work-life boundaries, reducing caffeine, prioritising rest, and saying no more often are powerful first steps. Better sleep creates more energy, which leads to better movement, better food choices, and better results.
3. Real Food, Not Sugar Highs
Processed foods and sugar spikes wreak havoc on blood sugar, cravings, and energy. Removing common triggers like wheat, alcohol, dairy, and sugar (WADS) can dramatically improve energy, digestion, and mental clarity.
Hilary’s long days were fuelled by sugar and quick snacks that left her bloated and drained. Removing processed foods, what TRINITY calls WADS (wheat, alcohol, dairy, and sugar), gave her more stable energy and reduced inflammation.
” I used sugar highs to keep me functioning, and fell into bed exhausted at the end of the day. And many of the GF options on offer have high fat and sugar content to make them palatable which makes them poor dietary choices.”
She didn’t count calories or follow a strict meal plan. She simply ate nourishing, balanced meals that kept her full, energised, and satisfied.
Fueling your body with whole, nourishing meals stabilises hormones and reduces the urge to binge. It’s not about restriction, it’s about nourishment.
4. Eating More to Lose Weight
Contrary to popular belief, under-eating during menopause can make weight loss harder. Without enough calories and protein, your body goes into stress mode, slows metabolism, and stores fat.
Hilary was shocked when she learned she needed to eat more to lose weight. But under-eating had been keeping her stuck. With TRINITY’s guidance, she focused on protein-rich meals and enough calories to fuel her workouts and recovery.
“Issues with food choices were compounded by a diagnosis of coeliac disease and having been a vegetarian for all of my adult life. Difficulties finding vegetarian gluten free options led to a mindset of eating whenever something was available in case nothing was at the next meal.”
By focusing on protein-rich meals and eating to fuel strength workouts, you support muscle growth and fat loss in a balanced, sustainable way.
5. Coaching and Accountability Changed Everything
Trying to do it alone can lead to burnout, second-guessing, and giving up. Having expert support and guidance makes it easier to adapt your plan, stay on track during busy times, and trust the process.
Hilary had tried doing it alone before. But this time, having a coach made the difference. Someone to help her adapt when work got hectic, who understood the hormonal rollercoaster and who reminded her she wasn’t failing, she was adjusting.
“I am no longer working the hours I used to as frequently as I was. This started small – using the Tuesday coaching session as the reason to leave just before 6pm, so I could listen while driving home and then do a workout.”
It gave her the structure, support, and confidence to stay consistent, even when life got busy. And that consistency is what created real results.
When you feel seen, understood, and supported, it’s much easier to stay consistent, even through life’s inevitable ups and downs.
The Result? A 50 lb Transformation—And a Happier, Healthier Life
Hilary was able to lose 50 lbs, but more importantly, she’s stronger, happier, and finally feels like herself again. She wears what she wants, looks forward to summer and now actually enjoys exercise. And she has the energy and headspace to enjoy life again.
“For the first time in years, I feel like myself again. I’m not hiding in baggy clothes or avoiding mirrors. I have energy. I feel strong. TRINITY didn’t just help me lose weight—it gave me my life back.”
Losing 50 lbs isn’t just about looking different, it’s about feeling different. With more energy, better sleep, and a stronger body, you can enjoy the things you love again. You can show up fully at work, spend quality time with your family, and feel proud when you look in the mirror.
How TRINITY Can Help You Lose 50lbs Too
If you’re reading this thinking “That sounds like me,” it’s because Hilary’s story is not unusual. We’ve helped over 7,000 women lose weight during menopause. 97% of our clients see results in the first 12 weeks.
What makes TRINITY different? It’s not a quick fix or a fad diet.
It’s a complete re-education and lifestyle shift that’s designed to work with your changing body. Unlike generic plans or weight loss drugs, this is a long-term transformation.
You’ll get:
- A custom plan based on your body’s hormonal needs
- A coach who understands the menopause journey
- Realistic workouts that boost metabolism
- Nutrition that supports your hormones
- Mindset tools to overcome self-sabotage
If you want to lose 50 lbs, drop 1-2 dress sizes in the next 12 weeks and finally feel like you again, download our free guide, sign up for the free training, or join the Fit Over 40 program today.
You don’t have to do this alone. And you don’t have to give up the life you love to lose 50 lbs.
Let Hilary be your inspiration, and your reminder that it’s never too late to take back control of your body, your confidence, and your health.
