To ask if its feasible to stay slim-ish after 50?

[janelikesjam]

I know this is another boring diet question in disguise.

But I am wondering about this. I think I am very limited in what I eat, but short of eating a few crackers and a bowl of soup every day, I cannot see how I can keep to a size 14, so naturally creep up to a 16-18. Do I just need to come to terms with this? p.s. I cannot exercise much because of a health condition. I just eat things like protein and salad and the odd treat e.g. toast at the weekend but it doesn't seem to make any difference!

Has anyone else managed this long-term? What do you eat? Anything you fancy? Severely restricted? Low carb?

Also I would add, I don't want to be "fashionably thin", its not in my genes anyway, but just a kind of average slim size 14 ... if only because I don't want to go out and buy a whole load of new clothes.

Answers on a postcard?

Well done streaky that sounds like a great plan.

Oooh! I clicked on this with extreme trepidation, being well over 50 and having developed CFS from my late forties. I was a mahoosively fit size 10 at that time, so the damage was insidious ... Now I'm almost immobile, menopausal and have a tummy that sticks out more than my tits

I'm a non-dieter, having once had eating disorders, so placed my faith in the (adequately proven) theory that eating to appetite will see you settle at a steady weight & size. Thank god it has! I'm a distinctly middle-aged shape and a high street 16-18 (more like a 20 in real sizes). I'd have 'settled' at 12-14, I think, if I hadn't messed my metabolism up beforehand, but things could be worse. I've evolved a style of dressing that works with my new shape - perhaps not with my age, but fuck that! - and am more interested in eating for my energy problem than for body fascists.

Maybe not the post you wanted, OP, but I have answered your questions! Good luck whatever approach you take, and have sunbeds if you can afford 'em for your winter health :)

I'm 45 and started British military fitness classes. You have no choice but to become toned!

Another vote for the wi-fit here! That is exactly how I started exercising [as well as lots of walking] then I progressed to swimming, lifting weights etc. It built up my stamina and coordination, not to mention my confidence.

Wii Fit is fab because you can do as little or as much as you can manage and the exercises are from very light to quite strenuous. If you can only do ten minute bursts that's fine, and you can come back later to do more if you feel like it - can't do that in the gym. Plus you're not on show so you feel less self-conscious than exercising in a public place with all the fit gym-bunnies. It's ideal if you're unable to do 'proper' training, but you can work up to a reasonable level of fitness if you do something every day.

AND you can do it in your manky joggies and nobody will know .

I'd love one, Streaky, but can't afford it. The balance board, I think, is particularly good with CFS. I have to settle for simple stretches and a bit of kitchen-dancing on my good days!