To ask which diet has worked best after 40

[WorriedMum192]

I have a considerable amount of weight to lose (4 stone) and my body fat percentage is alarmingly high. Last year I got diagnosed as pre-diabetic and I've tried all sorts to lose weight (paleo/fast diet/MFP) and trained for and run a half-marathon, but the scales have refused to budge and I weigh exactly the same as last year, with the same high fat percentage.

I'm not lacking motivation as I really want to avoid full-blown diabetes, I've tried so hard but it seems so much harder than in my 20s and 30s. I lost about 1.5 stone with Weight Watchers for my wedding 10 tears ago but I no longer agree with that scheme as they seem quite tolerant of processed food which now thanks to paleo I can't stand.

I can only think that having two kids and turning 40 has changed my metabolism for the worse. So, I'd like to ask, for those of you over 40 which diet or way of eating has proven most successful for you to lose weight and lose fat?

Many thanks!

Watching with interest.

I tried the 5:2 diet and gained weight. I've tried Paleo but it gave me palpiations. I did the Veganuary challenge and lost 10lbs without even really trying. So I'm edging back that way.

I also started reading Jillian Michaels books about boosting metabolism. It was quite interesting - she was saying that all the diets over the years mess up our metabolism and it becomes really hard to change, however, I'll bet she has a plan (and a book to sell) but the hormone stuff was quite interesting anyway.

For me it's no carbs after 2pm, no snacks. 3 meals a day, no processed food.

The thing that really shifted it was watching how I cooked things! No oil, spray oil or steaming and stop eating when your not hungry anymore. By that I don't mean you feel full, I mean your not hungry.

I'm back on this now. I've lost 7lbs in first week. If I lose 1lb a week it'll do. Oh and move more. I rarely stop with 2 dc one being 2.

Now well into my forties my muscles are noticeably losing tone / shrinking as I age - I never really exercised so it's an aging thing rather than me changing activity. What I take from this is I need to get building muscle.

(I weigh the same as I ever did but have tighter clothes as my waistline increases!)

I am planning to get some dumbbells.

5:2
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/fasting_diet
I started in August 2012, rapidly lost the weight I need to and have been maintaining with it ever since.
Fasting a couple of times a week is mine and DHs lifestyle now.
He has lost around 2 stone.
We are both 50

Nothing seems to work for me.

I only want to shift a stone but it is persistent.

I did do Weight Watchers (as a product tester on here) and it did help me to lose weight. i lose 20 lbs - in about 3 months - and found it quite easy to stick to. I also don't like processed foods, so would follow plan but using the healthy, unadulterated foods - so brown rice, with white fish and lots of steamed veggies. I don't have a sweet tooth so it wasn't so bad.

I see you have joined at SW . I reckon you will do fine - it's just a case of being accountable to someone/something isn't it.

Good luck with it.

Rinkydinkypink that's a good point - I generally eat until I'm full - partly because I've grown used to eating too fast, partly because I'm rushing to do something else.

My other very bad habit is 'sampling' things while I'm cooking them.

If you have pre diabetes you need to be looking at diabetic friendly diets And nothing faddy.

Also get a thyroid check. A proper one with a full panel, not just tsh.

If you have pre diabetes you need to be looking at diabetic friendly diets And nothing faddy.
Yup, that is why 5:2 is working so well as it significantly reduces the risk of insulin intolerance

remember that losing weight is one thing - keeping it off for the rest of your life is another

I've been Paleo since Apr 2012 and don't miss the forbidden foods. I started out at 9st 9lbs and got to 8st 7lbs in Oct 2012.Maintained around 8st 7lbs since.
I can't seem to find any UK Paleo forums.Anyone know of any?
I am a member of a normal slimming forum where they discuss mostly Slimming World. They do have a great member on there that posts his Slimming World creations which I do indulge in sometimes.
It's called Social Slimmers if anyone wants to come and keep me company. I'll still be coming here to see how others are finding the Paleo way. :)

There's nothing complex to it.

Expend more calories than you consume.

It's not simply about what you choose to eat, it's how much of it you eat.

There are many sites where you can roughly establish your daily calorific needs. I would suggest doing this in longer time scales however.

So, for example, if your daily calorie target is 2000, measure over 4 weeks and consume 56000 in that time. This will allow you more margin for error on a day to day basis (went to an all-you-can-eat and chomped down 3,000 calories on that day? No problem just go down to 1800 for the next 5 days) The effect of eating on your metabolism is negligible and ignore what you have heard about 'starvation mode', it takes about 72 hours of fasting for that to kick in.

I'm 51, never had to diet. Now I'm putting on weight due to forced inactivity. I ahave cut out my evening meal. I'm basing it on the 5 hr diet, that is you eat in a 5 hour window, so the rest of the time you fast. You can eat what you want, although obviously best to make each meal healthy yo ensure you're getting all the nutrients you need. So, you could do a lunch and early tea, missing breakfast. I prefer missing evening meal, eating a bigger meal at lunch. I also do not adhere strictly to the 5 hr thing, so usually have a late breakfast and late lunch. Just peppermint tea or something in the evening. Done this for about 8 months. Do not weigh myself but can get into size 8 jeans again. Oh, I don't do it at the weekends. The trick is, find something that will work for you. I was doing smaller portion sizes but that was hopeless as I just wanted more, if I don't eat, it gives me more time in the evening to read and relax.