Finding it very hard to lose weight on low carb

[Sundiamond]

I'm 50, post menopause. I really wanted to shift the last 7 or so lbs that plagues me! I have had a really healthy diet (low carb, plant based) for a long time, but in few months up to lockdown, wasn't as healthy.

7 weeks ago I decided to get back on the very low carb truck.

For the first month I was so strict. Literally only got carbs from vegetables (no starchy ones). One G&T a week. That's it. I lost about 3lbs.

I loosened the reigns a little - a little bit of cheating here and then, a few more nuts.

And I've already put weight back on!

So, my questions are:

1 - Does my age really play a factor?
2 - Do I have to be super super strict at this point to get the last 7 or so lbs off?
3 - Why is it piling back on so quickly?

Then I feel defeated and eat what I want...like today. I've not gone mad but I've eaten a fair few carbs so now the self loathing kicks in!

Come on to the current Boot Camp thread - lots of people there.

We need to a lot more info than you've provided in order to advise (eg are you drinking enough water, having enough fat?) but I'm sure BIWI and others will point out that all those wee cheats relaxations will be sabotaging your progress. It's an unforgiving WoE - especially if you're still trying to lose.

FWIW, I'm 59, post menopausal and losing c1-2lb/week. (To be fair, I'm re losing it as I'd put on 1st 3lb in the first 2 months of Lockdown - have lost 10lb in the 1st 5 weeks of Lockdown but that's now down to 1-2lb/week and will no doubt include stalls in future weeks).

@Sundiamond

If you're eating a plant-based diet, it's going to be difficult to keep your carbs low. Are you also including legumes/pulses?

How much fat are you eating? And are you drinking plenty of water?