Post 40 weight loss - so hard!

[adderly]

I’ve been lucky to always stick around the same weight - if I put weight on around Xmas, holidays etc I could be careful for a few weeks and go back to original weight. OMG since I turned 40 this is not the case! I just cannot shift the Xmas pounds and it’s August! I’m now at the top end of what I’m happy at which would be fine except I know I’ll put on more weight on holiday this month, then at Xmas and it’s a slippery slope! Is this just it now? I’m someone who loves food and drink as much as exercise and being fit and healthy - I really don’t want to have a life of restricting and cutting out loads of stuff but is that the only option? Help!

The only thing that works for me now is very strict 18:6 intermittent fasting. So no milk in tea/coffee in the morning, basically only eat between 12pm and 6pm.

its ok when you get used to it

Only thing that works for me is cutting out bread of all types, anything made with flour like biscuits and pastry and sugary foods in general. That said I don’t stint on fruit and only eat full fat products, I just don’t metabolise all foods the same way as I did pre meno but that’s ok I’d rather feel better and not eat everything than be bloated and 2 stone heavier, it’s my choice.

I felt like that at 40

made a massive lifestyle change in mid 40s (do a lot more sport, rarely drink alcohol, no more half bottles of wine just because it’s Friday etc. No more takeaways/junkfood. I eat nice food, and what I like, but burgers, domino’s, and beige fried food are out. Rarely eat desert etc etc. But I don’t go hungry and eat really nice food, it’s just more effort), totally worth it IMO

now in my 50s I am slimmer and fitter and happier than I was at 40, or even at 30

it’s felt empowering to be honest

Thank you for your replies. Everyone warned me my metabolism would change but as my mum is still super slim in her 70s I felt quietly confident I’d be different! 🤣
I’m interested in the fasting but can you change your hours if you have a social thing to go to like a dinner party or evening out? There’s no way I’m missing out on those - I’d rather be fat. 🤣
I generally eat very healthily, I hate the term ‘eat clean’ but actually that’s what I do because I enjoy it apart from on social occasions and holidays which is when I would happily put on a few pounds then lose them again easily. But I’m going to have to work harder clearly from now on!