Why is it so hard to lose weight when in your 40s?

[whispywhisp]

So, just over 20yrs ago, when I was in my early 20s, I lost just over 9 stone in weight. I'm now 42 and desperately want to shift the weight again...but I'm finding it so incredibly hard to lose. Why? Whilst I don't do the regular squash and badminton that I used to do all those years ago - mainly because I'm a working Mum and don't have the spare child-free time....I am always on my feet and try to find time to get out with the dog in between work and school-runs etc....I'm not on the pill and haven't been for almost a year (my choice), I drink stacks of water, eat plenty of fruit and veg but I do tend to eat a lot of pasta, potatoes, rice etc...should I cut this out? I'm also guilty of grabbing a snack when I'm heading back out the front door for the upteenth time in a day...so plenty of areas I could improve but why can't I even shift a pound? It really is getting me down and there are times I just get so fed up with it and then there are other times when I just say 'sod it, I don't care'....help??!!!

Had another good day today...busy one so not been too difficult not to think about food!

Had breakfast of muesli with some extra porridge oats added in, didn't have time for lunch (prob not a good idea but was working)...and for tea tonight I've had one sausage with green beans, carrots, broccoli (steamed) and a couple of wholemeal crispbreads....so not too bad. One of the elderly ladies I help out (I work as a carer) was trying to force feed me with chocolate covered biscuits (the chunky variety) and I somehow resisted but boy it was hard.

well done whispywisp - make sure you are eating enough or your body could go into starvation mode and hold onto the weight instead of losing it.
Might be a good idea to keep a log of your food, if you often find you don't have time for breakfasts, lunches and dinners, make sure you fill up on a higher protein meal once a day as this will keep you fuller for longer.
And well done on resisting the choccy biscuits!

Thanks simmo...I am keeping a diary..there's a thread running on here where we are posting what we have during the day...its really interesting to see what we all eat and also get some great ideas for meals from each other!

OK will check it out thanks. Hope you are finding this forum as supportive as I am. Been logging on since Feb and I have found it so helpful, think I am addicted to logging on!

yea, I have been a MNr for about 5yrs now! Has been amazingly helpful and have made some great friends through it too..