Frustrated with being over 40

Cinnamon0603

I'm 41 and feeling frustrated with my progress over the past couple of weeks. I've been at this 40 days and am down 11 pounds. Now I know that, that really is pretty good, but in the past I could lose 20 pounds in that first month. And when I got on the scale this morning it shows that I am up 3 pounds (so actually an 8 pound loss) which is again frustrating, since I have done really well with my eating for the last 4 days (had a cheat day 5 days ago). Went on a mission to find out why this over 40 thing is so much more difficult, and found this article. Thought that I would share.

http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/02/05/lose-weight-after-40-why-its-so-hard-and-what-works/

catpow2

Good article. I've started eating more frequently and smaller meals throughout the day. I also started weight training again, which I've done it on and off since I was in my 20s--what a difference that has made in the way my body looks (along with eating enough protein to sustain it).

A few things here that are misleading--the reason you shouldn't eat after 9 is because you're probably just going to go to bed in the next couple of hours. So it's unlikely you'll burn off whatever you eat after you've settled in for night. And why would your metabolism be 'revved up' in the morning? Maybe she means that people who exercise in the morning are more likely to consistently exercise and/or that morning exercise helps you feel more energized throughout the day. Two, there's no such thing as a 'fat-fighting' food--and the author doesn't tell you what they are! I'd love to know!! I'm assuming she means fruits and veggies. Eating lots of certain types of veggies (not so much on the fruit--need to watch the sugar there) will probably help you lose weight because of their fiber and water content (low calorie) not because these foods will actually 'fight fat.'

lporter229

Thanks for the article. I know the feeling of finding it more difficult to slim down after 40. You definitely have to work a little harder at it, but it can be done. I think exercise is most important for women our age.

The article made some good points, but I agree that there are some misleading things in the article as well.. For example, #4 says that experts agree for sure that eating after 9PM is a sure way to gain weight. I don't think experts agree on this at all. I have seen many different opinions, with "evidence" to support each claim. I eat dinner every night after 8PM. This has not been a factor in my weight loss, so I am of the opinion that the "no eating after 9PM" theory is a fallacy.

catpow2

Thanks for the article. I know the feeling of finding it more difficult to slim down after 40. You definitely have to work a little harder at it, but it can be done. I think exercise is most important for women our age.

The article made some good points, but I agree that there are some misleading things in the article as well.. For example, #4 says that experts agree for sure that eating after 9PM is a sure way to gain weight. I don't think experts agree on this at all. I have seen many different opinions, with "evidence" to support each claim. I eat dinner every night after 8PM. This has not been a factor in my weight loss, so I am of the opinion that the "no eating after 9PM" theory is a fallacy.

Good point and clarification--if you're within your allotted calories, eating after 9 shouldn't make any difference.