It's not impossible, just tougher than it used to be. It's vital to unhook from what you used to be able to do.That 5 pounds a week isn't feasible anymore - or even advisable. Every move you're making to eat better and move more is beneficial, so don't feel like your effort is wasted. Every day you start to look and feel better, which has value regardless of the scale moving.

I had a nearly 10 month plateau that just ended where I lost and gained the same four pounds over and over while trying various strategies - eating more, eating less, lifting heavy - until I caved and started seeing a nutritionist who could give me some more accurate guidance on my best calorie intake. With her advice I have greatly increased the quality of what I'm eating even though calorie-wise I'm only about 100-200 calories before where I was. I also shelved the heavy weight training in favor of more cardio and resistance training (still want to maintain the muscle mass I built in the last year). This past week I saw the lowest number on the scale since 1998 and I feel confident I'm headed in the right direction. I'm convinced that it's really about the quality of what we eat and getting regular activity - even if it's just a daily walk - that makes the difference.

Agree--not impossible, just harder. Great advice from ruststar. Diet has to be a lot stricter, I've noticed. But there's no way could I have gone out and run 5 miles 20 years ago like I can now so you can definitely still be successful :flowerforyou:

It's hard and I've lost and gain back 30 pounds. Great advice here that's why I haven't totally quit. I hope to see a nutritionist next time I see my Dr.

Bump

The weight coming off may be a bit slower but it is not impossible. I think of it like a marathon race. You may not be the fastest runner but you WILL cross the finish line as long as you do NOT give up. You cannot let your mind dictate your progress.
You can do it !

Hi (waving) ... new to this group, but not to MFP. Wanted to say that starting in my mid 40s I began to put on weight. I figured I would simply reduce my daily calories, and up the exercise. This plan did not work. I was gaining weight, especially belly fat, despite eating low-fat, low calorie (about 1500/day)! Fast forward to mid 50's and damn... I found myself wearing size 16s and 40 to 50 lbs heavier than I believed was healthy for me!

Blood tests revealed I was "insulin resistant" and my calorie counting, low-fat diet was the wrong way FOR ME to eat if I wanted to be healthy (and less fat). I want to emphasize here that whatever I write is true for me (N of 1), and may not apply to others here. I recognize that it is standard in the weight-loss arena to talk about low-fat and calories as the key, but for me, a low-fat diet, even one with reduced calories, caused weight gain!

After learning of my insulin resistance, and at the encouragement of an MD, I eliminated the 3 basic food categories that caused the spiky sugar (and hence the easy ability to put fat on):
#1 - refined carbs (wheat, rice, oats too!)
#2 - refined sugars (including honey, maple syrup, agave syrup)
#3 - milk products (especially non fat and low fat milk products) with the exception of full fat cream/sourcream/full fat cheeses.
I also altered the kind of fruits I ate (more berries, less other fruits).
And finally, I increased my fat consumption (my MD was picky about the kind of fats I consumed).

Without counting macros or calories, but attempting to follow the basic guidelines above, I quickly dropped about 15 lbs. Then I joined MFP and started keeping track of numbers and began to get a good feel of this new way of eating. When I joined MFP my goal was to lose an additional 37 more lbs. I lost 28 lbs and have easily maintained the weight loss (total is 43 lbs since Summer 2013). But now ... I am aiming for that final 9 lbs off by New Years, so will likely need to watch the macro numbers and keep the calories in balance with energy output too!

Again, I can not say that the way I eat is exactly right for every female 40+. I only know that for me, it is working for my over-all health and keeps my weight in check ... even allows me to loose. I feel better than ever, my joints no longer ache, and I am not "puffy". Oh, and zero hot flashes too (but they might have gone away no matter what?). Oh... and I am now age 60! So, have hope those of you who are struggling. The key could be in the macro percentages that work best for your health and well being.