[lisa654]

Hi there

I'm just turning 40 and am finding it harder to lose weight. I can't eat anywhere near as much as I used to and feel like I'm permanently restricting what I eat.

I've recently started a Body For Life Challenge because I read that as you get older you lose muscle every year and that slows down your metabolism.

So now I'm doing weights as well as cardio. I used to just do cardio exercise but I find that's not that effective on its own at keeping the fat off.

If there's others here who are also finding it harder as they get older, please reply! I think it would be great to start a discussion about our experiences and swap tips!

Best wishes

Lisa

[buddhadoll]

I am 49 and have been trying to lose for 2 yrs. I started the Zone diet about 3 months ago, and I feel much better. No food cravings, however I am not losing much weight. I am taking regular vitamins, no extra stuff, I am going to a weight loss management doc, who has not given me any diet pills. I have been going for about 4 months. I initially lost about 6 pounds....now I am not losing. I have several health issues. I am on estrogen as I had a total hysterectomy in 2002. I work at a desk job all day. That I believe to be a true pitfall. I dont move enough. I eat very low fat but I sure am not burning the excess on my body. I eat approx. 1200 calories a day. I am very frustrated. What have you been trying?
Buddhadoll

[lisa654]

Hi Buddhadoll

I also tried the Zone diet and it worked really well for me. I'm still eating like that now - the combination of protein and carbs at each meal is great.

Like you, I sit at a desk all day and really have to make sure that I exercise every day. I think if you move around in an active job, that's really going to help.

I've joined a local gym and get down there most days to do either cardio or weights. I'm sure it's helping to speed up metabolism, but I still need to watch my food intake.

I'm really not looking forward to this whole perimenopause and menopause thing.

What side effects does the estrogen have? I guess it makes you put on weight?

Lisa