OP, it just happens and there isn't a lot you can do about it. Hormones/metabolism changes at these ages and I think there is part of it that is just going to come down to acceptance. You can be the absolute fittest and healthiest you can possibly be and you are not going to look like you did when you are 30 ever again. I'm also struggling with, but it just what it is. And life is too short to make yourself miserable over it.

As for me, I have gained about 10 lbs very slowly over the course of years starting at bout 35 and frankly, I'm lucky I made it that long without having to think about food/exercise. I was 5'7" and about 118 for ever, so honestly, it wasn't a huge deal. Then two years ago I gained in a very short amount of time for really no reason at all. Nothing about my food intake, exercise, etc. changed at all. I've talked to a bunch of friends in their early 40s and its seemed a bit of a universal experience.

I don't like it, but at some point, you just have to accept it. You'll be happier if you do.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m basically in exactly the same place, and I think that since we both have pretty good exercise and diet routines, probably the healthiest and kindest thing we can do is to accept that our bodies are changing, permanently, and that chasing that 25 or even 35 year old body is an effort in futility. Seriously moving the needle on body fat will entail a level of caloric scrutiny and deprivation that is probably not good, mentally or physically.

Nope, NP here and I’m not accepting that my body is going to tho sh*t now that I’m in my 40s. We just have to do things differently than our younger decades.

OP: Increase protein (1g for each lb of weight), lift heavy weights on your weigh training days, drink a ton of water, cut the sugar. The high protein will help you build muscle, stay full longer and curb those sugar cravings. You didn’t mention alcohol but cut that out too, except for special occasions, bc you gotta live. I thought I was doomed over 40 but my body totally transformed doing this.

You’ve basically proven what I wrote. You have to significantly sacrifice dietarily in order to make big changes. Also, it doesn’t sound as if OP’s body has “gone to shit” as you so charmingly put it. She simply doesn’t have the body she used to. I don’t care what you do, you’ll never have your 20-something stomach back.

What’re you talking about? I wasn’t talking about OP’s body. I was responding to your post that said we should accept our bodies are changing permanently. I’m not accepting a pooch and when I started getting one, I did what I typed above to get rid of it. This is pretty standard advice for women our age. I’m stronger today than I was at 25 and while I do weigh more, I have so much more muscle. I find it pretty empowering to have found my strength at this age and think we do ourselves a disservice by throwing our hands up and saying oh well, We’re old now, guess we just get soft!

But your body is changing permanently and you are getting old. No matter how much protein you eat or weights you lift. Accept it or live in a dream world.

Im not sure this is true. I was always slim and pretty in my younger years but now in my 50s im fit and pretty. Look better than i ever have. Men of all ages seem to appreciate it lol. Getting lots more attention now than i did when younger.
I feel young so its weird that im old lol.

Sure, Jan.

Oh its the jealous poster yet again with the "jan" crap.
Oh dear haha

I mean, the PP is being a jerk. Women who brag about how thin and pretty they are in their 50s, in a thread about struggling with middle aged weight gain, deserve a clap back now and then.

They were responding to the poster who was saying at your age give up cause youre gonna have a pot belly.
That is not the case for all older women.

+1 Personally, I find it inspirational to hear from women who haven’t thrown in the towel. I was in OP’s shoes a year ago but in my 50s and worked very hard to turn things around. I’m much happier and healthier now. And I don’t think my new healthy habits are a sacrifice at all - I think of them as a gift to myself and my family. Don’t give up, OP!

Exactly!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m basically in exactly the same place, and I think that since we both have pretty good exercise and diet routines, probably the healthiest and kindest thing we can do is to accept that our bodies are changing, permanently, and that chasing that 25 or even 35 year old body is an effort in futility. Seriously moving the needle on body fat will entail a level of caloric scrutiny and deprivation that is probably not good, mentally or physically.

Nope, NP here and I’m not accepting that my body is going to tho sh*t now that I’m in my 40s. We just have to do things differently than our younger decades.

OP: Increase protein (1g for each lb of weight), lift heavy weights on your weigh training days, drink a ton of water, cut the sugar. The high protein will help you build muscle, stay full longer and curb those sugar cravings. You didn’t mention alcohol but cut that out too, except for special occasions, bc you gotta live. I thought I was doomed over 40 but my body totally transformed doing this.

You’ve basically proven what I wrote. You have to significantly sacrifice dietarily in order to make big changes. Also, it doesn’t sound as if OP’s body has “gone to shit” as you so charmingly put it. She simply doesn’t have the body she used to. I don’t care what you do, you’ll never have your 20-something stomach back.

What’re you talking about? I wasn’t talking about OP’s body. I was responding to your post that said we should accept our bodies are changing permanently. I’m not accepting a pooch and when I started getting one, I did what I typed above to get rid of it. This is pretty standard advice for women our age. I’m stronger today than I was at 25 and while I do weigh more, I have so much more muscle. I find it pretty empowering to have found my strength at this age and think we do ourselves a disservice by throwing our hands up and saying oh well, We’re old now, guess we just get soft!

But your body is changing permanently and you are getting old. No matter how much protein you eat or weights you lift. Accept it or live in a dream world.

Im not sure this is true. I was always slim and pretty in my younger years but now in my 50s im fit and pretty. Look better than i ever have. Men of all ages seem to appreciate it lol. Getting lots more attention now than i did when younger.
I feel young so its weird that im old lol.

Sure, Jan.

Oh its the jealous poster yet again with the "jan" crap.
Oh dear haha

I mean, the PP is being a jerk. Women who brag about how thin and pretty they are in their 50s, in a thread about struggling with middle aged weight gain, deserve a clap back now and then.

They were responding to the poster who was saying at your age give up cause youre gonna have a pot belly.
That is not the case for all older women.

+1 Personally, I find it inspirational to hear from women who haven’t thrown in the towel. I was in OP’s shoes a year ago but in my 50s and worked very hard to turn things around. I’m much happier and healthier now. And I don’t think my new healthy habits are a sacrifice at all - I think of them as a gift to myself and my family. Don’t give up, OP!

Same here at age 49. I've changed my dessert treat to Greek yogurt, berries, a dash of sugar free chocolate pudding mix, and breaking up a chocolate protein bar. Mix it together and you won't miss the other stuff.

Same here. I’m 47 and gained about 10 lbs over a couple years and was feeling awful. I’ve lost about 5 of it cutting out sugar and processed foods. I was starving at first but feel good now with very little cravings.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m basically in exactly the same place, and I think that since we both have pretty good exercise and diet routines, probably the healthiest and kindest thing we can do is to accept that our bodies are changing, permanently, and that chasing that 25 or even 35 year old body is an effort in futility. Seriously moving the needle on body fat will entail a level of caloric scrutiny and deprivation that is probably not good, mentally or physically.

Nope, NP here and I’m not accepting that my body is going to tho sh*t now that I’m in my 40s. We just have to do things differently than our younger decades.

OP: Increase protein (1g for each lb of weight), lift heavy weights on your weigh training days, drink a ton of water, cut the sugar. The high protein will help you build muscle, stay full longer and curb those sugar cravings. You didn’t mention alcohol but cut that out too, except for special occasions, bc you gotta live. I thought I was doomed over 40 but my body totally transformed doing this.

You’ve basically proven what I wrote. You have to significantly sacrifice dietarily in order to make big changes. Also, it doesn’t sound as if OP’s body has “gone to shit” as you so charmingly put it. She simply doesn’t have the body she used to. I don’t care what you do, you’ll never have your 20-something stomach back.

What’re you talking about? I wasn’t talking about OP’s body. I was responding to your post that said we should accept our bodies are changing permanently. I’m not accepting a pooch and when I started getting one, I did what I typed above to get rid of it. This is pretty standard advice for women our age. I’m stronger today than I was at 25 and while I do weigh more, I have so much more muscle. I find it pretty empowering to have found my strength at this age and think we do ourselves a disservice by throwing our hands up and saying oh well, We’re old now, guess we just get soft!

But your body is changing permanently and you are getting old. No matter how much protein you eat or weights you lift. Accept it or live in a dream world.

Im not sure this is true. I was always slim and pretty in my younger years but now in my 50s im fit and pretty. Look better than i ever have. Men of all ages seem to appreciate it lol. Getting lots more attention now than i did when younger.
I feel young so its weird that im old lol.

Sure, Jan.

Oh its the jealous poster yet again with the "jan" crap.
Oh dear haha

I mean, the PP is being a jerk. Women who brag about how thin and pretty they are in their 50s, in a thread about struggling with middle aged weight gain, deserve a clap back now and then.

They were responding to the poster who was saying at your age give up cause youre gonna have a pot belly.
That is not the case for all older women.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m basically in exactly the same place, and I think that since we both have pretty good exercise and diet routines, probably the healthiest and kindest thing we can do is to accept that our bodies are changing, permanently, and that chasing that 25 or even 35 year old body is an effort in futility. Seriously moving the needle on body fat will entail a level of caloric scrutiny and deprivation that is probably not good, mentally or physically.

Nope, NP here and I’m not accepting that my body is going to tho sh*t now that I’m in my 40s. We just have to do things differently than our younger decades.

OP: Increase protein (1g for each lb of weight), lift heavy weights on your weigh training days, drink a ton of water, cut the sugar. The high protein will help you build muscle, stay full longer and curb those sugar cravings. You didn’t mention alcohol but cut that out too, except for special occasions, bc you gotta live. I thought I was doomed over 40 but my body totally transformed doing this.

You’ve basically proven what I wrote. You have to significantly sacrifice dietarily in order to make big changes. Also, it doesn’t sound as if OP’s body has “gone to shit” as you so charmingly put it. She simply doesn’t have the body she used to. I don’t care what you do, you’ll never have your 20-something stomach back.

What’re you talking about? I wasn’t talking about OP’s body. I was responding to your post that said we should accept our bodies are changing permanently. I’m not accepting a pooch and when I started getting one, I did what I typed above to get rid of it. This is pretty standard advice for women our age. I’m stronger today than I was at 25 and while I do weigh more, I have so much more muscle. I find it pretty empowering to have found my strength at this age and think we do ourselves a disservice by throwing our hands up and saying oh well, We’re old now, guess we just get soft!

But your body is changing permanently and you are getting old. No matter how much protein you eat or weights you lift. Accept it or live in a dream world.

Im not sure this is true. I was always slim and pretty in my younger years but now in my 50s im fit and pretty. Look better than i ever have. Men of all ages seem to appreciate it lol. Getting lots more attention now than i did when younger.
I feel young so its weird that im old lol.

Sure, Jan.

Oh its the jealous poster yet again with the "jan" crap.
Oh dear haha

I mean, the PP is being a jerk. Women who brag about how thin and pretty they are in their 50s, in a thread about struggling with middle aged weight gain, deserve a clap back now and then.

Also, it's just delusional. Women can certainly be slim and pretty in their 50s, but the idea that they "look better than they ever have" is ludicrous. The 30 something version of her is undoubtedly better looking than the 50 something version of her. It's just true--and that's okay.

OP- I am with you. I am 45 and weight has creeped up over the last day years. So far I’ve stopped drinking and last month I reduced my sweets and focused on eating a lot of protein and fiber. I’m down 5lbs but I want to keep going.

But I’ve also wondered if it’s worth it because I am also obsessing a bit and I have a history of eating disorder and body image issues.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m basically in exactly the same place, and I think that since we both have pretty good exercise and diet routines, probably the healthiest and kindest thing we can do is to accept that our bodies are changing, permanently, and that chasing that 25 or even 35 year old body is an effort in futility. Seriously moving the needle on body fat will entail a level of caloric scrutiny and deprivation that is probably not good, mentally or physically.

Nope, NP here and I’m not accepting that my body is going to tho sh*t now that I’m in my 40s. We just have to do things differently than our younger decades.

OP: Increase protein (1g for each lb of weight), lift heavy weights on your weigh training days, drink a ton of water, cut the sugar. The high protein will help you build muscle, stay full longer and curb those sugar cravings. You didn’t mention alcohol but cut that out too, except for special occasions, bc you gotta live. I thought I was doomed over 40 but my body totally transformed doing this.

You’ve basically proven what I wrote. You have to significantly sacrifice dietarily in order to make big changes. Also, it doesn’t sound as if OP’s body has “gone to shit” as you so charmingly put it. She simply doesn’t have the body she used to. I don’t care what you do, you’ll never have your 20-something stomach back.

What’re you talking about? I wasn’t talking about OP’s body. I was responding to your post that said we should accept our bodies are changing permanently. I’m not accepting a pooch and when I started getting one, I did what I typed above to get rid of it. This is pretty standard advice for women our age. I’m stronger today than I was at 25 and while I do weigh more, I have so much more muscle. I find it pretty empowering to have found my strength at this age and think we do ourselves a disservice by throwing our hands up and saying oh well, We’re old now, guess we just get soft!

But your body is changing permanently and you are getting old. No matter how much protein you eat or weights you lift. Accept it or live in a dream world.

Im not sure this is true. I was always slim and pretty in my younger years but now in my 50s im fit and pretty. Look better than i ever have. Men of all ages seem to appreciate it lol. Getting lots more attention now than i did when younger.
I feel young so its weird that im old lol.

Sure, Jan.

Oh its the jealous poster yet again with the "jan" crap.
Oh dear haha

I mean, the PP is being a jerk. Women who brag about how thin and pretty they are in their 50s, in a thread about struggling with middle aged weight gain, deserve a clap back now and then.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m basically in exactly the same place, and I think that since we both have pretty good exercise and diet routines, probably the healthiest and kindest thing we can do is to accept that our bodies are changing, permanently, and that chasing that 25 or even 35 year old body is an effort in futility. Seriously moving the needle on body fat will entail a level of caloric scrutiny and deprivation that is probably not good, mentally or physically.

Nope, NP here and I’m not accepting that my body is going to tho sh*t now that I’m in my 40s. We just have to do things differently than our younger decades.

OP: Increase protein (1g for each lb of weight), lift heavy weights on your weigh training days, drink a ton of water, cut the sugar. The high protein will help you build muscle, stay full longer and curb those sugar cravings. You didn’t mention alcohol but cut that out too, except for special occasions, bc you gotta live. I thought I was doomed over 40 but my body totally transformed doing this.

You’ve basically proven what I wrote. You have to significantly sacrifice dietarily in order to make big changes. Also, it doesn’t sound as if OP’s body has “gone to shit” as you so charmingly put it. She simply doesn’t have the body she used to. I don’t care what you do, you’ll never have your 20-something stomach back.

What’re you talking about? I wasn’t talking about OP’s body. I was responding to your post that said we should accept our bodies are changing permanently. I’m not accepting a pooch and when I started getting one, I did what I typed above to get rid of it. This is pretty standard advice for women our age. I’m stronger today than I was at 25 and while I do weigh more, I have so much more muscle. I find it pretty empowering to have found my strength at this age and think we do ourselves a disservice by throwing our hands up and saying oh well, We’re old now, guess we just get soft!

But your body is changing permanently and you are getting old. No matter how much protein you eat or weights you lift. Accept it or live in a dream world.

Im not sure this is true. I was always slim and pretty in my younger years but now in my 50s im fit and pretty. Look better than i ever have. Men of all ages seem to appreciate it lol. Getting lots more attention now than i did when younger.
I feel young so its weird that im old lol.

Sure, Jan.

Oh its the jealous poster yet again with the "jan" crap.
Oh dear haha

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m basically in exactly the same place, and I think that since we both have pretty good exercise and diet routines, probably the healthiest and kindest thing we can do is to accept that our bodies are changing, permanently, and that chasing that 25 or even 35 year old body is an effort in futility. Seriously moving the needle on body fat will entail a level of caloric scrutiny and deprivation that is probably not good, mentally or physically.

Nope, NP here and I’m not accepting that my body is going to tho sh*t now that I’m in my 40s. We just have to do things differently than our younger decades.

OP: Increase protein (1g for each lb of weight), lift heavy weights on your weigh training days, drink a ton of water, cut the sugar. The high protein will help you build muscle, stay full longer and curb those sugar cravings. You didn’t mention alcohol but cut that out too, except for special occasions, bc you gotta live. I thought I was doomed over 40 but my body totally transformed doing this.

You’ve basically proven what I wrote. You have to significantly sacrifice dietarily in order to make big changes. Also, it doesn’t sound as if OP’s body has “gone to shit” as you so charmingly put it. She simply doesn’t have the body she used to. I don’t care what you do, you’ll never have your 20-something stomach back.

What’re you talking about? I wasn’t talking about OP’s body. I was responding to your post that said we should accept our bodies are changing permanently. I’m not accepting a pooch and when I started getting one, I did what I typed above to get rid of it. This is pretty standard advice for women our age. I’m stronger today than I was at 25 and while I do weigh more, I have so much more muscle. I find it pretty empowering to have found my strength at this age and think we do ourselves a disservice by throwing our hands up and saying oh well, We’re old now, guess we just get soft!

But your body is changing permanently and you are getting old. No matter how much protein you eat or weights you lift. Accept it or live in a dream world.

Im not sure this is true. I was always slim and pretty in my younger years but now in my 50s im fit and pretty. Look better than i ever have. Men of all ages seem to appreciate it lol. Getting lots more attention now than i did when younger.
I feel young so its weird that im old lol.

Sure, Jan.

Anonymous wrote:Divorce and CrossFit are my recommendations for weight loss and ripped body.

Haha love it

The point of life is to enjoy it. You’re never going to look 20 again, so just eat your sweets and stop feeling guilty.

As for what changes, what helped me was to decrease carbs and protein and massively increase vegetables. On a plate, 1/4 is a protein, 1/4 carbs, and a full half is vegetables. I do this at every meal. The huge amount of fiber in vegetables keeps me full for a long time, way better than even whole grains.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m basically in exactly the same place, and I think that since we both have pretty good exercise and diet routines, probably the healthiest and kindest thing we can do is to accept that our bodies are changing, permanently, and that chasing that 25 or even 35 year old body is an effort in futility. Seriously moving the needle on body fat will entail a level of caloric scrutiny and deprivation that is probably not good, mentally or physically.

Nope, NP here and I’m not accepting that my body is going to tho sh*t now that I’m in my 40s. We just have to do things differently than our younger decades.

OP: Increase protein (1g for each lb of weight), lift heavy weights on your weigh training days, drink a ton of water, cut the sugar. The high protein will help you build muscle, stay full longer and curb those sugar cravings. You didn’t mention alcohol but cut that out too, except for special occasions, bc you gotta live. I thought I was doomed over 40 but my body totally transformed doing this.

You’ve basically proven what I wrote. You have to significantly sacrifice dietarily in order to make big changes. Also, it doesn’t sound as if OP’s body has “gone to shit” as you so charmingly put it. She simply doesn’t have the body she used to. I don’t care what you do, you’ll never have your 20-something stomach back.

What’re you talking about? I wasn’t talking about OP’s body. I was responding to your post that said we should accept our bodies are changing permanently. I’m not accepting a pooch and when I started getting one, I did what I typed above to get rid of it. This is pretty standard advice for women our age. I’m stronger today than I was at 25 and while I do weigh more, I have so much more muscle. I find it pretty empowering to have found my strength at this age and think we do ourselves a disservice by throwing our hands up and saying oh well, We’re old now, guess we just get soft!

But your body is changing permanently and you are getting old. No matter how much protein you eat or weights you lift. Accept it or live in a dream world.

DP, I’m not going to be 25 but I am going to be the strongest and fittest I can be at this age. I’m not ready, either, for such a defeatist attitude.

Being strong and fit has nothing to do with having a “pooch.”

A pooch is not inevitable

OP here and this is the precise question I'm struggling with. I'm sure there is a level of fitness/diet that could get rid of my pooch, but do I even have the time or willingness to sacrifice it would entail?

Like does not having a pooch at my age require daily hour long workouts and a lot of self denial? Could I realistically do and sustain that? I don't know. I am wrestling with it.

Divorce and CrossFit are my recommendations for weight loss and ripped body.