That creeping weight gain as you get older...

badhabits · 10-12-2009, 06:51 AM

So in December this year I will be turning thirty- five. I am really noticing over the past year that I am just battling to keep my weight down.

I am about 5 ft 7, and currently weigh around 61 - 62 kgs (it varies day to day). A couple of years ago I was hovering around 60 kg and in my twenties I hovered around 58 kgs.

My current weight doesn't sound like much but I have quite a light frame, slender wrists and ankles etc, I tend to gain it in my face and around my middle and I don't like the way I look or feel with this extra flab. I don't like that my skinny jeans feel tighter and I don't like the feeling of the skin on my stomach rolls making contact. Urgh!

What is particularly frustrating about this is that I eat less and do more exercise than I used to. My diet and exercise regime could do with improvement but its pretty reasonable. I realise to get my old body back I am going to have to really step it up and get into self denial mode and I feel pretty resentful about it!

On an average day I have rye toast and vegemite for breakfast (I'm an aussie and we love our Vegemit)...a salad for lunch...a handful of nuts for an afternoon snack...a vege casserole and rice or couscous for dinner...

I'm afraid on the weekends I eat and drink whatever I want. That's my time for indulgence and I'm fairly committed to that! Quantity wise its not excessive in anyway, but friday night to sunday I tend to eat at nice restaurants with friends, or cook something tasty at home, and have some wine.

I walk for an hour and a half every day.

So people, do you have any advice or experiences of how you dealt with creeping weight gain and maintained a quality of life??

Its looking like I am going to start going to the gym, which I've never been a fan of..it seems so contrived and I would rather do exercise that serves a purpose (such as walking to work...which is kinda the only exercise I do right now)...

Any tips or ideas?

Crazyaboutdogs · 10-12-2009, 07:42 AM

Yes, my mid-section is flabbier than when I was 20..and sure there are some women my age who are still quite thin..but I was never thin and I just accept it my body the way it is. I don't want to be counting calories and obsessing about food and exercise. I know lots of people who do and are not necessarily healthy..they still age and get the standard health problems. The real key is to try to eat healthy as much as possible while making sure you get to also enjoy foods you love even if they are not necessarily healthy. Exercise when you can. You are walking so that is good. I think people are made to feel guilty if they don't go to the gym. However, not everyone enjoys the gym or can even afford the outrageous prices for gym memberships. Accept your aging body...it is part of life.

badhabits · 10-12-2009, 08:02 AM

Thanks for the reply CAD. Yep there's a part of me that just says, accept it. After all, I think I am doing the most I can do to stay trim without turning into one of those calorie counting nazis you speak of... I think I should be able to enjoy my life ya know?? One of my favourite things is to splash out at a nice restaurant with my girlfriends, I don't want to sit there and pore over the menu for some item that has less than 400 claories, it defeats the whole purpose!

And yeah I hate the gym...it just seems daft to me, all these people burning off their calories on those stoopid machines because they have been sitting in an office all day...modern life eh. That's why I like walking, it feels natural (and doesn't HURT).

I guess my issue is I kind of miss the attention I used to get, feeling I look good in a little tight fitting outfit, that sort of thing. Men used to stare when I crossed the street, they rarely even glance my way now

I know that these things ultimately aren't important but it is hard to escape the conditioning of society. After all, everywhere I go, I am confronted with the message that a woman's worth is determined by her appearance...

Its all kind of sad really...

Crazyaboutdogs · 10-12-2009, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by badhabits

Thanks for the reply CAD. Yep there's a part of me that just says, accept it. After all, I think I am doing the most I can do to stay trim without turning into one of those calorie counting nazis you speak of... I think I should be able to enjoy my life ya know?? One of my favourite things is to splash out at a nice restaurant with my girlfriends, I don't want to sit there and pore over the menu for some item that has less than 400 claories, it defeats the whole purpose!

And yeah I hate the gym...it just seems daft to me, all these people burning off their calories on those stoopid machines because they have been sitting in an office all day...modern life eh. That's why I like walking, it feels natural (and doesn't HURT).

I guess my issue is I kind of miss the attention I used to get, feeling I look good in a little tight fitting outfit, that sort of thing. Men used to stare when I crossed the street, they rarely even glance my way now

I know that these things ultimately aren't important but it is hard to escape the conditioning of society. After all, everywhere I go, I am confronted with the message that a woman's worth is determined by her appearance...

Its all kind of sad really...

As you get older the men are not going to turn their heads so much...because they are looking at the twenty-something year olds. That's just the way it goes. I have certainly seen some hot looking women my age and older who turn heads..but that's usually because they look and act like prostitutes (heavy heavy makup, bleached blond hair, short skirts etc) rather than classy women who act their age. I was no raving beauty in my early 20's, I dressed conservatively (no cleavage, no microskirts) and was a size 10-12 as still am. Back then I used to get noticed by some men when I walked down the street. Not anymore. A lot has to do with the attraction of youthfulness and being carefree. At 35 many men assume you are attached, a mom etc so there is more of a reticence to ogle women of that age.

badhabits · 10-12-2009, 08:40 AM

It's interesting, I don't actually really like being ogled by men..mostly its just creepy, unless I find them attractive too, which very rarely happens...it's more knowing that I am ogle-able that I like, I think

Well, I'm certainly not bleaching my hair and getting a boob job etc... there seems to be an argument there that it isn't beauty per se that these men are attracted to but the promise of a certain kind of interaction with the woman. So to speak.

sophie274 · 10-12-2009, 08:42 AM

Hi badhabits,

I think you could try for a little more exercise. (And by more exercise, I mean more strenuous exercise, to try to keep some of the weight off and get toned. Walking is fantastic exercise, but not high-calorie-burning.) I don't enjoy going to the gym either, but often I think it's because I haven't really given it a fair shot. I know lots of others who have committed themselves to going every day, and once they get in the habit (a few months or so), they really enjoy it and "have" to have their work-out.

My aunt knew she had gained some weight as she aged, and got a personal trainer. She trains with her 3 days a week, and over about a couple of years she has lost 15 pounds and kept them off without modifying her eating habits. She also has fantastic abs and legs, and I think the work-out is a good stress outlet for her.

Another thing (and forgive my stereotypes of Australia) - you have such beautiful wildernesses, maybe you could try getting into some outdoor sports? Instead of walking, a little more heavy duty hiking. Surfing is a really good work-out and a lot of fun too. Horse-back riding is a little less cardiovascular, but still good, and a lot of fun too. You could also try joining a sports league - beach volleyball, football - might be more fun that being a hamster on a wheel in the gym.

quirky girl · 10-12-2009, 08:48 AM

thing is everything, absolutely everything in life comes at a price.

Splashing out at a nice restaurant with your girlfriends is a lot of fun, feeling free is what contributes to happiness. Clearly someone who doesn't indulge in the weekends might not have the extra couple of kilograms. So it's all a choice, what is more important to you at a particular point. Maybe you could go a bit more hardcore healthy for a couple of months if it affects your self esteem. Or you can accept that this is what makes you happier. You're not overweight at all btw.

badhabits · 10-12-2009, 08:52 AM

Hi sophie and thanks for the reply,

I do know why people keep telling me I should go the gym even though I don't like it. Its because strength training has an advantage over simple cardio such as walking - muscle burns more energy at rest than fat. Walking burns calories, but only while you are doing it.

So yeah, I realise if I do want to shed these new pounds I may have to go the gym or do some form of strength training.

We do have lovely wilderness in Australia but I live smack bang in the middle of Sydney surrounded by concrete, and I don't have a car either! You have to drive for an hour plus to go trailing in the national parks (which I do very much like when I get an opportunity)

badhabits · 10-12-2009, 08:58 AM

Thanks Quirky - yah I am not overweight, I am just getting thicker around the middle these days. I have a slender build and I'm very soft, not muscley at all.

And you're absolutely right, everything has a price. I'll be damned if I'm not going wining and dining with the ladies, so the answer at this point is prolly more exercise, as sophie said...I don't see how I can pare too many more calories out of my weekday diet...

chocolatemilk · 10-13-2009, 01:28 AM

It's an excellent idea to do some strength training, look up starting strength or stronglifts. To add your body is probably in starvation mode judging by the amount of food you consume, it will hold onto fat like no other, and eat away all your muscle plunging your body into a negative spiral. So although it sounds counter-intuitive, eat more, especially protein, and get into a good strength training program.

Good luck

10-12-2009, 06:51 AM	#1
badhabits Offline Silver Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Sydney, Australia Gender: Female Posts: 468	That creeping weight gain as you get older... So in December this year I will be turning thirty- five. I am really noticing over the past year that I am just battling to keep my weight down. I am about 5 ft 7, and currently weigh around 61 - 62 kgs (it varies day to day). A couple of years ago I was hovering around 60 kg and in my twenties I hovered around 58 kgs. My current weight doesn't sound like much but I have quite a light frame, slender wrists and ankles etc, I tend to gain it in my face and around my middle and I don't like the way I look or feel with this extra flab. I don't like that my skinny jeans feel tighter and I don't like the feeling of the skin on my stomach rolls making contact. Urgh! What is particularly frustrating about this is that I eat less and do more exercise than I used to. My diet and exercise regime could do with improvement but its pretty reasonable. I realise to get my old body back I am going to have to really step it up and get into self denial mode and I feel pretty resentful about it! On an average day I have rye toast and vegemite for breakfast (I'm an aussie and we love our Vegemit)...a salad for lunch...a handful of nuts for an afternoon snack...a vege casserole and rice or couscous for dinner... I'm afraid on the weekends I eat and drink whatever I want. That's my time for indulgence and I'm fairly committed to that! Quantity wise its not excessive in anyway, but friday night to sunday I tend to eat at nice restaurants with friends, or cook something tasty at home, and have some wine. I walk for an hour and a half every day. So people, do you have any advice or experiences of how you dealt with creeping weight gain and maintained a quality of life?? Its looking like I am going to start going to the gym, which I've never been a fan of..it seems so contrived and I would rather do exercise that serves a purpose (such as walking to work...which is kinda the only exercise I do right now)... Any tips or ideas?

10-12-2009, 08:42 AM	#6
sophie274 Offline Platinum Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 2,059	Hi badhabits, I think you could try for a little more exercise. (And by more exercise, I mean more strenuous exercise, to try to keep some of the weight off and get toned. Walking is fantastic exercise, but not high-calorie-burning.) I don't enjoy going to the gym either, but often I think it's because I haven't really given it a fair shot. I know lots of others who have committed themselves to going every day, and once they get in the habit (a few months or so), they really enjoy it and "have" to have their work-out. My aunt knew she had gained some weight as she aged, and got a personal trainer. She trains with her 3 days a week, and over about a couple of years she has lost 15 pounds and kept them off without modifying her eating habits. She also has fantastic abs and legs, and I think the work-out is a good stress outlet for her. Another thing (and forgive my stereotypes of Australia) - you have such beautiful wildernesses, maybe you could try getting into some outdoor sports? Instead of walking, a little more heavy duty hiking. Surfing is a really good work-out and a lot of fun too. Horse-back riding is a little less cardiovascular, but still good, and a lot of fun too. You could also try joining a sports league - beach volleyball, football - might be more fun that being a hamster on a wheel in the gym. Last edited by sophie274; 10-12-2009 at 08:48 AM.

10-12-2009, 07:42 AM	#2
Crazyaboutdogs Offline Platinum Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Canada Gender: Female Age: 46 Posts: 15,631	Yes, my mid-section is flabbier than when I was 20..and sure there are some women my age who are still quite thin..but I was never thin and I just accept it my body the way it is. I don't want to be counting calories and obsessing about food and exercise. I know lots of people who do and are not necessarily healthy..they still age and get the standard health problems. The real key is to try to eat healthy as much as possible while making sure you get to also enjoy foods you love even if they are not necessarily healthy. Exercise when you can. You are walking so that is good. I think people are made to feel guilty if they don't go to the gym. However, not everyone enjoys the gym or can even afford the outrageous prices for gym memberships. Accept your aging body...it is part of life.

10-12-2009, 08:02 AM	#3
badhabits Offline Silver Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Sydney, Australia Gender: Female Posts: 468	Thanks for the reply CAD. Yep there's a part of me that just says, accept it. After all, I think I am doing the most I can do to stay trim without turning into one of those calorie counting nazis you speak of... I think I should be able to enjoy my life ya know?? One of my favourite things is to splash out at a nice restaurant with my girlfriends, I don't want to sit there and pore over the menu for some item that has less than 400 claories, it defeats the whole purpose! And yeah I hate the gym...it just seems daft to me, all these people burning off their calories on those stoopid machines because they have been sitting in an office all day...modern life eh. That's why I like walking, it feels natural (and doesn't HURT). I guess my issue is I kind of miss the attention I used to get, feeling I look good in a little tight fitting outfit, that sort of thing. Men used to stare when I crossed the street, they rarely even glance my way now I know that these things ultimately aren't important but it is hard to escape the conditioning of society. After all, everywhere I go, I am confronted with the message that a woman's worth is determined by her appearance... Its all kind of sad really...

10-12-2009, 08:40 AM	#5
badhabits Offline Silver Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Sydney, Australia Gender: Female Posts: 468	It's interesting, I don't actually really like being ogled by men..mostly its just creepy, unless I find them attractive too, which very rarely happens...it's more knowing that I am ogle-able that I like, I think Well, I'm certainly not bleaching my hair and getting a boob job etc... there seems to be an argument there that it isn't beauty per se that these men are attracted to but the promise of a certain kind of interaction with the woman. So to speak.

10-12-2009, 08:48 AM	#7
quirky girl Offline Platinum Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: greece/uk Gender: Female Age: 31 Posts: 1,176	thing is everything, absolutely everything in life comes at a price. Splashing out at a nice restaurant with your girlfriends is a lot of fun, feeling free is what contributes to happiness. Clearly someone who doesn't indulge in the weekends might not have the extra couple of kilograms. So it's all a choice, what is more important to you at a particular point. Maybe you could go a bit more hardcore healthy for a couple of months if it affects your self esteem. Or you can accept that this is what makes you happier. You're not overweight at all btw.

10-12-2009, 08:52 AM	#8
badhabits Offline Silver Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Sydney, Australia Gender: Female Posts: 468	Hi sophie and thanks for the reply, I do know why people keep telling me I should go the gym even though I don't like it. Its because strength training has an advantage over simple cardio such as walking - muscle burns more energy at rest than fat. Walking burns calories, but only while you are doing it. So yeah, I realise if I do want to shed these new pounds I may have to go the gym or do some form of strength training. We do have lovely wilderness in Australia but I live smack bang in the middle of Sydney surrounded by concrete, and I don't have a car either! You have to drive for an hour plus to go trailing in the national parks (which I do very much like when I get an opportunity)

10-12-2009, 08:58 AM	#9
badhabits Offline Silver Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Sydney, Australia Gender: Female Posts: 468	Thanks Quirky - yah I am not overweight, I am just getting thicker around the middle these days. I have a slender build and I'm very soft, not muscley at all. And you're absolutely right, everything has a price. I'll be damned if I'm not going wining and dining with the ladies, so the answer at this point is prolly more exercise, as sophie said...I don't see how I can pare too many more calories out of my weekday diet...

10-13-2009, 01:28 AM	#10
chocolatemilk Offline Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: NZ Gender: Female Age: 20 Posts: 47	It's an excellent idea to do some strength training, look up starting strength or stronglifts. To add your body is probably in starvation mode judging by the amount of food you consume, it will hold onto fat like no other, and eat away all your muscle plunging your body into a negative spiral. So although it sounds counter-intuitive, eat more, especially protein, and get into a good strength training program. Good luck