I am NO expert and can only speak from my lifetime, yes, lifetime, of experience. When I turned seventy it was like my body changed shape overnight. I also found it more difficult than ever to shed those extra pounds that seemed to sneak onto my scale.

I never believed in being the thinnest or skinniest but have always wanted to be a healthy weight. I also firmly believe in enjoying life, which means eating all different kinds of foods. We travel a lot and aren’t on a regular schedule and since my husband began doing all the cooking and wants to try every kind of food, I have had the challenge of keeping my “girlish figure” and fitting into my jeans!

Those last ten pounds seem to be a constant battle in maintaining weight. Here are three things I have begun to practice to help me be more consistent in maintaining my weight in this season of life.

1. Eat a healthy diet. Each person has certain foods that work for their system, which seems to slow down in this season of life. For me, it includes making sure I eat what I call “good” carbs: whole grains (oatmeal, brown rice, whole wheat pasta, etc), probiotic foods (yogurt, fermented foods), fruits (mostly berries of all kinds), a protein with every meal, and foods high in fiber (beets, peas, broccoli, beans, chia seed, etc). We no longer eat processed or premade food but try to eat fresh and homemade food as much as possible. Adding fiber-rich food, and foods high in protein to meals and snacks helps to keep my energy up and my system moving (if you know what I mean).
2. Eat smaller portions. This has been hard for me but so, so important. To help me remember it helps to use a smaller plate and take 1/2 the amount of food as usual. When I do that I find I am perfectly content with a smaller portion. I am discovering that I don’t need as much food as I thought. and, I feel so much better if I walk away from the table just satisfied instead of having that full, or stuffed feeling. Small portions more often work better for me than one large meal and eating until I’m full.
3. Making myself exercise 30 minutes every day. I have used so many excuses over the years to NOT put this tip into practice. My knees (full knee replacement 9 years ago), general aches and pains that come with this season of life, you name it, I have used it! We all can find those excuses BUT if we can get ourselves to believe it is something that will make us feel better, move better, and help those jeans fit better, then we will be convinced it is worth putting into our day!

These three things have helped me stay in the same-sized clothes for the last 10 years. You can do the diets, and I have done everyone out there and, I will tell you, that they all work…..if you stick to them. But, in my experience, I usually put back every pound that I lose if I don’t make changes in the way I eat.

Changing my eating habits has been the key.

I can’t eat as much as I did when I was younger. Exercise has become important for maintaining my weight and keeping up my energy and flexibility. Also, eating healthy foods has helped me in multiple ways.

Let me know your tips on losing and maintaining weight!

Life is to be enjoyed and you do that when you feel good!!