By Elizabeth Meyer, RD, LRD
At the end of a meeting last week, we were asked to go around the table and state what we were grateful for. I was at the end of the line, so I had more time than others to think. More time to be mindful, really think of something good.
“I’m grateful my pants fit today when I put them on.”
No lie. That’s what I came up with and was actually thankful for that day. I’m not even embarrassed. Don’t get me wrong, I’m thankful for my family, mostly good health, a good job, all the things. But on this day, I was just grateful my pants fit.
Now some of you might be thinking, is she pregnant? She must be pregnant! Absolutely not! Is there a reason my pants were unexpected to fit? Nothing major; other than getting older, being busy, feeling bloated, making a few irrational snack choices, happy hours, it all adds up.
Now I understand moderation, calories in versus calories out, why we need to work out regularly. But what about what happens to us as we get older? Can you avoid middle aged weight gain? Do we have to surrender ourselves to bigger pants or elastic waistbands??
HECK NO. I don’t believe that at all. Does it get harder? Yes. There are factors that come into play as we age that we have no control over. Generally, with women, its hormones. This is a change that is going to happen, and we must figure out how to navigate it. Hormone changes can make it harder to lose weight or even maintain weight. What you’ve always gotten by with might not be enough anymore. It might take cutting back on those extra snacks that didn’t make a difference before, or adding an extra 5-10 minutes at the gym, or even totally changing the type of workout you do. Don’t give up, just find another way!
Genetically, you might just gain your weight in the middle. That feels out of our control, but it can force you to try to change those things we are in control of.
Find things that work for you. Talk to your friends, your family, whoever. Other people are experiencing changes as they age – its inevitable. Lean on each other. Workout together. Find other activities than happy hour (or workout together before happy hour).
It’s finally getting nicer out. Take advantage of that if your gym routine is getting old. The fresh air feels amazing and it’s good for our mental health to get outside after being so cooped up.
Be mindful. Thank your body for what it does for you. And don’t worry about your pant size.
Meyer is a licensed registered dietitian. Her posts appear monthly on OYT.