I’m 45, same height and am down 35 lbs from my all time high of 220 a year ago. 180 is my goal weight and just slightly more than I weighed in high school. I can’t imagine myself at 165 - I’d probably look like a cancel patient.
Losing 35-40 pounds is a significant challenge but frankly, I’ve found it hasn’t been all that difficult all things considered. I simply made the decision to eat differently and start exercising. The big difference from times in the past is I finally made it important - elevating its priority to a higher on my daily list of activities. Instead of trying to fit a workout into my busy day, instead I fit my day around my workout. It’s subtle but it’s made a huge difference in outcome. I also tell myself to just be patient and trust myself - I didn’t get fat overnight and I’m not going to get skinny overnight either.
The other big difference is eating for me now focuses on satiety and flavor and not quantity. Cut out fast food and all sugary drinks entirely. Coffee and water (and occasional beer) is all I drink now and I just don’t miss the other stuff anymore. As my exercise went up and endocrine levels became more normal I just lost my appetite for big meals. It was so gradual but natural so now it’s become second nature. I achieve satiety much quicker now and just don’t snack or crave food anymore. I can see how this is now a lifestyle change for me now and not just a diet.
