Over 50? Let’s talk about how to enjoy your food without the guilt

Age and weight

Have you gained weight after your 50s? You are not alone.

Slow metabolism and thyroid issues come with age and make it hard to lose weight or to maintain your best weight, whatever it is.

I have started to gain a little extra weight every year.  Every time I travel I gain a few pounds. I love to try new dishes and I enjoy food from all over the world.  But, when I get home I have a hard time losing those pounds. Does this happen to you?

So how can you enjoy your food without going over board?

How can you maintain a balance, enjoy your food, and still have fun?

1) A support group is very helpful.

Be accountable. Some Apps have support groups and some have coaches. Either of these will help you be accountable and have someone to share your difficulties and successes.

Create your own group.My family used to have a Whatsapp group to help us all reach our weight goals.  We logged our weight every Friday morning and complained about the weight we gained. The conversations soon became about other things and the group used to be quite funny. 

2) One diet at a time

I have tried many different diets throughout my life.

I was a macrobiotic many years ago.  It was such a challenge because I did not know any other macrobiotic people and it was a very lonely venture but I never felt so well and so strong!

I followed a vegetarian diet, a fruit diet and all sorts of other neurotic ways of eating.

Be aware of fad diets

New diets are so tempting. We see them on our social media accounts and read about people losing so much weight effortlessly. There are so many different diets. 

Stay with your way of eating but change food quantities, and keep the quality.

I think it’s best not to give the word “diet” too much attention. 

Tweak your foods. Veggies have less calories so eat more vegetables.

If you have a sweat tooth: Eat tangerines, grapes and melon instead of a slice of chocolate cake. But, eat the cake once in a while too.

3) My Favourite Apps

I have been using the Fitness Pal app for a long time (free version).  This app allows me to see the food’s calories and components quickly so that I can make a decision about what to order or if I really want to splurge. 

I log my exercises and try not to think that just because I exercised I can eat more.

Noom.  Has an interesting philosophy, they have coaches and groups.

The Health App (free) on my iPhone allows me to control the amount time I walk, my exercises and daily walks that I do.

Mindfulness

Headspace is my favourite meditation app.

I listen to Deepak Chopra books on tape because they have been helping me to focus.

Books:

Creating Affluence by Deepak Chopra

Author: Louise Hay  ( I am a big fan of all her books)  Affirmations

Author: Florence Scovel Shinn’s affirmations (have been a great help and I have created my own).

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Updated September 2025