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Want to know the easiest way to lose weight this week? Simple.
The answer? Portions. How do you measure food portions? Do you actually weigh or measure or do you “eyeball” it and figure it’s close enough. I have been “eyeballing” my food portions for a while now. Even though I had gotten back to my normal workout routine, my weight seemed to have settled heavier than what I had been before menopause and my hysterectomy surgery. Many women are struggling as I am and had gained some weight. Overall though I felt fantastic so wasn’t really worried about a few pounds. But then they kept creeping on.
If you’re looking for a plan to follow to help you lose weight, two great plans in our 50’s and beyond are low carb which also helps with fighting cholesterol and diabetes or a balanced 30/40/30 which is 30% protein, 40% carbs and 30% fat for each snack/meal. BUT most important is to know your portions are correct. I’ve been eyeballing my portions for a while and guess what I found out recently? My “eyeball” portions? Way off. 
You may be familiar with the Zone Diet which is also 30/40/30. This ratio is very balanced to not only lose weight but help you maintain that weight loss. I have always watched my carbs so adopting this type of eating plan hasn’t been very difficult for me once I got my portions under control.
I also started recording what I was eating along with my exercise to get an overall view of where I was. Exercise has never been an issue with me because my body craves it so I found that I was okay in that area. What was off in addition to my portion sizes is that I had unknowingly went back to not eating enough.
I get so wrapped up with what I am doing during the day that I can easily skip meals because I am not aware of what time it is. So that I can get this part of the equation back on track, I’ve started setting an alarm on my phone for every 3 hours to make sure I was eating my meals along with a snack if I needed one. Many do not believe this but you do have to eat to lose weight. When you do not eat enough you are not providing your body with the fuel it needs to perform at it’s best.
If you too are wondering what is going on. Why can’t I lose weight? Start with portion size along with journaling. I use My Fitness Pal which is a great app that you can use on your phone, tablet or computer so it is easy to keep track of what you are doing during the day.
Finally, commit to the process. You will not change what you have been doing overnight – give yourself at least 2 to 3 weeks to get your diet and exercise back on track. Believe in yourself and your healthy body will thank you.
