To all of you struggling, I'm with you. I am 42 years old, have lived a crazy life and so ready to feel strong and in control again. I am the mother to 3 grown children, I've been widowed (their dad), divorced and through a couple other failed relationships. I've always been a fairly healthy eater(just too much food) and used activity to keep me from being extremely obese.
My weight was always in the 115-130 lb. range,even after kids, until I hit my 30's and it's been a non-stop battle to keep it off. I am an emotional eater and fight depression constantly. I don't like pills, so I try to substitute exercise, which seems to really help, when I have the time and energy.
I've gone back to college twice since 2002. I am working on my second AAS degree, this time in xray. It's very intense and involves a lot of clinical hours, which really stresses the mind and body. I work a part time job, so I never have a day off unless it's a holiday, I'm sick or on break.
I must be a master in nutrition and exercise at this point, but somehow I am still overweight. I have about 30 lbs to lose to be at a happy weight for me.
I think when I had small children it was easier for me because I was always busy with them and working(being younger didn't hurt either.lol), so I just burned off the lbs. As anyone who has gotten older and found the metabolism slowing will understand...it gets much harder to take/keep it off with each passing year. So, my advice to you 20 something people, work your asses off now and keep it off because the older you get, the harder it gets:)
Seriously though, I really want to get this weight off and keep it off forever. I don't need to be 120 lbs anymore, I know I can be 140-145 lbs, be strong and toned, look and feel great!
I encourage all of you to grow the big ones needed to take charge of our lives and be happy, healthy women not just for ourselves but as an example for future generations of females with a retarded view of what is beautiful.