T'wasn't really a comparison, just a comment on what I have experienced.
I got a few years on you ... I'll be 54 in May. I think at 45 my experience would have been much like yours. I was 43 when I FINALLY got my hypothyroid diagnoses and treatment and lost 30 lbs relatively easily on Atkins. Counted carbs only then. Then the weight stopped coming off and I have not been able to get the rest of it off since then. Have bounced between 172 and 165. Start out well, hit a health crisis and slide back up. Last one was my gall bladder, on Halloween. Had it out on Dec. 4 and don't miss it at all.
Anyway, I am giving it another try. Possibly the calories are incidental, I don't worry too much about them, but do keep an eye on them.
Just found out my dance group has not one but two gigs on Sunday the 14th. The first is a healt expo put on by a local TV station and we may end up on TV. I had sure as heck better get practicing.
I have been a little deconditioned since the gall bladder surgery.
I know this is not on topic for this thread but here's the group I dance with.
http://www.puredc.org/index.html
If you look on the picture page and scroll down to the group pics of 5 of us I am the short one to your far right.
I'm a stubborn old bat, I refuse to stop dancing, and this group is not about how good you look on stage, it's about building community and bringing positive energy to the world.
Nona (straying just a little off topic)