I'd been slim (120's) until I hit 35 and got married again. He's an excellent hubby, a great cook, and wonderful friend but we've both become overweight again. About 4 years ago we did Atkins together and I got down to 145 (from 180). It's been creeping up ever since. My husband loves me no matter what I weigh but I find myself not liking me at all. I never imagined I could be this fat. I'm 48 and the weight just doesn't leave like it used to. I hit my all time high of 210 in December. I'm committed to trying harder this year than the previous ones.

This month I started walking again and using the elliptical. I also quit smoking and have laid off the weekend beer with my buddies.

Exercise is not the hard part, dieting is. I'm not a junk food junkie nor do I have a sweet tooth. I love food, good food. My food intake when I'm alone is created out of boredom.My social life is surrounded by my overweight friends and the great food everyone prepares when we get together. If I keep myself busy, I don't think about food and I don't overeat. Is that weird or what?

GeeCee! I'm 43 and I can agree with you 100%....the weight doesn't leave like it used to. But, please know that losing weight now is not impossible. It just takes a bit more work than when we were younger. It sounds like you have a great handle on the exercise, which is so very vital to reving up your metabolism. I love good food, too, and I do get to eat good food on my plan. I'm on Southbeach and we use the recipes from the SB cookbooks. Once you start eating healthy whole foods, you'll discover that food tastes better than ever. Sometimes, its just a matter of giving your tastebuds time to adjust.

GeeCee -

You're right that age does affect how we lose weight. Have you found our "40-somethings" area yet? It'll provide you with a place to talk about the different challenges you face now that you didn't in your 20's.

Let me also say - healthy food doesn't mean "not good". I am a foodie, and unrepentant about it. But I learned new ways to cook things (still delicious, wonderful things), including desserts, so that they fit within my plan. Lots of veggies, lots of lean proteins, and lots of whole grain, but prepared in ways that are both tasty and nutritious. Think of this as a new learning experience you and your husband can go on together!

Stick around and keep posting. This is such a great place for advice, discussion, and sometimes, a kick in the pants.

Thank you both for the nice welcome.

I've been cruising the forums for a few days but I didn't know about the 40's area. There's a load of info here and I guess I will keep myself busy getting acquainted with the site.