When I started writing this post, I had no clue what age was referred to in the phrase "women of a certain age". My thinking was that if I began viewing myself as a woman of a certain age, then in all likelihood, that was what I was. It amused me to put as the heading of my post the French phrase, although what I mean is the English version. (If you're confused but interested, read this: http://www.nytimes.com/1995/a-woman-of-a-certain-age)
So what has brought me to this sad but inevitable slide of time? My weight. (Big shocker I'm sure.) There was a time when I ate pretty much what I wanted and stayed within a certain weight range. That time is no more. It pains me to admit that in the last 4 years or so, my metabolism has slowed so the same food is causing somewhat unattractive results on my petite frame. Throughout my adult life I have resisted any semblance of dieting, trying to eat well, have junk in moderation and get exercise as best I can.
Now, as of one month, I've been trying to exercise more regularly but the scale isn't budging. Needless to say I am unhappy about that. I also don't feel I can moan about this too much since I don't need to lose 60 pounds or even 16. A measly 6 is all I want and I'll be happy, but that 6, like any dieter's last 6 pounds, seem elusive.
As surely as my body is changing so too I am feeling the wave of age - increased wrinkles, more aches when I exercise, and now, I don't even mind the little extension after the end of the phrase, "You're in good shape"..."for your age". Damn right I am and I it will only get better.
I do intend to lose that 6 pounds, and grow my hair long - bucking the trend for older women and start doing karate.
So what has brought me to this sad but inevitable slide of time? My weight. (Big shocker I'm sure.) There was a time when I ate pretty much what I wanted and stayed within a certain weight range. That time is no more. It pains me to admit that in the last 4 years or so, my metabolism has slowed so the same food is causing somewhat unattractive results on my petite frame. Throughout my adult life I have resisted any semblance of dieting, trying to eat well, have junk in moderation and get exercise as best I can.
Now, as of one month, I've been trying to exercise more regularly but the scale isn't budging. Needless to say I am unhappy about that. I also don't feel I can moan about this too much since I don't need to lose 60 pounds or even 16. A measly 6 is all I want and I'll be happy, but that 6, like any dieter's last 6 pounds, seem elusive.
As surely as my body is changing so too I am feeling the wave of age - increased wrinkles, more aches when I exercise, and now, I don't even mind the little extension after the end of the phrase, "You're in good shape"..."for your age". Damn right I am and I it will only get better.
I do intend to lose that 6 pounds, and grow my hair long - bucking the trend for older women and start doing karate.
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