When you hit 35, your metabolism slows down. At 40, it slows down even more. You start to notice that "jelly belly" if you are a man. If you are a woman, you notice you have an extra large cushion when you decide to sit down. At 50, thickening of the body is accelerating. In my case, I had gotten up to 242lbs. BP was at 180/100 at times. I had no energy. I couldn't walk to the mailbox and back without wheezing. I was headed for a heart attack and I come from a family with heart disease related issues.

As I said in an earlier post, after my divorce I decided to reinvent myself. I made it my mission in life to lose weight, if for no other reason than to make myself feel better. It was the toughest thing I've ever done. It is an ongoing process. I have to watch what I eat and I have to exercise at least 5 days a week, 2 or 3 times a day depending on what my schedule is for a particular day.

How did I do it? I tried the so-called fad diets such as Atkins and Miami Beach or whatever it is. None of them worked. I decided to take my doctor's advice. I went on a low-fat diet, and really watched what I ate. I stayed away from fast food restaurants except to get a cup of java early in the morning. I counted calories or points using the Weight Watcher's plan. It was tough. But, even more than that, I exercised. I use 10lb wrist weights (each wrist), 5lb weights on each ankle and walk on my treadmill at a brisk 3MPH for slightly over 30 minutes early in the morning. At lunch, if I have time, I do the bicycle machine for about 20-25 minutes. And, to end the day, I do the treadmill thing (with all the weights) for another 20-25 minutes before I shower and retire for the night. I am in better shape now than I probably ever was at age 25 or 30. BP is under control and feel better.

I'm not saying this is for everybody. It most certainly is not and I encourage you to consult with your doctor before you start any diet and/or exercise program. But, the main you must have is determination to succeed. You must have a goal and you must have a reason why you want to lose that weight. My reason? I wanted my ex-wife to see what she lost. I know that sounds spiteful. But, it worked for me and each time I felt like giving up, I remembered what I was working toward.