Why Diets Don’t Work Anymore (And What to Do Instead)

So you’ve been eating salads, skipping dessert, dragging yourself to that bootcamp class that starts way too early—and the scale hasn’t budged.

Cue the frustration… and maybe a donut. 🍩

Here’s the deal, friend: It’s not that you’re doing it wrong. It’s that your body isn’t 25 anymore—and that’s not a bad thing!

Let’s Bust the Myth: “Eat Less, Move More”

Remember when we were told this was the magic formula for weight loss? Just cut calories and do more cardio, and poof—off the weight goes!

Yeah… about that.

As we enter midlife, things change. A lot. And our bodies are like, “Thanks for your enthusiasm, but I need something different now.”

Trying to eat less and move more often just sends your body into panic mode. It’s like:

“Oh no! Famine is coming! Hold onto all the fat! Slow down metabolism! Cue the cravings!”

Sound familiar?

What’s Actually Going On?

Here’s what really happens when we hit our 40s, 50s, and beyond:

🔥 Metabolism Slows Down

It’s not being lazy. It’s just aging. Our cells aren’t burning through energy like they used to. Blame it on biology—not willpower.

💃 Hormones Go on a Rollercoaster Ride

Estrogen, progesterone, insulin—they all start shifting. And not subtly, either. It’s more like a hormonal flash mob that shows up uninvited and changes the party.

💪 Muscle Mass Declines

After age 30, we start losing muscle (unless we actively work to maintain it). Less muscle = slower metabolism = more stubborn fat.

Fun, right?

So What Does Work?

Before we get into strategies like how to eat, move, and sleep differently (don’t worry, we’ll get there), we need to start with something even more important:

🧠 The Mindset Shift

This is not about giving up. This is about letting go of what no longer serves us and getting smarter, not stricter.

Here’s your new midlife mantra:

1. Accept and love yourself as you are right now Not 10 pounds from now. Not when your pants fit better. Now.

2. Accept that it’s not your fault Diet culture sold us a plan that no longer works. And guess what? It didn’t come with a midlife upgrade.

3. Focus on what you can control You can’t stop the hormonal shifts—but you can sleep better, move smarter, eat for nourishment, hydrate, and learn to breathe when Karen from accounting sends that email at 4:59 pm.

   
   

Why Eating Less + Exercising More Can Backfire

Here’s the thing: if you’re constantly cutting calories and hitting HIIT classes like a boss, your body might be freaking out. Chronic stress, even from over-exercising and under-eating, increases cortisol (your stress hormone), which signals your body to hold on to fat—especially around your belly. (Oh, the irony.)

So while you're sipping celery juice and pushing through burpees, your body might just be saying,

"Hey, can we not do this right now?"

Let’s Shift the Focus to What Does Work

• 🥗 Eat to fuel, not deprive Protein, healthy fats, fiber, whole foods—foods that tell your body it’s safe, nourished, and doesn’t need to hoard fat.

• 😴 Prioritize sleep Midlife insomnia is real, but there are ways to work with it. (More on that soon!)

• 💧 Hydrate like it’s your full-time job Because water is literally the oil that keeps your engine running.

• 🧘‍♀️ Manage stress intentionally Breathwork, movement, boundaries, belly laughs. All of it counts.

• 🏋️‍♀️ Build muscle Think strength training. Yes, you. You can start with soup cans, I won’t judge.

  
  

You’ve Got This

Small shifts. Big impact. That’s the name of the game in midlife.

We’re not here to chase diets or punish our bodies. We’re here to understand them, support them, and feel like ourselves again—just wiser, stronger, and maybe with a better skincare routine. 😉

Be kind to yourself. Share this with a friend who needs a little midlife myth-busting. And remember: you are not broken.

Ready to learn more? Be sure to grab your Six Small Shifts Checklist to help you get started on your wellness journey.

Wishing you peace, strength and love,  

Maryann