I understand where your at. I turn 60 in June so I am a tad older, lol. I used to be extremely involved in body building in my 30-40's and pretty much stayed in shape until diagnosed with MS in 2007. Anyway. I didn't quit smoking until 2014 and while I was at a very good weight my muscles were not anywhere near where they used to be. I just cannot lift like I used to. When I stopped smoking in 2014 I decided I was not going to limit anything I wanted to eat or drink because for me it was more important I stop smoking. I knew what I would need to do to lose excess weight when I was ready because it was familiar territory.
Water is your friend. Anything that makes you breath harder ( I like brisk walking ) is your friend. You cannot target fat loss with lifting weights or specific movements. Your body will lose weight first where it was gained last. We are all different. Fat is lost through your exhalation and urine and body sweat. Period. Aerobics will increase exhalation as your heart rate increases. I personally find that you can achieve this by 10-20 min aerobic movement of your choice. I like power walking and jumping on a mini tramp. I may do this sometimes 3-4x a day.
The first couple of weeks of drinking water may make your need to urinate more frequently but you will adjust, I promise. You will also see your skin get softer, clearer, and you will have more energy and less hunger for crappy foods.
Foods...I don't eat a lot. Period. Our Nation has been brought up that you need 3 meals a day and we are among the top ranking in obesity. Go figure, I don't buy it. I am also not impressed with Organic foods. I grow what I can when I can, but science tells me that clouds move and they rain over Organic farms as well. Waste of money IMO.
My feeling is I eat when I am hungry and you need to determine what that is. Not starved.....hungry. I don't eat more than will fit in the palm of my hand at a time. Partially because I also have GERD and It just works for me. I also do not eat after 6pm. I love sweets but limit them to one a day and it mostly is a gala apple. Feel free to message me if you want any more tips. This has worked for me. I am rather a Paleo/Vegan mix type diet which is a lifestyle for me. I also will eat whatever I want on social occasions. I am 5'9 and small boned and weigh around 135 ish.....just don't have the heavy duty muscle I once sported, lol
Good luck, hope this helps some.
