Losing weight and dietary considerations

Question
I am a healthy 49 year old female.  I have no medical conditions.  Until I was 41 years of age I never had a weight problem.  However, at that time, many things in my life changed including taking a medication which contributed to my gaining 40 pounds which has increased to 50.

Since I lived most of my life eating certain things and being very inactive, it has been virtually impossible for me to change these life-long habits.  I cannot understand why my previous diet and lifestyle allowed me to be thin when, now it does not.  (By the way, I am no longer taking the medication which contributed to the problem).

I have attempted to reduce my calorie intake but find that I am ravenously hungry if I do.  Likewise, I have also attempted to eat a more healthy diet but am very dissatisfied with this and do not feel comfortable with the changes.  

I feel that my main problem lies with portion control and hunger.  However, I have contacted medical doctors who are unwilling to prescribe any medications that will help me with this issue.  If I can get used to eating a lot less, it would be easier, I think, to control my portions without feeling so hungry.  Eating several smaller meals throughout the day does not help.  

Do you have any suggestions how I can work to control my portion sizes and reduce the feelings of hunger that are causing me to over eat?  

Any assistance is apprciated.

Risa

Answer
Risa,
First of all as we get older our bodies change and we cannot eat as much as we did when we were younger and our metabolism was quicker.  If you REALLY want to lose weight and be a healthier person that you HAVE to make lifestyle changes and that includes a healthier diet with smaller portions and exercise.  It is NOT impossible to change life-long habits.  You just have to WANT to do it bad enough and have the motivation.  It has to be important enough to you.  It is not easy but if you want results you don't have a choice.  
Sounds like you really need to work on eating healthy and watching portions as well as becoming physically active.  IF you are reducing portions and still feeling hungry, I am just guessing it is because you are not eating the right foods or the healthy foods. Also, your feelings of hunger may not be actual physical hunger but feelings of deprivation, boredom, stress, etc...  Eating lean meats, fruits, veggies, whole grains and low fat/fat free dairy products in small portions throughout the day should be the goal.  Eating small portions but eating 5-6 times a day should help you from being hungry.  Drinking plenty of water during the day can also help with hunger.  
From what I have read you need more individualized help.  I highly suggest that you find a dietitian in your area that can sit down with you one-on-one and help you work out your problems slowly. Changing all of your habits at one time can be overwhelming and can become discouraging. You need to take one change at a time.  You can find a dietitian in your area by going to www.eatright.org.
Good luck,
Kim Tessmer, RD LD
www.Nutrifocus.net

*Always check with your doctor before starting any exercise and/or weight loss program.

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