I asked my Physician’s Assistant whether it’s true that it’s normal for women to gain 10 pounds each decade of their adult life.
“Yes it is,” she said. “You’re doing just fine.”
I never asked what “just fine” meant. That said, on the plus side, I managed to hold off two decades of weight gain. On the minus side, in spite of all my self-talk:
“It’s ridiculous to believe you should look like you did in your 20s. That makes about as much sense as the pre-pubescent wish to never grow breasts or have a period.”
“It ain’t gonna happen girlfriend. Stop fretting.”
“You need a little reserve. Grandmas are supposed to be soft.”
“There are other numbers more important, like cholesterol, blood pressure, angle of mobility, heart rate, activity level….”
I wish to be thinner. I have narrow shoulder, a size Small, and I just look and feel better if my hips are at least a size Medium. So I watch my calories, I study the latest diets, I exercise, and I try.
