5 Midlife Mistakes I Had to Quit to Feel Lean, Strong, and Energized After 50
Let’s be honest—losing belly fat in your 50s is not the same as it was in your 30s. Hormones shift, metabolism slows, and those old diet tricks? They just don’t cut it anymore. As an empty nester in my 50s, I’ve been on a mission to feel strong, energized, and confident in this second act of life. And that meant letting go of a few things that were actually working against me.
Here are the top five things I stopped doing—and I recommend you stop too—if you're serious about saying goodbye to stubborn belly fat and hello to a vibrant midlife:
1. Stop Grazing All Day
I used to think eating "small meals throughout the day" would keep my metabolism fired up. Spoiler alert: it didn’t. Instead, I found myself constantly snacking and never really giving my body a break to burn fat. Now, I focus on intentional meals with solid windows of fasting in between. That’s when the magic started happening.
2. Stop Doing Only Cardio
If you're walking, doing the elliptical, or dancing your heart out and still not seeing results—this might be why. Cardio is great for your heart, but it’s strength training that helps build muscle, boost metabolism, and torch belly fat. I picked up weights in my 50s, and I’ve never felt (or looked) better.
3. Stop Ignoring Protein
I used to fill my plate with "healthy carbs" and a sprinkle of protein here and there. But midlife bodies need more protein, not less. It keeps you full, supports lean muscle, and helps stabilize blood sugar (hello, fewer cravings!). Now I aim to get at least 30 grams at each meal—and it’s a game changer.
4. Stop Letting Stress Run the Show
Stress hormones like cortisol love to store fat right in your midsection. And in this season of life—with aging parents, job transitions, and kids launching—it’s easy to carry that stress around like a badge of honor. I had to prioritize stress management as much as nutrition and workouts. That meant deep breathing, walks outside, prayer time, and yes, saying “no” without guilt.
5. Stop Falling for Quick Fixes
Detox teas, belly wraps, “magic” supplements… been there, wasted the money. What actually works? Consistency. Real food. Movement you enjoy. Lifting heavy things. Getting enough sleep. And giving yourself grace in the process. I stopped chasing shortcuts and started building habits—and that’s when the belly fat started melting.
If you’re an empty nester who’s ready to ditch the diet noise and finally see results, start by stopping the things that aren’t serving you. It’s not about doing more—it’s about doing what works for your body now.
Want a proven system to help you lose belly fat, boost energy, and feel amazing in your 50s and beyond? My next round of the FASTer Way program is kicking off soon—spots are limited, so register soon: https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/?aid=jillblewis
