A little more than three weeks into my #fitat50 challenge and I’m beginning to realize just how difficult it is to lose weight as you get older. In my 30s and even early 40s, I think I could have easily lost 5 pounds in three weeks. Not so these days.

Yes, I know I’ve said that getting fit is my goal — not losing a lot of weight. So I didn’t set what I thought was a lofty goal. Ten to 13 pounds over 12 weeks. Three weeks in I’m lucky if I’ve lost a pound or two, despite a steady exercise program (minimum of 30-40 minutes at least five days a week) and not going totally overboard on sweets. I’ve been eating more proteins (Greek yogurt, cheese, nuts) and lots of fruits and veggies. I drink a ton of water and much less soda than I used to (although I never was a huge soda drinker to begin with). I suppose when I was younger I was more apt to totally eliminate sweets when I dieted, so that probably helped.

But even though the clothes aren’t fitting a whole lot looser (yet), I do feel better about myself, and exercising encourages me to eat better and be more active. More daylight and warmer temperatures helps, too.

I have no intention on giving up on my #fitat50 goal no matter how difficult it is. What’s the saying about challenges?

“Challenges are what makes life interesting. Overcoming them is what makes it meaningful.”