It’s a good thing to have a goal to work towards when you’re trying to lose weight, but it’s crucial that you maintain realistic expectations. Setting them too high will set you back when you don’t meet them, leading to compounded stress. Stress leads to cortisol production, which makes the body retain fat. Then you’ll end up in a position much worse than when you started. Set realistic goals that are easier for you to obtain.

Not only will this reduce stress, but you’ll be motivated to keep going rather than quitting and putting back on the pounds you’ve lost. With each new step and goal met, you’ll want to reach the next goal and the one after that until you’ve achieved more than you ever thought possible. Moreover, along the way, you’ll form new eating and exercising habits that become easier for you to stick to. Keep reading to discover more mistakes women over 50 make when it comes to maintaining a healthy diet and weight.