
Last updated: September 23, 2026
Losing weight after 40 is harder, but it is not impossible. What worked for me was simple: a small calorie deficit, lots of protein and fiber, walking every day, lifting weights 2 to 3 times a week, and working on the emotional side of eating. That’s how I lost 200 pounds in midlife. Here’s exactly what I did.
If you’re over 40 and wondering if real, lasting weight loss is still possible for you… I’m here to tell you: YES. IT. IS.
My highest weight was 431 pounds.
As of September 2026, I’m down 200 pounds.
I did it in my 40s, with a full-time job, a lot of stress, and plenty of mistakes.
I’m Jax: podcaster, content creator, and a certified life and wellness coach for women over 40. I’m not a doctor. I’m a woman who did this the long way, out loud, so you can see it’s possible too.
No quick fixes. No perfection. Just the real stuff that worked.
Let’s get into it.
Losing weight after 40 is harder because your body is changing. You’re not doing it wrong.
Here’s what’s going on:
The good news? Every one of these has a fix. That’s what the rest of this post is about.
Eat a little less than your body burns, and build most of your meals around protein, fiber, and whole foods. Here’s how I did it.
Let’s keep it real. To lose weight, you have to burn more calories than you eat. That’s true at any age.
But after 40, how you do it matters. I eat just a little under my maintenance calories. That way I still have energy, I still feel full, and I protect my muscle.
Why it works over 40:
Counting calories helped. Tracking macros changed the game.
Macros are the three main parts of food: protein, carbs, and fat. I aim for high protein, some carbs (mostly the slow kind, like oats and beans), and healthy fats like avocado and olive oil.
Why it works over 40:
Fiber is my hidden hero. I get 25 to 30 grams a day from veggies, fruit, beans, oats, chia seeds, and flax.
Women 31 to 50 need about 25 grams a day. But only about 5% of adults actually get enough, according to Cleveland Clinic.
Why it works over 40:
I swapped most of the packaged, processed food for real food. Think salmon, chicken, eggs, leafy greens, berries, beans, avocado, and olive oil.
I’m not perfect. I just pick more foods that fuel me and fewer that drain me.
Why it works over 40:
This one sounds small. It wasn’t.
I cut soda completely. I switched to black coffee with no cream and no sugar. And I drink 80 to 100 ounces of water a day.
Why it works over 40:
Make healthy choices easy and automatic, so you don’t need willpower every day. These three habits did that for me.
I use MyFitnessPal to log my meals, snacks, and water. It keeps me honest without guilt.
It’s a tool, not a punishment.
Why it works over 40:
Sundays became sacred for me. I cook proteins, chop veggies, and pack easy grab-and-go meals for the week.
Meal prep saved me from so many drive-thru regrets.
Why it works over 40:
Midlife comes with big feelings. Career pressure. Caregiving stress. Loneliness. Perimenopause mood swings.
I started journaling and pausing before I ate. I’d ask myself one question:
“Am I actually hungry, or am I anxious, sad, or bored?”
Why it works over 40:
Want to go deeper? Read The Mindset Practices That Are Actually Making Me Lose Weight in My 40s.
For me, it was daily walking plus strength training 2 to 3 times a week. That matches the CDC’s guidelines for adults: at least 150 minutes a week of activity like brisk walking, plus 2 days of muscle strengthening.
Walking is my soulmate movement. I aim for 8,000 to 10,000 steps on workdays and 12,000 or more on weekends.
It’s gentle. It’s free. And it works.
Why it works over 40:
Want the full story? Read How Walking Changed My Life.
Lifting weights isn’t just for bodybuilders. I started slow with resistance bands and bodyweight moves. Then I built up to 2 to 3 sessions a week.
It changed my shape, my confidence, and my ability to keep the weight off.
Why it works over 40:
NEAT stands for “non-exercise activity thermogenesis.” That’s a fancy name for all the moving you do that isn’t a workout.
Vacuuming. Pacing on phone calls. Doing laundry. Walking while listening to a podcast. It all counts.
Why it works over 40:
They helped me for a short time, alongside my habits. They were never the whole plan. Always talk to your doctor before starting any medication.
I used Zepbound (tirzepatide) for 4 months. It quieted the “food noise” in my head so I could focus on building habits.
Why it helped me:
Know this: muscle loss is a real risk on GLP-1 medications. Mayo Clinic notes that about 25% to 40% of the weight lost on them may come from lean mass, like muscle. That’s why protein and strength training matter even more if you use one.
Early on, I used phentermine for about 2 months. It gave me a boost when I felt stuck and overwhelmed at the start.
It helped me build momentum. It was never meant to be forever.
Why it helped me:
✅ Highest weight: 431 pounds
✅ Total lost: 200 pounds (as of September 23, 2026)
✅ Meds: phentermine (about 2 months), Zepbound (4 months)
✅ Challenges: depression, perimenopause, emotional eating
✅ Wins: lower blood pressure, better labs, glowing skin, better sleep, more confidence, and deeper self-trust
Start small. Pick one or two easy habits and build from there. Here’s a simple first week:
Small steps.
Every day.
That’s the whole secret.
Wondering why so many plans fall apart after 40? Read Why Weight Loss Programs Fail Women Over 40.
It depends on how much you want to lose. A healthy pace is about 1 to 2 pounds a week, and the CDC says people who lose weight at that steady pace are more likely to keep it off. For a big goal like mine, give yourself time. Mine took years.
Yes. Medication helped me for about 6 months in total. Everything else came from daily habits: a calorie deficit, protein, fiber, walking, and strength training.
The best diet is one you can stick with. Build your meals around protein, fiber, veggies, fruit, and healthy fats, and eat a little less than your body burns. You don’t have to cut out whole food groups.
Start where you are, even if that’s 2,000 steps, and add a little each week. I aim for 8,000 to 10,000 on workdays. Research shows big health benefits starting around 7,000 steps a day.
No. I lost most of my weight in my mid to late 40s. It’s not too late. You’re not behind. You’re awake.
If you’re a woman over 40 and you feel stuck, please hear me:
You are not broken.
You are not too far gone.
You are not too late.
Your glow-up doesn’t have to look like mine. But I hope my story shows you that real change is possible, with grace, support, and a real plan.
This isn’t about shrinking yourself. It’s about showing up fully, with energy, joy, and confidence.
Ready for your next step? Take the free Glow Assessment to see where to start. Or if you want a plan built just for you, check out the 6-Week Strategy Session.
With love and confidence,
Jax
This post shares my personal experience and is not medical advice. Always talk to your doctor before starting a new diet, exercise plan, or medication.
Question for the day. #lifequestions #midlifewoman #womenover40 #midlifereinvention #midlifeawakening
Bring in the good energy, sunshine, fresh air into your home and your life and your family. #midlifeawakening #womenover40 #midlifewomen #lifelessons #charmed
Cleveland Ohio Fall 2026 Bucket List Activities!
Fall is such a magical time in the land of Cleveland and surrounding areas.
Many of these places I`m going to try to visit before winter moves in.
Follow for more bucket list places in Cleveland Ohio and surrounding communities.
Love,
Jax
XOXO
#cleveland #cle #ohio #clevelandevents #fallvibes
Age 49, Down 200 lbs naturally.
90 more pounds to loose.
Dad 90 years old eats whatever he wants which is usually unhealthy foods.
Saturday grocery shopping at a local farmers market.
Come join me on a little adventure in grocery shopping here in Cleveland Ohio.
#farmersmarket
#wellnessjourney
#cleveland
#womenover40
#agingparents
Age 49, Down 200 lbs naturally.
90 more pounds to loose.
My early 6am Saturday morning routine including stretching, strength training, quick breakfast and walking.
Wake 5am
Hydrate
Wash Face
Brush Teeth
Check Emails
Dress
Stretch
Vibration Plate
Gym 6am
Weight Machines
Sauna
Breakfast-Cold Brew Black & Egg Bites
Home
News
Walk Outside
Then 8am ready for the day 👟♥️😘
Come follow and join the party for real life midlife motivation and inspiration in wellness, weight loss, mindset and lifestyle.
Soon to come a midlife women`s glow-up online community and glow-up retreats in Charleston SC.
Podcast - The Midlife Glowgetter
Website: www.jaxstys.com
Free Newsletter & Guides in link in bio.
Soon to come glowgetter retreats in SC & CO.
Oh and remember it is never too late to create a life and lifestyle you love.
Live a life you’d want to live twice.
Love, Jax
#womenover40
#midlifereinvention
#weightlossjourney
#transformyourlife
#midlifewomen
I have lost 200 lbs naturally.
I have obtained a new corporate position make $35k more per year in project management and this is what I`m implementing at my in person job for wellness, longevity and weight loss.
✅ stand-up desk
✅ elliptical under the desk
I am going to search for a stand-up desk on facebook marketplace to save money. I am going to get a life pro elliptical from Amazon.
Hope this helps anyone looking to improve their health while having a sedentary job.
I have another 90 lbs to lose and hopefully this will help some to get me there.
Follow me for real life midlife, women over 40 motivation and inspiration in wellness, weight loss, mindset and lifestyle.
Podcast - The Midlife Glowgetter
Website: www.jaxstys.com
Free Newsletter & Guides in link in bio.
Soon to come glowgetter retreats in SC & CO.
Oh and remember it is never too late to create a life and lifestyle you love.
Live a life you’d want to live twice.
Love, Jax
#womenover40
#midlifereinvention
#wellnessjourney
#healthylifestyle
#midlifewomen
Please answer the poll, I need your help.
If you could create your dream life in midlife what would you focus on the most?
Age 49, Down 200 lbs naturally, paid down $45k in debt, new career in project management, life coach certified. This is by far my best, highest and most productive season of my life.
Midlife-My best season yet...
Come follow and join the party for real life motivation and inspiration in wellness, weight loss, mindset and lifestyle.
Soon to come a midlife women`s glow-up online community and glow-up retreats in Charleston SC.
Podcast - The Midlife Glowgetter
Website: www.jaxstys.com
Free Newsletter & Guides in link in bio.
Soon to come glowgetter retreats in SC & CO.
Oh and remember it is never too late to create a life and lifestyle you love.
Live a life you’d want to live twice.
Love, Jax
#womenover40
#midlifereinvention
#weightlossjourney
#healthylifestyle
#midlifewomen
Age 49, Down 200 lbs naturally, paid down $45k in debt, new career in project management, life coach certified. This is by far my best, highest and most productive season of my life.
Midlife-My best season yet...
Come follow and join the party for real life motivation and inspiration in wellness, weight loss, mindset and lifestyle.
Soon to come a midlife women`s glow-up online community and glow-up retreats in Charleston SC.
Podcast - The Midlife Glowgetter
Website: www.jaxstys.com
Free Newsletter & Guides in link in bio.
Soon to come glowgetter retreats in SC & CO.
Oh and remember it is never too late to create a life and lifestyle you love.
Live a life you’d want to live twice.
Love, Jax
#womenover40
#midlifereinvention
#glowupafter40
#transformyourlife
#midlifewomen
Starting to plan a trip solo to Charleston SC in January or February.
Flying this time.
Now is my time and I`m going to make each moment count.
Follow me for real life motivation and inspiration in wellness, weight loss, mindset and lifestyle.
I hope you have an amazing day today and I look forward to meeting you in my future community, retreats or here online in the comments.
Podcast - The Midlife Glowgetter
Website: www.jaxstys.com
Free Newsletter & Guides in link in bio.
Soon to come glowgetter retreats in SC & CO.
Oh and remember it is never too late to create a life and lifestyle you love.
Live a life you’d want to live twice.
Love, Jax
#womenover40
#midlifereinvention
#glowupafter40
#transformyourlife
#midlifewomen
Midlife awakening and midlife reinvention I a real thing.
I did not have a midlife crisis…I had a midlife glow-up.
I have lost nearly 200 lbs mostly naturally.
I have paid off over $45K in debt as a single mom, single income household with a son away in college.
I have obtained a new corporate position make $35k more per year.
I have become a certified life coach by The Life Coach School.
All of these milestones the last 4 years have completely upgraded my confidence and mindset and growth as a woman over 40.
I feel like I have really come to my own and created my dream life. I am still working and creating my dream life everyday.
I have another 90 more pounds to loose. I want to work on certifications for my career and here online. Nutrition and Wellness Certifications I am working on with NASM. I want to become a Master Certified Life Coach.
I want to continue to help women over 40 all over the world to create the life of their dreams with support and a strong community. I want to create a monthly paid online community and app and in-person midlife glow-up retreats. I want to reach more women on my free podcast and free weekly newsletter.
I want to help you, my friend.
Follow me for real life motivation and inspiration in wellness, weight loss, mindset and lifestyle.
I hope you have an amazing day today and I look forward to meeting you in my future community, retreats or here online in the comments.
Podcast - The Midlife Glowgetter
Website: www.jaxstys.com
Free Newsletter & Guides in link in bio.
Soon to come glowgetter retreats in SC & CO.
Oh and remember it is never too late to create a life and lifestyle you love.
Live a life you’d want to live twice.
Love, Jax
#womenover40
#midlifereinvention
#glowupafter40
#transformyourlife
#midlifewomen
I lost 198 lbs in the last 4 years naturally as a single mom, working full time in corporate finance.
I was on weight loss medication for 3 months, got off it because of cost and side effects.
I have anther 90 lbs to go to reach my goal weight.
Back at the gym after 3 months off.
Hope this helps someone move their body today.
Follow for midlife wellness, lifestyle, & mindset inspiration and motivation.
Love, Jax
#midlifewellness #weightlossjourney #womenover40 #healthylifestyle #midlifereinvention
I lost 198 lbs in the last 4 years naturally as a single mom, working full time in corporate finance.
I was on weight loss medication for 3 months, got off it because of cost and side effects.
I have anther 90 lbs to go to reach my goal weight.
This is my meal plan for 9/14-9/18.
Hope this helps..
Follow for midlife wellness, lifestyle, & mindset inspiration and motivation.
Love, Jax
#midlifewellness #weightlossjourney #womenover40 #healthylifestyle #midlifereinvention
Your subconscious mind is always listening. Every thought you repeat becomes a belief. Every belief becomes your reality. If you keep focusing on what`s missing, the bank account, the age, the excuses, that`s exactly what you`ll keep creating more of.
These were my early morning thoughts this morning on my sunrise walk in the Metroparks here near Cleveland Ohio.
I hope you have an amazing day today.
Podcast - The Midlife Glowgetter
Website: www.jaxstys.com
Free Newsletter & Guides in link in bio.
Soon to come glowgetter retreats in SC & CO.
Follow to get inspired to transform and reinvent into the woman of your dreams.
It is never too late!
Love, Jax
#womenover40
#midlifereinvention
#glowupafter40
#transformyourlife
#midlifewomen
I lost 200 lbs in the last 4 years naturally as a single mom, working full time in corporate finance.
I was on weight loss medication for 3 months, got off it because of cost and side effects.
I have anther 80 lbs to go to reach my goal weight.
My supplements I take:
Loam Fiber Powder, Electroytes (sugar free), Pearl Powder in Water with Ice.
Lifecykel Mushroom Oils in black expresso
Vitamin D3K2
Omega 3
Fatty 15
NMN
Floraster Probiotic
Today’s Food
Breakfast: Homemade Protein Bars (27g protein, 12g finer, 6g sugar)
Lunch: Chipotle Chicken (Costco), cilantro lime cauliflower rice
Dinner: Factor Meal with Fresh Blueberries
Movement Today:
4:30am
Stretching
Vibration Plate
Arm-Dumbbells
Squats
Lunges
Disstastis Recti
Walk 35 min. (Japanese Style)
12:30pm After Lucnh
Walk 20 min. (Japanese Style)
6pm After Dinner
Walk 20 min. (Japanese Style)
8pm
Thigh Master 20 min. while reading/watching tv
Follow for midlife wellness, lifestyle, & mindset inspiration and motivation.
Love, Jax
#midlifewellness #weightlossjourney #womenover40 #healthylifestyle #midlifereinvention
I lost 200 lbs in the last 4 years naturally as a single mom, working full time in corporate finance.
I was on weight loss medication for 3 months, got off it because of cost and side effects.
I have anther 80 lbs to go to reach my goal weight.
My supplements I take:
Loam Fiber Powder, Electroytes (sugar free), Pearl Powder in Water with Ice.
Lifecykel Mushroom Oils in black expresso
Vitamin D3K2
Omega 3
Fatty 15
NMN
Floraster Probiotic
Today’s Food
Breakfast: Homemade Protein Bars (27g protein, 12g finer, 6g sugar)
Lunch: Chipotle Chicken (Costco), cilantro lime cauliflower rice
Dinner: Factor Meal with Fresh Blueberries
Movement Today:
4:30am
Stretching
Vibration Plate
Arm-Dumbbells
Squats
Lunges
Walk 35 min. (Japanese Style)
12:30pm After Lucnh
Walk 20 min. (Japanese Style)
6pm After Dinner
Walk 20 min. (Japanese Style)
8pm
Thigh Master 20 min. while reading/watching tv
Follow for midlife wellness, lifestyle, & mindset inspiration and motivation.
Love, Jax
#midlifewellness #weightlossjourney #womenover40 #healthylifestyle #midlifereinvention
I lost 200 lbs in the last 4 years naturally as a single mom, working full time in corporate finance.
I was on Zepbound for 3 months, got off it because of cost and side effects.
I have anther 80 lbs to go to reach my goal weight.
My supplements I take:
Loam Fiber Powder, Electroytes (sugar free), Pearl Powder in Water with Ice.
Lifecykel Mushroom Oils in black expresso
Vitamin D3K2
Omega 3
Fatty 15
NMN
Probiotic/Prebiotic
Today’s Food
Breakfast: Homemade Protein Bars (27g protein, 12g finer, 6g sugar)
Lunch: Chipotle Chicken (Costco), cilantro lime cauliflower rice
Dinner: Factor Meal with Asparagus
Movement Today:
4:30am
Stretching
Vibration Plate
Arm-Dumbbells
Squats
Lunges
Walk 35 min. (Japanese Style)
12:30pm
Walk 20 min. (Japanese Style)
6pm
Walk 20 min. (Japanese Style)
8pm
Thigh Master 20 min. while reading/watching tv
Follow for Midlife wellness, lifestyle, & mindset inspiration and motivation.
Love, Jax
#midlifewellness #weightlossjourney #womenover40 #healthylifestyle #midlifereinvention
High-protein breakfast bars that don’t taste like cardboard? Say less. 🍫✨
I’ve been perfecting these homemade protein bars for a long time and I’m finally sharing the recipe — 25g protein, 12g fiber, and 5g creatine per bar, made with clean ingredients like peanut butter, cashew butter, and no added sugar. Basically breakfast met dessert and they had a baby.
Perfect for busy mornings, post-workout fuel, or when you need a midlife-metabolism-friendly snack that actually keeps you full. No fancy equipment, no baking — just mix, press, chill, and go.
Follow me for more high protein recipes, gut health tips, and midlife wellness hacks (minus the boring stuff nobody asked for).
Comment “RECIPE” below and I’ll send you the full tecipe with all ingredient links! 💌
#womenover40 #CleanEatingRecipes #ProteinSnacks #MidlifeWellness #healthylifestyle
✨ Make Midlife Your Best Chapter!
Daily glow chat...
How I make midlife my best chapter yet.
Here are my tip for you:
Be more spontaneous 🎉
I am here to be a light in a season that can be looked at as stressful and lonely and depressing.
This should not be the case.
These tips are a field guide for the empty-nest, midlife, reinvention-ready woman.
🌸 Let`s glow in midlife together...
Love, Jax
#midlifewomen
#transformyourlife
#womenover40
#emptynest
#midlifejourney
✨ Make Midlife Your Best Chapter!
Daily glow chat...
How I make midlife my best chapter yet.
Here are my tip for you:
Redesign your home 🏡
I am here to be a light in a season that can be looked at as stressful and lonely and depressing.
This should not be the case.
These tips are a field guide for the empty-nest, midlife, reinvention-ready woman.
🌸 Let`s glow in midlife together...
Love, Jax
#midlifewomen
#transformyourlife
#womenover40
#emptynest
#midlifejourney