Once you hit forty, the scariest thing is that you eat less than before, right?

But my face still looks puffy, and my belly fat shows no signs of going away.

It seems like there really is such a thing as age-related weight gain.

But lately, I've developed a strange habit. I definitely eat a full meal.

I finish my soup, side dishes, and rice, and think, "Ah~ that was good," and yet...

Right after that, I always crave something.

Snacks like shrimp chips, dark chocolate, or I find myself sneaking into the fridge to grab something else...

At first, I thought it was just boredom. But since this keeps happening, it's a bit scary.

The meal is definitely over, but it feels like the eating isn't finished. I wonder if this is really a weight-gaining routine.

Some say it's due to stress.

When I'm busy with housework, if I eat something after dinner, it feels like a reward for "getting through the day."

The problem is that this reward happens every day, every day.

Honestly, I think age plays a part too.

In the past, I could eat a bit and lose it quickly, but now it seems like my metabolism has slowed down, and even a little extra food goes straight to my belly.

The way I gain weight on my face has changed too; my jawline is gradually disappearing... I'm sure many can relate.

What's really scary is that once this becomes a habit, it continues so naturally.

After eating, I automatically open the fridge and look for snacks. Then one day, I step on the scale and see the number has crept up.

I don't remember eating a lot lately, but my weight has gone up by 3 pounds. That's the most surprising part. ㅠㅠ.

So these days, I'm testing myself. After eating, I check if I'm really hungry or just bored.

If I drink a glass of water and wait 10 minutes, most of the time, the craving disappears.

And I've hidden snacks out of sight. If they're visible, my hand automatically reaches for them.

Hitting forty, I realize that the reason for gaining weight isn't just the amount I eat, but the habits I have after meals. Those one or two extra bites add up to belly fat.

What I'm feeling these days is that a small habit can change my body.

So today, after eating, I make sure to think about it.

Am I really hungry, or is it just a habit?

I think distinguishing this is the start of dieting after forty, haha.