The most challenging thing of all as a masters athlete

For me?  It is absolutely 100% nutrition and getting lean.  It's a crucible, a seemingly sisyphean task, an endless cycle of dreaming big and getting nowhere.  

What, in the end, is the key for me and how do I feel like I can achieve my goals in this area?  There are two very crucial pieces to this puzzle: 

1.  A far ranging and deep examination of what I'm actually eating during the day, which often involves, in the early phases, taking photos of the food I have on my plate.  Should I have chips with a healthy sandwich?  Is eating desert (aside from one treat day) a good idea?  Can I have mindless snacks?  The answer to all those questions is a resounding "maybe," but mostly a "no."  

2.  The "maybe" part comes only when one tracks said items and calories: this can be done with an app like My Fitness Pal or just writing down specific items and keeping a nutrition diary.  It may sound obsessive, but it works.  

3. As part of a spiritual and health practice, I also fast at least once for 24 hours during the week, and sometimes do a 36 hour fast.  I find these provide a deep cleansing of my body, in addition to being a mind cleansing experience. 

None of this is to say that I'm "dieting."  I think dieting is harmful however you slice it, and can be devastating to an athlete and their goals.