55-65 year old women's success?

trina1049

griffinca2 wrote: »

Hi; I'm 64 and have lost 10 lbs (128/9 to 118/9) since February (this year). I'm now just starting on what they call "Recomposition;" losing body fat while increasing muscle mass. Basically, you eat at maintenance and lift as heavy as you can. I'll keep you posted.

Oh, this sounds good! Yes, please keep us posted. I've been weight lifting all along and am almost to maintenance and want to lift heavier to recomp.

hutchin88

Hi, everyone ---

60 years old and finding it much more difficult to exercise and lose weight. It just isn't happening like it used to. But MFP plus walking has made all the difference for me. I lost ~45 lbs 15 years ago, but with a recent move back to TX I regained around 25 lbs. Great Mexican food and Blue Bell ice cream! On my 5'3" frame that means going from size 8 to size 16!! So I'm back in the game

All to the best to you all ~~~

jeanlake

griffin - thank you -- I'll read about composition. Have a good weekend. Jean

tgibbs281

Great group to have here! I am 56 and post-menopause for 10 years now, following surgery for cancer and endometriosis. Also have hypothyroidism, probably due to genetics and my years of under-eating. I have decided that I am not trying to lose 'weight' anymore, but to lose body fat. I've had great success with lifting weights, tracking steps, light cardio. And I feel terrific! But yes, it is so much harder these days. Nice group of encouraging ladies! We can do it!!!

mk2fit

I have hit my goal weight and would like to recomp. I have a couple sets of dumbbells and have been working out to some strength videos on youtube. Actually, I have seen some results! This is a good thing since I live in a rural area and the nearest gym is maybe 1/2 hour away. Hubby not too keen on buying a weight machine, lol.

L_Cass

Hi everyone! I'm 51 and almost 2 years into menopause. Last cycle was July 2013 - got married Sept 2013 and two months later had gained 10 lbs! Since then I have kept that 10 lbs on and struggled (really struggled) to not gain more. I *hate* counting calories so I tried everything else.... paleo/primal, fast metabolism diet, intermittent fasting, cutting carbs, I even did a mail order food program to the tune of $150/week for 6 weeks..... and lost NOTHING. I would lose a pound or two but it would always come right back and then some.

So here I am back on MFP doing the only thing that's ever truly worked for me - counting calories! I am back to basics, calories in, calories out, while mixing it with some cardio and weight lifting - and already after only a week feel better.

You ladies are a huge huge inspiration for me - thank you! Keep up the amazing work! It truly is harder after menopause - I never thought it would be but it absolutely is. Thank you for letting me know that it can be done.

MarlaRFulton

Hi Folks! I'm 59 yo this month and just starting tracking again. Lost 80+ lbs 13 years ago but finds its more difficult the older I get. I am a "lower carb" whole foods girl but lg portions and cheat meals are creeping too often into my habits. I don't need 3 or even 2 scrambled eggs...1 is enough! Gotta watch the fruit, tho. Too much sugar of any kind can ignite my appetite!

jeanlake

Hello to people who have decided to get back in the health and fitness arena. And to those in maintenance stage, you're inspiring us! I read today 60% of American adults over 60 are overweight. I just don't want to be on the wrong side of that stat! Best wishes extended to all of us. Participated in a Tai Chi class today at community center since I have the day off. The timing won't work for me during work days, but found the class intriguing. I may find a beginner DVD. Enjoy the rest of your weekend. Keep moving! Jean

mk2fit

Tai chi @jeanlake ? Keep us posted, please. That sounds interesting!

jeanlake

Tai Chi is balance & energy. Instructor looks so graceful and best guess -- we visited every joint in the body! Please try it if you get a chance. Even Intro DVD is good. Pleasant day to all. We've had interesting weather movements here in the Midwest. Tornadic activity that we usually find in late spring. Sirens sounded 3 times this week. Auntie Em! Weather should improve soon. How's the weather for everyone else?

trina1049

jeanlake wrote: »

Tai Chi is balance & energy. Instructor looks so graceful and best guess -- we visited every joint in the body! Please try it if you get a chance. Even Intro DVD is good. Pleasant day to all. We've had interesting weather movements here in the Midwest. Tornadic activity that we usually find in late spring. Sirens sounded 3 times this week. Auntie Em! Weather should improve soon. How's the weather for everyone else?

Tai Chi sounds wonderful. Click your heels three times and join us here in sunny South Florida! Hot, steamy, and it's hurricane season too although it probably won't crank into gear until September, October, and November. Oh, joy!

mk2fit

Balance? Grace? I probably would be the one sneaking in late and out early Then again, maybe I should give it a go.

grandmothercharlie

I am hooked on Taoist Tai Chi. I chose Tai Chi for stress relief mostly. There are different forms of Tai Chi. I take two classes a week and try to practice everyday. Yes, you will see me in a park or by a lake at sunrise! With Taoist Tai Chi, you pay a membership fee rather than classes. You can then attend as many classes as you like anywhere you can find a Taosist Tai Chi group worldwide. In my area, there are classes somewhere, 6 days a week, morning, afternoon, and evenings all over the area. The instructors volunteer their time.

It is a great moving meditation, although slow and controlled, once you learn the entire set (108 moves), your heart will be beating as if having done a cardio exercise. It takes about 15 to 20 minutes depending on the rhythm. My balance has improved tremendously (you have controlled kicks done very slowly that are almost like standing still with one leg extended) and my feelings of relaxation and well-being are notable. When doing alone, you tap into an inner rhythm/energy or your Chi. The movements become mesmerizing as you go through the set. When with a group, a group energy is created. You seem to tap into that somehow. That is why people continue to take classes even after learning the moves. It takes about 3 months to learn the entire set and about a year or so to remember the order of all 108 moves without thinking about it and to really feel comfortable for most people.

At first, it really seems hard and I wasn't sure it was for me. I stuck with it anyway and something just "clicked" one day and I loved it. My two friends who joined with me both quit after a few weeks.

Even after a day of work, an 1 1/2 hour Tai Chi class, will refresh/energize me enough to then go to the gym for my cardio workout after! It is a great form of movement for those with impaired movement or various health conditions.

clh72569

Hello ladies. I am a 53 year old 4'11" lady. I started Jan 2014 and failed. Started in March 2015 and have lost 36 lbs. I am now 114 lbs.

debtay123

Wow- you all have inspired me so much. I am just turned 55 years old in June. I am 25 lbs over my goal weight. I have just started MFP this last month and now FINALLY I see some downward movement in the scale. It is finally going down- very slowly but surely. I am so happy to hear about others weight loss- makes me know that I CAN do it too-

vicky1947mfp

clh72569 wrote: »

Hello ladies. I am a 53 year old 4'11" lady. I started Jan 2014 and failed. Started in March 2015 and have lost 36 lbs. I am now 114 lbs.

That is awesome. I have lost the same amount. But I weigh 126 and am 5'2". I am happy with my weight now but may lose a couple more. We'll see.

jeanlake

Hello good people. Haven't checked in for a while. Covering maternity leave for a cohort at work, plus my work, and I'm hopping. Enjoyed reading your comments about progress and movement. I'm beginning to receive compliments -- losing at a rate of 2 lbs a month. However, I have a plan, more fit than I have been in quite a while and it feels great.

Regarding recent Tai Chi statements: I realized, when taking the Tai Chi class I need work on balance. I'm in awe of the graceful strength I see in that class. It's almost like a controlled dance. Unfortunately, I won't be able to take as many classes while working due to scheduling. I'm an absolute fan, though. And as we're learning -- we keep rotating and combining our activities for best results.

I take a Saturday morning, 8am, yoga with weights class. Love the routine and instructor. However, I need your collective advice. Stephanie (60ish) (just met her and no reason I should know everything about her life) talks throughout the class. There isn't one grunt or sigh or comment that she contains. Stephanie doesn't work, but I do and my class options are limited. I noticed Stephanie walked into the Thursday evening energetic Fitness Fusion class that I love and displayed the same talking behavior. She would even stop her movements, while the rest of us were moving fast, just to tell a personal story or share weather conditions with us. I want to be sensitive, and assessed that she isn't developmentally challenged. I don't think she's had a stroke or is in the throws of dementia, but I wouldn't know for sure. In hallway, I asked yoga instructor if she could turn music up or perhaps we could have a quieter environment with background noise. Well, it's a community center so..... everyone is welcome. I may bring in ear plugs -- but I do like the instructor and class routine.

Has anyone experienced something like this? Thanks in advance for your suggestions. Jean

amflautist

"Stephanie, please, I'm trying to concentrate."

Please tell her this when she starts talking.

klmadore975

I'm almost 53 and on hypothyroid medicine and need to loose over 100 lbs. Also before I develop diabetes, which I where I'm headed if I don't loose this weight. Also recently lost my Father to Alzheimer's and that has scared me to start this journey. Tired of being sick and tired, want to feel healthy again. I like the comments on this thread... looking forward to reading more and succeeding with this support.

bwilk18

Wow this is the group I've been looking for. I posted a discussion last month terrified that after gaining back a bunch of weight I lost premenopause that I wouldn't be able to lose it postmenopause-I'm 57 and gained almost20 pounds back in 8 months of non-tracking. It comes back soooo fast. I've been tracking faithfully since the beginning of June and working out (doing Leslie Sansone walking videos) and am down 6 pounds - whew!! Just succumbed and got a fitbit - also am in a family group with my 2 adult daughters,we're losing it together, but I am a junkie for support so this is great reading all of your success stories!! We can do it even after the hormones leave our bodies!!!!!!

AFabulous50

I am so inspired by these posts! I am 53, and post menopausal. I first jointed MFP in January 2012. I lost 36 lbs. by May, got a new job (after 23 years on the other one), started school, and continued to raise children. (No empty nest for me yet). Needless to say, with all of the newness I found, I lost track of what was working, and I gained it all back, plus some. But, I'm back now!! Looking forward to great results with no excuses! Please add me as a friend, I need some like-minded people and I think this is a GREAT group!!!

TBeverly49

Hello Ladies. I am 66 yr old and have been a member since 2013. Menopause in my 40s. I initially lost 80 pounds starting out at 278. Did a sprint triathlon as a goal, then failed to keep going over the course of the next 2 years, I was up and down with 35#. Mind you I still had about 50# to go when I lost the 80# when I started to yoyo. I have been finally on track again for the last 4 months at my doc's orders, I have lost about 20# and on the right routine.

It is harder, because we are aging and fighting against slower metabolisms, lean muscle mass deterioration, some of disabilities (like me), and who knows what else is changing.

I have made a commitment to myself, that this has to be a true life long journey of change. I haven't even told my family how much I am losing, because "They heard this before!" No hubby so I am really doing this on my own with my doc and nutritionist as my support. And of course ladies like you.

luciamaria2772

Inspired by all these posts. I need to go back and reread them.

phnxrth

I'm 58, lost 9 lbs. since February. The first 4 on my own and final 5 with the help of this site, which I learned about from a New York Times article comment. The comment had to do with how little food women have to eat if they want to be slim.

I'm really grateful for this site. Things have definitely changed for me at this age and while I'd been estimating caloric intake, it had been quite some time since I'd paid attention to every little detail as I'm finding I need to.

I work out as much as I can and try to under report exercise. The caloric part is what's hard for me since I have sometimes as many as 25 severe hot flashes a day accompanied by very powerful urges to eat. I now know why so many older women aren't in shape. One extra stressor may be one too many.

griffinca2

All, the biggest thing that really helped me lose most of the weight was cutting back on my sugar (natural & added). I try to keep it between 45 & 60 gm a day although sometimes I eat more and others less. It has worked for me so you might want to give it a try. I stayed stuck at 125 for over three weeks and it finally started coming off. I have also changed my weight lifting to lifting as heave as I can (4 sets of 4-6 reps); I can now do BB curls w/a 30 pound barbell. Biggest thing is not to under eat (<1100 cals); I'm now eating 1400+ and starting to see some muscle definition--slow but sure.

griffinca2

bwilk18, I'm thinking of getting a fitbit; which one do you have and how do you like it???

lew0017

Hi everyone, great posts I enjoy reading everyone's successes and struggles, as we all have them. I am 65 and originally lost 25lbs about 10 years ago that I gained from a long term illness. I have been since fighting with the last 10-15lbs over and over. This year I decided to tackle my insulin issues first before concentrating on the scale as most of my weight was in the stomach area. I took some supplements to help balance my glucose levels, monitored my fasting glucose and kept my sugar grams as low as I could by the way of no added sugar to my diet. I lost 8 lbs pretty easy, so now (I have stalled) so I am concentrating on my calories and keeping my sugar grams low to lose the last 5lbs. I also recently started Intermittent Fasting which makes keeping my calories down easier and I have tons of energy too. I do the 16 hour fast from 7pm until 11am 6 days a week, then eat all my days worth of food between 11am and 7pm. So basically I am skipping breakfast, something I would have never done before, but I have read all the research on how it benefits longevity, so for me I feel good on it. Right now I am 5'7" and 149lbs, but am recovering from a knee injury so have had to back off my workouts for a while, but can still do upper body weight training while sitting, and still do some yoga moves.
BTW I love my fitbit, can't wait till I get back to walking again.

lorrpb

griffinca2 wrote: »

bwilk18, I'm thinking of getting a fitbit; which one do you have and how do you like it???

I have FitbitOne and clip it onto bra. I like that it tracks both steps and floors, the smaller Zip does steps only. It helps keep me accountable to keep moving and talk my walks every day. Just over 1 year in. 95 pds lost with walking & strength training. Age 60.

I just found the "over 50" group here on MFP so you might want to check it out.

griffinca2

Thanks; I'll do that.

calmandpeaceful

Good morning. I've really enjoyed reading through your posts. I'm turning 55 in two weeks, and am postmenopausal. I'm 5'8" and 191, my goal is 170 (or less, but I'm trying to be realistic). My husband and I are raising four teenage daughters - one has mental illness (anxiety, depression, mood disorder) so life at home can be stressful. And it has been stressful for years - but things are getting better. I've been off and on with MFP, succumbing to stress and busyiness. I was at home for years raising the kids, and went back to work full time last year. I start a new job in late August, and am excited about it.

One of my goals with my dietician is for me to meditation or do yoga 5 times a week, to reduce stress and build a foundation. As I've read your posts, I haven't seen anyone write about drinking wine at night. This is my achilles heal, and a habit I am working to break. Any one out there successful in that? I'm hoping that by meditating, and also eating a balanced, healthy, fresh diet....and exercising, that my stress levels will go down.

I welcome your thoughts!
Denise