55-65 year old women's success?

vicky1947mfp

calmandpeaceful wrote: »

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

Denise, glad you joined us.

As for the wine, for most of us, it is like any other habit. Too much of a good thing is not a good thing. I just try to save a few calories each day so I can have a glass of wine on weekends when out with friends.

It really comes down to how bad do you want that healthy weight either for health reasons or feel better in our clothes or whatever your goal is.

Good luck with MHP and let us hear from you often.

griffinca2

Mine wasn't wine, but chocolate (not much difference really--a habit). Try to cut back on how much you have each time, then try to skip a night once or twice a week. Actually, a little wine now and then is good for you, but like chocolate, salty chips, wine, etc. can be addicting.

krenwren

I have stumbled upon gold! I am 58 and have that same post menopause 30 to lose. I am still active, working as a nurse practitioner (I easily rack up 10000 steps a night!). I recently came back from a trip and was mortified at the pics, I really look frumpy and dumpy, something I have always dreaded. So I am back to MFP to knuckle down and lose these 30 pounds forever!

griffinca2

krenwren, I finally made it to my goal (actually went past it and need to gain a couple back). I'm 60+ and just retired from Federal service last year (Sep). I put on an extra four lbs (and fat) between Sep 14 & Feb 15 (this on top of the six or seven I had already put on). So in Feb 15 I started back working out at a locally-owned gym three days a week (weight lifting & 15-20 cardio). I have lost over 11 lbs and 5% body fat. I upped my calories, cut back on the sugar (added & naturally occurring). I hit a couple of plateaus along the way but kept at it. I started eating "real" food (vs. man-made); switched out the powdered creamer for regular half & half; packages of plain frozen veggies, etc. For sweetener I use either Agave Nectar or liquid Stevia (a plant sweetener). Good luck, you'll make it.B)

mk2fit

Denise,
Everything in moderation. That being said, log everything. If the wine is important to you, which with a stress filled life it probably is, log it first. I enjoy my drinks. I'm 56, 5'7" and started out at 190#. You can do this.
griffinca2,
I also have made it to/past goal. I am still trying to find my stopping point. I just upped my calories today. MFP lowered them (!) when I added more exercise. Oh, well...

calmandpeaceful

MK - thank you. Moderation is truly the key - as well as nights off from any wine at all. I am logging everything, even if it doesn't look pretty.

Our daughter is away for a 2 week, super-expensive, sleepaway horse camp. Life at home without her has been a bliss - relaxing - and I find myself organizing our household with abandon. She had her "one" call night tonight - and was bonkers. Take me home etc... cursing etc... We are holding firm and not picking her up - contacted the camp and they will work with her. Hubby and I planned a couple's local getaway for 2 nights/3 days next week and we need it!

Stress is tough - but I'm doing well with the meditation and plan to keep on with it.

Good for you - you started at 190, may I ask where you are now?
Best,
Denise

krenwren

Is this a group somewhere? Or is the thread the group? I love these success stories, it makes me realize that I can't use my age and post menopausal state as an excuse not to succeed. As a side note, I love wine and build it in a couple of times a week. I'll walk or workout extra so I can make it a "sum zero" addition to my day!

trina1049

krenwren wrote: »

Is this a group somewhere? Or is the thread the group? I love these success stories, it makes me realize that I can't use my age and post menopausal state as an excuse not to succeed. As a side note, I love wine and build it in a couple of times a week. I'll walk or workout extra so I can make it a "sum zero" addition to my day!

No group, just this thread. Click on the little star in the upper right corner to bookmark the thread. Most of us just check in here when we see new posts added to the thread and you could send friend requests to those that have made comments here to keep in touch with like-minded individuals.

Yup, age and post menopausal states don't count and barring medical conditions it's really a matter of calories in / calories out and some exercise. And, oh, yeah, lots of patience and determination to get the job done.

thisnewmenow

Just came across this thread this morning as I am signing into MFP one more time to try to take this weight off. I am 61 and have gotten so frustrated trying to take off this weight. I have gone to Weight Watchers and lost the weight before, but just too much $$ now. I am committed this time and love that I found this thread to check in with.

krenwren

We are all on the journey together! I agree with @trina1049 , perseverance is the key! And being fastidious about journaling your food, oh and exercising daily, etc, etc. We are older and wiser and know what to do, now we need to get to doing it!

griffinca2

All, I belong to a locally-owned gym and some of the folks that belong & use it are in their 70s & 80s--more power to them and may we follow in their footsteps!

vicky1947mfp

krenwren wrote: »

Is this a group somewhere? Or is the thread the group? I love these success stories, it makes me realize that I can't use my age and post menopausal state as an excuse not to succeed. As a side note, I love wine and build it in a couple of times a week. I'll walk or workout extra so I can make it a "sum zero" addition to my day!

No you can't use age as an excuse. I am 68 and have lost 36 lbs in the last 3 years by watching my calories in and exercising more (calories out). Now I am below goal of 129 and trying to maintain. This is a way of life for me and I feel so much better.

Pic is of me with two of my grandsons at OBX hiking up Jockeys Ridge.

vicky1947mfp

thisnewmenow wrote: »

Just came across this thread this morning as I am signing into MFP one more time to try to take this weight off. I am 61 and have gotten so frustrated trying to take off this weight. I have gone to Weight Watchers and lost the weight before, but just too much $$ now. I am committed this time and love that I found this thread to check in with.

I have lost 36 lbs and it did not cost me a dime. Love MFP.

vicky1947mfp

griffinca2 wrote: »

All, I belong to a locally-owned gym and some of the folks that belong & use it are in their 70s & 80s--more power to them and may we follow in their footsteps!

could not agree more.

amflautist

griffinca2 wrote: »

All, I belong to a locally-owned gym and some of the folks that belong & use it are in their 70s & 80s--more power to them and may we follow in their footsteps!

Puhleeze! 70+ is Not very old. And not unusual either, not in my gym anyway!

griffinca2

Yeah, but some of these folks are using walkers! And true, the closer you get to the 70s & 80s it doesn't look old. My comment was that they are an inspiration for us to keep on going.

mk2fit

@thisnewmenow , I don't belong to a gym, weight watchers or anything else. I have lost 60+ pounds for free (well, except buying an elliptical/bike at Wallyworld and a rowing machine on line). Walking and running are free. There are tons of free exercise videos on youtube. You will find there is a lot of support here! Welcome

thisnewmenow

Thanks for the comments everyone. So far, so good!!! Really appreciate the motivational comments, it does make a difference.

griffinca2

Got a complement @ the gym this morning; an older guy commented on that fact that I try to lift heavy (most exercises anyway); was doing deadlifts w/a 50 lb BB. Not "there" yet, but getting there.

krenwren

griffinca2 wrote: »

krenwren, I finally made it to my goal (actually went past it and need to gain a couple back). I upped my calories, cut back on the sugar (added & naturally occurring). I hit a couple of plateaus along the way but kept at it. I started eating "real" food (vs. man-made); switched out the powdered creamer for regular half & half; packages of plain frozen veggies, etc. For sweetener I use either Agave Nectar or liquid Stevia (a plant sweetener). Good luck, you'll make it.B)

Do you have a limit on the amount of sugar in grams? I am trying to cut out all processed sugar but with the amount of dairy (FF greek yogurt and fruit) I can rack up 60-80 grams a day. Thanks, Karen

griffinca2

Karen, Yes; I have MFP set for 45 gm and try to keep it between 45 & 60 (though I do over sometimes); I'm including both natural and added (trying to keep the added as low as I can (I know choc chips--but I only eat abt a TBSP and only after dinner). So most of my sugar comes from natural sources. That was my problem, wasn't aware how much sugar I was eating; when I started watching it I lost abt 11 lbs (in abt 6 weeks). Any time. Chris

calmandpeaceful

Hi everyone. I am working with a dietician, who has told me to really focus on the calories. Exercise is good - but because so few calories are used up in exercise, it shouldn't be my main focus. However....for ME, when I exercise, I feel more motivated and energetic when I put exercise at the top of the list. Today I cleaned the garage for 5 hours - maybe more!! I put in MFP for only 4 hours of light cleaning....and it added up to over 800 calories. I must say, I am exhausted, and the garage looks great.

Thanks for sharing your stories of the gym. I do think that, well for me anyway, exercise is key.

17761776

Has anything happen with this group??? I'm 65 married 41 years and have 200 to lose. Need lots of ideas n support . Thanks Gayle Minneapolis 17761776

griffinca2

We're here for you! Keep in mind that is a journey and that you will probably mess up along the way (we all do). It is a lifestyle, not a "diet" w/an end date and like I read in a fitness mag; "it is a process, not a project." Make small changes you can live with (if you don't like ___, don't eat it because someone says you have to). I use frozen veggies and cook them in Pyrex in my microwave--it has a fresh veggie & a frozen veggie button) and then season them when done. Don't end up w/mushy veggies.

bunnyhugger2015

Hi, all. I'm 52, but post-menopausal by a couple of years. My step-son lost 42 pounds on mfp and turned me onto it (he's only 16. I'm so happy for and proud of him!).
I've had a tough time on WW before because I just get too freaking hungry. I'm a software engineer and sit at a desk all day so I considered myself sedentary. But, once I leave work, I don't sit down until 10-10:30 at night. I have/ride horses and spend a lot of time in the barn. So, with mfp, I set my profile up as "active" and am finding the calorie allotment much more realistic and livable. I've lost 12 pounds the first month! I started at 165, 5'6".
I've read some of the lifting heavy success stories and I think I'm going to give the 5x5 a go. I'm not ready to let age be an obstacle yet (that said, I haven't experienced a lot of the painful physical difficulties many of you have. I have so much respect for you all who have managed to overcome and even manage the awful pain and even disabilities you've faced!)

griffinca2

I don't do the 5X5, but I have been doing heavy weights @ the gym I belong to. Starting next week going to lighten up some to try and lose some body fat and increase muscle mass. Started what they call Recomp (Recomposition); you can find the thread for it under "Maintaining." I have already noticed some small changes (it is a slow process and basically for those at (or near) their maintenance weight). BTW, I'm 64 (be 65 in Sep.) and do BB rows and deadlifts w/a 50 lb BB, so don't be afraid of the weights. Just know your own limits and listen to your body when you exercise. Good luck!!

krenwren

I somehow deleted a friend request, to whom ever it was, please feel free to try again!

thisnewmenow

Just had to check in after my first week - lost 2.5 lbs with a goal of losing 40 lbs. Feel good about this especially cause I have not been exercising. Suffering from plantar fasciitis and treating at home. Next week I will start exercising and hopefully get better results!!

krenwren

That's awesome news @thisnewmenow. You can't do better than 2.5 pounds in a week, that's weight that will stay off.

mk2fit

Congrats @thisnewmenow ! Keep up the great work.