55-65 year old women's success?

luciboring

trina1049 wrote: »

Hi, I'm 65 years old, 5'2.5" and I've been on MFP for almost a year and have lost 40lbs. so far. I lost a few pounds before I found MFP but this site has helped me the most. It's taken me over a year to do so, but its been a steady loss of about 2lbs per month. My starting weight was 179 and I'm now at 139 pounds.

As for exercising, when I started losing, before MFP, I only walked and rode my bike (slowly). After a couple of months I wanted to exercise more so joined a nearby gym and began a heavy cardio routine of two cardio classes five times a week. I kept to this routine for quite a while then went to the Body Pump classes (weight lifting) and really loved lifting weights. I'm not lifting very heavy yet, 15lb squats; 12lb clean and press, etc., but I intend to lift heavier when go on to maintenance after another 10lb. loss. Trying for a goal weight of 129 - 130 pounds.

So my new exercise schedule is weight lifting four times per week for one hour and I include 30 minutes of cardio after weight class three times per week. My body composition has really improved with this schedule even though I'm putting in less time at the gym. I actually have muscles now! Who would have thought!

When I first joined MFP I read all the stickies and began my own research about nutrition -- that's been my single most motivating factor because I don't really interact in the forum much though I read everything

. What's worked for me is a 35% protein, 35% fat, 30% carb micro split. I love carbs but found that my blood sugar kept going up and now that's not happening with watching my carb intake. I weigh and log everything and will probably have to do so forever if I want to keep the weight off. I could be worse. . . I could be fat again in no time if I stop weighing my food and counting calories.

It's been a slow journey but really rewarding. I went from a US size 14/16 to a US size 6/8; I'm actually wearing petite mediums now. Wow.

Best of luck to everyone - stick with it!

Lets be friends

luciboring

NextPage wrote: »

Hi, I'm 51 and post-menopausal and I can't say that losing weight is harder now since I always found it challenging. I think the biggest adjustment for me was the "shape shift" and lose of muscle tone issues that go with aging. It was odd to look at myself and see that my waist was disappearing. I also decided "batwings" were something I could not live with and I have shifted my focus to lifting while still doing a fair bit of cardio (mainly spinning). On the less vain side I looked around and saw that some of my only slightly older friends were starting to complain about bad knees, poor flexibility etc. and I didn't want to follow in their foot steps. At the end of day the tools for losing weight don't change much as we age but the need for exercise to keep our metabolism fired up and our muscle tone and flexibility maintained/increased becomes paramount. Our quality of life is dependent on fitness as much (perhaps more) than maintaining a healthy weight. Few of us aspire to be thin and frail - we want to be strong and powerful. Personally I want to spend the next ten years working toward looking as hot and sexy as middlehaitch does in her photo standing next to the Christmas tree - in my mind I already have my own little black dress picked out for the occasion!

Hey add me as a friend !!! In the same boat as you just a few yrs older !!

PianoRun

First thing this morning, i logged on to read these posts, and it sets a good tone for the day. Yesterday, I even managed to avoid an unnecessary snack because I thought of you.

Asking for success stories in this age group because we have challenges in common is only one aspect to consider. Observing "gee, it's so hard at this age" (although I hear ya!) --- so many of you are overcoming these obstacles and light the way in sharing your experiences. Usually, I can see lots of before/after pics and success stories of younger women or men, but I need to feel "yeah, that could be me" ! Same as some people request posts on those of the same height. Thanks, again, middlehaitch, for posting your pics -- you look really good and happy, too!

As for me, I've noticed a definite shift in my motivation. Although it is important to look my best, no amount of diet and exercise (or surgery) is going to make me appear younger -- and I don't want to. Now, maintaining health and vitality has moved to the forefront. The type of desperation that can drive younger people to bulimia, anorexia, or removing ribs is not present here. Preserving and building energy is more important. In spirit, I feel free as a girl to do anything I want, no longer hampered by crazy PMS or peri-menopause symptoms. I was even ready to accept myself at a heavier weight, and "enjoy" eating whatever I felt like -- but --- surprise! --- the extra weight gets in the way, and I can't digest that crap the way I used to, so I'm beginning to think eating better definitely has to be a way of life (duh!)

sodakat

The extra weight definitely does get in the way! I'm amazed at some of the things I do differently now, about half way to my goal weight.

For example, I now unconsciously cross my legs when I sit. Whoa, who knew? For years and years it was uncomfortable to sit that way, plus my upper leg didn't exactly cling and fall over my lower leg so it was not real ladylike LOL.

Also, I find I tie my shoes differently now, either raising my leg to a level that is easy to reach or squatting down to tie or even bending properly. No more struggling.

My car seat is moved further forward and I can squeeze out the door in cramped parking spots.

I'm excited to see what changes occur this year as I continue downward.

Getting used to some extra skin instead of bulging fat is a bit disconcerting I'll admit, but you know what -- I'll take that over being unhealthy any day!

renfen

I am 53, but am peri-menopausal. Does that count? I have lost 15 so far with a goal of 40 more by August 1 and then as much as I can there after.

PianoRun

renfen --of course it counts, and you are very welcome here -- and I'm glad you would like to share your experiences. Nonetheless, I must point out that peri-menopausal is not the same as postmenopausal for most women I know. In fact, for some, the transition period can be not only debilitating physically (for example, if you are having hot extreme flashes -- mine eased up a bit, and are not nearly as bad after menopause) but it can be an emotionally trying stage of life, and these factors strongly can affect our efforts to lose weight. Congrats on your 15 lb loss.

Malteaster

I am finding this most inspiring. I am 55 and have struggled with my weight for the last five years. I'd love to lose 20lb and am watching this with interest.

Sharonneaton

I've been on MFP for several years and found at almost 66 that I need a regimen to help me. Now that spring is ahead, my goal is to get these last few pounds off. It's a daily thing. Its worth it when you can finally get into size 6 slacks. Yay

AmigaMaria001

I'll be 62 next month. I've been overweight most of my life. I thought I would never be able to lose all the weight at this age because everyone says it gets harder as you get older... That is just an excuse! Truth is... it's just math. calorie deficit at any age means weight loss.

CariJean64

I'm 50 and *almost* technically menopausal. I started last January first and have lost over 80 so far, with a long way to go yet. Definitely harder now than in my 20s and 30s, but I didn't stick with it then when I should have, so here I am! :-)

NextPage

Pianorun I totally agree that we should move away from focusing too much on "gee, it's so hard at this age". I suggest we each think of something that we always thought we weren't capable of and make it a challenge to conquer "it". For me, I have shied away from real push-ups but I have set a goal to be able to 15 easily by April 1. As of today I can only due about 8 before my arms and chest start to shake but hey, I'm getting there.

dianeEESI

I'm 54, post menapausal and have been on mfp for a few years but just got serious 111 days ago, I wanted to start to lose weight before Christmas, since it's a downfall for me usually. I've lost 23 pounds, and want to lose another 20 to get below my healthy BMI for the first time in my life! I'm more of a lurker than a poster, but I enjoy seeing everyones success and find it motivating. I eat 1200 calories a day, but eat my excercise calories. I haven't been eatting wheat (because I read the book "Wheat Belly", and found I don't have the cravings I used to have, I REALLY love bread and cakes and cookies, so its just a matter of wheat being a trigger for me) Good luck everyone, keep up the good work!

mmgrac

I am 51 years old. I would like to lose 50 lbs my goal right now is to do healthy. So that is why I am here. Need help on where to start. I am active but eating and happy hour habits sabotage what I have done. So need that moral support. Can I join the group.

1961dublin

Hey all, good luck!! I am now about 63 kgs down from 78 kgs nearly a year ago. I am 53 and post menopausal. I lost it through the 5;2 Intermittent fasting . Nothing else worked for me, even though I tried several different diets in the past few years. The 5;2 was my last attempt at weight loss.

scrapbookingtm

Hi, I am 56 years old. I have been very active most of my life and I also struggled greatly with depression. I was doing well for quite a long time, I hiked 3 days a week, was working on my 2nd degree black belt, waterskied, scuba and just loved life. Then I hurt my back (sparring) and when I could no longer walk, I had surgery. Recovery was doing well but I couldn't do anything without severe pain. After 2 years the depression started to set back in and I didn't care anymore. My eating went on a downward spiral and I started to gain weight slowly but steady. Two more years past and I thought enough was enough. I went to a Dr for a new MRI and was told exercise would be painful but wouldn't injure me. I had babied my back for so long the muscles were atripheed (well I guess I don't know how to spell that) and I needed to get up and just suck it up. I started with walking. When my walking partner didn't want to up the distance I got a second partner. One hour with the first friend and then 2 more with the second. When I was up to 15 miles a day I started adding stairs, and then the elliptical, my bike and step machine. A couple of times a month I have a little set back with pain but it never lasts long. I started walking the end of Aug of 2014 and started MFP about 2 months later. I have lost 24 lbs (no gain through the holidays) and have about that much more to go. Thanks for all the great stories. They help me stay motivated.

sharebear2012

Hi everyone and Piano Run, Glad you posed this question. I have been looking for a group that is in the plus 50 age group but I had not found one yet. I read through all of the posts here and I feel like I am finding a group of women much like myself. I just turned 59 and I am back to MFP trying to get 10 pounds (and maybe 15) off permanently. I am short at 5'2" and really look best if my weight is between 110 and 120. I got down to 117 in 2007 and kept it off for several years. I felt great and I looked great. In the last 4 years I have been sneaking upwards and yoyo'ing since menopause. I did break my arm a year ago and could not exercise. Just before New Year's Day I weighed in at 130. I lost weight last winter between Jan and April 130 to 123 but then I slid back up....I am feeling motivated in 2015 to get this done. As older women we do lose slower due to slower metabolism, so exercise is essential. I normally do a 30 to 45 minute workout 4 times a week so I am trying to double right now. I am at 1200 calories a day or a little less. I am not drinking any alcohol in January (white wine is my weakness!) which is helping. I am down four pounds already to 126 pounds and am very happy to see that quick of a loss. To lose at our age, we need to be patient, determined and persistent. Probably the same as younger but more patience!

sodakat

So great to read posts from DETERMINED women instead of women with excuses. Thanks so much for detailing what keeps you going everyone! I'm excited to see what I can accomplish in 2015.

bmartin466

New to posting, but I have used MFP for 14 months. Since November 2013, I have lost 90 lbs. I am 68 years old, 5'1", and have two metal knees from total knee replacement. I try to walk two days a week and am really determined. My doctor is pleased, but my friends say I look "tired". Ha, no way, I'm on my way to my goal of 100 lbs.

lovesretirement

PianoRun wrote: »

First thing this morning, i logged on to read these posts, and it sets a good tone for the day. Yesterday, I even managed to avoid an unnecessary snack because I thought of you.

Asking for success stories in this age group because we have challenges in common is only one aspect to consider. Observing "gee, it's so hard at this age" (although I hear ya!) --- so many of you are overcoming these obstacles and light the way in sharing your experiences. Usually, I can see lots of before/after pics and success stories of younger women or men, but I need to feel "yeah, that could be me" ! Same as some people request posts on those of the same height. Thanks, again, middlehaitch, for posting your pics -- you look really good and happy, too!

As for me, I've noticed a definite shift in my motivation. Although it is important to look my best, no amount of diet and exercise (or surgery) is going to make me appear younger -- and I don't want to. Now, maintaining health and vitality has moved to the forefront. The type of desperation that can drive younger people to bulimia, anorexia, or removing ribs is not present here. Preserving and building energy is more important. In spirit, I feel free as a girl to do anything I want, no longer hampered by crazy PMS or peri-menopause symptoms. I was even ready to accept myself at a heavier weight, and "enjoy" eating whatever I felt like -- but --- surprise! --- the extra weight gets in the way, and I can't digest that crap the way I used to, so I'm beginning to think eating better definitely has to be a way of life (duh!)

Piano run..I was ready to accept myself, too, and eat whatever I wanted. In fact, I did that for 6 months. I kept exercising, but still picked up 8 pounds. At my 6 month check up, my doc was not happy and wanted to increase my blood pressure meds! Even my perfect cholesterol numbers had risen slightly.

So I get it: if I don't want a bunch of health issues in the next couple of years, I will Never be able to eat whatever I want. I will Always have to log/track my food. I will Always need to exercise, which I love to do anyway. And that's okay with me; it's a small price to pay for good health and mobility in the years to come.

srcurran

I turned 54 yesterday and have been in the throes of menopause for at least 4 years. I am working the lose the last 6-8 pounds after having lost 23. If I can hit 30 it would be nice round number. This time it's for life - I am determined. What was different for me from past weight loss efforts is I'm not just focused on eating less; I'm focused on getting more veggies and complex carbs and cut way back on sugar and simple carbs. When I do treat myself it's very rare (used to be weekly) and much smaller amounts. Can I be included? I've been an avid exerciser most of my adult life, but have added more weight training and changing it up a lot more.