55-65 year old women's success?

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Replies

  • brenn24179
    brenn24179 Posts: 2,144 Member
    I am 62, lost 40 lbs 4 years ago, doing well with it, work part time and do not think I can retire completely, must have A personality or maybe it takes time to get use to retirement I don't know,it scares me.
  • trina1049
    trina1049 Posts: 593 Member
    brenn24179 wrote: »
    I am 62, lost 40 lbs 4 years ago, doing well with it, work part time and do not think I can retire completely, must have A personality or maybe it takes time to get use to retirement I don't know,it scares me.

    I retired at 61 and then lost all my weight. Retirement is awesome so no worries. I was so stressed out and not sleeping at all. Once I was able to focus on my health by changing my way of life all my health markers improved over the year following my retirement. So much happier now in body, mind, and spirit.
  • barbara3213
    barbara3213 Posts: 98 Member
    I'm so glad I found this thread. Reading your comments is so encouraging. I'm 56, 5'5", started at 208 a month ago, current weight 198.5, and right now I've set a goal weight of 140. I've found MFP invaluable already and am looking forward to a healthier, more fit future.
  • 0505jen
    0505jen Posts: 147 Member
    Thanks for your comments and tips, I try just having a fudgsicle as my after dinner snack but it doesn't seem to work anymore. I do try chewing gum during the day.
  • marjtrewin
    marjtrewin Posts: 30 Member
    Oops!! Went away for 4 days - came back 2kg heavier. A lesson learnt. We don't have to eat every biscuit and sweet in sight. Get a bit annoyed at myself as at 63 I'd like to think I was sensible and able to say enough. MFP helps to get back on track. At least we understand and can share similar shortcomings. Have lost 15g so far
  • marjtrewin
    marjtrewin Posts: 30 Member
    Should read 1kg, not 15kg - I wish
  • Eleted
    Eleted Posts: 121 Member
    Have lost 33 lbs in the last year but have not lost any more since December. I am fighting to maintain. I lost my drive and momentum to keep losing. I need some inspiration and tips to get back on track.
  • 1Nana2many
    1Nana2many Posts: 172 Member
    luluinca wrote: »
    The difference between doing this now and doing it when I was younger is in the past I would let life get in the way of my goals............kids, work, injuries, stress, money............etc. Now, I figure I don't have that much time left so I need to stick to it. I really don't want to have to start over again.

    I have to admit I know exactly what you are saying about letting life get in the way of my goals for myself. When you feel like you already have too many balls in the air and can't juggle one more, it's easy to stop paying attention to what you are eating for the sake of just fueling your body so you can move on to the next necessary task. There were days when just coming home and staring at a blank wall sounded really good while I was at work. I FEEL like I am being more selfish now, but I KNOW that I am really just taking care of my own health the way I really should have been doing all along. I still think that's the hardest thing for most women, maybe especially moms to learn; that if you don't take care of yourself, you can't take good care of anyone else! Maybe that's just a universal issue for many overweight people.
  • 1Nana2many
    1Nana2many Posts: 172 Member
    1Nana2many wrote: »
    luluinca wrote: »
    The difference between doing this now and doing it when I was younger is in the past I would let life get in the way of my goals............kids, work, injuries, stress, money............etc. Now, I figure I don't have that much time left so I need to stick to it. I really don't want to have to start over again.

    I have to admit I know exactly what you are saying about letting life get in the way of my goals for myself. When you feel like you already have too many balls in the air and can't juggle one more, it's easy to stop paying attention to what you are eating for the sake of just fueling your body so you can move on to the next necessary task. There were days when just coming home and staring at a blank wall sounded really good while I was at work. I FEEL like I am being more selfish now, but I KNOW that I am really just taking care of my own health the way I really should have been doing all along. I still think that's the hardest thing for most women, maybe especially moms to learn; that if you don't take care of yourself, you can't take good care of anyone else! Maybe that's just a universal issue for many overweight people.
    For some reason, part of my response went to la la land...
  • 1Nana2many
    1Nana2many Posts: 172 Member
    Apparently it deletes anything after a graphic! I said I need to let my sense of failure go!
  • Akgramma
    Akgramma Posts: 66 Member
    I'm so happy I found this thread again! I forgot to mark it. Still working out at least 5 times per week. Attempting to drink more water and stay under 1220 calories each day. Seems to be very difficult for me even though I have tried to add more protein to help fuel my activity. The scale just doesn't seem to move so I must be eating more than I should. Trying to stay motivated and focused - but hard.
  • Akgramma
    Akgramma Posts: 66 Member
    What is high impact interval training?
  • griffinca2
    griffinca2 Posts: 672 Member
    High Impact Interval Training (HIIT) is cardio where you do short spurts of intense (15 - 30 seconds to start) followed by longer (about 60+ seconds) of recovery; you go back and forth for about 20 to 30 minutes. It's pretty intense so if you decide to try it, start out slow. That's it in a nutshell, but if you plug it in on-line should better descriptions are out there (along w/some plans). B)
  • AnnPT77
    AnnPT77 Posts: 34,091 Member
    marjtrewin wrote: »
    Oops!! Went away for 4 days - came back 2kg heavier. A lesson learnt. We don't have to eat every biscuit and sweet in sight. Get a bit annoyed at myself as at 63 I'd like to think I was sensible and able to say enough. MFP helps to get back on track. At least we understand and can share similar shortcomings. Have lost 15g so far

    If you're just back, give it some time. You know what you ate, and I don't, but it seems unlikely that in 4 days you ate a total of 15,400 calories above your maintenance calorie level - which is what it would take to gain 2kg. So, at least some of it is likely to be water weight, and will drop away in a few days as you get back to your healthy routine. Try not to get discouraged, just get back on track!
  • AnnPT77
    AnnPT77 Posts: 34,091 Member
    Eleted wrote: »
    Have lost 33 lbs in the last year but have not lost any more since December. I am fighting to maintain. I lost my drive and momentum to keep losing. I need some inspiration and tips to get back on track.

    I like to read the "What's Your Most Recent NSV" (especially) and "http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1167854/photo-only-success-stories#latest" threads in the Success Stories area for inspiration.

    Tips? Maybe experiment with some new/tasty healthy foods to mix things up a little, or change your activity routine?

    Maybe you can say a little more about what you mean as far as losing your drive & momentum, what's going off track, etc. - so we can offer specific ideas that have worked for us in similar scenarios?
  • mk2fit
    mk2fit Posts: 730 Member
    Jessicasmithtv on youtube has some low impact HIIT routines that are 15 minutes or less. Not too tough for first timers, but enough of a workout for others. She always gives options for easier/harder workouts.
  • rj488
    rj488 Posts: 2 Member
    SbetaK wrote: »
    I am 60, and have had a few changes in my life recently (job change, income change, etc.) I have lost 61 pounds (17 before joining MFP). I'm a hearty eater with a fairly active lifestyle, and have successfully lost weight before but never kept it off. I have to realize that this an entire lifestyle change, not something with an end goal that I can reach, relax, and then revert to old habits. Diabetes runs in my family and I want to keep it at bay. I am losing VERY slowly, but surely! I am now in Onderland for the first time in over 22 years, and over the holidays I was able to buy clothes in a normal women's section. Overwhelming! I slip here and there, but it is not devastating as I just get back on track the next day. I feel wonderful, energetic, and better than I have in years. I vigorously exercise at least 5 times a week, and have embraced the over-used phrase of "use it or lose it". Only slacker part of my day is sitting in front of this computer reading the forums!

  • griffinca2
    griffinca2 Posts: 672 Member
    SbetaK, You only fail if you quit. And you're right; it is about a lifestyle, not a "diet" or project with an end date. I'm in maintenance; only wanted to lose about seven or eight when I started last year. Ended up losing 11; only changes I made was cutting back on overly processed food and sugar (added/naturally occurring). I still indulge (I have dk choc chips after dinner) and I eat pizza, ice cream, cake, etc., but only occasionally. B)
  • dsmith1358
    dsmith1358 Posts: 7 Member
    So glad to have found this group. I'm 10 yrs post menopause and have gained considerable weight over the years. To hear of other post menopausal women who've experienced success gives me hope. I have so many other menopause symptoms that it's overwhelming and often feel my weight is out of my control. It is encouraging to hear of women who've had success.
  • marjtrewin
    marjtrewin Posts: 30 Member
    Sore feet. I wonder how many have the same problem. I have been told to massage my feet often which I now do. I just wonder if this complaint will follow me to the grave
  • mk2fit
    mk2fit Posts: 730 Member
    Welcome @dsmith1358 ! Lots of great ladies here! @marjtrewin, do you run? Or maybe some other kind of exercise where you are tough on your feet? Sometimes when I run, my feet get a little mad at me. Other times, it happens when I "run" during exercise videos on the stupid concrete floor in my garage. I just take off my shoes and put my (happy) feet up! Seems to help.
  • AnnPT77
    AnnPT77 Posts: 34,091 Member
    marjtrewin wrote: »
    Sore feet. I wonder how many have the same problem. I have been told to massage my feet often which I now do. I just wonder if this complaint will follow me to the grave

    I have a touch of post-chemotherapy neuropathy that can cause sore feet if I'm fatigued in general, or have spent an unusually long time on my feet. It's much improved since weight loss, but can still flare a bit occasionally. The hot/vibration food bath thingie helps a little, or one of those bumpy massage balls.
  • NewMEEE2016
    NewMEEE2016 Posts: 192 Member
    edited May 2016
    griffinca2 wrote: »
    NewMEEE, You said you ate abt 110 grams of protein a day, meant to ask what you ate. I'm trying to up my protein but am struggling to get it done. Many thanks. B)

    I finally found some "go to" proteins that are really simple:
    1. Trader Joe's Wild Pink Alaskan Salmon (the whole can= 180 cals & 39g protein)
    2. Trader Joes Simply Sliced Turkey: 3 oz= 100 cals/22g protein (contains only: Turkey breast, water, spices- nothing artificial, no preservatives)
    3. Organic Whole Milk cottage cheese (YUM!!! Nothing like that watered down skim garbage)
    4. FISH- my favorite is Fresh Tilapia (I get mine frozen at whole foods)- only takes a couple minutes to steam w/veggies- takes on the flavor of whatever you cook it with. I just put a Tbs of soy sauce & some ginger- OR a little lemon juice. An average fillet is about 25g or protein and less than 150 cals.

    The following are nice sources of protein, but not nearly as good a calorie:protein "bargain" as the above:
    Eggs are excellent nutritionally (80 cals each, 6 grams protein). I get the PASTURED eggs (cost a fortune- but reportedly have a lot more omega 3's). I also drink whole milk & LOVE Dahlicious brand "Lassie"- an Indian yogurt smoothie kinda thing. I get their plain flavor, or mango b/c they contain no sugar or other sweeteners (they also have a banana flavor but it isn't available in my area). I think it's about 9 grams of protein per cup (160 cals).

    I **DO NOT** do protein powders, bars etc as I steer clear of processed foods.

    Hope this helps!
  • NewMEEE2016
    NewMEEE2016 Posts: 192 Member
    griffinca2 wrote: »
    NewMEEE, You were probably under eating. a lot of folks don't realize that under eating will not help you lose weight, but eventually messes with your metabolism and actually makes it harder to lose weight. MPF recommends eating no less than 1200 cals a day (I have fallen below that, but don't make a habit of it). I'm 5'3," 65 years old and weight abt 116/117 (which is fine) and I eat close to 1400 cals a day. I lift weights three days a week and do a good cardio walk another three - four days a week. You're right abt the REAL food; it is so much better for you. We ditched the powdered creamer and now use REGULAR half & half (non-fat's second ingredient is corn syrup (sugar); why?) and use frozen veggies (vs. canned) because they keep longer than fresh. Good luck on your journey! B)

    Thank you so much for the validation. I get a lot of people who don't believe me. Have you ever had your resting metabolic rate tested? It seems that your maintenance cals should be *far* more than 1400?
  • griffinca2
    griffinca2 Posts: 672 Member
    NewMEEE, Many thanks for the protein info. And no I have never had my metabolic rate tested; probably should, but not sure who would do one. Still not lifting as heavy as I want in the gym just yet; broke my wrist back in Dec and don't want to re-injure anything so I'm slowly adding back the weight (I was doing 6 reps & 3 sets of BB curls with a 30 lb BB when I fell & broke it). I was out of commission for over 3 months (not fun), so lost some of my gains and some muscle mass. I'm trying to adjust my maint cals on my own by watching my weight and slowly adding cals. I want to try to recomp; don't need to lose any more weight, but would like to build as much muscle back as possible and reduce body fat some. I don't want to be too "skinny" as I don't think it looks good on older women. Take care and have a great weekend! B)
  • NewMEEE2016
    NewMEEE2016 Posts: 192 Member
    griffinca2 wrote: »
    NewMEEE, Many thanks for the protein info. And no I have never had my metabolic rate tested; probably should, but not sure who would do one. Still not lifting as heavy as I want in the gym just yet; broke my wrist back in Dec and don't want to re-injure anything so I'm slowly adding back the weight (I was doing 6 reps & 3 sets of BB curls with a 30 lb BB when I fell & broke it). I was out of commission for over 3 months (not fun), so lost some of my gains and some muscle mass. I'm trying to adjust my maint cals on my own by watching my weight and slowly adding cals. I want to try to recomp; don't need to lose any more weight, but would like to build as much muscle back as possible and reduce body fat some. I don't want to be too "skinny" as I don't think it looks good on older women. Take care and have a great weekend! B)

    Completely agree. Too skinny is not a good look on women in our age group imho. A little extra plumpness in the face takes a few years off. The problem is keeping it ON our faces and OFF our tummies- weight lifting I think is key. I'm still searching for a program/trainer. Dietitians & nutritionists do metabolic testing. Some dr's offices, too.
  • luluinca
    luluinca Posts: 2,899 Member
    NewMEEE2016 wrote: »
    griffinca2 wrote: »
    NewMEEE, Many thanks for the protein info. And no I have never had my metabolic rate tested; probably should, but not sure who would do one. Still not lifting as heavy as I want in the gym just yet; broke my wrist back in Dec and don't want to re-injure anything so I'm slowly adding back the weight (I was doing 6 reps & 3 sets of BB curls with a 30 lb BB when I fell & broke it). I was out of commission for over 3 months (not fun), so lost some of my gains and some muscle mass. I'm trying to adjust my maint cals on my own by watching my weight and slowly adding cals. I want to try to recomp; don't need to lose any more weight, but would like to build as much muscle back as possible and reduce body fat some. I don't want to be too "skinny" as I don't think it looks good on older women. Take care and have a great weekend! B)

    Completely agree. Too skinny is not a good look on women in our age group imho. A little extra plumpness in the face takes a few years off. The problem is keeping it ON our faces and OFF our tummies- weight lifting I think is key. I'm still searching for a program/trainer. Dietitians & nutritionists do metabolic testing. Some dr's offices, too.

    My doctor actually told me that she prefers her older patients to be at the upper end of the BMI range or even on the lower end of the over weight range. One illness can be tough to come back from if we lose a little too much weight during it. I'm not sure I agree but that's what she told me.

    I've found that even at 66 with about a year and a half of weight lifting behind me that the benefits are huge at this age. Strength, mobility, flexibility, improved bone density.....and a little body transformation never hurt anyone!

    If you have the opportunity to hire a trainer, even if it's only for a short time, it's well worth the expense and effort in my opinion.
  • griffinca2
    griffinca2 Posts: 672 Member
    NewMeee, you might want to try finding a locally-owned gym (rather than a chain). They are usually a little more user-friendly and the owner is usually a trainer or has one on staff. I go to one that is about seven miles from the house, they have yearly memberships and month to month options for those over 50. If you need guidance they are more than willing to assist you @ no extra charge (like some of the chains). Do a Google search for gyms in your area and check them out. Good luck. B)

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