55-65 year old women's success?

2012retiree

I'm not so sure I'm a success. After losing 90 lbs. I have been horrible in my eating and calories consumed. Today I was in the ice cream I got for a weekend retreat with friends and only stopped after rinsing the last quart of ice cream down the drain. Each day is a new start, but seems like with all the things going on this week, it is not going well at all. I'm talking thousands of calories over, not just a few hundred. Success is I rid the house of ice cream and won't buy more until day of company. Long term success is questionable, hopefully next week I can suck it up and rid myself of cravings from overeating. This is the very thing I feared at the start of my journey. My thinking and actions are not connecting to what I should do and the fit of my clothes is telling me I'm slipping...

evesmom2

You know you can do it....you did it before. If it were me, I'd throw out the ice cream and any other foods that you have troubles with. I can't have Oreos in the house at all..I'd eat the whole package. When I first started this in April, I tossed out anything I couldn't control myself over...out of sight, out of mind. It was very helpful to me in the first month.

OneWayOnlyCycles

God, you ladies are inspiring! Good for you! All of you! The dedication and determination. I am in awe.

spikeyhair

2012retiree wrote: »

I'm not so sure I'm a success. After losing 90 lbs. I have been horrible in my eating and calories consumed. Today I was in the ice cream I got for a weekend retreat with friends and only stopped after rinsing the last quart of ice cream down the drain. Each day is a new start, but seems like with all the things going on this week, it is not going well at all. I'm talking thousands of calories over, not just a few hundred. Success is I rid the house of ice cream and won't buy more until day of company. Long term success is questionable, hopefully next week I can suck it up and rid myself of cravings from overeating. This is the very thing I feared at the start of my journey. My thinking and actions are not connecting to what I should do and the fit of my clothes is telling me I'm slipping...

You have done really well before so you know you can do it. If getting rid of everything you crave works for you then do it. I can't do that because my husband still likes the odd biscuit or cake so I take each day at a time and log everything even the naughty things and I am losing slowly, even half a pound off or staying the same is better than putting on. Do you exercise? I find that helps me feel more positive and reading posts on MFP is helpful Don't give up YOU CAN DO IT

1Nana2many

griffinca2

Thanks Nana!! Hope folks want to join; we plan on only doing half (or as many as you can) of the recommended reps. It is not meant to hurt anyone; just to be a challenge--so, if you have to use the counter (that's me) to do the push-ups, do it.

Eleted

Good morning all! You have all been very quiet for some time. Well I never got to the arm challenge. But I retire this month and hope to have the time to add strength training to my routine. What are you all doing out there for exercise and good health? Ive been holding at 30 lb weight loss and my BMI is good but I need to tone and get stronger. Have a great day all of you wonderful people!

Trina2040

@Eleted congrats on your retirement! You're right, it's been very quiet on this thread of late. For strength training I go to Les Mills Body Pump classes at my gym 3Xs per week for resistance training, but you don't need a gym. There's tons of videos online and other good beginning programs. Check out "The New Rules of Lifting for Women," and "StrongLifts 5X5." Both are online and in book form.

thenewrulesoflifting.com/nrol-for-women

http://stronglifts.com/5x5/

Check back and let us know what you decide to do!

Cheers!

Trina

griffinca2

Eleted, You can check out my diary since it is open. I wouldn't start out with some of the weights I'm using as I have doing this for a while.

griffinca2

P.S. Congrats on your retirement!! Enjoy!

retirehappy

Trina2040 wrote: »

@Eleted congrats on your retirement! You're right, it's been very quiet on this thread of late. For strength training I go to Les Mills Body Pump classes at my gym 3Xs per week for resistance training, but you don't need a gym. There's tons of videos online and other good beginning programs. Check out "The New Rules of Lifting for Women," and "StrongLifts 5X5." Both are online and in book form.

thenewrulesoflifting.com/nrol-for-women

http://stronglifts.com/5x5/

Check back and let us know what you decide to do!

Cheers!

Trina

Ditto on Trina's suggestions. And congrats on retirement. I can not recommend it high enough!!!

I wanted to add you may find this 18 min. total body strength training session helpful:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPRXlWepTZk a good starting place. It is part of jessicasmithtv channel, she has tons of great workouts for women of any age. Start with lower weights at home if you don't want to jump into a gym right away.

A good book is BODY BY YOU: THE YOU ARE YOUR OWN GYM GUIDE TO TOTAL WOMEN'S FITNESS by Mark Lauren. You can probably find this at your local library if you want to review it, very popular book. It helped me to understand the language I kept encountering and also that we have all we really need at home, so no excuses.

Don't forget walking, it tones the lower body so well.

I do have a Silver Sneakers membership and my local fitness center has not only those classes available via the membership but a wide array of other classes we can attend, like yoga, Body Flex (similar to what Trina mentioned), Pilates, Zumba, etc. It is a good way to meet others who want to stay healthy too.

Enjoy this new phase of life.

FindingLaurie

Hi, ladies! What a great find this thread is! :-) I've been post-menopausal for about 10 years. I started going to the gym and working with a personal trainer at age 56. By making the famous "one small change at a time"--seriously--I lost 62 lbs. The very first change was stopping diet Coke. Then I started drinking more water. Then I added a veggie to every meal, etc. But it took me about 18 months, which is TERRIBLY slow for me. I don't think I could have kept it going for that long without my trainer's support. I'm blessed to be able to afford a trainer.

But then I got stuck bouncing up and down within a 10-lb range for nearly a year, despite 3 vigorous training sessions a week, including serious strength training. I was starting to get discouraged and fall back into old habits, so this weekend I started the Fast Metabolism Diet by Haylie Pomroy. You might want to check into this if you're feeling stuck. It's a 28-day program. Looks really strict/complex if you read through all the rules, but it doesn't have to be complicated. I'm on Day 3 and it's no harder than the way I've been eating for the past 2 years. Basically very clean eating. It's supposed to help reset your metabolism if you've messed it up by "dieting". I stopped drinking coffee cold-turkey; that was the hardest part so far.

Anyway, you can see in my profile photo that I've had great success even though I still have a little over 40 lbs left to lose. At least now the end is in sight! And I'm 58 now. So don't give up--we CAN do it, even when we slow down a bit. :-)

llbrixon

Checking in.. I have lost 40 pounds in 9 months. Weight loss for me has slowed down. Inthe past I could lose 40pounds in 6 months.

Eleted

Thank you all for the great suggestions and renewed motivation. Funny that the Fast Metabolism Diet was mentioned above. My neighbor just mentioned that to me on our walk this morning. I'll take a look at that book on Womens Fitness ( written by a man??

Eleted

LLbrixin:: 40 lbs in 9 months is awesome!! That'ss over a pound a week. Good job!
I wrote this yesterday but it didnt show up to
Griffin CA. I will listen to your advice on starting slowly with strength training. You are my hero. I know youv'e been at it for awhile! Your diary is not open though, it is private.

griffinca2

Eleted, thought I opened it; I'll change it. Had issues a while back; all my friend preferences were dumped so that may be what happened to it. Give it a day and it should be available.

realcalm

I've been back at silver sneakers for a few weeks after a long hiatus due to hip replacement and miscellaneous joint pains. So this morning I noticed that my arms are actuAlly regaining flexibility (still hurt! but can move anyway). And when she says "straight and tall!" I actually do it and work my core. Maybe I can recover more mobility than I had thought.

AnnPT77

griffinca2 wrote: »

Eleted, thought I opened it; I'll change it. Had issues a while back; all my friend preferences were dumped so that may be what happened to it. Give it a day and it should be available.

FWIW, I was able to see your diary right after I saw you post that it was open - I admit I was curious about how your lifting is going, since we're of similar age. Clicked diary on your profile, clicked exercise diary, and there it was. (And yup, you're a great example! ).

griffinca2

Ann, Many thanks and it's going great. I've had to increase my cals because I keep losing weight; I'm 5'3" and weight around 115-117. I was getting down to 114/115 and I don't want to weigh too little (doesn't look good on older women--makes you look older). Anyway I try to change it up periodically; plan on increasing the weights and decreasing the reps next week and see how that goes for a while. And, P.S.; I turned 66 yesterday.

For Realcalm, Understand; I broke my right wrist (and I'm right-handed) last Dec and basically had to start over again when I was allowed to return to the gym in Apr. Start out slow and don't overdo anything; you will be able to recover some of your muscle mass and your flexibility (I can almost reach my hand up my back to reach my shoulder again w/my right arm). Pay attention to your body, but don't be afraid to push it (that's how you'll be able to make gains). Remember, there is a difference between pain and soreness from working your muscles--if it causes pain, stop; just don't be afraid of muscle soreness.

mk2fit

Glad to see activity here again. I love, love jessicasmithtv on youtube. She is great for us older ladies, yet still challenging! I exercise to her aerobic/walking videos on my "rest" days and get most of my strength work from her. Well, that and our strength challenges.

resina

Hi everyone, I've been reading this thread for a while and find you all very inspiring with your achievements and success. I'm hoping that some of that inspiration and motivation from you all will keep me going forward.

I'm from Australia and turned 60 this year and have always been in the morbidly obese category. This year I've had a few health issues arise and am working through them. It feels like I'm being renovated. Doctors always say that being overweight is not healthy, but it's now reality that not losing weight will affect my health even more in the years to come.

I've previously lost 42kgs but then put half back on. I'm again down to 36kgs loss and my goal is to get to double figures. I'm hoping to achieve this by Christmas.

I look forward to chatting to you all.

Eleted

Hello Resina! Welcome! This message board is great for support and motivation. Age is not a factor when it comes to getting healthy, getting fit and losing weight. I am constsntly amazed by these women. Have you been using MFP for daily logging or something else? Join us over 60 or younger group to help support you with your goals !

griffinca2

Hi Resina, And welcome to our group!! Eleted is right; age is not a factor! Don't try to change everything overnight (that doesn't usually work); make small changes over time that you can live with for the rest of your life. If you check us out, you can see that we still eat cake, pizza and the like (just smaller portions, only occasionally). It's about a lifestyle; not a "diet" with an end date. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress; we're here to encourage and up lift you!!

1Nana2many

Welcome Resina! I will be sixty in mid-November and like you, found this group very inspiring. When I first started MFP in January, I read through this message thread and finally was brave enough to add my own messages. I have found wonderful support here. I know you will too.

1Nana2many

How is everyone doing? It has been awfully quiet on this board. The trees are starting to change color here in Kansas. It's getting cooler at night and I fear it won't be long before we have to turn on the furnace. I forgot to look this morning, but I'm getting somewhere near 300 days of logging here on MFP. I am committed to logging every day most likely forever. After this much time, I am more convinced than ever that weight-loss is really 95% in your head or mine as the case may be. When I started MFP in January of this year, my blood pressure was clearly in the stroke range and I knew if I didn't get my act together, I would be spending some time in the hospital at the least or the grave at worst, though frankly, the consequences of a stroke or heart attack scared me more. As I have mentioned before, when I started this journey, I was merely hopeful, now I am convinced that I can do this long term. For me, whatever I do to get my weight and thus my blood pressure down has to be something I can live with in the real world I am a part of.

One of my MFP friends, who, by the way has been a great inspiration to me, recently commented that she was impressed that I could include McDonalds and Wendy's in my regular diet and still stay within my calorie range. I finally figured out that I can have the kid's meal amounts instead of the double patty large fries, etc. when I really want French fries and a cheeseburger, I have a regular cheeseburger and a small fry and I immediately divide the fries in half and get rid of the rest so I won't eat them. At Wendy's I order their Apple pecan chicken salad and since I don't really care for the blue cheese, I ask for no cheese. I discovered that I really like the pomegranates and the pecans and I don't use more than half a packet of the dressing. It's good and filling and I feel like I had a treat. It comes in two sizes, half size and whole size. McDonalds also has a southwest salad that is good, just go light on the dressing. I also carry a 90 calorie Rice Krispie Treat in my purse, so if I'm hungry, I always have a sweet snack. I am a sugaraholic, so it keeps me from buying candy bars or donuts!

I still don't trust myself not to eat every single calorie I earn so I don't list every activity I do in my exercise log, but I do input some when I know I've eaten over on days when I've been very active. Mostly that's because I hate to see it say I went over my goal. My mindset is when I'm out of calories, I'm done eating for the day. This keeps me honest with myself.

I would love to hear some ways others have of dealing with eating in the real world. I know we are all finding our own way, but sharing is what we're here for, right? My stats thus far: On January 2nd, I weighed 244.7 lbs, currently: 177 lbs. I am 5'3.5" I will be 60 in November. I have gone from a tight size 18-20 to a loose size 12 that I have to wear a belt with in jeans. I feel better. My goal is close and it is taking longer to lose at this point, but I am not as precise on weighing everything right now either. I am not an exercise fanatic, but I am mediocre active in my daily life. I recently fell and cracked my tail bone, but as long as the Tylenol and Advil keep working, I will keep doing things I want to do and frankly standing up feels way better than sitting down right now.

SbetaK

Mostly lurking here but love reading the success of other women my age. I'm recovering from a shattered knee cap, but finally able to start exercising again. Was pretty active before injury, got really bummed while laid up and wondering how much motion I would regain upon healing. Time marches on, and am now testing the waters every day for any exercise moves I can do again. Each accomplishment motivates me. Have adopted the thought that it is going to hurt as it gets better, haha. But doing it. Went backwards a ways on the weight loss, but finally moving down the scale again. Less weight better for knees.

Trina2040

Hi, Nana! It has been quiet on this thread -- I guess we're all busy trying to manage our lives and health. Loved your update. I'm approaching 1,000 days of logging maintaining a 51-53 lb loss for almost 2 years now. It took me about 15 months to lose the weight with moderate exercise and constant logging. I know that I will have to log and weigh myself forever.

I have sodium restrictions (1500mg per day) which make it difficult to eat in restaurants since most of the selections are sodium bombs, but I manage to work around that issue. Since I've changed the way I eat I find that the foods I once loved are way too calorie intense and I've lost my taste for them; everything tastes too salty. I prefer the foods I eat now -- and they keep me healthy so it's a win-win for me. If I want something that's calorie intense, I have a bite or two and that satisfies me. I never let myself get too hungry. I eat 6 times a day right up until bedtime.

I use a Fitbit to monitor my daily calories out and log/weigh-in every day for my calories in. While I think the Fitbit overestimates my calorie burn a bit, it must be pretty accurate since I'm maintaining a fairly steady weight at around 125 - 126ish lbs.

Stats: I'm 5'2.5," and turn 67 in a couple of weeks. I started at 179 lbs, a size 14-16, and now wear a size 4 or 6 Petite or size 2 regular Ladies. For exercise started walking, then joined a local gym, began lifting weights and attending cardio classes 3 to 4 times per week. Lifting weights really changed my body composition. I highly recommend lifting while you lose weight.

Hope you heal soon!

jadefitnow

59, lost 60 lbs 10 years ago and allowed about 15 to creep back on when I had a hip replaced and found a new love (all that eating out!).

I'm back here, back on track- lost 8 lbs and 8 to go (want that extra lb as a reminder). I'm losing very slooooowly now, but it's going down and not up, and that's the key.

Glad to find this thread! helps to see all us bada....s chicks staying so young and strong!

Eleted

Trina: You make an excellent point. I too am watching my sodium, not for bp, mine is low, but for inner ear issues and eating out anywhere is a sodium nightmare! Trina, did you stall at certain points? If so , how did you remotivate yourself? Glad this thread is ALIVE again!

Trina2040

Eleted wrote: »

Trina: You make an excellent point. I too am watching my sodium, not for bp, mine is low, but for inner ear issues and eating out anywhere is a sodium nightmare! Trina, did you stall at certain points? If so , how did you remotivate yourself? Glad this thread is ALIVE again!

@Eleted I understand about your inner ear issues, I have the same problem along with the HBP although since I've lost weight I've been able to cut my HBP meds in half. I actually never stalled while losing, just kept at a steady loss although some weeks were up - some down. The overall trend was always lower until the last few pounds. I weigh in every day then average the week and use TrendWeight.com to mark the downward trend over time. I fluctuate 1 to 3 lbs. up and down. I'd like to lose another couple of pounds but I'm in a healthy weight range so if it doesn't happen I'm still good.

I do get tired and sore, so every 6 to 8 weeks I take a week off from the gym for some active recovery. I stay active but stop lifting/cardio; just walk, etc. That week off really gives me the energy to stay on track; I look forward to it.