55-65 year old women's success?
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GottaBurnEmAll wrote: »I thought this was a success story thread for women 55-65. How did it turn into a keto advocacy thread??
Thank you for pointing that out. Keto is a diet, some people might find it satisfying in the long run, but generally "diets" fall by the wayside at the first sign of trouble.
The goal here is to take in fewer calories, have a nutritional macro/micro balance, and if possible, move a bit more. As we age (that's what this thread is really about) we lose muscle, bone density, mobility, balance and even more serious attributes if we're not careful.
We all need to find something that works long term and improves the above mentioned factors. Keto, while beneficial to some, if you can stick with it forever, might work, but most of us with families and lives that don't revolve around the kitchen can find the answer in smaller portions, less sugar, moderate fat and carbs and an increase of protein, but primarily less calories.
Honestly, if you really want to improve your overall health, besides losing the weight, I would suggest finding an exercise regimen you enjoy........Ann already mentioned this, but it is at least as important as losing the weight.
I had to reiterate this point, because finding exercise has been the biggest factor in my success, and I feel it does so much more for me than just manage my weight.
It's my "me" time, it manages stress, depression, anxiety. I am a different person than I was before I found exercise. I am much calmer than I used to be.
Depending on what you choose to do as exercise, I have found that it also gives me great role models. One of the substitute water aerobics instructors is 83 and more fit than most people of any age (she still skydives too). There is a couple in my hiking club who are both close to 80 and have hiked over 25,000 miles with the club and still go on serious trail adventures. There are many retired women 60+ in the hiking club who not only hike a lot but are inspirations for how to keep both the body and mind active with their hobbies, volunteering, continuing education, etc. At 61, I am one of the youngest in my pickleball league.
+1 to the role models!
Another plus of exercise activities via clubs or group classes is to meet new, more active people who become friends and companions to do other healthy, active things.
I wouldn't dream of dropping old friends who are less active, but many of them are uninterested in or unable to do even things that involve some walking, let alone more energetic pursuits. So, with rowing-club buddies, I've gone to a big quilt show (walking all day), met up at a multi-stage jazz festival, gone to a weekend kayak symposium, and more. With my Y spin class friends, I've done regular outdoor cycling.
I love my artist friends (as one example), but things like the above would be outside the realm of the enjoyable to nearly all of them, for physical reasons.
Moreover, humans are very influenced by group norms. When I've mainly spent time with very sedentary people, it becomes easy to think that inactivity is normal, and that physical incapability is an inevitable part of being 60-something. But it's not. My attitudes and expectations of myself improve when I have more active, healthy people in my social circles.8 -
OK, here is my big question of the day. This is the 55-65 year old womens success thread. @GaleHawkins @stevencloser and @mmapags what are you doing here? Any of you ladies (real ones) want to form an invitation only group, let me know.2
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OK, here is my big question of the day. This is the 55-65 year old womens success thread. @GaleHawkins @stevencloser and @mmapags what are you doing here? Any of you ladies (real ones) want to form an invitation only group, let me know.
I visit from time to time to support many of the wonderful ladies that post here! I hope that is a satisfactory explanation. A valid question though.3 -
OK, here is my big question of the day. This is the 55-65 year old womens success thread. @GaleHawkins @stevencloser and @mmapags what are you doing here? Any of you ladies (real ones) want to form an invitation only group, let me know.
Meh. I'm fine with a man dropping in now and again to comment once in a rare while on a thread like this, as long as it doesn't get high-handed or hijack-y or something. Which, IMO, it hasn't, so far.
To the extent that they may be lurking quietly, maybe gaining some insight that would help them support the women in their own lives . . . that would even be a positive.
JMO, of course.7 -
OK, here is my big question of the day. This is the 55-65 year old womens success thread. @GaleHawkins @stevencloser and @mmapags what are you doing here? Any of you ladies (real ones) want to form an invitation only group, let me know.
Keep in mind gender medically speaking is not a fixed fact.
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I'm 63 & have always been active. I've always done my own thing at the gym plus water aerobics & zumba (a bit slower for seniors) but my gym cancelled all the regular classes & put their own classes in place. They are hiit classes & I started June 12, 3 days/wk. I loved doing them & did the best I could & gradually improved & got stronger. After the Sept 12 class I started being aware of my heart beating & noticed an irregular beat now & then. I'm in good health & my heart is good so I got lab tests & saw my Dr. to see what was going on, she said the heart will do whatever we demand of it but sometimes under protest, so I quit going to those classes but sure do miss them. I'm thinking about talking to the trainer to figure out how i can still go but do a little less1
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OK, here is my big question of the day. This is the 55-65 year old womens success thread. @GaleHawkins @stevencloser and @mmapags what are you doing here? Any of you ladies (real ones) want to form an invitation only group, let me know.
Meh. I'm fine with a man dropping in now and again to comment once in a rare while on a thread like this, as long as it doesn't get high-handed or hijack-y or something. Which, IMO, it hasn't, so far.
To the extent that they may be lurking quietly, maybe gaining some insight that would help them support the women in their own lives . . . that would even be a positive.
JMO, of course.
Same here, I have no problem with it either. We all have a different perspective on aging and men and women age differently in some respects, but there are also some common denominators we can all learn from. I think it's kind of interesting that they even read what we post here.....LOL5 -
@Jancandoit7 - I don't think you'll hear from @Pianorun, she's the original poster but deactivated her account in 2015. Posted with another account but has not checked in here in quite a while (posters, correct me if I'm wrong).
Just to let you know, I deactivated my pianorun account, and instead I signed up under this name (skyweigh) ... I regularly read all the posts, and love to do so. As for myself, I've been through a few different phases with my approach to health since 2015 (I'll spare you the details presently) I realize more than ever how important it is to lose excesses for a happy life. Sorry for being a lurker .... and best blessings and regards to all who have posted.
Well, hi, @Skyweigh! So happy to see that you're still among us. I was still losing weight when I first posted on your thread back in 2015. I couldn't remember your new account name and was too lazy to read back through the posts. Did you ever think that your thread would have such a long life? Blessings and regards back at you.1 -
@Skyweigh, welcome back!! Found this back in 2015 and really love the posts. Like you had some issues at the end of 2015, beginning of 2016 and had to re-group. Glad you're back.
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ITA that the guys are welcome- I think we all should be able to speak and enjoy posting our feelings. I love being even more active now at 57 years old than when I was younger. Now I am semi-retired so I have more time to work out and also to do things that I enjoy. Also finances are not so tight therefore I can afford to join more classes or groups. I also like to workout to you-tube videos. My favorites are walking with leslie sansone, pahla bowers and fitness bender and lumowell. I love most of all our gospel fitness workouts because of the gospel music. Whatever it takes to stay happy and active and fit long into this life.6
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What an interesting and inspiring thread!1
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@Skyweigh, originally known as pianorun; I'm sure when you started this thread you had no idea that you would bring together such a group of women and a few men who were all looking for answers, but mostly, I think, a little support in a journey that takes us down many roads but in the same direction. Thank you for asking that first question that caught my eye nearly two years ago when I first joined MFP.
@Shron123 I agree wholeheartedly that we all must find our own path and to be honest, I have been reading up on the LCHF diet before you mentioned it above and it does make some sense. I just read a book called The Obesity Code by Dr. Jason Fung that basically states that obesity is an hormone controlled issue. I have tried to stick to reading science based current materials and I must admit I am leaning towards LCHF and realized that much of the changes I have made in my diet while losing 85 pounds have headed me in that direction quite by accident. My husband recently spent half a day in the emergency room while we were on vacation and his triglycerides seem to be pointing him in the direction of type 2 diabetes, a place neither of us want to spend our "golden" years. Thus began my research into diet changes to head off diabetes.
Before anyone decides that I am promoting my "fad" diet, try to remember that we are here to get and give support. Hopefully, by this age we can live and let live. I have greatly appreciated the support I have received here in my ongoing quest for good health. May you each find your way to your healthiest you! Remember, you are not too old and it is not too late! You are worth it!2 -
@1Nana2many - another interesting read is “Why we get Fat” by Gary Taubes. Before I offend anyone w my fad diet this book has a lot of info on how the body processes food incl a lot of interesting experiments from notable sources such as Harvard University. This is the first time I have ever done so much reading and research to find a way of eating/living that is healthy and sustainable and works for me. It may not work for you or others in this group but the relief I feel from losing weight without starving is beyond my ability to explain. The pain I feel when someone shoots me down or negates the journey I am on has actually brought me to tears. I stopped logging in here for a couple of days so your interest and support were huge to me. So thanks. And I reiterate, what I am doing may be completely wrong for others but man it is working for me. Good luck to everyone on your individual journeys.
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Please know that it was never my intention to negate anyone's experience.
But also know that the "science" that Fung and Taubes espouse has been disproven in clinical conditions (Taubes own NuSI funded one of the studies).
Obesity is not a hormone issue, it's an overconsumption issue, plain and simple.
BUT!!!!!!!!!!
For people with insulin resistance, which a great many of overweight people have, a low carbohydrate way of eating is a good approach to satiety and weight loss. Activity also can help increase insulin sensitivity and should be part of dealing with IR.
I just think it's better for all of us to be really informed about what we're doing instead of believing falsehoods about the mechanisms behind it. I have nothing against anyone's personal dietary choices.
Satiety is an individual matter, and is a very important element to dietary compliance and success, I think. There's no one right macro mix for everyone. What is universal is the need for proper energy balance.
It really is not about hormones. It's about calories. Hormones might confound factors, but they don't cause weight gain. If you'd like, I can post the studies which falsified Taubes's insulin hypothesis of obesity.9 -
My suggestion is to use this message board for support. None of us, as far as I know, are experts in the field of nutrition. We can all find studies that suport our ideology.
Shron123 is doing well and loves her method of weight loss. Please re-read above that she left this site because she got so upset with the negative comments. That is not what we are about here. I’ve been on this site for 2 years and have always loved the advice and suport. This group was unique in that it was never judgmental or harsh. In fact the people have been consistently warm, intelligent and helpful.
Shron 123–. You go girl. I love your enthusiasm and success. You motivate me!!!
Let us all continue to motivate each other !8 -
I am trying to be supportive.
I have spent my whole life trying to lose weight.
Please bear in mind that there is a difference in correcting information and making negative comments about a poster.
I can't control that anyone has chosen to take what I've said personally. I'm talking about science here. That's not a personal attack.
The people (so called diet gurus) who spread the misinformation have a lot to account for. Perhaps it would help to know that I low carbed for ten years myself and "knew" all this information inside and out.
It never got me down to goal weight because I didn't count calories. I thought it would regulate my hormones and sort everything out just like I read it would.
For me, it wasn't a sustainable path, and because I thought that hormone were the problem, I was left floundering as to what to do about my weight.
If I had known that controlling calories was the key, I could have moved on to a mix of different macros and not gained weight.
It's great that low carbing works for Shron and Nana! I'm thrilled for them! I support them in their efforts of achieving their goals with it, yet at the same time would hope that they'd like to know that the sources they're reading aren't scientifically based. I'm hoping to give them the real knowledge they need to keep them well-informed with the truth. That's all.
Low carbing is just like any diet out there. You eat less than you burn, you lose weight.
Some people find it to be a very filling, satisfying way of losing weight, and that's fabulous.9 -
Different paths for different people: As long as they're on healthy paths, I support others in their personal strategies. Low carb works very well for some folks, and I hope they keep recounting their experiences, because those stories can help others.
But, to the extent that some ways of eating have evangelists whose scientific pronouncements are disputed by others - especially when those others have better credentials and reputations - I think it's very important to point that out. It's not inherently personally critical of an OP.
Furthermore, presenting other well-supported perspectives is being supportive of the community, even if sometimes uncomfortable for an individual poster or six. People dispute me here in the forums frequently. Meh: I have broad shoulders. Everone should think and judge for herself.
Otherwise, where should one draw a line? The occasional advocate who says USDA and WHO dramatically overstate protein needs, and cites footnoted but poorly justified advocacy sites to tell women 20g of protein daily is Just Swell? Freelee the banana girl telling people you can eat pretty much just fruit at will, and lose weight and be healthy?
I'm not saying that anyone has posted anything that extreme here. I'm positing a slippery slope. And I'm arguing that disagreement is not, in itself, "non supportive".6 -
AnnPT: You make good points!2
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person 1 - my car makes a funny whining noise up by a front wheel, gets higher as I go faster. Got a long distance rode trip coming up quick and lack of money - but it should be alright as I think I had that before and it went away, right?
Person A - oh, I had that before too, it was just the tire tread, perfectly fine, drove it around town for months. You should be able to make a long trip.
Person B - oh, that could be the wheel bearing in which case it could overheat and eventually sheer off the shaft and wheel comes off, or bad belt on tire could cause overheating and blowout. total lack of control in either case.
Which person is really being supportive?5 -
I would go to a mechanic2
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And here I will simply add that I will discuss my diet choices with my medical provider. Every resource I have consulted did include the caviat that you still have to consume fewer calories than you burn to lose weight on whatever diet you use.
I do like to think that I am an intelligent individual and capable of completely researching any subject that interests me. I did not say I was actually on the LCHF diet plan, but that some of the things I had already done while controlling my calories included some of the things suggested by the LCHF diet. The hormone I was referring to in case others are wondering, was insulin, which I believe is well documented by the scientific and medical community that, though necessary, is the culprit that converts excess glucose in the bloodstream into body fat. Those of you who have reduced the sugar, bread and pasta in your diet have done the same thing I did, thus reducing your calorie intake and therefore your blood glucose, reducing the amount of insulin released into your bloodstream by your pancreas, assuming that you are not a type 1 diabetic who cannot produce any insulin. My research was stimulated by my husband's high triglycerides. There is no doubt that reducing the sugars from his diet in all it's forms would be beneficial to his health and reduce his chances of becoming a type 2 diabetic which is my goal. I believe there are many people who have come to MFP because their medical professionals have suggested losing weight for that very reason.
I have my own "mechanic" both literally and figuratively and would never consider consulting either over the internet nor would I use the internet as my sole resource.
Whatever works for any of us is what matters as stated above. We are here to give support and encouragement. Toward that end, I wish you all success in your own journey to good health.7 -
Nana, Totally agree!! I cut back on starchy carbs and watched my sugar intake and ended up losing. I still eat bread, dark chocolate chips, and other carbs and have maintained for over a year. It is still CICO and adjusting your macros (carbs, protein, fat) to whatever works for you and keeping your doc informed.2
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I really hate to keep playing this role, but there's a fundamental misunderstanding here. Insulin doesn't store fat. Insulin opens cells to let in glucose.
https://weightology.net/insulin-an-undeserved-bad-reputation/
Fat is stored and released from cells all day long and net fat storage only happens in a calorie surplus.
Again, I share this information to empower you with knowledge.
If it helps you to know, I don't eat much sugar myself, because I find it an easy source of calories to cut. I like fruits and vegetables, but I do eat whole grains and tubers and such because I am very active and need the calories to support that activity. Every few weeks or so, I buy myself a candy bar. That's pretty much it for my added sugar consumption.
Again, I do support people's choices, but I'd hope that people are getting their information from scientifically sound sources.7 -
GottaBurnEmAll wrote: »I really hate to keep playing this role, but there's a fundamental misunderstanding here. Insulin doesn't store fat. Insulin opens cells to let in glucose.
https://weightology.net/insulin-an-undeserved-bad-reputation/
Fat is stored and released from cells all day long and net fat storage only happens in a calorie surplus.
Again, I share this information to empower you with knowledge.
If it helps you to know, I don't eat much sugar myself, because I find it an easy source of calories to cut. I like fruits and vegetables, but I do eat whole grains and tubers and such because I am very active and need the calories to support that activity. Every few weeks or so, I buy myself a candy bar. That's pretty much it for my added sugar consumption.
Again, I do support people's choices, but I'd hope that people are getting their information from scientifically sound sources.
QFT
As a T2 diabetic, I test my BG over the course of the day. My doctor wants me to test once a day at random times but I do it more than that occasionally just to get an idea as to what is happening. There is a constant ebb and flow of glucose in the bloodstream. Eat and it goes up. Eat carbs without fiber and it goes up higher. Wait and it goes down. Wait after eating carbs without fiber and it goes down lower. Exercise more than 20 minutes and it goes up. Exercise less than 20 minutes and it goes down. Fast for more than 4 hours and it goes up.
All of these ups and downs, but my average blood glucose over the course of the lifetime of red blood cells (approximately 3 months) is normal and my weight is down (an average of 7 lb per month). The higher amounts of glucose in my blood stream is because either I ate something or my muscles are releasing stored glucose for energy. The low amounts are because I either used it or the insulin caused it to be stored. I am in a calorie deficit, none of that matters as long as my average is good. I am not storing fat.2 -
GottaBurnEmAll wrote: »I really hate to keep playing this role, but there's a fundamental misunderstanding here. Insulin doesn't store fat. Insulin opens cells to let in glucose.
https://weightology.net/insulin-an-undeserved-bad-reputation/
Fat is stored and released from cells all day long and net fat storage only happens in a calorie surplus.
Again, I share this information to empower you with knowledge.
If it helps you to know, I don't eat much sugar myself, because I find it an easy source of calories to cut. I like fruits and vegetables, but I do eat whole grains and tubers and such because I am very active and need the calories to support that activity. Every few weeks or so, I buy myself a candy bar. That's pretty much it for my added sugar consumption.
Again, I do support people's choices, but I'd hope that people are getting their information from scientifically sound sources.
QFT
As a T2 diabetic, I test my BG over the course of the day. My doctor wants me to test once a day at random times but I do it more than that occasionally just to get an idea as to what is happening. There is a constant ebb and flow of glucose in the bloodstream. Eat and it goes up. Eat carbs without fiber and it goes up higher. Wait and it goes down. Wait after eating carbs without fiber and it goes down lower. Exercise more than 20 minutes and it goes up. Exercise less than 20 minutes and it goes down. Fast for more than 4 hours and it goes up.
All of these ups and downs, but my average blood glucose over the course of the lifetime of red blood cells (approximately 3 months) is normal and my weight is down (an average of 7 lb per month). The higher amounts of glucose in my blood stream is because either I ate something or my muscles are releasing stored glucose for energy. The low amounts are because I either used it or the insulin caused it to be stored. I am in a calorie deficit, none of that matters as long as my average is good. I am not storing fat.
FYI on one point there.
The glucose stored in muscles can't be put back into the blood stream. Only for muscle use once put there.
That's why the water weight drop when almost anyone starts a diet, one reason anyway.
The lessor calories and usually carbs (and now watching even less) mean the liver gets filled first, muscles 2nd, and if not enough glucose without blood sugar being at good level already - they get less than desired.
But when blood sugar dips down your body will certainly have your liver release some as the storage area for them.
It is interesting seeing those differences. Just proves out how important that average is rather the spot checking for absolute numbers.
Much like spot measuring for fat loss, may not see it in some areas, but still happening somewhere!3 -
GottaBurnEmAll wrote: »I really hate to keep playing this role, but there's a fundamental misunderstanding here. Insulin doesn't store fat. Insulin opens cells to let in glucose.
https://weightology.net/insulin-an-undeserved-bad-reputation/
Fat is stored and released from cells all day long and net fat storage only happens in a calorie surplus.
Again, I share this information to empower you with knowledge.
If it helps you to know, I don't eat much sugar myself, because I find it an easy source of calories to cut. I like fruits and vegetables, but I do eat whole grains and tubers and such because I am very active and need the calories to support that activity. Every few weeks or so, I buy myself a candy bar. That's pretty much it for my added sugar consumption.
Again, I do support people's choices, but I'd hope that people are getting their information from scientifically sound sources.
QFT
As a T2 diabetic, I test my BG over the course of the day. My doctor wants me to test once a day at random times but I do it more than that occasionally just to get an idea as to what is happening. There is a constant ebb and flow of glucose in the bloodstream. Eat and it goes up. Eat carbs without fiber and it goes up higher. Wait and it goes down. Wait after eating carbs without fiber and it goes down lower. Exercise more than 20 minutes and it goes up. Exercise less than 20 minutes and it goes down. Fast for more than 4 hours and it goes up.
All of these ups and downs, but my average blood glucose over the course of the lifetime of red blood cells (approximately 3 months) is normal and my weight is down (an average of 7 lb per month). The higher amounts of glucose in my blood stream is because either I ate something or my muscles are releasing stored glucose for energy. The low amounts are because I either used it or the insulin caused it to be stored. I am in a calorie deficit, none of that matters as long as my average is good. I am not storing fat.
FYI on one point there.
The glucose stored in muscles can't be put back into the blood stream. Only for muscle use once put there.
That's why the water weight drop when almost anyone starts a diet, one reason anyway.
The lessor calories and usually carbs (and now watching even less) mean the liver gets filled first, muscles 2nd, and if not enough glucose without blood sugar being at good level already - they get less than desired.
But when blood sugar dips down your body will certainly have your liver release some as the storage area for them.
It is interesting seeing those differences. Just proves out how important that average is rather the spot checking for absolute numbers.
Much like spot measuring for fat loss, may not see it in some areas, but still happening somewhere!
Fun fact: my BG also goes down some after a glass of red wine.1 -
Almost all normal functions, including insulin/glucagon release or liver release of glucose, are put on hold until the alcohol is taken care of by the liver, since the body views it as a poison to get rid of quickly.2
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Glad to find this thread. I'm 62, and need to lose 70 pounds to qualify for joint replacement surgery. I'm bone on bone both knees and left hip -- really makes walking hard. I've lost ten pounds in the past two weeks, and am determined to get in better shape.11
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Cynthia1066 wrote: »Glad to find this thread. I'm 62, and need to lose 70 pounds to qualify for joint replacement surgery. I'm bone on bone both knees and left hip -- really makes walking hard. I've lost ten pounds in the past two weeks, and am determined to get in better shape.
I wish you success! My mom (80 yrs) just had hip replacement surgery and she feels great - so happy to be rid of the bone on bone pain. I'm happy to support you on this thread. Keep up the good work.5 -
Cynthia1066 wrote: »Glad to find this thread. I'm 62, and need to lose 70 pounds to qualify for joint replacement surgery. I'm bone on bone both knees and left hip -- really makes walking hard. I've lost ten pounds in the past two weeks, and am determined to get in better shape.
Best of success to you! Bone on bone pain is something I fear myself, I feel for you.
Congratulations on the ten pounds you've lost so far! Continued success to you!3
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