Over 60 and needing to set real goals.

margf

I've been battling my weight all my life...I'm now over 60 and still struggling....I read some threads and setting goals and being prepared seems to help others so I'm now laying down my goals.
Here I go.....
1. to track my eating every day!
2. to walk at minimum of 10,000 steps every day.
3. to drink an extra 3 glasses of water each day
4. to plan a menu each week
5. to only weigh myself once a week

wish me luck!!!

MammaC66

Sounds like a good plan.

jeanlake

Hi Marg. It sounds like you're informed, have a plan and making a commitment to be consistent. Watch for pitfalls. We had a cold winter and I kept making excuses to go home from work instead of the gym. Finally, I had to have a talk with myself -- my work day doesn't end once I leave the office -- my work day ends once I leave the gym. Got my head screwed on straight. At the same time, my husband had knee surgery (bike injury) so I made lots of excuses to take care of him. Exercise is as important as housework, earning a paycheck, taking care of family and friends or church for me. If I neglect any of those areas, my life won't be as fulfilling as it could be. My doctor said on my 60 year wellness check up -- the things you do in your early 60s will determine the quality of life in your 70s +. Okay, then, let's get moving. Sending you good energy! Happy for your enlightenment.

margf

Thanks Jean.....I will take that advice on board!

atypicalsmith

I'm over sixty as well, and it's been a hard row to hoe since I quit smoking at age 53. BUT I'm doing it! Counting calories is very easy with MFP. I've lost 24 pounds since January, which figures out to about 4 pounds a month, but I know I gained those pounds in a much longer time span. I have 36 to go, and I am determined to get there and never be fat again!!!!

kgb6days

Sounds like a plan! I'm 58 and quit smoking 22 years ago and got married at the same time. I gained 50 lbs. I've been amazed at how much harder it is to control my portions and what I eat now than it was back then. I'm pulling for you! You can do this

snowflake954

I turned 60 in December. The best advice I can give is: remember as you get older you have to move more---not less.

kjurassic

Margf, I'm 60 & have lost 92 pounds. MFP works! You just have to "want it" bad enough and do the work. I've been doing this since mid October 2013. Sounds like you've got a good plan - good luck!!!

kpk54

I'm 61 and lost my excess 60 pounds as of a year ago. Now I am struggling to KEEP it off. This is definitely a "rest of your life" adventure. Good luck!!!

margf

Thank you for all the support guys! I didn't mention that I have just retired...I have taught for 42 years.........been principal of a very large primary school, along with a variety of other roles......and now I am home. Its harder when you are not so busy! Please keep up the support .......it really does help....I didn't realise how much it would help but it does!

PAV8888

margf wrote: »

Its harder when you are not so busy!

Walk everywhere that you can!
Subject to over-riding time constraints I walk to anywhere I can get to in less than 45-60 minutes. This is quite "fun" when carrying groceries home ;-)

atypicalsmith

margf wrote: »

Thank you for all the support guys! I didn't mention that I have just retired...I have taught for 42 years.........been principal of a very large primary school, along with a variety of other roles......and now I am home. Its harder when you are not so busy! Please keep up the support .......it really does help....I didn't realise how much it would help but it does!

Do volunteer work. Not only will that get you out of the house, but the appreciation you get for donating your time will be so worth it.

atypicalsmith

PAV8888 wrote: »

margf wrote: »

Its harder when you are not so busy!

Walk everywhere that you can!
Subject to over-riding time constraints I walk to anywhere I can get to in less than 45-60 minutes. This is quite "fun" when carrying groceries home ;-)

I can only walk in parks, at the Y, or in my neighborhood, sigh. I live in an area surrounded by two-lane highways. Can't wait to move to an area where I can walk AND ride a bike!

atypicalsmith

PAV8888 wrote: »

margf wrote: »

Its harder when you are not so busy!

Walk everywhere that you can!
Subject to over-riding time constraints I walk to anywhere I can get to in less than 45-60 minutes. This is quite "fun" when carrying groceries home ;-)

I used to live in an area where a huge Sam's Warehouse was built. I was all excited because I could walk there. Umm, couldn't walk back home with about 100 pounds of goods, so I had to have them hold them, walk home, get in my car, drive back, load it up, and drive home again. That was the only time I walked to Sam's, but hey, lots of calories burned!

whmscll

Do you have hobbies that can keep you busy? Is there a walking or hiking club in your area that you could join (Sierra Club?)? I have found that the social aspects of hiking with a group are really beneficial. I eat most when I am bored, stressed or anxious, and boredom is probably going to be something you will need to deal with. Meanwhile, welcome to MFP!

margf

Yes I do have plenty to do..... I have a very big garden...2 and one half acres! We have chooks, cows, a dog and a cat! We have 8 grandchildren and my mum lives around the corner. Sadly, my overeating comes from a sweet tooth and a 50 year old conviction that I will fail when I diet!......I eat well for a few days then I go back to old habits...I guess its a continual battle that I take on daily.
I do know that if I fill in the MFP regardless of what I eat then I do better than if I don't!