40 year old women and older who has lost 40 or more lbs - HOW THE HECK DID YOU DO IT???

msmith404040

I decide on grocery day what I'll eat for the week so I have an idea what's going to go on during the week as far as my food. I pre-log my food each morning. When I was doing my best, if I went off track, I would go back in and log what I ate when I got off track. I also logged my weight in each morning. That was giving me good feedback on what I was eating and weighing and the consequences of my eating actions.

I eat a lot of steamed vegetables with nothing on them, which I happen to like. Super low in calories, like for zucchini and broccoli. You can eat big servings for low calories to get full for snacks.

I stocked up once during the week so I always had the food I needed on hand and wasn't tempted to order out.

I drank a lot of water.

I learned what real portion sizes were and learned to like them and be satisfied by them.

Just some quick things I did.

STLBADGIRL

msmith404040 wrote: »

I decide on grocery day what I'll eat for the week so I have an idea what's going to go on during the week as far as my food. I pre-log my food each morning. When I was doing my best, if I went off track, I would go back in and log what I ate when I got off track. I also logged my weight in each morning. That was giving me good feedback on what I was eating and weighing and the consequences of my eating actions.

I eat a lot of steamed vegetables with nothing on them, which I happen to like. Super low in calories, like for zucchini and broccoli. You can eat big servings for low calories to get full for snacks.

I stocked up once during the week so I always had the food I needed on hand and wasn't tempted to order out.

I drank a lot of water.

I learned what real portion sizes were and learned to like them and be satisfied by them.

Just some quick things I did.

@msmith404040 They wouldn't let me check, like, inspiring and insightful! Great tips. Thanks!

STLBADGIRL

hobbitses333 wrote: »

44 yrs old, morbidly obese with hypothyroidism...so far 34lbs gone since June 18 this year. My first time losing weight consistently without all the BS that is planted in our heads about how it "should" be hard and full of deprivation...

MFP set to 1 lb per week loss, 30 min. cardio or walking 3 to 5 days, resistance training 2 to 3 days a week. Sometimes I eat all the exercise calories back some times I don't.

Doing 16:8 IF. Most days I am a bit under my goal, a few days I've gone over. I look at the weekly total. I am lising weight eating around 1700 average cals per day most weeks..

I always overestimate portions when I am left guessing and unable to measure. Then I always underestimate exercise calorie burns. Good luck!

Great job!

sgriska

I am 52 and I have been heavy all my life, have lost 100+ lbs twice before through dieting but gained it all back within a couple years each time. Last October my mom had offered to pay for bariatric surgery because I was at 285 lbs (I’m 5’4”) and I started looking into it but was concerned about the long-term risks of nutritional deficiency and complications like intestinal blockages that wouldn’t be covered by insurance. My partner concurred, and said “Why don’t you give it one more try and just see where you can get with dieting by your birthday in March?” So I did, and I managed to lose ~60 lbs in five months with the help of My Fitness Pal.

Now it’s the end of August, and I’ve lost 124 lbs, down to 161. I figure I have between 20 and 35 lbs to go, but no idea because the last time I weighed in the zone the charts say I should I was pre-pubescent. But I do honestly have big bones and plenty of muscle, so the top of the normal range of ~140 should be good.

As for how I do it, I keep my daily calories around 1200, and I go walking every lunch for an hour if it’s not raining. And I budget for 50 calories worth of chocolate every night as a treat — just enough to look forward to and savor but not enough to cause me to binge. I find that now that my meal planning and tracking have become habitual, I don’t get cravings as bad. Eyes on the prize. And once I hit goal, I’ll switch to maintenance and keep right on tracking with MFP to keep me honest because I never wanna go back again.

AnnPT77

sgriska wrote: »

I am 52 and I have been heavy all my life, have lost 100+ lbs twice before through dieting but gained it all back within a couple years each time. Last October my mom had offered to pay for bariatric surgery because I was at 285 lbs (I’m 5’4”) and I started looking into it but was concerned about the long-term risks of nutritional deficiency and complications like intestinal blockages that wouldn’t be covered by insurance. My partner concurred, and said “Why don’t you give it one more try and just see where you can get with dieting by your birthday in March?” So I did, and I managed to lose ~60 lbs in five months with the help of My Fitness Pal.

Now it’s the end of August, and I’ve lost 124 lbs, down to 161. I figure I have between 20 and 35 lbs to go, but no idea because the last time I weighed in the zone the charts say I should I was pre-pubescent. But I do honestly have big bones and plenty of muscle, so the top of the normal range of ~140 should be good.

Wow - congrats: You're looking great! Nice work!

STLBADGIRL

sgriska wrote: »

I am 52 and I have been heavy all my life, have lost 100+ lbs twice before through dieting but gained it all back within a couple years each time. Last October my mom had offered to pay for bariatric surgery because I was at 285 lbs (I’m 5’4”) and I started looking into it but was concerned about the long-term risks of nutritional deficiency and complications like intestinal blockages that wouldn’t be covered by insurance. My partner concurred, and said “Why don’t you give it one more try and just see where you can get with dieting by your birthday in March?” So I did, and I managed to lose ~60 lbs in five months with the help of My Fitness Pal.

Now it’s the end of August, and I’ve lost 124 lbs, down to 161. I figure I have between 20 and 35 lbs to go, but no idea because the last time I weighed in the zone the charts say I should I was pre-pubescent. But I do honestly have big bones and plenty of muscle, so the top of the normal range of ~140 should be good.

As for how I do it, I keep my daily calories around 1200, and I go walking every lunch for an hour if it’s not raining. And I budget for 50 calories worth of chocolate every night as a treat — just enough to look forward to and savor but not enough to cause me to binge. I find that now that my meal planning and tracking have become habitual, I don’t get cravings as bad. Eyes on the prize. And once I hit goal, I’ll switch to maintenance and keep right on tracking with MFP to keep me honest because I never wanna go back again.

This is a pretty good testimony! Hard work and dedication pays off.

MsBaz2018

Very motivating. Recently turned 42

STLBADGIRL

MsBaz2018 wrote: »

Very motivating. Recently turned 42

You can do it!

HDBKLM

bump

STLBADGIRL

Lost almost 3 lbs last week. Been drinking lots of water, sticking to my meal prep meals (that I finally prepped), and have been eating nutritious meals! Doing it again this week. I know my issue, it's lack of commitment. I start off strong and lose the steam and repeat the cycle. Insane......sigh!

STLBADGIRL

Was down 3 lbs last week and another 1.5 this week. Would have had a better scale week, if I didn't down all the crab legs and shrimp that was doused in butter this week for my cheat meal. LOL

HDBKLM

Nice work being nearly 5 pounds down! Those crab legs and shrimp sound amazing, to be fair ...

LRLemon

I'm 65 and have lost 55 pounds since June 26, 2018 following a LOW CARB (15-30 gm/day) diet. I graph my weight day to day. Interesting thing is that I followed a CALORIES IN CALORIES OUT diet in 2014 (BTW: I gained the weight back over 4 years) and comparing my weight loss from that diet with the weight loss from this LoCarb diet I weigh 13 pounds LESS than I did at the same week of the CICO diet.

WHAT I'VE LEARNED: Lo Carb is the way to go for life. No hunger pangs (fat and protein is very satisfying). Craving for sugar is totally gone (and this from a person who LOVED bread and sweets). Don't feel deprived (fat, protein, veggies very satisfying). Food tastes better (notice the natural sweetness much more). Weight comes off faster. Blood glucose level is now normal: came down from 5.8 to 5.3 in three months (for reference ≤5.6 is considered normal; 5.8 is in the pre-diabetic range).

mamadon

LRLemon wrote: »

I'm 65 and have lost 55 pounds since June 26, 2018 following a LOW CARB (15-30 gm/day) diet. I graph my weight day to day. Interesting thing is that I followed a CALORIES IN CALORIES OUT diet in 2014 (BTW: I gained the weight back over 4 years) and comparing my weight loss from that diet with the weight loss from this LoCarb diet I weigh 13 pounds LESS than I did at the same week of the CICO diet.

WHAT I'VE LEARNED: Lo Carb is the way to go for life. No hunger pangs (fat and protein is very satisfying). Craving for sugar is totally gone (and this from a person who LOVED bread and sweets). Don't feel deprived (fat, protein, veggies very satisfying). Food tastes better (notice the natural sweetness much more). Weight comes off faster. Blood glucose level is now normal: came down from 5.8 to 5.3 in three months (for reference ≤5.6 is considered normal; 5.8 is in the pre-diabetic range).

If you lost weight on a low carb diet, it still came down to CICO. I pay pretty much zero attention to carbs, but lost 118 pounds almost five years ago by calorie counting. I'm 56. I think it's wonderful that you have lost the weight, but low carb is not the only way to go.

BEVERLYSTEEN

I am 58 and have been focusing first on stopping all the sweets and treats. I do weigh, measure and log my foods. I have 11 pounds off in three weeks, I know that is a small amount to some people but it is huge for me.

oocdc2

I'm 46 now, started at over 200 lbs. in 2015, I'm now 135-ish lbs. and have been for two years. Once I started logging everything and doing what MFP told me to do to lose 1 pound/week, it was actually easy, with nary a vegetable or exercise during that 1st year and a half.

What I have found difficult is the maintenance, combined with running 3-4 times/week--it's hard to find that caloric balance of not eating too much/not eating enough.

I wish you well, OP! The journey is very worth it.

wren176

I am 42 and have lost 50 pounds since August 17,2018. I try to keep my carbs at 25 or less a day. The only time I log is if my weight loss slows I track it to see why. I’m pretty strict. I have one cheat meal a month. I feel great and have lots of energy compared to before.

palmuphandopen

I am 41 and have lost 70 lbs this year... how? tracking my food every day and going to the gym 6 days a week. 3 days are weight training (lifting heavy weights) and 2 days are cardio - either running or some type of cross-fit workout.

Jedi_Jo

I’m 49 and 50 is fast approaching. I started my weight loss journey August 2017.

I had visited the Dr’s regarding a chest infection. I ended up being told I had extremely high blood pressure and was heading towards a stroke/heart attack, I was also morbidly obese. Weight loss surgery was an option, but it was not one I wanted to take.

I knew that I needed to to change my mindset/lifestyle. I also watched a movie called Okja which helped me turn vegetarian. I no longer class myself as on a diet, I’ve just changed my lifestyle. I love MFP it has helped me so much, I log everything I eat and drink, I also post my meals on Instagram (this helps me stay accountable), I’ve recently graduated C25K, I’m no longer Morbidly Obese and I’ve lost -86lb so far.

Steph1015

Thank you for everyone who has shared on this post. Very inspiring!

making_tracks

I’m 54. I’ve lost 44lb since 27th May this year.

My food plan is 1500 to 1700 cals a day with a minimum of 100g protein and no more than 125g carbs. I plan all my meals but I rarely food prep, preferring to make time in the kitchen something to enjoy.

I do 2 weight sessions and 3 aerobic training sessions each week

zvk915

this is quite remarkable! you look so healthy now. I am the same age so your accomplishment is very inspiring.

STLBADGIRL

palmuphandopen wrote: »

I am 41 and have lost 70 lbs this year... how? tracking my food every day and going to the gym 6 days a week. 3 days are weight training (lifting heavy weights) and 2 days are cardio - either running or some type of cross-fit workout.

I know I need to get to the gym more often AND log daily. I'm going 4 days a week. But i have a 5 y.o. and I'm in school. Sometimes when I get to the gym I'm only able to do 30 mins and that's including lifting and cardio. I need to balance my schedule so I can have quality gym time.

STLBADGIRL

making_tracks wrote: »

I’m 54. I’ve lost 44lb since 27th May this year.

My food plan is 1500 to 1700 cals a day with a minimum of 100g protein and no more than 125g carbs. I plan all my meals but I rarely food prep, preferring to make time in the kitchen something to enjoy.

I do 2 weight sessions and 3 aerobic training sessions each week

Wow, WOW, WOW! This is great inspiration!!!!

STLBADGIRL

@making_tracks You look like you lost more than 44lbs. You look awesome and kudos to you!!!

Thanks for sharing your progress. You are such inspiration!

jmf286

STLBADGIRL wrote: »

palmuphandopen wrote: »

I am 41 and have lost 70 lbs this year... how? tracking my food every day and going to the gym 6 days a week. 3 days are weight training (lifting heavy weights) and 2 days are cardio - either running or some type of cross-fit workout.

I know I need to get to the gym more often AND log daily. I'm going 4 days a week. But i have a 5 y.o. and I'm in school. Sometimes when I get to the gym I'm only able to do 30 mins and that's including lifting and cardio. I need to balance my schedule so I can have quality gym time.

But you don't need to go to the gym. Maybe you are pressuring yourself with too many shoulds. If you keep your calorie intake at the level suggested for weight loss for you, you will lose weight without exercise. Just go tothe gym when you have time and can get there (or do stuff at home, or go for a walk or whatever is fun for you). Giving yourself the extra mental load of guilt over not going to the gym probably isn't helping you right now. Exercise is obviously great for you health and will change your body but it is not essential for weight loss.

malika1976

Hi, I'm 42. I've lost 44.3 kg (98.7 lbs) this year. I just stick to the calorie count, and walk/run as I feel like it (which I do most days). I started morbidly obese and now I'm 4 kg from a healthy BMI. My age isn't really a factor I worry about. I can run a lot further now than I could as a teenager. I've lost another 5 kg since the bottom photo.

STLBADGIRL

jmf286 wrote: »

STLBADGIRL wrote: »

palmuphandopen wrote: »

I am 41 and have lost 70 lbs this year... how? tracking my food every day and going to the gym 6 days a week. 3 days are weight training (lifting heavy weights) and 2 days are cardio - either running or some type of cross-fit workout.

I know I need to get to the gym more often AND log daily. I'm going 4 days a week. But i have a 5 y.o. and I'm in school. Sometimes when I get to the gym I'm only able to do 30 mins and that's including lifting and cardio. I need to balance my schedule so I can have quality gym time.

But you don't need to go to the gym. Maybe you are pressuring yourself with too many shoulds. If you keep your calorie intake at the level suggested for weight loss for you, you will lose weight without exercise. Just go tothe gym when you have time and can get there (or do stuff at home, or go for a walk or whatever is fun for you). Giving yourself the extra mental load of guilt over not going to the gym probably isn't helping you right now. Exercise is obviously great for you health and will change your body but it is not essential for weight loss.

@jmf286 - you are correct. The mental load is heavy. Thanks for the reminder!!!

STLBADGIRL

malika1976 wrote: »

Hi, I'm 42. I've lost 44.3 kg (98.7 lbs) this year. I just stick to the calorie count, and walk/run as I feel like it (which I do most days). I started morbidly obese and now I'm 4 kg from a healthy BMI. My age isn't really a factor I worry about. I can run a lot further now than I could as a teenager. I've lost another 5 kg since the bottom photo.

@malika1976 - YOU LOOK AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And your weight loss shedded years off of you! Great job!!!!

rmcswain9372

I’m 46, and started this journey Dec 2016. Im down 37 lbs as of today. I’ve fluctuated about 5-10 lbs here and there. When my diet is 80% on (I do mostly low carb, moderate protein and fat) and I’m consistently in the gym (5 days/week), I stay on track. Diet is most definitely the most important part of it. You cannot out exercise a bad diet, any day of the week. And being in the gym, and seeing how long it takes to burn off 100 calories definitely keeps me motivated and on track. I want to lose between 10-15 more lbs to be at my ideal. Good luck to you!