40 year old women and older who has lost 40 or more lbs - HOW THE HECK DID YOU DO IT???
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NewLIFEstyle4ME wrote: »I'll be 55 years old in a few weeks and so far I've lost 115 lbs. after a lifelong battle with obesity. It's taken me almost three years (mostly because I got stuck on a 16-month plateau), but I've finally succeeded. I still have another 30 lbs. to go but I have every confidence I'll get there. So many people have flocked to me who knew me as a 300-lb. woman wanting to know what I did and they tell me I've inspired them. Many urged me to start a blog and I recently created one. I detail my weight-loss journey in my blog: "blossomingvilma.blogspot.com"
Congratulation to you and each and everyone one the most excellent, hard-working winners that have posted success stories AND tips here on this thread--you girls rock, period. I choose you, because I took a gander at your blog page and "my goodness"....it's truly tremendous
--just the few entries to your blog inspired me to come on here and let you know how wonderful of a writer you are---wow, reading your works are like a hard to put down most interesting novel, only better, because it's filled with a LOT of things that we women (and anyone really) are/may be/soon to be struggling with, in this blasted battle of the bulge, can learn A LOT from. Your writings are not just for people with weight issues though, anyone can learn some most valuable life lessons from your life's experiences. Kudos to you and thank you for posting your blog! 
Ditto, to Vilmaes, thank you for your blog! I just discovered it thanks to NewLIFEstyle4ME mentioning it - somehow I missed your (Vilmaes) original post right above it. I relate to so much of your weight loss journey. Your 5 epiphanies address things that I have also struggled with, and your relationship with your trainer Fla is awesome and hilarious and inspiring!
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Hi! I am 53 years and and I lost 123 pounds about a year and a half ago. I was thin up until I hit my thirties and had my kids. I spent almost 20 years morbidly obese.
What "clicked" for me was realizing that weight loss was all about numbers and nothing else. I spent years thinking I had to eat low carb, or count fat or sugar grams or take diet pills. Once I understood that all I had to do was count calories and burn more than I ate, it was like I had found a hidden miracle cure. I could eat anything, as long as it was in moderation, or I budgeted my calories for it!!
It can be over whelming when you have a lot to lose. I focused on small ten pound goals instead. When I thought about the long period of time it would take, I reminded myself that time would pass either way.
I put little inspirational quotes on my phone and I pad as screen savers. I promised myself, that this time I would never ever give up no matter what, and that when I had bad food days and binged out or something, I would learn to forgive myself and simply keep going.14 -
Hi 49 heading quickly for 50 and last September I decided enough was enough. I was 238lb, 48 yrs of age and 5ft2in!! and i wanted to be back at my wedding weight 140lb by my 50th Birthday. As of today I have lost 50lb and have another 48 to go. I lost a good chunk of this weight within the first 4 months and then stalled dramatically gaining and losing the same 4lb over and over. I stuck with it thanks to the amazing friends I have on this site ( and I hope with a little will power from me!! lol ) I changed it up and started the 4hour body ( I know what everyone will say 'fad diet' ) but this worked for ME and something clicked and now i am currently losing 2-3lb a week - it is not hard I can eat what quantities i want and are never hungry - this is something i can do and something that is giving me the results i want - so i will continue.. i know i can do this and i have small goals to keep me focused and motivated. I have hashimoto disease and so I had resigned myself to never losing weight, but i have proved that even when your body is against you .. you can persevere and win.5
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I am 51 and started my weight loss journey again for the umpteenth time 3 months ago, I have currently lost 40 pounds and am hoping to lose 8 more in the next month for an upcoming trip. I started at 249 and am at 208 right now, My tips are be active every day, change it up, find things you like to do, I am doing kettle bell workouts, walking, biking and aerobics, sometimes I workout twice if I want to eat more that day. The reason I believe I can be more successful this time around is that I have been eating lower carb, focusing on lean proteins, vegetables, fruit, nuts and very little processed foods or sugar, I also gave up diet soda which I drank loads of and instead drink lots of water. I eat a large breakfast to start my day and keep me full, I usually stay between 1200 at the lower end and 1600 at the high end for calories, find what works for your body and do it, I still have a long way to go but by focusing on smaller goals, I will get there.3
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I'm 41 and have lost 54 pounds to date. I'm 5'8" and last summer I started at over 180 lbs and was miserable in my own skin. When I caught myself looking for large, stretchy style, that was it for me. It was probably more but the scale that I stepped on at the end of last September read 180 so that was my SW I used. I was googling 'food journals' and the MFP site popped up first. I remembered by doctor mentioning this when I had complained about WW not working so I poked around on the site, entered my stats with an activity level of 'lightly active' and a loss rate of 1lb/week, got my deficit and haven't looked back. My original GW was 140 but I hit that and was still losing easily so I lowered it to 130 and finally 125. That's about as low as I think I can go. Basically it's CICO - I earn my extra calories using my elliptical and started strength training in May. Have never felt (or looked!) better and this was after my multi-sport high school athletic career. It works. It really does and the forums have been so helpful to boot.
You can do this - good luck!7 -
This is so inspirational, I'm bumping for later...0
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43 around 120 down atm from highest weight (last year I was slimmer, so I was 135 down). Mostly low carb, though I've tried everything. Low carb is just the best sanity saver. None of it is easy, though. I won't lie. I didn't find anything easy and still don't and have yet to achieve a stable maintenance. Maybe this time...0
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leecha2014 wrote: »Hi there. I'm 43 and have lost 68 lbs and still going. First, I never focus or think about my age. Don't let that be a barrier. Track your food accurately, find a form of exercise that you like. I tend to repeat meals often to keep it simple. I still treat myself weekly to something like thai food. I read a lot of success posts here but that is it. Calories in vs calories out. 40, 30 or 20 ? Who cares what your age is, it may take a little longer over 40 though-
Thanks for the motivation. Heck, I needed confirmation that it can be done...lol @leecha20142 -
great thread. bumping for later.0
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@swiftyoung;34026098 I know right. It was a much needed thread. After reading these awesome comments, I feel so inspired and capable!!!!swiftyoung wrote: »STLBADGIRL wrote: »Please tell me you story and feel free to add before and after pictures or suggest good meal ideas.
But I want to know how the heck did you do it. Was it following fit people on instagram, believing in yourself, tired of yourself, a personal trainer, what (LOL). I keep losing and gaining the same 4lbs and I get inspired by others successful stories. But I want to know what clicked for you and "how you did it"!
Thanks for starting this thread. I am 49 and struggling to stay motivated.0 -
Started out 48 years of age at 278 lbs in 2010, pre-MFP.
Joined MFP April 2011 lost the last 50lbs and have maintained 110 lbs weight for nearly 3 years, I have just turned 53. My avatar pic was taken only 2 months ago.
Started out with quitting a lot of excess carbs in the form of breads, pastas etc and coincidently that worked out really well as I was helping the IBS I had struggled with for years and then was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis so there were quite a few dietary adjustments to make.
My main form of exercise was walking which progressed to more and more intense, lengthy (6-8 hours) bushwalks with climbing involved, I also did the Shred Videos etc etc....didn't really get into strength training as much as I should have and I really regret that now as my life circumstances have changed dramatically.
Now due to health problems I can no longer get out to do the strenuous walks etc....so I watch my diet carefully and make sure I get in the best nutrition I can. I prefer to be on the lighter side as I have a very small frame, my height is 5' 4" and I find it helps with the joint pain from Lupus and RSD.
My main form of exercise is stretching, yoga type moves, resistance bands of different strengths and a variety of dumbells....all of these are used as health permits.
Age was initially no barrier for me.....I got told all the horror stories going around that the older you are, post-menopausal your calorie needs decrease etc etc but I really didn't find it to be the case for me. Even taking into account age differences the calories decreases are minimal.
Don't let naysayers put you off making the best damned you that you can at this age.....I would only add this on to say get your strength training on ladies, your bones and muscles will Thank you. It only took 6 months of enforced inactivity for my strength and fitness to plummet, due to above illnesses and meds. I then developed osteoporosis which after a slight accident lead me to fracturing my back - bugger to recover from at this age.
All the best.4 -
I'm 39, I'll be 40 next June. I've lost 16 lbs so far, just 12.2 more to go. You have to eat right and exercise. There are no magic pills....unfortunately LOL0
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Guess I am the oldest poster here!!
I am 68 and have lost 40 lbs in the last 3 years. CICO works. I have logged faithfully and got a Fitbit and do 10,000 plus steps per day. I do the occasional spin class.
Feel so much healthier and going from a size 14 to a size 4 feels incredible.
I eat lots more fruits and veggies now with lean meats. I still have my occasional treat but it always fits into my allotted daily calories.
Good luck. It can be done if you want it bad enough.6 -
I lost around 45 pounds Oct 2013 - Jan 2015. I'm 45 years old now. I just started with the MFP calorie goal and adjusted up/down as I wanted. It has been quite effortless, and lots of fun. The main reasons I think is that I didn't overdo it, no planned exercise, and no special foods, just walking/jogging and eating what I like. I prelogged my food, aimed for enough fruit and vegetables, protein and fat, and overall a varied diet. I weighed my food, weighed myself. I cook as much I can. I read a lot about nutrition, food, recipes, body and mind. I've trained mindful eating, using the hunger scale. Early on, I emulated eating like a normal person. I don't deny myself anything I want, but I do ask myself what I really want. I don't keep trigger foods at home.2
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Awesome! I will check your blog out... Thanks for sharing your story!!!!I'll be 55 years old in a few weeks and so far I've lost 115 lbs. after a lifelong battle with obesity. It's taken me almost three years (mostly because I got stuck on a 16-month plateau), but I've finally succeeded. I still have another 30 lbs. to go but I have every confidence I'll get there. So many people have flocked to me who knew me as a 300-lb. woman wanting to know what I did and they tell me I've inspired them. Many urged me to start a blog and I recently created one. I detail my weight-loss journey in my blog: "blossomingvilma.blogspot.com"
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Reading through these, I thought I would be the oldest (I will be 64 next week), but vicky1947mfp has me beat by a couple years.
I began on MFP in March 2012. Lost over 160# and reached maintenance @ 130# in Nov 2013.
I truly bought into the myth about not being able to lose weight when you are over 40 and consequently thought to myself, "why even try"? I got the motivation to go for it by reading the MFP success stories, always thinking to myself, "if they can do it, maybe I can too", and by GOSH, I did it.
I lost 90# before I began to even go for short walks. Walking up a flight of stairs left me winded. Now I have a gym membership and go every day and do something, mostly cardio, but a little working out on the weight machines, and I have hand held weights at home ranging from 2# each up to 50#
It really is about calories in vs calories out. It is that simple. Simple, but never easy.
If you have no serious health issues, really want this, log EVERYTHING you eat and drink, and stay within your calories each day, you will be successful. Truly! I did this with my doctors knowledge and advice from the beginning, and we both couldn't be more pleased by my success.
As a bonus, my husband lost 35 pounds and went from being borderline diabetic in Nov 2013 to being in normal range just by my cooking healthier for both of us.
YOU ABSOLUTELY CAN DO THIS!
MFP and my fit bit saved my life. Well, maybe that is a little overstated, but definitely extended my life a little.
It is never too late, and you are never too old. Go for it!4 -
Healthy_4_Life2 wrote: »I am 46 years old. I have loss 60+ pounds. Yes, it's taken me a looooong 3 years to do it. I spent too much time listening others about do this or do that in regards to weight loss. What I have learned is that weight loss boil down to burning more calories than what you take in in regards to foods. I eat what I like, but moderation is the key. I don't do well with deprivation..... As a matter of fact, it makes me want the food more if I try to deprive myself. I don't believe in excuses. I get annoyed by people saying that they can't do this or that because.... We all have the same 24 hours in a day and what we do with is is up to us. I prioritize what's important to me and if that means getting up at 4:30 am to get my workout done. I have 4 kids, run my business, and was in graduate school until i graduated this past May. So I know what being busy is all about. When I have a bad day, I shrug it off and do better next day. Don't let an "off" day become an off week or off month. Think about what losing weight and gaining good health is to you. Use that as a driving force to push you daily. Congratulations on your progress, everyone!!!
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ajgordo150 wrote: »Healthy_4_Life2 wrote: »I am 46 years old. I have loss 60+ pounds. Yes, it's taken me a looooong 3 years to do it. I spent too much time listening others about do this or do that in regards to weight loss. What I have learned is that weight loss boil down to burning more calories than what you take in in regards to foods. I eat what I like, but moderation is the key. I don't do well with deprivation..... As a matter of fact, it makes me want the food more if I try to deprive myself. I don't believe in excuses. I get annoyed by people saying that they can't do this or that because.... We all have the same 24 hours in a day and what we do with is is up to us. I prioritize what's important to me and if that means getting up at 4:30 am to get my workout done. I have 4 kids, run my business, and was in graduate school until i graduated this past May. So I know what being busy is all about. When I have a bad day, I shrug it off and do better next day. Don't let an "off" day become an off week or off month. Think about what losing weight and gaining good health is to you. Use that as a driving force to push you daily. Congratulations on your progress, everyone!!!
I like this0 -
So it seriously doesn't matter how old you are or if you are a man or a woman.. You have to eat less calories than you burn. Very simple. These fads and other diets set you up to fail. Get yourself in a calorie deficit and start exercising.. you will lose weight.2
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snowflake930 wrote: »Reading through these, I thought I would be the oldest (I will be 64 next week), but vicky1947mfp has me beat by a couple years.
I began on MFP in March 2012. Lost over 160# and reached maintenance @ 130# in Nov 2013.
I truly bought into the myth about not being able to lose weight when you are over 40 and consequently thought to myself, "why even try"? I got the motivation to go for it by reading the MFP success stories, always thinking to myself, "if they can do it, maybe I can too", and by GOSH, I did it.
I lost 90# before I began to even go for short walks. Walking up a flight of stairs left me winded. Now I have a gym membership and go every day and do something, mostly cardio, but a little working out on the weight machines, and I have hand held weights at home ranging from 2# each up to 50#
It really is about calories in vs calories out. It is that simple. Simple, but never easy.
If you have no serious health issues, really want this, log EVERYTHING you eat and drink, and stay within your calories each day, you will be successful. Truly! I did this with my doctors knowledge and advice from the beginning, and we both couldn't be more pleased by my success.
As a bonus, my husband lost 35 pounds and went from being borderline diabetic in Nov 2013 to being in normal range just by my cooking healthier for both of us.
YOU ABSOLUTELY CAN DO THIS!
MFP and my fit bit saved my life. Well, maybe that is a little overstated, but definitely extended my life a little.
It is never too late, and you are never too old. Go for it! Well said 1
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