Where are my ladies over 40???

FITitch40

About 4-5 years ago I was at my highest weight 244 lbs. I was able to get down to 175 by simply following MFP calorie counting and being very active. Went from a size 22 to a size 10. But over the last year a lot changed, unexpected events that contributed to me gaining 40 lbs back.

Well I'm back at it again, and just turned 40 years old last fall. And WOW!!! It's soooo much harder this time around! What's up with that, LOL?!?!? It totally sucks, hahaha. But I will not give in! I was very happy when I was healthier and active and I want that version of me back. I'm looking for other women who need support and like me so we can cheer each other on in this fight.

perkymommy

I had lost 25 lbs last year at this time and re-gained all of it by the fall last year. I'm back at it now and it's much harder than it was this time last year even! I'm going on 49 years old.

FrugalMomsRock75

I'm 41, and trying to lose now SUCKS. I can be within my calorie range (not too low, not too high) and still freaking gain weight. I don't get it! :-/

wesheets

Me too. I don't have time to respond much now but 44 and can't lose

At all.

So over it!!

FITitch40

FrugalMomsRock75 wrote: »

I'm 41, and trying to lose now SUCKS. I can be within my calorie range (not too low, not too high) and still freaking gain weight. I don't get it! :-/

It's ridiculous!!!

FITitch40

I'm adding you ladies

cathipa

I just turned 40. Feel free to add!

mandy_godfree

I'm 43. It's taken me longer to get back up to fitness. I swim an average of 2 -3 times per week and 30 min once per week on the cross trainer. My fitness had gone right down for several different reasons including major abdominal surgery in 2013, and most of the muscles on my left side had all but disappeared due to wastage, leaving me with really painful back and shoulder problems. I thought that because I was over 40 I'd never get there.

The first time I got back in the pool I thought I was going to die after just 4 lengths. But now I'm nearly where I was when I was 22. It took forever. I used to get back up to fitness after a lapse in about 2 weeks. But this time it took nearly 3 months. I'm now trogging the black line for between 50 - 70 lengths straight laps, followed by 20 - 30 lengths resistence training. I don't swim any slower than I did when I was in my twenties. I still do a mile in between 35 - 45 minutes depending on what stroke combination I use.

I just did a 15 metre bleep test for work last week, and managed it the best I've done for about 6 or 7 years, running ahead of the bleep, where as two years ago I collapsed in a heap.

Age isn't just a number because it is harder the older you get, it may take longer to get up to fitness, but once you're at a level you want to be at, it is possible to maintain it. Just don't give up. Be determined.

StephanieCee12

42 here! I gained a lot of weight when I had my son and here I am 6 years later and still have 25 lbs to lose. I seem to stagnate at the same weight no matter what. I'm good with the exercise but I cannot control my eating! Would love some support and motivation!

jenmarrs429

45 and losing!

FITitch40

Kepplekakes wrote: »

43 going on 44. I've got 12lbs to go. Last time I was on a diet, I lost 40lbs.. Really quick. Now I've got just 12 and everything is a struggle. And WTF is it with the acne? Really!?!

Haha, it's just not fair, acne at our age!

FITitch40

mandy_godfree wrote: »

I'm 43. It's taken me longer to get back up to fitness. I swim an average of 2 -3 times per week and 30 min once per week on the cross trainer. My fitness had gone right down for several different reasons including major abdominal surgery in 2013, and most of the muscles on my left side had all but disappeared due to wastage, leaving me with really painful back and shoulder problems. I thought that because I was over 40 I'd never get there.

The first time I got back in the pool I thought I was going to die after just 4 lengths. But now I'm nearly where I was when I was 22. It took forever. I used to get back up to fitness after a lapse in about 2 weeks. But this time it took nearly 3 months. I'm now trogging the black line for between 50 - 70 lengths straight laps, followed by 20 - 30 lengths resistence training. I don't swim any slower than I did when I was in my twenties. I still do a mile in between 35 - 45 minutes depending on what stroke combination I use.

I just did a 15 metre bleep test for work last week, and managed it the best I've done for about 6 or 7 years, running ahead of the bleep, where as two years ago I collapsed in a heap.

Age isn't just a number because it is harder the older you get, it may take longer to get up to fitness, but once you're at a level you want to be at, it is possible to maintain it. Just don't give up. Be determined.

I love this!!!!
I totally agree 100%! It may take a little longer but our goals are still very attainable. I know a few people who are in the best shape of their lives over 40. And running circles around some 20 year olds.

Fkika3131

Hi, I am 48 yrs. I sure do agree with everyone. It's so much harder now then it was when we were younger. Add me if you like

jmt1995

40 and at it again. I'm a roller coaster of weight loss/gain. I can never seem to keep it off. Add me please.

raspberet1975

41 going on 42, I totally need help keeping motivated. I am looking to lose over a hundred pounds but I'm having trouble finding a good diet that I can stick to.

FITitch40

raspberet1975 wrote: »

41 going on 42, I totally need help keeping motivated. I am looking to lose over a hundred pounds but I'm having trouble finding a good diet that I can stick to.

I also had 100 lbs to lose, about 70 lbs to go. What I found easiest to follow is not to "diet" at all. I eat whatever I like or crave but just make sure it fits within my calorie range. This helps me from binge eating later on. Of course I try to eat more nutritious food and watch my macros, but every now and then I just need a slice of pizza or ice cream. So I'll eat it but make sure to log it. It's working well for me so far.

starfruit132

If I can do it, you can too. Yo-yo dieter with last big drop of weight in my mid-40s after having kids. Lost over 30 pounds with WW. Weight came back slowly but surely and now aged mid-50s getting it off again via MFP. Almost at goal, same 30 pounds, six months in. This time, I'm thinking there is never a real "goal". I am doing last few pounds purposefully and slowly to learn maintenance habits that have eluded me. I would love to hit that magic number, but I really am enjoying the journey with new clothes, new style and new highlights. I refuse to eat food I just don't like, such as fat free salad dressings. Better to log and eat what you like than try to find absolute lowest cal substitutions. You will quickly figure out which foods are not worth the calories for your personal satisfaction (bread baskets, margaritas for me ha ha). Still get acne though too - dang it.

typetolisa

I lost around 50lb before I turned 40. Maintained my weight right around 130 until the last year or so. Now, I'm 141 and feel just Yuck!!! I definitely agree it only gets harder and harder the older we get, but it's worth fighting for. For your health, self confidence, energy, etc!!! I also believe weightlifting is EXTREMELY important for older ladies. One of the reasons it gets harder is the loss of muscle that naturally happens with aging. I lift every time at the gym, and definitely spend equal time between cardio and weights! And lift as heavy as you can!! Don't worry about getting that man look, you won't! You will get tight and change the shape of your body!

SABoj

Agreed. It's definitely harder now that I'm over 40... I found that I had to change up my workout routine. Used to enjoy cardio several times a week but the scale wasn't moving. So now it's even more strength training - just now beginning to see results. Muscle burns fat, right? Plus logging in MFP helps a great deal.

FITitch40

starfruit132 wrote: »

If I can do it, you can too. Yo-yo dieter with last big drop of weight in my mid-40s after having kids. Lost over 30 pounds with WW. Weight came back slowly but surely and now aged mid-50s getting it off again via MFP. Almost at goal, same 30 pounds, six months in. This time, I'm thinking there is never a real "goal". I am doing last few pounds purposefully and slowly to learn maintenance habits that have eluded me. I would love to hit that magic number, but I really am enjoying the journey with new clothes, new style and new highlights. I refuse to eat food I just don't like, such as fat free salad dressings. Better to log and eat what you like than try to find absolute lowest cal substitutions. You will quickly figure out which foods are not worth the calories for your personal satisfaction (bread baskets, margaritas for me ha ha). Still get acne though too - dang it.

Yes I've learned to just enjoy the food but log it! I'm all for margaritas vs fat free dressings, lol.

FITitch40

typetolisa wrote: »

I lost around 50lb before I turned 40. Maintained my weight right around 130 until the last year or so. Now, I'm 141 and feel just Yuck!!! I definitely agree it only gets harder and harder the older we get, but it's worth fighting for. For your health, self confidence, energy, etc!!! I also believe weightlifting is EXTREMELY important for older ladies. One of the reasons it gets harder is the loss of muscle that naturally happens with aging. I lift every time at the gym, and definitely spend equal time between cardio and weights! And lift as heavy as you can!! Don't worry about getting that man look, you won't! You will get tight and change the shape of your body!

Couldn't agree more, weightlifting is soo very important!!!! I'm all about finding my tight shapely figure.

happysherri

41 years old! Yep! So much harder. And I had only gained back about 10 lbs, but even that 10 lbs is hard! Kudos to you for pushing and having your great attitude! I am also noticing tiny aches and pains, but same here - I will not give up! We can do this ***it may be slow but our hard work will pay off.

quiksylver296

42. But I've found it so much easier this time. I'm the anomaly, apparently. Food scale, hit my daily cals. Heavy lifting because I love it. Pretty simple.

sylc1971

46, and it's coming off consistently as long as I remain consistent. Down 30 so far; 65 to go....

Natalie2950

On the same journey and have 10 very stubborn pounds to lose. Please feel free to add.

croftie4

I'm 43 and Yep it's harder but I'm 44 in 2 and 1/2 months and that's why I started the gym back in November and here3 weeks ago. My friends who are older (late 40's) find it harder still so I didn't want to wait.

croftie4

Oh and I have to say Bodypump and heavy kettlebells really are helping

djduncangirl

I got married last May and after I got married, put all of the weight back on I had lost before meeting my husband. I'm 40, almost 41. It's so tough. He is very supportive no matter what my weight is, but I've been back at it for two weeks and I feel like a different person. So much more hopeful and have so much more energy. I'm a low- carber. Anyone else out there a low-carber? I've lost 10 pounds (which I know happens in the beginning much more quickly.)

rainbow198

I turned 40 last year and my experience has been completely different then most.

In my mid-30's I buckled down and stopped eating everything I want whenever I wanted and I started exercising after a lifetime of being chubby or overweight. I never dieted either, I just accepted myself for what I was back then.

I ended up losing 80+ pounds and I'm in my 4th year of maintaining. I'm the smallest and fittest I've ever been as an adult so I have no idea if it's easier or harder compared to when I was younger, but it has been pretty easy keeping my weight off. I just have to stay vigilant everyday and work for it.

I'm in a great place doing exercises that I love, I eat well and I'm just very happy with my health and looks.

My life started at 40 it didn't end at 40.

Keep going strong ladies. You can do it!

FITitch40

I'm LOVING all these posts!!!!! Especially knowing you are not letting age stand in the way of your goals, inspired!
Adding you all

doglovingrunner

I joined here when I was 40. Lost a bunch of weight. Fast forward 4 years later I've gained some of it back so I'm back. It's crazy difficult to lose after 40 oh yeah and I'm short 4'11 3/4". Yup short. Double difficult. Feel free to add me if you want support