Not enough patience

Johncalvinfields

Anyone feeling like me ? Been losing weight and gaining lean muscle, but being 50 years old it's happening at a slow pace. I just expect more as I'm being committed and really dedicated .

88olds

If you read this board much you see posts like yours a lot. But generally not so up front about patience. "I only lost X" is really a statement about impatience. Not being satisfied with your program when it works will do you in. I was hitting the gym hard at 50. It was great. But losing weight was tough. Losing and recomposition at the same time is a fine line to walk. If you have any kind of a favorable trend going, smile and keep riding.

A carefully monitored calorie deficit over time, will result in weight loss. It's the laws of physics. Few people are willing to spend the time. It's OK to be impatient, just don't act on it. Keep going, sounds like its working.

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Johncalvinfields

Thanks. I keep up with calories and keep doing cardio. Plus I press the weights. I feel much better. And you are right. Just need to keep on doing

Wendyanneroberts

I will be 50 next month and needed not just weight loss but a healthy balanced diet. Physically disabled, so usual exercises are impossible for me. Also have developed an autoimmune disease and have angina. So weight loss seemed very slow and difficult. Managed to lose19lb in 6 mths, but then life happened. I managed to maintain my new weight for about 18 mths, but then it began to creep up. One day I realised enough was enough and how important a healthy diet was. Back on MFP since April 2016, this time I'm really committed and dedicated because it hit home when I realised how much my poor diet was just making my health conditions worse. Have weighed and logged everything, every day since, I have currently acheived 518 day streak. In total I've managed to lose 39lbs (my goal is to hit a loss of 3 stone, I need a further weight loss of 3lbs, to acheive this). In these 17 months that's a further loss of 18lb.

I just wanted to share a brief outline of my journey and compared to some, this may be considered slow progress. A loss of 1lb a month, when some people want to lose more than that every week. But I don't see it that way, nor do I compare my results against other people's. Here are my thoughts on these matters and some inspirational quotes that have help me, I hope they help you.
1) Any progress is still progress and however slow, it is still a reflection of my hard work and dedication. My weight is moving in the right direction and my healthy balanced eating plan, has improved my health. As reflected in my blood test results.
2) Given in through the frustration of slow but steady weight loss, often results in weight gain instead. Which I don't want to happen.
3) Time passes anyway, I know that I'm doing all that I can, which is really important. It's been a little over 3 years since the start of this journey. At any point, had I given in and given up, then today will have still come. But my weight/health wouldn't have improved.
4) 3 years ago, if someone had told me that I could lose 3 stone by my 50th birthday and no longer be "severely obese" but instead be a "healthy weight" for my age/height, I would have felt ecstatic. I know I've worked really hard to acheive this and done all I can. With my next 3lb to lose, this will be my birthday gift to myself. Even if I can't quite manage 3lbs in 6 weeks, I know I will acheive it soon after, therefore a belated gift. Must focus on this amazing acheivement rather than dwelling on negative thoughts, ie. could have done it better/sooner.
5) Finally this time it is for life, a longer, healthier lifestyle. It may have taken a little longer to get where I am today but I'm following a "diet plan"
that's not only well balanced but one I can follow for life. Adapting it to fit my lifestyle. Having a slightly higher calorie allowance has meant I have been able to stay the course, and can follow this through maintenance as well.
Sorry for the essay but I hope this helps.

fiddletime

I'm also now losing a pound a month. I want to keep it off for the long run, and not suffer in the process. I'm 62 and plan on keeping it off this time. Hope to have the final 4 pounds gone by Christmas. You don't sprint a marathon. Patience grasshopper.

Johncalvinfields

You are so right 88olds. Atleast not giving up is the key to success may take longer to achieve the goal I have set. Thanks bro

JeromeBarry1

A friend of mine recently celebrated his 100th birthday after 60 years of maintaining. The thing is, if you fight the good fight well, you improve your opportunities to stay in the fight.

RoxieDawn

I am 49 years old, and major changes have happened with my goals and honestly, it has taken me three years to get where I am. I keep making moderate changes in exercise/fitness goals, and find enjoyment in the process. Never give up or lose sight on the big picture, things will happen! For myself three year ago whilst still losing weight and trying to build muscle at the same I saw no drastic changes in body composition. Just keep going! Good luck!!

Johncalvinfields

This morning after only cardio. I'm doing weight ruduction then I will start my lean mass building.

NewBetterBest18

Hey there, I loose 1 lb a week. I'm OK with that. I figure I didn't gain it overnight so I'm not going to loose it overnight. I'm happy with my work outs, (I do zumba classes usually 3 times a week). I watch my calories and nutrients. Sure, I'd like to be my goal weight by now, but I'll keep doing what I'm doing since it's working. Good Luck to you.

Johncalvinfields

Another morning trying to get the stomach lean

Johncalvinfields

Each day I wake and I go to the gym I push myself a little harder. I know in time my dedication will pay off

nowine4me

52 here and truly believe that slow and steady wins. If there's no critical health-related reason to go faster, 1# a month is perfect.

Johncalvinfields

Hoping to reach my goal by April 2018

kristie8351

Yes, I am a 36 year old mother of 5!!, my weight has been going up and down for 18 years!! It has been such a struggle to lose the baby weight, as I don't eat much, its the slow process of shedding the weight. Since calorie counting, I find I'm eating more than I ever had and now starting to lose weight.... Its weird how our body works!

Johncalvinfields

I do agree and having children take away time for ourselves. Just make use of the time we can appreciate to work on ourself

Johncalvinfields

Gm I’m hitting the weights this morning. Anyone getting busy ?

trooworld

Hi I tend to be impatient w/weight loss, but then again not too impatient because I've been trying for a long time and haven't given up. I'm going to get it right one of these days, I'm working with a registered dietician now and getting some tips from her. My problem is most likely portion control and too many fun meals...I need to limit those to 4 per week.

brandeka

I too get impatient with my weight loss journey. I have a problem with my breathing and can’t do as much exercise as I’d like but I do what I can. The more I do the better it gets. It has taken me 3 yrs to lose 35 lbs but at least it is going in the right direction. I just have to keep reminding myself that slow but sure wins the race.

KaysBeauty26

This thread is really motivating ....

trooworld

@brandeka congratulations on losing 35 lbs, that's fantastic! Indeed, as long as the scale is going down. It's so demotivating when it starts to go up instead of down!

@KaysBeauty26 yes, I agree.

Johncalvinfields

Still pressing forward. I’m not giving up. And neither should you

QueenBee2018

So I just saw this post today when it was needed. I have been logging for 90 some days and have lost 18 pounds, but the last few days I am just really getting grumpy about having to pay so much attention to what I eat. I am a few months from 50. Yesterday I looked up what my calories will be at maintenance and they are only about 300 more per day than I am currently eating. That was a bummer. Sorry for the whine! Thanks for the encouragement!

Johncalvinfields

Sometimes we get in a slump , things just seem at a stand still. Don’t let it get you down. Just make a game plan stick to it and jump into action again

karijo475

I am an impatient person in general... LOL it's not the greatest trait, but I work with it. Although with my weight loss I've been pretty patient. Except for lately. I set a goal in my mind for the end of December and at the rate I am currently going, it's not going to happen. Normally I don't set goals like this, but I have to have surgery at the end of December so I am trying to get off as much weight as I possibly can. (Last time I had surgery I had a PE 2 days later and ended up having emergency open heart surgery - almost died.) So needless to say I am nervous as hell and I think I'm just stressing myself out. Ugg... more info then you all wanted to know...LOL Sorry!

kenyonhaff

Your weight did not get there instantly...getting it off will take just as long if not longer.

Also...impatience happens when more work than anticipated occurs. Weight loss takes effort and time so be realistic in expectations. If you go in looking for easy and fast you will be disappointed and there will be snake oil people will try to sell you.

Johncalvinfields

Yes true , each step forward is another one gained to your advantage. Remember the quote, Rome wasn’t built in a day ? Just set your mind to it , grab the bull by the horns and give it all you got

trooworld

I lost 3.5 lbs last week only to gain 3.9 lbs this week. WTF? I did not do anything different. I tracked, ate healthy foods, exercised, the only thing that might have influenced it was that I didn't drink enough water. I was expecting another loss so imagine my disappointment when I stepped on the scale and saw not a loss and not a maintain, but a huge gain!

@queenbee2018 congrats on losing 18 lbs, that is awesome! I'm sorry you were bummed by the maintenance numbers...maybe once you get to maintenance, you will find you can eat more than that?

@karijo475 good luck, I hope you make your goal. I think health-related goals are the most motivating.

Johncalvinfields

At it again

GirlWonder15

Congrats to all still hanging in there and having the patience to deal with the journey Great thread!

DamienAngelica

I am there with you on the impatience. I have nine pounds to go to get to goal (although I may drop five more after that) and I. Just. Want. It. Gone. Nonetheless, I'm staying on track and keeping my eyes forward.