35 and trying to lose weight

mjwilson0246

Hey MFP members, I’m just over 1 week of counting calories and working out. Hoping to lose 30 pounds in the next 6 months. I just turned 35 and it is definitely not as easy to lose weight as it used to be years ago. I’m looking for friends to help me along this journey.

Cassondralynn_xoxo

You got this. 💪🏼

cgrout78

5 pounds a month is a fairly aggressive goal, it's doable but will not be easy. And as you get closer to your goal the weight loss slows down, just to warn you.

And yes, slowing down metabolisms are the WORST. I watch my teenage son demolish food and I'm just so jealous!!!

Best of luck to you, if you need any help or have any questions reach out!!

Steph_135

Yes, weight loss COULD slow down, but that's just an obstacle that might not even be the case for you, and this is a MENTAL game as much as anything else.

I think 5 lbs a month is VERY achievable. Congrats on your commitment to health so far!

I'm about to turn 35 very soon. It's a good place to be!! Haha

quiksylver296

Do you have a specific plan to lose the weight?

Even if you’re “older”, the science is still the same. Eat fewer calories than your body needs. You just have to figure out how to make that happen in a way that works best for you.

AnnPT77

mjwilson0246 wrote: »

Hey MFP members, I’m just over 1 week of counting calories and working out. Hoping to lose 30 pounds in the next 6 months. I just turned 35 and it is definitely not as easy to lose weight as it used to be years ago. I’m looking for friends to help me along this journey.

You're pursuing aggressively fast loss. I believe it's possible to train our bodies to limp along on fewer calories . . . but that's not the path of lifetime thriving, if you ask me. I've seen too many of my age mates - I'm 65 - who've done crazy extreme diets many times over the years.

First, they cut extremely for fast loss, and learn nothing from that process that will help them maintain a healthy weight permanently. It's just a project with an end date, after which they return to "normal". Result: Regain the pounds, with friends. Having lost unnecessarily large amounts of muscle mass during the fast loss period, their basal metabolic rate is just that little bit slower. That's not the only cause of slowdown; there are others that tend to kick in during the "extreme yo-yo" lifestyle. Rinse and repeat. That's not a path of thriving. It's a path to lowered basal metabolic rate, lowered habits of activity, obesity, and illness. In my age group, the proof is all around me.

Don't want a slow metabolism as you age? Don't get on that merry-go-round now. Find a healthy way of eating that you can sustain permanently to stay at a healthy weight, happily, while getting well-rounded nutrition. Find activities that are fun, that challenge your strength to increase, and that improve your heart health.

*That's* a path of lifetime thriving.

I was fat for a long time (decades). I was mostly inactive for decades, too. That started changing in my mid-40s, after cancer treatment (a cancer I might never have developed if I'd been smarter, earlier, BTW). Now, I'm 65, at a healthy weight, with a "metabolism" that lets me eat hundreds of calories more than MFP estimates for my characteristics. My Garmin says my fitness age is 39. Is this is a brag? Yeah, maybe. But it's also credentials. Maybe I have some idea what I'm talking about, y'know?

Maybe this seems mean or harsh. Really, I don't mean to be deprecating your goals. It's good to strive toward goals. Try to think of my as your outspoken, frank, concerned internet auntie (I'm old enough), who really wants you to succeed, to be happy and healthy.

Best wishes for success, short and long term, no matter what path you choose, sincerely!

mjwilson0246

AnnPT77 Incredible advice. I have done exactly what you have described. I need to be in this for the long haul and try to prevent Yo-yo anymore. You are truly inspiring! Thank you for taking your time to share your story with me!!!! I look forward to your continue support and hope to be healthy as you one day😉

mjwilson0708

Steph_135 wrote: »

Yes, weight loss COULD slow down, but that's just an obstacle that might not even be the case for you, and this is a MENTAL game as much as anything else.

I think 5 lbs a month is VERY achievable. Congrats on your commitment to health so far!

I'm about to turn 35 very soon. It's a good place to be!! Haha

Thank you Steph_135 for reaching out to me and for the encouraging words. I’m going to try to reach my weight goal but even if I don’t. I just care more about going the right direction and eating healthy! I believe if I do that the weight will eventually come off.

AnnPT77

mjwilson0246 wrote: »

AnnPT77 Incredible advice. I have done exactly what you have described. I need to be in this for the long haul and try to prevent Yo-yo anymore. You are truly inspiring! Thank you for taking your time to share your story with me!!!! I look forward to your continue support and hope to be healthy as you one day😉

Now that I have you all softened up for a different approach this time 😉, one you could consider is this:

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10636388/free-customized-personal-weight-loss-eating-plan-not-spam-or-mlm/p1

. . . plus some fun activities that challenge strength and build heart health, of course. 😉

You can make this the last time for major weight loss, I'm certain.

mjwilson0246

quiksylver296 wrote: »

Do you have a specific plan to lose the weight?

Even if you’re “older”, the science is still the same. Eat fewer calories than your body needs. You just have to figure out how to make that happen in a way that works best for you.

I’m tracking both macro and calories. I’m definitely trying to create a calorie deficit daily but also not so much where I felt like I was starving. Thank you for your advice. You are right on point too. I’m in this for the long term. No longer the mind set lose as much weight as I can as fast as I can. That leads to yo-yo. I’m tired of yo-yo with my weight.

ninerbuff

Being of the "older" crowd myself and being a bodybuilding competitor, you do have to work harder and harder to maintain or lose weight as you get older. Takes more discipline and consistency. Don't be too agressive in your weightloss.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

mjwilson0246

ninerbuff wrote: »

Being of the "older" crowd myself and being a bodybuilding competitor, you do have to work harder and harder to maintain or lose weight as you get older. Takes more discipline and consistency. Don't be too agressive in your weightloss.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

Wow. Great credentials. You have definitely lived what you preach. Thanks for the advice too. 2021 I need work hard but be consistent!!!! I like that

springlering62

let me get this straight. you're implying 35 is.....old?

*runs to check drivers license*

Oh dear. I guess I better get my housecoat, snuggie, and electric slippers out. I'm too old to be doing much of anything according to this baseline.

*drops the barbell and runs in fear old age will catch up*

Not

mjwilson0246

springlering62 wrote: »

let me get this straight. you're implying 35 is.....old?

*runs to check drivers license*

Oh dear. I guess I better get my housecoat, snuggie, and electric slippers out. I'm too old to be doing much of anything according to this baseline.

*drops the barbell and runs in fear old age will catch up*

Not

I love it!!!!! I needed that thx. Absolutely Hilarious!

kellyiris6

I just turned 35 and looking for friends and support on this journey also. When is 35 considered old?!? Haha. I’ve had success with MFP in the past (lost about 30lbs) and looking to lose about 5 lbs per month. Ultimately, I’d like to lose 60 lbs in the long run. It’s tough, but if you have the determination, you can do it! Feel free to add me as a friend!