A re-introducing of myself

Hi! <3
I am 61 years old, pushing that 62 number ;)
I am a widow of almost 8 years. A momma to 2 adult kids, a Grannee to 4 who are grown, and due to be a great-grannee later this year :smiley:
I was here in 2021, but due to work, health, and life changes - I fell away. Did more of the yo-yo'ing than I wanted :( - lose a few pounds, gain a few. Health allowing me to walk or exercise, and then BAM! something else coming along to knock the wind out of my sails.
And now, this morning I find myself at the point of screaming "Enough is enough!"
This is it. My last hoo-rah into losing this weight and getting in better shape.
Little by little I want to lose almost 100 pounds, and KEEP IT OFF.
I have some major arthritis challenges to deal with, as well as knees that aren't cooperating too well (ortho wants to wait about knee replacement if at all possible). I am a cancer survivor (10 years now :D ) but the after effects still plague me - my feet and legs swell painfully, even with diet, exercise, and medication changes.
Not making excuses - time is passed for all that nonsense! Just trying to look at this old body as realistically as possible.
I have $ challenges as well. Living on a very small widow's benefit doesn't allow for the best of foods, nor the most nutritious. But I am learning to do better with what I have.

That's a quick me in a few words ;)
Looking forward to getting to know y'all and having a support system with one another as we face this journey!

Remember: You are so very LOVED!!! <3

Replies

  • Betty
    Betty Posts: 8,880 MFP Staff
    Welcome back! Wishing you the best of luck on your journey this year.
  • AnnPT77
    AnnPT77 Posts: 34,162 Member
    Hi, back!

    I'm at a different stage in the process, but wanted to stop by your thread and let you know I'm cheering for you!

    We have quite a lot in common: I'm in my 60s (67), a widow (24 years, in my case), a cancer survivor (stage 3 breast cancer 22 years ago) . . . no kids, though.

    There's a lot of good support here on MFP, especially if you participate here in the Community. I've learned so much from experienced MFP-ers along the way, and there are lots of experienced people who've lost weight who stick around now to help others. You may a diversity of opinions and communication styles, but I think most everyone truly wants to help.

    I can only speak for myself, but my joint problems (arthritis, torn meniscus) are so much better now that I'm at a lighter weight, and I started to see improvement gradually along the way through loss, didn't have to wait to get to goal weight. The process can become self-encouraging, as those little improvements start to add up. The weight loss can be accomplished entirely on the eating side of things if necessary, though obviously exercise is good for a person.

    On the budget front, there are a lot of affordable healthy foods. Frozen veggies can be cheaper than fresh, and in many cases are even more nutritious. Personally, I love beans and other legumes, and those are nutritious and very affordable. We don't need a bunch of fancy officially-labeled 'diet foods' or supplements in order to lose weight, just basic nutritious food at the right calorie level. I'd say my core grocery bill got smaller as I lost weight because I was eating less . . . though in my case, I added back in some indulgences (more nutritious than caloric) so I ended up in about the same place budgetarily.

    Welcome back to MFP - wishing you much success with your goals!