New older member

cougarose

Hi, my name is Annie. I'm 60 years old and am having a tough time losing weight (again). Three years ago I found out I was diabetic and at first I just waved it away with my hand and a pfffffft. Then I learned a few things about diabetes and decided to take control. I lost 64 lbs in just over a year without a regular exercise program, just by changing my eating habits. I was really kinda surprised because I was convinced I couldn't lose weight. That was silly considering I had never given it a serious try. I didn't own a scale (because it would tell me what I did not want to know) but decided to invest in the $7.99 model gracing the shelves of Walmart's bathroom section. I was amazed as I watched the needle descend. And then I started getting cocky, not paying enough attention to what I was eating, just keeping an eye on carbs and my glucose meter which usually had good numbers. That scale kept trying to tell me to get back in check and I started trying. I watched as it went from 128 to 130. Then I got mad and swore if it started going above 130 I'd have to do something drastic, like walking or biking. I have a stationary bike but it just doesn't seem like it's a very good workout. I have foot trouble so I figured I wouldn't be able to walk on that dusty old treadmill in the corner that doubles as a coat rack. But since there is no public swimming pool around here and I'm too poor (and embarrassed) to join a gym, I gave the treadmill a try. I can go for 20 minutes and then I'm toast. I try to do that twice a day but sometimes I'm just too tired. I probably end up doing 20 minutes 3 or 4 x a week with an extra 20 minutes twice a week. It doesn't seem to be enough. I haven't lost an ounce in almost a month. I watch what I eat but there are many times when I just don't feel well, I get hot and shaky, weak and then get a headache. So I eat something, whole wheat crackers or a Nutri grain bar and then I'm ok. What do I do? Try to increase my exercise? Research foods that are low in calories, don't cost a small fortune (eating healthy is expensive), and will give me energy and stay with me longer? I just really don't know. I'd love some help, to hear your ideas and to find others, friends here, for mutual support. I've blabbed long enough. Thanks for listening.

BritinItaly

I'd say go to the farmers' market and get some fresh food. "healthy" foods from the supermarket tend to be expensive..fresh food is not.
When i started dieting last summer I hadn't lost anything in the first month either....and in the same time my hubby had lost 4 kilo(9 lbs?) But it finally started to go after about 6 weeks and has been going down slowly slowly ever since. I'm convinced that slow is the way to go as I've done all the fast diets known to man , mostly successfully, but piled it all back on later. This time I'm aiming on 1 kilo (2lbs) a month.

cougarose

I love farmer's markets and when they are there selling I'm there buying. I also grow my own fairly large garden, then can what I'm able, mostly tomatoes, okra and beans. Sadly last year was a bad one for potatoes, I didn't get even get enough for more than 2 meals. I know I need to be patient (not my strong suit) and keep at it and when I read replies like yours, BritanItaly, it really helps me to know it's not just me. Thank you for taking the time to talk to me. I appreciate it.