im 55 trying to lose weight

joycepenman

hi im 55yrs old and trying to lose weight for health reasons
but finding it hard going as i have underactive thyroid and other health issues
is there any other over fifties on the same path
would love some inspiration or tips
feel free to add me

abear007

hi im 55yrs old and trying to lose weight for health reasons
but finding it hard going as i have underactive thyroid and other health issues
is there any other over fifties on the same path
would love some inspiration or tips
feel free to add me

I'm over 50 with minimal health issues other than an arthritic knee, but as I was about 90 lbs overweight I decided I probably won't be getting away with it for much longer. Family history of diabetes, cancer, heart disease, etc.. Seeing that looming in my future just motivated me to go "uh-uh", not going through any of that.

So, I started by cutting out sugar and refined grains - kind of Paleo, kind of Ketogenic, eating real, single ingredient foods. Lately I've added in intermittent fasting which has actually been easier than I thought it would be. There are many variations but I'm doing a fast for 20 hours then I have a 4 hour eating window later in the day. So far, so good. My problem had always been eating out of habit or boredom or just because I wanted it (nothing to do with hunger) so this helps with that issue. I get to have a big feast at the end of every day! (within the allotted caloric limits and still eating simple foods of course).

Everyone just has to find the way that works for them, which unfortunately can take a good deal of patience and experimenting.

Annie_01

While your health issues might make it more difficult to lose weight your age...IMO...doesn't. I just turned 62 a few days ago and have lost 80lbs in 1 year. Exercising was difficult at first...until I accepted that some things I just can't do...the old joints just won't allow it. There are however many things that I can do. I can walk...also lift "light". I just had to keep experimenting until I found what fit my body...then work my way up. I went from barely being able to walk around the block to now walking 4 to 5 miles.

Does it hurt sometimes...sure...but I find if I just back off a bit and work my way through it I end up stronger in the end.

I found what has helped me the most is wearing a pedometer...it motivates me to keep moving...whether that is going for a walk or just moving more in my daily activity..

I also bought a set of resistance bands to use at first. They made strength training a lot easier to begin with.

My knees don't like running but I use the C25K podcasts to walk/jog in place.

My point...if you research and experiment you can find something that will work for you. One year ago I was at a sedentary activity level...now I am at active...some days highly active. I haven't forgotten how to be sedentary...some days it feels really good just to be sedentary...but...if I want to eat and lose weight...I will get up and move!

Good luck...just don't let things become an excuse...

jharb2

It is very doable. When you first start out you have an adjustment period. You get hungry, sore from excercise and its mentally difficult to keep going. KEEP GOING. Track everything you eat and excercise you do. I did it and have kept it off a year and half. Its not just a daily habit to track food and excercise.

EATINGTOLIVE77

Hello, sorry to hear you are struggling with health issues, however, you have made a choice to lose the weight which in turn you will become stronger and healthier.

I started by weight lost journey on Feb 6, 2014 and I walked on the tread mill or outside every day. End of March I was losing some weight, getting bored with just walking, didn't want to spend a lot of time exercising. I decided to explore what was available in my area for exercise programs: Zumba, kickboxing, gym membership, professional trainers, etc. I selected kickboxing with strength training. Six days a week I go to gym, work out for 45 minutes, then come home and walk my dogs two to three miles each day.

I have never felt so good, and I know you may start out slow on this journey, however, as you began to feel better, have less health issues, I know you will love what you healthy future will hold.

Oh by the way, I am 56 years old, 5'1" started out at 180 pounds and today weigh in at 149. Ten weeks of kick boxing I went down four jean sizes, and I have never felt so good. I am not saying that what works for me will work for you; I just wanted to encourage you to continue on your journey. You will have your ups and downs, just pick yourself back up and move forward.

If you would like add me as a friend, please do. You have made a great first step by joining MFP - the support is incredible