Is it possible to lose 20 pounds by October at my age?

mrsgoodwine

I am 51 years old , 5'2" and currently 20 pounds over my ideal weight (hovering at 140 - want to be at 120). I average between 1300 and 1600 calories a day when I work out and I work out at least 5 times a week for about an hour (combination of cardio and weight training) . Is there anyone out there with my same stats who has been able to do it - and if so.... how? I feel like I am losing and gaining the same 5 pounds over and over again. Frustrated. :frown:

wordpainter09

How long have you been eating at that level? You may be undereating and in metabolic adaptation. I say that because I was in your situation 2-3 months ago. Eating the same calories, working out for the same amount of time and not losing.
I'm younger but I think the situation is the same. We also weigh the same. I'm 139.

mrsgoodwine

Thanks, wordpainter. I've been eating at that level for a few months now. I guess I need to shake it up a bit. What did you do to change your situation?

Sarauk2sf

20 lbs in 4 months or so is reasonable - however, the closer to your goal weight you are, the slower the loss (assuming you are going it healthily).

wordpainter can probably give you a better answer - but it may be a good idea to go on a 'diet break' for a couple of weeks where you eat at maintenance.

The older we are, the slower our metabolism (all things being equal) but it absolutely does not mean that you cannot lose weight.

BTW: if thats your current pic - you look great for 51.

wordpainter09

Bumped up my calories for 8 weeks to restart my metabolism. I was undereating for 6 years. Sounds like you're not in that bad of a situation, thank goodness.
Based on your stats, if they're anything like mine, with your activity level, you're actually burning 2500+ cals per day.
I have a Body Media Fit that measures my calorie burn...do you have one?
That can cause your metabolism to adapt to your low level of eating and you'll stop losing.
What I had to do was get used to eating again for a while before I could lose any more.
It's not for everyone, but what I was doing wasn't working. I was always hungry, had no energy and wasn't losing weight.
Here's a couple of groups to check out if you're interested.

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/3817-eat-more-to-weigh-less

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/4455-metabolism-repair-mode

mrsgoodwine

Thanks, Sarau2sf - I may have to do just that and just see what happens. Thank you so much for the compliment - that is a current picture - must be in the genes

Thanks, wordpainter. I will check out both of those groups. I really appreciate your advice and will definitely start eating more. I don't have a body media fit but it sounds like that would be helpful.