yes, you can do it (by 40+ mum)

dianeellen2

So, several months ago, when i first thought 'its about time i did something about my weght', i minced around the internet and found mfp.

I am a 40 something mum of 2 teenagers. I have always been overweight/obese ( i had to lose over 40lb just to be overweight according to my BMI) - currently i am 0.5lb off being overweight

My intention was just to use the website to count calories and so i began this journey.

i gathered myself some friends....

i started to log food and cut my calories to 1200 (it seemed the right thing to do). I found it really hard to stick to the 1200 calories every day, then i notice lots of my 'friends' got extra calories with exercise. i thought i coulds do with a few extra calories so i started to go for 30 minute walks. this was the first exercise i had done for years.

I liked the estra calories. the weight was coming off slowly but shorly - 1 or 2lb a week.

i still found the 1200 calories difficult to stick to (even eating back my exercise calories) so i upped my calories to 1400 and it was loads easier, still the weight came off at the same rate!

i noticed several people talked about 30 day shred and C25K, so i brought the dvd and app. i tried the dvd - it was fine but i found the motivation to exercise on my own in the bedroom to a repetative dvd difficult.

Now C25K was a whole new step into bravery. it involved running outside, where i could be seen!

After several weeks of 'thinking about starting'! i finally gave it a go. i intended to do half a session (week 1 was 60 second run, 60 second walk repeated 8 times (i think)) but i waited till after dark, and gave it a go. i managed the whole thing but thought i would die!

I repeated week 1 for 2 weeks and then moved on to week 2, reluctantly. Again i nearly died doing the longer runs (90 seconds) - i think i did this week for 2 weeks as well. Slowly i moved through the program - each step up i was convinced i could not do it, but do it i did, i took my time; repeating weeks as many times as i felt i needed.

Tonight i did 8 minutes running, 3 mins walking twice.

I am actually starting to enjoy it now and for the first time tonight i noticed something completly new....my middle (probably core muscles) were engaged whist i was running, my arms were pumping and it wasnt until i stopped that i realise what had just happened!

I am hoping that this will help with my 'wobbly tummy'

I guess what i am trying to say is it is possible to change - i am getting ready to try the 20 minute run (probably next week)

Its a case of finding what works for you (not necessary to cut your calories to a minimum - i am sure i would have given up months ago if i had stuck to 1200 calories a day)

Thanks for your time...

Diane :flowerforyou:

PaddyWhite

Well done Diane Keep going

klross

I, too, am a 40 somthine mother. Your success is very inspiring! Way to go. :happy:

dianeellen2

thanks vgovender - i think i just wanted to post something as i feel i have had a break through - after many years- and wanted to tell epeople not to give up - just find the right comination of diet and exercise that suits you - it is possible

MaryRegs

I am a 50 something mother...also trying to pull things together...you are an inspiration!

dianeellen2

thanks kiross - you will be able to do it

dianeellen2

I am a 50 something mother...also trying to pull things together...you are an inspiration!

Anything is possible if you believe you can do it - stick with it :flowerforyou:

sa11yjane

What a fab posting and just what I needed. I am currently really struggling to eat within my calories, which is bizarre as when I first started this I often didn't eat them all. This week has been especially hard with me literally salivating in the supermarket before a sharp talking to moved me on to a healthier aisle. It's almost as if, after so many good weeks, my body and mind are rebelling. I walk a lot for exercise but am very envious of those who jog/run. Your article has really encouraged me, both to try upping my calories and maybe to try a little jog (how embarrassing if I fall over!). Thanks for your inspirational posting and keep up the fantastic work!

lporter229

Excellent job...very motivating post!

laurels12

Diane you are amazing! I did exactly the same as you -- got to 43 and thought, "it's now or never". A good friend got me started on MFP and I haven't looked back! I'm back in the gym after 2 years and loving it!

I've also got C25k on my phone and have bought the Jilian DVDs but unlike you I haven't had the courage to start! With your example to follow, I may just do that this week!

Thank you for a brilliant post and also for all your encouraging comments on my status updates! I really wouldn't have got this far without MFP and all you lovely people encouraging me!!

larkiedeek

Well done and thanks for posting.

I am also 40+ and just managed to drop to a normal BMI. Running is my next step but I have found it hard to get the motivation to start.

sofaking6

I made it through C25k, did a 5k, then promptly quit running. Now I'm looking to start it all over again and recapture that feeling you have just described so well. Congrats and thank you for the inspiration!!

jcollie2928

I LOVE THIS POST Diane. What a great inspiration you are. I too am 40 and trying to set an example for my girls (7and 5) by showing them what good eating and exercising looks like without preaching. I am also going to Haiti this year to help on a mission trip!!! Something else Moms of 40 can do!!!

Way to go. You are amazing and have a lot to be proud of.

ariachic79

Thank you for posting--what an awesome story, and very inspiring!!