HI! A fifty-something here to get back on track.

melonheadjujube

Hi,
briefly, I am someone who was a thin - make that skinny - child and young adult, so when the weight vrept on in my thirties I figured the mirror was wrong! Anyway, at 5'3", my non-pregnant weight topped out at 185lbs, but that's not what got me started. It was my lipid profile. Total cholesterol and LDLs were good, but my triglycerides were over 300 and my HDL under 40, very bad for a woman. I realized I was headed toward health problems if I didn't turn this around. My doc wanted to put me on rilipix and I said, "Doctor, I eat good foods, but I pile dessert on it. Do you want to Rx a med to someone who had a root beer float every night this summer?" The bargain was, I took the Rx sheet, and would fill it if my lipids didn't improve in 6 weeks.

I used another nutrition site to track my calories, carbs, fats, and proteins. With a little research, I decided on 1500 calories a day, no added sugar whether from the sugar bowl or from desserts and sodas, and a calorie proportion of about 30% fat, 50% carb, and 20% protein. I wrote down everything, and measured everything. Believe me, being half -Italian 1/2 cup of pasta used to be a taste test! now it's the entire portion. I also took 5 gm fish oil a day, and ate oat bran everyday. I ate 3 portions of lean dairy every day. I exercised, mostly walking, dance class, and light hand weights.

After 6 weeks, my HDLS were 63 ,and my triglycerides were 98! My doc was stunned. I had also shed about 10 lbs accoriding to my chart, from 175 to 165. I allowed myself a weekly dessert and a single Stella d'Oro with my morning coffee. My next lipid showed triglycerides of 103, still good.

Eventually I got down to 160, but recently i crept up to 165 lbs. I found this site searching for the nutritional info on Stella d'Oro, and liked what I saw.

I know what I need to do to get back. I need to keep track of my food, what and how much. If anyone is interested I'll give more details of how i did (and will do!) it. I believe in orienting one's diet around foods you actually like, and this is where myfitnesspal is so helpful.

Good luck, everyone!

mimi7grands

Hi, you sound like you've done a terrific job on your own. I know you'll love all the support you get on MFP too. It's made a huge difference for me. That and vegetables!!!

I keep up with a fun and supportive thread for women ages 50+. (And a few who are not quite 50!) Here's the URL: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/99344-women-ages-50-for-june . Hope to see you there.

missouri_rain

Hi and welcome.....oh yeah, I'd be very interested in knowing

megamom

Welcome, you have done so well. This is a great site and the food data bank is amazing. I also agree, never give up the foods you love, just portion them correctly.

FabulousFifty

Hi! And....WELCOME! You already "get it." That is wonderful! Here you will find tools and support to help you on your journey. There are plenty of us here in your age group. I have also found it very rewarding to have buddies in other age groups. Want to join us on a Skinny Wed Challenge? Go here to check it out: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/99610-skinny-wednesday-challenge

melonheadjujube

Wow, what a busy friendly place. facebook, move over!
I'm off to do things. Look forward to staying involved here.

Holton

Good for you! I recently went to my doctor for an annual check up after changing my lifestyle back in January and she was just so surprised and pleased to see how much my cholesterol levels had improved! I had dropped over 30 points total, with my good HDL going up by 20 and my back LDL going down by 30 and my Triglycerides had dropped by 40 (I believe, I am trying to do this from memory - which has not improved with weight loss, ha ha). SO very happy that you were able to make the improvements without medication and I wish you continued great success on your journey!

Peechuz

Sounds like you have a great plan and are very motivated. It's a little more complicated the older we get - i.e., 50's +. I will enjoy chatting with you all and sharing stories, i'm just finding it more challenging now that I am in menopause. I've tried many different nutrition plans, but have a hard time with restrictions. I do see a nutritionist and naturopath so am on the cutting edge. I just need to beef up my exercise time - I have gotten complacent over the years commensurate with the menopause. The best eating plan is one that forces you to track your intake - btw, the iPhone app is great too. It's all a matter of lifestyle changes .... arggh! Nice chatting with you ..... good luck!