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  • intotennis
    intotennis Posts: 183 Member
    Good Morning Ladies, Thank you for the invite!

    I've battled my weight for most of my life which leads to being hard on myself with my body image.
    I guess you could call me a yo-yo dieter; I'd try different diets, lose, gain, etc. About 22 years ago I joined a gym worked out with weights, did aerobics and got into pretty good shape. At the health club I met the man of my dreams and as the story goes I fell madly in love, had babies and got fat! I'm a tennis nut and play 3 to 4 times a week but still wasn't losing weight. In 2009 I saw a picture of myself and I couldn't believe how big I had gotten, I'm 5' 4" and my largest weight was over 187lbs. I found and joined WW and lost about 50 lbs and felt pretty good but still not happy with my body image.

    My hubby has been tall and slender all of his life but as with age your metabolism slows and he put on a little weight so he put his game face on, got disciplined and lost it. He had told me about a the P90X program and said he wanted to do it so he could get that "6 pack" while he was still young (he's 48 & I'm 54). I'm not sure if he asked me or I said I wanted to try it but, I am so happy I did! P90X is extreme but, Jeff inspired me on days when I wasn't feeling up to it and he even made me laugh on others. I truly believe I would not have the results I achieved without Jeff being there to encourage me along the way.

    When I met Jeff and later got big, I used to joke that I was lucky because I met Jeff when I was in the best shape of my life but I could never get below 130lbs and now with P90X I'm at 127! It's funny I'm still adjusting to the body image thing but I'm very happy with my results "The program works!"

    If interested in before & after pictures: go to "Success Stories" titled P90X Successful at 54 yrs (women) :flowerforyou:
  • Kaleigh2013
    Kaleigh2013 Posts: 9 Member
    Hello, I'm Kaleigh2013.
    I have been told that Kaleigh means "slender" so I've chosen it for my screen name. I plan on being slender in 2013! :smile:

    I am 42 and live in South Carolina. I love to cook and entertain - one day, after I retire, I'm going to open a restaurant!!!

    But until then, I'm a mild-mannered middle school science teacher who works at a high achieving (read that - super high stress!) middle school.
    I am also an "administrator-in-training," which means that I have administrative duties on top of my teaching duties - my principal is grooming me for an administrative job. I usually put in 12+ hour days and there is not much time for exercise, eating right, or otherwise taking care of myself. However, I have come to realize that this is a receipe for disaster!

    I decided two days ago that I shouldn't continue on this high-stress path much longer. I know I have to make a change before something serious happens to my health besides obesity - I guess obesity is serious enough as it is but I just don't want other things to start happening like diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, etc... So, here I am!

    I'm so glad I found this group and I look forward to chatting with you all. :flowerforyou:
  • sanjoparolas
    sanjoparolas Posts: 549 Member
    Hi there, my name is Sandy, and I'm a 47 year old married mother of two boys, ages 9 and 12. We live in northern California. I am eating mostly plant-based foods (have been tripped up by eggs and dairy in baked goods occasionally). I am running with a group each week and I enjoy Jillian Michaels workout videos. Cheers to all of us for making our health a priority!
  • Hi Ladies! My name is Kim and I am a 48 year old wife and mother of two boys, ages 17 & 19. We live in the Boston area. In addition to spending time with my family I own a small business that keeps me very busy, to say the least! MFP was highly recommended by a friend and I have only been a member for a couple of days. I am looking forward to this journey of weight loss, health and wellness with you all!:smile:
  • trugift
    trugift Posts: 102 Member
    Hello Ladies, my name is Melissa I am 38 single mother of 22/19/17 and grands 5/1. I live in the Chicago area. I work fulltime. One day I woke up and it dawned on me that I only have 1 child left at home- WHAT am I to do? I have one in college and one in Ohio with her own family. I don't know when they grew up but all of a sudden.:noway: ...it happened. I have one more year of high school and then I am home alone; Awe who am I kidding, I almost look forward to it- so this year to sort of prepare myself- I actually began doing what I want to and not letting anyone get in my way- however i am still working on getting out of my own way-. I look forward to sharing with you ladies and learning from you as well. :happy:
  • Hi all! I am 50 years young. Taking care of myself for the first time in my life. I quite smoking 3 1/2 years ago, gained 20 pounds (was already about 80 pound overweight) and was diagnosed with Diabetes. 2 years ago, I joined a gym and began a year long plan to shed 100 pounds. 1 year later, had only lost 30 pounds but gained a lot of muscle. About 2 months ago, I signed up with a weight loss company that incorporates diet, exercise and lifestyle changes. I am throwing everything I have at this. I am working out about 8 times a week, moderately and am really watching my balance of food. I am appreciative to be invited in this group and have it be one of the many motivational tools in my fitness belt!

    Live in Galveston Texas and am an RN.

    Sharon
  • swat1948
    swat1948 Posts: 302 Member
    Hey everyone! I'm 64 years old but most of the time I don't feel that old. I am married with 4 grown children and 4 grandchildren. I live just south of the Tampa area. My middle daughter and my two grandsons live here with us. My husband is disabled, legally blind, well nearly completely blind now and crippled, due to complications from diabetes. I no longer work because he can't do much for himself anymore. I can leave him for a few hours as long as I plan for it and leave him food and the telephone in case he has a problem. I participate in the raising and care of my two grandsons. They used to be in daycare but since I was no longer working, I took over that part and am also available to care for my granddaughter when my oldest daughter has job related meetings or training or conferences, She is a kindergarten teacher at a local elementary school. My youngest daughter lives close to Nashville and her only son has autism. He just turned two in August. She is attempting to reverse the damage using diet and therapy. Unfortunately most of this is not covered by his health insurance and of course we help her as much as we can. Her partner works two jobs to help out, but they still never have enough for all that is needed for Landon. Landon is the baby in the picture and that picture was taken nearly a year ago. As you can see, I am all about my family, but when I reached 272 lbs I decided it was time to put a little time and effort into myself. I have had some moderate success as you can see but I have hyperthyroidism and my weight loss has been very slow, but I have hung in there logging 286 days as of today. Thanks for adding me to your group!
  • swat1948
    swat1948 Posts: 302 Member
    My name is Stephanie, usually known as Steph.
  • naticksdonna
    naticksdonna Posts: 190 Member
    Hi everyone! I joined mfp in October after losing 55 lbs. (finally!!) but just started logging on and tracking my foods. I am pretty much just trying to maintain til the New Year when I will hopefully start the downward slide again to another 25 - 30 lbs. depending on how my body reacts! I currently live in Massachusetts with my husband who is unemployed at this time. He's diligently trying to find a job (high tech industry is not great here anymore) so we shall see what the future holds. We recently sold our huge house as it's just the two of us now (2 sons, 2 daughters and almost 7 grandchildren) and have moved into a condo that we purchased years ago for his parents (both passed now). If need be, we'll stay put but would love to move to New Hampshire to be closer to our daughters, particularly our oldest who recently blessed us with our 2nd granddaughter and needs help with daycare. I'm rambling! Anyway, glad to be here!!
  • joanmarienana
    joanmarienana Posts: 69 Member
    HI ladies!
    I was so happy to be invited to this group! I see a couple of ladies from Mass here. I am in NH; and winters here are just the pits for me; the cold & especially the dark really put a damper on my outdoor activities, like gardening, biking, and walking my 3 retired racing greyhounds. Getting on 3 leashes, 3 coats and 12 little boots on those below freezing days is a struggle, but they would never let me miss their walks! I am 54, have 2 grown sons and this year each of them had their 1st child, one boy & one girl, so I am so motivated to drop this excess weight so I can be around to do lots of fun things with those precious grandbabies! I took early retirement from 22 years of teaching last year & now take care of my grandson. It is great to have time for myself now, and I am looking forward to trying out new healthy recipes and sharing the lifelong journey with supportive friends!
    I discovered this site the day after Thanksgiving and already feel better!
  • Hi,
    I'm in my early 50's. A single mom with a couple of kids, one teenager and one "tween." I'm a freelancer who works mostly from home (New York City style). This is my first time trying a kind of get-in-shape thing. Technically I am within my "ideal" weight, but I weigh 20 pounds more than I did 20 years ago (and apparently 20 pounds lighter is ALSO within my ideal weight), and while I don't expect to every be that again, losing 10 is my aim while building a lot of muscle and cardo stuff. (Since a whole lot of my "ideal" poundage is most likely fat stuff).

    Also, - menopause. Totally sucks - metabolism way slows down - and I need to head all that stuff off. I want to be able to move easily, be strong, and look damn good in case I run into any exboyfriends, which I probably shouldn't care about at my age, but I do.

    I wish all the young people on this site lots of luck, but I don't have a whole lot in common with those 20 and 30 year olds in terms of life-style and, frankly, metabolism. It's a whole other ball of wax in one's 50s.
  • Shirley61
    Shirley61 Posts: 7,758 Member
    Hi Ladies!!

    My name is Shirley and I am 63 years old and retired this year. Enjoying life now. Married with two grown
    daughters. I live in Ontario, Canada but I am an American Citizen. We live very close to the US border so
    shopping over there comes easy.
    I have been on MFP for two years in July and still enjoying it here and meeting and talking to new people.
    I have lost some weight here when I started but am stuck right now in the 180's and would like to get
    to the 150's for health reasons. I have all of the 3 health issues of BP, Cholesterol and Type 2 diabetes.
    I have the type 2 pretty much in check now with diet and exercise. I exercise 6 times a week with one day off.
    I have kept that regime for quite some time now. I am still struggling to get to my goal.
    Any suggestions would help. Please check my diary and friend me any time.

    Shirley
  • Marie31450
    Marie31450 Posts: 96 Member
    Hi there! I'm Marie, from R.I. , 62 years young! I'm divorced, no significant other, have two grown children and 4 beautiful grandchildren, and two cats! ! I recently retired from a sit all day with a headset on in a cubicle job that murdered my metabolism! I've struggled my whole adult life with trying to lose the same 30 to 40 lbs and never succeeded. I own just about every diet and exercise book written and have tried numerous diets like WW, nutrisystem, Atkins, south beach etc etc. when I look back I cringe at all the wasted time and dollars I've spent! I've come to realize that there's no magic formula or combination of foods that have you lose weight. It's a healthy lifestyle of choosing healthier foods in my diet , watching my calorie intake and moving more in the form of exercise!
    I came to join MFP because of my daughter who uses it faithfully! She's my inspiration! Lost her weight and maintains even after having her latest child , my little grandson , 4 months ago! I love this site and have made many wonderful supportive friends here and always could use more..so feel free to add me if you wish! We can take this weight loss journey together!
  • readthat
    readthat Posts: 136
    Hi All, I am 44 (almost 45) years old. I have two teenage kids. I finally got myself back to running and figured out even if I work out, I also have to watch calories. Through MFP I found out I had no clue the calories in some of the things I would eat. I can never eat at Meatheads again! lol So counting calories, running (started as a run/walk, but did my first 5K since high school on Thanksgiving day), some lifting and/or pushups... weight bearing type things, I have lost a total of 26 lbs, a few before MFP. I have about 4 lbs to go before my goal weight, then I will evaluate if I want to lose a little more. I foresee myself always logging and keeping on top of this, because I know if I don't I will back slide. So looking for support along the way!
  • t_elliot
    t_elliot Posts: 38 Member
    Hello. I am from Beautiful British Columbia. I am 46 and fighting the everlasting battle of eating healthy and staying in shape. I am married and have 2 adult sons and two wonderful future daughter in laws. I love to cook and I love to eat! My fantasy weight would be under 140 but my real life goal is under 150.
  • sandradev1
    sandradev1 Posts: 786 Member
    Hi thanks for inviting me to this group. My name is Sandra and I am 56 yrs old. I have been between 20 and 30lbs overweight all my adult life. Over the years I have tried attending a gym, keep fit classes of all kinds, Slimming World and just trying to eat healthy (without really knowing what foods were really healthy at the time).
    My husband was diagnosed with heart failure last year and can sometimes be quite ill. Six months ago I reaised that I had to give up my full time job to look after him as my own health was becoming an issue with high blood pressure, high cholestrol and stress. I attended 'Living with heart failure' classes with him and realised that I desperately needed to get my own health under control to enable me to care for him and also for my own future.
    As he is unable to do much or go far we live a very very sedentary life at home 99% of the time. My weight increased since giving up work and I was the heaviest I have ever been.
    I bought myself a tablet to use for fun to get me away from the work ethic of how I used my laptop and came across this site by accident at the app store. I started using it just for something to do if I am honest. Within a few weeks I could see results and I have been losing around 1 lb each week. For me the best thing about the site is also being able to see all the other nutrients i.e. salt and potassium which is important for my husband not to eat too much of for his condition.
    I now have all the time in the world to do this properly this time, I have to do this, this time. I have no excuses....my husbands health, my own health and I have time to prepare whole foods etc.
    I have two grown daughters and four grandchildren and we also have Ben our springer spaniel who gets me out of the house a few times a day (not for long as unfortunately he has hip displacia and we have to limit his exercise too!!!!)
    Hello to everybody and I look forward to chatting to you and knowing there is somewhere I can come for help on this if needed.. If possible I will also offer support to others if needed too.
  • cloh72
    cloh72 Posts: 38
    Hello, thank you for the invite to join this group. I am Cindy from NC and I am 57 years with a birthday coming at the end of the month. I don't work but spend my days going to my Mom's house and helping her, a few years ago she had a series of mini strokes and it has affected her speech and her memory. She can no longer drive or read and write. She lives in an apartment and is about 5 minutes away from me but I usually go there daily. I have involved her in Senior Aerobics and in going I now sub when our instructor is out. I also line dance and sub for that class when needed (same instructor as aerobics). I also do Senior Water aerobics and then Zumba some. So I stay pretty busy and am trying to lose this weight. I go out to eat almost every day and I know that isn't good for me but my Mom constantly puts me on a guilt trip about when I try not to go...so I will enjoy my time with my Mom as long as I am able to. She is 82. Surprised I am losing so hope to continue this journey.
  • barbiek999
    barbiek999 Posts: 176 Member
    Hello everyone! Thank you so much for inviting me into this group! What a wonderful collection of people!!!

    Name name is Barb and I just celebrated my 55th birthday 3 weeks ago and live in beautiful Victoria, B.C. (on Vancouver Island on the west coast of Canada). I am happily married with 2 sons, 24 and 21, who have both (recently) moved out. My husband and I are enjoying the empty nest :) I work full time at a desk job, but try to get up for at least a short stroll frequently (usually to the bathroom from drinking so much water and green tea ;) ). I have been on MFP since mid-August and love it! So many lovely people, so much inspriation and support, I'm finding it all really helps with my weight loss and fitness journey! I am pretty much at goal weight now (have lost 15 pounds and that's including adding some muscle, which I'm loving!) but figure I will continue to follow the net 1200 cal approach 'til the end of December and then re-assess. I enjoy working out (Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred and yoga classes) and once my physio therapist gives me the green light (back and neck issues) I plan to add weight lifting into my life:). I love gardening and if I ever can find the time, quilting:)

    So pleased to meet all of you lovely people!

    Sending good wishes. Cheers,
    Barb
  • MrsMaui27
    MrsMaui27 Posts: 63 Member
    Hey ladies, Hi! My name is Trina.Live in wash, State.53~years young.A awsome hubby.4 growen kids 2~boys & 2~girls All in there 30's. And 3~Grandchildren.:happy: I have always enjoyed exercise some are tossing wieghts around,Zumba,The love of laughter,Power~walking. Being healthy for me is a must cuz 19 years ago i was in a bad car accident and both leggs were broken.I now have bars in both leggs, plate in one ankle.I love being health and being my best.(LIFE IS GOOD) I enjoy being around healthy people of all age.

    SOooooooo I'm looking forward to talking with all you ladies,:flowerforyou:
  • sae1316
    sae1316 Posts: 70 Member
    HI, everyone! I'm Sara and I live in Florida. I'm 52 years old, married with 4 grown kids and 6 :happy: grandchildren.
    Last year I lost 26 pounds and have managed to gain about 15 of them back! Today I decided to get it back in gear and start tracking my exercise and calories again. When I signed in this morning, the first thing I saw was an invite to join this group! I'm excited about a new start and having some new friends to share it with.
  • MrsMaui27
    MrsMaui27 Posts: 63 Member
    HI, everyone! I'm Sara and I live in Florida. I'm 52 years old, married with 4 grown kids and 6 :happy: grandchildren.
    Last year I lost 26 pounds and have managed to gain about 15 of them back! Today I decided to get it back in gear and start tracking my exercise and calories again. When I signed in this morning, the first thing I saw was an invite to join this group! I'm excited about a new start and having some new friends to share it with.

    Good for you! :bigsmile:
  • Gwynniemom
    Gwynniemom Posts: 2 Member
    Hi All,

    This is my first day on MFP. I weighed in at 204 pounds. I have never been this heavy before. I need to change my lifestyle as well as my life.

    I am married to a wonderful man who makes me laugh like a fool. I have a beautiful 13 year-old daughter. And I am the primary caregiver for my 78 year-old mother-in-law.

    The past couple of years have been rough ones. My mother was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2009. She faught like a champ, but in the end the cancer won. She died in July of 2010. In January of 2011 I was laid off from my job of 5 years. I got a new job right away but was fired within 6 months. I was unemployed for 8 months after that and then worked part-time in a job I hated. I can see the rise in my weight tied to this time period. I was eating emotionally, not exercising, not being as active as I need to be. I was definitely having some depression and starting menopause.

    Last month I started a new, exciting job. It has really starrted to give me my confidence back. I feel like I am coming out of a fog now. Unfortunately, the clear sky has shined a light on my big body! I am hoping to eventually loose 50 pounds, but for now the goal is 35. I am hoping to get control of my metabolic rate along with my weight. Most of all I want to feel good and be a good example for my daughter!
  • Hi Ladies -

    I am Cheryl, and I have always been super healthy and active until my son was born 6-1/2 years ago. I gained a ton of weight during that pregnancy (80 lbs!) and while I have still exercised (I'm super active) I haven't gotten down to where I want to be - I would venture to guess due to white breads - which I am addicted to, and beer. I did lose 25lbs about a year ago but have held steady at 186-187. So it's time to make some serious changes. I am 41, am an artist and graphic designer married to a structural engineer. I also have an 11 year old daughter I want to be a good healthy role model for - that it's about feeling good and taking care of yourself. This summer we are planning on a dive trip to the BVI and I plan to put on a bathing suit and not feel embarrassed! That's my personal motivation - we live in AZ and it's HOT in the summer and I found myself this summer avoiding activities that would require me to put on a bathing suit. Not because anyone cares, but because I DO! As I get older I am finding things are..ahem... shifting and I would like to get them back where they belong. lol
  • monicas318
    monicas318 Posts: 6 Member
    Hi Everyone! I just joined MFP yesterday, after not liking the online Weight Watchers new points program. I am 47 with 3 kids - 2 in college and my baby is 13. I have a cute lil 22 pound shih-tzu who we just found out is mixed with llasa so he's really a llasa-shih. I live with my boyfriend who better be getting me a ring for Christmas :) ha ha. I am Sicilian and have fought my weight from the day I was born. I don't like exercise, in fact, I find every excuse to avoid it. If I could just go out dancing every night, then I'd be happy and exercising but the gym is not for me and running kills my bouncing boobs. I have a malfunctioning valve in my heart which doesn't stop me from doing anything but can sometimes make me short of breath and tired. I love Big Bang Theory and wish I had more nerdy friends than I do. I work as an authorization specialist for radiology for my local hospital and love my team of ladies I work with. That's me in a nutshell....Hopefully not too much info :)
  • I'm Jeanne, and I'm 46. The weight has been creeping up since my last child was born (13 years ago!), and now I need to lose 50 pounds! I'm tall, so I can hide it a little, but now it's time.

    I think I've tried everything, and the only way this can be different is if I get the support and community of other people who are dealing with hectic lives like me. I love to bike, hike and walk (thank goodness or this would be even harder). This group seems like a good fit, and I'm looking forward to getting to know you!
  • Hello to all! I'm Merritt and this is my second try at MFP. I live in Central Florida and have two kids (9 and 6). I work full time while my husband runs the pizzeria we own so between work stress, family stress, money stress and just plain stress...well...lots of pizzas have found their way on to my hips. I've tried WW in the past and was successful, but I wasn't thrilled with their new points program either. I'm going to really try and focus on using all of MFP to help me on my journey to lose weight and keep it off!
  • Cinflo58
    Cinflo58 Posts: 326 Member
    Hello Ladies. My name is Cindy and I live in the Bronx. I am a single mother of 2 kids ages 17 and 19. I have 2 dogs a pit bull and a rottweiller, 3 cats, a hedgehog and I am in the process of having a chicken coop built so I will have chickens soon. Since 1989 I gained 30 lbs and after I hit 50 I could not lose any weight. I am 54 y/o. I used to be a distance bicyclist but stopped after I had kids. When I hit menopause - my metabolism went in reverse. What helped me to finally change was watching Fat, Sick and Nearly dead. I went on a 3 day juice fast, which helped eliminate my cravings for sweets and carbs. I also stopped drinking coffee but I don't plan on avoiding it forever. Now I eat a healthy balanced diet with more homemade food and less convenience foods. I stopped eating fast food, fried foods foods and really limit sweets (can't give them up altogether) I started exercising for the first time in 10 years and I lost 20 lbs in about 10 months.
    For exercise I'm doing c25K and today I started Jillian Michaels body revolution. I could not do all the exercises, so I m wondering if I should redo day one (that's for another topic!)
    I am kinda OCD about MFP - I log everything and I bought myselft a fitbit which automatically logs walking and running and a scale that automatically logs my weight. I feel like such a techy.
    I am hopping to lose 8 more lbs and to maintain and get stronger.
    I walk like a lunatic and try to average 15,000 steps a day. But with winter here - i will have to ease up.
    I am happy to connect with ladies in my age group and look forward to making more "friends".
    Okay, i will shut up now!
  • KathrineRickerd
    KathrineRickerd Posts: 2 Member
    Hi ladies my name is kathrine and I just joined this group tonight. I'm from Dallas Texas and I have lost 17 pounds. Losing basically 1 pound a week since I started. my husband Roland has my goal is to loselost 25 pounds since he started. I'm 5 foot 8 and weigh 198 now. My goal is to lose 48 more pounds.:flowerforyou: I didn't realize people would be seeing this picture of me....I'm making a funny face.
  • KathrineRickerd
    KathrineRickerd Posts: 2 Member
    I didn't realize anyone would see this picture...I'm making a funny face in this pic....lol
  • New to the group:flowerforyou: