Age is no excuse.

Hanfordrose · January 2013

I will be 68 in about one week. I am NOT going to say that it is harder to lose weight at my age than when I was younger, because that would be an excuse to stay at my current size. It would be a lie.

I CAN'T run...work out at the gym...or even stand up, except for a few painful steps on a walker. I live in a wheelchair or desk chair. So...I should just give up...right? WRONG!!!

I have lost 20 pounds in 2 months with little to no exercise. How is this possible for this crippled, old lady who isn't doing cardio and kick boxing to lose weight?

The weight is coming off, because I don't play around with my food plan. I make a commitment to so many calories each day and stick to it. I also make a commitment to eat 3 meals per day of low calorie food and even snacks...not 1 healthy meal per day, so that I can still eat junk food for the rest of the day. That is that kind of thinking that got me to this weight in the first place.

I am an expert at eating 'politely' in front of others; and hiding out, while I eat my REAL FOOD later. Everyone would say, "Sue hardly eats anything, but she can't seem to lose weight. What a shame." The shame was that I couldn't even admit that I had a problem to these friends and family members, because I wasn't ready to make a commitment to do anything about my weight.

I didn't put on my weight, because I got older. I have always had a problem with food being more important than my life. Yes...my life, because I gave up so much for food. I was fat at 15...at 25...35...45...55...and 65! Sure, I went on diets a couple of times; but something would always happen. Any emotional problem was a good excuse to go for the comfort of junk food. The one thing that kept me from being a 'healthy weight' was my own love of junk food...and emotional eating.

I lost 99 pounds, when I was in my 30's. My youngest son got sick, and I held him in my arms at the hospital for days...thinking that he would die. When he got better, I found the vending machines at the hospital. I got right back on the junk food, and mommy was soon back in the 200's again.

Sorry, sisters and brothers of MFP...but here is the painful truth. No one will lose weight who isn't ready to make a REAL commitment to reducing their intake of food...especially high calorie food. No one will keep the weight off who will sacrifice that commitment, when any kind of mood change occurs. "My boyfriend/girlfriend said something or did something I didn't like...got to eat."..."I am bored and can't find anything to do...got to eat."..."It's raining today...so much for my food dairy...let's eat."..."My child almost died...where is the junk food?" and my favorite, "I am older, so I can't lose weight like these youngsters on MSP...I might just as well eat and stay fat."

Stop with the excuses. You can do anything, if you just want it ENOUGH. If I can do it from a wheelchair...if I can do it at age 68...if I can do it without going to the gym...you can do it too. I know you can.

I wouldn't (even if a could) jump on a treadmill or run for an hour just to burn enough calories, so I could eat a bag of french fries or have a coke. Yet...I look at so many MFP folks exercising with no other reason than to EAT MORE FOOD. The trick is to eat LESS, with or without exercise. Sure...get on the treadmill, if you can; but don't waste that workout just for the privilege of eating your favorite junk food. You are your own worst enemy, when you exercise just to eat badly.

By the way, I am not making this commitment so that I can get into a smaller size of clothing. I am doing it, so I can walk again. I CAN and WILL succeed. At 200 pounds, I will get new knees; and I will stand again...walk again...run again...and a lot more, because I am seriously committed to my food plan. After 200 pounds, I will set a new goal; and who knows what I will be able to do...maybe, get on a treadmill?

How about you? What your excuse...and don't say that it is your age?

janeite1990 · January 2013

You are great!

sunnyside1213 · January 2013

Good for you.

BigGuy47 · January 2013

Well said.

Stop with the excuses. Make a commitment.

I like the way you run right at it.

sassy_sparkles · January 2013

Thank you so much for this post! Your motivation and bravery inspire me.

I worked at a nursing home/rehab facility for several years. Some of the residents that broke my heart the most were the people in their 60s and 70s who ate themselves to morbid, disabling obesity and reaped all of the terrible consequences of their weight. They would talk about walking, driving, and dancing again, but never make any changes to their body; they didn't understand that you can't work towards walking again if you sit around eating cookies and goodies from your family. It didn't matter how much the dietician and nurses talked to them about their habits. These men and women simply refused to do what they needed to to do to be where they wanted to be. And as human beings, that was their right and prerogative.

I'm so excited to see you making the changes you need to make. It warms my heart to know that you are dreaming big dreams for yourself and aren't letting age or current ability stop you. You have some wonderful goals to look forward to reaching in the future! I'm adding you as a friend so I can watch your progress :-)

cecigirl27 · January 2013

great job !

mstduff · January 2013

I agree with you.

You will have your new knees in no time! Keep the attitude and keep up the good work!

Hanfordrose · January 2013

You are great!

No really...just 'fed up' with excuses...mostly my own.

CharlieOverby · January 2013

I will be 68 in about one week. I am NOT going to say that it is harder to lose weight at my age than when I was younger, because that would be an excuse to stay at my current size. It would be a lie.

I CAN'T run...work out at the gym...or even stand up, except for a few painful steps on a walker. I live in a wheelchair or desk chair. So...I should just give up...right? WRONG!!!

I have lost 20 pounds in 2 months with little to no exercise. How is this possible for this crippled, old lady who isn't doing cardio and kick boxing to lose weight?

The weight is coming off, because I don't play around with my food plan. I make a commitment to so many calories each day and stick to it. I also make a commitment to eat 3 meals per day of low calorie food and even snacks...not 1 healthy meal per day, so that I can still eat junk food for the rest of the day. That is that kind of thinking that got me to this weight in the first place.

I am an expert at eating 'politely' in front of others; and hiding out, while I eat my REAL FOOD later. Everyone would say, "Sue hardly eats anything, but she can't seem to lose weight. What a shame." The shame was that I couldn't even admit that I had a problem to these friends and family members, because I wasn't ready to make a commitment to do anything about my weight.

I didn't put on my weight, because I got older. I have always had a problem with food being more important than my life. Yes...my life, because I gave up so much for food. I was fat at 15...at 25...35...45...55...and 65! Sure, I went on diets a couple of times; but something would always happen. Any emotional problem was a good excuse to go for the comfort of junk food. The one thing that kept me from being a 'healthy weight' was my own love of junk food...and emotional eating.

I lost 99 pounds, when I was in my 30's. My youngest son got sick, and I held him in my arms at the hospital for days...thinking that he would die. When he got better, I found the vending machines at the hospital. I got right back on the junk food, and mommy was soon back in the 200's again.

Sorry, sisters and brothers of MFP...but here is the painful truth. No one will lose weight who isn't ready to make a REAL commitment to reducing their intake of food...especially high calorie food. No one will keep the weight off who will sacrifice that commitment, when any kind of mood change occurs. "My boyfriend/girlfriend said something or did something I didn't like...got to eat."..."I am bored and can't find anything to do...got to eat."..."It's raining today...so much for my food dairy...let's eat."..."My child almost died...where is the junk food?" and my favorite, "I am older, so I can't lose weight like these youngsters on MSP...I might just as well eat and stay fat."

Stop with the excuses. You can do anything, if you just want it ENOUGH. If I can do it from a wheelchair...if I can do it at age 68...if I can do it without going to the gym...you can do it too. I know you can.

I wouldn't (even if a could) jump on a treadmill or run for an hour just to burn enough calories, so I could eat a bag of french fries or have a coke. Yet...I look at so many MFP folks exercising with no other reason than to EAT MORE FOOD. The trick is to eat LESS, with or without exercise. Sure...get on the treadmill, if you can; but don't waste that workout just for the privilege of eating your favorite junk food. You are your own worst enemy, when you exercise just to eat badly.

By the way, I am not making this commitment so that I can get into a smaller size of clothing. I am doing it, so I can walk again. I CAN and WILL succeed. At 200 pounds, I will get new knees; and I will stand again...walk again...run again...and a lot more, because I am seriously committed to my food plan. After 200 pounds, I will set a new goal; and who knows what I will be able to do...maybe, get on a treadmill?

How about you? What your excuse...and don't say that it is your age?

MyChocolateDiet · January 2013

Age is my excuse and so is womanhood. If, before I reach goal, I run into my ex who I know got fat thanks to FB. I will say "wow, I had a kid, 3 surgeries and am 7 years older than you....what's your excuse?"

That's my fantasy involving my ex.

CharlieOverby · January 2013

I am 70 years old and had both knees replaced. You are right about watching your intake and loosing weight. I still hold enough calories during the day so that I can have a few drinks at night.

Hanfordrose · January 2013

great job !

I still have a long way to go. I need friends like you to keep me on track. There will be day, when I may slip back into my old way of thinking...try to make excuses for myself. It will be 'true friends' who can remind me that I can do it.

I may be the cheerleader today; but I may need a cheerleader to motivate me, when I get discouraged. Satan has a way of sneaking up on me and telling me that I can't or don't deserve better. Just a heads up, I am a Christian and a pastor's wife. My hubbie and my God give me strength; but you my friends, who know what it is like to be fat, are my inspiration. I figure that we are all in this together.

erickita89 · January 2013

thanks for posting this. i feel so inspired now !!!!

I was thinking about not going to the gym because its snowing a bit... but now i will go

no excuse!

jynxxxed · January 2013

I wouldn't (even if a could) jump on a treadmill or run for an hour just to burn enough calories, so I could eat a bag of french fries or have a coke. Yet...I look at so many MFP folks exercising with no other reason than to EAT MORE FOOD. The trick is to eat LESS, with or without exercise. Sure...get on the treadmill, if you can; but don't waste that workout just for the privilege of eating your favorite junk food. You are your own worst enemy, when you exercise just to eat badly.

Great post and all, but there's nothing wrong with doing this. Nobody needs to be perfect for success and people should not be discouraged from working out. If it gets them moving to have a small treat after they EARN it, it doesn't really matter.

disasterman · January 2013

badass (bad · *kitten*) n., pl -es 1. Someone who lives life free of any excuses they could make, no matter how legitimate those excuses may appear to be. 2. A person who doesn't say "I can't" even if everyone else is saying it. 3. A person who defines him- or herself by accomplishments, not limitations. 4. A person who realizes that there is always another way, and that almost nothing is impossible.

[from: thebadassproject.com]

Hanfordrose · January 2013

Age is my excuse and so is womanhood. If, before I reach goal, I run into my ex who I know got fat thanks to FB. I will say "wow, I had a kid, 3 surgeries and am 7 years older than you....what's your excuse?"

That's my fantasy involving my ex.

I have an exhusband of 22 tortured years, who I hated for 30 years. Yep, I hated him even during our marriage. I wasn't until I became a Christian that I realized that 'the weight' of that hatred was a burden on me...not on himself. On the day that I let that anger go, I feel lighter. Now, all I can do is pity him. His life is more miserable that I would have wished on him, and he put it on him.

What will do you the most good is to change you fantasy. Think of him approaching you and saying, "You look great." Then, you say, "Thanks. So do you." Then, you walk away, while he realizes that he lost the best thing that he ever had.

yoovie · January 2013

excuses arent sexy.

Hanfordrose · January 2013

thanks for posting this. i feel so inspired now !!!! I was thinking about not going to the gym because its snowing a bit... but now i will go no excuse!

Thank you, Sis. This post served a good purpose...if just for you.

Have a good day at the gym. Do something sweaty and say this is for Sue. :happy:

trackercasey76 · January 2013

I watched a 73 year old man get hit black belt in taekwondo on Saturday. Age is only a number.

Hanfordrose · January 2013

You are your own worst enemy, when you exercise just to eat badly.

Great post and all, but there's nothing wrong with doing this. Nobody needs to be perfect for success and people should not be discouraged from working out. If it gets them moving to have a small treat after they EARN it, it doesn't really matter.

Read the last line again, Sis. I am referring to the act of exercising just for an excuse to eat 'badly'. I know that a good workout needs some fuel, but working out...just to eat more calories is pointless...an excuse for going nowhere.

Juliejustsaying · January 2013

u!! keep at it! you're killing it.

jynxxxed · January 2013

You are your own worst enemy, when you exercise just to eat badly.

Great post and all, but there's nothing wrong with doing this. Nobody needs to be perfect for success and people should not be discouraged from working out. If it gets them moving to have a small treat after they EARN it, it doesn't really matter.

Read the last line again, Sis. I am referring to the act of exercising just for an excuse to eat 'badly'. I know that a good workout needs some fuel, but working out...just to eat more calories is pointless...an excuse for going nowhere.

Working out to eat additional calories is how MFP works. People who are already eating at a deficit can absolutely eat back their exercise calories, as it could potentially put them further into an 'unsafe' deficit.

AllergicToExercise · January 2013

Very inspirational and very true - thank you!

andersonjo0306 · January 2013

You are an incredible lady, on an incredible journey. I am sure you will reach your goal and you will stand again. You are very determined and you understand what you need to do.

darrensurrey · January 2013

Aye!

Hanfordrose · January 2013

bada** (bad · a**) n., pl -es 1. Someone who lives life free of any excuses they could make, no matter how legitimate those excuses may appear to be. 2. A person who doesn't say "I can't" even if everyone else is saying it. 3. A person who defines him- or herself by accomplishments, not limitations. 4. A person who realizes that there is always another way, and that almost nothing is impossible.

[from: thebadas**project.com]

Thanks, Disasterman.

I am actually overcoming some of my own excuses for a lack of exercise. Since coming to MFP, I am now working out at home to Sit and Fit DVDs to help with my upper body, especially my fat arms and spare tire.

My doctor and my surgeon have both insisted that I not work out my legs...at this time. I have multiple problems with both of my knees and ankles due to severe, degenerative arthritis in the knees, tendonitis from repeated abuse of my knees and 3 ankle fractures related to several bad falls. They want me sitting...not standing and walking for a while. I think that they are afraid that I will do some permanent damage. With 20 pounds gone, I am already noticing less pain when using my walker. That's kind of what has my doctor worried.

I tend to push myself to do things...that might not always be safe with my knees. So, I had to promise to be good and only work the upper body. Later...with new knees...I will gain some freedom. :happy:

August_1958 · January 2013

That is what it all boils down to... excuses.
I have told myself I don't want to start an exercise at my age, that I can't keep up for a long time. So what happens? Nothing.
I don't exercise.
You are right.... we can all have an excuse for not sticking with a commitment.

I also had an ex. One who never "tortured" me or abused or left me for another. He was never there. When he was physically there, he wasn't emotionally or mentally there. For 22 years, I never heard I was pretty. I was never told I looked nice. So for 22 years, I never felt good enough, never felt attractive. After my children was born, my weight slowly crept up and now I need to lose at least 60 pounds. I know it isn't hundreds, but still enough extra weight to keep me surrendered to failure and ugliness.

Your story has hit a "good" nerve with me... thanks for sharing your inner thoughts and motivating US to stop making excuses and JUST DO IT!!

:flowerforyou:

Hanfordrose · January 2013

I loved your wonderful photos, especially Granny on the weights. You made me laugh. :laugh:

Hanfordrose · January 2013

Oh, Sis. More than anyone here, I can relate to you immediately.

That is what it all boils down to... excuses.
I have told myself I don't want to start an exercise at my age, that I can't keep up for a long time. So what happens? Nothing.
I don't exercise.
You are right.... we can all have an excuse for not sticking with a commitment.

It doesn't have to be at a gym. It doesn't even have to be something sweaty. You can start with something gentle in the beginning. That is what I just learn with my new DVDs. You might want to do some senior citizen exercises in the beginning that teach you how to stretch and work out with less weight.

30 minutes per day for even 3 or 4 days per week is not hard. Then, you will find that you are able to do some of these simple exercises, while watching TV or during a few 'founds moments' in the day.

The trick is to just TRY IT. Exercise is like broccoli. Some folks love it...some don't, and some just need to try it first. Exercise is an acquired taste. :happy:

I also had an ex. One who never "tortured" me or abused or left me for another. He was never there. When he was physically there, he wasn't emotionally or mentally there. For 22 years, I never heard I was pretty. I was never told I looked nice. So for 22 years, I never felt good enough, never felt attractive.

22 years...yep...a life time without really feeling loved. My ex had no trouble making me feel ugly, worthless and unloveable. Both of those men never realized what they had.

I am blessed to now have the greatest hubbie in the world...the love of my life. He thinks that I am the most beautiful woman on the planet. Remind me to never let him see an optometrist. Glasses could ruin my marriage. :laugh:

After my children was born, my weight slowly crept up and now I need to lose at least 60 pounds. I know it isn't hundreds, but still enough extra weight to keep me surrendered to failure and ugliness.

Your story has hit a "good" nerve with me... thanks for sharing your inner thoughts and motivating US to stop making excuses and JUST DO IT!!

:flowerforyou:

Sis, I started at 270 with instructions from my surgeon to lose 70 pounds or no surgery. That 70 pounds won't put me at what folks call an 'acceptable weight' for a 5' 4" woman. It is just one of my goals. I have mini goals along the way. They help me to swallow the idea of that BIG NUMBER.

Don't let that big number (60 pounds) scare you. Set a mini goal of 20 or even 10. Remember a weight that you were 5 or 10 years ago and make that a mini goal. Tuesday, I weigh in again. I want to be in the 240's, some place that I haven't been in 15 years. That is a mini goal. 235 will put me to the half way point for new knees. That is a mini goal. See how it works.

Pick a mini goal for yourself today. Aim for that first, and the 60 pounds will follow later. You can do it, Sis. Look at me. 20 pounds since Thanksgiving! I only had to be willing to make a commitment.

If you are a Christian lady, ask God to make you willing. He is with you and will support you in your commitment.

By the way, become my friend on MFP. I think that you and I were meant to be MFP sisters.

August_1958 · January 2013

I am a Christian lady. I might add, that I too, was sent the love of my life, that adores me and worships the ground I walk on. I still find it hard to believe him, with his loads of compliments, but I am trying!!
I would LOVE to be your MFP friend!

Hanfordrose · January 2013

I am a Christian lady. I might add, that I too, was sent the love of my life, that adores me and worships the ground I walk on. I still find it hard to believe him, with his loads of compliments, but I am trying!!
I would LOVE to be your MFP friend!

Somehow...I just knew it. We have a whole lot in common. I also find it hard to accept compliments. 22 years of abuse...that's what we both had. It makes you feel unworthy and ugly. Now, we have hubbies that love us, like God loves us. They have that 'agape love' that is more than we could ever imagine... or feel that we deserve. About all that we can do is love 'em back and thank God for His gift of real loving men in our lives.

Age is no excuse.

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