Finally Introducing Myself -- Looking for Friends

Eat Enough of the Right Foods/Lift Weights/Take a Long Term View

Hi everyone,

I have been here logging my food and reading since mid-January (started losing weight on January 1) and I am finally getting up the courage to introduce myself LOL

I am 49, and I was always pretty much a normal weight until the last 9 years. That was when my drinking caught up with me, I got fibromyalgia, got sober, and life changed completely. For 8 years, other things were more important than my weight. I would try to lose weight, but I just didn't have all the tools to lose without aggravating my FM, or other things that were truly more important would get in the way. When I came here last month I was surprised to learn that I already had an account -- must've been one of my very short-lived weight loss attempts *grin*

Anyways, this time I have everything that I need to do it. By 'IT" I mean losing 75 pounds of fat -- while keeping every ounce of my current lean body mass.

I know it's going to take over a year, probably closer to a year and a half, and maybe more if I lose focus. That's fine. I have a long-haul attitude. I know how to plan ahead. We're taking a two week camping trip on our motorcycles in June and I am already planning how to stay on track then.

I know how to eat now -- I've been hitting my calories and my macros consistently. I know how to log every day no matter what. I'm getting to where my cooking is more automatic. I strongly believe in eating enough protein and fats mainly from nutrient dense foods. I'm not preaching to anyone else but I personally do not eat sweeteners or processed flours because I feel better mentally, emotionally and physically when I don't. On the other hand, I had a bacon cheeseburger yesterday and still hit my calories :bigsmile:

I'm an experienced weightlifter. There was a time (long ago now) when I was fairly serious about bodybuilding. So I prefer to lift weights over cardio. My FM and some old injuries hold me back a bit, though. My gym routine isn't set in stone yet, because my knee wants to have two rest days in between uses. But I love the gym and I know that I will work it out how to best do what I need to do to preserve my muscles.

I am open to help on a routine that accommodates my knee. I have not followed someone else's plan for a long time, I've just been doing my own thing. I am open to something new now. Drop me a note if you have some suggestions.

I'm not much into the forum threads that I have read so far. There's a lot of lunacy out there. I don't think this deal has to be complicated, and I think different things work for different people. I'm not really into wading into the debates. I'm not really into telling you what you should do. But I do want to hang out with people who generally agree with me on the big points.

I AM here to suit up, show up, do my thing, and support people who are doing the same. I log on every day and will support you in your goals. So if you are of a like mind, I would love to be friends.

Thanks for reading!

Elaine in Colorado