Women 45-50 with 20 lbs or less to lose

I'm 55 and started about 3 years ago at 140 lbs. I wanted to get back to my "good" weight of 115 and I'm 5'2". My BMR is about 1100 so I ate about 1200 calories a day, not restricting any foods or macros, just trying to eat with the most bang for my buck because the calories are so low. It worked for a bit and I lost about 15 lbs but the last 5 were stubborn. I took up running even though I had never done it before and the cardio got those last 10 lbs off.

I've never eaten back exercise calories and I now maintain on about 1400 to 1500 calories a day. It sucks to be old and small!

Well, I am a little older. 67 - but active - very active. I have never really been extremely overweight either, but could always stand to lose 10-20 lbs. - But always felt - well i am not that heavy! But - really always wanted to be thinner and look better.

I have been active all my adult life. Tennis and cycling. Was in Senior Olympics 8 years ago in cycling time trials and lost about 12 lbs. before going to Nationals. Since then i have gradually put it back on and then a few more. Side lined from tennis last October with an torn ankle tendon, i decided to get back into cycling this past March or April. Then in May - started MFP at 159.4. Yesterday hit my first mini goal of 139 ! Happy day! My original goal was 130 - which i haven't seen for probably 40 years, but now i am considering a lower goal. I can do it!

What i have done so far ~ Daily calories are set at 1200. I have almost always eaten 1200 and up to 1700, but usually around 1400-1500. But i do exercise. Having gotten back into cycling really helps. I now ride 20-30 miles almost everyday which will give me 800-1100 calories. I also have taken up gardening - which i have never been into before. I will spend an hour or more about 3-4 days a week weeding, cutting hedges. I also can hit a little tennis - so that comes in once or twice a week.
I have cut out almost all bread, butter, and definitely no ice cream is in the house. (my weakness) I have discovered smoothies which i love and I am eating healthier with more organic food. I also save room for a treat each day - or two if i have exercised a lot, so i am not feeling deprived. I am sure i could fit icecream in - but its not needed. I plan to get into weight training soon also.

Its been 3 1/2 months so its not a quick fix - so hoping it will be something that sticks. I haven't been this committed - Ever! MFP has helped immensely. Something about knowing i have to write down everything i eat - i think first - is it worthy? My son actually gave me the kickoff. He said to me back in early May - "Mom - there is no reason why you can't be back to the weight you were, when you were younger". Duh - i never thought about it like that. And he told me about this site. I got on and started the next day!

I post occasionnally - like this time, but i don't do friends. I like reading what everyone says, but i am not a facebook type of person.
So whatever this is worth - i hope it motivates you - as so many on here have motivated me just by reading their stories.

Bump...

If you don't mind me asking..where and how did you get your metabolism tested. I have hypothyroidism and would love to know my exact numbers!!