Any women over 45 out there trying to lose weight?

New to the site -- wondering if there are any other women out there over 45 who are trying for the first time to lose weight and really change their attitude about exercise? I'm doing strength training and running and it is soooo hard. Anyone out there start off 40 years plus needing to lose 40 lbs? I'd love to hear from you and how you did it!

Replies

vwgirl64

Hi! I am over 45 (a young ALMOST 50) and have lost close to 35 pounds. Love myfitnesspal! Please add me if you like.... vwgirl64

Thanks!

phyllisbobbitt

:flowerforyou: I am 60 now & have lost 135 pounds! I am sending you a friend request, because I think we can support & encourage each other! I joined a fitness club & go to water aerobics class with other ladies over 45! that has helped me so much!

eso2012

I started when I was 42/43 without a specific weight loss goal. Just needed to "do something". Now I have lost 22+ pounds, became a workout bunny in my 40s, give advice to friends, and...realistically..still face new challenges but way better to fall, get back up, and move forward.

What works for me
(1) Find an exercise that I like - for me, Pilates changed my life. Then I moved on to try something else..and more...and more....In my early 20s and 30s, I did the same old gym routine, with little results. And I did not enjoy it at all. Now, I am forever looking for new things to try, because my body is so used to moving

My latest exploration is dance workout.

(2) MFP logging. I started with 1200 cals a day. My main problem was a huge appetite. That really helped me understand how many calories I consume...over time, I can estimate without food labels. BUT, that is not a sustainable number and gradually I upped it to 1300 or 1500. For a while, I REALLY tracked down to the last digit. Now at maintenance, I need a mental break. Basically, if I move, I can eat more. I rather do that than to limit myself. Food should be something to enjoy!

(3) Learn how to get back on the wagon. Seriously, the most important thing ever. My progress was linear....it was sooo smooth....then wham, set back here and there. I was freaking out. Talking with friends etc, I began to see how it is a life time journey, and without my new knowledge re eating and new love for exercise, I find that it gets easier and easier to deal with setbacks.

I hope this helps!

SherryTeach

I'm 59. I'm no longer trying to lose weight because I met my goal over a year ago and have been maintaining since. Age does not gave to get in your way.

law1558

I am 47...started to make serious changes to my approach to fitness and diet right after my 46th birthday. IT CAN BE DONE! I've lost 36 lbs and I'm probably in the best shape I've ever been in - and honestly, with MFP and consistently working out, it hasn't been that hard.

Feel free to add me if you'd like - I'm not at my goal weight yet (but I'm close)....

pcsg1008

I will be turning 45 this year. I have lost over 25 pounds and looking for another 15-20, feel free to add me as your friend. I also post my exercise under the notes. If you have a fitbit feel free to add me as a friend there too www.fitbit.com/user/22Z4WV.

raindawg

Ok so I'm a man but I can relate to this topic and to the journey you are embarking on. After a sedentary adulthood with bad eating habits I turned things around starting 5 years ago at the age of 42. I've lost 40 pounds and now at 47 I am in better shape, have more energy, and a much higher feeling of well being that I ever had in my 30's. Good luck in your journey and you will find it is well worth the initial sacrifice. Here's how I found the journey.

The first four months were grueling. Exercise was a grind, not enjoyable, hard, really had to trudge through to get through it. Had to really force myself to get up off the couch three times a week and do it. But I started with easier workouts and slowly built up over time. I didn't try to be too gung ho to early, but kept at it steadily and built consistent routine. Don't let excuses keep you from getting in your workout, ie there will always be reasons not to do it today, etc. After the four month mark things started to change. I was settled into the routine and it got much easier. By the time I hit eight months I had lots of energy, looked forward to the workouts, and had completely flip flopped, ie, I couldn't imagine "not" working out. Good Luck!

MaryCampanella

I'm new too! This vortex has my eating out of control and I'm barely maintaining my weight let alone losing. Age brings many challenges!

cassylee

Hi,
I am almost 45 years. I have tried MFP a few times. I have tried all kinds of weight lost programs and I have been going to gym since I was 18. However, recently I have been trying a 12 weeks body transformation. 1200 cal (300 cal for breakfast, lunch and Dinner. Plus 100 cal for morning tea, afternoon tea and dessert) I think what is different about this plan is ME and MY FAMILY
1) I have a completely different attitude. Before I wanted to loose weight but I still had personal demons that I struggled with and I could not keep to the program. and
2) I am enjoying Combat and Pump classes now. and
3) My boys are teenagers now and are more into healthy eating. So, I am no longer fighting them and my husband as well as me because all of us have a sweet tooth.

I am Australian. My goal is to get below 70 Kilos. (which is about 155 pounds or less).

Any one can add me if they want to be friends.

dconn3114

Made it through my first week on MFP. Wow, that was the longest week ever. Sore from working out - logging in every day. I thought of all of us out there busting our chops and it motivated me. Hope you all had a great week -- anyone doing anything cool that's helping them?

I am drinking this Spark drink and it's helping me give up my diet coke. And I love diet coke. Tall glass with ice and a wedge of lime in the summer time. The problem is between coffee and diet coke I wasn't drinking any water so my goal (mini goal) this first week was to drink water and I made it. The one I am drinking is pink lemonade.

lindashelby12

I am
new to this site too. Been overweight all my life. May I ask what diet your dr. Recommended
. Thank you

dconn3114

It's not any one diet -- lean proteins, veggies, fruit -- stay away from refined processed foods -- track calories etc. and work out consistently.

hard but we can do this!!!!

nancybuss

Great job!!!!! Week one is NEVER easy!

You did it!

Kimberlaw01

Yup! 45 and need to lose 200 pounds....yikes!

karinfriday1

I am 51 and really need to lose 40 pounds. I just haven't had the motivation. I turn 52 in November and I would really like to have lost the weight by then but I just don't know if I can! I will try MFP and this community to encourage me!

SpinnyBoss

oh boy... here goes. I not sure I can do this. I have NEVER ever replied, or been on a 'blog' or whatever, but I need to lose some weight. I too am over 45- at 48 y/o right now. Need to lose a bunch of weight, but will focus on only 20 right now. I am trying to embrace this 'fitnesspal', but heck I can't even figure out how to make a list of "MY FOODS'... grrrrrrrrrr So, if someone can help me with that step, I would really appreciate it. I would like to put in the foods I have in the house- so that it's easy to start.

dconn3114

Thanks for all the replies! I tried to friend you all -- if I didn't and you want to, friend me! I'm really encouraged that there are so many of us trying to make the changes at this point in time. Have a great weekend!

robinsgirl410

I will be 55 in April and trying to lose weight seriously for the first time ever. Have always been on the bigger side of weight charts but now realizing my knees/feet/heart are not happy with me. Just started today. good luck to you. I would like to lose about 70 lbs to get back to pre-baby weight of 24 years ago but will take what I can get.

robinsgirl410

My friend who is also turning 55 lost 100 lbs about 2 yrs ago- took her about a year and a half. She has regained a bit (20-30) but she is still smaller than she was in high school so it IS possible. Keep going a little at a time, know your triggers and love yourself.

lpalmerw

HI,
I am 56 years old going through menopause , my body has changed so much, although I am a thick woman, I always had
curves they are gone. I have been trying to lose weight forever I join a gym this week, started working out. My problem is
portion control, and being stocked in home with the right foods. I have to get my mind right. Cheers to all of you , who are
on the right track.

trimwan2B

Turning 48 on Feb. 24th. Just started seeing a Doctor for weight loss, but still using MFP for logging.

healthywtb

You can add me. I am 54 and have 10 pounds to go ... which I have been working on for a loooong time.

iclaudia_g

I'm 43 and started this weight loss effort Feb 2013. I have lost 40 lbs on MFP and had already lost 10 before joining so I have lost about 50. You can do it.

mamma_nee

I am 52, feel free to add me

Time2LoseWeightNOW

Hi, I'm 53 ....young at heart, but my weight makes me feel so much older...it is hard at any age.....but the main thing I try to do is to 'not give up' ,no matter what the scales show!! and not to give the scale too much control over how I feel.. Anyone , Feel free to add me.

lpalmerw

Thanks for the motivation , I just join a gym, already doing the cardio and will add the strength training in.

dcm19661

I'm 47. My goal is to lose 40 pounds and keep it off. I am limited in my exercise so it will be difficult but I will do my best to succeed!

blunderball

I'm 55 and in the process of releasing 60 pounds. It's a little more difficult than it was when I was younger, but I feel now I have allot more at stake. I had a knee injury and was using a cane to get around. The extra weight made it really hard for my knee to heal. If I feel like quitting, I look at that cane. That straightens me right up.

For me, the most important lesson has been to accept set backs, and just keep going. That and weigh your food. I can't stress that enough.

Every night before you go to sleep, visualize how you are going to look and feel when you drop the weight and are exercising and eating healthy.

Karabobarra

turned 46 in January. ...

XXbrendaXX

I am 44, and began this lifestyle change a year and a half ago. It can be done, no matter what your age!! Good luck to everyone, you can make it happen!! :happy: