Fifty plus (or so) support group

aroar2014 wrote: »

New to MFP. I am 53 and have been struggling to do this on my own. Feeling like I need a group to keep my motivation going. Looks like this is a friendly spot to land.

Welcome to the group :-)

I forgot to mention a wonderful success this past week. I had to buy a belt the next size smaller. When I started this journey on 12/27/14, I was having an argument with my slacks (38" waist) as to how much they really wanted to stretch for me to continue wearing them before moving to a 40" waist. Well, during this journey I have set all those slacks aside (ready for the local clothes closet) in favor of 36" waist slacks. While buying the belt I thought I would see how close I am to buying a complete new set of 34" waist slacks. If my calculations are correct, that should take place in about mid May. A year or 2 ago my wife made a buying mistake and inadvertently bought me a size Large golf shirt vs. the XL I have worn for years. I wore it yesterday and it fit just fine. I'm really beginning to like this thinner me.

Good job, Mick!! And Stan (making assumptions on names here!) -- let us know when you try on "other" pants -- your pals here will be happy to clap and whistle for you!! wink:

Mick1127 wrote: »

Thanks for the kudos; but..................

I just had a really rude awakening. As I mentioned to my wife just a little while ago, suicide by drowning might be in my future. OMG!!! My Medicare advantage plan offers a free "Silver Sneakers" membership. In my case, the closest facility to use it at is about 10 miles away. I have an exercise cycle in our spare bedroom; but, it only works the legs. I want to do a bit of toning on my upper body so I thought swimming laps would be a great, low impact way to gain some upper body strength, gain some flexibility for the golf course, and be a wonderful cardio exercise as well. At age 69 what I had forgotten is the fact it's probably been at least 35 - 40 years since I have actually swum a lap. Sure, I've been in a pool and at the beach in those years (although not often). But, those ventures involve standing and playing in the water vs. actually swimming for swimming's sake. Today's trip to the pool involved swimming a lap, resting, swimming a lap, resting, etc. My immediate goal is to swim 2 consecutive laps without feeling as though the devil, himself, is trying to yank my lungs out of my chest. I think a good long term goal might be to swim 10 consecutive laps and then be able to actually stand on solid ground afterwards without collapsing. This is going to be an adventure. I hope to get to the pool 3 or 4 times a week.

Congrats, on all the accomplishments. Even the swimming . And BTW, I "golfed" a 5 under in Wii golf . Does that count? Lol

This looks like a great support group! I really need help! Every week I get motivated to eat better and to exercise and by mid week I'm done. I'm tired of never sticking to a program. I love to cook and I am always trying new healthy recipes, but then on days that I am too tired to think after work, I just want to pick up fast food and veg out in front of the TV. The next day I am disgusted with myself. I also love to drink wine and that lowers my resolve in the evenings even if I did good all day. What I really would like is a support group of people to chat with... maybe I can circumvent the over eating at night. And would really love to find someone who lives in the Oceanside CA area that wants to be my work out buddy at LA Fitness or walk at the beach. I do better when I am accountable to someone else. I'm open to all ideas-- thanks for your time.

@Triciavetter Start with one thing. Work on that until you get it down, then work on the next thing. Don't try to do everything at once.

I've probably already shared most of this, but anyway, here's my story:

A few years ago, I strained my back doing something that I'd done a hundred times before without issues. When I went to the doctor, I weighed in at 201 and my bp was high. The doctor looked me in the eyes and said, "You are borderline morbidly obese. Things like this will continue to happen until you lose some weight."

I found mfp and dove in. I started with logging everything I ate, the good, the bad, the ugly, everything. This led to me learning how much I was actually eating before and what a portion really looked like. I found lower calorie alternatives for foods I love (Fiber One 90 calorie brownies, for example.) I don't deprive myself of anything. I drink wine or beer regularly and hardly a day goes by that I don't have chocolate of some kind. (I usually make it fit in my calories but not always.) I allow myself a higher calorie day at least once a week. I learned to not eat the entire meal when we go out to eat. (I almost always get a to go box immediately and save some for later.)

I started walking and riding a bicycle. (Find something you enjoy doing and do it.) As I became more comfortable with walking (and hit a plateau), I added running (Couch to 5k). It took me about 18 months to get to my goal weight (over 65 lbs lost) and I've kept it off for almost that long. I like running and LOVE riding my bicycle. Being short and older, there isn't much wiggle room in the maintenance calories. I exercise more, so I can eat more.

If I did this, you can too!

Mick1127 wrote: »

Thanks for the kudos; but..................

I just had a really rude awakening. As I mentioned to my wife just a little while ago, suicide by drowning might be in my future. OMG!!! My Medicare advantage plan offers a free "Silver Sneakers" membership. In my case, the closest facility to use it at is about 10 miles away. I have an exercise cycle in our spare bedroom; but, it only works the legs. I want to do a bit of toning on my upper body so I thought swimming laps would be a great, low impact way to gain some upper body strength, gain some flexibility for the golf course, and be a wonderful cardio exercise as well. At age 69 what I had forgotten is the fact it's probably been at least 35 - 40 years since I have actually swum a lap. Sure, I've been in a pool and at the beach in those years (although not often). But, those ventures involve standing and playing in the water vs. actually swimming for swimming's sake. Today's trip to the pool involved swimming a lap, resting, swimming a lap, resting, etc. My immediate goal is to swim 2 consecutive laps without feeling as though the devil, himself, is trying to yank my lungs out of my chest. I think a good long term goal might be to swim 10 consecutive laps and then be able to actually stand on solid ground afterwards without collapsing. This is going to be an adventure. I hope to get to the pool 3 or 4 times a week.

I too recently started swimming, @Mick1127. It's been over 30 years since I did any pool workouts and it took a good half dozen visits to the pool to start tying laps together. I think getting the breathing back under control is the hardest part and takes some practice. I'm not at ten consecutive laps yet, but getting there. Goal is to be able to swim a mile non-stop. That's 1760 yards, or just over 70 laps.

I always try to get in a lane nearest the lifeguard. Although they may have difficulty figuring out whether I'm in death throes or just doing my usual drowning rhino stroke.

Feels great afterward, though, and it's a heckuva calorie burn.

MommyL, Sherri and Tricia , welcome ! Jump right in and start posting. I'm on here a lot . Others post often also. Glad to have you in the group.

I'm "off" on my workouts, as I had a sinus infection, then went out of town for several days to see family. I'm tired from a long day at work, and want to get to bed early, so I was just thinking "I'll get back to my routine tomorrow" -- then I decided to get off my rear and do SOMETHING, even if it's only 10-15 min. of strength training. So, off I go! Have a good night, all!

Would LOVE to be part of the group. I'm 54 year old female who has fortunately reached her weight goal. Now I need help with motivation to stay active. End of last year was running 15-20 mile per week. This year, no more then 10. I also love to lift. Someone out there please be kind and help me whip my rear back into shape. Thx

So sorry about your loss, Happy Trails -- that has to be very difficult. Very glad you're back! smile And welcome to you, leutloff!!

One more time . . . . .

Welcome happy trails and leutloff.

auntannette1 wrote: »

thanks for all your inspiring words.

Do the only true Motor City proud @auntannette1‌ ... Where do you ski that's so flat?

PegJens wrote: »

Any suggestions for staying under calorie at the dinner hour? I do okay most of the day but haven't got the, I don't need to eat that much at the end of the day attitude yet!

My best suggestion, if you like them, is depend upon white seedless grapes for your evening snacks. 10 oz. of grapes is about 140 calories. To me, that's a pretty hefty snack. I just find grapes to be filling. Additionally, there isn't anything bad in what you're eating. Of course, if you feel about grapes as I feel about cottage cheese, you'll have to find something else you like that is filling with a relatively small calorie count.