40 year old women and older who has lost 40 or more lbs - HOW THE HECK DID YOU DO IT???

STLBADGIRL · September 2015

Please tell me you story and feel free to add before and after pictures or suggest good meal ideas.

But I want to know how the heck did you do it. Was it following fit people on instagram, believing in yourself, tired of yourself, a personal trainer, what (LOL). I keep losing and gaining the same 4lbs and I get inspired by others successful stories. But I want to know what clicked for you and "how you did it"!

leecha2014 · September 2015

Hi there. I'm 43 and have lost 68 lbs and still going. First, I never focus or think about my age. Don't let that be a barrier. Track your food accurately, find a form of exercise that you like. I tend to repeat meals often to keep it simple. I still treat myself weekly to something like thai food. I read a lot of success posts here but that is it. Calories in vs calories out. 40, 30 or 20 ? Who cares what your age is, it may take a little longer over 40 though

-

cindyangotti · September 2015

I lost 106 pounds at age 44/45. I ate healthier food and stayed within my daily calories. Also did a lot of cardio 5 to 6 days a week. It took me 14 months to lose it all. The key for me is to not get bored with my food. I am always switching it up and searching for new recipes. Find a ways to substitute your favorite treats with healthier options that satisfy you. Good Luck!

Adc7225 · September 2015

I am 47 and I have lost about 85 lbs. from 244 to 157. I knew I would lose weight one day, it hit me when it was time for me to do it. I am not saying it was easy and honestly there were times when I was totally terrified. Like you I have pretty much always been overweight or chunky. I think when we start losing and at a point see it in the mirror it can scare us and we look to food for comfort. I realized that I had a dysfunctional relationship with food and that is what I had to work on. When we think about losing that comfort zone with no idea what to replace it with we can turn back and give up a little and gain back some of what we lost and then tell ourselves, we can't lose weight. Age can't be the factor because that is what you are and where you are in life and that is what you have to work with - so ignore that.

Start by really taking a good look and what you are eating, get a food scale and work on learning what a serving size is. Then as time goes you can look at ways to cut calories from what you are eating before you start changing what you eat. I gave up a few things in the beginning and now I know how to manage portions and balance things. Too much, too fast doesn't work for most, take your time. Looking to get to your goal weight in a year or three is no big deal because the longer you take, the deeper the roots of those lessons you are learning about eating and exercise are. If you are not ready to exercise just think about being active (a Fitbit is great for this).

I would think about a random date in the future and know that on that date I could - 1.) be a lower weight 2.) be the same weight 3.) be bigger - 3 was not an option!

You can do this, you have MFP

NikiChicken · September 2015

I'm 44 and have lost 99 pounds. I have another 20 to go. This is the closest I have ever been to a "normal" BMI in my adult life and I plan to get there. It has been very slow, but well worth it. I started 3 1/2 years ago, 3 months before my 41st birthday.

My story: I have always, always been overweight, from the time I was just a little kid. I had lost weight over the years by starving myself and exercising like a mad woman and then quickly burned out and gained it all back plus more. I had reached an all time high weight, clearly in the morbidly obese BMI range, and had pretty much given up. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and T2 diabetes when I was 38 and not even the diabetes caused me to rethink my eating habits and lifestyle. I really just didn't care anymore.

3 months before my 41st birthday, my husband and I decided to go to San Francisco for my birthday. As I started to plan the trip, I realized that there would be A LOT of walking. It suddenly dawned on my that I couldn't walk a block without being miserable and I was really going to be disappointed in the trip if I didn't do something. So, I decided to start walking every day at lunch to build up some stamina so I could enjoy the birthday trip. After about a week of walking, I was feeling pretty good and on the spur of the moment decided to start tracking my food as well and signed up on MFP. My thought was that I really wasn't going to "diet" but I'd keep track of what I was eating and just try and cut down a little bit before I went on the trip. I plugged in my current weight and stats and a very conservative goal of losing a half pound a week and was shocked out how much I could actually eat! I was especially pleased at the high calorie goal because I really wasn't willing to give up any of my favorite foods and it was obvious that with a little planning, I would be able to still eat all the things that I wanted. Well, by the time we left for San Francisco, I was down almost 30 pounds! I was so thrilled with my progress, that I tracked everything I ate on the trip, even though I was just tracking for a record and really wasn't trying to lose, with all the walking on the trip (which I enjoyed completely, btw), I lost another 2 pounds while on vacation. Since I had such great success while on vacation, it was easy to continue tracking food and walking once I returned home. Well, that was over 3 years ago now. I have logged every day of that, even when I couldn't get onto the site because I was on vacation or somewhere without internet (I didn't get a smart phone until last fall), I used pen and paper. As I lost weight, I lowered my calorie goals slowly. I have had hills and valleys and looooong plateaus in my loss, but I didn't give up throughout it all. When I look at my total weight loss, I have averaged just about 1/2 pound a week and I expect to get to goal right around my 45th birthday.

Results: I have gone from a tight size 24 to a loose 12; My A1C (diabetic marker) has gone from 6.5, clearly in the diabetic range, to 5.5, clearly in the "normal" range. My blood pressure now runs low. I can hike for miles without a thought. I ride bikes regularly with my son. I am in the best physical and mental shape of my life. Best of all, I have learned to eat in a healthy, sustainable way that should allow me to remain at a healthy weight for the rest of my life.

So, long story short, it is ABSOLUTELY possible to lose weight over 40. It's just not going to be as easy or as quick as it was in our 20s!

memickee · September 2015

43 y/o here. Lost 50+. The way I approached weight loss wasn't 'sexy' at all. I have a daily caloric budget. I eat the food I want to, I limit my trigger foods. I use a food scale at work and home. I bring my lunch to work most days. On days I know I will probably go over my caloric budget I workout longer. I take walks at lunch or go to the gym a few days a week.

When I overeat, I try to learn from it. It takes me a day 'get over' it, and try to get back on track as soon as possible. I know there will be good days and crap days. My aim is more good than crap days in a month.

greenstar25 · September 2015

Hey! I am 51 years old and have lost 40 lbs over a period of 12 months. I started changing my lifestyle when I was 49. I was at my lowest point in life, feeling like crap, and one morning I woke up and I realized if I don't get serious with my health/weight NOW, it's just going to go downhill from here on. The way I see it is that when you get "older" you really don't have a choice anymore. I decided right there and then that I would do anything in my power to live a long, happy and healthy life looking freakin' good! What helped me the most (of many things I changed) was 1. consistency (I do my exercise in the morning to make sure it happens) and 2. I motivate myself daily by looking at transformation stories (mainly on www.bodybuilding.com). Whenever there's a day where I don't feel like working out (which hardly happens anymore because I look forward to it now) I go online and read other people's success stories, and THAT always makes me do my exercise ;-) Good luck to you!

snowflakesav · September 2015

I am 51 and lost 50 pounds 8 years ago. I've kept it off with the exception of the final 15.

The trick is follow a thin person around. Get it out of your head that they are somehow metabolically different. The truth is that staying thin is about staying busy and active. Exercise definitely matters but not as much as being busy and on the move. I walk more, I do more chores, I know my neighborhood because I walk around a ton. My car has barely any miles on it. The other game changer is cooking and eating at home. We save so much money and stay so much thinner this way.

KANGOOJUMPS · September 2015

just do it,,,when it becomes important, you just get it done, I am in the best shape I have ever been in.its all about how bad you want it

radiosilents · September 2015

I'm 45 now and have lost about 100 pounds since May 2014. I still have another 100+ to go, but I'm not in a hurry, I just know that I will get there. You can read more about my story here: http://www.fudiet.com/2015/08/how-do-you-lose-100-pounds/

Feel free to ask me anything.

happymom221 · September 2015

I am 46 and have lost 65 pounds. I have maintained the last 6 weeks and now am starting the next 5-10 pounds. Close to normal BMI
I eat my favorite foods. I cut back on alcohol, processed food and sugar. But didn't give it up completely. I love ice cream. I also limit restaurants to 2x a week. (And order anything I want)
I added moderate exercise
It sounds like you get excited at 4 pounds and maybe fall off plan. Don't weigh!! Have a pair of tight jeans that you try on.

swim777 · September 2015

I've lost 50 lbs in the past year. My husband teased me about closet shopping because I had many smaller sizes that I had kept hoping one day to wear again. As I've lost it's been really motivating to be able to wear those again. What is working for me is walking on the treadmill five days a week before work, and logging my calories. I also wear a Shine and keep up with my steps. As I get closer to my goal, my weight loss is slowed down, so I'm having to be more patient but I'm doing this this time! I always pack my lunch, and I try to remember that the scale fluctuates so not to freak out if it doesn't move as soon as I want it too. You can do this!!!

mimigingerbread · September 2015

Turned 40 this year. Have lost over 45 pounds since January and am now within a healthy BMI. Used fitnessblender.com programs and work out 1/2 hr a day/ 5 times a week. Stopped eating at night (was not good with that) and portion control. Used this app for the success stories. I didn't track food. Weighed myself daily to stay on track and set tons of mini goals. Planning to lose about 10 more but will take it slow. It's doable if it's maintainable.

shadowfax_c11 · September 2015

I am 45 and as of today down 41 pounds in 6 months. CICO. That's pretty much it.

I walk about 14-15k steps a day just from my job.
I practice a martial art 6 hours a week
I ride my horse for an hour or two maybe 1-2 times a week
I trim hooves part time which is a huge calorie burn. I trim about 30 horses over a 6 week cycle average 20 minutes of actual work per horse. Some days 1 horse ,some days as many as 10.

All of the above I was doing and not losing weight.

What's changed?

I set MFP for a reasonable calorie deficit
I use a fitbit to track actual activity and log almost no exercise. (I only log the hoof trimming because I am standing in one spot, basically doing a standing crunch with a 900-2500 pound horse leaning on my back. It's a lot of core work and engages every muscle in my body.
I eat back most of my calorie adjustments.
I try to keep my Net calories at or just below my daily goal
I try to drink plenty of water
I eat chocolate, candy, cookies, Ice cream, pizza, donuts, take out etc within my calorie budget
I use a food scale and weigh about 90% of my food and log everything.
Some days I make the conscious choice to go over my calorie goal but stay at least at or under maintenance.

shadowfax_c11 · September 2015

shadowfax_c11 wrote: »

I am 45 and as of today down 41 pounds in 6 months. CICO. That's pretty much it.

I walk about 14-15k steps a day just from my job.
I practice a martial art 6 hours a week
I ride my horse for an hour or two maybe 1-2 times a week
I trim hooves part time which is a huge calorie burn. I trim about 30 horses over a 6 week cycle average 20 minutes of actual work per horse. Some days 1 horse ,some days as many as 10.

All of the above I was doing and not losing weight.

What's changed?

I set MFP for a reasonable calorie deficit
I use a fitbit to track actual activity and log almost no exercise. (I only log the hoof trimming because I am standing in one spot, basically doing a standing crunch with a 900-2500 pound horse leaning on my back. It's a lot of core work and engages every muscle in my body.
I eat back most of my calorie adjustments.
I try to keep my Net calories at or just below my daily goal
I try to drink plenty of water
I eat chocolate, candy, cookies, Ice cream, pizza, donuts, take out etc within my calorie budget
I use a food scale and weigh about 90% of my food and log everything.
Some days I make the conscious choice to go over my calorie goal but stay at least at or under maintenance.

What clicked in my head? IDK one day I was arguing pointlessly to my intelligent friends that weight loss was impossible for me. I realised that they were 100% correct that CICO was scientifically proven and correct and logical and... well you can't really outlogic your friends when they are all really actual scientists.I accepted that my weight was entirely my doing and in my control. I realised that I did not want to keep living in this overweight body that has trouble doing the things I love to do. I got really tired of having to use my weight as an excuse to not do things and living with constant pain in my knees. I realised that I had fixed all of the other big problems in my life that were making it hard for me to focus on controlling eating and that I was finally in the right place mentally and emotionally to deal with this. And I just got to work.

123juliaj123 · September 2015

Hi Im 53 and I have lost 44lbs and for the first time in my life I think I can keep it off too. I have cut right down on carbs and I walk a lot and am building more exercize into my everyday life. I dont have kids at home so I dont have to buy the foods that might tempt me. My motivation has been different this time, in the past it was always about how I looked - now it is about how I feel - I went through a tough time with back trouble and decided that I never want to feel so old and fat again and it is really paying off, I havent felt this fit since my 20s..it is so worthwhile changing your lifestyle to feel so well !

airangel59 · September 2015

I did it myself. Lost 150+ lbs here on MFP. Not following anyone's "diet" nor do I go to a gym.

I pre plan/pre log what I want to eat for the day, making sure I have enough extra "junk" (as I call it) in snacks so I can adjust things thru the day if I need to (and I do change things before I post for the nite).

I weigh, measure & log my food and I am here every single day. I weigh myself once a week.

I really didn't do much in the way of exercise till I was close to the minus 100 lb point. Got my first tracker (Fitbit) and started walking. 2 years now plus a few months and I'm still walking, every day for 10K steps (at least).

Was on meds for Type 2, HTN & high cholesterol/lipids. Am on NO meds now nor do I have those diagnosis on my medical record.

Went from womens size 24 to size 6/8. I feel wonderful and I still eat junk food, fast food & chocolate-- just planned for & in moderation. At goal for a while now, although still under the weight I consider goal, but still in healthy BMI range, just lower side of it. Trying to figure out just how much I can eat w/o gaining (yo yo dieter history)

Set your mind to do this, make a lifestyle change (don't call it a diet) and just do it. One day, one pound, one step at a time.

See my profile for more info, pics etc

swiftyoung · September 2015

STLBADGIRL wrote: »

Please tell me you story and feel free to add before and after pictures or suggest good meal ideas.

But I want to know how the heck did you do it. Was it following fit people on instagram, believing in yourself, tired of yourself, a personal trainer, what (LOL). I keep losing and gaining the same 4lbs and I get inspired by others successful stories. But I want to know what clicked for you and "how you did it"!

Thanks for starting this thread. I am 49 and struggling to stay motivated.

jgnatca · September 2015

I am 55 and I lost 85 pounds through bypass surgery over the past three years. (Two years were prep, classes, and surgery waiting list).

I'll do anything that is clinically proven to help.

I had a dietitian's support who guided me here.

I logged my meals. I made small changes that cut a lot of snacking calories from my day.

I attended a weight loss therapy group for eight weeks.

I had a personal trainer for six weeks.

I log my steps and progressed from recreational walker to recreational runner.

I register for fun runs to have a goal to shoot for.

There's more but I'll stop for now.

michelle7673 · September 2015

Yes, at 44/45 I lost 40 lbs using this site. I stopped using it, and over a long period of time gained back maybe 15-20 -- just got derailed due to family and work issues. I felt so silly because it's not like doing this is painful or that I was starving or miserable. Like "why did I ever stop" silly. So I finally got back on, and it's amazing how simple and almost second nature it feels even after a long hiatus.
Getting into a groove and then just forgetting about it and living my life is what worked for me. Not obsessing every minute, just making mostly good choices within macros, consistent exercise, tracking.

Shurmenator · September 2015

Thanks for starting this thread! It was very motivating to read everyone's stories and I'm super excited to get started on the long-term goal I never quite hit!! Your stories are so motivating make feel like it is possible no matter what age I am (currently 47

) I'm targeting a 67-lb. weightloss so here I go!!!!

MMaletto · September 2015

WOW! I'm inspired. I'm 47 and recently lost 20lbs doing a wt loss challenge at my gym, But I have gained 10lbs back

It's so hard to stay on track, but I'm trying... I love reading all of your stories very motivating

momar23 · September 2015

I am just about to turn 46 and I've lost 43lbs since January. We went on a trip and one day when I had 20k steps but was absolutely wiped out at 10pm I realized that if I want to do fun things and feel confident again I needed to make a change. I set myself up to lose 1lb a week and I eat back most of my exercise calories. I worked with a trainer for 6 weeks doing high intensity bodyweight workouts. My current exercise includes strength training, high intensity bodyweight workouts, walking, some cycling and I've recently started c25k. I have a sedentary job and I can easily get through a day with only 2-3k steps of I'm working from home. The workouts sound like a lot but most of them are 40-45 minutes. I get up for 10 minute walking breaks throughout the day and I am averaging 10k steps now.
I decided when I started that I was just going to make this as easy on myself as possible. No foods off limits, learning to make better choices most of the time so that I could enjoy a dinner out or icecream or whatever guilt free.
My goal was to lose 40lbs this year maybe 50 total, I'm on track to lose 55-60 this year. New goal is re-evaluate when I'm down to a healthy bmi and decide if I want to move to the middle of the range.
I'm super annoyed that I waited so long to do this.

Healthy_4_Life2 · September 2015

I am 46 years old. I have loss 60+ pounds. Yes, it's taken me a looooong 3 years to do it. I spent too much time listening others about do this or do that in regards to weight loss. What I have learned is that weight loss boil down to burning more calories than what you take in in regards to foods. I eat what I like, but moderation is the key. I don't do well with deprivation..... As a matter of fact, it makes me want the food more if I try to deprive myself. I don't believe in excuses. I get annoyed by people saying that they can't do this or that because.... We all have the same 24 hours in a day and what we do with is is up to us. I prioritize what's important to me and if that means getting up at 4:30 am to get my workout done. I have 4 kids, run my business, and was in graduate school until i graduated this past May. So I know what being busy is all about. When I have a bad day, I shrug it off and do better next day. Don't let an "off" day become an off week or off month. Think about what losing weight and gaining good health is to you. Use that as a driving force to push you daily. Congratulations on your progress, everyone!!!

MommyL2015 · September 2015

I just turned 44 last week and as of tomorrow morning, I will be logging my 40th pound!

I am 5'1" short, started at 170 pounds and am now down to 130, with 10 pounds left that I'm looking to lose. I have 5 awesome kids ranging in age from 11-year-old twins to a 24 year old.

Only thing I do is eat at a deficit and walk on a treadmill. I try to do at least 3 miles a day, sometimes I do more or less though. I haven't deprived myself of anything.

I do occasionally go a bit over my calories (like today) but I don't consider that cheating. A girl needs her chocolate. It's one of my necessary food groups for survival.

FitRoberta · September 2015

Short version of what worked for me: having accountability by meeting with a nurse practitioner every 2 to 3 weeks, whose area of expertise is weight loss to prevent/reverse disease.

Longer version:
I'm 46 and so far I've lost 20 pounds out of 50 that I need to lose. In the past I had never been overweight, and whenever my weight creeped up to the upper limit of my healthy weight range, I ate healthy and exercised back to the lower end of my range without too much trouble. But the past two years, I kept losing and gaining the same 5 pounds, well gaining MORE than 5 lbs. back. I kept thinking I could lose the weight on my own since I had done it before. But, I kept falling off track with eating well and exercise both. Eventually, I ended up overweight and almost medically obese, and my blood sugar tested as pre-diabetic, I had to admit that knowing what to do, and having done it in the past, were not helping me any longer. I admitted "defeat" (as if needing help is defeat!) and started meeting with a nurse practitioner who works with overweight people. I knew what to do, I just needed help sticking to it and this is exactly the accountability I needed to stay on track.

Also, I don't mean to minimize the value of the information I have gained from the nurse. He knows what he's talking about and I am following his advice, which I find to be medically/scientifically solid: calories in/calories out, move more, eat whole foods, avoid processed foods/empty calories.

Hope this helps, and good luck!

kashe69 · September 2015

I'm 46 and after my type 2 diagnosis I got serious and lost over 85 pounds. No big secret cico and exercise 6 times a week. Lifting has helped!
Add me as a friend to all

athenawj · September 2015

I'm 45; I started when I was 43 at 212 pounds and now I'm at 158 and a size 8/10 (I'm 5'8"). Finally being back at a healthy weight and BMI feels fantastic! I gained back 9 pounds in the seven months after my mom died, but I've since taken that off and more, and only have 3 pounds to go. My motivation was how badly my joints hurt, and I couldn't take it anymore- couldn't imagine living the rest of my life that way with all that weight on my little bones. Plus, losing both my parents last year scared me. It wasn't weight-related issues that killed them, but they were both in their early sixties and it could have been prevented.

I researched, found MFP, began counting calories and doing cardio 5-6 times a week (first on a recumbent bike for five months, then I switched to walking aerobics with light weights). I found healthy foods and snacks that I liked, and made healthier versions of meals. Implemented more fruits and veggies and dairy into my diet (yogurt and cheese). I also used a digital kitchen scale and weighed my food- cutting down my portion sizes was a huge help! And there's a couple of days a week that I relax and go out to eat with my husband; it keeps me sane and I don't feel deprived.

It's really so simple. You can't let your age get in your way. I thought mine might be a factor until the weight started coming off right away! And kudos to all us women who've done it.

NewLIFEstyle4ME · September 2015

Bump

sashayoung72 · September 2015

I'm 43 and down 69! I started really slow, no big do or die exercise routine. I did follow tons of people on instagram and just using this app counting my calories.

Shurmenator · September 2015

You all have been so successful and I too believe calories in/calories out is the key along with moving more.

I'm just curious how many of you determined your daily calorie budget? There seems to be so many formulas. I once had a doctor tell me that the best formula is to multiple you goal weight by 10 and that should be your daily budget, MFP gives me 400-cals less, another 200-less. I know I can play around to see what works but was curious how others have determined their budget.

40 year old women and older who has lost 40 or more lbs - HOW THE HECK DID YOU DO IT???

Replies

Categories