55-65 year old women's success?

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Replies

  • AnnPT77
    AnnPT77 Posts: 34,222 Member
    @AnnPT77 Asking the orthopedist for a physical therapy referral is a great idea! I need to do that. It never crossed my mind because once she realized that I was not going to opt for repair, the appointed time seemed to quickly come to an end. However, I think I will call her and ask about therapy. Thanks!

    Update: I had my first therapy appointment yesterday. He manipulated my leg extensively and had me do various exercises and concluded that I do NOT have tears in my meniscus (despite what the orthopedist says were on the MRI) because if I did, he would not have been able to manipulate my leg as he did. Diagnosis? My hamstrings and quads are so tight and knotted that the anterior patella (knee cap) cannot glide up and down properly. That was the reason for the pain. Remedy? Stretching 3x a day and always before and after exercise. Just doing the stretches in the office relieved the throbbing I had when I went in there. Wow! I did them a couple of times yesterday and this morning..no pain today. I can resume my lower body workout albeit slowly.

    (He also gave me shoe inserts for fallen arches!)

    @AnnPT77 ...again, many thanks for your post!

    Connie

    That's great news! I'm so glad it worked out so well.

    I have to admit, I'm a little skeptical about the PT knowing more than the MRI, but if you can reduce or eliminate the pain with targeted exercises, it probably really doesn't matter what the underlying issue is. (No, I'm not a medical professional, so I can't tell you for sure that there would be no negative consequences, but my orthopedist told me that I was burning no bridges by continuing to work out with my torn meniscus (and some other issues) as long as the pain stayed at a tolerable level.) For a number of underlying conditions, my understanding is that more of us have the condition than report pain from the condition (i.e., many things are asymptomatic for some people but not others).

    I'm a great believer in trying minimalist interventions before major ones, if the condition permits doing so safely. I'm glad you got such fabulous results!
  • trina1049
    trina1049 Posts: 593 Member
    edited February 2016
    1Nana2many wrote: »
    trina1049 wrote: »
    Wow - I am so glad I popped onto this thread, PLEASE friend me and check out my bio. I've posted pictures of my results of my body at 50 years old, now I'm 57 and feel like I'm in my 30's - seriously!!!!! I've read all the comments here and I get it - the slow metabolism, post menopausal weight gain, lack of energy. I just started a private invite Face Book fitness challenge group fo anyone wanting to commit to getting fit and healthy. My sister is 59 going on 60 in June and most of us are right around the same age. Message me if you'd like to hear more about our group. Or if you want to you can search FB for me, Gina Millis, I feel like I've found the Fountain of Youth :smile:

    Is your Fountain of Youth called Beachbody?

    I looked her up on FB and the answer is yes.

    @1Nana2many, Ahh! That explains everything! I think that someone may be trolling for business. All I can say is that I also feel like I'm in my 30s again because I lost weight by eating foods that I find nourishing and satiating, in the proper portions, and with moderate exercise. No slow metabolism, no more weight gain, or lack of energy. There are no magic pills, drinks, shakes, or superfoods that make you lose weight. I made myself lose weight. I also find all the encouragement and support I need right here on FMP. I found that expensive drinks, shakes, and pills did nothing but lighten my wallet.
  • lovesretirement
    lovesretirement Posts: 2,661 Member
    AnnPT77 wrote: »
    @AnnPT77 Asking the orthopedist for a physical therapy referral is a great idea! I need to do that. It never crossed my mind because once she realized that I was not going to opt for repair, the appointed time seemed to quickly come to an end. However, I think I will call her and ask about therapy. Thanks!

    Update: I had my first therapy appointment yesterday. He manipulated my leg extensively and had me do various exercises and concluded that I do NOT have tears in my meniscus (despite what the orthopedist says were on the MRI) because if I did, he would not have been able to manipulate my leg as he did. Diagnosis? My hamstrings and quads are so tight and knotted that the anterior patella (knee cap) cannot glide up and down properly. That was the reason for the pain. Remedy? Stretching 3x a day and always before and after exercise. Just doing the stretches in the office relieved the throbbing I had when I went in there. Wow! I did them a couple of times yesterday and this morning..no pain today. I can resume my lower body workout albeit slowly.

    (He also gave me shoe inserts for fallen arches!)

    @AnnPT77 ...again, many thanks for your post!

    Connie

    That's great news! I'm so glad it worked out so well.

    I have to admit, I'm a little skeptical about the PT knowing more than the MRI, but if you can reduce or eliminate the pain with targeted exercises, it probably really doesn't matter what the underlying issue is. (No, I'm not a medical professional, so I can't tell you for sure that there would be no negative consequences, but my orthopedist told me that I was burning no bridges by continuing to work out with my torn meniscus (and some other issues) as long as the pain stayed at a tolerable level.) For a number of underlying conditions, my understanding is that more of us have the condition than report pain from the condition (i.e., many things are asymptomatic for some people but not others).

    I'm a great believer in trying minimalist interventions before major ones, if the condition permits doing so safely. I'm glad you got such fabulous results!

    I was skeptical, too, but the way he manipulated my leg, foot, and ankle, he said that if my meniscus was torn I would have been crying out in pain. This was in a hospital and it was an orthopedic doctor I saw first. He was doing the screening. The procedure is to see the doc first then see a therapist. I have a copy of the MRI but had forgotten to take it. Both knees have some arthritis, but at this age, who doesn't? We went through some stretching techniques and I have since found a load of them online. It's a little achy this evening, but I think it's due to my walking more, the shoe insert adjustment, and the stretching. Still, though, nothing compared to before.
  • Cheryl7777
    Cheryl7777 Posts: 258 Member
    AnnPT77 wrote: »
    @AnnPT77 Asking the orthopedist for a physical therapy referral is a great idea! I need to do that. It never crossed my mind because once she realized that I was not going to opt for repair, the appointed time seemed to quickly come to an end. However, I think I will call her and ask about therapy. Thanks!

    Update: I had my first therapy appointment yesterday. He manipulated my leg extensively and had me do various exercises and concluded that I do NOT have tears in my meniscus (despite what the orthopedist says were on the MRI) because if I did, he would not have been able to manipulate my leg as he did. Diagnosis? My hamstrings and quads are so tight and knotted that the anterior patella (knee cap) cannot glide up and down properly. That was the reason for the pain. Remedy? Stretching 3x a day and always before and after exercise. Just doing the stretches in the office relieved the throbbing I had when I went in there. Wow! I did them a couple of times yesterday and this morning..no pain today. I can resume my lower body workout albeit slowly.

    (He also gave me shoe inserts for fallen arches!)

    @AnnPT77 ...again, many thanks for your post!
    was skeptical, too, but the way he manipulated my leg, foot, and ankle, he said that if my meniscus was torn I would have been crying out in pain. This was in a hospital and it was an orthopedic doctor I saw first. He was doing the screening. The procedure is to see the doc first then see a therapist. I have a copy of the MRI but had forgotten to take it. Both knees have some arthritis, but at this age, who doesn't? We went through some stretching techniques and I have since found a load of them online. It's a little achy this evening, but I think it's due to my walking more, the shoe insert adjustment, and the stretching. Still, though, nothing compared to before.

    I'm glad you have found some relief for your pain. I sure understand what it feels like to live with chronic pain. No fun at all. Wishing continued improvement for you.
  • mk2fit
    mk2fit Posts: 730 Member
    What @trina1049 said!!!
  • luluinca
    luluinca Posts: 2,899 Member
    @AnnPT77 Asking the orthopedist for a physical therapy referral is a great idea! I need to do that. It never crossed my mind because once she realized that I was not going to opt for repair, the appointed time seemed to quickly come to an end. However, I think I will call her and ask about therapy. Thanks!

    Update: I had my first therapy appointment yesterday. He manipulated my leg extensively and had me do various exercises and concluded that I do NOT have tears in my meniscus (despite what the orthopedist says were on the MRI) because if I did, he would not have been able to manipulate my leg as he did. Diagnosis? My hamstrings and quads are so tight and knotted that the anterior patella (knee cap) cannot glide up and down properly. That was the reason for the pain. Remedy? Stretching 3x a day and always before and after exercise. Just doing the stretches in the office relieved the throbbing I had when I went in there. Wow! I did them a couple of times yesterday and this morning..no pain today. I can resume my lower body workout albeit slowly.

    (He also gave me shoe inserts for fallen arches!)

    @AnnPT77 ...again, many thanks for your post!

    Connie

    This is huge! I'm so glad you don't have a torn meniscus and the stretching is helping!!!

    Thank goodness for good therapists!

    I found a good one for my frozen shoulder and I'm improving daily..........keep up the good work Connie!
  • griffinca2
    griffinca2 Posts: 672 Member
    Agree w/Trina & mk2!! As soon as my wrist is better I will be back in the gym! B)
  • 1Nana2many
    1Nana2many Posts: 172 Member
    trina1049 wrote: »
    1Nana2many wrote: »
    trina1049 wrote: »
    Wow - I am so glad I popped onto this thread, PLEASE friend me and check out my bio. I've posted pictures of my results of my body at 50 years old, now I'm 57 and feel like I'm in my 30's - seriously!!!!! I've read all the comments here and I get it - the slow metabolism, post menopausal weight gain, lack of energy. I just started a private invite Face Book fitness challenge group fo anyone wanting to commit to getting fit and healthy. My sister is 59 going on 60 in June and most of us are right around the same age. Message me if you'd like to hear more about our group. Or if you want to you can search FB for me, Gina Millis, I feel like I've found the Fountain of Youth :smile:

    Is your Fountain of Youth called Beachbody?

    I looked her up on FB and the answer is yes.

    @1Nana2many, Ahh! That explains everything! I think that someone may be trolling for business. All I can say is that I also feel like I'm in my 30s again because I lost weight by eating foods that I find nourishing and satiating, in the proper portions, and with moderate exercise. No slow metabolism, no more weight gain, or lack of energy. There are no magic pills, drinks, shakes, or superfoods that make you lose weight. I made myself lose weight. I also find all the encouragement and support I need right here on FMP. I found that expensive drinks, shakes, and pills did nothing but lighten my wallet.

    I agree with you Trina1049! I have a niece doing the Beach Body 21 day fix and now all I see from her on FB is "I'm starting a new support group"... I actually talked to her about that program on Thanksgiving day and basically it is portion control and a heavy duty push for buying their special [read that as expensive] protein drink and a fiber drink [also their high $$$$ product] once in a while to 'fast-charge" your weight loss. Frankly, it looked a lot like WW ten years ago with way more money involved to buy their products. I will give my niece credit for inspiring me to get off my duff and get serious about my weight loss journey if only to prove that it can be done without spending large quantities of money to do so. I am so stubborn about it that I am unwilling to even pay WW. I just feel like I really need to get my food intake under control and keep it that way in a manor that I can sustain long term.
  • 1Nana2many
    1Nana2many Posts: 172 Member
    @lovesretirement I'm so glad you are getting good results with your PT! Glad you were able to get in so quickly! Looks like you have a new routine to add to your exercises, but thank goodness that is all.
  • trina1049
    trina1049 Posts: 593 Member
    1Nana2many wrote: »
    trina1049 wrote: »
    1Nana2many wrote: »
    trina1049 wrote: »
    Wow - I am so glad I popped onto this thread, PLEASE friend me and check out my bio. I've posted pictures of my results of my body at 50 years old, now I'm 57 and feel like I'm in my 30's - seriously!!!!! I've read all the comments here and I get it - the slow metabolism, post menopausal weight gain, lack of energy. I just started a private invite Face Book fitness challenge group fo anyone wanting to commit to getting fit and healthy. My sister is 59 going on 60 in June and most of us are right around the same age. Message me if you'd like to hear more about our group. Or if you want to you can search FB for me, Gina Millis, I feel like I've found the Fountain of Youth :smile:

    Is your Fountain of Youth called Beachbody?

    I looked her up on FB and the answer is yes.

    @1Nana2many, Ahh! That explains everything! I think that someone may be trolling for business. All I can say is that I also feel like I'm in my 30s again because I lost weight by eating foods that I find nourishing and satiating, in the proper portions, and with moderate exercise. No slow metabolism, no more weight gain, or lack of energy. There are no magic pills, drinks, shakes, or superfoods that make you lose weight. I made myself lose weight. I also find all the encouragement and support I need right here on FMP. I found that expensive drinks, shakes, and pills did nothing but lighten my wallet.

    I agree with you Trina1049! I have a niece doing the Beach Body 21 day fix and now all I see from her on FB is "I'm starting a new support group"... I actually talked to her about that program on Thanksgiving day and basically it is portion control and a heavy duty push for buying their special [read that as expensive] protein drink and a fiber drink [also their high $$$$ product] once in a while to 'fast-charge" your weight loss. Frankly, it looked a lot like WW ten years ago with way more money involved to buy their products. I will give my niece credit for inspiring me to get off my duff and get serious about my weight loss journey if only to prove that it can be done without spending large quantities of money to do so. I am so stubborn about it that I am unwilling to even pay WW. I just feel like I really need to get my food intake under control and keep it that way in a manor that I can sustain long term.

    @1Nana2Many, you have your head on straight! I know you can get your food intake under control and meet your goals!
  • griffinca2
    griffinca2 Posts: 672 Member
    Nana, I tried BB for a while (and even tried some of the products), and couldn't agree w/you more! That, and the don't really teach you anything about eating correctly (portion control, veggies etc.--all abt their products). I quit going and a few months after I retired in 2014 I basically made up my own meal plan (mostly cutting back on sugar) and started going to a locally-owned gym. Lost twelve lbs--haven't been this small since I graduated Navy basic in 73. So, it can be done! B)
  • JanetMMcC
    JanetMMcC Posts: 410 Member
    Janet - that is a real visual - walking in the shower! Great! I just put in a standing desk at work yesterday, and will try walking a little as I work. My colleagues already think I am wacky with the standing desk...so why not!

    I did not log Wednesday nor Thursday - but will log today and all weekend. Just sayin' - to keep myself accountable.

    You women seriously motivate me!! Thanks!

    Cool really the standing dssk. I tried a colleague's, putting the fit bit in my sock. It logged steps... but when I sat down, it logged me as asleep.
  • JanetMMcC
    JanetMMcC Posts: 410 Member
    Cheryl7777 wrote: »
    Ladies don't ever think you can't do this. I'm 64 and will be 65 next month. I have a bad hip that keeps me from doing much exercise. I started out at 390 and this morning I weighed in at 310 and a half. I started in the fall of 214 and then fell off the wagon for several months. Luckily I didn't gain back the 50 or so pounds I took off. So I started again in Sept of 2015 and have gone from 344 to 310 and a half. It's certainly not the fastest weight loss on record, but I'm making great changes and I am losing the weight. If I can do this, any one can do this. Good luck and stay the course.

    Way to go , Cheryl! You're doing great!
  • JanetMMcC
    JanetMMcC Posts: 410 Member
    Flagal8 wrote: »
    Hello! I just joined mfp and am so happy to find this link! My plan of attack is to record everything I eat and much to my surprise, by dinner time I had used all of my daily calories. It was quite an eye opener will most likely make me feel accountable to myself. This tool will make me understand how much I really am eating. As a side note, I went to the gym for a second day, with the bad knee and I made it through. Here's my post from yesterday.

    "Hi, I am 75lbs overweight and just signed up at Planet Fitness. I am 63, have not been on a diet nor have I exercised on a regular basis. Over the years I have steadily gained weight and now I have some health issues,ie. high blood pressure, high cholesterol and a knee I hyper-extended. Any suggestions about how to start the weight loss journey? Which diet plans helped you get started? "

    Welcome, Flagal! Yup, logging is a great tool. I try to log as soon as I eat, so I have a running total.

    A doc's order to cut out all "white carbs" or deal with diabetes got me on my way. Of coursse, that also encompassed an end to frequent snacks of candy, chips and ice cream. I also paid attention to portion sizes. But for the first time since high school, I didn't feel deprived, as if I were on a punishment diet.
  • JanetMMcC
    JanetMMcC Posts: 410 Member
    I have just started on MFP and would like to hear from some people re meal planning. Am working with a trainer who is helping with nutrition as well. Trying to figure out how to get the calories in while following the recommendations for the macros. I am 64, retired and anxious to get healthier and get the weight off the time for good. Have 50 lb to lose . Suggestions??

    What triples tepid said. On 'tether hand, if you like working things out, check out the diabetic exchange program. It's an easily understandable way to figure macros.
  • JanetMMcC
    JanetMMcC Posts: 410 Member
    geoblewis wrote: »
    New to this forum. Turning 55 in two weeks. Have been obese since I was 21. 363 was my highest. About eight years ago, with low carb diet, intermittent fasting, and working out twice a day, I got down to 308. Then an injury took me out of my workouts, and then I lost my focus with diet. Then an infection took me over the edge and I am now a type 2 diabetic on insulin. In the last year, since starting insulin use, my weight has gone up to 330. I am angry and frustrated! Also feeling tired and foggy brained all the time. Have been working on my diet again over the last six months, but not losing weight at all. Quite the opposite. I am just getting back to working out again, using isometric exercises for now. My goal is to just weigh less than 300 lbs.

    Happy birthday!
    I hope the last 2 weeks have been better.

    Have you talked to your doc about the foggy brain & exhaustion? Do you have a medical plan that would cover a nutritionist consultation? Are you logging every bite here? I think any v& all of those are worth considering. Especially talking to the doc.
  • mk2fit
    mk2fit Posts: 730 Member
    Welcome all. This thread is safe, sane (sort of) and fun.
  • calmandpeaceful
    calmandpeaceful Posts: 95 Member
    Hi all,
    I'm wondering if you can give me some positive vibes. I'm discouraged with myself and weight loss plateau (ie wanting to lose but going nowhere), but ready to start again tomorrow. I have a vision of what I would like to look like - and it's not what I looked like in my 30s, but it's definitely smaller than I am now. Thinner. I just feel that my metabolism is so super slow. I've had to watch my weight my whole life - but it's so much harder now. I used to be able to lose weight without being perfect -but I have to try even harder now. Argh

    Any words of encouragement are welcome!! The onslaught of menopause happens so fast - and I dont' like it. I know I will adjust, but not sure how much to give in/up.
    Thanks
  • mk2fit
    mk2fit Posts: 730 Member
    @calmandpeaceful: When I started my journey, my metabolism was slow - borderline for meds. I started walking every day, adding a little more time each week. I have found that my metabolism has "sped up" (not sure if that is a term). I have added lots of different kinds of exercise into the mix so I don't get bored. Get up and walk around your desk if you have a desk job. Walk at lunch time. Get little bits of exercise in several times a day to keep your energy level up. Small bursts of activity don't feel so intimidating and can help you feel better.
  • griffinca2
    griffinca2 Posts: 672 Member
    And if you can start lifting weights; it will help with increasing your muscle mass which will also increase your metabolism. B)
  • 1Nana2many
    1Nana2many Posts: 172 Member
    @calmandpeaceful: Everything I have been reading says that muscle burns more calories than fat and so toward that end I am working toward more walking and adding some lifting to my routine. I live out in the country and I know myself well enough to know that I wouldn't make the effort to drive 25 miles one way to a gym and frankly, I am too cheap to pay for a membership! Over the weekend, I ordered two books from Amazon that both had good reviews: Smart Girls Do Dumbbells and Muscle Your Way Through Menopause and Beyond. I bought the used versions of both and including shipping, they cost a total of $8.00. I am determined to find a way to move more every day. I have struggled with my weight since puberty lost more battles then I won, but since January 4th of this year, when I made a commitment to myself to log every bite and stick very closely to my calorie level of 1200 per day, I have lost 18.2 pounds. I'm still getting too much sodium and sugar in my diet, but I'm still moving forward and believe me, if I can do this, so can you! Hang in there!
  • Speleobabe
    Speleobabe Posts: 2 Member
    Hi! I'm Pam. I am 56 years old and I lost a lot of weight about 8 years ago. It was hard but doable. I gained some of it back, but was doing ok. When I broke my ankle 3 years ago, I gained the rest of it back and then some. I'd sure appreciate support in this endeavor and will certainly support others in return!
  • 1Nana2many
    1Nana2many Posts: 172 Member
    @speleobabe: Hi Pam! Every day is a new day! You did it once, you can do it again! Start every morning as if it's a fresh new start and keep moving forward! I've only been doing MFP since Jan 4th, but I have found some very encouraging stories on this thread. Bookmark it and keep coming back! I too once lost 50 pounds and then gained it back because I let life get more important then being healthy, so I know I can do it as do you! The key for me this time is to make a promise to myself to log every bite every day, whether or not I stick to the calories in my allotment. No more out of sight, out of mind eating. No one can "make" me eat anything I don't want to eat! If I can't be honest with myself, then I'm not ready to do this. So far I have been logging daily for 40 days and I have lost 18 pounds. You don't have to be an exercise maniac, you just have to move a little more today then you did yesterday. Silly as it sounds, I read that people who are fidgeters weight less then people who are not and since I have a grandson who NEVER sits still and he is extremely thin, it sounds plausible to me so even when I am sitting down to crochet, I have started rocking in my rocking chair to add a little more movement to my life! Laugh if you want, but it is activity! Of course, I've also added more walking and a little strength training to my life. I honestly feel like I may have to log daily for the rest of my life, but it does keep me accountable to myself. Hang in there!
  • griffinca2
    griffinca2 Posts: 672 Member
    Hi Pam (and welcome)! I broke my right wrist back in Dec (I'm right handed of course). I now have a metal plate on the radius and seeing a physical therapist to get the use of my hand back (it's been tough). Although I didn't gain any weight I lost a lot of the muscle gains I had made in a local gym to inactivity; it's hard to exercise with your arm on a stack of pillows. As soon as the doc gives the OK I will be back in the weight room. I'll be back at square one, but at least I'll be back.

    For Nana, You should be able to pick up used weights; check on-line or your local throw-away paper. And don't be afraid to lift heavy; but remember good form is better than a heavier weight.

    Good luck to you both! B)
  • calmandpeaceful
    calmandpeaceful Posts: 95 Member
    Thank you for your help! Yes, I really do need to lift weights and increase my muscle mass. I've been doing a lot of yoga, but it's not muscle building enough. I do have a standing desk at work - but I know that doesn't burn many calories. So, I will commit to lifting weights. I've got some small ones at home - a good start I guess.

    Thanks for your support - I was pretty down last night. I appreciate it. We are on this journey together.
  • AnnPT77
    AnnPT77 Posts: 34,222 Member
    griffinca2 wrote: »
    And don't be afraid to lift heavy; but remember good form is better than a heavier weight.

    Just wanting to add, because I've seen this misunderstood in other threads: "Lift heavy" means "lift weights that feel heavy to you and are challenging but possible to lift". It's an achievable standard for almost anyone, not something that's only for some kind of special "strong people".

    And a stronger body may also help to put more years between today & assisted living, besides. Worthwhile on many levels.
  • kacmac1992
    kacmac1992 Posts: 4 Member
    Hi, all. I've been reading these posts and they are so motivating. I am 44 years young and have just started MPF (well, for the 2nd time). My goal is to lose 30 pounds this year (or however long it may take). I refuse to "diet" - I want to eat real food in moderation while trying to make healthier choices. I just need to know that I'm on the right path with that thinking! Is it as easy as calories in/calories out - and can you still or do you still eat the things you love within moderation?? Love hearing whats working for others! Again, thanks for the encouraging posts.
  • AnnPT77
    AnnPT77 Posts: 34,222 Member
    Welcome, kacmac1992! I'm 60 y/o, 5'5", hypothyroid (controlled with meds) and have lost 62 pounds since April 2015. Now I'm trying to find my correct maintenance calories around my current weight of 122-ish pounds - a weight I haven't seen since the 1970s, and never thought I'd ever see again.

    For me, it's been all about meticulous food logging (with digital scale) and calories in < calories out (CICO). I've been vegetarian for 41 years (got obese, stayed obese) and very active for over a decade (got fitter, stayed obese). By getting CICO in line, I'm now at a healthy weight, my bad knee (torn meniscus) is much less painful, and my cholesterol & blood pressure have gone from high to solidly normal.

    I pretty much kept eating foods I like, but - by looking over my MFP food diary & thinking things over - I have gradually shifted the quantities and proportions somewhat, because I came to understand that some foods just didn't give me enough satisfaction or nutrition for their caloric "cost". One of the great things about CICO, IMO, is exactly that learning process about how to eat forever - in contrast to some gimmick "special diet", where you don't really have the learning opportunity.

    My overall eating pattern is at least as satisfying to me as it ever was - maybe moreso.
  • 1Nana2many
    1Nana2many Posts: 172 Member
    kacmac1992 wrote: »
    Hi, all. I've been reading these posts and they are so motivating. I am 44 years young and have just started MPF (well, for the 2nd time). My goal is to lose 30 pounds this year (or however long it may take). I refuse to "diet" - I want to eat real food in moderation while trying to make healthier choices. I just need to know that I'm on the right path with that thinking! Is it as easy as calories in/calories out - and can you still or do you still eat the things you love within moderation?? Love hearing whats working for others! Again, thanks for the encouraging posts.

    I can only speak for myself, but my plan is to continue eating foods I like every day and so far that is exactly what I have done. I've only been on MFP since Jan 4th, but my body seems to be getting used to the reduced serving sizes and if I push the limits on amount of food I eat in one sitting I find myself feeling a little over-full. I don't eat ice cream for dessert every night any more, but I do have an occasional bowl of really good ice cream, but I make sure it fits in my calories for the day. When I know I'm going to some event like the baby shower I attended last weekend, I pay closer attention to the rest of the food I eat that day so I don't have to pass up whatever I know they'll be serving. Sometimes I have to guess about calories in those cases, but it's doable and MFP makes it pretty easy. Make the commitment to yourself to log every bite every day. Pay attention to those serving sizes. Get a food scale and weigh the food you eat so you really know how much you are putting in your mouth. Once you start doing this every day, every meal, you will see what works and what you need to change a little. One of the things that was hardest for me was to start drinking more water and I will tell you that has had immediate benefits for me. I have not made it up to 8 glasses a day, nor do I really think I will, but I DO nurse a glass of water all day long. I pay attention to how much I am drinking and when I start feeling a little hungry I drink water first to see if that will satisfy me. If it's time for a meal, then I will eat, but drinking the water first has really helped me avoid the desperate feeling of wanting to graze and I now know what actual hunger feels like. I can have one chocolate kiss instead of five...I'll savor that chocolate as long as I can, but I still get to have it. ;-) Hang in there and you will work it out. YOU ARE WORTH THE EFFORT!
  • Triplestep
    Triplestep Posts: 239 Member
    1Nana2many wrote: »
    Start every morning as if it's a fresh new start and keep moving forward!
    Some of the best advice ever! (Right up there with "log everything starting out to see where your calories are coming from.") After a decade of "I'll start over on Monday" (even if my slip-up was on a Tuesday or Wednesday of the previous week!) I have adopted this attitude with good success. Once you get into the groove, it gets harder to make bad choices, but easier to recover from them after the fact.
    AnnPT77 wrote: »
    Just wanting to add, because I've seen this misunderstood in other threads: "Lift heavy" means "lift weights that feel heavy to you and are challenging but possible to lift". It's an achievable standard for almost anyone, not something that's only for some kind of special "strong people".
    I also want to add this: I work out with a trainer twice a week, and sometimes I want to second-guess him if the free-weights feel too heavy the first set of an exercise; I feel like my form is bad. But by the second and third sets, I feel my form is much better. So don't dismiss a weight as "too heavy for you" right off the bat. Don't lift to the point of injury - but don't assume your form won't improve over the sets that day.
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