55-65 year old women's success?

JanetMMcC · February 2016

calmandpeaceful wrote: »

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

How's it going? I found eliminating white carbs a good way to start, even if its only real result was to cut out candy, chips and cake. Now that i'm on maintenance, I'm eating those again, just within daily calorie limits.

I'll be 64 in April, and over last 3 years went from 213 to 140-145. I've maintained in that range since November. If I can do it, so can you.

JanetMMcC · February 2016

1Nana2many wrote: »

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 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. ... 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!

Yes, yes, yes!

I even found - well, stumbled on and bought as an Amazon daily deal - a folding scale that fits into my pocketbook. So I can even weigh in restaurants.

In the last month or so, i've started to keep individually packaged good chocolates - say, ghirardelli squares, Lindt truffles, even some bars. I allow myself to use those for calories left at the end of the day, and take several bites to finish each one, letting each bite melt on my tongue.

They're in a box near the bed. And I'm the one with power, not the chocs.

JanetMMcC · February 2016

Well, poo. My muscleflex emojis didnt come thru.

griffinca2 · February 2016

Question for the (mostly) 45+ women; would you be interested in a women's fitness mag that periodically covered issues in our age group (i.e., slower metabolizism, some muscle loss due to starting weight lifting later in life (40s, 50s,60s instead of 20s & 30s, etc.). Let me know your thoughts.

Triplestep · February 2016

I would be interested in that magazine, as long as the photos were of women who were truly over 45 and all shapes and sizes. I don't care if the photos are airbrushed - I care that they represent diversity. (If you've ever suffered the indignity of shopping from a plus size catalog that uses regular models who are slim and young - where the clothing is clearly pinned in the back to make it look like they're not swimming in it - then you know what I'm talking about.)

AnnPT77 · February 2016

griffinca2 wrote: »

Question for the (mostly) 45+ women; would you be interested in a women's fitness mag that periodically covered issues in our age group (i.e., slower metabolizism, some muscle loss due to starting weight lifting later in life (40s, 50s,60s instead of 20s & 30s, etc.). Let me know your thoughts.

I'm going to be a bit pointed here for the sake of clarity; I hope you won't be offended. Truly, it's not meant to be offensive . . . but sometimes my tendency to be very direct comes across poorly, I know.

I'd be interested in such a magazine if its orientation was to overcoming any real or perceived limitations, and accomplishing things. I wouldn't be even a tiny bit interested in anything with the faintest hint of "we can't really much accomplish things because we are older, have slower metabolisms, etc." There's plenty of the latter around the web (and probably in print if I paid attention) already.

I'm not saying I want to see only fake-y, carefully-managed, carefully-curated stories that pretend we're all elite-athlete fitness models, or look like 20-somethings - analogous to the kind of filtered silliness you get when people present a no-warts only-rainbows view of their lives on social media. Plenty of that around already, too.

Real people doing real things, challenging things (and I do mean challenging within whatever their circumstances are), downsides or limitations and all? That'd be excellent.

mk2fit · February 2016

What they said.

griffinca2 · February 2016

T, Haven't suffered that indignity, but I understand; I inherited hair that is right out of Frankenstein (when most have straight hair)--it's thick & course & doesn't really curl; it just kinks and frizzes all over the place (and my sister's hair is blonde & straight as a stick). And that is what you see advertised everywhere. I agree w/you, I get tired of seeing "perfect bodies" on all the mag covers. I want to live a normal life, go to the gym 3 days a week and eat normally; not eat day-in/out like they say to eat and work out 4-5 days a week (I have other things to do).

1Nana2many · February 2016

My feeling on the magazine question is that quite frankly I don't believe an occasional magazine article could give enough good, detailed information to be really useful to me. How many magazines do we see every day that are just quoting the latest short-term study that we later find out had only twelve participants and wasn't exactly scientific and yet it becomes the latest, greatest must do? Personally, I rather read a woodworking magazine that actually tells me how to build something start to finish.

Eleted · February 2016

Griffinca2:: Yes, I would be interested in that type of magazine. I find anything inspirational along this journey helps to keep me motivated. I take what positives I can gather from any form of health info and ignore the rest. We've all lived long enough to be able to put it all in perspective.
But I think the positives would outweigh the negatives. I am motivated by you Griffin ca as well as Ann PT! When I hear what you guys are doing and accomplishing, it keeps me on track, just as a magazine with inspirational stories would do! We dont get to hear enough about strong women our age!

retirehappy · February 2016

griffinca2 wrote: »

Question for the (mostly) 45+ women; would you be interested in a women's fitness mag that periodically covered issues in our age group (i.e., slower metabolizism, some muscle loss due to starting weight lifting later in life (40s, 50s,60s instead of 20s & 30s, etc.). Let me know your thoughts.

I find all the inspiration I need on MFP. You need to find a group you fit into and some threads like this one that discuss the issues you care about. I also find all the success pics, even of younger people (I'm over 65) to be great motivators. Too many mags are airbrushed etc. I find MFP more authentic.

As for health info, I find the government websites for Canada, UK, AU, and USA to be full of great information. I especially like the other countries' research reports since those are funded by governments that pay the medical bills for all and not some company that has another pill they want to hawk. They have an interest in finding what cures illness, not just masking symptoms and lining big pharma pockets. And the drs. get profit from us not being cured as well. And please don't get me started on insurance companies.

1Nana2many · February 2016

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/dsjohndrow/view/giving-up-is-not-an-option-806795
If you have not yet read David S Johndrow's blog entries, I suggest you do. The above is the address for today's entry. Since starting on MFP in January, I have gone back and read nearly all his posts and after doing so, I find it impossible to complain about being a little hungry now and then and quite frankly think me being a little hungry now and then is nothing compared to what he has gone through [with a great sense of humor] to be healthy. If you need inspiration, it's there.

baharal · February 2016

1Nana2many - I read David S Johndrows most recent post. He has been through so much. I am going to start from the beginning of his blog too. And Nana aka Jody, I enjoy your posts and the many good posts from other folks on this site.

This is my second time with MFP. It's the only way I can lose weight successfully. I'm 63 and about 5'3" (I'm shrinking) and have lost 26 lbs in I don't know about 4 months. I'm not keeping track of how long it takes just that there is a loss. Someone posted something to the effect that we not so much older folks have more life experience and don't go for the gimmicks and are more practical about weight loss. It certainly is true for me as well. As long as the scale is going in the right direction I'm happy.

Keep up the good work and motivation everyone. There is great support on this website and it's great to see people from other countries posting too!

1Nana2many · February 2016

Baharal, I have found great support here with sensible ideas about getting healthy! Good luck! I am also in the 5'3-4" height range, depending on how optimistic I'm trying to be. ;-)

lyssa1210 · February 2016

Do3w7 wrote: »

has anyone tried the every other day diet.

I didn't last 2 days -- too hard!

lyssa1210 · February 2016

As you can see I can't figure out how to add on to a message or reply. Thanks for the support. I got back walking and doing yoga and weights again this week but the muscles are doing weird painful things ... Ill keep trying tho . Please add me --any one 45-65 -up in the middle -of the night -trying to sleep -people !!!

quietandmildspirit · February 2016

I am 49. At 40 I had back surgery. At 43 I had my uterus removed and at 45 I had over six feet of my large intestines removed. Abnormally long from birth and very twisted up. I also was premenopause during this time. I gained 25lbs and most of it was definitely fat and a lot of muscle was lost. I started mpf in January and have lost 8lbs. After back surgery it is difficult to do high impact exercise. So I just do an hour every morning on my bicycle. 8lbs may not seem like much but I'm sure with the exercise I am gaining muscle. I have already lost most of my tire around the waist. I'm 5'1 1/2 lbs my goal is to get back to 120 or less what I weighed before my operations and menopause. By a used stationary bike and enjoy reading or a movie while you get there. I already have less aches and feel so much better just taking control.

griffinca2 · February 2016

quiet, You might want to add weight training to the mix. It will help w/the muscle loss; you can't get it all back , but you will be able to regain some. It will up your metabolism and help w/your weight loss (1 lb of muscle burns more fat than one 1 lb of fat (and takes up less space)). Good luck on your journey!

quietandmildspirit · February 2016

griffinca2 I forgot to say I do small 2lb weights for arms 3 or 4 times a week for my flabby arms. Also push-ups on leaning on my kitchen counter because it is easier on my back (set of 50) about four times a week. quietandmildspirit

Karren188 · February 2016

Hey y'all! I've been reading the encouraging replies on this thread and would love to be friends with any of you that are willing. I'm 56 and am post-menopausal. My doctor has really been after me to get some weight off since my cholesterol levels have risen a little. I am pretty busy and eat a lot on the run - I'm an HR professional, attending college part-time, married with two kids out of the home and two kids still at home, two grandchildren, 4 dogs (and a partridge in a pear tree)

anyway --- I'm a positive person who believes we all need encouragement from people who get the struggle. Please add me and we can do it together. I'm also interested in that 60+ group too if someone could link it! Thanks and have a great day!!!! Karen

griffinca2 · February 2016

For fresh, Welcome to our group! You can send me a friend request.

For quiet, you might want to start lifting heavier weights. Once two to three sets of abt 15 reps are easy you need to increase the weight. P.S. you won't get bulky; your muscles eventually adept and stop making gains if you don't increase the weight (while maintaining good form). I'm 65 and was doing BB curls with a 30-lb barbell and using 15 lb weights on a cable machine for my triceps until I broke my wrist, so haven't been back since then. As soon as the doc gives the OK, I'll have to start over, but will be lifting as heave as I can.

1Nana2many · February 2016

It's Friday evening and I hope everyone here is having a great week! I was feeling a little guilty this week about not getting a whole lot of exercise in until this morning when I went to my daughter's daycare to fill in while she took my 3 year old granddaughter to her preschool screening. We turned on some youtube kids' dance/exercise videos and I now feel like I got quite the workout with a group of 2, 3 and 4 year olds! Who'd have thought! It wore me out! Have a great weekend and remember every day is a new day! We can do this!

retirehappy · February 2016

Here is the link, Ladies:

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/3538-60-years-old-and-over

We do have a few male members as well, but they don't post very frequently, just so you know it isn't a ladies only group.

1Nana2many · March 2016

It's been awfully quiet on this thread lately. How is everyone doing? Are you feeling like you're making progress? Two weeks ago I reached a milestone that I didn't really think would be a big deal when I reached it, but once I posted my current weight and it showed up on my screen as 25 pounds lost, it gave me such a mental boost! I wasn't really expecting that because when I started in January I had nearly 75 pounds to lose to reach what I consider a maintainable goal for me of about 170 pounds. Since I am only 5'4" on an optimistic day, this is not what others might consider my ideal weight, but getting down to a size 10 would thrill me. What's has been something that made you feel good lately?

mk2fit · March 2016

Yes, @1Nana2many, hitting milestones you didn't really know you had are very pleasant surprises! Spring has sprung in my neighborhood. I heard all kinds of birds this morning as I was running! It is nice to have an early spring for a change.

17761776 · March 2016

I know, where have we all gone ?? Still counting calories, have lost 7 pounds!!!! Beautiful here in Minnesota, 74 yesterday but cool down coming. Have had a horrible sinus infection, I think it's over. Heard my lovely 47 year old niece has Parkinson's, very sad need many prayers. Not doing much, most friends have gone south for the winter. Come n chat or are we getting too old? Lol

Cheryl7777 · March 2016

I caught a cold on my birthday, Feb 26th, and an still fighting the stupid cough. Went to my doctor to be referred to my hip surgeon. Took another blood test and found out my pain medication, Diclofenac , is causing my creatinine levels in my kidneys to increase. My regular doctor told me to quit taking the medication and just rely on the Tramadol for pain. OMG who is he trying to kid. I did that for about 4 days and it became agony to walk. I have an appointment with a kidney doctor next Wednesday and a consultation appointment with my surgeon March 24th. I'm praying the surgeon will decide I've lost enough weight that he can do my hip replacement surgery. I've lost 89 pounds but I still weigh 301. I'm working very hard to be under 300 by the time I go see the surgeon. I hope I get some pain resolution soon. It would also be nice if I could finally kick this cold. Sorry to be a Debbie Downer today.

pita7317 · March 2016

Age 57. Height 5'7. SW 183.4 CW 135.8. Been maintaining for a year now. Slow and steady loss for me, about 5 years. But that is fine with me. Portion control was the key .

1Nana2many · March 2016

17761776 wrote: »

Still counting calories, have lost 7 pounds!!!! Beautiful here in Minnesota, 74 yesterday but cool down coming. Have had a horrible sinus infection, I think it's over. Heard my lovely 47 year old niece has Parkinson's, very sad need many prayers. Not doing much, most friends have gone south for the winter. Come n chat or are we getting too old? Lol

Congrats on the weight loss! Hope you are feeling better soon. So sorry to hear of your niece's diagnosis. My brother just got out of the hospital after his third colon cancer surgery. It's turning into an early spring here in NE Kansas too! The robins have been showing up! Since my retirement, I took up beekeeping and went out to check my hive and they were still out there and actually finding pollen to bring in a couple weeks ago. Thrilled to see them alive and well. Didn't think there would be anything for them to collect pollen from!
Cheryl7777: Hope you are feeling better quickly too. Good luck on your medical consults! 89 pounds is an amazing weight loss! Hopefully you'll be running around on a new hip in no time!
Pita7317: Sounds like you are doing well on maintenance. You are so right about portion control.

calmandpeaceful · March 2016

Hi all,
Nana - you are my inspiration! Such excellent progress. Pita - you are also my inspiration! Wow, such a great weight loss and to maintain it as you are. I'm also glad to see your loss was slow - mine is too.

Since Christmas I've lost a whopping 5 lb - 198 to 193. GW is 180, 170 on an optimistic day. But I suppose it's progress. I've been having laser surgery on my varicose veins on both legs, and this will continue throughout the spring. So I can't do too much exercise because the doctor doesn't want my heart rate up - blood to flow too hard through my legs. I re-start yoga next week for one week, then back off. Hopefully by summer my legs won't look so scary! I think it will be an ego boost for me too, and that would be nice.

But that's not my excuse - I just get frustrated sometimes with kids and job and have my wine and cheese at night. I'm not fully dedicated to this, and I need to be to lose the weight. Today I will try to re-boot with some meditation.

Thanks for listening.

55-65 year old women's success?

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