Seeking 40s success stories

coastal247 · June 2016

I've been in & out of cycles with starting a new healthy lifestyle - but thanks to my lack of patience, self discipline & motivation - I lose it & find it just as quick. I deal with hypothyroidism & all the fun that comes with the auto immune disease. I lost 40lbs a few years back - but it was a diet and not a lifestyle change.
So , I'm looking to drop 30lbs and tone up. I really want to change my eating & health habits... question:
IS it possible to make a complete healthy lifestyle overhaul after all these years??

ontherunat41 · June 2016

ABSOLUTELY. I'm 44, hypothyroid and had a hysterectomy several years ago. You can battle age and hormone issues and WIN. But you have to be consistent and patient. It takes longer at this age to lose. You are changing your mindset about eating, exercising and living. I was ready to give up the dream at 43, but I kept at it and lost 56 pounds over the last year. I'm only five pounds away from a goal I once thought unattainable. Slow and mindful wins the race PERMANENTLY!

mom23mangos · June 2016

You most definitely can. Many will argue that it's not harder at this age....I think it was. But that's also because you are making a lifestyle change, so things are a little slower than if you were on some sort of fad diet. But MFP is riddled with people in their 40's and beyond making dramatic transformations and keeping it up years later.

thenananator · June 2016

I am 51 and the journey has been slow and I have quite literally had to work my a** off to get this weight to budge but budge it did and I am not looking back. You can do it! And I would also add, I sincerely hope you do because I wasted so many years "wishing" that I had my body back instead of taking it back then. DO IT NOW! FOR YOU!

cwolfman13 · June 2016

Of course it's possible, it all comes down to the choices you make. I'm 42 and have been good livin' now going on four years...I'm leaner, healthier, and more fit than I was in my 20s. It's all about your choices and developing and nurturing healthy habits.

I'd recommend letting go of the "motivation" thing...motivation is a fleeting emotion and if that's all you're working with then it's never going to work. We all do things every single day for which we are not motivated to do...I'm rarely motivated to go out and mow the lawn or do the dishes or vacuum the house or clean the bathroom...but these things need doing or else my house would go to crap...so I do them...your body is your house...take care of your house!

As far as exercise goes, find something you enjoy doing rather than forcing yourself to do X because that's what seems appropriate...not that you're always going to want to do it, but if you're doing something you more or less enjoy you are going to be more inclined to do it and participate even when you're not really feeling it.

As eating goes, healthy/nutritious foods don't have to be bland or boring...I cook like a boss and the vast majority of what I prepare is highly nutritious as well as delicious...IMO, it's not difficult to eat nutritiously unless you're just boiling chicken and broccoli or other inane things people do because they think that's the only way to eat healthy. Eat a wide variety of fruits and veg prepared in a variety of ways...eat a variety of lean sourced protein prepared in a variety of ways...eat your whole grains and legumes and your good heart healthy fats from things like avocados and nuts and good cooking oils.

RoseTheWarrior · June 2016

I agree very much with @cwolfman13 and others. It's very possible, but you will have to make changes perhaps to your point of view.

I'm 47, with arthritis in my spine, plus hypothyroidism. I'm on medication for that plus mild anti-depressants. Yet, with all that, I've lost 80 lbs since Sep 1/15.

Some photos for you: first is at about Sept 10/15, around 235 lbs (I'm 5'3"). Second is a few weeks ago, at about 164 lbs. I try to eat healthy foods, but don't really forbid anything. I simply eat according to my goals, meaning I am consistently within my calorie goals.

besaro · June 2016

started at 47. lost 100 in roughly a year. been maintaining for nearly 3 now. totally doable.

emdeesea · June 2016

I'll be 45 in a few months and I've lost 60 pounds. It took me 3 years to get here but I did it. (I still have maybe 5-8 I'd like to lose, but those are vanity pounds at this point)

I've gone from wearing an almost size 18 to a size 4. I did have to buy a size 2 in a pair of jeans just recently because the cut of the jeans was way too loose. Never thought I'd see the day when a 4 was too big lol! (vanity sizing - I know! It's still funny to me)

heroldkelly · June 2016

I'll be 42 in August and I have done MFP before with success. What got me off it was the problems I was having which later were diagnosed as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). When I had a rheumatologist tell me last year that I should just take 2 Tylenol at night and 2 in the morning, I got pissed. I ate almost 5,000 calories that day and quit trying. By December, I had some type of diagnosis that made sense and I recently was able to get my meds right so I can exercise again. In the last 3 months, I've lost 58 pounds and it's plainly because I care again. I think I now have more focus on my lifestyle changes and see that no matter what is going on in my life, being obese just makes things more difficult, not better. Hang in there, and if anyone needs some extra support, feel free to contact or friend me!

Hiker_Rob · June 2016

It is very possible! I am 48 and three years ago I was a 300lb incredibly unfit smoker. Today I am 95lbs less and always circling around my goal weight. I am a very fit runner who has over the last two years progressed from not being able to run at all to running half marathons and this year will be my first full marathon. I am healthier and happier that I have ever been in my life, the last time i was this weight would have been in my early 20's. Its all in getting yourself motivated to to make the change and set the goals you need, (short, mid and long term) to get there - and stick to them.The pic on the right is after a half marathon mountain race last summer, 21k with an elevation gain of 2300'. I finished in the top quarter of the pack.

cabwj · June 2016

Entirely possible! I am 55, post-menopausal and hypothyroidism. I'm not done yet but have lost 62 lbs to date. Not every day (or week, or month) has been smooth sailing but keeping my goals in sight and recognizing small victories along the way keeps me going. You can do this!

greyskyaboveme · June 2016

Yes, Im a 40 y/o Baker and mother of 6. About 6 years ago I lost 95 lbs, I gained it all back... So i'm at it again. It's harder this time but not impossible. I've already lost 29 lbs in 73 days! So don't give up hope ever.

tracydecicco · June 2016

thenananator wrote: »

I am 51 and the journey has been slow and I have quite literally had to work my a** off to get this weight to budge but budge it did and I am not looking back. You can do it! And I would also add, I sincerely hope you do because I wasted so many years "wishing" that I had my body back instead of taking it back then. DO IT NOW! FOR YOU!

I totally feel this way! All I did is WISH that I was thinner! I have started MFP 20 times with low daily calorie goal to get it off quick...obviously I went over every single day and felt guilty and eventually quit. I am 44 and this time around I am starting at 1800 calories per day, exercising moderately (as not to injure myself) but not eating back those calories and I have been under calorie goal every single day so far. My goal is 1 lb per week. It is an achievable goal right now. One day at a time!

dalefromwisconsin · July 2016

I started at 46 years old for the first time ever. I was able to lose 188# in 20 months. You can do this!

Jazzyjules71 · July 2016

[I recommend letting go of the "motivation" thing...motivation is a fleeting emotion and if that's all you're working with then it's never going to work. We all do things every single day for which we are not motivated to do...I'm rarely motivated to go out and mow the lawn or do the dishes or vacuum the house or clean the bathroom...but these things need doing or else my house would go to crap...so I do them...your body is your house...take care of your house!

Thanks for this! I think it was just what I needed to hear.

Vincerayner · July 2016

Jazzyjules71 wrote: »

[I recommend letting go of the "motivation" thing...motivation is a fleeting emotion and if that's all you're working with then it's never going to work. We all do things every single day for which we are not motivated to do...I'm rarely motivated to go out and mow the lawn or do the dishes or vacuum the house or clean the bathroom...but these things need doing or else my house would go to crap...so I do them...your body is your house...take care of your house!

Thanks for this! I think it was just what I needed to hear.

Love this! - I'm gonna pin it on my fridge.

girlgroves · July 2016

It absolutely is possible. I'm 45, hypothyroid, and have lost 56lbs (4 stone) since February last year - I reached my goal weight last month. It has not been a quick process, but slowly and steadily I've gone from a UK size 18-20 to a size 8-10 (I was never a size 8 when I was young and slim even!). It hasn't been easy. Like you, I've lost significant amounts of weight before and put it all (and more) back on. But this time round I feel more informed (I'd never counted calories before - it's been eye-opening!) and, because of the time, effort and perseverance it has taken, I feel far more motivated to maintain my weight now that I've done it. (I know it's been said that motivation is fleeting - but it really does help to keep reminding myself of how much I have changed, how much more I can do, and how much longer I'm going to be able to keep doing it, now that I'm fitter and healthier!). The key I think though, is that I haven't tried to make huge, maybe unsustainable, changes. Whatever you change needs to be able to be done for the rest of your life - this is the penny that has dropped for me. So, for example, no point in me trying to eat things that I don't like, exercise like a maniac, lose weight really quickly. Start small - be patient - keep going - in it for the long term! Good luck.

robbina1292 · July 2016

You have to be determined that this is what you really want and make the choices to get it. Slow and steady. I had a complete hysterectomy three years ago and have gained about 50 pounds. I kinda gave up in a sense. I just kept buying bigger sizes and avoiding the weight issue. My mom is type 2 diabetic and it hit me that I don't want to be in her shoes. I can make choices to be healthier and fit. It's all about choices. Down 10 pounds.

niblue · July 2016

I'm 48 and am down about 30lbs through lots of running and being reasonable about what I eat. I'm still very much a work in progress (I'm still just in the obese BMI range at 30.3) but am happy with the progress I'm making.

Here's me at somewhere in excess of 240lbs (not sure how much as I avoided the scales in those days!):

And here's me after at 211lbs after my run this morning (which is my excuse for the state of my hair!):

Diana_GettingFit · July 2016

I'm 48. I started my health journey just over a year ago. I've lost 35 lbs, I started running and I got off diabetes meds last year. It's never too late to start.

jkquinn13 · July 2016

Hiker_Rob wrote: »

It is very possible! I am 48 and three years ago I was a 300lb incredibly unfit smoker. Today I am 95lbs less and always circling around my goal weight. I am a very fit runner who has over the last two years progressed from not being able to run at all to running half marathons and this year will be my first full marathon. I am healthier and happier that I have ever been in my life, the last time i was this weight would have been in my early 20's. Its all in getting yourself motivated to to make the change and set the goals you need, (short, mid and long term) to get there - and stick to them.The pic on the right is after a half marathon mountain race last summer, 21k with an elevation gain of 2300'. I finished in the top quarter of the pack.

that is incredible!

lizzy_satellite · July 2016

It's absolutely possible. I'm 44 and post-hysterectomy. The after pic is me a couple of months ago - I lost some weight a few years back also on MFP, then had a few years of medical problems, then lost the last 42 lbs last year. I didn't find it hard, the key was learning how much I needed to eat vs how much I was actually eating, and waking up each morning determined to make decisions that weren't detrimental to my health. Most of my exercise was (and still is) walking, though I'm now running and doing bodyweight training to lose a few more lbs of fat and fine-tune things.

antmor69 · July 2016

It is possible! I started 3 years ago at the age of 44. Quit smoking, started working out and completely overhauled my eating habits. I've lost 70 lbs (mostly in the first year) and fitness is now a priority and a way of life for me.

RunsWithBees · July 2016

Left: BMI 30 / Right: BMI 23.48 It's never too late! I have both Hypothyroidism and PCOS and was sedentary my entire life until I got fit at 39 years old. Now that I'm in my 40's I'm addicted to running, eating sensibly and bikinis! If I can do it, truly anyone can, so don't get discouraged! Remember... Diet is for Weightloss and Exercise is for Metabolism and they *must* go together especially for us slow metabolism sufferers. Don't ever give up!

desert_mom · July 2016

tracydecicco wrote: »

I totally feel this way! All I did is WISH that I was thinner! I have started MFP 20 times with low daily calorie goal to get it off quick...obviously I went over every single day and felt guilty and eventually quit. I am 44 and this time around I am starting at 1800 calories per day, exercising moderately (as not to injure myself) but not eating back those calories and I have been under calorie goal every single day so far. My goal is 1 lb per week. It is an achievable goal right now. One day at a time!

May I ask how tall you are with that calorie goal? I'm just wondering because I've failed many times due to my low calorie target, so I'm trying to find a reasonable number. Thanks!

richardgavel · July 2016

Jazzyjules71 wrote: »

[I recommend letting go of the "motivation" thing...motivation is a fleeting emotion and if that's all you're working with then it's never going to work. We all do things every single day for which we are not motivated to do...I'm rarely motivated to go out and mow the lawn or do the dishes or vacuum the house or clean the bathroom...but these things need doing or else my house would go to crap...so I do them...your body is your house...take care of your house!

Thanks for this! I think it was just what I needed to hear.

I would qualify this a bit. Motivation won't exist every day for the rest of your life, but it is usually higher in the beginning, so use that to your advantage to build quality habits. Later on, you'll eat better, log, exercise more consistently as a result of those formed habits.

IsaCaliBel · July 2016

cwolfman13 wrote: »

Of course it's possible, it all comes down to the choices you make. I'm 42 and have been good livin' now going on four years...I'm leaner, healthier, and more fit than I was in my 20s. It's all about your choices and developing and nurturing healthy habits.

I'd recommend letting go of the "motivation" thing...motivation is a fleeting emotion and if that's all you're working with then it's never going to work. We all do things every single day for which we are not motivated to do...I'm rarely motivated to go out and mow the lawn or do the dishes or vacuum the house or clean the bathroom...but these things need doing or else my house would go to crap...so I do them...your body is your house...take care of your house!

As far as exercise goes, find something you enjoy doing rather than forcing yourself to do X because that's what seems appropriate...not that you're always going to want to do it, but if you're doing something you more or less enjoy you are going to be more inclined to do it and participate even when you're not really feeling it.

As eating goes, healthy/nutritious foods don't have to be bland or boring...I cook like a boss and the vast majority of what I prepare is highly nutritious as well as delicious...IMO, it's not difficult to eat nutritiously unless you're just boiling chicken and broccoli or other inane things people do because they think that's the only way to eat healthy. Eat a wide variety of fruits and veg prepared in a variety of ways...eat a variety of lean sourced protein prepared in a variety of ways...eat your whole grains and legumes and your good heart healthy fats from things like avocados and nuts and good cooking oils.

This has to be some of the best real advice! I'm turning 40 this year myself, started my lifestyle change about 3 years ago losing 60 lbs. Even then it was very difficult. I've stalled and gave up thinking this is as far as I can probably go. After reading cwolfman13 post, it reminded me of what I need to do. You can do it too!

mcdonagk · July 2016

Can't really add to all excellent advice above, I'm 42 and in the best shape of my life. Age is definitely just a number.

bfurlano22 · July 2016

Can anyone advise on strengthening stomach area? I've been 6'4 230 & recently 220...in years past down to 193. Regardless my stomach is always the last to go. I lose weight in my limbs first. I do running, biking, some yoga, free weights/bench and planks but can't tone up that stomach so far. Any tips?

Sued0nim · July 2016

bfurlano22 wrote: »

Can anyone advise on strengthening stomach area? I've been 6'4 230 & recently 220...in years past down to 193. Regardless my stomach is always the last to go. I lose weight in my limbs first. I do running, biking, some yoga, free weights/bench and planks but can't tone up that stomach so far. Any tips?

Progressive lifting - major compound lifts - squats, deads, pull-ups, push-ups etc - follow a structured programme like strong lifts / starting strength etc
Drop body fat - it's often the last place to hold on to fat

by the way I'm 49 and have been in shape just over 2 years
- from a standing start of obese couch potato mother of 2 I've dropped 55lbs, hit 22-23% BF, no more asthmatic or anxiety attacks, eat well, active and love the gym

.... it is more than possible - I also can't add anything much to the advice in this thread, you've just got to go for it and use your stubborness to get over the hard bits, hard to add much to wolfman's excellent advice upthread

and the progress pictures on here are just stunning

Lorraine7486 · July 2016

I think you can start at any age. I'm 42 and just had my first child in April, am starting a masters in September. I don't let age get in the way. I started here on Monday and need to lose about 55 pounds.

Seeking 40s success stories

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