New here.

What a treasure trove! I've been looking over threads and learning a lot. This is good stuff!

I'm in my 50's and trying to lose 20 to 30 pounds on recommendation of my doctor. My attitude is that any progress is progress but I do get discouraged when I stall or gain. I'm finding that this journey is not about perfection - there's a learning curve. I absent-mindedly ordered a piece of lemon pound cake at Starbuck's thinking it'd be about 350 calories. It was SOOOO good. And nearly 500 calories and probably had 3 sticks of butter in it! Next time, I need to share it with three friends!

I started tracking my food a few months ago, totally fell off the wagon around the holidays and gained a bunch of weight. Got back on the horse February 4th. I'll meet with a nutritionist next week for some tips. I can't figure out where all the sugar and fat is coming from but I do eat some fruit, avocados, nuts and so forth, so there's that. But I could use some help.

My main concern is health. My blood pressure has gone up and is threatening to get higher. I'd like to get it down naturally and exercise is the best remedy. I've hit the gym to walk on the treadmill or in the pool 6 days a week for the last four weeks. I started with 20 minutes and am adding 5 minutes each week. The goal is to work up to 70 minutes/6 days a week. Love weight lifting and once I'm up to 70 minutes and tolerating it well, I'll add weights. We have a fantastic rec center with lots of free classes too so I'm fortunate there.

One of my difficulties is arthritis and bursitis that a lot of folks my age are dealing with. I need to find exercises that will be gentle enough on my joints yet fun and good for me. I can work with the arthritis but the bursitis needs rest to heal - I have it in my hips and shoulders but it's behaving lately.

I'm joining this community to learn, and to offer and receive support. Between the rec center and My Fitness Pal and my family, I have all the help and support I need. Now, it's up to me.

Nice to meet y'all.