55-65 year old women's success?

Patriot_Mom · September 2017

Down 11 lbs in two months! Finally found a diet that actually works for me. After years of trying the calorie counting and semi-low carb things, nothing worked. Even eating 1200 cal/day exercising 6 days/week I GAINED weight. Have doubled down on a Ketogenic Diet and the weight is coming off. I still restrict calories to 1,306/day, but am eating high fat, low carb, moderate protein and the only exercise I've been doing is walking the dog. So far I am down from a high of 215 lbs to now 199 lbs., so that is 16 lbs overall, but most of it recently. I have logged my food here 65 days in a row and dropped one size already from an 18 to a 16.

Anyone want more info, here's a good site that explains it all and has awesome recipes. No special foods that you can't buy at your local grocery.

https://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb

Shron123 · September 2017

I started LCHF July 3rd. Down 26 lbs. I find this WOE amazing and freeing. I keep my calories around 1600 (!!!!) w high fat, med protein and carbs around 20g per day. I do not feel deprived. I do not feel hungry. I cannot explain how wonderful it is or feels. Tonight we r having pizza for dinner. Really looking forward to it. The crust is made w cheese, cauliflower and eggs. Tastes great. Last night Tarragon chicken w Zuchini noodles. The night before Beef Stroganoff w cabbage sauted in butter. The food is all real, tasty and satisfying. I could go on and on but I will stop my happy rant now. @Patriot_Mom, so happy to see someone else feeling the same. And I love dietdoc.com as well

Eleted · September 2017

Sharon and Patriot: Is this the Atkin Diet that you are trying? Is there a difference?
Tell us more about why it is freeing? It sure sounds as though it is working well for you! 26 lbs in 2 months is stellar!

Shron123 · September 2017

@Eleted - My response is a little long but I am truly inspired by all I have learned.
I do IMF w the LCHF so eat between 11/12 to 7/8. I eat eggs for breakfast w bacon back bacon (rarely) or 1/2 avocado and usually w some butter as I am not a lover of eggs and the butter seems to help. If I am hungry I will have a tbsp or two of real peanut butter in the pm or coffee w full Cream or if I have carb room a little plain Greek yogurt w cinnamon or often nothing at all. Dinner I get creative with Keto recipes incl fish, chicken, pork and occasionally beef with Keto vegetables incl cauliflower, brocolli, Brussels sprouts, salads and cabbage. There are some amazing tasty recipes out there. I generally plan my dinner in the morning so I know what is left carbwise for the day. No snacking - which I do NOT miss.
The freeing part comes from zero stress from worrying about food. I eat pretty much twice a day w breakfast being pretty set. I get to play w recipes for dinner but if I don't feel like being creative it's pretty easy to whip up a protein and a salad. Also no hunger or cravings is so liberating. My energy is better and I am sleeping better. We do regular long distance riding (25-30 mi in about 4 hours) plus the training that goes with it. In the past we carb loaded to keep energy up for the day especially in our 30+ centigrade humid summer season. With LCHF I have so much more energy to burn even when the ride is done.
I cld go on and on but if u are interested go to the LCHF forum here on MFP or Dietdoc.com or start googling and researching. The info out there regarding weight and health will blow yr mind.
For me this is not a short term diet for weight loss. This will be our WOE going forward. Once the weight loss portion is over I will tweak my macros esp my carbs until I find the personal balance to maintain a healthy weight and life
Good luck in yr journey!

RaeBeeBaby · September 2017

Hey ladies! I haven't posted on this thread for awhile so decided to just check in and say hello. So much inspiration and success to be found here. I love it!

I'm 57 and retired from a pretty stressful job. Now that that is behind me, I'm working on me! I've been on MFP for about 2.5 years and have lost about 25 pounds through diet and exercise. It took me over a year to lose the first 20, but I was in no great hurry. I have always been a pretty healthy eater, but struggled with portion control, snacking and empty alcohol calories. Just concentrating on smaller portions, less chips, cheese, and wine, has made a big difference. I've noticed a lot of posters are talking about exercise with painful joints or knee problems. While I am definitely not an expert, I can share my experiences in that regard. I do a lot of different things for exercise because I like to mix it up. I also have a lot of joint pain due to arthritis, but compounded by a medication that I take. The same meds cause weight gain, thus resulting in a 40 pound gain in about a 6 month period. It's a constant battle to keep the weight off, but I deal with it because the alternative is sitting on the couch and complaining and getting fatter.

I go to aquasize class 3-4 times a week. Most of the ladies are my age or older. We have one gal who is 90! It has certainly improved my fitness level, mobility and balance and I've never had an injury while doing it. I also do yoga and Qigong a couple times a week on my own or with YouTube videos. I walk a couple days a week from 2-4 miles depending on location and walking partner ability. I also do aerobic dance (YouTube), light weights from time to time and play disc golf with my husband. If you've never tried disc golf, you should! It's great fun and great exercise, but not that difficult. Basically just walking, hiking, and throwing frisbees. I've taught several of my girlfriends how to play and they love it, too!

I still have another 5-10 pounds I'd like to lose to get to my ideal weight, but whether that happens or not I'm having a good time getting there. I don't eat any specific type of diet. Just mostly healthy whole foods and a lot of fresh produce. My diary is open to friends.

If anyone here needs a new friend or looking for support, please send me a friend request! Have a blessed day everyone!

RaeBeeBaby · September 2017

AnnPT77 wrote: »

kwtlw wrote: »

I am 60 and have bad knees. I am off and on with trying to lose weight. But really need to lose weight and need the inspiration. I am trying to avoid knee replacement. I will if I have to. But first have to lose weight. I would like to join this group. I am 5' 2" and need to lose atleast 30 lbs.

I have a torn meniscus in one knee, some debris there as well, and a bit of arthritis, so my orthopedist has told me to plan for knee replacement 'eventually'. I'm trying to delay that as long as possible.

Losing 50+ pounds, down to a healthy weight on the low side of my normal BMI range (120s at 5'5"), has dramatically reduced both severity and frequency of knee discomfort and pain.

Weight loss is possible via eating changes only, without increased exercise. (I didn't much increase exercise while losing weight, but was already quite active while obese despite knee problems.)

Just wanted to add my 2 cents here. I had quite a bit of knee pain prior to losing the weight and that has improved. Even just 20-25 pounds can make a difference. A friend of mine who was over 300 pounds is now at a healthy weight. She could barely walk a mile without severe knee and back pain, but now she is my 4+ mile walking partner!

Also, as @AnnPT77 mentioned in an earlier post, it's very important to get the right shoes. I bit the bullet last year and spent the money on a trip to a running store. They actually had me walk on a treadmill and video'd it, did an electronic scan of my feet and made me custom shoe inserts. Then based on all the results picked out the right shoes for me. At first I thought it was a bunch of nonsense, but those custom insoles and good shoes have made a huge difference, especially for long walks.

jspecies19 · September 2017

GaleHawkins wrote: »

After I became serious about living to be 110+ on 2013 I started watching and listening to people closing in on 100.

They seemed to be doing many of the same things as they did 50 years ago the best they could do.

They lived until their will to die became stronger than their will to live the best I could tell.

Hey Gale. I really like this post.- thank you. I have been also inspired by those more senior than I that still run marathons or participate in senior games and have a Pinterest board that I add their stories on. They are my motivation to keep going.

dlm4mom · September 2017

I had a moderately successful weekend. I really struggled with food cravings on Sunday. I am not sure why??? I have been a couple of weeks without cravings at all. Tonight I went grocery shopping after work and did well with food purchases but got Taco Bell on the way home. Overall a little over on calories. Could have been much worse and I have not lost momentum. I did a lot of hard physical work this weekend and I was actually down one pound this morning. Tomorrow is my day off and i am going to spend some time cooking for the rest of the week.

dlm4mom · September 2017

SharonAnderegg wrote: »

@Eleted - My response is a little long but I am truly inspired by all I have learned.
I do IMF w the LCHF so eat between 11/12 to 7/8. I eat eggs for breakfast w bacon back bacon (rarely) or 1/2 avocado and usually w some butter as I am not a lover of eggs and the butter seems to help. If I am hungry I will have a tbsp or two of real peanut butter in the pm or coffee w full Cream or if I have carb room a little plain Greek yogurt w cinnamon or often nothing at all. Dinner I get creative with Keto recipes incl fish, chicken, pork and occasionally beef with Keto vegetables incl cauliflower, brocolli, Brussels sprouts, salads and cabbage. There are some amazing tasty recipes out there. I generally plan my dinner in the morning so I know what is left carbwise for the day. No snacking - which I do NOT miss.
The freeing part comes from zero stress from worrying about food. I eat pretty much twice a day w breakfast being pretty set. I get to play w recipes for dinner but if I don't feel like being creative it's pretty easy to whip up a protein and a salad. Also no hunger or cravings is so liberating. My energy is better and I am sleeping better. We do regular long distance riding (25-30 mi in about 4 hours) plus the training that goes with it. In the past we carb loaded to keep energy up for the day especially in our 30+ centigrade humid summer season. With LCHF I have so much more energy to burn even when the ride is done.
I cld go on and on but if u are interested go to the LCHF forum here on MFP or Dietdoc.com or start googling and researching. The info out there regarding weight and health will blow yr mind.
For me this is not a short term diet for weight loss. This will be our WOE going forward. Once the weight loss portion is over I will tweak my macros esp my carbs until I find the personal balance to maintain a healthy weight and life
Good luck in yr journey!

dlm4mom · September 2017

I never thought of cinnamon in plain greek yogurt! Thanks for the idea- might be a big calorie saver for me.

Trina2040 · September 2017

dlm4mom wrote: »

I never thought of cinnamon in plain greek yogurt! Thanks for the idea- might be a big calorie saver for me.

@dim4mom also try cocoa power and other flavorings/extracts like coconut, almond, coffee, etc. in Greek yogurt.

Jancandoit7 · September 2017

Hey Pianorun! I also play piano and picked up guitar about 6 years ago (music junkie here)- anyway, I'll be 60 in November and yeah, it's been harder to lose post menopausal (hypothyroid as well), but it's coming off at about a pound a week which is fine with me. I basically eat a whole food diet- cut out most sugar, white flour, processed foods in general. I feel much better having done this. I think for us older beauties, really good nutrition is extremely important. Feel free to friend me-
And...where is this group for 60 and overs?

Trina2040 · September 2017

@Jancandoit7 - I don't think you'll hear from @Pianorun, she's the original poster but deactivated her account in 2015. Posted with another account but has not checked in here in quite a while (posters, correct me if I'm wrong).

Shron123 · September 2017

Found this article on weight loss on a LCHF program interesting. Some good points for any woman working on weight loss post menopause.

https://www.dietdoctor.com/top-tips-lose-weight-low-carb-women-40?utm_source=Diet+Doctor+Newsletter&utm_campaign=d4875f2518-Test&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_41db911777-d4875f2518-466967321

chiefod · September 2017

That was a great read, Thanks!

Eleted · September 2017

Agree! A good comprehensive look at all the factors that might be causing weight gain post menopause !

I think drinking calories is often ignored. From alcohol to cream in our coffee. I cannot tell you how much I read about fitness and nutrition. Always hoping to discover the perfect way to eat. How were we meant to eat? Vegan, high protein etc.

When you look at the Blue Zones and consider longevity, there is no perfect method or diet. Diet is varied and region specific!

I keep reminding myself that moderation and CICO is what has worked for so many. Post menopausal Women on this forum have lost weight with that philosophy!

AnnPT77 · September 2017

Jancandoit7 wrote: »

Hey Pianorun! I also play piano and picked up guitar about 6 years ago (music junkie here)- anyway, I'll be 60 in November and yeah, it's been harder to lose post menopausal (hypothyroid as well), but it's coming off at about a pound a week which is fine with me. I basically eat a whole food diet- cut out most sugar, white flour, processed foods in general. I feel much better having done this. I think for us older beauties, really good nutrition is extremely important. Feel free to friend me-
And...where is this group for 60 and overs?

Older people groups tend to be . . . quiet, here. Instead of further splitting & diluting into even older brackets, may I suggest the over 50 group, where lots of people are in fact over 60?

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/100593-over-50-group

For about 5 years now, I've been working on teaching myself to finger pick 5-string banjo. I am just awful, but persistent, so am very, very gradually reducing the awfulness.

GaleHawkins · September 2017

SharonAnderegg wrote: »

Found this article on weight loss on a LCHF program interesting. Some good points for any woman working on weight loss post menopause.

https://www.dietdoctor.com/top-tips-lose-weight-low-carb-women-40?utm_source=Diet+Doctor+Newsletter&utm_campaign=d4875f2518-Test&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_41db911777-d4875f2518-466967321

Great article. While post menopause is not a guy thing weight loss still boils down to hormones can come as a shock to we older guys.

saragottfriedmd.com/balance-your-hormones-balance-the-scale-5-ways-to-lose-weight-through-natural-hormone-balancing/

Shron123 · September 2017

@GaleHawkins - too true. I read over it again with my hubby in mind and it definitely makes sense. The protein item maybe not as much as men simply have more muscle and wld therefore probably need more protein on average than women. Wish I cld go back and edit my post to make it gender neutral

1Nana2many · September 2017

Greetings fellow senior weight loss and healthy goal travelers! I just read a success story in which a woman had lost 125 pounds in the last two years and only had 12 pounds left to go to reach her goal. When people congratulated her on being an inspiration, her reply was that she did not feel that she was an inspiration and often thought that it could all go away with a little slip-up on her part. I think she is in that stage of weight loss where she doesn't trust her own ability to maintain it. I think I know where she's at. The person she sees in the mirror is not the person she has recognized for many years. She is starting to have new reactions from people and doesn't know what to do with them. I remember when I lost 50 pounds many years ago getting some undue attention from a man that kind of made me think of a snake oil salesman. He wanted nothing to do with me when I was fat but suddenly I was somebody he thought he needed to converse with instead of just doing business and getting out of my office. It was not a comfortable feeling. I wonder sometimes if I put the weight back on just to get out of situations like that. It's taken me a while to get used to being a new thinner me and I admit that was a big struggle for me. Has anybody else had this experience? Having lost 85 pounds over the last couple years, has been a mental adjustment as much as anything else for me. My true friends would never tell you that I had issues with self-esteem or self value, but valuing myself has been a major factor in achieving my weight-loss goals. Telling myself that I am worth it repeatedly has been something that kept me going when I really wanted to just you know have a snack preferably sweet and high calorie! So remember everybody, hang in there! YOU ARE WORTH IT!!!!

55-65 year old women's success?

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