Looking for support and accountability for someone over 50 with 50 + lbs to lose for health reasons

Hi, and welcome. I don't do friends, but I thought a few words from someone who started at 54 with 30 lbs to lose and used aqua fit as their primary means of exercise when they started, and has successfully maintained the weight loss,
may help you along.

First and foremost: get a thorough check up from your doctor and check that your medications are in line with your weight now. Then discuss when you will need to have them adjusted. Weight loss can affect the effect of medications.

Put your stats into MFP and eat to the goal you get. 1lbs a week loss is ideal for someone with 50 lbs to lose.

MFP is set up that exercise is not included in your calorie allotment. When you do a class enter it, and eat back the calories MFP gives you. I found the aqua fit calories accurate so ate back all the calories. You may find you only need 50-70%.

Buy yourself a food scale and use it. Weigh everything, peanut butter, slices of bread, pealed fruit, packaged foods, etc.

Liquids, use measuring cups and spoons designed for all liquids.

Learn to use the data base, some entries are wrong. Look for ones that have used the USDA data base, or compare with the original packaging.

You may find it useful to log a couple of weeks of food that you are eating now. It can be very insightful and give you an idea of where you can easily cut out or reduce portion sizes.

Unless you are not meeting your nutritional goals, or wish to improve your nutrition, eat what you usually like to eat, just less of it- no special foods needed.

If you are like me and have never really exercised before, start easy with the aqua fit. It can be quite tiring, so don't worry if you have to just march in place for part of the class. Or, as I had to, either move your arms or your feet. I found balancing in the water and keeping in place hard at first so that was exhausting in itself.
It is fun though, and quite often it is a friendly mixed bunch of people that take the class.

Don't be discouraged if the weight loss isn't fast, if you go over occasionally, or just blow a weekend for a celebration- just keep at it and eventually the weight does come off.

Cheers, h.