55-65 year old women's success?
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I hear you. I lost about 130 lbs in 2008 ish. People didn't recognize me. I didn't recognize myself. I remember staring at myself in a mirror for ages - not out of vanity but just trying to see myself. I gained 1/2 the weight back around 2011 due to three stressful life events. It is very apparent to me that as an obese or overweight woman I am often not taken seriously esp by people who don't know me. As I get older the deadly combo of fat, older woman often made me feel invisible. Woman in that group are often not considered of value to many in our society/culture. I am proud I didn't gain it all back. However I know that if I am not vigilant the balance of what I lost then and what I am losing now cld come back w a vengeance. I am trying to be the best that I can be - healthy strong and engaged in my life.11
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It is true that we are older- but we still have so much left to do in our lives for ourselves , Our God and others in our community. We must not allow what others say or do to have a negative effect on our efforts. As it was said earlier- we are WORTH it- Keep the fight and stay with the journey to a healthier happier person.3
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Please read this before you judge me. I was always thin. As a kid I was athletic. As a teen I was athletic. The most I weighed as an adult was 165# on the days I gave birth. I felt heavy at 145 when I kinda stopped losing the baby weight. Fast forward to my 50's. I quit smoking (2 packs a day) and discovered taste buds. Yes, everything tasted sooo good! I gained a pile of weight. I did not have a scale until I joined MFP so I am guessing I started around 130#...topped out at 190! Holy cow! I am happy to say I have been maintaining in the 10teens for the last couple of years. Of course, I exercise my brains out - running, walking, exercise videos, elliptical, though not all on the same day. Do I have to keep this up for the rest of my life? God, I hope not! Do I want to be heavy again? Big NO! I guess I am asking if there is a way around doing this for the rest of my life? Any suggestions?
Oh, and fyi, canned the last of my tomatoes tonight. Banner year for them as well as berries and zucchini.4 -
Consider low carb high fat. Exercise helps maintain a healthy lifestyle and body but weight is all about the food that makes up yr diet. Carbs, yes even fruit, are the major cause of disease in our culture. High fat is an easy to stay satisfied, lose and/or maintain weight and stay healthy. Loads of info out there to google if you are curious. I am a relatively new convert having lost 30 lbs since July. It makes sense if you read the science. Good luck!!!8
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@mk2fit I think you've done a great job -- losing and in maintenance! If you're not happy with "exercising your brains out" then cut back on the exercising and find a happy medium between the eating and the exercise. I know that for me, I'll have to keep counting and exercising for the rest of my life or I'll regain. I don't want to regain so I'm content with knowing I can no longer eat what I want and do nothing. I'm not happy about it but there it is and it's not going to change. Logging is a pain in the bum, but the alternative, for me, is even worse. And PS absolutely no judging here, except to say that you are an awesome MFP friend and all around awesome person.2
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Carbs do not cause disease. I am sorry to introduce controversy to this thread, but I thrive on carbs, and despise meat. Some of the healthiest populations worldwide thrive on carbs. Obesity causes disease. Even if someone low carbs, they still need to watch their caloric intake. And for the record, not everyone finds fat to be satiating. I'm one of those people Anything over 40-50 grams is a waste of calories better spent on foods that fill me up.
Having got that off my chest, @mk2fit, my disease requires me to stay active, but a good deal of my activity is just puttering around, and that puttering around is a good chunk of my daily calorie burn. It's not intentional exercise. It's pacing while the tea is brewing or the chicken I'm making for my husband is browning, parking at the back of parking lots, getting up and moving around every hour, keeping the house tidy, putting away the laundry one piece at a time.
It's entirely possible to get 10,000 steps a day without doing a single bit of exercise. I know this to be true, because I get 10K above and beyond the purposeful exercise I do just doing all the stuff I mentioned above.
If all I did was that, I'd have a reasonable maintenance calorie level of around 1600 calories. I don't think that's all that horrible.12 -
Consider low carb high fat. Exercise helps maintain a healthy lifestyle and body but weight is all about the food that makes up yr diet. Carbs, yes even fruit, are the major cause of disease in our culture. High fat is an easy to stay satisfied, lose and/or maintain weight and stay healthy. Loads of info out there to google if you are curious. I am a relatively new convert having lost 30 lbs since July. It makes sense if you read the science. Good luck!!!
Oh FFS. Carbs are not the major cause of disease in Western culture. Again, Blue Zones. Maybe try to balance your reading a little instead of focusing solely on the keto propaganda. Great that it's working for you, but it's not for everyone, and definitely not the 'one true way to stay healthy'.13 -
Different people need to eat in different ways to be happy and satisfied/satiated on a reasonable calorie budget, but overall I'm with @GottaBurnEmAll: Low carb or high fat is not essential to all who are post-menopausal, hypothyroid, or name-your-syndrome. I completely agree that low carb, and/or low carb/high fat, are the perfect formula for some. Each of us can run n=1 experiments, and find our personal sweet (or savory
) spot.
And I'll double down on the minority report: Being active is a joy and a gift. The secret, IMO, is finding The Perfect Thing that's really, really fun for its own sake. For me that was rowing - yup, long skinny boats like in the Olympics, only mine is slow - but for others it may be ice hockey, interpretive dance, kayaking, roller skating, pole dance, a martial art, or any other darn thing you've always wanted to do.
Furthermore: I just spent the weekend with a statewide group of mixed-media artist friends, most of them my age (61) plus or minus 10 years, but the majority inactive. Lovely people, whom I value in my life for many reasons.
We went out to dinner, 14 people, and were given a bar-height table with tall chairs. Multiple people struggled to get up into the chairs, couldn't bend their legs far enough to put feet on the rungs, aggravated sciatica and other conditions. My two room-mates were in pain all night, bed too hard, room too hot, moving pillows to the floor to sleep, sleeping in the chair, taking pain pills to sleep.
No. Thank. You. Very. Much. That is not a life for me, to the extent I have choice (not 100%, I acknowledge, with gratitude for good fortune).
I will manage my CI, and enjoy my CO, as much snd as long as I can.7 -
I agree. One thing/diet does not fit all but I personally don't just follow propaganda. I have done a lot of research. And more and more of this research shows our high carb western diet affects a lot of people negatively hence our obesity and poor health epidemic. I don't think we all have to agree across the board. I do think conversation and debate is a good thing. Something is wrong with our societies way of eating. Simple calories in calories out does not work for most people. A calorie of fat is not the same nor processed by our bodies the same as a calorie of brocolli or a calorie from cake or a calorie from fast food or a calorie of steak. Added to that each and every person metabolizes all the different foods we eat differently. It is a complicated issue/problem. I do hope I continue to lose weight to maintenance and improve my health. I hope the same for all of you and I sincerely wish "they" fix what is broken.9
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I was listening to Lyle McDonald on some podcasts this week regarding women and fat loss and macronutrients. Very interesting information.
Additionally, a lot of how we handle diet varies depending on insulin sensitivity. Exercise does improve insulin sensitivity.
One thing that should be stressed for women in our age group is the importance of protein.6 -
I agree. One thing/diet does not fit all but I personally don't just follow propaganda. I have done a lot of research. And more and more of this research shows our high carb western diet affects a lot of people negatively hence our obesity and poor health epidemic. I don't think we all have to agree across the board. I do think conversation and debate is a good thing. Something is wrong with our societies way of eating. Simple calories in calories out does not work for most people. A calorie of fat is not the same nor processed by our bodies the same as a calorie of brocolli or a calorie from cake or a calorie from fast food or a calorie of steak. Added to that each and every person metabolizes all the different foods we eat differently. It is a complicated issue/problem. I do hope I continue to lose weight to maintenance and improve my health. I hope the same for all of you and I sincerely wish "they" fix what is broken.
"There was convincing evidence that energy balance is critical to maintaining healthy
body weight and ensuring optimal nutrient intakes, regardless of macronutrient
distribution expressed in energy percentage (%E)."
http://foris.fao.org/preview/25553-0ece4cb94ac52f9a25af77ca5cfba7a8c.pdf7 -
@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).
Just to let you know, I deactivated my pianorun account, and instead I signed up under this name (skyweigh) ... I regularly read all the posts, and love to do so. As for myself, I've been through a few different phases with my approach to health since 2015 (I'll spare you the details presently) I realize more than ever how important it is to lose excesses for a happy life. Sorry for being a lurker .... and best blessings and regards to all who have posted.2 -
I thought this was a success story thread for women 55-65. How did it turn into a keto advocacy thread??14
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GaleHawkins wrote: »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/
Gee, I'm 66 and I haven't noticed that at all. I eat at a deficit, manage my macros and exercise. On the exercise front I weight train 3x per week and walk and/run about 15 to 18 miles per week. I can lose right on schedule based on my deficit. I believe we are the same age? Maybe more exercise than those 1/4 mile walks you've posted would help.
But in any event, what does any of this have to do with the success stories of 55-65 year old women. Maybe the keto advocates should start their own thread and we can let this one get back on topic?10 -
I thought this was a success story thread for women 55-65. How did it turn into a keto advocacy thread??
Thank you for pointing that out. Keto is a diet, some people might find it satisfying in the long run, but generally "diets" fall by the wayside at the first sign of trouble.
The goal here is to take in fewer calories, have a nutritional macro/micro balance, and if possible, move a bit more. As we age (that's what this thread is really about) we lose muscle, bone density, mobility, balance and even more serious attributes if we're not careful.
We all need to find something that works long term and improves the above mentioned factors. Keto, while beneficial to some, if you can stick with it forever, might work, but most of us with families and lives that don't revolve around the kitchen can find the answer in smaller portions, less sugar, moderate fat and carbs and an increase of protein, but primarily less calories.
Honestly, if you really want to improve your overall health, besides losing the weight, I would suggest finding an exercise regimen you enjoy........Ann already mentioned this, but it is at least as important as losing the weight.9 -
I thought this was a success story thread for women 55-65. How did it turn into a keto advocacy thread??
Thank you for pointing that out. Keto is a diet, some people might find it satisfying in the long run, but generally "diets" fall by the wayside at the first sign of trouble.
The goal here is to take in fewer calories, have a nutritional macro/micro balance, and if possible, move a bit more. As we age (that's what this thread is really about) we lose muscle, bone density, mobility, balance and even more serious attributes if we're not careful.
We all need to find something that works long term and improves the above mentioned factors. Keto, while beneficial to some, if you can stick with it forever, might work, but most of us with families and lives that don't revolve around the kitchen can find the answer in smaller portions, less sugar, moderate fat and carbs and an increase of protein, but primarily less calories.
Honestly, if you really want to improve your overall health, besides losing the weight, I would suggest finding an exercise regimen you enjoy........Ann already mentioned this, but it is at least as important as losing the weight.
I had to reiterate this point, because finding exercise has been the biggest factor in my success, and I feel it does so much more for me than just manage my weight.
It's my "me" time, it manages stress, depression, anxiety. I am a different person than I was before I found exercise. I am much calmer than I used to be.
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@luluinca, You are so right! It's about a lifestyle, not a "project/diet" with an end date--especially as we grow older. I workout (mostly w/weights) 3X a week w/a short (15 - 20 min) cardio session when I'm done. My main goal when I joined MFP was to lose abt 7lbs (+/-) and move toward a healthier lifestyle; ended up losing 11. I just turned 67 and plan on keeping this up as long as I can.
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GottaBurnEmAll wrote: »I thought this was a success story thread for women 55-65. How did it turn into a keto advocacy thread??
Thank you for pointing that out. Keto is a diet, some people might find it satisfying in the long run, but generally "diets" fall by the wayside at the first sign of trouble.
The goal here is to take in fewer calories, have a nutritional macro/micro balance, and if possible, move a bit more. As we age (that's what this thread is really about) we lose muscle, bone density, mobility, balance and even more serious attributes if we're not careful.
We all need to find something that works long term and improves the above mentioned factors. Keto, while beneficial to some, if you can stick with it forever, might work, but most of us with families and lives that don't revolve around the kitchen can find the answer in smaller portions, less sugar, moderate fat and carbs and an increase of protein, but primarily less calories.
Honestly, if you really want to improve your overall health, besides losing the weight, I would suggest finding an exercise regimen you enjoy........Ann already mentioned this, but it is at least as important as losing the weight.
I had to reiterate this point, because finding exercise has been the biggest factor in my success, and I feel it does so much more for me than just manage my weight.
It's my "me" time, it manages stress, depression, anxiety. I am a different person than I was before I found exercise. I am much calmer than I used to be.
Depending on what you choose to do as exercise, I have found that it also gives me great role models. One of the substitute water aerobics instructors is 83 and more fit than most people of any age (she still skydives too). There is a couple in my hiking club who are both close to 80 and have hiked over 25,000 miles with the club and still go on serious trail adventures. There are many retired women 60+ in the hiking club who not only hike a lot but are inspirations for how to keep both the body and mind active with their hobbies, volunteering, continuing education, etc. At 61, I am one of the youngest in my pickleball league.5 -
griffinca2 wrote: »@luluinca, You are so right! It's about a lifestyle, not a "project/diet" with an end date--especially as we grow older. I workout (mostly w/weights) 3X a week w/a short (15 - 20 min) cardio session when I'm done. My main goal when I joined MFP was to lose abt 7lbs (+/-) and move toward a healthier lifestyle; ended up losing 11. I just turned 67 and plan on keeping this up as long as I can.
I'm 67 also and the thing I found that I love is lifting weights too. I'm at the gym 4 days a week, start with a 15 or 20 min cardio session, either stairmaster or elliptical, and then move on to the weight room. It's completely changed me but I know it's not for everyone.
Find something..........and do it. Losing weight is only half the battle IMO. Also, you truly do not need to eat a terribly restrictive diet or eliminate a food group to be healthy. I eat what I want sometimes, healthy whole foods most of the time but treats occasionally as well, I've lost almost 70 lbs, I'm stronger and healthier than I was in my 40's and 50's and have no health issues..........blood work, heart, cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure..........everything is normal.
It can be done and you don't need to feel deprived or sorry for yourself while you do it. You do need to want it though, and even when you don't feel like sticking to your plan everyday, your determination will get you through the rough spots. You also need to forgive yourself for the odd day or meal or workout that doesn't go the way you envisioned. It's only one in a long string of good days, meals or workouts. Move on!10 -
I'll chime in too -- I turn 68 this month and make sure I do 20 - 21K steps per day. That usually includes 3 days per week at the gym but even if I can't make it to the gym (and won't for the next few weeks since I'm nursing my husband for his recent surgery) I still hit 20K per day. I'm 47 - 50 lbs lighter and in maintenance for close to 2 years now. Counting calories is the only method that's worked for me. It took me 15 months to lose but was so much easier than all those fad diets I'd tried in the past. Not even Weight Watchers was as successful for me as measuring my calories in - calories out.
As for exercise, I too loved lifting weights but now that I'm restricted to a 10lb limit I've transitioned into more cardio and still enjoy the Body Pump classes within my limit. The thing is to keep moving and if you can't do one type of exercise then take up another. Many of my health markers have improved tremendously over the past 2 years -- it's amazing. Do not go gentle into that good night.8
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