55-65 year old women's success?
Replies
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tlawsonlpn3 wrote: »Is this group still going? The posts look old. I am 55 and and BEYOND frustrated with trying to lose #. I have never had a weigh problem but I can not manage to get these 15 pounds off.been trying for 2 years. As of Feb started really working out and tracking cals. I am now running 2-4 miles daily, keeping cals at or below 1200 (other than cheat days) and nothing!!! I am more fit and energized now but this is rediculous. 150 lbs does not seem unreasonable, just appearantly, imposible. Thanks ladies for sharing!
Welcome!
The thread started a long time ago, but the most recent post was only 2 days ago: We're still here.
Don't be discouraged: The last pounds are more challenging for many people.
In particular, for those using calorie counting, the margin for accuracy gets tighter, especially if we're (sensibly) trying to lose the last few pounds at 0.5 pounds/week or slower. Not knowing how new you are to this, I'll add some particulars that I (and others) have noted:
* Normal daily weight fluctuations (mostly water weight) can mask a slow loss rate. A weight trending app can be a help (Happy Scale for iOS, Libra for Android, Trendweight).
* Cheat days or meals can easily wipe out other days' calorie deficits. Eating over routine goal on some days can be a hrlpful strategy, but logging it, even if estimated, can help reveal the impact.
* For those not already doing it, weighing food, when practical, is a good source of insight. Once you know the tricks, it's also quicker and easier than measuring cups, and definitely more accurate than either cups or eyeballing.
If your running routine just started in February, you could still be holding onto a bit of "new workout routine" water weight. This is as perfectly normal and healthy thing, but as I mentioned earlier, it can temporarily hide your far loss from you.
Best wishes!2 -
took me months to lose 2 lbs (8 more to go)3
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I am 63 and have been back on MFP since New Years. By the end of February I had lost 10 lbs. This probably was due to losing extra holiday weight gain -- not to mention, I decided to do Dry January, and then just kept going. Not being a heavy drinker, it did not seem necessary to make this change before, but now, even though I thought I enjoyed my wine o'clock times, I find the AF (alcohol-free) lifestyle is preferable. Decided also not to eat at a deficit, but at maintenance for my ideal weight (1800 calories). However, I was very inactive for several reasons, and did not eat up to that level most of the time, but generally was around 1500 calories or less. Now, the scale hasn't shown any loss for the last 3 weeks, but there have been a lot of poor dietary choices that would account for that.
Nonetheless, I have been logging faithfully as possible, and I think it helps to keep things from going too far out of control. I am inspired -- again! --- by the ladies above, and finally walked my *kitten* to the gym! Before that -- again, for many "reasons" -- I was at a point of thinking I should cancel my membership because I wasn't using it. However, the rate is very good, and I enjoy it when I'm there, but it was necessary to go after a hiatus and break the ice again. Glad I did.4 -
I am amazed by all your stories. I can't seem to lose a single ounce of weight even with deliberate tracking.
I think it is the home made Indian food which contains 15 ingredients and I am not sure the food entries I make are accurate. Help!!1 -
I am amazed by all your stories. I can't seem to lose a single ounce of weight even with deliberate tracking.
I think it is the home made Indian food which contains 15 ingredients and I am not sure the food entries I make are accurate. Help!!
How much are you wanting to lose?
Sometimes just cutting out certain foods or cutting back on portion sizes can help.1 -
I am amazed by all your stories. I can't seem to lose a single ounce of weight even with deliberate tracking.
I think it is the home made Indian food which contains 15 ingredients and I am not sure the food entries I make are accurate. Help!!
We eat a lot of Indian (Pakistani) food, but I modified the way it is made it for the sake of my husband's heart and cholesterol issues (not to mention my own overweight!).
If you do make it yourself, then try frying the onions with less (half) the oil you normally would use, and use the recipe builder on MFP. I realize these foods need oil/ghee to carry the deliciousness, the flavour of blended spices, garlic, ginger, etc. In some ways, this food is very economical budget-wise and calorie wise, as you can use minimal meat, and increase the vegetables of all kinds, and a small amount can be satisfying. Of course, one does have to minimize or cut out the deep fried samosas and pakoras, but these can also be prepared with less oil and baked. I think all this food will sit better with most people with greatly reduced amounts of fats used.
You can check for recipes online for healthier versions of your favourites.
However, if you are not satisfied with the versions of Indian food modified for calorie control, or if you do not cook it yourself, or cannot ask the person cooking it to control the amount of oil used, then you need to minimalize portion sizes -- of course, best to always be mindful of portion sizes. I know that I can do with less of most things and still be satisfied, and this is something I really have to work on myself!
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Hi all. I am 64 years old. I started on MFP June 15, 2017. I have lost 60 lbs since i started. I must say doing this program was very easy for me. I was surprised. I do not go hungry at all. I sometimes have problems eating enough to get up to at least the 1000 calories a day. I have not given up any of my foods. As long as i program everything in it is easy to follow. When i started the program i didn't like to excercise and i still don't but what i do like is to walk which is still excercise but not real assertive. I started out slow and worked my way up from one mile a day to 5 miles a day. Now that it is winter i do not go for walks. I do not run or jog i just walk. This coming summer i plan on getting a season pass for the pool and when i am done working for the day i can walk to the pool do some swimming and then walk home again. The thing i found that was very helpful is i eat Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. I also have a snack at night. By starting to eat in the morning i found it gets the metabolism going and i think that was one of the main reasons i started loosing. It is great. I eat plenty throughout the day and i can say i do not go hungry. When i started on MFP i was 200 lbs. I am now 140 and i went from a size 16 pants to an 8. I have done it in 9 months. That is what is so fantastic. I was totally thrilled this past Saturday when i met up with a group of people i used to go out karaoke with. They have not seen me in two years. What really was fantastic is when they saw me and realized it was me they actually asked where the other half of me was. Once you set your mind to it you all can succeed like i did. I am happy with my weight as it is right now. If i get to 135 that would be ok but if not i am totally thrilled with my accomplishment. Hope all of you are as successful as i have been. I am here if you need incouragement. That helps a great deal from all the MFP friends.11
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thanks for all your replies: mreichert59, skyweigh and bikecheryl. I am at 152 and only 5'.1". I need to lose 30 pounds to feel good about my weight. I am maintaining it by logging what I eat and water aerobics 3 times a week plus walks around the neighborhood. I want to find a more accurate way of what the recipe counts for. Ex. cauliflower and potato subji ( Indian) made with a table spoon of oil) should have how many calories say for a cup?
Can anyone help me with that? Much appreciated.0 -
thanks for all your replies: mreichert59, skyweigh and bikecheryl. I am at 152 and only 5'.1". I need to lose 30 pounds to feel good about my weight. I am maintaining it by logging what I eat and water aerobics 3 times a week plus walks around the neighborhood. I want to find a more accurate way of what the recipe counts for. Ex. cauliflower and potato subji ( Indian) made with a table spoon of oil) should have how many calories say for a cup?
Can anyone help me with that? Much appreciated.
I think there is a thread that will help explain further how to do this. In addition there is a recipe thread/food and nutrition section.
You have to determine the number of servings ... so if you make 4 cups at a time (4 servings) you input everything in the manual entry for Recipes on this site under the food tab -- I don't know if you can do this on mobile -- I use desktop for it.... You can also import recipes but it never works for me; I just use manual entry, and carefully look at the "matched" ingredients, and replace them when necessary.
As a for instance: For your Subji, I input 1 large cauliflower, 3 medium potatoes, 1 T oil, 1 medium raw onion, 5 cloves garlic (I forgot ginger, but not too many calories in ginger!) and garam masala (most spices aren't high in calories, but you can add whatever you use)..... Calculated on 4 servings --- it comes only to 183 per serving --- not bad, but if you use tomato paste, or Patak's paste or whatever, you add that in too. One tablespoon of oil for 4 servings is very modest; it can still be good, but you could add more.
Then you calculate for your rice or naan.
As I said, there is more helpful info elsewhere on MFP about using these features, but the above is just an example. The more accurate you are, the more accurate your calorie count. It takes a bit of time, but I have found it really gives insight into what we use in our cooking.
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Thanks so much Skyweigh!! I am feeling encouraged. Maybe I will try to find recipes that tell me the calorie content and make them exactly like that. Nowadays, we don't always find recipes with calorie content.0
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I turn 65 next month and have the most weight to lose that I have ever had. I was suppose to start on MFP in January but it took me 10 weeks to finally get going. I am really good with excuses. After the first day of logging all of my food, I was once again shocked at how much I was eating. This is my husband's and my 4th time to use MFP. I haven't even been exercising because I am afraid that I will hurt myself because of my size. Teaching school does keep me on my feet but it is not enough to help my body. There is 50 excess pounds that I need to get rid of and I am so glad that I am finally on my journey. I am 5'9" and weighing in at 190 pounds. I know that I can do this!6
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bedwellchris wrote: »I turn 65 next month and have the most weight to lose that I have ever had. I was suppose to start on MFP in January but it took me 10 weeks to finally get going. I am really good with excuses. After the first day of logging all of my food, I was once again shocked at how much I was eating. This is my husband's and my 4th time to use MFP. I haven't even been exercising because I am afraid that I will hurt myself because of my size. Teaching school does keep me on my feet but it is not enough to help my body. There is 50 excess pounds that I need to get rid of and I am so glad that I am finally on my journey. I am 5'9" and weighing in at 190 pounds. I know that I can do this!
Starting with gentle exercise and increasing gradually can be an effective strategy, even while carrying extra weight. At 5'5", weight in 180s, at age 45 & just post cancer treatment, I went from weak and sedentary to a competitive athlete (rower) over about a 2-3 year period, while remaining obese.
What was key was to start with something safe and achievable, yet slightly challenging. For me, the first step was gentle yoga classes, leading later to a well-supervised group weight training class for women, and still later to rowing. But I've seen others do well starting with water walking, or chair fitness videos, and other things. There are lots of options!
Weight loss can happen via eating changes alone, but exercise has many benefits. With careful progression, and patient consistency, you could surprise yourself.
Welcome, and best wishes!4 -
I just measured my height for the first time in years! At 60 yrs old. I've shrunk from 5ft/6in. down to 5ft/5in . So now when I input that info into MFP I've gone from 1390 cals/day down to 1210 cals/day. Maybe that's why I was on a plateau for the past few months. So far I've lost 54 lbs. I still have 18 more to go. You ladies are correct. The less you weigh, the less calories we need. I've also started with weights on top of my 3X a week zumba classes.2
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NewBetter, The weights will help; although they may slow the weight loss progress slightly. With weights you will be replacing fat with muscle (which takes up less space), so your measurements will probably change while your weight may not change. But, you will be getting smaller. Also, your form with the weights is more important than how much you are lifting. Keep up the good work and good luck on your journey.
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new member to mfp; have just 'graduated' on c25k and started 5k210k
Have lost nearly 2 stone (22lbs) since august 17, using the 5:2 diet and the c25k, but hit the pause button December and have only just gone back to a stricter routine.
Am starting back on the 5:2 on April 1st
posts I've been reading are very inspiring! I'm in !!
Gained 4 stone after a hysterectomy at 49, now 56 and starting to take control again.
Want to be a slim 60, instead of a fat 50!6 -
53elliebell, You'll make it! Remember it is a journey, not a "diet" w/an end date; you'll have bumps along the way (just get back on track). We are all here for each other! Good luck on your journey!3
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marjtrewin wrote: »Hello ladies, how many calories do you allow yourselves per day. I tried restricting to 1200, not always doable.
I'm 5'6" and 61. I've set 1300 calories as my daily goal. My starting/highest weight was 235. Two years ago I had decided I had to get my weight down and lost ten pounds before I got sick and couldn't take any nutrition through my digestive system for four months. (IV only.) I got used to always being hungry plus rapidly dropped 40 pounds. I gained 30 back (15 of them since 11/17, after a job change, my sister and my favorite aunt each died unexpectedly and I found a close family member who'd attempted suicide--I'm a stress eater) so this time around I'm starting at 215 with a goal of 150. After two weeks I'm at 209.
I lift free weights (heavy, often with hubby, have been since 1979) on a schedule: Day 1, chest and arms; Day 2, shoulders and back; Day 3, legs.; day off. I hate running (big boobs), so I do an hour of incline treadmill five days a week. I don't eat the calories I burn unless I'm feeling terrible by 7 pm. Then I check my macros and usually eat a high protein snack. Many days I barely hit my calorie goal. Staying busy and drinking a lot of water distracts me and I'm rarely hungry.
I'll let you know in a few months how this works long term.7 -
With a new month ready to begin. It would be great to resurrect this thread!! 2
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I use the recipe builder with great success. I have also uploaded recipes from the internet, lots of them upload easily and you can then ensure ingredients are matched correctly, adjust amounts etc if you have tweaked the recipe.I am amazed by all your stories. I can't seem to lose a single ounce of weight even with deliberate tracking.
I think it is the home made Indian food which contains 15 ingredients and I am not sure the food entries I make are accurate. Help!!
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With a new month ready to begin. It would be great to resurrect this thread!!
I concur! I'll do a catch up post. Still in maintenance, successful, and still over 55-65 years old. Maybe more people will check in.
Hey, everybody -- where are you? Piano Run (the original poster), I forget your new name; are you still out there?3 -
62 year old lady here - lost 46lbs and now approaching a normal BMI (I am actually at 25.9) and now planning a transition into maintenance. I have been in this position 3 times in the last 15 years or so and am determinged not to repeat past mistakes - although fortunately each period of weigh gain has been slow and stopped at a lower weight than the previous one. I reckon another 6 or 7 lbs will see me happy. Walking, gardeining and swimming when I can are my chief forms of exercise. My philosophy is simple - 'eat a bit less and move a bit more' Happy August everyone5
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I will check in and update too. Have been maintaining for a year now with a 45 pound loss. (60 pounds from my highest). Will be 60 in a couple months. Have been running 5k & 10k on a regular schedule every couple days.
Just completed my yearly health assessment and my cholesterol is a little high. Will concentrate on more fiber and red 🍷 to try an get it down.1 -
Hi everyone..... I'm down another 15 from last post.......... 115 in total..... about to turn 59 and looking forward to losing these last 20 lbs or so. 8
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motivatedmartha wrote: »I use the recipe builder with great success. I have also uploaded recipes from the internet, lots of them upload easily and you can then ensure ingredients are matched correctly, adjust amounts etc if you have tweaked the recipe.
I too use the recipe builder all the time - weighing the total product in grams to measure to number of servings (so 100 grams equals 100 servings). It’s helped me lose 40+ lbs and maintain for 5 years. 63 and 7/12’s, galloping towards my 64th Birthday!!
ETA - it has meant I’ve been able to continue to enjoy all my favourite foods, in moderation. I also run, do Pilates, Yoga and Body Pump.
This is one of my favourite threads ...2 -
Never saw this thread before so thanks for the resurrection. I'm 56 and have been post-menopause for 7 years. Lost 71 pounds after that, 26 pounds before it for a total of 97. I lift weights, run, spin class, and take a few different HIIT classes. I lifted heavier when I was a younger person in shape, but as an adult, I'm the strongest I've ever been. I run all of my recipes through the recipe builder and carefully figure out how many servings. I'm not a food stickler though and really haven't sacrificed too much, hence the heavy gym and fitness routine.7
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i am so glad we resurrected this post. I am still here and still losing slowly. I set myself to lose 1/2 pound a week which is around 1300 calories with mfp. When I exercise which is usually walking each day- I eat back about half the calories so far I do fairly well. I love it because this makes me accountable.so far i mainly walk or do youtube videos for exercise.3
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I’m 62, down 25, 10 more to go until “normal” BMI. A bean, a green, and a grain strategy for meal planning. I feel so much more like myself lately, it’s hard to explain, but a pretty great feeling. Glad to have company here, fight firrcely ladies! Keep after it, it’ll happen.5
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I'm still here at MFP as well. Haven't checked into this group in quite awhile but it's nice to see everyone still working toward their goals and/or maintaining. I've maintained about a 70 lb weight loss for over a year. Still hit the gym lifting weights and swim/run/walk on other days. I honestly think I'm in better shape now than I was in my 40's.
Keep striving and reaching for your optimal fitness level. I think we're more capable of reaching it than either we realize, or others give us credit for. Even some doctors are sometimes not that encouraging in my experience.
I lost my sister several months ago to throat cancer and so I'm even more aware now than I ever was how important our health is..............it's really everything.10 -
Health issues are always a concern for us oldies. We want to feel better and live our lives to the fullest. I turn 69 in a couple of months and I'm still logging every bite. I weigh in every morning and follow my trend, up or down. I've been in maintenance after a 47-49 lb loss (fluctuations) for 3 years. Still hitting 20,000 steps per day which includes the gym 3 days a week. I work 12 hours a day at retirement then settle in for a good read or a bit of TV before bedtime. It's exhausting having this much fun.
Let's hear from more of you successful 55 - 65s and beyond.
@luluinca so sorry for your loss.5 -
Still here, too, now age 62, heading into year 3 of maintenance, 50-some pounds down from SW. Up a few pounds from initial goal weight, but holding pretty steady in the low 130s at 5'5".
It's summer, so I'm rowing (on water, usually in a double) 4 days a week and spinning 2, plus a little random bike riding, off/on again weight training, stretching/yoga.
No major problems, but soon to start physical therapy for a shoulder impingement that showed up when doing dumbbell pullovers and lateral raises. Hope it can be improved, but since it hasn't interfered with the rowing, I'm not too stressed about it. Other than that blip, all is well.5
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