Women over 40- Let's lose 20 pounds!

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  • Mountainlove
    Mountainlove Posts: 24 Member
    BittersweetVita wrote: »
    Hi, mgan9311! I understand your frustration. Our bodies can be one giant mystery puzzle. Sad to say, the only way I have lost any weight in the past two decades has been from having cancer. Before my diagnosis, I was working out all the time and losing nothing. Then, I found MFP and realized that I was eating back those work out calories and then some. On some of my tries, I would last two weeks or a month and not see a difference on the scale and would give up. I also know that back then, I was not taking my thyroid medication consistently. I have now learned how missing just one dose can negatively affect my body.

    It is so difficult to not become disheartened when the scale goes up and not down. I am fighting that feeling already. But I am committing myself to striving for three months of consistency. While I too have "tried" many things, I have not tried something, other than keto, and really stuck to it to see if there was a change. (After two months of keto, I lost a couple of pounds, but blood work showed that my liver enzymes had dramatically increased and my doctor determined that my liver could not process the keto diet without damage). If I can show myself that I have monitored my calories, cut back on my carbs, and increased my exercise for these three months, then I know that something outside of my control is going on. Perhaps you can come up with your own 3-month plan and we can be there for each other to stay the course! Thinking of you and hope you have a good night!

    I just want to say "hi" and give you a big giant hug! I don't have any answers for you. However, I do know that doctors don't know it all. ((*hugs*))
  • Mountainlove
    Mountainlove Posts: 24 Member
    I'm just popping in to say "hi"! I've been exhausted all day today. I didn't work out, but that's ok. I'll get on the treadmill tomorrow since it's supposed to rain. Instead, I caught up on film developing today - developed 10 rolls. And now I know for sure that my "May" camera is in good working order. I'm doing a film photography project this year where I take a picture every day, in black and white, and using a different camera every month. I started in January, 2013, with a digital p365 (project 365) and never thought that in 2020 I'd be on my 8th one (or using film)! The coronavirus has made it hard - and I don't have the variety of photos I usually have. But, there's nothing I can do about that.

    How is everyone doing?
  • Mountainlove
    Mountainlove Posts: 24 Member
    mummiecakes wrote: »
    Happy Monday All! How is it that I can never get to this until the end of the day?

    @Mountainlove it sounds like such a stressful time for you and the people in your area. Good plan to unplug. Having to try and supervise learning for my kids at home during all of this has made me a firm believer that teachers are super heroes! Thank you!!

    We had a beautiful day yesterday and I wound up with a bit of a sunburn too. We did some gardening and had a picnic outside. It was lovely...and then grey and frigid this morning. Apparently there is a polar vortex headed our way :'(

    Hope everyone has a great week!

    Are you guys expecting snow this weekend?

    It's been stressful. My kids, thankfully, are pretty responsible, and pretty self-sufficient. They're learning has been "bump-less" for the most part. They do the work they're supposed to and go on with their day. March/April worked out ok - I was teaching my students from the home office, and my kids were learning in the kitchen. My husband was still going to work (he was essential personnel). Crazy times.

    How are your kids doing? Are they winding down?
  • CrumbsInMyButter
    CrumbsInMyButter Posts: 31 Member
    Hi all,

    I would agree with with all that mentioned that this week is stressful! My kids are fighting consistently and this makes me stress eat/bake. However, I have made sure to walk/jog this week as I need to get away from the house. This helps my mental health along with my general health. I am aiming to lose 10 lbs this month (putting me around 184 lbs). I am wearing jeans today and they are tight. I am trying to focus on positive like things are slowly reopening here in Ontario. I am hoping that life can be somewhat back to normal by sept. Bon courage all!
  • mummiecakes
    mummiecakes Posts: 28 Member
    @Mountainlove YES! I am facing out my front window and was watching snowflakes during a meeting this morning! I was just reading back some comments I had missed...sounds like a fascinating photography project you are working on. What a cool way to document this time! It will really be something to look back on.

    My kids are all at different points with learning online. One loves it, one is rather neutral about it and the other strongly dis likes it. He doesn't like school in general, but he struggles with being organized enough to get things done when they are all sent out online.

    @CrumbsInMyButter I hear you about the stress eating/baking. I do a lot of baking normally to try and avoid a lot of processed foods in the kids' lunches etc., but lately, my baking has been less healthy and I was endulging more up until a couple weeks ago. Now, I'm doing better at logging my food and keeping myself accountable (remembering that the little bites I steal here and there add up!). Good for you for staying active and getting away from the house. That does so much for our mental health. I look forward to things opening up a bit too!

    I am so thankful that it is Friday (pretty sure I say that every week). I've done well with tracking this week and worked out every morning except today. I got up on time, but then remembered something that I needed to get ready for a meeting which took precedence. I guess today will be my rest day and I will make it up on the weekend.

    Hope you're all having a good Friday and for those moms in the group, I hope that you have a great Mother's Day weekend!
  • BittersweetVita
    BittersweetVita Posts: 745 Member
    Thanks for the hugs and warm words, Suladeanne and Mountainlove. It sounds like CrumbsInMyButter and Mummiecakes are feeling the school at home pressures too. I talked to my husband and he is going to try (again) to learn some of these online learning programs to help me. I know it is not his thing at all, but after helping me today, he realized what a stress it is. His support with understanding me and with hopefully being able to help will allow me to have a little more time to myself and not stress so much. I actually able to walk for an hour this afternoon and although it was raining, it was glorious! Happy Friday!
  • maguiyr
    maguiyr Posts: 16 Member
    Hi ladies! I was wondering if I could join you? This group seems to be what I need! I’m 42, and looking to lose 15 lbs, so my goal is 130-135 lbs. it’s more about how I feel and what I’m fitting into to then weight. I’ve fallen off the wagon with self isolating with my 3 kids (10,8&4) and trying to not lose my mind by teaching them everyday! Oh and I live near Buffalo NY and it’s been snowing here since yesterday so that is lovely.
    Anyways I’ve been losing my self control as far as eating and drinking is concerned. I’m totally an emotional eater, it’s my go to for stress and right now is such a hard time.
    I’m working out everyday either a beach body video or Vshred video and I try to dance to fitness Marshall videos on YouTube each day for some cardio... I would like to get outside to run but can’t leave my kids home alone. Thinking about purchasing a treadmill....
    Please friend me I would like to stay accountable and have a safe place for motivation and support as well! Have a great day!
    Jessica
  • Comms0p
    Comms0p Posts: 228 Member
    edited May 2020
    Hello everyone. I just came back to MFP on monday - in order to keep me accountable on Caloric intake and Macros - because I entered a 30 Naked body challenge. It's short term yes, but I needed motivation to help kick start my tush back into shape. Looking for additional accountability! I even bought a digital scale *gasp* :# (haven't had one in years!)
    I am 42, mom of 2 girls 14 & 10, Shift worker, and weigh 152lbs {down 3 since almost 3 weeks ago}. My plan is to get back down to 135lbs.
    I was just getting into heavy lifting at the gym - minor injuries due to improper form, lack of cardio, and poor nutritional choices and of course closed gyms have honored me of wearing a bigger spare tire than usual :(
    Looking forward to being Friends!
    Oh I forgot - I live in Saskatchewan, Canada! :smiley:
  • jo_nz
    jo_nz Posts: 548 Member
    Hi all,

    I'd love to join you all too.
    I am 42, with 2 kids (ages 13 & 10). I have been slowly losing weight over about the last year, down about 10lb with 15 to go.

    But, lately things have stalled. We have been in lockdown for coming up to 7 weeks. At first I was managing okay with long dog walks and just being active with the kids, and a few video workouts being posted by my gym. But now it has opened up enough for DH to return to work, while I am home trying to work and keep the kids on track with school. Struggling to do any exercise at all.
    And I just heard a few days ago that my gym isn't surviving the lockdown so won't have that to go back to - I really loved it, and not easily replaceable for me, so I am going to try working out at home for now.

    This afternoon we will hear if we are moving away from lockdown yet...it will still be kids at home with me this week, but really hoping they can go to school next week.

    Right, going to try and do a workout NOW while the kids are working...I give it 3 minutes before the fighting breaks out...
  • drollings2019
    drollings2019 Posts: 95 Member
    I turned 40 last year and now weight the most I have in my entire life around 205. I few years ago, I weighed about 190 when my husband (at the time) accidentally left a google search up that said "how to convince your wife to lose weight". I was tiny before we had kids and put on more and more after each of my three. I felt horrible, but it was the motivation I needed to get in gear. I created a MyFitness Pal account, tracked every single think I ate, and walked at least 3 miles per day. I got a Fitbit and never went to bed without 10,000 steps minimum. I was consistent or a long time. I really didn't do anything but try to keep my calories around 1200 and walk, walk, walk. I don't like to run (it kills my knee) but I could do a little bit on the treadmill. I would start with 1/2 a song, and then a full song, and just try to add more each time I ran. I still didn't like it, but did what I could to add a little sweat to my workouts. I eventually got down to about 145 pounds. I felt great. We went on a trip to Mexico and it was wonderful not feeling bad about myself. Then, little by little, I got out of the habit. My downfall was when I quit weighing myself every day. That seems to be a motivating factor for me. I had gained about 20 pounds back when we were on a trip with friends. There were tiny girls everywhere and my then husband would say to our friends, "she used to be that little" or "she used to be able to wear things like that". I hated myself. I would try again, but always seemed to fail. We divorced not long after that. I weighed around 165 at that time and was determined to get fit before I turned 40. Then I met my now husband. He is amazing and has encouraged me to love me for who I am because he does. But, I got a little too comfortable and he cooks amazing food :) He is so supportive of whatever I want to do, but I can't seem to find the motivation I had before. I will log for a day or two, and then stop. I eat good for a day or two, then give up. I tell myself each week that I have to start walking again, and I don't. I just don't understand why I can't get with it. He is willing to cook whatever I want to eat, eat well with me, walk with me. I should be able to do this!

    I am going to start tracking my food again, trying to keep around 1200-1300 calories. I tried before to do the breakdown of protein, carbs, etc, but it is just too much for me to begin with. I am much better if I can just eat mostly healthy and track whatever I eat. We have 5 kids who all like different things, so trying to please everyone without making multiple things is hard. And I am going to get back to walking. I start back at work tomorrow after working from home. I have an accountability partner there that should help me. And water, water, water!! I have an addiction to sweet tea that I have to give up.

    If anyone would like to be friends and help me along, please feel free to add! I need all the motivation I can get!
  • rehand1978
    rehand1978 Posts: 11 Member
    Hi all,
    I'm joining in - hope it's not too late. I'm 41 and 225lbs. I'm finding it harder to stick to my goals than I have in the past and I'm hoping maybe this group will be the support and encouragement I need to stay motivated. I've tried Keto, MFP, WW, high fiber, very low calorie, eliminating foods, and I've just not had any long term success. The best I've done is drop 20 pounds using MFP but that was when I was in my 20's. This time I am aiming for several small goals and focusing on changing one thing at a time. This week I am aiming to add more veggies and fruit in my diet. My first goal is to lose 10 pounds and I am not going to set a goal date yet, just see how this first week goes. My current track record is sticking with anything for 2 days max. If I can make it through this week I will be doing great.
  • dangerousdumpling
    dangerousdumpling Posts: 1,109 Member
    I decided to face the music and get on the scale this morning. I'm up 8 pounds. I'm so annoyed with myself but not surprised because I have not had any self control during the stay at home order. I'm going to work on being positive, though, because I know how feeling too bad about it can make me feel unmotivated. The good news is that because I've done it before I know what to do now. I have a plan and I just need to stick to it if I don't want to see these legs in shorts this summer.
  • copernicus0001
    copernicus0001 Posts: 13 Member
    Hello All...

    It has been a two weeks since my last post and I see much has transpired since then.

    Welcome to all the new members -
    @cmchiarizzio, @rehand1978, @dangerousdumpling, @drollings2019, @jo_nz, @Comms0p, @maguiyr, @mgan9311, @worthit78, @aperfecttouch4474, @kristan8515, @ToniPressman

    Hopefully I didn't miss anyone... It is very nice to see all the great supportive interaction among the members of this thread.

    I have been exceptionally busy with work and have had little time to focus on my weight loss/health improvement journey. I have seen my weight loss slow substantially over the past 6 weeks or so - I think that is due to small but significant lapses in my diet paradigm. Fortunately, I am still losing weight, but at a rate that could be significantly higher without much more effort. I plan on doing my best to refine my focus and improve the outcomes in this endeavor.

    I need to cut this post short today... I look forward to hearing from everyone and reading about your progress and success as well as the tribulations in your health improvement journey.

    Stay safe and healthy!

    Douglas

  • cbenno97
    cbenno97 Posts: 130 Member
    edited May 2020
    Hi All,

    I'm hoping that I can join! I am 41 and live in Brooklyn, NY (African, born in London). I'm 5 ft 1 and seeking to get to 115lbs. (SW-142, CW-127, GW-115).

    I've been on MFP since 2012 on and (and more likely) off. I also signed up for Noom near the end of March and echo everything copernicus0001 says about it. I enjoy reading the articles daily, but the MFP message boards are much more engaging.

    The pandemic has definitely spurred me to make better choices-- no more vending machine runs or office baked delicacies to cram into my mouth. Since I live alone, I control what I am buying much better and am hoping to carry these habits and self control with me once I go back to the office!

    In terms of fitness, I walk about 13-15k steps a day and complete three 30 minute workouts (usually kickboxing and jump rope) a week in a local park.

    Good luck with your journeys--looking forward to checking in!
  • drollings2019
    drollings2019 Posts: 95 Member
    @dangerousdumpling I had this problem! When my boss had sent us home to work on March 20th, I had all these grand ideas about how I was going to walk before I started my work, I could walk at lunch. I could eat healthier because I was home to cook. I didn't do any of that! I sat in my chair working all day, ate whatever was convenient and didn't do much walking at all. I came back to the office yesterday. Not being able to fit comfortably in my prior office attire has motivated me a bit :) I get understand feeling bad can make you unmotivated. I do the same thing. But the last two days, I have had a more positive attitude, packed my lunch and am making sure I track everything again. I even got a walk in last night and hope to continue that daily. Good luck to you!
  • Comms0p
    Comms0p Posts: 228 Member
    For May 12-2020: Last night shift before some days off, did the 30 min workout program before work and then completed the 20min cardio (stair glider) :p . I am still trying to fit in my workouts from Naked Training, but I know I am off by a few days. I do workout at work now on night shifts - I am not just sitting! I try to get up and walk when I can! It feels great knowing I lost just a little over 1 lb (grams count too lol) and went from 41.1% body fat to 39.2% in 10 days feels great :) ! Looking forward to more losses in that area!
    I did have a regular "pop" as the vending machine was out of the diet coke - what I would usually go to when I had my sweet cravings late at night - and still maintained under calories! So to me that's a win! B) My dairy fluctuates and I am trying to curb that, maybe in time I will find what works and what doesn't in the upcoming weeks - hopefully the sooner the better!

    Hope you all are doing well! :)
  • dangerousdumpling
    dangerousdumpling Posts: 1,109 Member
    BittersweetVita wrote: »
    Today was my "30 Day Streak" and I am down 3 pounds. I will check my measurements and see if there are any changes there yet. Consistency has been one of my major issues and I committed to 3-months of MFP before allowing myself to feel defeated. While not a huge number, I am proud of myself. I had equated 1 pound of weight loss per week into MFP and with having difficulties in the past, I told myself that I would be happy to lose any weight.

    Today's diet was awful, but I stayed under my calories. Hopefully, my husband can make it to the grocery store tomorrow because I know that is why I was snacking around. Our daughter started feeling sick yesterday and it continued into today. It's so easy to just grab the crap lying around or munching on the kids leftovers when you feel that you are trying to just make it through the day.

    Overall, I have done well staying close to my calorie count this month. I have also increased my walking stamina to 3 miles this month! After a few years of sedentary life due to medical issues, this is a major accomplishment for me. I am excited to make some new goals for myself for this next 30 days! I look forward to more updates from our group!

    It never seems to come off like we think it will, right? But it sounds like you've had some great results and a lot to be proud of. I'd be thrilled to lose 3 lbs per month. I just cannot seem to lose more than that in a month. I could if I could tolerate a low calorie diet but I can't. Anyway, just wanted to say hang in there and keep doing what you're doing. And thanks for the reminder to check measurements. I need to do that today. It's day three for me so a good time to get some starting numbers.
  • rehand1978
    rehand1978 Posts: 11 Member
    Thanks for the reminder to check measurements too! I haven't done that yet and I need my starting numbers so I know what I've lost!
  • FitAndGoodLooking
    FitAndGoodLooking Posts: 89 Member
    Ladies on this thread - please add me. I am on the same boat too. Let's join and have healthy goals and lose weight.
  • BittersweetVita
    BittersweetVita Posts: 745 Member
    These past couple of days, my weight is hovering in the 190's. After much research into BMR and TDE and all that jazz, I thought I should try to figure out where these numbers actually lie for me. I have received BMR estimates in the 1400's and some all the way in the 1700's; therefore, I had TDE's ranging from 1700 to 2100 with entering light exercise (I try to walk nearly everyday at a moderate pace for most of that walk).

    My original plan was to use MFP to set a 1 pound per week weight loss (which was set to 1610) and not to eat back my exercise calories. After my research, I thought that might not be the best way to go about losing weight because it would be hard for me to figure out what really works and what doesn't work for my body with fluctuating calories per day.

    What have you tried in the past or present that has worked/not worked for you?
  • kimcalica
    kimcalica Posts: 525 Member
    I’m turning 40 in 4 days !! I started the week with a 20 lb goal and have already lost 5 lbs! But this seems like a good fit for me if you guys will have me!
  • jo_nz
    jo_nz Posts: 548 Member
    The kids are at school today!!
    I walked the youngest to school (with dog in tow) and carried on with a large loop walk around my area. Beautiful late autumn morning here, so it was a nice, if a bit chilly, walk - next time I will wear my waterproof hiking boots though...the grass through the parks was soaking, and I came home with wet shoes, socks & lower trouser legs.

    Now to get stuck into working from home without having to also supervise the kids' schoolwork while they are also bickering constantly.

    This week's first goal is to plan the meals and organise grocery shopping. With everyone else at home the past 8 weeks, I've definitely slipped into less-ideal eating habits, so time to change that.
  • ERB2018
    ERB2018 Posts: 16 Member
    I would love to join this group! I am 43 and have about 20kg to lose. ☹️ I like to walk and kayak. At the moment the gyms are closed but in normal life I tried to do body pump classes twice a week. Home exercise equivalent has been intermittent to zero. Will be great to have some buddies to check in with.
  • Comms0p
    Comms0p Posts: 228 Member
    BittersweetVita wrote: »
    These past couple of days, my weight is hovering in the 190's. After much research into BMR and TDE and all that jazz, I thought I should try to figure out where these numbers actually lie for me. I have received BMR estimates in the 1400's and some all the way in the 1700's; therefore, I had TDE's ranging from 1700 to 2100 with entering light exercise (I try to walk nearly everyday at a moderate pace for most of that walk).

    My original plan was to use MFP to set a 1 pound per week weight loss (which was set to 1610) and not to eat back my exercise calories. After my research, I thought that might not be the best way to go about losing weight because it would be hard for me to figure out what really works and what doesn't work for my body with fluctuating calories per day.

    What have you tried in the past or present that has worked/not worked for you?

    I have used MFP back in 2013 and it did help in losing 15lbs I think...but it was gradual. Took maybe 5 months plus I picked up running!
    I'm using it now to help track my Macros and trying to follow the Naked Training program - it's a struggle as everyone is home and I am the go getter for everything! 🤪 I know they love me, but I miss the gym as it was my solitude time - but I find I am constantly being interrupted.
    I used heavy weights at the gym. When weights, cardio and proper eating habits are used together, the results were seen faster!
    It's all just a matter of finding what works for you 🙂
  • nicolevawdrey
    nicolevawdrey Posts: 2 Member
    Hey y’all hope I can join in on the fun and friendship (can someone explain how I initiate friend requests from this group? I am just a few months shy of my 40th birthday and I am wanting to lose 15lbs before then. I had to pick up a second job about a year ago to save money to replace my roof which caused me to stop exercising and being mindful of what I eat. Prior to that I was an avid cyclist, runner, and yoga enthusiast (among other activities). I am back on my bike riding around 75 miles a week and running about 6 - 8 miles a week. I do yoga more for spirituality and core strength. Exercise is never really the issue, it is eating, I love food! Looking forward to getting to know you all and working towards our goals together. Cheers to good health!
  • mummiecakes
    mummiecakes Posts: 28 Member
    Hello All! For those in Canada, Happy Victoria Day!

    I've been away from this board for most of the past week. It's great to see so many new faces...we are all in this together! Please feel free to add me as a friend if you like :)

    Work from home has been hectic and somewhat stressful lately. This means that I spent a couple of days not logging well and definitely going over my calories. I did do all of my workouts though, so was happy about that.

    @BittersweetVita I spent some time a couple of weeks ago trying to figure out my numbers too. I believe that mine fell in the same range (BMR 1400ish), so my goal is to hit 1200 cals and burn an additional 300 through exercise 5-6 days per week. I am trying to stay under the 1400 mark on my off days as well.

    I learned my lesson about carbonated drinks (even without sugar), refined flour and salt this week...or rather, was reminded, as this is not new to me. Had an off day and indulged in some of these...weighed the next day and was up a pound. Gave it a couple of days and lots of water and am down 2lbs now...so overall down 1lb this week. What a roller coaster!! And why do I get so invested emotionally in that scale!?

    @Comms0p I love using weights to work out and completely understand the 'alone time' while working out. During the week I get up before anyone else in my house to get that time in. Otherwise, there is no way to do it uninterrupted for me.

    @jo_nz Where do you live that your kids are back to school? That must be a weird feeling after 8 weeks. Our kids have been off since March 16th and I doubt they will go back to school this year. You have a great goal for this week. Grocery shopping and staying on top of my own plan while the rest of the family is home and eating differently than usual has been hard. I find I will make a plan and even prep, then go to get my food and someone else has eaten it...I have three teenagers in the house, so our grocery bill has gone up incredibly over the past couple of months.

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