Jen2133 Member

I am 5'2", age 53. In the before photo I was 143lbs and 109lbs on the left, just before I competed in a bodybuilding show. My normal weight is about 115-118lbs. I lift weights, do Crossfit, run, mountain bike, cross country ski… and enjoy a glass of wine and the occasional cupcake :) [edited by MFP Mods]

@Mouse_Potato (I'm chuckling at your user name!) Yes! there are definitely different opinions on protein. From my own experience, there is a minimum amount that is needed for health and satiety, but then it varies from there. @kshama2001 I will check out the link you provided – thank you. I work in the marketing industry…

Checking back in here… menopause seems like a big topic of interest. I'm 53 and going through it, so I definitely have a personal interest. Luckily, I have had very few issues or symptoms, but I know this is not the case for everyone. I'd very much like to do some research, and interview a few doctors and specialists to…

Thank you to those of you who have provided feedback so far <3

Plain old will-power! Once you break the habit, you'll find your cravings diminish and you won't have the 'hangry' feeling that comes with sugar.

I agree with HoneyBadger – strength training is the way to go!

I just sent a friend request to you… I compete in Figure :smile:

Definitely had to change my diet!

My friends here – sardelsa and mom23mangos are right on point! I would also add that while you can do many things to lose that last bit of weight, keeping it off may be more of a challenge in deprivation than you are counting on and should not become 'normal'. It may be that you aim to drop some water for a special…

I am 50, but luckily have had no symptoms associated with menopause, so I can't offer support that way. However, I did go through a period three years ago where I gained about 25 lbs and was unsuccessful in my early attempts to lose the weight. I strongly agree that sugar cravings and and processed foods are a big problem…

I have considered this approach, and DO need to experiment to see how it goes. I think as I move towards more days of traditional, body-building-style lifting in Jan/Feb this may work and that coach would understand if I were loopy/in a bad mood/etc. I'm a bit worried about trying that on my Crossfit days, though! Too many…

@JeepHair77 Thanks for the compliments! I really don't do anything special, but the ridiculously dark spray tan, professional hair (with extensions) and makeup do help!

@DananaNanas I always watch it! I love the confidence the models show, but felt very badly for the one who fell. I wonder why they didn’t choose to edit that out? I think my figure competitions are my personal VS Angel moments... just need to find some wings!

I'm 5' 2" and about 124lbs with a goal of being about 113lbs in six months. I eat between 1200 and 1400 depending on exercise. I have one 'free' meal a week right now. Although I have to keep the calories pretty low to drop weight, I find I have a pretty high maintenance level in comparison.

True persistence! Congratulations, you look fabulous!!

I had an Arc'teryx jacket replaced due to a failed seam AND they gave me matching pants because my old ones (which were fine) didn't match the new jacket. I don't recall them asking for any proof of purchase. I was lucky to be able to go direct to the manufacturer's location in Vancouver, BC, so that might have helped. I'd…

I would say 21 – 23%, as well.

I really enjoy Crossfit and agree with @cbrealtor55 that you need to set your own limits as to modifications, weight and reps. Good coaches will be supportive and provide guidance in this. As most have suggested, check out a few gyms in your area before committing. I also agree with @Chieflrg that it is not a specific…

Thanks @sardelsa! And thanks for accepting my friend request. I'm trying to go into this next competition with a few more calories in the early stages of the diet, but my experience has been that I have to cut way back to see any changes (1200 calories and about 2 hours per day of gym time). I also seem to do well on lower…

At first I thought I had to be tall to join this discussion :) I'm too short – 5'2", to be a model of any kind, but do compete in Figure. I'd love to find some new friends who compete, or who are trying to attain that body type as I'd like to share strategies for eating (including recipe ideas) and exercise. I'm about six…

It varies for me depending on time of year and goals. Minimum 3, maximum 6, but I may do other non-gym activities (running, walking, skiing, biking) on the off days, or as a double workout. The intensity of lifting or intervals definitely varies :)

How about trying Crossfit? You'll get a good mix of interval training and strength training. And, for me at least, the strength training part is a lot more fun than being on my own in the gym!

I think all of the comments above are very valid. I'm 50 years old and have visible abs when I am at a certain point of leanness. I compete in Figure, so I do a lot of strength training and CrossFit (depending on the season), but I also had visible abs when I was younger and competed in Ironman triathlon (and didn't do any…

I can't live without the PC brand Chipotle Hot Sauce from Super Store. Actually, Super Store has a few low calorie sauces I like within their Blue Label (healthy) line of foods – Buffalo Wing sauce and a BBQ one I believe. I do watch the sodium levels on these, but so far, so good. Walden Farms also has quite a good line…

It really gets me going when people think it is somehow "easier" for me, than it is for them, to be strong, healthy, fit and enjoy a balanced lifestyle. I can assure you that I work very hard and very thoughtfully to maintain a certain weight and physique, and have done so for a lifetime. True, I do enjoy working out, but…

I totally agree with Nate1619 and Travistock Toad – keep going to the bootcamp class AND running. They work different systems and muscles and the bootcamp class is what is going to add strength, muscle and balance to your body. I don't know if it's just my experience, but I couldn't lose weight from just running. I have a…

I have signed-on for premium for a one month time period to see how I like it. So far, I like that I can alter the macro and calorie goals each day as I am currently carb-cycling in my last weeks of prep for a figure competition. I'm not sure I will keep it up once my goals and calories/macros are less rigid. You can pay…

Hi, I'm Jennifer from British Columbia, Canada. Down about 20lbs and maintaining through tracking for about 2 years!

I tried a sample of the Syntha-6 and liked the taste of the vanilla flavour. If I recall, the calories are a bit higher and it has more carbohydrate than most other brands (Canadian version), which might not fit your goals. Look closely at the nutrition facts and ask for a sample if possible.