50 + years and pounds
 

Greetings from the NJ Shore.
Personal Info: I'm enjoying being 51 cuz I can do whatever I want, whenever I want... My two children are adults who live independently.

Diet/Exercise: I've tried lots of diets and still hoping to find the magic pill. But in reality, I know what works for me, lean proteins, veggies, minimal fruit and plenty of water. Unfortunately, I don't stick to what works which is why I'm fat. Due to a second job, I gave up my gym memberships (yes, I had 2) so I'm transitioning from daily visits to the gym to home exercises. I LOVE Step Aerobics but it's not the same when I'm at home in the living room. Thus, at home, I'm doing more Interval training which gets my heart rate up and works my muscles. Also, can be done in a tight space. Recently returned to walking outdoors 2 - 4 miles twice a week.

Achievements: No longer wearing "supersized" clothing. Yippeee. Able to push my body way past what I thought was possible. Fell completely in LOVE with exercise for the first time in my life.

Challenges: Motivation, Consistency, Exercising with arthritis, plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, and general joint weaknesses.

New Member Introduction/Bio
 

Hi everyone. I am brand new here, having just this minute signed up!
I need some moral support and maybe also some educational help. :dizzy:
I am Bobbi, age 62, married, retired after working just about all my life.
I was always a sedentary person. Never worked that hard at anything!
I spent 13 years in the Navy and that point in my life was probably when I was in the best shape I ever was in (and it wasn't all that good then lol).
Anyway, over the past two years, this weight has crept up on me insidiously. I literally ignored it, and now I find myself weighing 185! I am 5'6.5", shrunk from 5'8". I have never weighed this much! I hate it! My tummy is huge and my knees hurt from the weight and I am tired all the time.
Okay, well on to the plan. I am going to start some kind of diet on Monday. I have a target date because today or tomorrow I am expecting to receive my Gazelle Edge I ordered (aerobic work out thingee) and I want to start fresh.
I quit smoking one month ago, using a target date and that seems to work for me.
I find the quitting smoking rather easier than I had anticipated it would be. I use the nicotine replacement but now less and less and I am proud of myself. I smoked for 46 years!
I figure this weight loss thing will be MUCH harder for me! I will do it though!!! I will!
My mother died at the age of 78 weighing 500 plus #s mostly due to her obesity and breathing and heart troubles from it, and my sister is following her footsteps with 350 plus#s at age 48. :(
I refuse to have that happen to me!!!
So, I guess I am just introducing myself and hoping to make some friends and find some support here. :^:
Any suggestions for a diet would help, but I figure if I cut out the goodies (which I eat ALOT of) and just cut the sugars, and watch the fattening stuff, I should be all right...I think LOL!
I plan to use my new Gazelle, several times a day and every day, because right now I don't get ANY exercise, so I figure any moving around is good. :carrot:
Thanks for reading.
Bobbi

Hi, I'm Jen & this is my first post on 3FC.

I'm turning 50 on January 2nd. On my 49th birthday, I promised myself I would get in shape so I'd hit 50 looking & feeling better than I did at 40. Needless to say, I broke my promise. I'm techically only about 11 pounds overweight, but according to my scale, my body fat percentage is somewhere between 35 & 38%. When I started having babies (I have 4 - between 27 & 15 years old), I weighed under 120, so I feel like most of the 35+ pounds I've gained since then is fat. Ugh.

I'm in the process of reading 'Younger Next Year' (women's version) and it has motivated me to do something so that when I'm 70, I'm still able to be active & healthy. Working out 6 times a week is part of the plan, and I need support to get that done! My 20 year old son (who just moved back home) is a great cheerleader for me, but he's on a completely different playing field.

My diet has been pretty healthy since I became vegan almost 5 years ago. My problem is that I just eat too much! And this time of year, of course there are too many sweets - whether or not they contain eggs & butter is pretty irrelevant! I'm firmly in the 3 meals a day, no snacks camp (ayurvedic style), but still struggle with wanting food when I'm not really hungry.

So here I am, looking forward to getting to know some of you as we strive to become better & smaller in 2012!

Jen.

PERSONAL INFORMATION: HI there. I'm 59 years old and I hope to be around for many more years. I'm married and I have 2 grown children and 4 grandchildren. I'm an RN but that holds no shortcut to losing weight.
DIET / EXERCISE REGIMEN: What haven't I tried? Some diet plans have worked for me and some have not. I'm still searching for the right plan to get healthy and stay that way. I hope that making friends here will keep me on track with my goals. I need encouragement on the good days, and the not-so-good ones.
SPECIAL HOPES / ASPIRATIONS / ACHIEVMENTS / CHALLENGES: I recently figured out that I've had issues with overeating and being overweight for 53 of my 59 years. I think that most of my discomfort, physically and mentally, is a direct result of my overeating. I'd love to get back to the weight I was when I got married - about 150 pounds. Unfortunately, that's 80 pounds from now.
I'm looking forward to being an active member of 3fc and helping others along the way. TrudyFay:carrot::

Hello, my name is Carol and I am at my wit's end. I just turned 50 in December 2011, and every year about this time I say to myself "I am the fattest I have ever been", and then another year goes by, my clothes get even a bit more snug, and I sink a little deeper into what feels like a pit I can't drag myself out of.

I am married, no kids, but 2 wonderful grown stepsons and 3 step grandchildren. I am a homemaker but keep very busy with volunteer work and trying to take good care of my loved ones.

I have always been gangly thin, and 2" taller than I am now. This weight gain, which started out gradually is now piling on despite my best efforts to do something about it. I try to get in 45 mins of cardio 5x/week, lift weights 2x, and take a yoga/Pilates class on Fridays. I try to focus on lean meats, lots of vegetables and whole grains, and watch portions somewhat. but despite what feels like trying really hard, clothes keep getting tighter and tighter, and I am becoming very discouraged. last night I was in tears while packing for an upcoming trip to Hawaii. it should be a happy time, but I am so upset about my weight I can hardly think of anything else.

I am feeling desperate, and have come here hoping to find people that can understand and maybe kick me in my a**. Thanks for reading this. Hopefully once I start to figure things out for myself I can be a good support for others as well. Thank you for reading all of this!

PS: I came here 2 years ago with the same hopes and aspirations and frustrations, but lost my focus and stopped coming, because I was ashamed at my lack of progress. I am ready to really focus and make it happen this time, no excuses.
Carol

Hi everyone!

Many years ago I was on this site and lost 25 pounds! I'm now 51 and gained in the past few years about 20 pounds back. I really need to lose it not just becuase I want to look good in my jeans but because in my "genes" I have a family history of diabetes and other health issues related to weight.

I never had a weight issue until after I had my sons (they are now 16 and 13 years old) I am a stress eater and having two teenage boys has made me stress eat even more- my oldest just got a car!

I really need to be accountable and develop a rountine and lifestyle change. Hope to make some new weight loss buddies to help me on this journey!

Hello everyone :)

I'm brand new to this site & figured I would join a few of the groups that I'd fit in with. I'm definitely over 50 so I'll start with this one.

I'm 61 yrs old & live alone in a very small town in the mountains of western Washington state. I have one cat, a mini dachshund & a min pin for pets. My son & his wife live in Seattle, not too far away, and they come up frequently & bring my 1.5 yr old granddaughter who of course is absolutely gorgeous! lol They're also expecting another baby mid-year so I'll be a grandma a second time!

I'm on disability but have worked many jobs in the past including cab driver, tugboat operator, grounds maintenance & logging crew laborer & EMT/ firefighter. My hobbies include computers, gardening, genealogy & reading. I love sci fi, fantasy, action movies & comedies but not into chick flicks.

I'm just starting a serious diet & exercise program today & gradually getting into it. I had let my weight climb over the last few years from a combination of depression, menopause, quitting smoking & just plain laziness & self-indulgence. I'm not set to do any particular diet program but will eat smaller portions, more fruits & vegetables, less breads, pastas, potatoes & sweets. I'll see how that goes & will make adjustments as needed.

For exercise I plan to use weight training since I've done that before & already have a full set of nice free weights & a good weight bench. I have a painful foot condition plus agorophobia so won't be walking until I can work on those things (one step at a time). I'll use the weights 6 days a week & cycle days working on particular body parts - bi/tri one day, chest & shoulders another, back & legs the next day. That should at least get me building some muscle & moving again.

My special hope is as simple as being able to fit into my old jeans again & being able to garden without getting tired before I start. :)

PERSONAL INFORMATION: I'm 51, married for now, raising three great teens. We have animals ranging from a lizard to a horse. I love to read and cook and garden and hike and being a mom is the best.

DIET: Roughly South Beach with a vegetarian/no artificial sweetener angle. Would like to minimize the dairy, too.

EXERCISE REGIMEN: Trying to find time for yoga three times a week, otherwise, walking and working outside when weather permits.

HEIGHT AND WEIGHT: 5'2" and 160 lbs, give or take.

GOAL: Hope to lose 40 lbs - not in a hurry. 1-2 lbs a week would be great. Will trade fat for muscle and take the extra weight.

SPECIAL HOPES: I want to get back to being active, feeling fit and energetic. My goal is less about weight and more about doing the things I love. My real goal is hike in the mountains that could take five days.

CHALLENGES: Three teens who eat anything in site. The house is full of food of all kinds for good reason. I don't do all the cooking, but enough to test my resolve. My job can be stressful. Sitting at a desk all day is a trigger for snacking.

ACHEIVEMENTS: have lost about eight pounds, and have joined this forum.

Hello everyone,

So, there is hope for weight loss after 50? I am 57 and just skipped my first period. Guess I'm a late bloomer. I don't have any other symptoms yet either - hot flashes, etc., but I did have PMS all my life, so I have paid my dues. I know it is coming and likely to make this weight loss effort even more difficult, but I figure it's now or never!

I have gained 50 pounds over the last 20 years. They just crept up on me, and I have reached a point where I am very uncomfortable. Also, for the first time my blood pressure is elevated. The Dr. has given me six months to get it down. I am hoping to lose 30 pounds in that time frame. What do you think? Doable? I have tried to lose weight in the past and would get 10 or 12 pounds off, but then regain. You all know the story.

I am serious this time and have chosen South Beach. I've also told everyone I know and joined a gym. I will post here of my hopeful success. Perhaps by keeping it foremost in my mind I will reach my goal.

Any tips for a 50+ dieter that have worked for you?

Golden Girl here
 

PERSONAL INFORMATION: I live in Sacramento with my 27 year old son and roommate. I have 2 cats and a dog. I have been dieting my whole life through. I probably started in Junior High School. I have been teased through-out my life by family, friends and co-workers because of my weight. In 2006 I had gastric bypass, but it didn't work. I gained 50 lbs back. I am working on losing those 50 before I end up back where I was. I love photography, walking, and gardening.
I work with preschoolers for the Head Start program, and that keeps me active.

DIET / EXERCISE REGIMEN: I am 5'4" and as of this morning I weight 264 lbs. I'd like to get down to 220. That is a comfortable weight for me.
My exercise Regimen is pretty much chasing preschoolers around for 8 hours a day, and trying to keep the weeds out of my garden.

SPECIAL HOPES / ASPIRATIONS / ACHIEVEMENTS / CHALLENGES: I have Fibro Myalgia, which makes it difficult for me to do as much exercise as I'd like.
My hope is to be able to get back into a size 18. Yes, I know that is still pretty large, but its much better then where I was.

Hello! I just turned 50 last week and I really need to get back into the habit of posting on 3 FC. A little bit about me…

I joined 3FC in January of 2010. By counting calories and exercising I lost a total of 41 pounds by late fall of that year. During 2011, I pretty much maintained, but also fought with about a 4 pound gain over and over. I still had 10 pounds until I would reach my original goal. Needless to say, after the holidays at the end of 2011, I found myself up another 5 pounds. I have been attempting to get back on the losing wagon since the start of 2012, but have not had much success. Hoping that becoming more active here will help me to be more accountable and stick close to plan and get the added pounds off and get to my goal.

I have 2 sons (ages 19 and 15) and will be getting re-married in May of this year. I sure would like to be at goal by then, but if I can just get back to my original loss I’ll be happy.

I live in Oklahoma, like to do crosswords, garden, camp, crafts. My big love is cooking. Although I have learned many healthy recipes or adapted others, I still have lots of things I enjoy cooking/baking that really are a hindrance to my goals. I am working to put baking on the back burner (pun intended) until I reach goal.

So not sure where I fit here. I honestly don’t feel like a “Golden Girl”. The term makes me think of the TV show from back in the 80s and those ladies always seemed so old to me. :p No offense to anyone here. But I do need to fit in somewhere.

I'm robyn,f,51,5'7,married,no kids.i stuggle with weight most of my life.I'm about 200lbs and want to lose 50lbs and keep it off.I'm trying to eat healthier and exercise 30mins daily.I like walking or stationary bike best.I stuggle with compulsive eating.My downfall is sweets and than junk foods.I live in southern ca.Work in school cafateria which doesn't help.There are some healthy choices there.Looking for support and buddy

hello from Canada and looking for some dieting support
 

I’m Kathie, aged 61, living in rural Ontario, Canada. We moved from the city 7 years ago and love living in this part of Ontario, almost of the shore of Lake Huron. I have been married to my high school sweet heart for 40 years. He has a vending business. So the truck is full of chocolate bars, chips, pop (soda for some of you). There is more junk (muffins, candy, cookies) in the garage in boxes. We have 2 daughters. Christine lives in Ottawa, which takes all day to get there from here. So we see her 2 or 3 times a year. Carolyn lives on a small island off the coast of Honduras, where she does a lot of scuba diving. She gets home once a year and we visit her on a spring holiday. No grandchildren.
I work 3 or 4 days a week as a water operator. This means that I go around to check on small drinking water systems in mobile home parks, rural subdivisions and summer camps. I started this job 7 years ago when we moved from the city.
I like to sew quilts and belong to a quilting guild. This is a new hobby for me, so I am learning. I also like to read from time to time. We live in a great neighbourhood, with lots of social activities. I drive a lot for work and listen to Sirius radio, mostly Stars (Dr. Laura, Just Jenny, The Broads) We have three cats. But I really want a dog. So far, DH is really against having a dog. Perhaps when I really retire, I will get one. The cats are company and I do like having them all.
About 3 years ago in 2009 I lost 30 pounds, from 168 to 138. But now I have most of it back, starting counting at 164. Prior to that, my weight was fairly constant at 165-170. I did get rid of a lot of “fat clothes” three years ago. I need to lose at least 10 pounds, closer to 150, to fit into most of my wardrobe. Most people would be thinking of losing weight for health, but it’s mostly vanity for me. I found FitDay good for me, which I still like. I also followed Spark People. Now I need a change, and found Spark People too busy for my computer. 3FC looks better, less confusing. I hate counting calories and tracking my food, but it’s the only way I can keep control. I also need to weigh myself every day too. This is the only thing that works for me. I have tried other diets, but I make a lot of homemade foods, eat local and seasonal foods. So tracking my own calories is best for me. I will try to be more active, with gardening, walking, kayaking, whatever. I have started yoga again too. Yoga may not burn a lot of calories, but I find it very relaxing. So then I can stay out of the junk food. Another goal is not eating between 2 and 6 in the afternoon. This is a bad time of day for me, as I can snack and nibble too much.
I need to be a part of a group, to keep myself accountable. I am hoping that 3FC can do that. This is my first post on 3FC.
yoga:

Come to Join You!
 

My name is Lily and I started last month on 3fat chicks. I'll be 63 in August, Been married to my DH for 40 years :hug: , and we have a daughter who has end stages MS and 2 sons, oldest is married and has our 2 beautiful granddaughters 9.5 & 11 yrs. Younger son is engaged to a wonderful lady with 2 girls 13 & 16 yrs. more granddaughters! Both sons love women 5 yrs. older than them ;) DH retired last year so we are still adjusting to 24/7 with each other!

Been over weight most of my life, tried almost every diet out there, some worked temporarily, others not so much. Managed to loose 37 pounds on a lean Atkins plan 10 yrs. ago and have been bouncing back and forth in a 20 pound range ever since.

In those years, physically I became Diabetic and worked my way up to Insulin 3 years ago, had my left hip replaced 6 yrs. ago and my right knee 5 yrs ago. We moved from a small farm where we lived for 27 years into a Beautiful 55+ Modular Home park 4 yrs. ago. I fell the next year and broke 2 ribs, very painful and it's taken me 2 yrs. to get over it. Needless to say I have not done a whole lot of exercise in the last years. Walking and balance are problems but I try to stay active. hoping to do more now that I have lost weight!

Started a Cleanse and De-tox program in Jan 2012 to get healthier and hopefully lose weight, cutting out the sugar and white foods from my diet. Eating lean meats and seafoods, lots of green veggies and tomatoes, 2 fruit a day, 2 breadsticks, a greens drink, herb tea, lots of water, vitamins. See my weight ticker!

So many health improvements, weight loss, and Most Important... I'm off Insulin - WHOOPPEE :carrot: for 2 months now!!! and my blood sugars are staying very good as I slowly add back a few starches, dairy products, I'm still taking the Metformin.

I love going out into nature, mountains & trees, rivers & streams, oceans & sunsets, just seeing the incredible scenery that surrounds us... and taking those images back with me to paint on canvas, I am an artist and paint with oils and acrylics.

Hi Y'all! I'm from Atlanta, but currently living in Chapel Hill, NC. I'm 52 yrs. old and am a new chickie. I'm married to my best friend. We have 4 dogs and a cat. I've had weight issues most of my life and just last year discovered a large pituitary tumor which hemorrhaged and almost did me in. I've been recovering for the past year and unfortunately have to take cortisone daily - supposedly for life. That makes losing weight a bit harder. But I am determined. I don't care how long it takes. I want to be healthly and look good and feel good for once in my life. It's my turn now!

I am following mainly a low-medium carb diet with some cycling days. I haven't done the cycling before and am interested to see how it works. I go to the gym almost everyday. Doing weights and HIITs cardio (only for about 20-30 minutes). I also walk my 4 dogs about 5 times per day. I like to kayak and ride motorcycles. My favorite hobby is reading. Christian growth books, the Bible and novels.

My goal is to lose about 1 lb./week. I think that might be realistic. I have about 65 lbs to lose to get to goal, so it will take a little while. I am very excited about finding this web site and all the good support here. Best wishes to everyone. Together we can do it!

Hi, I'm Marilyn, from s/e Texas. I posted an intro in the Introduction section of the main forum "I want a pony..."

Yesterday I told my husband I was going to lose 45 pounds and buy a saddle mule. He said, "Okay"....not really concerned at all.

In my mind, I am about 12 years old. It is only when I look in the mirror that I think....I am 65??? No. I couldn't be! But, yes I am. And I am overweight, have bad knees, no energy, and lots of work I need to do. I have got to make a change.

Up until recently, I have had a fair amount of energy. I am busy. I have a lot of animals to take care of and we are remodeling a 100 yr. old farm house, and I have a big yard and many hobbies and interests.

A year ago in February, my husband was hurt on the job and though he tried working some since, in all he has been off for over 12 months. It has been hard trying to live without his income, but today is his last day of physical therapy, and we are hoping he can soon go back to work.

I weighed yesterday and I was 190 lb. I would like to get to 145 lb. I weighed around 120 most of my young life, but I think 145 would be a more reasonable expectation now. I have been gradually cutting back on how much I eat, and I've lost 8 pounds over the past six months without trying very hard. I cut out sodas (as of yesterday). I think it has been at least 50 years since I didn't have at least one soda, and usually more than one. I feel like I have accomplished something just going one day without one. ;)

I drank diet soda for 40 years but cut it out about two years ago. Now I have vowed to give them up entirely. No more empty calories.

I am looking around at what diet plan I want....it has to be a life change.

I also want to start lifting weights and trying to figure out what exercises I can do with two bad knees.

I love gardening...including watergardening, rehab wildlife, interested in nature, pets, chickens, horses, working on the house, flea markets and
"junque". I have been married for 46 years and mom to a grown daughter, who lives and works in Houston. No grandchildren yet.

Looking forward to taking an active part and staying motivated and getting to know you all better.

Hi, I am Jane. I am 61 - last month - and I am restarting the weight loss. I am an artist - and a teacher. So where do I start? I have done this weight loss so many times and I see everybody has the same story - lose, gain, lose, and gain. There is no permanent answer I am sure, or at least I would be really interested to hear of someone who kept a vast amount of weight off for a lengthy period of time without making it their career. I read an article the other day that really hit home. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/01/ma...pagewanted=all This is an article by Tara Parker Pope and it pretty much says what I have been hearing for a few years now - reported from scientists, etc. We are all fighting an uphill battle, that is pretty much not winnable. So why try? Good question. I guess because I don’t feel I can just give up. I want to see my granddaughter grow up and I have already done enough damage to my body with smoking for thirty years (quit 10 years ago) and eating wrong. I need to give myself a chance. What have I got to lose? Mostly the TASTE of food and the way it calms me and acts as an anti depressant.

So, my significant other is naturally strong and lean - he can eat what he wants and look great. However, he does have high blood pressure and I don’t - his sugar can run a little high, and mine is ok. He has sleep apnea and so do I. Does that make sense? I am 75 pounds overweight at least and he is perfect. Genes are pretty influential.

I have always done the best when I keep track, which I will do with Fitday. I also do better when I develop some pattern to eating. Sneaking in the fresh veggies and fruit will be the tough and important part. I tend to forget those things in my rush though the kitchen. I am not a cook and do the least I can do in the kitchen. I am a carb addict - especially sugar. Chocolate and sugar will be the difficult things to part with as they always have been.

I have no problem exercising, and have been doing that for many years, which is probably the reason I am not diabetic or have high blood pressure like my sister (who died at 63 from heart and diabetes). Exercise will be the least of my problems.

So here goes. Tomorrow I will faithfully keep my food record and get going. If I get depressed I will try to find another solution besides chocolate:) I look forward to supporting and being supported by other people fighting the same fight.

Hi!
My name is Ginger.I live out in the country in North Louisiana. I've just celebrated still being in love and married to my college sweetheart for 40 years. WE are blessed with 4 kids, 2 single (darn it!)sons in thier 30's and twin 27 yr old happily married daughters each with 2 adorable children. Ahh! Lights of my life one grand daughter4, her 6 yr old brother ( 3hrs south) and then the 4mo.and 16 mo cuties 45min away. At home my DH & I pamper a rescued mixed and a mini Daschund. One son lives with us.
I'm a spiritual person, very in touch with nature. Yes, I hug trees. I have great like minded friends, Due to being bed-couch bound I mostly Read(3-5 books a week), talk on phone, watch Tv(GH fan,all music-dance compitition, NCIS fav show,I'm a no spin girl and HGTV fan) ,listen to music(country,Celtic & Classic rockFavs but really anything but Rap or hip hop), communicate with family-Pamper Penny, my constant, always comforting tiny pet. We Just recieved a computer so having fun here now.
In the past I worked in various jobs in the gardening world and dapple in the world of Feng Shui and Reiki ( Small time town just not interested).
God gifted me with a Saints Superbowl win as I lay on a couch unable to move since bad falls, followed by several debilitating illnesses. That was the beginning of regaining ,yet again, the 72 pds I'd lost in my 56-7th year. I can only walk with help of walker about 50 ft at very most, otherwise I'm in my wheelchair and HATE IT!! Pain is my constant companion. I'm here to get healthy, I cry just looking at an acre of gardens turn into a acre of weeds over the last 3 yrs. I want to be able to play with my grandbabies, I can't stand and hold anyof them-they have to come to me. There is my incentive.Hence the name "healthyginger" for once it's all about health.
I grew up believing I was fat, but I wasn't ( a mom thing)I weighed 107 pds in college and felt fat-I have never felt thin. From age 10 to 25 I yoyoed the same 20 pds, Then gained 80pds with 1st son and over the next 30 yrs or so have lost 60-80 pds 4 times and smaller amounts I bet a hundred times.I've done, OA, Weightwatchers, 30 days in clinic, private docs(many) Atkins, High Carb and Low fat, high fat low carb, sugar free, Gluten free, and a hundred others I'm 5'and half inch tall, 61 yrs old and at last count weeks ago 279 pds. I'm really scared this time, I know I can change my eating habits but at this point I can't really exercise-more than a few sitting -Tai Chi ones I learned. Before I spent many hrs gardening everday and had the money and vehicle to get out for park walks and swimming. No longer true. A esp. painful week brough me here and am looking forward to new friends and healthier Ginger.

Hi, My name is Connie. I am 51. I live in Florida. I started the Ideal Protein Diet 5/19/12 and have lost 15 pounds. I have a ways to go but am determined that this is my time. I have some health issues and I think this will help me. I am looking at this as a lifestyle change not a diet. I want to have a healthier lifestyle. My goal is to be healthy and feel good. I have some wonderful support from my family.

Hello, My name is Maria and I'm 56. I've been struggling with my weight since as long as I can remember. I remember weighing 149 in 4th grade. Until I was at least 12 we grew up very poor in Chicago and when my step father died we moved to Calif. My family struggled a little but finally got on track by the time I was 15. Still over weight then still overweight now. Went thru all then teenage stuff and probably paying for some of it today. I would just love to get back into my closet clothes. Been married 3 times finally happy and settled with the last one. What else is there to say? I guess I'm a Golden Girl also? lol. Anyhow I started walking in February. Walked my way to 4 miles using the treadmill. My hubby walks and rides his stationary bike. He has lost 38 lbs since February and 64 in all in the last 2 yrs. I've lost 26. It's slow going but at least it's going. My problem is I love to eat. I love ethnic food, oh God do I love ethnic food. We use Calorie King with our exercise and I admit I get bored logging into it everyday and I don't. But I know what to eat and when not to eat. Since I love to eat I sorta practice "volume" eating. Like lots of veggies or lots of fruit and salad. I limit my carb eating to once a day either lunch or dinner and not much of it and I try to eat some kind of protein with every meal. I quit drinking soda and I try to limit my drinking Crystal light but water justs taste icky sometimes. I starting to teach myself to run with one of runner's world books and so far it's working great for me. I'm losing inches cuz my clothes are falling off. I've read everywhere that running trumps all exercise and since I've always wanted to run, I chose it. It was pretty tuff at first. thought I was gonna die but since I started the actually running program the last week in March I've finally come to be able to run 20 mins without breaks. I know it doesn't sound like much but for me it is after all I'm still 230 lbs. When I first started I was having pain in my knees especially my right knee but I came to realize I was what they called an over pronator(?) knees tweaks inward. So I went to a running store and got fitted with a nice running shoe with the buildup where I needed it and the knee pain went away. It's really hard right now to stay with the program because especially the next 6 weeks is fair season for me and that's when I work, so I'll have to try and figure something out. I came here because I felt like it was time to get other female support. My hubby gives me lots but I need to see what other women like me are doing. I think I still eat more then I should but for now I can see my eating habits changing a little more all the time, seems like it almost does it on it's own. Does that make sense? Today I worked out 95 mins. I used to cry when my hubby would work out without me I felt like he wasn't supporting me. It wasn't that at all really I was just busy doing something else and one day I just confronted it and told him I need to be responsible for my own exercise and so did he, now I have no problem just getting it done. I've really come a long way but I still have leaps and bounds to go, so here I am. Thanks for listening!!

Hi all. I'm Stephanie and I'm 52. I have a wonderful husband and a 22 year old son. We have a mini-schnauzer named Nick and a kitten that adopted us a couple of weeks ago. Her name is Tupper. I work as an advertising clerk at a small town newspaper. I love to read and since I have such a poor memory, I can read things over and over again. Really into Terry Pratchett, Christopher Moore and (believe it or not) Harry Potter books. I don't have a whole lot of hobbies but I do like walking my dog during the summer mornings. Winter is another thing.

I have been on diets for most of my life, constantly gaining and losing. A couple of months ago my husband finally got heavy enough that he was willing to make a lifestyle change and that has led to success for both of us. I started out at 198 lbs. at 5'7" and am now 167 lbs. Same height although I might be shrinking. My goal is to get to 158 lbs. although sometimes I fantasize about 147. Not sure if that's in the cards for me. My husband and I are doing South Beach and he does most of the cooking. We are both feeling much better since starting this.

I really hope that both of us will not only lose the weight we need to, but stick with this much healthier lifestyle. Part of what is helping us is that our son is away for the summer. This allowed us to make a big change in our routines without a 3rd party bringing in tempting items that don't fit into our current diet. Our son is coming back home in a couple of weeks and I'm a little worried about that. It's easy to stick to South Beach when there is nothing tempting in the house. Son might have to change how he eats as well.

I love this place. Especially the recipes in the South Beach section.

Hello all, I'm a former member of 3FC who's been gone way too long, and am now returning for the final push to get my life and weight under control. I'm 69, a retired graphic artist who now teaches senior fitness and also does encaustic art in my spare time. I thought teaching fitness was going to be a part time endeavor, but I'm working almost full time and loving it. You would think that I would have my weight under control with exercising with people every day, but the last ten pounds has eluded me these last few years; I am determined to finally lose them. I have two kids on opposite sides of the country, no pets, and love my life other than the frustration of not being in control physically.

I was busy doing art shows for the last four or five months, so neglected my own routine, but am now pushing to firm up my muscles and eliminate the overlying fat deposits (Ugh, that sounds awful). I have downloaded the ap for my iPAD, loseit, and am hoping that tracking every day and writing down everything I eat will make a difference.

Don't have time to read everyone's postings right now, but will make a point to do so tonight. So glad to be here.

Hi,

I joined last February, but abandoned the effort. I have started back up again and feel I have the motivation I need to stick with it.

PERSONAL INFORMATION: I just started Paleo today with my son. He is in college and has gained a good amount of weight. I'm worried about him. I wanted a low carb diet, but after a good deal of reading, I have decided Paleo would work for both of us. He likes the foods and I think low carb will help me lose. I am trying not to have as much fat as he does, but I am cooking for him, so I am eating the same, just a bit modified.

DIET / EXERCISE REGIMEN: I'm 5'2". I hope to lose 50 pounds in 100 days. In addition to Paleo, I am also following 100 Days of Weight Loss manual. I've purchased the book for motivational reasons. The author does not much care which weight loss regime you follow, only that it is sound, and you stick to it. As far as exercise goes, I play tennis about three times a week, sometimes more. I am hoping to add water aerobics and time spent at the gym in addition to my weekly tennis games.

SPECIAL HOPES / ASPIRATIONS / ACHIEVMENTS / CHALLENGES: Two of my very good friends have had to have knee replacements. Another two have had hip replacements. These are friends from tennis. They are active, but they are overweight. I know I cannot keep playing tennis injury free unless I drop weight and that is my most pressing motivation for weight loss. Tennis brings me great joy and the people I have met through it are some of my closest friends. I would be very unhappy if I had to give it up. There are the other reasons as well - don't want to be put on BP or cholesterol meds, want to be able to wear some of the clothes in my closet again, etc. etc.

That is my story and so begins my Paleolithic Weight Loss Journey.

Hi all I am a new member and really don't know how to navigate around yet. I am an Activity Director for a resort in the lower valley in Texas. We are getting things ready to start the winter season. I am 66 years old and have steadily put on weight and it needs to go away if you know what I mean. I am in good health and want it to stay that way. I am so glad I found this sight.

I am 52 years old. My husband and I have been married for 23 years. We have a 20 yo son who lives at home and attends college. We have an 18 yo daughter who is away at college. We live on a small farm of 9 acres with a 150 yo small house. We have chickens, 3 horses, a German Shorthaired Pointer named Ceilidh, ducks, and LOTS of barn cats. I was a special education teacher before I had my children. We homeschooled our children through high school. I now tutor other homeschoolers. I like to read historical romance fiction. I like to knit, sew, and cook. We live in central MD. I was born and grew-up in MS.

I am 5' tall and as of a week ago, I weigh 146#. I started on the IP diet in August and am still on Phase I. I would like to get down to 115#. I did Weight Watchers on-line many years ago and lost about 15 pounds. My heaviest weight was in August at 173#. I was small and skinny my whole life until I had my children. We did IVF to conceive and with all of the meds I put on 10#. I gained 69# with my son because I was pregnant with multiples whom we lost except for our son. I lost down to 120# when I got pregnant with our daughter. I gained 35# with her, but kept it all for all of these years. Three years ago I had pneumonia that was treated with steroids which I gained 18# with and developed high blood pressure.

I am looking forward to doing outdoor activities that my husband and I once enjoyed before children. That is my motivation for losing weight. I also want to able to keep up with grandchildren someday. A month ago, I was able to stop taking medicine for my high blood pressure. Yeah!

checking in
 

I can't believe it has been 2 years (or more) since I last checked in with 3FCs. Still working on the slow (very slow) but steady weight loss that I started back in 2005. I have added 2 sessions of aqua aerobics to my regime and really enjoy that. Will turn 64 in the morning and have battled weight problems since I was 12. I've been as low as 137 (in 1989) and as high as 313 (in 2003)...I weighed 148 when I graduated from high school.

We have 3 grown sons and 5 incredible grandchildren. The 2 oldest 14 and 12 live in Ohio. We live in Mass and share a home with our other 2 sons and the 3 younger ones....R is 5 and has Down Syndrome, the twins (boy/girl) are 4 and our granddaughter has autism. I have cared for my grands since they were born when I took a leave of absence from my teaching/nursing job,


http://www.3fatchicks.net/img/bar-st...3/148/217/.png

turning 55 this month
 

I am taking a break from losing weight for now...though maintaining requires me to stay aware of what I am eating day to day.

I plan to go back to the low carb IP diet after New Years with a goal weight of 149:) I am 5'6 and currently weighing 163.

My husband of 30 years is very supportive and works to keep fit and also eat healthy. I have a daughter and a son in their late 20's who are the joy and pride of my life. I have been semi retired for 2 years but am searching for a fun and interesting part time activity/work. I love to garden, read and walk in the woods with my two boxer dogs. I plan to live half the year in Costa Rica and as soon as my husband retires, we will make this dream come true.

I had lost 30 lbs on the IP diet in the past year and half so am hopeful I can do more to get to a healthier weight. Low carb diets help me with some other health problems like arthritis and high cholesterol- both improved while I was on the diet

I walk my two boxers every day at least an hour. If I have more time, I walk more as they need a lot of exercise.

Thank you for this forum. You all really inspire me and it sounds like I share a lot more in common. I will keep checking in and hopefully you won't mind a post now and then.

Keep the faith and good luck to all of us!!

Hi, I'm Annaido (Ann). Being 53 is often a surprise to me. Much of the time I don't feel that age. Losing weight and being fit is a real challenge these days -- it is just not as easy as it used to be. That sucks. I am married with 3 adult kids and 7 grandkids. I teach high school science. We have two border collies and a whiney house cat, plus a bourbon red Tom turkey and assorted chickens. I love listening to audio books on my commute to work and frankly it is a real stress buster. My favorite book is Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver although I listen to all sorts of audio books.

I need to lose 40 lbs and re-educate myself about food. I am a terrible stress/emotional eater. I need to find ways to fit workouts into my schedule. I like yoga and spinning classes, zlong with Zumba. I know I need to do weight training too. I try to stay with clean eating and whole foods with local meats and dairy but when I am stressed I am drawn to junk foods, especially at school and on my commute.

I am dismayed to be this age but at the same time and grateful. Most of the time I feel good and do look younger than the age. Others, I feel really discouraged by it. Like I said, it is just not as easy as it used to be!

Ann

Hi,
I’m April. I’m 56. I live in Alaska with my family. I’m a wife, a mother, and a grandma now. I weigh way too much. :) I’ve been on Weight Watchers since October 1, 2012. I’ve lost 9 and 3/4’s pounds since I started. It’s kinda slow but it’s been steady. I have a heart problem that causes my water weight to fluctuate quite a bit so I weigh myself daily and then after I have seven days of data I average the numbers to get a final number to log. I find that this method is more accurate for me as I can fluctuate as much as five pounds in just a few days. I’m doing the Weight Watchers plan online without the meetings. So far, so good. I have a reclining stationary bike that I use for exercise and I am starting to use a hula hoop too. The hula hoop will take some time to become comfortable with but it is interesting. I’ve been on every diet and have even gotten a lap band. None of these has ever worked very well for me. I am pleasantly surprised that Weight Watchers is working as well as it is. In the past it hasn’t and I’m laying the recent success at the door of unlimited fruits and vegetables. It has really made it very workable for me. I’ve been thinking about joining this group for sometime now. I guess the commitment of checking in and writing seemed like too much for me. I think I need to do this though because I need the support. I want so much for this new way of life to work for me. I need to release this pain and unhappiness that I wear around my stomach and my hips. Thank you for being here and being a source of inspiration. I really appreciate it.

Welcome Signey ~ come join us on one of the threads in the section below here. The Golden Girls is one ~ lovely bunch of ladies ~ very caring and supportive.

Hello All! I am looking for motivation and like minded individuals to motivate me!

Personal Information: I am 52 1/2 yrs old. My mother died when she was 53 so I am sort of freaking at that age! I have four grown kids and 7 grandkids and work full time at a school full of kids too! I was on course with my weight loss until my divorce from a man I loved and respected for 18 years. Then on top of that both of my grown daughters got divorced and CPS put their children in my custody and we are all doing well but being kept very busy by them!

Diet/Exercise? Well, since I have four kids living with me and I work full time and am diabetic and TIRED I just haven't settled into the routine that will allow me to exercise and diet. I have found myself eating things I never imagined I would eat! :) I started on a clinical trial for high dose insulin so that allows me to eat whatever and my blood sugars won't stay up. Add that to my chaotic life and I am gaining at a slow but steady pace. I have worked my way from 185 back up to 202 now. :( I really miss biking. I used to keep in shape (and lose) by biking 30-60 miles a day...once I went 100 miles in a day!!!!!

Hopes and aspirations: To lose 47 pounds, get fit, start biking and find another love! :hug:

Welcome Mumina ~ come join us on one of the threads in the section below here. The Golden Girls is one ~ lovely bunch of ladies ~ very caring and supportive.

Hi, I farm with my husband, have a teenage son, a dog, three cats and chickens. I enjoy watermedia painting, gardening, rock n roll music and learning new things.

I'm 5'6" and weigh 156. In 2013 my goal is to lose 15 pounds and more important is my goal to maintain within a three pound range for life. :carrot:

I have a daily goal of 10,000 step min per day which includes my morning exercise and however I want to move to get to daily goal. I intend to restart a food/calorie journal starting Jan 3rd.

Welcome workinglikeadog.... I hope we get to hear more from you. We love to have more people around our table. Sounds like you will fit in just fine here!

Hi, my name is Rhonda and I just joined today.
I'm your average over-weight divorced 53 year old, with two grown kids, 3 grand kids, 4 dogs and a cat. I run my own dog day care and board dogs and cats.
I love to go to movies, kids movies are my favorite. NCIS is one of my favorite TV shows. I read a lot, mostly mysteries. I do some glass fusing work in what little spare time I have. I love to bake and every summer I have a backyard garden that I do a lot of my canning from. I'm not as healthy as I would like to be, but also lack any motivation what so ever when it comes to taking care of myself.
I thought I would take the next week or so, up until New Years day to get use to this site and learn where everything is...I've already started a blog today, my first ever, so not sure how well I'll do with that. Hoping to make friends on here and to also help motivate others after I figure out how to motivate myself. Thanks to all of you who help and guide me and others.

Welcome Dogpaws ~ this is a great place for support and friendship. Come check out one of the threads down below. Golden Girls is a nice bunch of ladies.

Hello folks. I am Sue from Maine. 56 years old. I have been overweight all my life. The knees finally told me to do something. I did have surgery in Nov. I am hoping it will prevent the re-gaining of the weight. It is still lots of work. Exercising is a big challenge. I work in a factory on my feet so I have to force myself to go to the gym. After moving into my teeny tiny trailer I have no room for any equipment at home. I am also more motivated when I see all the weights and machines to work on.
Sewing and various crafting are some of my hobbies. In the summer kayaking takes most of my time. I have one cat.The Gillimonster. Who I have renamed "pork butt" for the winter because he has gained weight with it being too cold for him to spend much time outside. I did get him a stick with a feather on it to chase while I watch tv.
I am 5'8"..weighing in at 248..down from my highest 320 last Jan. I was at 296 when I first started the process of dieticians and doctor visits before my surgery. I never thought I would do it but I didn't know what else to do. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. That was what I was doing with the good then bad eating habits...exercising then not..vicious cycle..anyway..turned 56 and was born in 56 isn't this suppose to be a special year? I think I heard that somewhere. good to meet all you folks and I am off to the gym..I get to start lifting weights today...Sue

Thanks for the warm welcome Karen. And all this time I thought I was living in God's country, lol. I live in Maupin, Or - which is the dry side of Oregon and beautiful. I've never stayed in Missori, but grew up in Cincy, Ohio. Is Missori rolling hills and green?

Hi Dogspaws4ever, caught your name, then your location. We are practically neighbors, I live on the east side of Mt. Hood in Maupin. I am a dog/cat/chicken lover, hence my on line name workinglikeadog.

Hi Gayle, I'll try to find golden girls thread, tfs. :)

Welcome Sue, I'm new also, this looks like a nice site. 2013 is gonna be a great year!

Hi Workinglikeadog, I cracked up laughing when I saw you live in the same state and not that far away as the crow flies....or seagulls, whichever you prefer...HA
I am looking forward to 2013 now that I've found this group.
Merry Christmas from Dogpaws4ever....aka: Rhonda :spin: