Hello from a total weight-loss newbie!

I'm a fifty-something who has never struggled with extra pounds -- until Menopause came and changed everything. Saying I've never struggled isn't to brag -- it's to point out that I'm completely new at this and am certain to need help.

Over the past few years I've gradually thickened in the middle, and now I'm nearly 30 pounds overweight. I know how to keep a food log (an honest one!), how to count calories, and how to stay positive with myself. I know the extra pounds won't go away overnight. I also know I need more exercise than I've been getting.

And I know I'll be popping in here often as I discover more and more things that I don't know!

It's nice to be here. This looks like a nice place.

Gladly

Welcome, Gladly! I'm glad you found us. You may want to check out the Age 50+ forum, but you are are absolutely welcome to post wherever you feel comfortable!

Hi gladly!

It sounds like you've got a good healthy attitude about weight loss. One thing though, you're 159 lbs and you said you're 30 lbs overweight? This isn't true at all! The middle of the healthy range is 130lbs, in fact you'd be at the top of the healthy range at 150lbs. Maybe you meant you'd be happier at 130lbs?

There's lots of good advice here, lots of friendly people. It's a good place to get ideas, to try new things, and to find what will work for your health goals. =)

Hello and welcome! I am glad you are joining us.

Keeping a food log and keeping track of your calories is very smart; you're on your way!

I wish you the best on your weight loss journey!

Cheers,

J

Thank you, All, for the nice welcome! I'm sure being part of this forum will be a big help.

Looking at how far so many of the members here have come (and the small goal I've set for myself), I feel like a real dilettante -- but I know I'm meeting real resistance when I work on my own weight, so I suspect that all weight loss undertakings are related somehow, whatever their scale may be.

Thank you all so much.

Hi Gladly!
Sounds like you know everything you need to know to be successful with your goals - the support you need is here to get through the ups and downs - we'll all be here to cheer you on..

Glad to have you join us! There are lots & lots of different groups and forums - I'm sure you'll find some that will keep you motivated and inspired. Try Calories Counters, the 50+forum and the weight loss support forums, they're active and very helpful - also the Success stories are a definite must for motivation. Browse around, clicking on whatever catches your eye, I'm sure you'll be a wonderful addition to any of them.

There are bunches of people here with more to lose and some with less - the bottom line is that we all have to do it a day at a time. The good thing is that we'll have lots of company along the way.

I've only been here since last fall, having NEVER been part of an online forum. What has been so eye-opening is how much it has helped me. Whenever I feel overwhelmed or defeated, I just log on and read some of the success stories, complete with their before & after photos - or read about others still dealing day to day with their challenges - and before I know it, the time has flown by and so have all the thoughts of going off track or giving up. It has made all the difference in my success so far.

So welcome - you've found the right place - join in by inspiring us and being inspired!

All the best - good luck with your goals,
Lee

Hi Gladly, I feel like we have similar stories. I too have a similar weight loss goal to yours, and I don't have any experience in dieting or weight loss before this either. Hopefully we can figure this out together!

Welcome! I am only 35 and I too have gone through menopause. I had a hysterectomy at 25 and the weight as slowing added up to where I am now. The people here are a wealth of information and so supportive..