[au56wregle]

Hi, everyone!!!

This is my first try at trying to get fit on 3 fat chicks. I have tried so many diets in the past ... that I am sometimes left with the following thought ... WILL I ever lose this weight??? I weigh in at 211 and I STILL hold on to my dream of weighing in one day at 124. I would appreciate anyone who has had success in this weight-loss game to share with me what works for them. I also would like someone who would enjoy a simple challenge at times ... such as losing 5 pounds in 2-3 weeks ... or a harder challenge like charting my walking progress from Birmingham to your hometown. If you like to laugh, if you have a favorite recipe or motivational quote to share with me ... please let me hear from you!!!

Lets get started!!!

Cathy

[Meg]

Hi Cathy! Happy birthday and ! Losing the weight is the best birthday present you can give yourself -- because we're never to old for our dreams to come true.

I'm 51 now and was 46 when I finally got my act together and lost the weight for the LAST time. My suggestions for things that work:

Exercise is KEY now that we're (shudder) middle-aged and dealing with all our lovely hormonal issues. I wholeheartedly believe that it takes lots of exercise - both cardio and weightlifting - to get rid of the fat at our age. No matter how carefully you're eating, diet alone won't cut it for long-term success. And please don't neglect the weights -- they're essential to preserve and build our muscle mass which keeps our metabolisms high. Plus weightlifting helps to prevent osteoporosis, also a good thing.

I was and am a calorie counter, focusing on lots of lean protein, good carbs, and good fats. I highly recommend Dr Pamela Peeke's Body For Life For Women for its nutritional plan and focus on the different hormonal stages of a woman's life.

Otherwise, my only advice to you is never give up!

[Sarah Ann]

Hi Cathy - I'm a half century as well. (I feel about 25 inside though!)

You are more than welcome to chart your walking progress from your hometown to mine - I live near a town called Doncaster in Yorkshire, England!

We have a similar starting weight but I doubt that with my current rate of weight loss I would be able to lose 5 pounds in 2-3 weeks. Its coming off very slowly this time - more like just one pound a week at the moment.

I'm a calorie counter, like Meg. I'm also being very careful with my food choices making sure that each mouthful is as healthy as possible. I'm also exercising more - normally by walking my dogs for about 2 hours a day averaging about 7 to 8 miles. As time goes on I'm getting a little faster so my distance keeps increasing. I've also dusted off the exercise bike which I had hidden in my guest bedroom and I tried that out today - after 30 minutes I've got a bright red face and wobbly legs like Bambi.

Bye for now,

[au56wregle]

A day older ... a day wiser. How simple ... I have just found out ... to posting a reply. Anyway ... THANKS again Meg and Sarah for your encouraging words. Today is the BIG DAY (I hope this will one day be the only thing BIG in my life) to start towards my 124lbs. goal. I have a lot of work to do and will update later this evening.

Until then, wishing you and me much determination & effort in reaching our goals!!!

Cathy

[srmb60]

I started at 42 ... can I chime in? Counting calories, yes!
A dietician said to me "Susan, when was the last time you weighed 122 lbs? A more resonable goal at your age would be in the 130's."
And I said inside my head "Oh Honey, I don't think so ...."

[srmb60]

Oh and happy birthday. Next week at this time I'll be in Vincent Alabama!

[the slim me]

HI Cathy, and happy Birthday! I'm think i'm a little late, but hope it was a good one. And you're right, this is the time to take charge and do something about your dream of weight loss and a helathier life style! I'm over 50 and, while I didn't have as much to lose as you, have had to fight to lose every pound! So I know where you're coming from. I am always up to a challenge, but my body doesn't want to lose that quickly, so I do other challenges, like exercise so many min. a day, or drink all my water every day. Challenges i know I can do If I try!

If you want an e-mail buddy, send me a PM.