SparkPoints: (71)
Fitness Minutes: (0)
Posts: 12
11/20/12 10:14 P

It was really difficult for me to lose the 40 pounds I gained over the years since menopause, so I can relate to what you're going through. I would lose the weight and gain it back, as is so common for most of us at a certain age. I am now 60, and it took me a year to lose those 40 pounds, and I have kept the weight off for 2 years now. I weigh 100 pounds, my pre-menopausal weight (I am 5'1" tall). I don't weigh my food or count calories, and I didn't during the weight loss year. I just began by eliminating red meat (except a steak on a rare special occasion), all white potatoes, any type of rice, all junk food and most any type of sweets (cookies, pastries, ice cream, etc.). I eat a lot of whole grains, beans, 0% fat Greek yogurt, non-fat cottage cheese, fresh fruits/vegetables (I love kale and any type of berries, among others). I aways drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, and start first thing in the a.m. I also never skip breakfast. I make a lot of smoothie type drinks with fruit and/or vegetables included. I received a Vita-mix blender for a gift last year, and I use it almost daily to make these and other things, such as soups. I also never eat after I finish dinner. If I feel an urge to eat, I drink a diet pepsi or make a cup of tea until the urge passes. I know this all sounds rigid or maybe extreme, but it works for me and I truly never feel deprived. My husband and I dine out frequently, and I still enjoy eating out on my terms. Maybe I finally found the balance between making peace with what I can eat, what I was willing to do without, and being happy with finally being the weight I used to be before I reached my mid 40's. It's amazing how our metabolism slows down as we age. Wish there was an easier solution!

SparkPoints: (304,421)
Fitness Minutes: (237,294)
Posts: 53,587
11/20/12 7:50 A

I know it is harder to loose weight as we age......

are you counting calories, measure and weighing your food....
a training told me that most people over estimate how many calories they but and under estimate they calories they eat.......even an extra 100 calories a week can cause weight gain....

how much protein are you eating.....it helps to keep you full longer....

you might be like me and need to stay at the low end of your calorie range...

current weight: 146.0

347 296.5 246 195.5

145

SparkPoints: (3)
Fitness Minutes: (0)
Posts: 1
11/20/12 4:14 A

I am nearly 65 years old and find it really hard to lose weight. I do 4 aquarobic classes per week and though my shape is improving slightly, my weight is sticking. Last year I did low carbs and lost about 7 pounds. then my weight just stayed the same for months. I need to lose 50 pounds and have tried changing to low fat but I am just not getting the results. I don't know how best to deal with this. For breakfast I have two slices of weightwatchers toast, Lurpack lightest and two teaspoons of chunky marmalade with a cup of tea with skimmed milk. I tend to cut right back on carbs for the rest of the day after this.