Hi! Re-joining SP after a long break

I think the pandemic really shook a lot of us up. The other kicker for me is being the nurse manager of a Alzheimer’s dementor’s home. They have dessert for every meal and snacks all the time. Not helpful for someone trying to lose weight and get in shape. When I get home I’m tired and get sucked into my recliner when I really should be doing is working out. I really don’t like what I’ve been seeing in the mirror.

Hi! I am 51 and have been a long time member of SparkPeople, but more on the off again/on again type member. I am so glad it is here when I need a life line. I was working out with a trainer and doing great and then the quarantine caused me to work from home for three months...all diet and exercise seemed to cease. It was like a three month snow day. I think I found those 13 pounds you lost as I have picked up weight and now I am on the road back and each time I 'restart' it gets harder and harder. I decided several years ago to not stop anymore so there would be no restarting. Then the pandemic...ugghh. Well, I have been back at it since July 31 and really putting the full court press on my nutrition. One good positive thing is I got my wedding ring back on after a couple months of not being able to fit it on my finger. So, I will take that win and keep pushing for more progress. Glad you dropped in here and sorry I didn't see this message before. Hang in there!

Hi all,

Like a few other in here recently, I'm re-joining SP after a long break (it's been a couple of years!). I'm still getting used to being 50 (!) and have been carrying an extra 30 lbs or so since going through early menopause in my mid-30s. Lockdown coincided with severe gallbladder issues, which has turned out to be a blessing in disguise. As I wait for treatment, I've been tweaking the way I eat to reduce attacks - small vegetarian meals every few hours that have very little fat. Have been learning to substitute nut cream (basically whizz up nuts and water in the blender) for full-fat dairy, which really helps to thicken and add flavour to sauces.

Anyway, I've lost 13 pounds since March, which means I'm only 12 lbs away from being a healthy weight for my height. Have gotten so used to being overweight that it seems unbelievable that I might be in the healthy category soon!

Good luck to everyone in here - I look forward to getting to know folks and helping each other achieve our goals!

Ann