Age 40+ looking to lose weight and improve fitness in 2014.

[HoneyandRum]

I have found it is much harder and takes much longer for me to lose weight in my 40s. I managed to get back down to a healthy pre-dc weight and size after first two dcs (not immediately, but when I had the energy to think about it). Since I had dc3 when I was almost 38 I have never been back to where I was. It also was not a priority for a long time as three kids and life made it hard for me to focus on myself.

I managed to lose half a stone last year just by watching calories but once I lost my focus the weight went back on.

This year I want to make health and fitness for myself my focus. I would love to have some more MNs on board for mutual support. My plan is to be realistic. At the moment I am doing no exercise to speak of so plan to go back to weight training twice a week and to gradually add cardio such as walking and swimming.

To watch my food intake I plan to use Myfitnesspal and also the principals in the book "Eat to Live" which always motivates me, as a doctor explains which foods help your body and which do not with lots of scientific evidence. When I get distracted I eat way too much dairy for example.

Whose in?

Madwoman - I started two years ago with the 21 day primal blueprint, felt brilliant, was a size 10 again for the first time in years, then rediscovered rubbish about a year or so ago... Just luckily slipping back into primal is quite easy for me ... I highly recommend it. I found after a month or two that I could have rice a couple of times a week without upsetting my system, so you sort of get to know your own body in a new way.

Have just had a fruitless hunt for total full fat Greek yoghurt mind you - tried tescos and morrisons but they only seem to have the fat-free stuff. The full fat is heavenly - I mix it with some berries and grate 80% dark choc into it :)

You need fat to keep you full, so use butter and full fat dairy. But no SUGAR!

That's really interesting, thank you! I've ordered the book, so will have a read around. I'm going to start with Anna Richardson for 2 weeks first as a way in (I know it's nowhere near the same, but it feels similar in terms of food...)

Can I join too? I'm 41 & 2st heavier after having 2 DC. Prior to pregnancy, I was a gym bunny & very fit size 10. Now I'm a 14 & BMI 30. Something needs to change. I find it hard to find the time to exercise but have got 30 day shred at the ready & am hoping to walk as much as possible.

Looking forward to sharing tips & hearing success stories.

Happy new Year to you all. I have registered on MFP with username
Lindor64. I'm probably about to get a smartphone for the first time as my mobile is playing up. Is it easy ti use MFP on a mobile? and is there anything I need to know, as I am totally ignorant about smartphones.

I had a great year (2011) when I turned 40, took up running and lost weight - all good. I just lost the plot last year after injury - stopped going to yoga, stopped running and only managed to keep the damage under control by virtue of the 5:2!

So - this year - I have two goals:

1. Complete 4 cycle sportives (2 in May, 1 in June and 1 in Sept)
2. Sustain the 5:2.

First steps are to resolve the last legacies of injury - so back to Pilates and swimming first, then add in yoga and get back on the bike.

So: NOW: 12.5 stone, BMI 28ish, cycling about 15miles but with resulting back and knee pain. Can't touch the floor when I bend forward.
GOAL: By May. Weight: Will be what it will be. Cycling: 40 miles will be easy and painfree. Swim 1km in a session - min once a week. One session of either yoga or Pilates per week (aim for both) and able to stand on the palms of my hands when in forward bend. Two 500cals days per week - aiming for Mon and Weds.

Onwards!

YOUNGSTERS!

I'm 49 this year !

which couch to 5k are folks using? I tried an app on a friend's phone, but the woman's voice drove me bonkers... Is there just the one? Is it possible to do it without the crazy automaton timing you?! I've just been convinced to sign up for a 5k in May, so bags of time, but am aware I am a sack of spuds at mo, so need to get moving.

Am still not planning on starting until Monday, but am trying to get organised!

I'm an ex runner and find being told how far and how fast to run IMPOSSIBLE, but want to prevent injury, so think this would be best - any other ideas? I'll also be slogging it out on ice for the next four months, so have to go get some serious shoes that will cope this weekend...

Can I join too? I have a wardrobe of clothes and a body that refuses to squeeze into them! Weight is creeping up and I can't ignore it any longer.
I work long hours and my youngest has a disability and needs constant supervision, juggling childcare and mums taxi means I tend to get over hungry, eat late and have far too many take outs.
At a guess I need to lose 1-2 stone, I'm tall and kid myself I hide the weight well. No scales at home but I do have gym membership and will try and get down when dc are back to school.

I have a 15yr old daughter and don't want to do the mums on diet thing (she is a dancer and skater and v fit) so I will be stealth healthy eating so would value all your support.

Well, I swam last night. I managed 40 lengths which is pleasing but my back is pretty sore to day. I still haven't managed a fast day.

Tibni, were we on a thread together ages ago? Might have been in sn..? (Dd2 has cp) It was definitely long time since - way back when... my almost 14yo dd1 is a dancer and skier, so I know exactly where you are coming from on that score!!

Hello madwomanintheattic - I think we were on an old thread together but I think it was a weight loss one? We sound to be in a similar place - I have been working very long hours (only contracted part time so none of the holiday benefits) but am reducing them with the hope of more time with the family, a tidier house, more organised life and getting my fitness back! I was a gym bunny and need to start pushing myself again.

I am hitting the gym this afternoon and facing the scales which I know will be shocking.

This week I intend 2-3 gym visits, to drink more water and to think about my food rather than going for the easy (unhealthy) option. Hope you all have a good week.

Fast Day One. Going OK but am feeling a bit light-headed.

I feel lightheaded just thinking of fast day, but watch out leaving your number for some creep to find

Started today - going well so far.
Have changed to a 4 day work week, so am having a daylight break as I work in a basement for 9 hours a day!!!

Not only stayed conscious but managed to cycle home from the station and NOT eat anything when I got in. Yay!

Can i join? I managed to lose a stone around this time last year but have put it back on again. I still have a little bit of holiday food left but plan to start on the exercise this week.

I'm also 49 this year, I've been on mfp for 15 months and so far lost 45 pounds , I'm now hoping to lose another 2 stone by June to reach my target
Feel free to add me on mfp my username on there is ilikestilton

Hello all you mere 40-somethings - I've turned 53 this year.
Lost about half a stone and (more importantly to me) got fitter and significantly stronger last year doing Shred and 5:2 - had a break over xmas and just started again now DDs back at school. Restarted shred yesterday and fasting today.

I don't use MFP - I hate calorie counting, that's one of the reasons I like 5:2 as only have to do it 2 days a week.

Off for some herbal tea now - twinings orange one I think.

Lol Errol, I'm sitting here (well, standing) sipping peppermint did you see my link earlier? I'm following the blog of a couple of women who are working at being their fittest ever at fifty. It's very interesting, and makes me think a little deeper about motivation etc.

Day 3 of my 2 week Anna Richardson thang today, and I have the day off. Am not starting exercising until next week as I want my body to get used to the different diet (and I'm inherently lazy and can only take one major lifestyle change at a time - easy does it!). Organising day today, so I can get rid of some of the stress that makes me chow unnecessarily.

Are we having some sort of results-so-far day? Or just letting it all out as and when we feel like it?

I am also lolling at ilikecookies' array of food-desperate usernames!

Right - have fasted two days this week, one session of Pilates, one swim session of 50 lengths and just got back from a short bike ride and have no back issues so I feel its been a good start.

Watch me go downhill from here!

How is everyone esle getting on?

How is everyone else getting on?
good thanks! two fasts as per plan, shredded each weekday, and also (thanks to the 5:2 exercise thread) working towards doing full rather than 'girlie' (ie on the knees) pushups.

Just want to say that 40+ can help you to be in the best shape of your life!

Last Feb I was 2st heavier and fairly sedentary. Now I run at least 5 miles 3-4 times a week, have got my 10k time down from 70 mins to 56 mins and my running distance up to 20km (12.5 miles). I'm fitter and slimmer than I've ever been!

Good luck to you all. MFP and 5:2 helped me a lot too.

Wow postmanpatscat, you have done really well. So good to hear positive results rather than the "it gets harder over 40" type comments.

Well done everyone - seems like we are making some changes and making some progress. I have kept mostly on track, have not been junk snacking and generally put more thought into my food. I am also getting to the gym a little more, and more importantly working hard when I get there (rather than gossip and spa!)

madwomanontheattic do you mean me?? If so this username refers to my pet, not actual cookies!