In 366 days I will be 50 and I want to be in the best shape of my life. Who's with me?

[FitBeforeFifty]

I am currently overweight, at 12st 5lb, and a BMI of 27. I am perimenopausal, addicted to sugar, and a bit of a coach potato. I WFH and snack A LOT.

Last week I went on holiday and wore swimwear for the first time in years. I felt like crying when I saw the reality of what I am doing to my body with too much sugar, booze and not enough exercise. I've been kidding myself that it's ok, but it isn't.

In 366 days I will be celebrating my 50th birthday. I feel as if this is my last chance to properly get a grip on things and reverse some of the damage I've done before it gets even harder.

These are my goals for the next 12 months:

• get to 10 stone and the middle of a healthy BMI


• stick to fasting / OMAD / no snacking (I know this works for me, I just fall off the wagon too easily due to WFH / boredom)


• stick to a lower-carb (not no-carb) WOE, again I know this works for me


• daily yoga / barre (I use DownDog app, but not often enough!)


• 10k steps per day

I don't want to be fat at fifty. I don't want to be a menopausal cliche with a big gut and a load of excuses as to why I've still not shifted the weight and am still on the sofa mainlining wine and biscuits every evening.

This feels doable - anyone want to join me and be fit and fabulous at fifty (and beyond)?!

OP that's great. Is it a nice gym swimming pool? I haven't belonged to a gym for ages but they did have a nice pool.

I've had a stressful day so not much appetite, just hope it doesn't result in major hunger tomorrow (I call it Bottomless Pit days, when you can't seem to fill up).

I mentioned changing shape upthread. I look different in my winter coat - not actually wearing it yet but dug it out today. It's weird, and sad. Though of course losing weight will help.

Haven’t posted for ages either, probably something to do with returning to work in September, working in a school
is so full on! Anyway, children back at Uni and college and I can start to focus on myself a bit. I’m doing ok weight-wise, I’ve been trying to stick to my plan of skyr for breakfast, salad for lunch and then eat with family in evening. Not drinking much at all and walking to work and back each day, 10000 steps. The weight is coming off slowly, about a 1lb a week, which I’m happy with as I don’t feel I’m missing out. I’m still having the odd drink and treat. What has slipped is the exercise, I haven’t managed to run since being back at work, not sure how to fit it in without getting up ridiculously early or in the evening - both will mean running in the dark. Hmmm

@FitBeforeFifty keep going, sounds like life has been busy for you too, definitely a period of adjustment needed for returning to full time work.

I’ll weigh myself tomorrow and report back.

Yes it's a lovely pool @EmmaH2022 - one indoor and one outdoor, never very busy. I've been swimming 4 mornings this week, plus a couple of classes and a taster session on the gym stuff. I definitely feel better for it, although I'm now absolutely shattered after this morning's session and need a nap

I did a class this morning, it was hard and I was sweating; everyone else seemed to be breezing through it, plus there were too many mirrors and the sight of myself in lycra is really, really depressing. However, I know it's doing me good so will keep it up.

Thank you @newbeliever - 1lb per week is brilliant!

OP that's great.

my weigh ins this week have ranged over 3lb. Weird. There's not usually such a big fluctuation.

Well got home at about 4am after a meal, drinking then pizza and chips kind of night out. Couldn’t keep the healthy eating going this week so no weight lost. Have run a bit and other than the night out am not drinking. Feel pretty good actually. Plenty of bounce and the running is better than I expected at this weight. Plan to go 3/4 times a week. Need to sort food this week. Have a few crazy busy weeks coming up so realistically won’t make any other improvements

Well done @FitBeforeFifty @Middledazedted on the exercise! I've found exercise a big help just for keeping me focused on health. So pleased since I started at 12 stone 9 in mid July now down to 10 12 and have another half a stone to go to the target I set myself. This thread has been a big motivator and boost. Have a few work trips coming up so need to stay on track. Have a good week everyone

I might attempt 5:2 this week

any tips?

Right. I'm in again. Life & family circumstances got in the way. Weighed in at 13 stone this morning. Yuk. Haven't been this heavy since expecting. Got 9 months to lose 2 stone. A slim friend has a party in 2 months and I want to at least be on the right track by then.

I can do this. Can I?

You can do this @RomanMum - mini targets for events like your friend's party are a huge motivator.

Thanks @wonderfullife123

Well, I think weight loss might be speeded up by a broken tooth. I have a thread in Chat in case anyone can advise.

i lost a pound this week but that's all. I also had some odd twinges in my knee which may be the start of my body complaining about my weight...

A good start. Flaky scales mean I can't tell if it's 1 or 2 lbs but a loss for sure. Just need to keep it up. I never have massive losses so would be quite happy with 1 lb per week.

Well done Roman.

I hope this thread keeps going, it has been very quiet. I am increasing my efforts. Saw someone yesterday, a client, who has lost loads.

Also, just got invited to a posh thing last minute...I have so many nice clothes I can't get into and would have been lovely for this event.

would still welcome fasting tips if anyone has them. Meanwhile, my ancient
Nutribullet broke, so am getting a new one.

Checking in! @EmmaH2022 1 pound loss is a 1 pound loss. Mine is slowing down but it is OK as long as going in right direction.
Have no fasting experience I'm afraid so can't help there.
Small victory this morning wearing a pair of jeans that were literally digging into my waist before. Now they feel comfy!

wonderful I call that a big victory, well done! I can't wait to fit into my most recent pair of jeans.

I just had a coatigan arrive
it's size L which I'd normally go for

but it's a bit big! I am well chuffed. Could swap for M but the chest inch measurement drops by 3 inches so might come a cropper there.

Hurrah @EmmaH2022 that is a win! I'm on holiday next week need to stick mainly to plan but have a few treats. Looking to just maintain if possible then back on it following week.

Thank you wonderful
I hope you have a fab holiday.
I had lunch out today but no need for dinner!

I was with a friend who is mid 50s, so 8 years older than me I think.

She said something that concerned me. She used to be a gym devotee and she asked me when I plan to stop doing weights. She now only does running and yoga and said she had concerns about what would happen to the muscle if you stopped doing weights, so sort of transitioned to that.

I can't see the logic, the same problems would occur if you had to give up any exercise surely?