In your fifties, fat and fed up? Come on in!

[RoosterCogburn]

Anyone want to join me in some motivational supportive chat.

I'm 56 and 3.5 stone overweight. I'm 5'2" and weigh 13 stone

Depressingly I've lost this before - in 2019 I lost 2 stone and felt much better and was really disciplined ... and then I stopped and the weight crept back on.

I feel fat, frumpy, unhappy in my clothes and my middle spare tyre feels awful.

If I could lose 2 stone again I'd be thrilled - 3.5 is the dream.

Last time what worked for me was healthy breakfast, green smoothie for lunch and balanced tea. In between meals veg sticks or an oat cake as a snack.

My downfalls are savoury stuff - crisps, cheese, savoury biscuits.

I've been diagnosed as pre diabetic with high blood pressure which I'm hoping will be the kick up the arse I need.

This time I'm trying to up my game with exercise - I have 'treated' myself to about elliptical machine. Horrifyingly on the first day I could only do 2 minutes - I'm up to 15 mins now - I am aiming for 30 mins a day of elliptical/walking.

Anyone want to join me and share what is working for them?

I'm going to have to reset I think. We were away last weekend for dh's birthday, so enjoyed the food and drink on offer (although in moderation). I've been cutting back this week but it's been a struggle - although the scales are showing a couple of pounds off which is good.

How does everyone else cope with the feeling that having to watch calories and food groups for the rest of their life is a bit joyless?

😂

"How does everyone else cope with the feeling that having to watch calories and food groups for the rest of their life is a bit joyless?"

I was literally JUST thinking that as I went to the fridge for my breakfast (got up really late)! I was thinking "this is dull" and is this it for ever?

Although I really, really want to be thinner so yes, I need to keep going. I'm also thinking that once I get to where I want to be it'll be easier because shifting say 2lbs is a LOT easier than shifting 2 stone so I think eternal vigilance will be important, as will building in the odd day where you have whatever you want. <sigh>

We had pizza last night but deliberately ate very little during the day and tonight we're having a burger, ditto. So breakfast was some grapes, a Babybel light and a small piece of smoked cheese. That lot was still 180 calories., 69 cals in 20 grapes fgs!

I still eat nice food but less of it and the healthy nice food. So last night M&S gammon steaks with homemade coleslaw and sweet potato. Not a take away. One glass of wine not 4.

Am 4kg down since Nov just weighed in gym and that included Christmas where i relaxed abit. Still in overweight category tho need to lose a further 3kg to just be at top of normal BMI…🙄

I'm trying to focus on ensuring the food we eat is enjoyable but it is really hard.

But then I remind myself that it has to be forever - I lost 2 stone 7 years ago then slipped back into my old ways and it piled on along with at least another half stone.

Does anyone else feel obsessed with food? Because in order to remain on track I have to meticulously meal and snack plan I feel as if all I do is think about food!
I’m hoping that eventually this will just become second nature to me and take up
less headspace.

Absolutely this. I never had to worry about what I ate, but the menopause has put paid to that - I hate it.

Today i had breakfast at about 9 and then only had lunch about 3pm because i was out at my son's rugby game. Eating low carb seems to stop me feeling hungry. I've recommended upthread the Freshwell app. Maybe worth a try if you are getting fed up. There's no calorie counting or carb counting either.

I stayed the same this week. I think I'm going to have to start tracking. I've tried to be aware of what I'm eating, but it's obviously not enough. I want to up my exercise too, I might try and fit in a couple of evenings at the gym instead of doomscrolling. But going out after dinner is such a pain, I like to slob around!

Portion control is one of my downfalls so I’m weighing everything.
Ive realised I can eat the amount of cheese that’s supposed to be in a recipe just by absent minded snacking as I cook.

I had a good few days, went to the gym and felt better and ate better.

Friday came and I ‘had a treat’ worse thing as I am now craving chocolate and sweets!

Lesson learned 😬

Well Im down 12lb in 3 weeks so another 2lb off in the last week. I’m pleased with that.

I’d like to join in please. My weight is at an all time high and I feel so uncomfortable in my clothes. I also feel uncomfortable sitting down as my tummy is so blobby. I’m completely horrified at the way I look and feel. Starting from tomorrow I plan to eat less and move more.

Welcome @Itchytights007

I too have the feeling uncomfortable when I sit down as the rolls of fat on my stomach bunch up.
Hoping to see a loss this week as I've been pretty good food wise and managed to exercise most days.

Week 1 184lb
Week 2 184.6lb
Week 3 183.6 lb
Week 4 180lb
Week 5 179lb
Week 6 177.8lb

I appear to be going for slow and steady. Just over 6lb in six weeks.

Sadly I don’t feel any different although DH is adamant he can see a difference

It can be frustrating when you stay the same for a couple of weeks , but 6 lbs off is good .

Hoping I have finally broken my plateau. I was 148lbs on the scale this morning. I’ve been stuck at 150lbs for the last 3 weeks.

I am sticking to the shakes as it’s working. I have half a stone to get to a healthy BMI so I will reevaluate then.

Stayed the same today
sw 12.9
cw 12.2
goal 10.13

What shakes are you using @Champagnecharleyismyname ?

Good week for me, I’ve started with the Freshwell app and am actually feeling positive.
starting weight 194lb
today 190.4lbs

@RoosterCogburn I’m using the protein works meal replacement shakes. I was always very anti using meal replacements and pro real food but the weight was not shifting.

Im doing strength training to try and maintain my muscle mass and drop fat. I’ve lost 9lbs in 12 weeks so it’s coming off slowly.

Im having a high protein and high fibre meal for dinner.

@Champagnecharleyismyname do you have 2 shakes in the day time and nothing else? If you work do you take them ready prepared and do they still taste ok.

I like the idea of this. I realised yesterday the yeo valley greek yogurt I had for breakfast at work was 200 calories so just ate half with a banana. I would normally have finished it!

@SunshineandrainbowI have two shakes in the day and a dinner in the evening. I try and keep the dinner around 450 calories and the shakes are around 240 calories each. I’m losing around a 1lb a week with this although plateaued for a few weeks.

I make the shakes fresh as I work from home but I think would be fine to transport. They just need a good shake before drinking.

I found the first couple of weeks hard but I’m used to it now and it’s quite nice not to have to think about what’s for breakfast and lunch.

Thanks @Champagnecharleyismyname I admire how well you are doing. I am such a snacker which is a massive problem.

I have found some old exante shakes but date on them is 2019! Tasted ok but not great. Think I will just have to get rid and start fresh, treat myself on payday!

I’m only a couple of days in. Been good with my food the last 2 days. I have felt hungry a fair bit though. Hoping that subsides after a while as I get used to smaller portions. Feeling constantly hungry isn’t fun but I’ve got to fully commit to the weight loss. I think I’ll weigh myself once a week and record. I haven’t managed to walk more as intended due to various factors but I’m going out in my lunch break today whatever the weather!