calling out to women 50+

I'd like to start this thread specifically for women who are 50 or over.

As a 53 year-old woman, myself, I am finding new challenges, unexpected difficulties and wonderful insights on my path to getting to and maintaining my health, weight and body shape.

What seemed to work for me as little as five years ago doesn't work quite the same anymore. My body doesn't seem to respond to what I consider healthy eating habits and good workout schedules as it even in my middle to late 40s'.

SO, I am would to hear from those out there who are finding themselves in situations. OR NOT, maybe you can enlighten the rest of us as to how you keep your shape, or how you're getting into better shape and a healthier overall lifestyle.

Hopefully this will be the start of something wonderful, educational, funny-offer up jokes anecdotes, whatever!

LET'S GET STARTED!

Girls just a little reminder, don't forget to moisturize often as the inches are coming off, it will help keep your skin moisturized and tight.....

So shower....MOISTURIZER..........bedtime....... .....MOISTURIZER............AFTER SEX............MOISTURIZER...............HEY I DIDN'T SAY YOU HAD TO USE IT 24 TIMES A DAY GIRLS...........LOL......HEHEHEHEHEHEHEHE

Everyone is sure quiet today.

Robbie - You are probably right that my DH isn't completely clueless. But even if he lived alone, he would probably rarely clean house because most clutter just doesn't really bother him. It's funny though because he is very particular about his "organized piles" of books and papers. Wow to me when I try to "clean" them up. But I'm not a big "cleanie" myself. My daughter says I'm "artistic". When I clean, I like to arrange the furniture, paint and decorate. But I find just plain cleaning to be b-o-r-i-n-g!

I haven't put my tree up yet. But I did buy some stocking stuffers today for the grandkids. I'll probably start cleaning and decorating this week.(Note: I said cleaning and decorating .)

Bonnie - Are you sure you need to loose weight? Maybe you aren't loosing because you are already at a good weight. Just thinking. I don't know. I just know the last few pounds has been really hard compared to the earlier weight loss.

BEB - Sometimes I use a moisturizer in the winter but not in the summer (which where I live is about 10 months of the year ). It is just SO humid here that dry skin is rare. One of my apprentices moved here from the desert in California. She was so used to using moisturizer after every bath that it took her a while to learn not to do it here. Because if you use it after a bath here in the summer, you will most likely end up being slimmy in just a few hours . She told me she kept forgetting and then would have to bath again just to get the slime off. There is also little point in having a hair style that requires much "styling" down here because the humidity will just ruin it in a few minutes.

Snow- Hey, it's good to hear from you again! 138? Wow, you are doing great! I was down to 153 this morning. Only 3 more pounds to go! Can you believe it???? I hope I can reach my goal by Christmas. That would be so cool.

Chris - Your right, I know it isn't cold here compared to elsewhere. The last few days have been in the 50's and I've been cold. But I've lived in the tropics most my life. And now that I've dropped 50 lbs, I just can't stand being cold. You can always spot the "northerners" down here because they will wear short sleeves when everyone else is wearing coats. LOL We get lots of "winter Texans" here or sometimes called "snowbirds". They are the retired folks from up north who spend the winters here and go home during the rest of the year.

Well, tomorrow is "pot luck Sunday" at our church. So I'm going to fix a meatloaf. Ya'll have a good day.

~ Beth

My dear sweet husband just posted the nicest things about me on one of his forums. He is a member of a discussion list for guitar players and someone started a thread called "Who thinks they have a 5 star wife?" He posted first and then sent me the link. He's always been so kind about me. I really don't deserve his bragging on me. I just wanted to share because I'm bragging on him. He's a keeper for sure. I hope no one minds me sharing this ...

""I don't deserve her, but I'm not giving her back!'
superbadj

That is well put…and laugh out loud funny! I must tell you here and now that I plan to steal that line. It’s just too good to pass up.

Beth and I have been married for more than 35 years, a fact that I attribute to God’s grace and Beth’s patience. So this is just the kind of thread to which I like to contribute. The The whole numbers/rating thing is subjective and arbitrary, and the categories for rating are not as well defined as I’d like, particularly #2 and #5. Still, I’ll play.

Looks: That’s easy…she’s a 5. Beth did some modeling in her late teens. She has a face that just stops you in your tracks. Plus, she’s six foot tall, with legs that go on forever. 35 years and 3 kids later, she still has an hourglass figure, and she watches it well (and so do I!). She could still do some modeling, if you ask me. Also"I don't deserve her, but I'm not giving her back!

Attitude: Another 5. In introducing the idea of this thread, the OP said something about a woman that is “Easy to get along with,” which I think may belong in this category. She wants to do right, she works hard and she gives of herself. If these things equate to attitude (and they do in my book, anyway), Beth gets a 5 for attitude.

Desire to Please: Definitely a 5. And BTW, I believe that this is a fundamental aspect of a woman’s nature, the skepticism of a few younger posters notwithstanding. Frothing at the mouth feminists have worked hard in the last four decades to suppress this innate tendency in women, because they equate selflessness to low self esteem and deference to “doormat.” But the truth is women just naturally desire to please. We’re not talking “doormat” here; no woman wants to be walked on and taken for granted. Think instead unselfish and generous of spirit. In this sense of selflessness and generosity of spirit, Beth is most definitely a 5.

Sense of Humor: The OP also mentioned something about “Fun to be around,” which I think applies in this category. Beth is not a jokester, but she is witty and gets in some great lines sometimes. She’s playful in both a childlike and a sexy siren way, so I’d say she’s a 5 here, too.

Compatibility: Think complimentary here, not unanimity. We are two very different people, and we have different perspectives on things most of the time. We are compatible because she compliments me, as in adding to my life some good and necessary aspects that I lack and she has. Her strengths compliment my weaknesses, and vice versa. So in this category, I’d say she’s a 5, because she is truly my “better half.”

There are aspects of this rating of our spouses that are not provided for in the five categories given.

Beth is intelligent and talented. She was a stay-at-home, homeschooling mom, and when the kids graduated she re-careered. She is a Licensed Midwife (LM) with the state of Texas and a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) with the North American Registry of Midwives. She paints, sews, does design and layouts for websites.

She is understanding, as in perceptive, considerate, accepting, indulgent, supportive and tolerant. Nowhere is this more evident than in consideration of my music. I don’t gig enough to do much more than break even in terms of Gear/Guitar Acquisition Syndrome, and yet she accepts that and is supportive. She has encouraged me to go for quality in my instrument and equipment purchases, to not look to financial aspects as the deciding factor (within reason, of course). She was all in favor of it when I ordered my custom-made Logan Tele. Then I turned right around like a month later and bought a new acoustic-electric (a Breedlove AD25SM). And still, she was understanding and supportive.

“Okay, honey, I wrote it all just like you told me. Shall I submit it now?”

(Just kidding. For the record, she doesn’t even know about this thread or about what I’ve written about her.) __________________
Larry G"

Beth:

You said, "He's a keeper for sure. I hope no one minds me sharing this ..."

I'm glad you shared. Man, is he sweet. Hold onto him for sure. And, I suspected all that about you, but Larry just confirmed it!

Where is everyone today?

I had to go to Costco for my monthly run, and I snuck in a massage before my long trek tomorrow. Tom, for his part, put out the Christmas lights and bought the tree. Smells wonderful, so now I have to decorate. He's buying a Wii for "the family" (himself), and I can't think of a thing I want. Isn't that a noice place to be?

Hi girls:

Sorry i didn't get on earlier but i had a busy day went shopping with Glenn first time i have been with him or even seen him since the halloween party i went to.  We went to Walmart then Future shop, Applebees for lunvh then back to future shop because the power was out, then the post office, drug store, dollar store, then home and a pizza.....whew........what a busy day...bought some stocking stuffers and wireing and a component so Kyle can play his Mp3 player on my stereo and i can play my laptop music on my stereo too....controllers for his game cube, some clothes and toukes, etc...chocolates for the stocking (if they stay in the bag like good little boys and girls)..hehehe

Beth: Men like that are rare, and you are both lucky and blessed to have each other for 35 years.......nice post by Larry...........oh and you want to lose 3 pounds and be 150 by xmas...i want to lose 4lbs and be 159 by xmas i was 163 this morning..oh i hope we both do it......!!

Robbie: I just think noone is around because xmas is so close and we all have so much to do with shopping, tree decorating...........isn't funny we always do the decorating...it takes a skillful, special touch and who better for the job then us woman eh Robbie......i am fussy when it comes to the tree although i wouldn't hold anyone else back that wants to contribute to the task just always seem to fall into my capable hands....but i have to say every year i have a perfect looking tree...it seems i keep buying new bulbs and always finding a branch in which to hang them from and some of them are over 30 years old............i love the smell of a real tree too although for the last 2 years i have subcumbed to a 7ft fake........enjoy girl!!

**** Rick knew i was going out with a friend shopping today (Glenn) but i detect some jealousy on his part but when we talked yesterday about whether this would bother him this is what he said......."in my heart it may, but i don't want to say and am afraid of being hurt", there is no commitment between us and he hasn't said anything about exclusively dating so i think i am just going to take one day at a time, after all there is no ring, no verbal commitment so if i want to date more then one person why shouldn't i, it was easier to say to Glenn that i was seeing someone named Rick but we are friends and anymore then that he (Rick) doesn't know what he wants and between Glenn and I nothing more was said, so why is Rick making a point of it..in an IM message he said snooze i lose meaning he feels he is losing.....he doesn't want to tell me not to date anyone else, so why is he upset then????  He haqs no reason to be afraid of me, should not be jealous unless he loves me, and i gather maybe he is afraid of being hurt because there is something more about him i don't know and when i do i will drop him....if he is jealous why doesn't he just say not to date anyone else......seems like games to me....what do you EXPERIENCED WOMAN THINK????

Anyway Glenn helped me back here with all my parcels met Kyle we shared a pizza, had a couple drinks and listened to some music, he is very easy going and nice, easy to talk to and considerate..definetly a good start............with Rick its fire and fun, he also is caring, generous, secure etc...but he does have a grumpy side and is a bit more RAW in finess, but there also is this rugged, masculine, protective, vulberable side to him i just love and adore...he makes me laugh, and blush and always at the right time.......oh boy....................????

Off to bed i go..........!!.....didn't get to count today but i think i blew even on calories no - or +.............BEB

Carol—welcome back. Have you seen the kittens? It must be hard to resist taking one home once you’ve seen them!

Helene—I love your list of the issues we share. I’d add aging parents, a biggie in my life. After I brought my mom home from cataract surgery I called my sisters. One was doing the weekly grocery shopping for her in-laws, the other was at her MIL’s paying bills! And both have outside jobs in addition to their own families. I am so grateful for the flexibility in my job, aside from the fact that I am on the computer at all hours of the day.

BTW, I finished the Alchemist. I enjoyed it, but not one of my favorites. I am reading The Death of Vishnu, by Manil Suri.  It has many of the same images with well developed characters. More complex, not as upbeat, a great read.

To paraphrase your lovely post, there are worse things in life than a slow weight loss. A slow weight gain is what most of us endured so now you are moving the right direction. Congratulations on the loss.

Congratulations to Beth too. Good for you to keep losing when you are so close to your goal. You inspire me. I’m 5’10’ and hovering around 154, just where you are. Why can’t I lose those last 5 lbs? Because I eat too much on weekends. I need to match your loss. I love the post from your husband. How wonderful to actually hear how he feels.

Snow—wonderful you checked in, wonderful drop. I admire your maintenance so much.

Has anyone noticed the CC weight chart acting strange? I put in 155 and the chart says 154. Last week when I was 154 it had me over 155. The blue weight line is acting like the green trend line. Odd.

Robbie, you ask where we all are: I was exercising and having my dragon stabbed.... I realize this could be misinterpreted, so here is the very bland explanation... LOL Yesterday when I went to the chiropractor, he asked me how I was doing, and I told him that I was free of pain in my knee and back, but that now the shoulder was screaming at me, day and night, as it was not drowned in a haze of smaller pains anymore...

So he took a good look at my shoulder, had me tell him since when it had been painful, did some manipulations and decided it was a deep inflammation of the muscle and tendon that caused the whole area to be irritated. He told me he could get rid of that pain for good in 2-3 sessions but that he had to use Korean acupuncture for that, and that it would hurt. But if I agreed, he was sure he could help me. Of course I was game. So after my normal treatment, he planted 2 needles in my shoulder, at the junction between the muscle and the tendon, where the problem was. He said it was called "Stabbing the dragon" in Korean. The first needle went in, and hurt a bit when he touched the sensitive area. But when he put in the second needle, my whole body jolted and my muscle just started to twitch like mad. The doctor said "Oh Wow! No wonder you were in so much pain, that's a BIG dragon!" I had to laugh in spite of my moans - it really hurt, in a deep radiating way. After a while the twitching stopped and then I felt warmth along my whole arm, and a warm ball at the center of my palm. I kept the needles for about 15 minutes. Yesterday I was extremely tired and my shoulder felt sore like after too much exercise (the doctor had told me that would be the case), and it got better after I applied a hot pad. Today it's better but if I touch the area it feels bruised. You can't see a thing on the outside though. I really hope he will cure that thing, for it has been with me for 3 years now, and it's my right arm, which is rather limiting...

BEB, this woman has no experience in what you are asking. Like Beth, I met my husband 34 years ago, when I was 20. He was my first and only crush/love/lover, and I am quite grateful for that, as I do not know if I could handle the complications... Reading your post makes my head spin and feel even more blessed. I understand we are not all so lucky, and I grieve for all the heart ache so many of you had - and still have in your case - to go through before they find their match. Good luck to you.

Snow, 84 pounds??? Wow, I was inspired before, but now even more so. I have around 55 pounds to lose to get to my goal (125) and some days it feels so daunting, but whenever I feel overwhelmed I'll remember you and Beth and keep going.

Beth, nice to hear how much your husband treasures you. I am as "artistic" as you are when it comes to house work... I also have a hard time putting away things between projects, and I always have about 20 going on at the same time... When my desk looks too bad, I try to remember the quote I once read: "If a cluttered desk is the sign of a cluttered mind, for the life of me, I sometimes wonder, what does an empty desk mean?..." LOL

The tree has been up since last weekend (DH always is the reasonable one who starts the "to-do" chores), but we still have to put up the rest of the decorations around the house. It will be done today. On the subject of men's inabilities, I do believe it's a ploy. Or how would you explain that their otherwise capacious brain, full of sports statistics and so nimble when it comes to engine parts cannot absorb the data necessary to sort laundry or chose the right programme for the dishwasher? Once my 20+ years old son, who had been living alone for 2 years, asked me to make some tartines for him. I asked him how he managed with his tartines when he was alone, and he answered: "Oh, I make them, but it's that perfect balance you achieve between bread, butter and honey I just can't rival". I told him that his perfect command of complimentary words had earned him one tartine, but that since I had achieved perfection through a lot of practice, I would let him practice some more with the next ones. One thing they are VERY good at is making us feel good about serving them!!!!LOL

Compliments to all those who lost and those that are almost at their target. If you have been able to lose all those pounds, it is just a matter of time, and you already have a much better life than you used to, so be patient. Noreen, do not think of your loss as a 100 pounds loss. I give myself monthly targets (I will be 176 lbs at the end of December, which is 4 lbs less than now). That way it doesn't feel so overwhelming.  A long journey starts with just a step, so concentrate on the steps you are making now, one little victory at a time. And congratulate yourself for every one of them, for they all take much courage and determination.

Time to do some e-banking (another domain where men's capacious brain is of little use in our household, especially when it comes to finding the pouch where we keep the e-banking machine).

Have a great day everyone!

Helene, who agrees with Beth: moisturizer just makes you feel disgusting in a humid climate. LOL

PS: Exercise yesterday: 15'000 steps, 10 km, 795 cals... Today I swam for 40 minutes and will try to walk some more, Oh! And yesterday, for the first time in my life, I RAN. Not for long, but I hope to improve my breathing to do more of it in the future! Frost, thinking of you sustained me while I was running...

Helene, your diamond ring sounds beautiful and what a sweet story.

I've lost 6 of the 9 Thanksgiving lbs.  I still have a lingering sinus infection so not attempting a walk outside even tho the sun peeked out this morning.  It's 18 degrees. 

The problem with having Christmas shopping done and sticking to a budget is that I have no reason to go to the mall and miss the crowds and decorations.  I can't trust myself to go 'window shopping' or I'll convince myself there's something I can't live without, even tho I didn't know it until I saw it.

Enjoy your Sunday

Is anyone else having trouble with holiday spirit this year? Tom wants to talk about gift ideas and budget and I want to not think about it. Every time Christmas follows the later Thanksgiving, I have this problem. Too much to do doesn't feel festive.

God morning:

Well after several fun hours of shopping at future world i now have decided instead of hooking up a contraption to my USB port and then plugging in Kyles Mp3 player and then running a 30 foot cord to my stereo plugging into an RCA jack and then to the stereo....phew although i will keep this parts since they were on $65.00 ON SALE, i will just plug Kyle Mp3 player into one of smy USB port and plug speakers into the other one, don`t know why my mind was so foggy yesterday about this...anyway.

Helene: Let me know how your shoulder feels once it heals rom the soreness, those ancient cures really do work.  Your description sounds similar to french bread omitting the egg of course.  Loved your rendition of all the issues and can add to the list, single in the 2000`s, not an easy one wish i had 34 years behind me, life would be so different for me, but i always believe God has a plan for me other then just to see how much pain to endure before i SNAP! 

Snow: I had no idea you have lost 84 pounds, that is quite an achievement and you should be so very proud, iou are stil here, if only by journal, be good to yourself!!       ; Something is wrong here will have to continue my keyboard just went to french...i will continue after.

good luck with your case tomorrow, robbie.  :D  congrats on your loss, too.  you lost 1/2 a pound.  i don't believe in men being clueless on housekeeping, either.  i know that trick.  lol  i'm like you.  there's nothing that i really want for christmas.

yeah, noreen, you do set one mini goal at a time, right?  i did that.  like for certain dates or holidays...  christmas, my birthday, hubby's birthday, etc.  it all comes down to one day at a time, one pound at a time anyway, but goals help to keep you motivated.

bonton, your 40th birthday present sucks!  LOL  at least it ended up being the best present ever.    my hubby threw me a surprise party for my 40th & i was so mad.  he knows i have always hated celebrating getting older.  what's the point?  hehe  anyway, i guess that makes him a sweetie, though.  i got alot of lotions & crap that i never even used.  i probably still have some of it!

i don't know what to do with you...  geez...  you don't eat too much & you get plenty of exercise.  your analysis is way better than mine & most importantly, you don't deprive yourself of anything & you go for just a little instead.  how perfect is that?  oh!  and then you have even eaten more & that didn't work either.

beb, i know i should be moisturizing daily, but in the summer it's too hot & in the winter it's too cold.  lol  i just can't help it!  it's like, what's the use?  in the summer, i just sweat it off anyway & in the winter, it's way too cold to spend the time.  if i manage to get any good days, then i just plain old forget to use it.

it sounds like you had a great time with glenn.  now leave them chocolates alone!  :D  congrats on your 163!  oh no...  i don't want to tell you what to do with glenn & rick.  hehe  you need to do what you think is right.  men will play games, though, and they aren't much for saying what they really feel.

phox, i don't even log my weight anymore, but i've heard it can act up at times.

helene, wow!  such a big dragon!  LOL  i've never heard of that.  i sure hope this works for you.  yep, 84 pounds.  :D  it seems like forever ago already.  i'll never gain again.  i chose my weight this time & i'm done.  i'm here to stay. 

me & beth had our good days & bad days, too, feeling overwhelmed, etc.  you'll get there.  don't worry.  just don't quit!  just take it one day at a time & as a new lifestyle, not a diet.  :D  congrats on running!!!  that is awesome!!!

ohio, congrats on losing 6 of the 9.  it's cold here, too...  maybe 21.  good luck with your shopping.  lol  i haven't even started yet!

southern, i'm not much for cleaning, either.  i'm gonna have to clean up around here for christmas soon.  we're gonna have a full house for awhile again.  i'm certain you'll reach your goal by christmas!  ;)  why not?  that's awesome what your hubby posted about you!  yep, he's a keeper! 

yesterday, hubby told me i was skinny.  i guess he's done that at least twice in the past week & today at the breakfast buffet he told me that some guy was staring at my butt while i was getting food.  LOL  i guess i'm learning to cope with him calling me skinny.  i really think he doesn't mean anything bad by it anymore.  he's probably trying to compliment me.  so i'll take it...  as long as he doesn't tell me to quit!  i HAVE started walking in front of him again.  i figure, what the heck?  at least i'm not losing weight anymore & he knows that.  i'm just trying to stay in shape & eat healthier.  :D

robbie, that christmas spirit will catch up with you when the actual holiday gets closer.

beb, yep!  84 pounds.  thanks!  yep!  i sure am proud to have that weight gone forever.  there is no going back.  not this time!

you'll reach your goal, too.  just hang in there.

good luck with your computer.  lol  i keep getting them pages that don't ever load.  you know, them white pages?  i hate that.  oh well...  it's time for football!  :D

have a great day everyone!!!

Hello again, sorry about that

Oh155 go browze window shop just leave your wallet at home...hehehe

Robbie:  I use to suffer from this too and found that if i start early and just do a little here and there then i am not ambushed all at once.....lol....and you are right there is so much to do, getting the tree, decorations, xmas cards, decorations, cooking, shopping, labeling, wrapping and on and on....but i was getting so overwhelmed i thought "There has to be a better way".....a little here and there and this year i have only my cards to mail out (almost said male there), guess their on my mind...lol....anyway so my tree you all know was up a almost a week and a half ago, all presents up to now are wrapped, done some cooking and freezing already.....including that pumpkin dish of Chris's, of course i do have to buy the turkey yet and get a little more food for the holidays and a couple more presents but for the most part am done.....phew...it's amazing what i can do with money on a pension my budget...thankgod i was an accountant for so many years....!!

I don't think men are enept in the house chores either but they hate those mondane tasks it is not in there cosmetic construction to do them, give them a wrench and look at the smile on their faces, i think the masculine chores...as for laundry just tell them the basket is "to heavy dear" and see them pitch in then!!  A chance to show off their manhood....worked for me...or these parcels are just to hard to carry "dear"....lol

I think if you don't train them to pitch in right from the start it's to late now girls!!!...lol....I bet when your sick they do though right???

Yes i agree "mini goals" like mine is to get below 160 before xmas........

well i am going to relax today, read the journals and then i'm off for a back pampering day.......hehehe

Love to all...............BEB

Robbie - Let us know how you like the Wii. It's just amazing to me what can be done with computer technology these days. Larry and I just have never gotten into those sort of games but a friend did introduce us to Wii at their house. I can see how it could become addictingly fun.I'm also having a bit of problem getting in the Christmas spirit. It's just getting here too fast. I want more time!

BEB - I prefer real Christmas trees too. But a couple of years ago we opted to get an artificial one just because it was practical. With the kids all gone, it's just not as much fun to shop for a real one any more.

Ohio - I haven't noticed any problems with the weight line on mine. But for two weeks I wasn't doing so good. The trend line actually went up a few times because my weight was all over the place but mostly staying around 155-156. Now it going down again. I just kept hanging in there and eventually my body decided to let go of the weight again. It's funny, I can almost feel it let go. I hope the remaining 3 lbs come off easily and I don't get stuck again before Christmas.  I didn't know you were tall like me! We can loose those last few pounds together!

Helene - I'm fasinated about the acupuncture treatment you are getting. Please keep us posted on how it goes. I've had shoulder pain for months and can't pin point exactly what it is. It doesn't feel like joint and it doesn't feel like muscle. But your post prompted me to ask a friend a church today. She's a massage theropist. After describing what I'm feeling she is convinced it's my bicept ligament. She says it can get dislocated and recommened someone who can put it back in place for me. I'll probably check into her recommendation.

Snow - I look forward to not logging any more. But I don't dare quit this early. I had dessert today for the first time in months. It was a small slice of pumpkin cheese cake. YUM! I'll try to walk it off later today.

Well, I gotta go. I'm doing home visits for my new babies born last week.

Have a nice Sunday,

Beth

Helene, Beth and I are all struggling with shoulder problems, i don't believe mine is as the young doctor said arthritis as it came on suddenly and have had it for months, but i think the weights and throwing things has injured it, either birsitis or have pulled a muscle is what i believe so yes Helene please do keep us posted on your recovery.  I am not a doctor but i do know my body better then anyone and it bugs me that i can't use my dumbbells now in the arm.....not knowing exactly what i did to it, but when i put my right fingers on the front part of my left shoulder and then move it around it IS less painful...???..well maybe pysiotheraphy may have a better clue when i go see them in the new year.....but in the meantime please everyone keep me posted i am willing to try almost anything to get movement and motion back without pain...!!

Well, Hello. I'm 55 soon (February)to be 56. This isn't my first weight loss experience, but I'm finding it to be much easier than my last time, two years ago.  Two years ago I dropped about 35 pounds on 1,500 calories a day, with no more than 50 grams of fat a day. Stupid me, I let a bunch of weight creep back on. I'm 5'10'' tall, by the way.

This time I wanted faster results, so...I went on a 1,000 calorie a day diet, keeping the grams of fat under 20 a day.  I did that for about 3 weeks. I gave up alcohol, my beloved wine in the evening, and the pounds just melted off.

As I did last time, I included cardio, stretching, vigorous exercising and lifting light weights.  I increased my cardio to 75 minutes a day, usually 7 days a week.  I take a day off now and then, just to chill.  I do 100 crunches, 50 push-ups, & 300 or so various leg lifts/kicks.

From the beginning, at close to 231 pouds, I am currently today 194.8 pounds, and my clothes are getting very baggy! I've had to make more holes in my belts to keep my pants up!

I don't have back problems any more, I feel strong, light and my husband is thrilled! He says it's like being with a different woman! He's very happy with how I look, and he makes me happy!

I've got about 38 more pounds to lose, but I don't forsee any problems.  Occasionally I screw up, eat a little more than I'd planned, gain a bit, but I'm back at it the next day, raring to go and very focused.  It comes right off, and then some!

By the way, I'm post-menopausal and don't feel that my age has inhibited my weight loss in any way.

mrsdustbag: Let me be the first to welcome you to our site, boy another tall one hehehe....we have myself 5'8' a couple girls that are 5'10 and a 6 footer we have alot of just over 5 footers a good variety all the way up, so you are in familar company, there are some post/para menopausal too..., just on my way out but wanted to say you'll find us a good support group with various interests, problems, desires and geographic locations, humor and support runs rampant....topics change like the wind in here and if interested we weigh in together on Fridays.....no pressure this is a relaxed atmosphere.......  That is quite a good and extensive workout out plan...good for you..........MDB!!!......WELCOME.................BYE FOR NOW

beb, WE see "send message" under your name.  it's just not there for you to see, because you can't send yourself a message.  :D

i think a wii would be awesome.  i'd probably be in trouble for using it, though.  LOL  oh well, i'm sure i won't get one for christmas.

southern, i hope you enjoyed that pumpkin cheesecake.  make sure you walk it off, though.  hehe  you are way too close to mess up now!

hi mrsdustbagc!  i hope you enjoy our group.  it sounds like you are doing really great & congrats!  1000 calories is not enough, especially with all that exercise, but who am i to say?  lol  i just worry about people who don't eat enough.  i hope your body doesn't get too used to that amount.

Welcome mrsdustbagc! Now there is an interesting screen name! What's the story behind that one? If you don't mind me asking.

I'm 6 foot tall. It's nice to have someone else who is tall join us. I can relate to where you are. I started out 6 months ago at over 200 lbs myself. I'm almost to my goal of 150 but still have a few pounds left to go. You can do it! I know you can. I have also learned SO much on this website and you can too.

One of the most valuable things I learned was about why it's important to eat enough calories. Our bodies go into a starvation mode when we eat too little. Our metabolism actually slows down and then we gain on just the slightest increase of calories. I hate to be the bearer of bad news but you might be in starvation mode already if you have been eating only 1000 a day for very long. But the good news is that it can be turned around. I suggest you search the forums for more information on starvation mode and read articles on why you need more calories. Once I figured this out myself, I was able to finally loose weight at a steady rate without being hungry. But I had a history of loosing and then gaining it all back before I learned about the best rules for calorie deficit. I now realize I only had problems before because because I had starved myself in order to loose and as soon as I started eating "normal", I just gained it all back quickly. For the first time since I was in my 20's I am now slim again and not afraid of gaining it all back.

I hope I don't sound preachy. I just was so thankful to learn about this myself that I want to share what I've learned. But others here can tell you the same thing. I'd be happy to share some more information with you if you want. Just send me a private message.

BTW, you have a fantastic workout program. I'm impressed. I had to teach myself to love exercise but I do love it now.

Welcome to our group! I think you will find this a very supportive group.

~Beth