I'm 52 and have struggled with my weight since my mid to late twenties.  I've been on several diets over the years and all I have managed to do is yoyo my weight.  I started out only 30lbs over weight and now, well lets just say it's a whole lot more.  Since hitting my 50's it seems like losing weight is the hardest thing to do.   My energy level has gone on the decline.

One thing I have learned over the years is that dieting doesn't work long term, and that there are a lot of health issues that some diets can bring on.  So now I am trying to eat the foods I like but in portion control sizes and staying very much aware of the carb and calorie amounts in each food.  I know I have to limit the simple carbs.  So far, since I started dieting I have lost 13lbs,  12 of those pounds before I started on this site.   

Anyone who would like to add me to their friends list are welcome to do so.  I'd love to have others I can share progress and pitfalls with.  Motivation keeps us going. 

You're right. For most people, the pounds lost by dieting is short term. They gain it back after they have met their goal, if they are lucky enough to do so. However, a lifelong commitment to reasonable portions and exersize does work long term, and calorie counting is a great way to control portions. Keep up the good work.

Hi there, I'm Vicki and I'm new too.  I found using some tips from a certain famous hypnotherapist work really well.  As long as you follow these simple rules, then you can eat and live pretty normally.

 

1. Only eat when you're hungry

2. Eat consciously and slowly, (at least 20 chews per mouthful) savouring and chewing every mouthful

3. Don't put more in until your mouth is completely empty

4. Put your fork down while you chew

5. STOP when you're full; don't feel the need to eat everything that is in front of you.  Even if you leave just a spoonful to begin with, just get used to that not having to eat EVERYTHING

6. If you get hungry again in an hour, eat again! Repeat the same method

7. Aim for smaller portions more often, it'll speed your metabolism up

8. DON'T STARVE, you'll only binge later. 

9. Keep food with you all the time, a cereal bar, dried fruit, seeds & nuts, a yogurt or anything that isn't just a quick sugar fix.

10. Eat WHAT you want WHEN you want and not because you're upset/emotional, just because you would like it.  Just not to excess.

11. Drink plenty of fluids (preferably water but I know how it is) as sometimes hunger pangs are just because we're thirsty.

I really hope that helps and the very best of luck in achieving your lifelong health!

Best Wishes

Vicki

 

Thanks Vicki for all the suggestions.. I have been doing a lot of thinking about my habits in general and you are right you have to make life long changes or the weight loss could be temporary.  Well, I hope we can support each other as we travel down the weight loss road..  

Thanks..

You're very welcome! Glad to be of help

Karen,

Talk about similiar stories.  I'm 53 and have dieted most of my life and here I am 50 pounds overwieight and one crabby lady!  I came to the conclusion that I will never "diet" again.  I try to chose a variety of healthy foods. count calories and move around more.  Whatever I do has to be something I can do for the rest of my life.  If it gets too complicated I know I won't be able to keep it up.   Adkins worked for awhile for me too.  I did take something away from it.  I use supplements and drink alot of water.  I also realize that processed foods have alot of empty calories.  Cooking at home from scratch as much as possible helps. 

Good Luck

Penny

Hi ladies;

I too have become a yoyo dieter and joined this site in November.  Since that time I have increased my intake by 300-500 calories a day and have finally started losing weight again.  I have copied a link you may find enlightening, it really makes since if you think about it.  Good luck.

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/core_march_8. htm

Leslie

Hi Penny,

You are right diets don't work...  The only way to lose weight and keep it off is to change your eating habits.  I have gotten into eating the colored food groups.  I have always eaten dark green veggies but mostly ate in the white food group - white rice, pasta, potatoes etc...  Now I am trying to eat a variety of colored foods - black rice, dark greens, red peppers, and yellow/orange foods - yams..  and limiting the white food group.  This way I get complex carbs instead of simple carbs and some good protein.  I like tofu so I am trying to incorporate it into my diet as well.  I noticed that I do not get hungry as often and I can tell a change in my body. 

I'd really like to hear about your progress.  Support is always a plus. 

Thanks again... Karen

Hi Leslie,

You are absolutely right, there are so many people who think if they skip breakfast or lunch they are doing themselves a favor.  Well, all they are doing is putting their bodies into a starvation mode.  I try to stay between 1300 and 1400 calories a day and I have lost 13 lbs in the last 3 weeks.  I think it is very important to get back to eating fresh veggies and prepare your foods at home.  Eating fast foods are doing nothing for your body - they are filled with sodium and fat calories.  I call them the "heart attack waiting to happen" foods.  I'm not saying never eat them, just limit them to "rarely have".   As it is I am learning to eat in the colored food groups and have been really turned on the the black foods.   I have pasted a link to some good information if you are interested in knowing more about the health benefits to eating the black foods - Black rice, black vinegar, black soybeans etc..  I have always eaten black beans but I have learned so much about the other black foods I never knew existed and have gotten very excited about it.   I actually have to work at getting the 1300/1400 calories a day. 

Click here: Japan’s Nutraceuticals Today - Foods in Black for Better Nutrition :: News :: Natural and Nutritional Products Ind

Hi all,

Looks like we're on the right track.  I've been trying to eat local and organic for the past two years.  It's fortunate that I live in a rural area - lots of farm markets and a great food coop. I froze local veggies and fruits last summer and my supply is still holding up.  I also have local sources for eggs, milk and meat.  I'm curious about the black foods.  I love black beans but that's the only one I'm familiar with.  thanks for the info.

 Karen - I joined February 1 and have lost 8 pounds.  I'm pleased with the most of my food choices but I need to rev up the exercise.  I've been using free weights and I ordered a treadmill last night.

Penny 

Wow that's great 8lbs!!!!!  I just dropped another pound today, so far 14 pounds.  I have to tell you I am very excited about the black foods and the health benefits associated with them.  I have hypertension and so I'm looking towards diet to control it and according to all I have researched so far it looks like incorporating the  black foods will have a benefit.  Of course, I keep a close eye on my pressure but, if I can control it or correct it nutritionally then that's the way to go for me.  My first introduction was when I caught the Montell Williams show and a Dr Brantely was talking about the black foods.  I immediately researched the information and I have to say ran right out to find some of the foods.  Black beans have always been my favorite.  But, I'd eat them with corn bread and onions.  My mom (rest her soul) made the best corn bread.  She never used sugar in hers.  I would also eat it with buttermilk like a  cereal.  Talk about your bad eating habits? :o)

Some of the black foods I have gotten are: Black Rice (Forbidden Rice, Black Sesame Seeds, Black Vinegar (made from brown rice), & Black Soybeans.  I love the black vinegar better then the balsamic vinegar and use it now on almost everything for seasoning. 

Well you keep up the good work..  I would be very happy to hear about your progress.  I think support is a wonder tool for weight loss - It doesn't make the road hard to walk when you know you are not alone when you stumble and lots of support for succeeding. 

Leslie and Karen,

Wow what a lot of new info.  I went to both suggested websites and so much to learn!  I have black rice and vinegar on my shopping list.  the article about being obese and only eating 700 calories a day was amazing.  I have to tell you that I was concerned about my 1500 calorie daily suggestion.   But I have to say that I am eating well and the variety of foods keeps me interested.  I like planning menus again.  Have you looked at the recipes?  Some are goofy but I found and made a black bean soup that was yummy. 

Karen - congrats on 14 pounds!!

 Penny

Thanks much Penny.. 

I'm so glad you found the articles useful.  I am still amazed at the information I am learning.  I do have a couple of receipts I will send you for the black rice.  I know what you mean about getting excited about planning menus again.  I look forward now to eating these new foods.   When you cook the black rice, I found if you let it soak for a couple of hours the texture is better. 

Tonight I had black rice with black beans.  Sauteed a red pepper and half a green pepper with a small onion to mix in with my rice. Added a little of the black vinegar for flavor with brussel sprouts.   And let me tell you how satisfying it was not to mention delicious.   Instead of salt I use a Veggie Sal (green box).  You can get it in any health food store.  It's better then salt of these types of foods.  If I eat corn on the cob I still need regular salt thou. 

Let me know if you find any other info or if you find any other receipts.

Karen

You're all invited to join the Senior Corner thread in the Lounge forum!  You'll find plenty of friends there.  Lots of us are over 50 and some of us are way older. 

Also visit the Foods and Recipes forums for help with cooking just about anything!

Welcome to CC!

thx clairelaine -- I will definetly check out the senior corner although I have to admit I have a hard time thinking of myself as a senior :o)

Hi there!!

I havn't figured out the introduction page yet.  Says to copy and give info, just can't figure it out.  Can you guide me through it maybe?

I am over 50 as well, actually will be 52 in November and never had a problem with my weight until my 40s.  I did however, join a support group called TOPS last year when my weight hit 161.  On my small frame and short body of 5' 2" it was for me just too much too carry around.  I am stilll going to my group ....it has been a year now since I joined last January 17/07.  I am now cradeling around 145 lbs and hoping to reach my goal weight .  It is such hard work. 

I think my biggest problem was binge eating.  I would eat even when I wasn't hungry.    I used to say  (I can eat for any occasion!)  even when I am sick.  I don't have a sweet tooth so that was never really a problem for me.  However, I do like the odd drink of the dreaded spirits!! 

I have recenly started using my slow cooker alot more and finding some great recipies lower in fat and bad calories and higher in protien. 

I am finding that I am at a stand still right now and really do know that by eating smaller portions and less fatty foods and limiting the drinks of alchohol are very important. 

The hardest thing for me is to get motivated to exersise!!!

I hope that I post this properly.  Am not understanding how to navigate this site.  Really think this site is wonderfull and the people sound so nice!!!

Please add me to your friends list.....and anyone else who reads this that would be very nice.

Thanks so much!!!

Fancy      &nbs p;   

Welcome Fanc,

Glad to meet you..  If you go to the Community tab and under that tab click the People tab you should be able to edit your home page.  I'm still learning myself but like you find everyone is very nice and supportive.  I'm 5'4" and have yoyo dieted most of my adult life.  I'm 52 and want to get this weight off and I do think this time I will succeed and keep it off.  I am making some real life changes and I know that helps.  I do have to admit I do like a glass of wine with dinner, but I haven't since starting this regiment for about 1.5 months now. 

What is TOPS - how does it work? I know something about binge eating - actually I think I eat because I know it taste good and not because I'm hungry.  That's the worst eating.  I have more of a salt tooth then a sweet tooth.  Give me a plate of food over candy anytime.

I have added you to my friend list.  If you would like to add me feel free - just click on my name and when you are on my page you should see a link to Add Buddy.

Karen

Thanks Karen,

Nice to meet you as well!!  

TOPS is a support group all through Canada and the U.S A.  The e-mail address is www.tops.org  I live in Canada and they are every where.  If you go to the site and click on meetings and put your postal code or zip code it will tell you  where the closest meeting is to you in your neighbourhood.  This is a group of people who get together once per week to give each other support with there weight situation.  The people at the group I go to are just wonderful!!!!!!  It is not a $$$ making thing.   We each pay a very low fee per year and 2 dollars a week to help pay for the hall or meeting place.  Please check it out on -line and let me know what you think.  I know that it has helped me to get this far with my weight loss and will continue to.  They privately weigh you once per week.....and then the meeting is around 1/2 hr to an hour.  You will have fun....meet new people .... earn badges and charms and ribbons and hugs and cheers  (depending on your group) for pounds lost.  What a nice perk  for something you have worked so hard for!!!!  

I look forward to going each and every week and even if I travel I will look for a meeting in any town I am in and they welcome you with open arms.........I have never missed  a day since I joined.....even when I had a bad week and gained!!!!

Am hoping that you check it out and am curious as to what you think and anyone else who reads this. 

Congrats on your 1.5 month into your journey!!!   

HUGS!!!!!

Nancy

(Fanc)    

Black rice, is that the same as wild rice?

No, it is not the same.  I have added a link for you so you can get some more information about it. 

Click here: Japan’s Nutraceuticals Today - Foods in Black for Better Nutrition :: News :: Natural and Nutritional Products Ind

I have eatten brown rice and have mixed brown rice with wild rice but I love this black rice much better.  And the health benefits are much greater.

Tell me what you think after you read it.

Karen

 Hi Nancy 

I did go to the site but unfortunately they do not have a meeting in my zip code.   So I will think about the on-line membership.  I like the idea of being able to go to a place that offers a little more socialization activity.  I think anything that helps us achieve our goals, and is healthy is a good thing.  Thanks for the Congrats. 

Please keep us posted on your progress.  I think we can not get to much support.

Karen