In my 40's and would like to lose 5 stone (70lb)

I root for anyone who uses stones as a measure!

no seriously, all the best for your journey. make sure it's not a miserable one, but one that leads you to health and happiness. you deserve it!

I'm shooting for 61lbs gone by....hmmm...well...at this point I am taking it day by day and setting mini goals for myself.

I started Jan 3/12 at 205lbs.  I was at 210lbs before Christmas.  I have now lost a total of 42lbs and weight 168lbs.  My goal is 149lbs which would put me at the highest end of a healthy BMI.  At 43yrs old, I'm not sure this weight is reasonable, but I'll see how it goes.

I've been setting mini goals of 10lbs at a time.  Not so overwhelming and it's keeping me motivated.  This is my 3rd time () with Calorie Count, and I am determined it's the last time I'm going to lose these wretched pounds!

What's working for me this time is:

* logging all my meals/snacks the night before, printing my food log, and putting it on my fridge - I just cross stuff off as I eat it and track my water and exercise on the log too

* drinking AT LEAST 10cups water a day - I always carry my 2.5cup jug with me

* sodium below 2000mg/day

* fibre over 30g/day

* iron 18g/day or over - no more 2pm gotta have a nap vibe anymore

* enjoying a special treat meal every Saturday night - hubby and I love to cook

* no alcohol during week

* eating at least my BMR every day

Hope this helps! 

Regardless of what you are told, a realistic weight loss rate is approx 1 lb per week. Initially you may lose more (due to water weight) but it evens out after the first couple of weeks.

Anticipate for you to take 18 months to lose that weight at a safe and healthy rate that will not have you losing too much muscle or damaging your metabolism in the process.

I know.. 18 months sounds like forever and is a daunting time span, but losing too fast usually means you will regain it all again, plus some  more.. doing it once, the right, safe & slow way, saves you all that grief. Think of it this way, do you want to lose weight "for now" or forever?

Number one, don't under eat.. seems like you'd lose faster the less you eat, but doing this backfires and you will slide into a frustrating plateau. Use the tools to figure out your correct calorie intake and BTW no one is sedentary (unless bedridden) and you really shouldn't be calculating yourself as such if you want this to be a healthy way of life for always. 

I agree that breaking it down into small goals helps to keep you motivated (worked for me) Three month chunks of time seemed to work best and then take a short (1-2 week) break eating at maintenance before going all out for the next round. Find activities/ exercise you like to do. If you like it, you are more likely to keep doing it.

Make a list of non-food related rewards for when you reach your goals.. if your reward is a treat, it makes it something to look forward to and therefore more motivating in getting you to stick to your plan.

Goals I had on my list: getting back into ONEderland (ie my weight having a #1 at the front instead of a 2). Getting back into my wedding dress for an anniversary..reaching 100 miles walked and another 100 biked .. increasing the weights I used.. I felt so strong when I could do that.

Rewards were various: a book, a massage, concert tickets.. exercise gear (bonus, that one helped me to reach my next goal) use your imagination.

Good luck and stick with it, the effort is worth it!

You can do it! I'm 50 and since last July I've lost over 70lbs taking me to a healthy bmi (trying to lose the last few vanity lbs now) It's hard work, but so worth it. I feel and look like a different person now. Take it one day at a time. I didn't go on any faddy diet. I've been eating normal food in much smaller portions. I eat 3 times a day with fruit/veg as snacks. It does require dedication and you have to want it with every fibre of your being as the temptation to give in is sometimes overwhelming, but if I can do it anyone can. Good luck! xx