Welcome to the Group

Welcome! We would love get to know you, so please tell us a little bit about yourself. You can choose any format you'd like, but most of us here share some or all of the following details:

1. History with weight loss:
2. History with Calorie Count:
3. Reason for joining this group:
4. Some interesting details about yourself, such as your job, your family, your pets and your interests:

And now just go ahead and make that first post!

I have worked out at the gym for years and have good routine, which I change now and then.  I am in the gym 5 to 6 days a week and do 30 to 60 minutes for some kind of cardio and then some toning. 

I am new to calorie count and just want some support.  I need to lose 8 lbs that I put on cruising Europe for 3 weeks.  It was easy to put even though I have been back for 5 weeks, I have not taken it off.  I am 53 and it just gets harder every year.  My clothes are tight and i want to fit in them better.  I have trouble maintaining and always watch my weight yo-yo 5 up and 5 down.  I eat healthy normally.  I try to eat organic and even tried to eat vegetarian for about nine months.  I have added chicken back into my diet but no other animals just fish.  I don't really like veggies that much but I eat them anyhow for my health.  I could live on eggs, my favorite protein shake, oatmeal with mashed banana(yum) and fresh ground almond butter which are my favorites

My husband and I own our own business which just happens to be frozen custard franchises.  Yes!!! I love ice cream, but must eat in moderation.  I live in Missouri, have 3 grown up girls and three step sons, six grandkids and a husband.  I love gardening, my charity work, my girlfriend get aways and of course the gym.  This is my life. 

 

Hi my name is Mary.  I live in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  Here is some information about me…

History with weight loss:  I started gaining weight to hide my first pregnancy … and it worked … everyone in my family thought I was getting "fat" and not "pregnant" … that started a lifetime of unhealthy eating habits for me.  I have been a "large" woman for most of my adult life.  The only time I was thin was when I was about 22 years old … I was exercising every day for 30 minutes, plus I was bulimic (making myself throw-up after eating) … thank God, I stopped doing that … but then the weight started to come on and stay on.  It seems when I was in my twenties that I could lose weight so easy … now it seems impossible!  I am 5' 7" and currently weigh 325 lbs (WOW!  Never thought I would share that with anyone!!!)  I would like to lose 125 lbs, which seems astronomical to me … so I am trying to break it down into smaller goals … for now I'd be happy to lose 25 lbs!  I know several people who have had bariatric surgery to lose weight … I don't want to do that … I want to lose weight by making healthier food choices and exercising.

Health issues: I am diabetic (I take insulin twice a day), have high blood pressure (I take medication so it is stabilized), severe asthma, CHF and I just found out that I have degenerative arthritis and bone spurs in my left foot.  From time to time I have to be on steroids which make me gain weight.  It seems that each time I am on steroids I gain more and more weight and never lose it!  UGH! 

History with Calorie Count:  I joined Caloriecount.com in June 2006 because I wanted a way to keep track of what I was eating … specifically total carbs/calories.  I needed to "see" something in writing about what food choices I was making.  I start to keep track and then slack off … been doing that now for 2+ years.  I do eat healthier and make better food choices when I keep track of my food.

Reason for joining this group:  I am sick and tired of being overweight, being tired ALL THE TIME and not being able to be an ACTIVE participant in my life.  Obviously, I can't do this alone … otherwise I wouldn't be struggling with my weight/health like I am.  I need encouragement to stick with this … one day at time … one meal at a time … one bite at a time!    I figure there must be others out there who are struggling like I am and perhaps "TOGETHER" we can encourage, support and help one another to eating and living in a healthy manner.

Some interesting details about me:  I have been with my husband since I was 11 years old!  YES!  REALLY!  We got married one week before I graduated from high school and we celebrated 31 years of marriage in May of 08.  We have 3 grown children and 7 grandchildren.  I work full time as a legal secretary.  I love spending time with my family … especially my grandkids - they always make me smile and laugh!  My interests include: music (Contemporary Christian, Country, Golden Oldies), I enjoy reading, being outdoors with nature - star gazing, campfires, rides in the country.  I am active with my church.  And I LOVE to cook!  I like meeting new people and making friends.

I am hoping (and praying) that joining this support group will give me the boost of encouragement I need to stick with my heart's desire to eat healthier and start exercising.  Thanks for letting me share.

((((Hugs))))

Mary

I, my name is Susie and this is my first time posting, so hope I am doing it right!  I started the first day of the rest of my life on July 1 of this year.  I have lost 19 lbs and 15 inches, by ging to a fitness club and counting calories, esp carbs, since I have Type 2 diabetes.  I have 30 more lbs. to lose and love the strength that I feel.  I am a nurse, will celebrate my 30th wedding anniversary this year and will be a grandmother sometime around the end of March. (My first).  Hope to learn more about kicking up weight loss and more exercises that I can do.  Have rotator cuff problems and arthritis, so a little limited. 

Hello, I am Susan and I was always skinny until after I had twins!  I never quite lost all the weight, and then over the next 20 years I just got into a rut of eating rich food, and I have a sweet tooth I did not deny, working fulltime/overtime on the night shift, and I did not always get my exercise. 

I always prided myself on understanding nutrition, as I am a nurse, but I failed to apply the knowledge.  When my doctor told me I should lose weight and reduce my cholesterol she did not think I was listening but I found this website  and had my eyes opened to the high calories I had been eating.  I got down to business and my doctor was very surprised 6 months later.  I was so proud of my accomplishment but then I dropped my routines and over the past two years have slipped back into poor habits and weight gain.  Today I am here again and have chosen a nearly all vegetarian diet emphasizing whole foods.  

I really want to enjoy my 'golden years' after my career as a nurse is over.  I have seen some of the sickest people and much of it has been caused by lifestyle and diet choices.  I believe in preventive medicine and now I am on my way to better health, and hope to avoid the need for medications. 

I have the twins still living at home with me, but I divorced ten years ago.  We have three cats and two dogs in a cul-de-sac home so we have a big back yard.  I am constantly out in the yard redoing the landscaping and my sons oblige me by digging holes for plants and transplanting like the proverbial woman who wants to rearrange the furniture!  I volunteer as exercise leader and assist in running a CHIP program to teach people how to eat for optimal cardiac health, which results in better health allover! 

I think this website is great, and I am glad to have found this group with which I am certain to have so much in common.   I hope to be inspired by each of you, and to be an inspiration.

Hi Mary

We are neighbors. I live in Waukesha and work in Milwaukee. Nice to meet you.

 

Deb

Hello. I've not been on this site lately but I credit CC with my weight loss which I've maintained pretty well since I got serious in May '07. Just gained weight gradually over the years until I hit a high of 215 (I'm 5'11") and then dropped to around 175. I counted calories religiously for the first year and since then I kind of know my limit. However, I've gained a few pounds back and may need to start counting again for a while to get back on track The best habit I developed is running. I run 3 1/2 miles per day pretty much every day. People often tell me that they can't run because they hate it. Well, so do I! I am inspired by fitness guru Jack LaLanne who still works out even at age 94. He said he HATES working out. He just likes the results.

I'm from Ohio but I've lived in the South since right out of college. I moved to the Upstate of South Carolina (near Greenville) after moving from Hilton Head Island where I lived ten years. Now, I'm working in Florence, South Carolina 175 miles away but still return to Greenville on weekends.

I joined this group because for much of my time on this site, it seemed like all I ever read was posts from young girls. It's nice to know I can now consult with people closer to my own age.

 

This picture is 4 years old and about 80 pounds lighter!!  This is my reminder.

FAT FAT FAT thats how I feel.  I've been steadily gaining weight for the past 4 years!

I went on an extreme diet and lost 85 lbs.  I looked wonderful, but still felt awful.  I have a terrible body perception.  Besides not eating the right amounts, I get practically NO exercise what so ever.  I'm 55 and I consider myself extremely sedentary.  I've joined the group because I need to REPORT daily about what exercise I do daily, and I need positive support and feed back.  I'm 55 and am in need of a new knee.  Not because of the weight (but thats adding to it I'm sure) but because the knee was ruined in an automobile accident in the 1980's.  Because of the knee, my ankle and the bones in my right foot are collapsing.  Really I feel like I'm in terrible shape, and I need to motivate myself into getting moving.

Hello, everyone--

I've introduced myself in two other forums, but I want to participate in this group, too. In particular, I'm curious about how perimenopause will affect my weight loss, and whether anyone here has advice about it.

I made a go at Calorie Count last spring but got distracted, and am now at about the same place I was then: wanting to lose 15 pounds. It doesn't seem like a huge amount, but I have a hard time getting motivated, so I've decided to join the forums & try to keep a food journal. Yikes. I'm a writer and professor, but keeping a journal about anything has never been my strong suit.

I am 5'0" and have not usually been overweight, keeping in the 108-112 range most of the time. As a depressive, my weight inched down to 101 (but fortunately I am stabilized now); at other times it's been as high as 138. I'm at 120 now and don't want to risk getting into a pattern of putting on weight every year (I'm 52).  My exercise level is "off" lately: I used to run marathons in the '90s, but an arthritic hip has put the kibosh on that for now. I used to do yoga, as well, but that really aggravated the pain in my hip.

The last time I went on a weight-loss program, I did the Fat Flush diet--a very rigorous and basically low-carb diet that used a lot of vitamin & mineral supplements. It seemed very scientifically based, and it worked (!), but it was also difficult to stay on when not at home. Too, the supplements were expensive. So for now I'm going to try to count calories, ease myself back into an exercise regimen, and stay on track with the food journal & this place.

About me: I live in Boise, Idaho. The photo is of my dog, who (with my husband, who is retired) visits hospitals here as a therapy dog. In addition to being a professor, I run a small publishing company, so I'm at a desk more than 6 hours a day, usually, including weekends.

Glad to join the group, & I look forward to reading the posts.

Hi I've been studying this site and I'm thinking it looks like a great site.

History with weight loss:  I never really had a problem until I started working full time after having kids.  Then quick meals and lack of exercise soon meant I was overweight.  It has been a few pounds each year for about 15 years so now I'm really overweight--185.  i've tried lots of diets South Beach, TOPS, Weightwatchers etc. but never stuck to anything.  Now I'm going to count calories, and focus on daily exercise.

Health issues: I am pretty healthy except for a little arthritis.  Unfortunately I've been having more pain in my hip lately and I'm hoping if I lose some weight it will hurt less.

History with Calorie Count:  I joined Caloriecount.com because I want a way to keep track of what I am eating … specifically total calories.  I need to "see" something in writing about what food choices I am making.  I start to keep track and then slack off …  I do eat healthier and make better food choices when I keep track of my food.

Reason for joining this group:   I need encouragement to stick with this … and hope reading about others struggles will help me stay on track

Some interesting details about me:  I have 4 kids, one hubby, one cat. I love sailing, hiking, biking and have recently bought a trailer and am looking forward to travelling into the States in the next few months.

Soooooooo...here goes the first day of the downward spiral!

Hi,  

My name is Rosie. 

Until two weeks ago, I had never given my weight (problem) too much thought.  Then on a routine visit with my doctor, he lowered the boom just hard enough to make me wake up.  He said I had a thyroid problem, and proceeded to cease my other medications for allergies, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and depression.  He knew I didn't need them because I always 'forgot' to take them anyway, just like I forget to eat.  He said my only problem was my weight, and if I continued to gain the way I had been for the past year, I would hit 250 pounds by next summer!  That scared me.  He even gave me a chart showing the increase month by month.  That new projection was showing me gaining 80 pounds in two years.  This was unthinkable, as I had stayed in the 170-190 range for over 20 years! 

I purchased a program with hope of finding some help in understanding the reason for so much gain as well as motivation in getting off the extra weight. The lady who made the sale, said it would work better with some sort of support.  I stalled for a minute there, wondering where or who I would turn to for that.  Casually,  I mentioned my problem to a friend at church and she told me to look for calorie count online.  That is how I ended up here.  I have spent the last couple of hours reading the postings, and I hope to find and be able to offer that encouragment that it sometimes so hard to come by.  You see, I don't personally know anyone else who needs to lose 70+ pounds.  My program outlines the topics mentioned here, but the auto calculate feature makes the calorie counting faster and easier than having to clutter my mind with all the little details.  My mom, my husband and I all have different food menus, based on needs, likes, etc.,  so it makes it harder for me to find that balance where we can all eat the same things and get me out of the kitchen and spending more time on 'me'.

Speaking of me:    I work at home as a full time care giver for my mom.  Prior to that I spent twenty years working as a bookkeeper.  I have four children, all grown and living away from home.  Two of them are married and living out of state.  I have 3 Chi-weiner dogs: Ginger, Jake and BabyJake, a border collie, and 4 goldfish.   When I find time to be creative, I enjoy scrapbooking and writing. My other interests include Bible study, crotchet, and playing computer games.  When the kids were still home we camped out every year for 10-14 days at a time.  After that,  my main sources of exercise were working at our ministry, helping out wherever needed, and working outdoors on my property when I lived out in the country.  Earlier this year, we had to move back to the city for economical reasons and now I don't get out of the house nearly as often as I used to.   My biggest problem with anything new, as I see is with some of you as well, is staying on track.  Seeing that we are not alone in this makes it seem more bearable.  Onward fellow calorie counters!!!!

 

Hi,
I'm Ellen from Tucson, AZ.  I'm here after falling off the wagon for a few months.  I did wonderful using all the tools on cc for about 7 months, but then about 5 months ago, I just got side-tracked and totally back-slid.  So, now I'm back and ready to work.

1. History with weight loss:  Ever since becoming an adult, I've always had a tendency to gain weight.  I've been on many diets, but once I go off a diet I always slowly start going back up again.  I don't seem to be able to maintain.
2. History with Calorie Count:  Started about a year ago and did really well for awhile until I got close to my goal weight and then let everything go. 
3. Reason for joining this group:  I like reading about the trials and tribulations of people in my age group.
4. Some interesting details about yourself, such as your job, your family, your pets and your interests:  I'm 57 years old, a database specialist, a wife and a mom of 3 grown men.  I like to dance and take a tap and an Irish dance class.  Other than that I would have to say, videos and computers are my main forms of entertainment.  I need to get out more.

Hi Rosie

Here's a question for you since you've been through this before.  I've just started using the tools but I'm confused about the burn meter.  How does it work? Mine is always changing.  Is it something that just increases throughout the day automatically?

Like you I like reading about others' stories.  I find a lot that are quite inspirational.  I don't know what happened to me, it seems like one day i just woke up and I'd gained 65 pounds--and I wasn't pregnant.  I'm hoping keeping track and reading others stories will keep me on track.  I've started diet 5 days ago and have exercised for 30 minutes on the elliptical last four days or gone for long bike ride(20km) Today I woke up with a major cold and am home for work, but I decided I'm at least going to go for a 30 minute walk even if not brisk just to stick to the habit of exercising for 30 minutes each day.

Well Ellen and Rosie

You can see how inept I am at this webboard or how sick I am with this cold by my posting messages to the wrong person.  I meant to ask you the info on the message I sent to Rosie.  Reading this I see it is totally confusing so I think i am going to take a break and tackle this again later.  Mel

Hi, I'm Nancy.   I live in Madison, Wisconsin, having found a beautiful home here 3 yrs ago when I came here for a Managerial Accounting class.  I work as a Customer Service/Sales Associate for a retail store.  I love my job and the people/company I work with.  I have a varied work schedule.  I'm taking direction from an assistant manager who is my youngest son's age.  I'm adjusting to public criticism from same. 

I started CC two weeks ago, at the suggestion of my son who lost 20 lbs last year with online calorie counting. I dropped off because I needed some motivation that I wasn't getting by just logging the calories and activity. I've always watched my weight.  I've gained 14 lbs. since last December.  I'm trying to find the right time for meals and exercise.  But I'm wondering if my new homeowner's activities are consuming my previous exercise time.

I have two sons, who live close, and are central to my life.  I have a 10 year old Black Lab who's very sociable and cuddly.  My interests are my home/homekeeping on a grand scale (I try to do it all myself, loving home improvements and projects like that), lawn care/gardening, reading. 

I hope to get inspiration and motivation from others, and ways to trouble-shoot when I need it.

 

 

 

Hi Nancy,  welcome to the group.  I started again last Sunday and I've had a pretty good week,  I've recorded all my food each day and I find that really helps me in controlling what I eat.  I'm also combining South Beach with trying to keep my calorie intake between 1200 and 1500 per day.  I know I should weigh only once a week but I've been doing it daily and each day it's either the same or down a little.  At least there's been no upward movement. I was also trying to do 30 minutes exercise each day.  Not so good on exercising each day---exercised 3 out of 5 days.  Also found reading the boards inspiring although I find it hard to move around and find boards I looked at previously.  Anyways good luck with dieting--may all your munching be low cal Mel

Hello,

I am a little nervous about this, not sure what to do or say, but here I go.  

I have been pretty active all my life.  Now I am having a real struggle losing 10 hopefully 15 pounds.

Due to medical reason I have been on estrogen for 30 years.  Two years ago my doctor cut my dose in half....hence weight gain.

Really getting frustrated.  I really need to lose this weight.  I feel so badly about me.

Is this the right way of using this site?

Chubs

Original Post by duke3522:

Welcome! We would love get to know you, so please tell us a little bit about yourself. You can choose any format you'd like, but most of us here share some or all of the following details:

1. History with weight loss:
2. History with Calorie Count:
3. Reason for joining this group:
4. Some interesting details about yourself, such as your job, your family, your pets and your interests:

And now just go ahead and make that first post!

 

Hi Duke,

thank you for the 50somenthing group. I have just turned 50 and wow! a lot in my life has changed.  Separated, kids no longer small kids, and my body has a mind of its own.  I have been pretty healthy all my life and although never very skinny I could handle the weight ok.  I hate been on a diet and resisted for a a couple of years even though I could see it coming (the weight I mean) well here I am counting calories wich I stink at it. My life is pretty sedentary, because of work, I sit all day long in front of a computer.

Well, I have decided to change somethings,  I am quitting smoking, from one pack a day I am to 1 cigarette a day by the end on November that one has got to go. I LOVE chocolate everyday, will not have it for a while and starting today I am on a 1700 calories program.  Did you know that not much adds up to 1700 calories?  I am also finally using that treadmill that has been in my bedroom for over a year.  My body hurts like hell, I am convincing myself that the walks are working, I am building muscles again. 

Well, I bet you did not want to know that much about me but here it is.  I feel that is is so anonimous that I can keep on talking (writing).  I usually do not participate on things like these but I am hoping this will help me.  I need to get a grip on my life again. 

Best wishes to all

/ml

 

welcome lovelifem, love your pic  ;-)  heh-heh   Well I am getting to feel like an expert on the 50something group, having been one for several years!!  I can relate to your description of the body taking on a new form, and changing the habits.  Congrats on the quitting of the cigs!! Sounds like you are on the right track, I am glad I did that years ago, so HANG IN THERE!  This website is fantastic as you can see for yourself how to limit your MENU to only 1700 cals, I started out with 1200 cals and it worked for me in less than a year.  What will YOU look like this time next year, just keep thinking about that .  .  .  .   Susan

Hi I'm just fifty and have had diabetes for almost ten years. It began with gestational diabetes and then never went away after my last son. I have been going on such old information. I am almost embarrased to say it. I have been counting sugars and had no clue that I should be counting carbohydrates. I found a little carbohydrate counter pamphlet in my local supermarket and finally read it. It has changed my life. My blood sugars have been in a normal range for a month now and I am so happy. I still struggle with what to eat before I go to bed, Im' always feeling low. my readings have been around 94 or a little lower and I need ideas of snacks to eat at this time.