Fourty-something Group Group

Greetings.

posted by llLeoll on 2:55 pm

What's up folks. Been technically a "member" of Live Strong for a few years, but that was back when I had a simple aim: lowering my sodium, and avoiding the blood pressure meds. So I used My Plate, and  moved on.
 
However,  the stress of my job, business traveling and the holidiays "caused" me to skip workouts for a three month stretch at the end of 2011. I put on 35 pounds. And found myself getting winded  a little more easily than I had in the past. 
 
Of course it wasn't the job or the holidays. It was me. So I said to myself, "I'm taking my life back." And really kicked up the workouts, and improved my diet.  I shed 10 pounds, but got stuck at around 205.
 
Then I remembered LiveStrong and MyPlate. And, instead of just calorie counting, decided to begin interating with a community.  Because, it turns out that even a confrimed fitness freak like myself needs people to hold my feet to the fire. 

Refuse to weigh

posted by michellerenee71 on 10:37 am

Hello. I'm new to the group. I've been tracking my calories, and at times, my excercise. Seeing what I eat has really helped me but I get a little lazy about tracking my work-outs. I'm a lawn care specialist so I burn my share of calories just walking the miles I walk every day. However, in Ohio we don't have much to do in the winter. I lost around 40lbs with my divorce three years ago and was happy with my body. Now that life has calmed down, I have gained about 30 back. I don't like to weigh myself because I find that it hurts me more than it helps. I know when I am gaining and losing by the way my cloths fit. I don't even have a scale in my house and I don't want one. I know that if I were to weigh myself and see that I gained a pound instead of lost one I would be discouraged and I would fall into the junk food drawer. :) I just want to learn a better way of eating. With my work I tend to live on snack cakes and candy bars washed down with Coke. In the winter it is normal for me to gain at least 10-20 pounds of "winter fluff."  I just turned 40 and am learning that the pounds go on much easier but they don't come off the same way. Livestrong has helped me to see how many extra calories I was eating and how simply making different food choices can make a differance. So...you won't see me post anything about the pounds I've lost (unless I'm forced to go to the Dr.) However, I hope you will see me post happy thoughts when my jeans fit the way I want them to.

Biting off more than you can chew

posted by healeygirl on 7:41 am

Yesterday I went on a bike/hike trip with my husband and 21 year old son. We were hiking in Pt. Reyes, CA and the trail to the coast was 4.4 miles.  I wanted to ride 3.2 miles of the trail and then walk the rest of the way. It was all uphill and I admit I walked alot of it. I got so winded. My son told me midpoint that I bit off more than I could chew and my response back was that if you only do what you know you can do, you'll never find out what your capable of. Am I right?  It's not whether you make it or not, its about the jouney.

New to this group

posted by appelacres on 9:15 am

 Hi, my name is Lori and I just joined this group. I am a 46 yo mom of 6. I have been on Livestrong for awhile now and was tracking my calories and workouts on my ipod. I have lost 30 pounds over the past couple years and feel great. I like fun exercise like Zumba, bike riding and walking (and talking) with my neighbor. I gained back 10 pounds between Thanksgiving and Christmas and want to loose that and about 5 more.  I started the new year upping my exercise and eating healthy and less calories but as usual the scale wont budge.  I could be eating pizza and get the same results!  I know that is not right but that is how it feels.  I know it takes longer at my age and a lot of work.  I am committed and determined.  Looking forward to the support and encouragement of this group and maybe giving encouragement to others as well.  

New year, new outlook

posted by healeygirl on 10:00 pm

Im back on and actually tracking my food intake and exercise. I have 40 Ilbs to lose and it's not going to come off by doing what I have been doing. I read an artilcle today on this website and the author said that you can't out train a bad diet.  When I thought about that it really hit home. I have been living my life thinking that I could when i wasnt really exercising on a consistent basis. I just love it when the light goes on. Good luck everyone!! We can do it!! We will do it!!

Back on this Journey!

posted by jettgirl on 9:10 am

Hi All,
I am glad to finally see some action in this group. I really am pumped about the new me in 12 weeks. I feel little goals really help when you are trying to lose weight! I am doing 24 pounds on 12 weeks! And you?

Hello Gang

posted by jewelzer367 on 4:06 pm

  I am back to Livestrong after quitting in August after trying for about 7 days. I really liked the program and thought I was doing well until I weighed myself and became discouraged. I had not lost one pound and gave up. Well I'm back and ready to make life long changes, not just a temporary "fix." I also plan to stay away from the scale.
  I have been blessed most of my life to have not struggled with my weight, until the last few years. A number of things have changed and caused me to gain over 40 pounds. I adopted my grandson and now spend very little time hiking and being outdoors like I had. I was put on medicine that has the side effect of weight gain. I also have noticed my metabolism has completely slowed down since hitting 40. I now cannot wear 90% of my clothes and am depressed all the time at how I look. I seriously need to make changes to get back to a healthier weight and become the happy, active person I used to be. I look forward to being a part of this group.

Strength Training = Beautiful Skin

posted by loumoore66 on 4:04 pm

There are several things you can proactively do to have beautiful skin, such as eating healthy foods, eating lots of fresh fish and nuts, using the right supplements (Vitamin C ester, Alpha Lipoic Acid, DMAE, Acety L-Carnitine, Omega 3?s) controlling your stress levels (reducing cortisol), using sunscrean, and using topical creams on a regular basis (We like Mary Kay and Baxter of California). These are all beneficial and recommended.
But there’s one thing you can do that can have the most powerful effect on having beautiful and radiant skin —–Exercise. More specifically, strength training.
Let me explain why.
As we age, our bodies produce less human growth hormone. This decrease leads to a slower metabolism, muscle loss, increased body fat, less cognitive functioning, lowering of the immune system, and an acceleration of the aging process.
However, as you engage in a strength training program on a regular basis (2 or 3 times per week), you can naturally increase the amount of human growth hormone. Cardio exercise will only have this effect if it is done in the anaerobic training zone, meaning very intense. On the other hand, compound strength exercises (multi-joint exercises), such as squats, will give you the best results increasing the amount of human growth hormone.
And, when human growth hormone is produced in the body naturally on a consistent basis, it enables the skin to thicken and have a more youthful, glowing appearance. And here’s the best part, exercise is free. You just have to use your energy and “do it.”
We don’t recommend human growth hormone therapy as this can get complicated, very expensive, and is considered very controversial.
According to Dr. Nicholas Perricone, a world-renowned dermatologist and assistant clinical professor at Yale University School of Medicine, strength training is one of the best things you can do for your skin. Perricone says, “resistance training releases growth hormone, while increasing muscle mass. It also lowers stress, resulting in lower levels of catabolic, destructive cortisol. For the skin, this means increased cell growth and repair and restored collagen fibers. Stronger muscles increase the body’s capacity to perform, whether it is moving, thinking, or metabolizing on a cellular level. When the cells can successfully metabolize food for energy and repair, they are better able to handle free radical development and the accompanying inflammation (p. 148).”
If you haven’t already done so, get started on your stength training program today. Your skin will love you for it!
http://www.loumoore-fitness.com
 

Newbie! :)

posted by jennb68 on 3:05 pm

Can I join! I am 43, struggling to lose my 15-20 pds, just had blood work done and everything was normal, IE: thyroid etc. doing Tae Bo, which has worked great for me in my 30's and also do weights and elliptical but I can NOT get scale to budge! I keep losing and gaining the same 5 pds or so! I thought maybe if I had some support that would help! Hope you don't mind me popping in! I think I need to be more strict with my diet...hoping for accountability here! ;)  
Jenn

HELP!!!!!!!!

posted by cheree1965 on 2:28 pm

I need so much help.  I am gaining daily like 2 to 4 lbs.  Went to dtr no thyroid.  Lost 110 lbs a few years ago and quit working out loss muscle mass.  Working out now living on 300400 calories and gaining.  No starvation mode.  46% percent body fat at 156.  Please if you can help me message me.  I do elipitcal daily for an hour and lift weights on circuit for 30 minutes. 
 
I am looking for an angel
 

New, too

posted by bnelson002 on 3:52 pm

Just started using this website as a food tracker -- which I love and was pleasantly surprised to find these groups...
I am 40 something- fifty startiing and have soo much trouble loosing these pesky 15 to 20 pounds. Of course, having a hysterectomy 2 yrs ago did not help at all. Gained 10 pds since then.
Does anyone have any experience with natural hormone replacement therapy? It's fairly expensive, but the (commercials-lol) swear that they make you loose those pounds again.
Thanks for having me.

back on track

posted by claudinner on 5:51 am

Hello group,
I'm new here, 45 two great kids (12, 14) and I too am going through a divorce. Almost final, next week hopefully. Married 18 years, about half of those years were great, then it unravelled. I have already been through the ugly part of the process, healing now and very inspired to get healthy inside and out. I'm single, have been for over two years. Dated off and on a little, met some nice guys but was not ready for anything "real". 
I lost about 100 lbs just prior to the marriage ending and have gained about 25 back. Trying very hard to shake those extra pounds off but they are not budging! I run daily, not fast, but I get it done. Usually 6-8 miles and try to run a couple half marathons a year to keep my training going. I have one next week!  How did I gain the weight while running? I stopped tracking my calories... and that is why I am here. Having a group of people to be accountable to would be great!
 
 
 

Hey, y'all!

posted by BigSargeofSC on 5:51 am

Good morning, y'all!
So good to be a part of this group.  I've been on Livestrong for just over two years.  My profile has a photo journal of my weight loss progress so far.  Its been a fun but rough road.
I started this week tracking my weight daily since Tuesday to see how the addition of casein to my diet would effect me.  Tuesday:  311.5.  Friday:  307!  The workout routine remains largely unchanged and the food I eat is about the same as it is each day.  I made two changes to the diet. First, the casein protein at night before bed.  Second, an 8oz whey protein pre-workout.  The result has been the weight coming back off in chunks this week. 
I'm in the gym this morning doing my weight training.  I've got my mp3 player on and Distrubed cranked!  I'm listening to a live version of a song called "Stupify" and I'm really getting into it.  I had gotten so into the song that I didn't realize I had started head banging in front of the weight rack.  Naturally, I had to do the "did anyone see me" glance around the room.  Luckily, the morning rush hadn't come in yet.  But, it was amuzing.  Then again, that's why I'm the Sarge and I..
ROCK HARD!!  LIVE STRONG!!

Hello Eveyone

posted by Sheila0002 on 5:53 pm

Hi, I'm new to any type of group, I'm looking forward to getting  to know everyone, and getting some great tips on losing wieght.

hello

posted by akarri on 9:43 pm

 Hello evryone...well, how to start this.  Ok, well I'm 43 yrs old and getting a divorce. I feel like I'm having to start over again which is overwhelming. The marriage lasted for over 20 yrs and it was abusive in every way you can imagine. I did find a boyfriend and living with him, but even in that I'm not sure. I didnt go to college and wished I had when I was young but I guess at the time I didnt care about it.  I'm at a cross roads in my life...I wished I knew which direction to take but everything seems like its kinda hopeless. Im in between jobs and my ex ruined my credit..soooo...I wished I knew what to do. I caught my boyfriend talking to one of his exs on facebook and now Im unsure about us even cause he makes me feel like Im controling and thats not how I wanted to come off to him. When he was questioned about it...he wouldnt answer me and beat around the bush about it, which led to an arguement :( Now, I cant sleep and hes sound asleep which makes it even more worse. His solution...just drop it and forget about it. I'm the type who just cant drop it...it bothers me and then I cant sleep cause I know the relationship is strained. I wished I had a secure job and paid good wages and actually had a place of my own...at least thats a goal of mine. I want and desire to get my life on track and be stable...but I feel like im in the middle of an earthquake. I wonder if anyone else has problems like I do...cause sometimes I feel all alone and seem to be the only one going thru these things.

Hi Everyone,

posted by lily31667 on 2:52 pm

I'm Laura..44 yrs old..280 lbs..my youngest just turned 21..so I am done being a single Mom..now I need to take care of me. Not sure where I'm going..but step 1 is lose the weight..so no matter where I end up..I'll be healthy and able to enjoy it..I'm a grandma..they call me Mima..Mommy called me Mommy so it got confusing..Mommy's Mommy ended up Mima..I started jogging after high school..LOL over 25 yrs ago..so I tried running today..I ran from um my mailbox at end of my drive way to neighbors mailbox at end of their driveway..Okay not impressed I understand..so tomorrow I'll do it again..and maybe be able to run to the next neighbors mailbox??..Anyway this is how I started over 25 yrs ago..but I think I was running 1 block then 2 blocks then 3 way back then..mailbox to mailbox..much shorter distances..but it's a start..I'm in NY..Central NY..about 4.5 hrs northwest of the city..So I feel like 1st half life over..onto the next half..how do I want to spend it?? Trying to remember all the things I wanted to do before I got married, pregnant and divorced..finish college? art classes? write a novel? Ok Ok..lose the weight step 1...

Its windy in the UK

posted by rocket47 on 8:16 am

Well why dont I ever learn!, wish I could just be as they say normal but I keep pushing myself and go for the jobs!
is there any body else like me who at 47 is still not settled !

Hi

posted by rocket47 on 1:42 pm

Hello all
hows everybody?

good morning

posted by awheele64 on 7:34 am

Good morning all!
I hope you are all having a stellar week! 
SW - 286.6
LW - 216.6
CW - 214.6
GW - 170ish
STGW - 200 by 09/10/11

Summer Clothes

posted by jettgirl on 8:24 am

OK I have figured it out those plastic totes that you store summer clothes in shrink my clothes!!!

New to group

posted by SharmanAsendorf on 8:37 am

I have been tracking my food and exercise for 30 days now.  I am thrilled to see the success so far. I am aware that in my 40's I need to be more proactive to maintain a healthier life. 

4th of July

posted by jettgirl on 10:44 am

Plans for the 4th of July?
I am having a pool party on the 3rd. other than that not much here. I did take the 5th off of work though........ I am in need of a vacation from work. I figured that would give me a mini vacation.
Whats your plans?

My first walk since accident

posted by dpalmer5 on 7:35 am

It's been one week since the accident.  I'm losing weight but only because I know it's muscle mass :(  Went for a walk yesterday - probably not even 1/2 a mile and it took me 20 minutes.  I'm usually an 8 - 8 1/2 minute runner so that's pretty hard to take.  I know I'm feeling stronger and better so want to start ramping up my activity level but that walk took alot out of me so I know I'm not ready.  I don't do R & R very well!  I'll start back to work part time next week.  I might be able to do some finning in the pool prior to running or biking so that would alleviate some of this pent up energy.  I always keep track of my workouts so it's funny to see what I was doing at the beginning of last week then down to NOTHING!  But it will be a great journey getting back to where I was.  So exercise isn't the issue for me - it's what I eat.  So far so good today but it's only 10:30 am.  but if I can just think in 2 hour increments perhaps I this is when I'm going to conquer my bad eating habits.

Starting over after accident

posted by dpalmer5 on 2:27 am

I am an extreme exercise addict as a way to offset my poor eating habits.  Instead of eating healthier to maintain or lose weight, I exercise more.  Last week I was hit by a truck while early morning cycling.  Fractured seven ribs and punctured a lung.  Needless to say I won't be exercising anytime soon which means I MUST monitor my eating during this rest and recovery stage.  :(    So after no calorie tracking or posts for a year or so, here I am back at it.  Looking forward to being held accountable.  Debbie

Good Monday Morning!

posted by jettgirl on 8:57 am

If anyone out there are in the same boat as I am, I SO blew it this weekend on the diet!!!
Really not dieting, just watching my weight, and counting calories and being more paticular on what I am eating.....
Lets set goals for ourselves, small goals work for me! That way they arent so easliy to break!
Exercise 3 times this week. do some walking the days I dont go to Curves. Drink more water than usually!
So what is yours??

Newbie Alert!

posted by NanaRed62 on 4:59 pm

 Hello 40-somethings!  Registered a while back then blew it off, but i'm back with a better attitude and ready to get started.  Not a moment too soon either!!  

Looking for support

posted by 4TheNewMe on 2:49 pm

Hi All! 
I have been tracking for a few weeks now and am now checking out groups looking for a few individuals to communiate with for support.
I  am 40 something, and proud to be in this decade!

Back on track

posted by jettgirl on 1:22 pm

Took a 4 day weekend and now I am back on track!

Curves

posted by jettgirl on 8:44 am

Started Curves Monday, I think I am going to like it! I do curves M-Wed-Fri and Zumba Tues - Thurs. 5 day work out I think is going to be great for me. Anyone else have a workout plan?

New to group

posted by awheele64 on 6:35 am

Good morning!  I just joined the group!  Any rules I need to know about?

Monday roll Call!!

posted by jettgirl on 7:45 am

Monday

posted by jettgirl on 8:16 am

Ok I will try again Monday!

BACK

posted by jettgirl on 11:51 am

If anyone wants to start up again I am here!!

Desperately seeking results

posted by aplby on 1:06 pm

Hi, I just turned 45 and  I've been on a roller coaster when it comes to weight since 1994. I am hoping to join your group for support and at the same time offer support to others trying to loose the weight.  

I'm new

posted by PICHURE1 on 9:19 pm

 Hi Forties Group I'm new in hopes to get motivated to loose weight.  I logged what I ate today which of course was to high in calories and sodium ect.  My first goal is to loose 50 than I'll see whee it goes from there.  Such a challege to get motivated to do this weight loss thing.  It's been a life long battle!
 
Take  care 
Jackie

good day

posted by bbydl64 on 6:22 pm

Today was a good day. For the past week I have been walking/running on the treadmill for 30 minutes (too much snow and cold and rain to get out) and using our weight machine. Upper body 1 day and lower the next. Boy it hurts to do the lower body after running on the treadmill. But I decided that it is my turn, my life and everyone can just leave me alone for 1 hour. Good luck to all....

Newbie...40plus

posted by bbydl64 on 5:40 pm

Hi Upstate New York here. Looking to lose 30 pounds by my sons wedding at the end of July....no will power.....ughhh

my own bread

posted by fozymaralisa on 2:01 pm

 can someone tell me how to make my own calories on My Plate for the unique bread that I eat? I want to make my own nutritional chart for it and put it in My Recipes because I eat it often (too often)
 

DAY 1 in my journey !

posted by gerombough on 9:57 pm

Hi ! My name is Gloria. I am 46 years old with 3 children and a wonderful, supportive husband. I joined last night with a weight of 242 ! I am so disappointed in that number ! I am looking for friendship, support and encouragement. I also hope that I can be the same to all of you ! I like the fact that this is a smaller group. Is there any weigh in requirements that I need to know about? Thanks in advance for your support !

Day 2

posted by ruppernuts on 4:56 am

I will workout today

Newby

posted by jhrbr on 9:25 am

Hey, new to the group and Livestrong. I'm using this along with being an active member of TOPS where I'm the youngest...needed some folks to support and be supported by that are in the same boat.
 
 

It's go time!

posted by msmize on 8:12 am

Well, although I vowed to get back on track at the new year, we are 10 days into it and I am really not happy with the progress I have made in getting back on track.  Pretty dismal at best.  My husband is turning 50 in February and just told me last night that he wants to go to Vegas for a weekend for it.  So, I am using that as motivation to get my butt moving and to force myself to get back on track.  I know I can do this, I have done it before.  This is the best site in the world and all I need.  But I have found that being a part of a group and getting inspiration from the other members and feeling accountable to the group is a big help for me too. So, here is my plea, help me get it together again!  Thanks!!

HI

posted by nomotivation on 12:30 pm

Just need a little motivation. This website is so awesome. I think I will really like it....fingers crossed.

Better health for 2011

posted by mazelady on 7:31 pm

Just joined the group.  This is my 3rd day to use myplate.  I've never stuck with keeping a food journal in the past.  But this myplate with fitness log makes calorie counting easy and I think I'll stick with it especially with the iphone ap.

READY TO FACE 2011!

posted by wgalle on 5:43 am

Good morning, all -
I haven't posted to the group for a little while, but in this case, no news is good news. Since April of last year, I have dropped 55 pounds (about 25% of my original body weight) and kept it steady for the last two months. I still track everything daily and I don't think I will ever stop. It keeps me honest about food and eating, and motivates me to maintain a healthier lifestyle. I can't say enough about what having this tool has meant to me - I am in the best shape of my life at the age of 48, and I am recommending the site to all my family and friends who ask, "How did you DO it?"
The answer is always the same - portion control, keeping calories in check, etc. (made easy by Livestrong.com). The exercise actually comes naturally as you drop excess poundage and feel healthier - you actually WANT to go out and do things to stay healthy. Keep up the good work, group - have a happy, prosperous, and HEALTHY 2011!

New Member

posted by TeressaFowler on 9:14 am

Hi! My name is Teressa Fowler and I live in Missouri. I am a mother of 4 children ages 19, 15, 14, and 11. I am 5'5 and 269 lbs. I am using Thanksgiving as a day to again to lose the weight. Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

Turkey Day

posted by jettgirl on 8:25 am

Everyone have a great Thanksgiving!

7 Ways to Triumph Over Turkey Day

posted by jettgirl on 8:39 am

http://weightloss.abo ut.com/od/eatsmart/a/blturkeydaytips.htm

Dont know if anyone is even reading these- But here you go!

posted by jettgirl on 2:14 pm

How to Get Your Butt in Shape

 
You're standing in front of your full-length mirror, struggling to squeeze into last year's swimsuit. You peer at yourself. There's no denying it: Either your suit shrank or your behind grew. And, alas, you're sagging and flabby, too. Panic sets in, as you realize that instead of Buns of Steel, your backside story could be called Dead End.
But don't give up yet! It's only October, so you've got about seven months before the next beach season to get your rear in gear -- which is a lot of time, fitness-wise.


So what can you do? Try my four-step butt tune-up plan.
The Butt Fitness Plan
Cultivate patience -- It takes time  and persistence  to trim away fat, build up muscle, and shape your body. And the truth is, you may never have the perfect butt. But you can have one that's firmer and shapelier.
Learn the bun basics -- Your behind is made up of three muscles that make up what's called “the glutes”: the gluteus maximus, the gluteus minimus, and the gluteus medius. The maximus is the largest glute and one of the strongest muscles in the body. It helps you stand upright, walk, and raise and turn your legs. It also gives your bottom its shape. All of the glutes are covered by a layer of subcutaneous fat. But how much fat you carry is dictated by genetics and lifestyle.
Give yourself a reality check -- Look at the body fat distribution of your family members. If most of the women look like pears, there's a pretty good chance you do, too. Your pear shape won't change, but its size will. Your goal is to minimize your butt, not to wish it away completely. And while you won't necessarily develop buns that rival those of a 21-year-old swimsuit model, you can definitely bring more tone and shape to your backside.
Revel in bun pride -- If you were born with (and still have) a great rear end, but just too much of it, then celebrate your J. Lo or Beyonce endowment and do the work to make it as fit and shapely as you can.
Building Great Glutes
So much for anatomy and genetics. Now it's time to turn your attention to lifestyle. The only way to get your buns in shape is to combine smart nutrition with cardio and strength training. Here's how to get started.
Diet -- There is no magic bun-burning diet, but to reduce overall body fat, eat whole foods (veggies, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains), healthy fats (mono- and polyunsaturated), and small portions every three to four hours. This keeps you feeling satisfied and energetic, which helps you eat less.
Cardio regimen -- It's simple: Walk as much as you can. And get enough aerobic exercise -- including walking, hiking, running, biking, and kickboxing -- to burn 400 calories a pop.
Strength-training -- One classic butt-shaping exercise is the squat: stand with your feet parallel, shoulder-width apart, and then slowly lower your hips, making sure your knees don't go past your toes.

#3

posted by jettgirl on 9:57 am

OK, Another post with no feed back! Whats up group????