In virgin territory...

[delila]

I am mid 40s and way overweight. I started exercising out of survival. Was forced to take over husbands duties when he took a job that required LOTS of travel. Anytime I were to completely clean my house or have to mow and weedeat this acre of property, the next day I had to stay in bed. Anyhow, started with my stationary bike. Started to feel a little better. Then I started noticing I was not quite as stressed. Then I started noticing I was not as angry all the time. Went from a 20 minute every other day to an hour almost everyday in a month. One day, I looked over and there was my son's weights and bench. Tried it for a few days and really started feeling all my stress easing up. Well, needless to say, the kid lost his weights and bench and ol' mom has a new addiction. Then my husband came home and bought me a really nice one that can do just about any exercise.

In a month's time I have pulled off an inch everywhere, but that demon spawn of a scale has not budged. I have been lurking around here a few days and started incorporating some of the nutrition tips. Have diabetes and fibromyalgia, gave up cereal and switched to little "sandwich" steaks in the morning and some sort of protein at lunch rather than cereal or chips. My God, did that make a world of difference in just a week! Feel 100% better. I have tried different fat burners over the years and protein powders, but every one I have tried has landed me in the emergency room with hives from head to toe (all contained herbs of some sort or something with bee protiens).

I absolutely am addicted to this. I do have to quit smoking and I want my air back (please do not lecture, going to the doctor to get Chantix next week to help quit). But, now I have the determination to quit. Frankly, never thought I see the day I could do a sit up and I am doing that and then some. I would like to see more, I am so deconditioned. I feel like an 80 year old in a 45 year old body. I wear out so easy. How long does it usually take to start seeing big results? I realize it won't be six months from now, but that scale sure does take the wind out of your sails. I want to learn it all, so I am open to advice. I realize at 45 not to expect a competition body, but just enough to make my hubbie realize that there was a time he used to have to worry about the other guys around (hee, hee, just joking dear in case you are lurking about here). Anyway, I am willing to work hard, incorporate lots of aspirin into my diet, and suck it up like a woman!!!

Sorry so long, but thanks to anyone who can help.

[LiftingIsLife]

Originally Posted by delila

I am mid 40s and way overweight.
..... Well, needless to say, the kid lost his weights and bench and ol' mom has a new addiction.

Feel 100% better..

OK, STOP RIGHT THERE!!! i mean, NOT what you are doing, but what
YOU HAVE JUST SAID...

you are feeling 100% better. i'd guess your health situation is probably
100% better, even if you dont realize it!!

GUESS WHAT? you NOW have a GOOD addiction!!! you deserve a
TON of credit for how far you've come and what you've been able to
do to this point.

FORGET THE SCALE. IT IS EVIL seriously, the number doesnt matter
worth a damn.....

you have found a way to health, which will CERTAINLY be a way to
happiness as well.

CONGRATULATIONS. you are now on the bandwagon!! STAY ON IT
for the rest of your life. look at my avi. do i look 50+??? i am.

exercise heals the body AND mind.

good luck in your quest, and never give it up.......

best,
~Lifer

[delila]

Thanks for the encouragement. And you are right, you don't look 50, subtract 10 from that. I was just afraid that maybe I was a little too old to expect major changes. I have seen pictures of some 30 year olds who were about my size and are competing, so maybe there is hope. There is way too much out there that I want to do and see. My son will be graduating soon, and it looks like I will only see my husband 8-12 wks a year from now on. It is time for me to start planning a life and raise a little h....!!

Take care!!

[delila]

Finally got a chance and REALLY look through this board. Found almost all the answers to my questions. You know what?? I can do this. I can get the results I want and then some. I have not waited to start this too late in life. Okay world, LET'S ROCK!!!!

[Revmachine21]

Hi Delila, you are making great choices for yourself! Feels wonderful, doesn't it :-)

I think maybe you are getting the right answers in your searches, but in case you haven't seen these already, here are my top recommendations:

- Start logging your food intake with a tool like www.fitday.com, then after 2 weeks of learning your food habits....
- Calculate your daily calorie intake target
- Calculate your daily protein intake target
- Calculate your daily fat intake
- Try adjusting your diet to match your targets
- Divide your daily intake targets into 6 meals a day.

From the sounds of it, you've got the working out side of your transformation in order. Keep it up :-)

[delila]

Thanks so much! Honestly, I am loving it. In a month the rolls on my back are gone, my hips are going. I feel so much better. The food part is hard for me, but I am getting a handle on it. I was never a big eater, but I was a huge, huge, soda drinker (12 pack a day). Cut that back to 2 a day and water the rest of the day. Getting me to eat is going to be the hard part, but I know I have to do it. My husband calls me a sniper eater. Grab whatever is on the cabinet at the time and go. Going to the fridge takes too much time. So, if someone had the chips out and left them on the counter, grab and go. Chocolate, grab and go. Now I am having to make time and slow down a bit. I am going to check out fitday, hopefully tomorrow. It must be pretty good because it is all over this board.

Thanks again. I really appreciate you taking the time to send me advice.

[98shadow]

Hey Delila,

Congratulations on all you have done so far. Isn't it amazing how good
you can feel in such a short time. I wish everyone could see your post.
I feel so sorry for people I see in the street and instores that are just
killing themselves from inactivity and poor eating.

I did not start lifting till I was 50 and have been at it non stop for 3 years.
As far as the scale goes - FORGET IT- I wiegh more now than I did three years ago but have dropped from a size 6-8 to a size 2. Someone came up to me in restauraunt recently to tell me how g reat I looked. My self confidence is through the roof, I never get sick, I have tons of energy and I am always (well almost always)in a good mood. So needless to say
KEEP IT UP.

The food thing is hard, I have finally managed to keep control of myself
on weekdays and even most of the weekend, but if I really want something now I just have it and don't feel guilty and get right back on track. It will
get easier. Good Luck

[delila]

My only regret is that I did not do this sooner. But, I guess what counts is I'm doing it now. As far as the scale, I think I will give it to someone for target practice; I think the men around here should be getting ready for hunting season.

Thanks so much for the encouragement.

[cornishpixie]

Yeay for you, I love reading posts like yours.

I gave up smoking nearly 4 years ago. I can't tell you a right or wrong way for you but the way for me was to tell myself that I wasn't promising NEVER to smoke again, but that I was promising to never go back to being a regular smoker. That way when I gave in and had the occassional puff I didn't freak out and give up giving up, just a thought.
Goodluck...

[MissThing]

co-sgining with the others who say forget the scale. According to the scale I have only lost about 20lbs since Febraury yet I am smaller than the last time I weighted 211lbs and much more energetic!

If you're gaining muscle and losign fat you will look trimmer an sleeker regardless of how much you weigh.

I can totally understand how you feel about wearing out. If you keep exercising, those changes will come.

[delila]

Ya'll are so cool! I really appreciate all the encouragement from everyone. Last night I went to Fitday. I put in my diet just from a couple of weeks ago, just to see how bad it was. I was a human garbage disposal. So, now I am really working on a plan. As far as smoking is concerned, my goal is for next week. I am really starting to get the confidence that I might be able to do it myself, by I think I am going to ask my doctor for a back up plan just in case.

Everyone have a fantastic week!!

[Amanda76]

Originally Posted by delila

In a month's time I have pulled off an inch everywhere, but that demon spawn of a scale has not budged.

If the inches are coming off, it doesn't matter what the scale says! ESPECIALLY if you have been inactive for a long time, your body is gaining muscle (which will add weight). You're losing inches due to loss of fat. So your weight is coming out even, but those lost inches are definitely your proof of progress!

I wish my mom would read this and find inspiration in it. I think she gets sick of me trying to help because I can't personally relate to how she feels. She is being treated for fibromyalgia, chron's, additional IBS symptoms and plantar fascitis. I think high blood pressure, too (can't remember if they were just concerned about it or if she actually has it). Her side of the family has a tendency to be overweight and diabetic as adults so that's a concern too (although she doesn't have diabetes yet, she is overweight). She has a lot of health issues that make a healthy lifestyle more difficult.

She's 52 and your description of basic housework wiping you out for days is exactly what she has been going through for many years. She doesn't even attempt yardwork. When we do family things, like a day of shopping or going to a fair she forces herself to walk around and participate for hours and then miserably has to sit down until everyone is ready to leave. She'll put on a happy face so everyone can have a good time and not feel guilty about going on without her, but I know she's not happy not being able to keep up.

Prior to all her health problems, my mom was always pretty active and had a slender frame. I think it makes it really difficult for her to keep up with an exercise program because it's frustrating to be so weak and out of shape when she knows what it feels like to be the opposite. I don't think she's ever been as consistent with her diet as she thinks she has (I DID grow up in her household and know how we ate). But she won't let me help her with it, really. She also doesn't seem to like for me to help her at the gym. She's a proud person and doesn't like not being able to do things for herself.

It's just heartbreaking to know how frustrated she is. I'm glad you've found something you enjoy to improve your health and life!

[delila]

I'll be honest with you. Sometimes it just takes something to shake up your world before you change. I was forced to take on duties I really did not want to deal with. My husband changed careers and instead of being home every night, he is now gone for months at a time. I think I will see him a grand total of 8 weeks for this year. We have just under an acre of property, however, surrounded by 80 or so southern pines, with a 1700 sq. foot home. I have 2 large dogs and a cat that need attention. I have a 16-year-old son in school. Two vehicles to care for (the one I am fixing to take and put it out of my misery, possibly a bonfire). Plus I have an 8-hour a day job. I have a mother and sister nearby, but they have their own problems.

My physician describes me as a type A personality on hyperdrive. I have to survive because it will not be too long it will just be me. And even if my husband would be here, I love him and my son with every fiber in my body, but I would not trust them as far as I could throw them. We pull too many practical jokes on each other. I NEVER want them behind me in a wheelchair. I always want them in front of me so I can see what they are up to.

This all started out as a survival thing and snowballed into "I really love it" thing. I am even finding that I am not nearly as angry at the situation quite as much anymore. Sometimes it takes something to shake up everything in your life. At the time it seems like you are being punished, but it actually turns out to be a whole new beginning.

If your mother does decided to try again, all I can say is baby steps. If she takes a 10 minute walk for a few weeks, the next time add 5 to it, etc. I wish I could wake up tomorrow with your body, but.....baby steps it is.

[Amanda76]

Originally Posted by delila

I'll be honest with you. Sometimes it just takes something to shake up your world before you change. I was forced to take on duties I really did not want to deal with. My husband changed careers and instead of being home every night, he is now gone for months at a time. I think I will see him a grand total of 8 weeks for this year. We have just under an acre of property, however, surrounded by 80 or so southern pines, with a 1700 sq. foot home. I have 2 large dogs and a cat that need attention. I have a 16-year-old son in school. Two vehicles to care for (the one I am fixing to take and put it out of my misery, possibly a bonfire). Plus I have an 8-hour a day job. I have a mother and sister nearby, but they have their own problems.

My physician describes me as a type A personality on hyperdrive. I have to survive because it will not be too long it will just be me. And even if my husband would be here, I love him and my son with every fiber in my body, but I would not trust them as far as I could throw them. We pull too many practical jokes on each other. I NEVER want them behind me in a wheelchair. I always want them in front of me so I can see what they are up to.

This all started out as a survival thing and snowballed into "I really love it" thing. I am even finding that I am not nearly as angry at the situation quite as much anymore. Sometimes it takes something to shake up everything in your life. At the time it seems like you are being punished, but it actually turns out to be a whole new beginning.

If your mother does decided to try again, all I can say is baby steps. If she takes a 10 minute walk for a few weeks, the next time add 5 to it, etc. I wish I could wake up tomorrow with your body, but.....baby steps it is.

When she was younger, I would have described my mom as extremely type-A, too.

I think my mom understands the concept of baby steps, but doesn't have the patience for it. Hopefully, one day she will, though. As you reach your goals, it will be so much sweeter because of the extra challenges you faced. I'd like to see her be able to take pride in that, too.

[CSullivan]

On your decision to change your lifesyle!! That is the best way to make the changes stick is by changing! Start trying to eat every few hours and keep a journal with your calories and the time you eat. Also long your workouts in the book with your food and calories. Having to right it down makes you feel more responsable for your actions.

[delila]

Thanks so much. I have definitely been writing everything down. I have become a lot more selective on what I reach for these days.