Hello, Everyone. I am NC and I have been trying and trying to lose weight for about 2 years now. I am 53 years old and when I was around 49, I lost 20 pounds with Weight Watchers. I went back to work at a mostly sedentary job and quit smoking. The weight came back on in a very short time-probably about 6 months.
It was so easy the first time around-this time I am very frustrated. I have lost a wopping 5 pounds in the past 5 months. I had been back to Weight Watchers about 3 times since the gain, but I just can't get into it again. I must have about every weight loss book out there. I couldn't figure out what I was doing wrong. I don't eat much and I exercise regularly-walking, treadmill and Leslie Sansone videos.
I think I realize now that I am just not the same person I was 4 years ago. My metabolism has slowed down-not just because of age, but because I am aerobically far more fit as a non-smoker. Problem is the more I exersize the hungrier I am, but if I don't exersize, I don't lose an ounce. I had been using the hard version of the CK diary and within the past week I moved to this version.
Looking forward to hearing from you all-both your triumphs and frustrations.
PS-On one of the posts, I saw something about where you can read others diaries. Does anyone know how you can access that? Thanks

Hi NC,

I can so relate to what you're saying. When I was in my 30s I lost 30-some pounds with Jenny Craig and then eventually gained it all back plus some. I also have a sedentary job and I am going to turn 50 next month. My problem is that my body loves to weigh more than 175 pounds - for years I have been trying but have not gotten below 175. So that is a goal of mine and one that I am now approaching again (I'm at 180 right now). One of the key things that works for me is planning and preparing ahead. I do much better if I plan out all my meals, prepare ahead on some days like with crockpot meals, and pack lunches and snacks to take to work. It also helps me to reinforce a goal each morning, such as "I will absolutely walk for 15 minutes after lunch today." And I think a positive attitude is so important to keep you going! For example, maybe you are not losing much at the moment but you have managed to keep your weight loss off for the last 5 months. Also, my doctor says that exercising moderately will speed up your metabolism while not significantly increasing your appetite and that eating small meals at timed intervals like every 3-4 hours will help. That being said, it is not as easy as my doctor makes it sound sometimes but we will keep trying. Go for the green checks!

Have a great day!
Kat

Oct. Goal: 181
10/01: 186
10/05: 185
10/12: 181.5
10/19: 181
10/26:
10/31:

SW (9/09): 190.5
10/09:
11/09:
12/09:
CW: 180
GW: 150

Thanks for the encouragement, Kat. It's easy to get down on yourself. You're right-I haven't gained it back so that is a plus. I also try to plan ahead. I don't vary that much from day-to-day. I try to get out and walk through my building (hospital) during the day-if I time it right, sometimes I can do it without the "are you doing anything right now?" interruptions.

Hi Thin Nancy,

Reading You are From New York brings back fond, Fond Memories for me.
I spent 15 years there. 1981 to 1996. I Still get the New York Times Delivered to my House, I still get The New Yorker, I still get New York Magazine. I miss the Energy of the place. In the Weight Department. I think it is important to keep remembering that this is a journey we are all on. To keep on Keeping on. And know that some day's are going to be more challenging than others. But there is a goal in sight and at some point you will be there and then you will still be maintaining or keeping on.
Do not buy into the feeling that you need to feel bad about any slip up's they are part of the process.

So, Keep on Keeping on.
JoAnna

I

Hi, I'm Sophie. I've been up and down most of my life. About four years ago I got to my goal weight. I had weight 267 at my maximum but had been between 180-225 for some time. Until I moved to North Carolina from Washington D.C. I had been at 127.4 for three-four years without more than a five pound weight gain. Then stress happened and I fell into eating everything and anything. Here I am starting out again at 153.7. NC you are doing great. Planning and writing are everything. But what I find has helped me is volume. So I eat a lot of low cal vegetables with small amounts of protein so I feel full. Right now, I'm doing protein shakes only to kind of break the cycle. For me it has worked in the past. Plus it makes it easy because there are no choices. That still leaves the writing and counting and weighing and measuring once I'm nearer goal. Of course I've only been doing this three days. I'll be in NYC New Years. I'll drink a toast to CK.

I have found that the most important thing is honestly recording what I eat and keeping within 100 calories of my target calorie goal. When I do this, I lose. When I don't, I maintain or I gain. I do think it was easier to lose when I was younger, but I believe it was because I was more physically active. I've slowed down my activities and I'm sure that my base metabolism has slowed as a result.

Good luck with your journey...I've done the Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, Diet Center routes - plus other special diets that all worked temporarily. I always stopped "the diet" and regained the weight. Now I look to CK as a tool - not as a "diet" or "quick fix". I realize that I need to watch my calories always...it just "is."

Suz

The journey of a thousand miles begins with but a single step.

HW: 230
SW: 205
CW: 178
GW: 145