@hrh19–once you get going with the FitBit, see if you can find some FitBit friends. I find myself motivated to keep up with my sister on FitBit. Silly, but whatever works. Best of luck!
I rode the bike at the gym for an hour and ten minutes today, plus did some machines. I just went for about a 3.5 mile walk, but I think I lost 5 pounds in sweat. Had to change clothes when I got home it’s so humid out.
First, measure the new and old clothes, because size labels are not necessarily consistent.
Second, if you lost weight but gained size in places where body fat tends to appear (e.g. waist), then that may be a doubly bad thing, since that can indicate fat gain and muscle loss.
At least low waist/hip ratio is generally considered healthy. But it can be annoying that it can be difficult to find clothes that fit if you have what is considered healthy body proportions.
Update from late July: those last 10 lbs. are gone! I started weight training a few weeks ago in an effort to build upper body strength. I’m also working on core & abs… my belly is really the only thing I’m unhappy with now. That could be an estrogen thing (actually lack of). Back in the day, that’s the first place I’d notice weight loss.
I totally agree with someone upthread who said clothing sizing is all over the map. I’m wearing everything between a 6 (NYDJ, gotta love them) and an XL (older stuff in my closet that’s likely before vanity sizing).
AMacMom, time to get rid of those XL stuff. They must be really old if you wear a 6 now. Congrats on the exercise and weight loss.
Woohoo! Two five pound parties for aMacMom!!! Did you change your eating habits?
I can’t even get up from a regular chair without having to use my arms to push/pull. It’s pretty bad.
@CountingDown - start with one squat a day. You will be surprised how quickly your muscles begin to obey.
Kaon, you just inspired me to stand up and do 5 squats. The snap, crackle and pop coming from my knees probably woke the neighbors…
I originally saw the up-down test on The Doctors and that cute young ER doc (Stork?) couldn’t do it so I’m not starting the ticker on my expiration date yet.
@abasket I’ve lost 40 lbs since the first of April, so yes – lots of habits changed. What made the biggest impact? Cutting out processed foods, journaling food intake to find problem areas (for me it was portion sizes & mindless snacking), cutting carbs to mostly high-fiber/whole grain, and upping water intake come to mind. Nothing was cut totally out, but I had to “pick my poisons.” Tiny bites of desserts, a few fries off hubby’s plate filled those needs. I like my nightly glass (or two) of wine so that figured into the equation.
I’m not kidding myself that the hardest part is keeping it off. I do feel better than I have for years, maybe even decades. Hand-in-hand with feeling better is that my activity level is much greater now. Right now I’m focusing on strength training to build muscle (important after 50!) and working on cardio endurance. And I do need to be mindful of my diet and keep an eye on the scale to not start the upward creep.
Suggestions, insights? We can do this!
Congratulations aMacMom!
Congrats aMacMom! My daughter lost 2 sizes, I don’t know how much weight exactly. But the size 8 Lucky jean she bought before going for the internship doesn’t fit, very loose. I noticed when we went out to eat, our favorite noodle soup place, she only ate half of the soup. That’s how she managed to lose weight. She also didn’t snack that often, per meal that is. But she was very cranky before she got food in her. Oy!
aMacMom, you’ve got a lot of the goods right there!
- food tracking
- smaller portions
- food variety and for the most part,not denying yourself variety.
- cardio and strength training.
And the last important thing - TIME. None of this happens overnight. But all of it can lead to success!
Forty pounds since April is amazing! I’d be happy if I lost 8 pounds in that time period.
Somebody should go on the show the Biggest Losers, are they still on? I used to like watching this show.
Kajon, I started doing squats about six weeks ago and I think I re-tore my meniscus. 
Am trying to get to a new ortho, but am having a hard time getting my old records. New guy won’t see me without them.
Sounds painful, I hope you can get the treatment needed.
CD, torn meniscus is painful. DH had the surgery and is up and running again. Good luck!
Who is taking multi vitamins? I’ve been wondering if I should start taking it now that I’m watching my portions and cutting certain foods from my diet.
Lilmom, what nutrients do you think you are lacking by cutting your portion sizes and/or cutting certain foods from your diet? Are you eliminating a food group like dairy?