I’m a Pear ? the sequel part 3 - Wow!

Well done for the loss nansnet and for ‘rethinking’
I know tracking everything is a pain, but as whiff said, if you just do it for a week, you will get a better idea of where the hidden calories and/or portion sizes. I think My Fitness Pal is free so you could use that. I use Nutracheck but that’s £3.99 pcm (I love it as it has so much info)
I have to send my last 4 days food diary to my pt today (before my first session tomorrow) and it’s really made me consider what I eat!

whiff you have done so well. Sounds like Mr Will Power comes knocking a lot!
He was elusive here for far too long but he paid another visit recently and has stayed a while! Your classes sound fun!
Well done allsorts
cocopops I used to feel disappointed when I stayed the same but now I’m grateful it’s not a gain!
shirleyw I go to the gym. I use the treadmill to walk a mile and then use weights/kettlebell. I feel a bit weedy compared to the really fit people there but no one else gives a damn what anyone else is doing. It’s a small gym in a school so hours are a bit restrictive but it’s so friendly and the 3 guys working there are always happy to help. Obviously I do it to lose calories but mostly to regain strength as I feel so weak and unfit since going through the menopause. I want to avoid having knee replacement which I feel are inevitable at some point in the future. I am having a block of 5, 30 minute pt sessions from tomorrow just to get an idea of what I should be doing for my age and fitness level (which isn’t great!)
I worry that if I am not doing something properly I will do more damage. He has promised to be gentle with me
I am off work this week so today myself and DP are off to my storage unit to tidy it up. It’s going to be a big task as when I moved from my house to his, we had limited time for hiring the van and it took much longer than we anticipated. So we literally stuffed everything in there and it’s a tip! I keep wanting to find things and have no idea where they are. Hopefully it will be more organised by the end of today.
When we eventually find a house for ‘us’ we will have two house contents to amalgamate! That will be fun !!
Have a good day everyone

Allsorts well done losing the pound. Like you say if you look how much you have lost in butter it's a lot.

Flaxseed our instructors are very good they say we should be a bit out of breath and feel the exercise but if it hurts to stop . Having someone show you what to do safely is a good idea but you will find that things that you didn't use to do you can once you get into the swing of the exercises. I can touch my toes without bending my knees. Hadn't been able to do that since before I had my daughter she's 38. I found exercise gives you a sense of achievement.

Enjoy sorting out your storage unit that will burn some cals off. ?

You’ll be standing on your head soon Whiff. Make sure you have your trousers on though.

Whiff & Flaxseed, I've taken your advice on board. I've often jotted down what I'm eating in a notebook, which I find really helps me to be more aware of what I'm putting in my mouth (if only I did that all the time!). I have decided to keep track of my calorie intake as well, for now. I don't want to become obsessive about this, having to count every single calorie for the rest of my life, as that's when I get fed up and end up throwing the towel in! However, I will try this out for the next week or two, as I'm more than aware that it's so easy to underestimate what we're actually consuming. Hopefully, it'll help to me to control my portions, and be more mindful about what I choose to eat.

Thanks again for your helpful advice, and well done to those of you who have already found the right plan to fit into your life! Keep up the good work!

Good luck nansnet I’m sure it will help.

My app breaks down the nutritional values and recommended daily allowance and despite trying really hard, I am way over on my carbs daily and still under on my protein.
I am going to have to rethink things this week whilst I have a bit of time.

I’m impressed you can touch your toes whiff!
We sorted the storage unit and it looks much better but DP did all the heavy work so I don’t think I used up too many calories unfortunately. First PT session today
I have given him a list of my ailments to work round and have warned him I am unfit and to remember I am a lot older than most of his clients!
The aim is to get a good routine going and show me how to do things properly. If I copy what some of the youngsters do, I would probably end up in hospital! So I am kind of looking forward to it

I don't know whether you have heard of the Pioneer Woman. She has a show on the Food Network. She has lost 55 pounds over the last year or so. She has a webpage which has a blog page about her weight loss journey:

www.thepioneerwoman.com/ree-drummond-life/a38944960/ree-drummond-weight-loss-ten-things-i-learned/

It all sounds very sensible as says everything that we already know. It is worth a read though.

She may talk sense but she is just getting more viewers for her cookery programmes.

The only person who has been honest about her huge weight lose is Lisa Riley . She freely admits to having all the excess skin removed and the problems she has with infections afterwards and how painful it is. Some who have lost huge amounts make our that their skin goes back and they have no flabby skin.

I know how much flabby skin I have but I am happy to live with it. No amount of exercise will make mine suddenly tighten up.

Flaxseed I surprised myself when I did it. But haven't got my huge tummy in the way anymore. Think it was when I had lost 4st I was checking my boobs like I do every month and felt something hard for a minute my heart stopped then realised it was my ribs. ?. I had to laugh. Hope you enjoyed your PT session and probably surprised yourself that you can do more than you thought. Glad your storage unit is tidy.

Have a good day everyone ?

whiff
I am going to make touching my toes one of my goals! I tried today but I think I am about 4inches off

Pink I had a quick read of the link you posted and it reinforces what we all know doesn’t it? I can’t believe it took me until my late 50’s to finally suss it.
I do regret wasting so much money on all the fad diets that I have tried over the years .
Better late than never thought I guess!

The PT was good with me. Despite sweating after only 10 minutes (more than I do in an hour on my own ) he respected my boundaries regarding a bad shoulder and knees and kept things at a manageable pace. It’s nice to know that I will have more variety once my sessions have finished as I tend to only stick with the things I know. Goodness knows why I find it awkward asking how to do new things as that’s what the staff are there for! And they are all so friendly.
Have a good evening everyone

I’m still plodding on. I have lost half a stone since I started on 1st January. It would be great if I could keep it up until the wedding in May, but that’s probably unrealistic.

Doodle half a stone is fab! Well done.
You can do this.
I hope we are treated to a photo of you from the wedding

Doodledog half a stone is great. I know you are concerned about ‘keeping going’ so IMO you must let yourself have an occasional small treat, so that you don’t feel deprived. As time passes by your body will become accustomed to less food.

Because of my recurring diverticulitis I regularly take kefir and I find a very small glass, really fills me up when I am feeling hungry. Worth a try.

Losing weight is more to do with mind than the body.

It is definitely mind over body

In the last few days I've found myself genuinely hungry twice. I realised that actually that is a feeling I hadn't really felt for a while and that, feeling hungry really isn't that bad!

Hello everyone. Good to read all your posts.

No weight loss last week although the original 1lb stayed off which I was delighted about. Wednesday will be my weigh in day, another 1lb disappeared this week, so a big smile here.

Smaller portions and challenging the thoughts that tell me to eat when I’m not hungry seem to be working, albeit slowly, for me. I’m rediscovering food that I enjoy that is less likely to pile pounds on and not always eating the same as the ever slim Mr C.

Wish me luck, very early days, three meals out to come in the next two weeks. I’ll keep at it and keep reading your posts for inspiration.

For those struggling at the moment (that’s me today too, much stress around) please don’t blame yourselves. Life has a habit of tripping us up at times. Many congratulations for all the successes. Not easy is it?

Hi all, still here and still the same weight! Bleugh! Have cut portions a bit and waiting to see if any impact!!

Doodledog fab weight lose . Hope you can feel the difference if not in body but spirits.

cornernan well done with the lose. I found sometimes I mistook thirst for hunger . I eat something but didn't feel any different then the penny dropped. So now if I feel hungry I have a drink first and 9 times out of 10 that's what I needed.

Yesterday at exercise class tried to get on my knee but didn't manage it with either knee. My instructor said I was almost down. I think it was lack of confidence that stopped me pushing further. But going to practice at home using some cushions to kneel on and hopefully can do it next week. My daughter gave me a boost by saying she was proud of me for trying. I have set myself a goal I want to be able to get on the floor and back up again. So I can play with my grandson's . Only time I have been on the floor in 34 years is when I have fallen. I was 29 when I got ill and haven't got down under my own steam since.

Madgran look on staying the same weight as achievement. I know it's not what you want but it's not a gain. Good luck with smaller portions.

Very chilly here today hope we have our room back today for my craft group. Enjoy your day whatever you are up to..

Thanks Whiff. I think the portion reduction has at least stopped any more going on so so far so that is progress!

Had a nasty experience today. Had no.2 of 5 pt sessions. They are only for 30 minutes and he knows my ailments/restrictions etc. The first one was at a nice pace and I was able to do a few more exercises after.
Today started off ok until he pushed me on the weight machines. I was struggling towards the end of each rep but got there. I had to alternate between two machines.
It was pretty full on and I started to feel pressure in my head. We did a few things after but I struggled on. I mentioned my head but in hindsight, I should have explained just how awful it felt. After the 30 minutes my legs were trembling and my head felt like it would explode ?.
It felt too heavy to carry around!
I had intended to do some jobs after but it was all I could do to drive home. I went straight to bed and slept for two hours. Woke up feeling groggy and sick.
Finally felt better around 6pm when the pressure eased.
Has anyone else ever experienced this? I goggled it (as you do) and it seems it’s just the blood vessels dilating in your head and neck. But it was scary.
Obviously I will explain this to him next time.
I feel today has been a right off!

Flaxseed I know what our instructors tell us. If it hurts stop and sit down. I know with my health problems machines would make things worse for me. Before I started my active ageing classes I had to go too be assessed and discuss my health and what I can and can't do and what I was looking to get out of the exercises. The assessment took 90 mins. My local council run a lot of different ones via GP referral. I knew I couldn't do machines . So the active ageing exercise class was perfect for me.

They work us and I have felt the benefits from them . The core aims are strength and stability. 12 weeks free hour lesson hot drink and biscuits and chat with my exercise buddies afterwards. I started in June. In January started in the maintenance class which is more full on. The first class is sit down ,holding on to the back of the chair and walking exercises using different equipment each week. Yoga blocks we had to stand on or walk over,wobble cushion to do the same , and ladder flat on the floor and even an egg and spoon. We used resist bands which they gave us. Ankle weights are used by those who can wear them . I can't because of my left leg. Some in this class won't be physically able to move to the maintenance class but will stay their.

After 12 weeks it's £2.50 a lesson still with drink and biscuits.

Maintenance class is only a couple of sit down exercises. Rest is once up we don't stop exercising one instructor shows us the next exercise to do while still doing one ready for when they say change. We do use yoga blocks and wobble cushion in some classes but in a different way. Every week we do some of the same exercises but new ones are added. We use 1kg weights in some classes for the arm exercises.

I have seen a vast improvement in my strength and stability. Since January I don't need my stick in class and only place one hand on the back of the chair for a couple of exercises.

When we started classes we where give a pack with DVD but I don't have a player. But all the exercises we do are written down on cards with pictures. Think I posted some few pages back. We always do warm up exercises and cold down ones.

Perhaps happens using gym equipment isn't the right exercises for you. As you shouldn't be suffering during and after them.

I live in the north west. Perhaps my sort of group would be better suited to your needs. If you Google sit fit classes for over 50/60's it will come up will a list.

I know a friend of mine tried a class using gym equipment but only did 2 as it made her arthritic knees worse. She is trying to find a class like mine.

Would acro swimming classes suit you. You get a full work out but your limbs are supported?

My class is held in a church hall.

Hope you are feeling better today.

Hi Whiff. I am better today thanks.
Your class does sound amazing!

I will stick to the gym as I actually really like weights. It’s taken me years to find something I like doing, and pre lockdown I was starting to see the benefit.
When we came out of lockdown I was struggling to get there as I was moving and it took me far longer to do than I thought (think 30+ years of house contents into one storage unit ?‍♀️?)
When I moved to DP’s he introduced me to his gym and it’s lovely. Friendly, not overly busy etc and I worked at my own pace.
The PT sessions were to learn about unfamiliar equipment and ensuring I am doing it right. We had a comprehensive chat before about my various ailments.
He’s a good lad and listens to me, and I thought the head pressure would subside quick enough. I should have been more honest about how unwell I felt.
I can’t fit another session in until Saturday week but will explain it to him then. There’s no way I will get to that point again. I was genuinely worried I would have stroke or brain bleed it felt that bad
Never again

Flaxseed glad you are feeling better. Just be very careful during your next session. Glad you enjoy . Problem is we aren't 30 anymore we may be in our minds but our bodies soon tell us. But I would never want to be young again. Am happy being 63 but not in mind. To be honest I am fitter now than when I was young. ?

Good morning lovely pears ?
Weigh in this week and I’ve lost a quarter of a pound. This is going to be a long job. My target is to get into a dress for a wedding in June when I was half a stone lighter. But it’s going the right way. My food diary shows I’ve tried hard but eaten out a few times but tried to choose healthy food. Done my ten thousand steps every day with a yoga class a Pilates class and a gym session. I do 20 mins on the cross trainer, 20 on the treadmill and use 2kg hand weights for about ten mins. So that’s my week. Hopefully it will continue on the downward trend next week.
Flaxseed I can see why you would be worried when you were doing your training. You should have told the trainer straightaway how bad you were feeling. Hopefully when you go back it won’t happen again.

Morning,…stayed the same.
Well done shazza, it’s going in the right direction. Your doing really well with your fitness.

I’m the same age as you whif ??

Shazza well done losing the weight every bit counts. Wow you are very active. I am lucky if I do 10,000 steps a week. I have a step counter on my phone but can't have it in my pocket when at my exercise class and can't wear a wrist one. My daughter does boxercise twice a week they used 5kg weights last week for one class she was in agony the next day. Plus she does yoga at home. Her eldest does it with her he's 4. He also swims and does gymnastics once a week . His brother is 1 and into everything.

Shirley well done staying the same. We may be 63 in body but not mind? . I am fitter now than I have ever been.

Glad to say Mr Powers is still staying with me hope he makes it permanent but knowing me I will crack soon. Lost 1.75lbs this week. Got some waterproof walking boots out the the Hotter sale and intend to go walking more. There is a country park not far from me I want to explore. I know I can walk for a hour at a steady pace with my stick and feel ok. My exercise classes have definitely improved my strength and stability.

Off to a garden centre tomorrow with my daughter. Give my boots a workout. I can't resist buying plants so expect to come back with at least one.

Have a good week everyone.

Good morning everyone,
It’s really great hearing about all the inspiring losses this week, also lots of positive advice about differing approaches. We recognise that one size doesn’t fit all and we need to approach our eating less for life in different ways. I’ve lost 2lb this week and am now 1lb UNDER my target, so I’m celebrating (with sugar free jelly and a splash of elmlea light lol) later. Seriously, I manage to eat very similar things at lunch Mon-Sat and have balanced evening meals but then have a bit of a treat on Sundays.
I was interested to read about Kefir, nankate, I’ve been looking at increasing my probiotic bacteria and supplements are so expensive. Think I might give it a try.
Have a good week everyone

A pound gone this week and I'm happy with that. I have been really strict with myself with absolutely no biscuits or snacks.
Today is Sinday - my day to enjoy a treat or two, then back into discipline tomorrow until next Sinday!
I know a few of you use my Sinday system and some avoid it - it works for some and not others. It's a case of finding what suits each of us as individuals.
Good luck to all my fellow losers - stick with us!