Weight Loss Update
food, Stuff I don't hate February 12th, 2016Do I or don’t I keep this blog breathing? Ugh.
Until I decide, I thought I’d toss up a progress picture of my weight loss effort these last 10 months. If I wasn’t blogging much in that time, at least I was working hard to get less fat.
On the left, I was about 185lbs. Although I was delighted to be visiting my friends in England at the time the picture was taken, I was disgusted with my weight. I gained another ten pounds after that trip.
Then I got my act together, started counting calories, killing it with exercise and dropped 65lbs, where I’m at in the right photo, taken this week.
How’d I do it?
Mainly through stuffing a lot less food in my pie hole. I always knew I’d have to find a sustainable way to eat differently. To me, that means not cutting out anything I love, just eating less of it.
If I hit my 1,200 daily calorie budget, I stopped eating. I almost never ate back my exercise calories (200-300/day). Early on, I was just walking 2.5 miles a day (flat sidewalks, few inclines). That went on for 3-4 months before my M-F walking buddies and I decided we needed to challenge ourselves more.
For the next 3 months or so, we began walking up the hill of the campus where we work, taking about 1,600 steps in the process. After that stint, we started doing more and more steps and less and less straight walking. I also joined my sister Ann for even more steps on the weekends, many times 4,000 in a session. Killer, but very effective.
I also always did a 30-50 min cardio video every morning before work. In the last four months or so, with 100 min. of exercise a day, I had to bump up my calories to about 1,600-1,800.
I didn’t lose much more weight recently, but I have totally reshaped my frame, my muscles and firmed up some pesky loose skin on my thighs, arms and stomach.
The exercise is so effective that I just moved down a size in my Lee jeans from 6 to 4. I haven’t been a size 4 since the fifth grade. It’s amazing what cardio and body weight exercise can do for you.
So that’s it, kids! The process is simple, though not always easy. Yes, there are days when I don’t want to put on my sneakers and sweat, or go out in the cold or rain to walk/step, but I do it because it works and it’s sustainable.
I’m exactly where I want to be.
Oh! And I had the bracelet custom-made for me with my total weight loss imprinted on it (a few pounds to go yet, but I’ll get there). Looking at the bracelet every day reminds me of my accomplishments and also keeps me on the straight and narrow for the future.
If you’re like me, over 50 and want to lose weight, don’t let age deter you. I lost at the same rate at this age as I did when I dieted in my 20s. Count calories, it works. I use My Fitness Pal (both a website and an app) to enter everything I eat and all my exercise. If you dig charts, graphs and trends, it’s the tool for you!
You don’t even need to exercise. Remember, weight loss begins in the kitchen. Fitness begins at the gym.
If you’re feeling fat and want to change, know that it’s possible to transform yourself even if you’re older. And you can ask me anything. I’m happy to help you if I can!
Stumble it!
February 12th, 2016 at 7:29 pm
You look great and I love you blogged about it! I use the same app and it really does remind me to make better choices. I have an Apple Watch so it syncs all my steps and keeps it all coordinated which helps as well. It is a long and slow process but I want to feel better in my clothes and be a bit healthier so that is the goal. Thanks for sharing that it is a process. So many people want to have the quick answer and those “diets” never work in the long run as far as I have seen. Good on ya!
Beth Ann Chiles´s last blog post ..Get Your Kicks on Route 66 in Kingman, Arizona
February 12th, 2016 at 7:30 pm
Outstanding blog post. We love hearing from you. Very inspriring journey you are on!
February 12th, 2016 at 7:40 pm
Beth Ann — Thank you! I know some people who have Apple Watch and swear by it, very helpful. I love how there’s all this new technology and effective tools to help us on our journeys. They really do help you stay honest to your goals and make good choices along the way. Stats don’t lie and they sure help. I wish you well with your goals. You can do it! I thought I would forever be a yo-yo dieter, but it finally clicked permanently with me. I wish the same for you.
Sam — Thanks, dude! I really do want to keep blogging, but as you know my time is spent much more on Facebook. I’m glad you like my posts here and there too. Thanks for dropping by!
February 12th, 2016 at 8:30 pm
First of all, you look beautiful in both pictures. Secondly, way to go! You are so inspiring. I’ve been working on my own weight loss (it’s so much harder at this age!) and you’ve kept me on track.
Jen´s last blog post ..The Trouble With The Republicans
February 12th, 2016 at 8:52 pm
Wow! Great job, Kathy!
ReformingGeekc´s last blog post ..Playground of Life
February 12th, 2016 at 9:53 pm
Yay you! It was killer fun to see you and Ann again last week AND meet the infamous elusive Dave himself!!! You all are SO much fun to hang out with. We’ll definitely have to make this our tradition. See you soon!
February 12th, 2016 at 10:10 pm
I want to chime in with Jen and say that I think you look beautiful in both pictures. And I REALLY mean that, Kathy!
BRAVA to you, girl!
*thunderous applause*
I so admire and respect your determination and dedication to do this and stick to it until you got to your weight goal. You not only look thinner but also toned. Also, I love the ensemble you’re wearing in that photograph. Sexy outfit! Love the skirt.
And yes, I for one hope that you keep blogging because I’m not on Facebook, so I won’t be able to keep up with you there. And even if you only blog every once in awhile, at least we can keep up with what’s going on in your life.
Again, congrats on your goal! Have a great weekend. And stay warm, it’s gonna be in the teens tomorrow. Yahooo!
X
P.S. Also, you, Meleah, Val and I need to make a date to meet.
Ron´s last blog post ..Reflection: 2015 – A Year Of Gratitude
February 12th, 2016 at 11:59 pm
you are a friggin rock star!
i think of you all the time when i’m out doing my exercise thing. i’m so proud of you. well done!
and yes, i’ll luv ya regardless of what you look like, but i know that taking good care makes it a little easier for you to luv ya, so i think it’s a win/win. i’ll be out there tomorrow morning, and i’ll be thinking of you when i’m freezing my parts off. you are quite an inspiration.
February 13th, 2016 at 2:31 am
Kathy, I am beyond impressed by your huge accomplishment!! I’ve said it before, and I’m thrilled to say it again: you are an inspiration. I have more to go to reach my goal, and I’m more inspired to do it now. Thank you, thank you! You are a badass rockstar. Even when I don’t want to, I will. That is my promise to myself today. Thank you.
February 13th, 2016 at 5:39 am
Jen — Thanks, you’re a sweetheart! I’m fortunate that I was able to lose at the rate I did earlier in my life. For the first six months, I lost at a rate of 2.15 lbs/week. It slowed considerable the last 4 months, but that’s where body shaping and fitness really came into play. It’s the reason I can fit into that skirt! Good luck to you!
ReformingGeek — Thanks! And it’s so good to see you here on the blog. I feel like the old gang is back. Hee.
Jeff — Yep, same here! Been telling some people this week about our visit and what you and Charli are doing. As usual, people’s jaws drop and I send them to your blog for more info. I think it’s already a tradition. We’ll probably get to know every restaurant in Stroudsburg!
Ron — Aw, Ron! I have a feeling when we first met, I was around that weight you see in the first pic. I know I was so self-conscious then. I remember Val took a candid picture of me and I was horrified — wouldn’t let her share it anywhere. I’ve lost that anxiety now. It’s nice. About the skirt — I bought it at a boutique thrift shop for a mere 8 bucks! It’s a Calvin Klein piece, among many that a learned a professional woman who was retiring dropped off at the shop. I bought another of hers that I can’t wait to wear. Very “Mad Men.” My ass looks awesome in it! Good to see you here, Ron, and it’ll be better to see you in person. We really need to get our act together and schedule a meet-up!
Karl — You know I’m always thinking about you when I’m plowing through my workouts. You are an inspiration to me. God, I hope you don’t try working out in this frigid weather! I expect I’ll do two hours of my home cardio in the warmth of my living room. No stepping for me this weekend! Rock on, dude!
Debren — I’m glad you are inspired! That warms my heart. When you don’t want to continue or you have a bad day, just remember something I’ve told myself over and over: “Suffer the pain of discipline, or the pain of regret.” Oh, and here’s another: “It’s hard being fat. It’s hard losing weight. Pick your hard.” Do what you need to do Debren. I’m rooting for you!
February 13th, 2016 at 8:14 am
You awesome woman! Congrats on this fantastic journey.
February 13th, 2016 at 9:46 am
Well, Kathy. I agree you’re never too old. At 70 (I still can’t believe that) I am doing my bit and losing weight, albeit slower than you, because I can’t do the same amount of exercise.
I have never dieted before, but have always said that it’s training your stomach to want less food and keeping fit that will work long term. You and I are proving that to be very true 🙂
You look absolutely wonderful and I can’t wait to reach my goal. Another 8 pounds to go.
Babs´s last blog post ..A Mother’s Day Poem For Days Gone By
February 13th, 2016 at 10:09 am
Kelly — Great to hear from you, and thanks!
Babs — Yep, never too old! We’ve proven it. I think it’s easy to think weight loss is out of reach once we’re over a certain age, but it’s still all about “calories in, calories out”. I do think things like menopause would present extra challenges for some, but I’m hopeful when it comes for me it won’t affect my metabolism as drastically as some would have us believe. And true that we’ve retrained ourselves to live with less food. We don’t always have to feel stuffed, do we? That was my problem before, eating such big meals to the point of bloat. Completely unnecessary. Here’s to your next 8lbs!
February 13th, 2016 at 11:47 am
You look INCREDIBLE!!! I am so happy for you & so proud of you!!!!
February 13th, 2016 at 7:52 pm
First off, you look GREAT!!!
Secondly, I need to take your advice. I have worked out VERY consistently for the past 17 years. I run 6 miles twice a week, take spinning and weight classes, do DVD’s at home. I always have. However, I won’t get away from my size 12 (I’m 6′ tall) unless I fix the way I eat. I never stuff myself and I always stop before I’m full, but I eat the wrong stuff. I’m a carboholic. I LOVE CARBS. I need to eat more fresh food.
Anyway, great job on the weight loss. Phenomenal!
Shay from Trashy Blog´s last blog post ..And When I Say “Early,” I Mean “On Time”
February 13th, 2016 at 7:53 pm
(The DVD’s and classes are in addition to the 6 miles twice a week. I work out 5-6 days a week. Thought I’d clarify, not that this post was about me in any way, lol.)
Shay from Trashy Blog´s last blog post ..And When I Say “Early,” I Mean “On Time”
February 13th, 2016 at 7:58 pm
Shay — Thanks for stopping by! Damn, that’s a lot of exercise! But I know exactly what you mean about fixing the diet. They say weight loss is 80% what you eat and only 20% exercise. “Can’t outrun the fork” is another one I hear oft-repeated. I used to be a sugar junkie, but when I started eating less of it, I craved it less. Maybe that would work for carbs, too? I know it’s a struggle to eat less. Food just tastes so damn good, amiright? Good luck to you and thank you for the compliment!
February 15th, 2016 at 2:24 pm
You look amazing! Good job and so happy for you!!!!
February 16th, 2016 at 6:31 am
Thanks, Alice!
February 16th, 2016 at 6:32 am
And thank you, Meleah!
March 9th, 2016 at 10:27 pm
Wow Kathy, what an inspiration you are. Such an incredible weight loss journey. Thank you for sharing it.
March 20th, 2016 at 1:54 am
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April 14th, 2016 at 6:40 am
Very inspirational! Thanks for sharing your journey!
I am trying to lose weight but I have a really big sweet tooth and have started eating sugar free sweets https://lovisweets.co.uk/product-category/sugar-free/ – but I’m not actually sure whether that would help or not and if they have less calories in them?
August 25th, 2016 at 3:36 am
You look INCREDIBLE!!! I am so happy for you & so proud of you!!!!
September 26th, 2016 at 1:32 pm
You transformed incredibly. Great motivation
October 1st, 2016 at 2:48 am
You all are SO much fun to hang out with. We’ll definitely have to make this our tradition. See you soon!
October 1st, 2016 at 2:49 am
thanks for your sharing!
October 27th, 2016 at 5:08 am
Fantastic Site, Carry on the good job. Thanks for your time!.