anyone over 50 years in here?

[TarHeel]

I'm not sure where to post this; please move it, moderator, if there is a more appropriate place.

I am almost 60 years old, and it is so much slower to lose weight on this WOE than it was when I first tried it in 1973. There are probably a variety of reasons (retired now and much more sendentary, the "diet" has evolved into something which allows a good many more vegetables, etc) but some of it MUST have to do with the fact that my metabolism has changed a lot in the past 30 years.

So I would l especially like to hear from folks who are closer to my age (as well as ANYONE on these boards). I will settle for anyone who has a Country Joe and The Fish album somewhere in their closet. Heck, I will settle for anyone who even knows who
Country Joe is!

Kay

[GramnGramp]

I am 60, and have been on Atkins for 43 days. In that time I've only lost 6lbs. But I have "shrunk" a little.

I am not as active as I used to be. Trying to do better. Have been planting garden this week so maybe that will give me a boost...
I do feel better eating this way, but would be nice to see the pounds leaving a little faster.

My DH is losing much faster than I am. Men seem to have the
edge when it comes to dieting. But he also has much more to lose than I.

I will keep plodding along and see what happens.
Good luck to you.
p.s. who is Country Joe?

[Waterdragn]

Hi there! I am 50 .....does that count? When I started HRT my weight loss hit a brick wall and started creeping up. However I am persevering and do like this WOE. Hang in there, I am sure you will be pleased with the results. The metabolism does slow as we age. :(

[TarHeel]

Good to hear from the two of you! It sounds as though we have similar experiences. And Watergarden, sure, 50 counts!

I have been weeding, not yet planting annuals except in planters....though it is 83 here , whoops just checked again and it is 87 degrees now, we are quite likely to have annual freeze before we can count on spring. But the fish in my watergarden are loving being fed again after hibernating (or whatever they do) all winter.

I too plan to keep plugging away at this WOE even though I am not seeing a lot of results. After reading Atkins' book, I was expecting the weight to come off much more rapidly. Had I not found these forums and read about others' experience I would probably have given up. This is a great place to keep focussed.

Kay

[TarHeel]

oops, waterdragon, I've got watergardens on my mind. Sorry about mangling your name!

[Anikatt]

Hi, I'm 51 and can relate to what you're going through. Being a repeat Atkins (restarted 3 Feb) and yo-yo dieter for years, plus HRT, weight loss is definately crawling. Up and down about 3 lbs since mid Feb. One of the things that keeps me going is attending Curves 5 days a week, once a month they weigh and measure, so was down 3 inches and 6% bodyfat. Also lurking on this forum helps my motivation just knowing this is not totally abnormal and there are others experiencing some of the same stuff. This time around I feel totally comitted to this wol because all in all I do feel better physically and most of the time mentally. I'm usually just a lurker on this forum but your post made me want to say hi and do hang in there. That's my 2 cents! Have a great day :roll:

Anita

[GramnGramp]

TarHeel, just wanted to tell you that my DH and I visited your state recently and really enjoyed the trip.

Those mountains are beautiful. Would like to come back when the trees are fully leafed out. We were in North Wilkesboro for a few days.

Good luck with you weight loss.

[julienne]

hello, I am 55, my start with Atkins was rather undocumented, and it is just the past month that I have really been keeping track with FitDay,

I am losing slowly too, under a pound a week, and I have been exercising at the gym 4-5 days a week,

I wish the fat was burning quicker too,

something tells me that it is part carb creep, I am not planning my meals, just recording what I gobbled at the end of the day, and not measuring accurately perhaps,

I have also not been eating vegetables, they are the hardest for me to make, and perhaps the way I gained all this fat in the first place,

I am taking some time off the gym until Monday and then I am going to do my cardio and circuit training MWF only and use T and Th to plan meals, make some ahead,

but for now slow is fine, the most important thing has been my improved health, my joints no longer hurt, I am sleeping, except for having to get up to pee all the time with the water we are supposed to drink,

hang in there, julienne

[Mickeymac]

Woodstock (original) happened long ago which makes me at a mature age also :).

[TarHeel]

Ah mickey mack. One two three four, what're we waitin' for? Seems no way to post to your jounal or whatever. Have you just been sitting aound for ten months?
Kay

[adnil53]

Afraid I don't know who Country Joe is... sorry. I am 49, but will turn 50 in August... Thought I'd stop in and say hello... I've been doing low carb for awhile now. I always seem to slip up and eat things I shouldn't. But I am still trudging on... I do wish you success and if you stick to this, I am sure success will be yours!

[jsandrock]

Hi -- just thought I'd say hi and respond -- I am 56, started Atkins back in September at about 195 lbs (I'm only 5 feet tall so that was a lot for my teeeny frame!) but knowing how slowly I lose I vowed I would never get on the scale, just buy (or revive from my closet) pants that were too small and keep trying them on. This has worked SOOO much better for me than being a slave to the scale and letting it determine whether I have been "bad" or "good" for the day. I know my weight loss is proceeding at a snail's pace and I have no idea what I have lost in pounds but I started at size 22 and am now a 16! That is incontrovertible evidence that it works if you stick to it!

I'd say ditch the scale and buy some "reference" jeans and try them on once a month till you can fit into them; then replace those with another pair that are too tight and proceed that way.

It just comes off more slowly at our age, I am sure.

Good luck!

Jsandrock

[TarHeel]

Hi jsandrock: Thanks for the encouraging words and seeing your stats was the most encouragment of all! I do have a couple of pant-o-meters (actually short-o-meters) and when I first posted this thread, they weren't fitting much better either. I think things have changed a bit this week....I have some doctor's type scales (with the weights you move at the top) and have them set to my next mini-goal of 140 and am looking forward to the day when they balance! Being 5 feet tall like you are, I am well aware that every few pounds sticks out pretty noticeably.

Kay

[Bankerchik]

Hi TarHeel (and everyone else)! Of course I know (and love) Country Joe & the Fish...your original post made me laugh. I'm 51 and am on Atkins for the second time. Naturally it's going much, much more slowly this time. I KNOW I should stay off the scale but am just fixated on that weigh-in each morning. Maybe I should just break the darned thing!

Last time I did Atkins was five years ago...don't you just kick yourself for not staying with it then and for regaining all the weight? (At least I did.) My life has changed a lot in the last five years, and my metabolism has definitely slowed too.

Guess I'm going to have to accept that this will not be a quick fix, and I'm going to have to stay with the program the rest of my life. It's tough to think I'll never really be able to eat bread again though--that's the thing I miss the most. I like to bake it and love the artisan breads that are so popular right now.

This is almost the end of week 4 and my loss is stuck at 10 pounds since halfway through week 2. I've been keeping a log of everything I eat, which does help keep me honest, but of course what I really need to do is exercise more. Tough to find time and easy to find excuses not to do it.

Nice to find other people in my age group and experiencing the same kinds of challenges.

LuWana

[Pat S.]

Hello Everyone,
I am 61 and losing so slowly I just started again if I don't watch calories I gain weight darn. :( It is good to find a thread of we more mature folks when I was in my 20's I could lose weight without a thought not now Yikes. :daze: Good Luck to you all, Pat S.

[katrine77]

Hello everyone,
Thanks for starting this thread, TarHeel. 'and it's five six seven, open up the pearly gates. Ain't no time to wonder why, whoopee we're all gonna die" ...hmmm...Country Joe's song is even pertinent today.
I am 51 and I started this woe just about a year ago. I lost a lot at first, although I don't really know how much cuz I also don't use scales. I thought I would reach my goal weight by my 52nd birthday in October of this year but it sure doesn't look that way. I am starting to think that this might be a 5 year plan rather than a 2 year plan.
I know that I am overdoing it on carbs...somedays getting almost 60 grams! yikes. But most days hovering aroudn 30-35.
However, I feel GREAT! and will never go back to my high carb ways. I am in this for life!
So happy to find other's my age. I wonder if there are any articles or info from Dr Atkins regarding age and this woe.
Nice to see you all here!
:wave: kathy

[jude]

Hi Everyone,

It's great to hear from people in my age group (I'm 60). There's a lot of talk about slowing metabolism the older we get and I guess its probably true, but I can't say I'm unhappy with my results so far. I've been doing Atkins for about 8 months and I'm down 48 lbs. Not bad for an old broad, I think. Certainly better results than I ever had doing low fat, low cal--and the food is so much more appetizing.

Now if I could only stop procrastinating and start exersizing.

judy

[tigeraspen]

Hey all,

This sounds like a friendly bunch so I am hoppin' on!

I am 50, very soon to be 51. Am low carbing it again. The weight is not moving but I feel GREAT. So I have decided the weight loss is secondary. My clothes fit better and I am getting weight loss compliments. :D

I know I will start to lose once I get back to golf and tennis and also getting the outdoor grill fired up. It has been a tough winter here in the Northeast.

Your stories are encouraging. Thanks for the support! :wave:

[thumperjb]

I am turning 50 this year. I was on Atkins in my 30's and I lost much faster then. This time around it seems I have to stick with the plan much closer and count every little partial gram of carbs (spices even) and exercise more often to see results. When I was younger if I sorta kept to the plan I would still lose. My goal is to be to my target weight by my birthday :) It could happen, I figure turning 50 is a downer but if I face it with a thinner frame it will not be so bad.

[tigeraspen]

Hey Thumper,

Great loss so far. When is your birthday? Mine is April 24. My goal is 150 by 7/4. :roll:

Have a good day all!

[katrine77]

I was visiting the success stories yesterday and WOW :eek: some of those folks have done amazingly well with this WOE. It was so inspiring! :cheer:
One thing i did notice was that most of them were men. And the women were much younger than any of us.
I would like to read a success story of a middleaged woman, with more than 75 lbs to lose. Anyone seen anything like this on this forum?
Thanks.
k

[GramnGramp]

From a fellow turtle, just want to tell you that after 5 weeks of no loss, I am down 3 lbs this morning.

DH (the Hare) did not lose anything this past week. Maybe I will catch up with him. LOL, not likely, he has lost 25.5 lbs in the same amount of time that I have lost 9.

Oh well, at least he doesn't "rub it in". That could be because I cook all the meals!!!!! ;)

Keep the faith :exclm:

[Pat S.]

Hi,
I have just started losing after an after induction stall Yeah!! Now for the more mature set what are you suppose to do with the loose skin and wrinkles. LOL I think I need a miracle. Pat S

[tigeraspen]

WTG Gram!!!!!!!! :roll:

[JoNan]

Hi Everyone--this is the first time I've posted a note, although I've been a regular reader of all the forums. Guess the "Over 50 and Slow To Lose" struck a chord with me! I first began LCing WAAAAY back in the 60s when Dr. Atkins' first book hit the stands. I was still a young teenager, but wanted to be "thin and in" regardless. Was also anorexic for a spell before, so you could say I've done a real job on my metabolism. Back then I could easilylose 5 pounds a week. Not so today! :(

Anyway...I've LCed many times over the years, always with results...relatively...but the ONE thing I never learned then was that this must be a WOE, not a diet. Consequently, the weight always returned--sometimes quickly; sometimes more slowly.

So now I'm in the midst of what might be termed "The Final Battle" i.e. doing this properly at last, so results will be permanent.

Of all the things I think I've learned up to now, I think the following must be the most crucial to success:

1. This is NOT a "quick fix"; it must be a WOL
2. Patience and persistence are key: don't give up, for results WILL follow if you're determined and follow your plan.

End of epistle! I can't say how much I admire folk on this forum who have much more to lose than I do, but remain committed, enthusiastic, and positive throughout! Kudos to all of you!

[tigeraspen]

Poor Dr. Atkins.

He fell on the ice yesterday and had head surgery.

Bummer. :(

[musicmama]

Saw your thread and had to stop by......I just turned 56 last month,,,have been LC'ing since June 20th,2002....so far have gone from a tight size 26 to a comfy 20,,so I guess I cant complain,,,although like some of the others, I too did this in my thirties and lost a lot of weight faster. Oh well,,,,,,this time I am really doing it for health reasons. :D
I have noticed something neat,,,I can get up and out of the bathtub now,,,withoug having to get on my knees!!! That is a definate plus! :thup:
I did a real job on my metabolism too,,,,weight watchers,,,stillmans,,,physicians Weight loss clubs,,,,,,,anything I could try. But the difference is,,I never really committed to any of them. This is the longest I have stayed with any plan. I feel good,,,look better,,,,and it had finally become a way of life. I love it!

Great reading all your stories, keep posting!!

cya lighter :wave:

[tigeraspen]

Way to Go Musicmama!!!!!!!

Keep up the good work :thup:

Ellen

[willeke]

hi all! what a nice thread this is! I certainly fit in, am 53, post menopausal and this is my 3rd time on Atkins, and now for life, absolutely! I lose extremely slow, can't have cheese or nuts, then I even gain weight, but still, I did lose some weight and more will follow.
If I lose 10 pounds a year I will still slowly get thinner...
Of course I hope it'll go faster, but I cannot do more than my best. Tried the fat fast a few weeks ago, but felt so sick after two days that I've stopped.
Am eating a bit more vegetables now, because I didn;t lose weight, even when I stayed on induction level, and hoped that would sort of jum strat my metabolism!

Am planning to do more exercise, but really don't know where to find the time!

ah well, I hope this thread will run a long time!!!!!!

Willeke

[TarHeel]

Hi Everyone....I'm glad this thread seems to be proving helpful to us more mature folks. At first I was trying to reply to everyone personally, but then I started a journal and it is beginning to take way too long to respond to everyone everywhere.

But would like to say that I have lost two pounds this week after having been stuck for over three weeks.. And I put on a pair of pants today that I can't believe were ever mine (it is possible they weren't , but I'm not going there) since they are much too big. Weight loss for us continues to be slow, but much better than the alternative.

And I'm beginning to realize that things tend to slow down for almost everyone, not just us oldsters, as they continue on the journey, regardless of age or amount to lose. Makes me a bit annoyed at all the hype in the Atkins book but how else was he going to make money on it? I know, I know, he is in a coma, and I wish him well.....but I still feel a bit cheated by all the success stories in the book. Were it not from reading on this board I would have given up by now..... I AM extremely appreciative of the fact that he brought low carb eating to the forefront and to me. Just not convinced that he is quite the same category as Sister Theresa.

I'm not even sure Sister Theresa is in the same category as Sister Theresa. Good thing I'm not Catholic, saints make me nervous.

Hope I am not offending anyone; if so, I'm am sure I will hear about it!

Kay

[tigeraspen]

Hi Willeke, Welcome!

Kay, I appreciate your sense of humor for sure. It isn't easy, I agree. Congrats on the weight loss. I have been gaining and losing the same two lbs since I lost the first five. But what is keeping me going is I do not feel hungry although the choices do seem limited at times. Also the WOL is a fatigue buster for me.

I like the threads where there is support but not scrutiny. I am happy as long as I am not gaining. The weight loss will come in time.

Ellen :spin: :spin: :spin: :spin: :spin: :spin: :spin: :spin:

[willeke]

Hi Kay,
I can understand you're disappointed when you compare our speed of weightloss with what's in the Atkins' book, but believe me, the first time I did it, in the seventies, it really went as fast and as easy as he describes.
Later I read somewhere about the "golden shot", i.e. your metabolism isn't a machine and cannot automatically be put into the same diet mode and react the same every time.
When I had lost all that weight the first time, it stayed right off, until the doctor gave me tranquilizers to cope better with the illness and death of my young sister-in-law. Those pills made me gain back 20 pounds in 2 weeks and took away my determination to stay on Atkins. So in the course of time I gained it all back and a lot more.
The second time it went a bit slower, but still, it worked great. I was end thirties then and didn't even have a scale, but went by my clothes and it went fine. That was when I lived in Australia, and when I came back in the Netherlands, I was so stupid to not want to hurt people and say no when they offered me cookies etcetera, so there I went again.
In January 2002 I started the Radiant Recovery Program, and with that I lost 6 pounds or so in 10 months' time, with a LOT of hunger.
So then I decided to give that up and I swithed to Atkins in November. I feel much better and never hungry anymore, only when it's time to eat and that is so great! No more strong mood swings either, but that may be thanks to my hormonal condition which is hopefully balancing out a bit by now.

Wow, this has become a lot longer than I intended, hope you still know what I wanted to say, i.e. that Atkins told us the trutch, but maybe at that time he didn't know that you can only do it with a lot of fast success when you do it for the first time. But still it is a healthier way of life, and we WILL lose weight when we persevere, and in such a nice way, too <g>!

a happy weekend to all,
cheers
Willeke

[tigeraspen]

Hi Willeke,

What is the Radiant Recovery Program? And thank you for telling your story.

I have had good sucess on weight watchers all the way down to 150, then I switched from teaching to administration and put the weight back on. I can say over a 15 year period I have kept the first 20 lbs of WW off as my highest was over 200.

I haven't taken my measurements but my jeans are fitting better. Next week is break week and I plan to measure up on Saturday. Today I put on my 14 petite reference jeans. They are comfortable to get up but do not fit across the belly.

So we can all persevere together...

:wave: Ellen :wave:

[BarbCA]

Hi all, I just found this thread. I'm 68 and started Atkins 6 weeks ago. Have lost only 6 1/2 lbs. but that's 6 1/2 less than when I started. My first stab at it was a couple of weeks prior, stayed with it for one week and gave it up. Gained back all but 2 lbs. so I started over again. Now I'm used to this WOE and I'm never hungry. I'm keeping my calories down a bit because of the slower metabolism.
Execise is a problem for me because of a foot problem that keeps me from walking except on alternate days. I also had Rotator cuff surgery last fall and I'm still in Physical therapy for that. My weight workout is very light due to that.
Lost 40 lbs. in 2000 on low cal/low fat but after a lot of family tragedy, lost DH, Dad and a niece. Sis lost everything in a fire, Mom had a stroke, I just gave up and started eating "normally".
I just want to get fit, lose some pounds and get my energy back. That 6 weeks with my arm strapped to my body so I could do nothing really took me down strengthwise.
Tarheel thanks for strting this.

[willeke]

Hi Ellen,
the Radiant recovery programme is based on the book Potatoes, not Prozac. I had gained 30 pounds in a few months when the doctor put me on Paxil, and I never seemed to be able to get rid of those anymore- and did the Radiant program. It works very well for many people, only my metabolism is too sensitive to carbs, so I was starving as soon as I got in the weightloss stage.
Dr Kathleen Desmaisons is the creator of the program, and again, it is based on NO sugar, but lots of complex carbs, and for my body that was just too much.

Willeke

[tigeraspen]

Hi Barb! Welcome! You have been trough some ordeals. Hang in there. The support is great here.

Willeke,

Now I know what you are talking about. My cousin went on that program, but he is a skinny one.

I love the complex carbs however they do not love me. I was so tired before switching over, at 3 pm at work I would want to scream. I was exhuasted. Then I'd get home, get in bed and not be able to fall asleep. (part of that was job-stress related).

I am on celebrex for arthritis and norvasc for BP. I also take 1 or 1/2 xanex at bedtime if I need it. I'd like to consider getting off of meds but will take it in baby steps and under my Dr's supervision.


Ellen :daze: :roll: :daze: :roll: :daze: :roll: :daze: :roll: :daze: :roll:

[Joe1950]

I totally relate! I tried Atkins back in the 70's also and the pounds melted off and ketostix turned Deep Purple (another great band in addition to Country Joe!)

Now in almost a month, nothing seems to have happened. Sometimes the ketostix turn a little pink so I know I'm in ketosis. Also, craving for sweets has gone. But no weight loss!

[willeke]

Hi Ellen,
Yes, you're just as sensitive to carbs then as I am. I love bread and potatoes, but since I've been on Atkins, I don't mind not having them at all!
All medicines can influence your weightloss, I used to be on Istin for my bloodpressure, but have been off it now for about two months. I take L-carnitine and my BP is great - I measure it often just to keep an eye on it.
I understand about the Xanax, good idea to let your doctor help you with weaning off of that. If I can't sleep I take two vit B 1 (I think, it's thiamine) and that helps me relax and sleep.
I can't say my losing weight has much improved yet, since I've come off all those meds, but it may still happen!

cheers
Willeke

[willeke]

Hi Joe! I replied to you in my journal!
Willeke

[SueJ]

Last week I was prepared to post a good-bye to everyone. I'm on the longest stall in history! I lost about 5 lbs last November and nothing since. In fact, I've just kept regaining and losing the same couple of pounds for months now. But this WOE makes me feel good.

Everyone that I've recommended this too (all younger) I'm 53, has done really well. We eat our lunches together and discuss the plan ad nauseum.

Well, I've been following all the advice I've read on this forum and tried to do everything perfectly. I've also tried to figure out why it isn't working for me. I took tests to see if I had alergies that would cause the problem, ate extra fat, recorded everything on fitday, blamed myself for hidden carbs that I may have not known I was eating, blamed my mother for her cooking (see lives with me and at 84 is still underweight), you get the picture.

Well, I think I had a revelation...I'd been eating 10 times my goal weight in calories, and I believe that's the culprit. I started eating below 1000 a day, like I always used to do, and I'm down 2 lbs. Eureka! Maybe that 10x's rule works for the younger more lively crowd, but not for a mature, post-menupausal, non-athletic type like me (ha). My only exercise is walking, and then only when the weather is good.

So...how nice to meet you all! Maybe I'll stick around for a while longer. No one says you can't also count calories on this plan, even Atkins suggests watching your caloric intake. I'm eating plenty, but just made a few adjustments.

Thanks for starting this thread!

[TarHeel]

Sue: I just posted a note of encouragement in your journal. Check it out.....it looks as though you haven't been by your journal in a while.....

Kay

[tigeraspen]

Hi Sue! Nice to meet you!

Ellen

[SueJ]

Hey, this is working!!!

I can see the ounces melting away. I'm definitely down a full 2 pounds this week and can now see the scale moving down little below that.

Here's how my week has looked on average. I think my percentages are still very good. I'm just eating smaller quantities.

Average Calories
source grams cals %total
Total: 646
Fat: 46 413 65%
Sat: 18 166 26%
Poly: 5 49 8%
Mono: 14 128 20%
Carbs: 25 83 13%
Fiber: 4 0 0%
Protein: 34 138 22%
Alcohol: 0 0 0%

I was forcing myself to eat a lot more than I wanted before because of the 10x rule. I'm feeling great! I do take a fair number of supplements which I think is critical. I'm also keeping salt to an absolute minimum. Just a little and I retain water. Always did have that problem.

[willeke]

Hi Sue, it's great that you're losing weight, but are you serious? Are you really only eating 650 calries?? I cannot understand how you can functrion on so little - I know I couldn't. Don't you worry about starvation mode? Would it not be better if you took care to stay at 1600 cals or something?

I definitely don't want to rain on your parade, I'm just worried!!
take care
Willeke

[SueJ]

I'm ok, really. I have a very low metabolism, I only have a partial thyroid. I always ate under 1000 a day when I was at my ideal weight, but got far away from that as I got older. I've been on Atkins since last November and was eating an average of 1300+ a day and NOT losing at all.

I've decided this last week to go back to low carb/low calorie to see if it would work. So far, so good. I am eating enough, believe me. I'm just making the right choices.

We'll see how it goes, I'm giving it 2 weeks to see if I can just get things moving here.

Thanks for your concern.

[TarHeel]

Hi Sue: It's me again....Willeke is a very nice lady, in my experience, and it is easy to see why she would be concerned. But I am similar to you (as well as being 2 inches shorter) and understand what you are saying. In the past I have only been able to maintain or lose weight (no matter what I ate) on 1000 calories or less. Above that the pounds start creeping back up. I can JUMPSTART a low carb diet on a few more, up to maybe 1800 but no more than that. I am trying to be patient this time....hoping that I can have a little more to eat on low carb.....and at least I am not gaining. But I find myself energetic and feeling full on 1200 to 1400 calories, though I am not deliberately restricting them. It just comes out that way. I'm sure many folks out there would be ravenous and weak at that level. Even I would begin to feel a bit faint at less than 7 or 8 hundred. My point is that we are all different. It doesn't seem that your goal weight is unreasonable and over 5 months is a very long time to go without losing. I assume you are taking supplements. Not a long term solution, but you should be okay for the two week trial.

I do think you might be wise not to post your caloric intake publically on these boards, or you will continue to get concerned responses from extremely well meaning people.

Kay

[SueJ]

Hi Kay, and Willeke.

I reread my post to you Willeke, and I hope I wasn't sounding off base or anything. I'm just really finally losing weight and I guess I'm feeling like I've had a revelation.

I truly want Atkins to work. It just sounds so reasonable. And with everyone around me making it work, I know it's the right way to go about a healthy diet.

I'll keep on posting, but keep my calories to myself ;)

[Bankerchik]

Sue and Kay,

I think we're all old enough to know what works for our own personal bodies, and that's really how we make LCing and restricted calories work for us, don't you agree?

I've personally been on nearly every diet out there, at least briefly (some VERY briefly) and I know that higher protein, low carbs works best for me. When I restrict calories too much my metabolism slows down...and I just can't maintain the low, low calorie eating for long so soon I'm back eating far more and gaining weight. I'm also nearly 6' tall, which I suppose means my body needs more calories just to walk around.

As I said--we each know what works for US and that's what we should do, no matter what advice we get from others. I also think the age thing makes a big difference. When I was 30 I didn't have to do much to lose weight: eliminate snacks and desserts and it was done. After 35 it got more difficult and now each year that passes means more effort to lose just one pound.

I visited our local "Lo Carb Habit" store yesterday and the place was packed! They were giving out free samples of stuff, including tortilla chips and pizza, and even serve ice cream treats like shakes and sundaes, etc. I bought some Atkins shake mix and endulge bars (Kay you are right about those!!) and one bag of low carb pasta. But I know I have to take it easy on the LC treats and pasta, even, because they seem to get in the way of weight loss for me if I overdo it.

And now it's a new week--here's hoping we all have a great one and can update our stats with more good news this week.

LuWana

[willeke]

Hi Sue,
I'm glad you have that experience with your body, and I'm still just so amazed! Whenever I do 1000 calories, I just don't have any energy left whatsoever. Truly, all I can do then is get out of bed, "throw" the dogs out, and fall on my chair at my desk and work at the computer and I am so very very tired then all day! I know for I tried this again and again and had to stop every time because it just isn't practical for me.
And lose weight I do not that way ... that's why I was so surprised and sincerely concerned. I am glad you appreciated that I didn't mean anything critical! Do you still have energy, and do you have any medicine for your half thyroid? Let me know if you think I'm too nosy, I'm just truly interested!
And it's great that you now have found the way to lose weight again!

Willeke

[SueJ]

Hi Willeke,

Well, I realize 1000 may not be correct for lots of people, it's only 300 less than I was eating before. If you look at it that way, maybe it's not so bad.

I think I was 24 when I had my thyroid removed. At that time I was tested several times and told that what was left was working. It was not recommended that I go on any medication as long as I was able to keep my weight down. I've had it tested periodically and always told everything's fine. I just have always had one heck of a time losing, but it was always a lot easier when I was younger.

I truly have tons of energy after a week of cutting back. Yesterday, I did wind up with 1300 for the day, but my weekly average is below 1000. My carb count is 30 or less each day, and what I eat is the same as before, only a little less. I'm truly stopping eating as soon as I am full.

My mother lives with us and prepares the meals. She gets so mad a me if I don't eat everything she prepares or if I don't finish what's on my plate (she puts it all on there). :rolleyes: My husband and my children all cringe when it's time for dinner because it's usually a three-course carb plate. We're all carb consious.

She served left-overs last night, which is why my calories went up a little for the day. Our choices were ravioli and marinara sauce, hot wings, and potato salad. Needless to say, I ate the wings which were fine from a carb point of view, but high in calories.

So, anyway, I'm still down 2 lbs for the week, which I think is absolutely great after nothing for so long. One more week, and I'll assess how well this worked. If I go back to anything, it will only be going back to not counting calories, and maintaining the 30 carbs and under.

By the way, I appreciate your concern. It's so nice to have someone who cares.

[HLFAN]

Hi there, Tarheel, just found this thread. I sure remember Joe
MacDonald!!

I am a real slow loser too. I take a half dose (.3) Hrt each day. It's just the bare minimum to keep the hot flashes at bay. Well, I still get some but used to get several an hour, now it's only several a day.

I see you are retired. I'm still working and I work with lots of young guys. Hard to turn red and sweat all the time. :lol:

I'll be 53 next week. Although I have a gym membership, I sure don't use it enough. I do alot of gardening in the summer and walk the dog etc.

I was reading the thread about low calorie. Lo-cal does nothing for me. If it did I'd be pretty skinny. Low carb is going pretty slow but at least I am losing. Lo-cal I always seemed to end up heavier in the end :q: Why is that. I think I would get so hungry that eventually I'd give in and binge. Now my binge eating is history.

Funny, but for the last several years, the lower cal I went, the fatter I got. Starvation plays havoc on the mind!!!

Good luck to all, HL :wave:

[TarHeel]

Wow, HL, you have lost a LOT of weight! Very impressed.....Never had any trouble with hot flashes when I went through menopause at age 40, just lucky I guess. Though what did happen was changes in metabolism and the weight started adding up and not going away. I can lose weight on low calorie diets but can't stay on the diet. Eventually I get almost nauseous and feeling terribly deprived and before I know it I am no longer eating anything close to a low calorie diet. And then before I know it I am back to where I started. Low carb keeps me happy and satisfied and I can stick with it.

Yes, I am lucky to be able to be retired. Took early retirement from the state which means they don't really support me, but our small house was paid for and except for gardening expenses, we have a fairly low maintainence life style. Vacations are almost free as we tent camp.....except for having to board a rather frenetic dog. Her boarding fees are always much higher than any other part of our month long vacations. My husband is still working; he is younger than I, and except for the occasional filet mignon, we are doing fine. Having no kids helps.

I may have to look and see if Country Joe has a website and let him know that he is being memorialized here in this forum!

My best to you,

Kay

[JudeJudy]

Hi All :wave:

I just found this thread, so thought, seeing I'm over 50 (51) I'd stop in and say hey! I started on Atkins almost 5 weeks ago and have lost 5 lbs and that was very early on. I was hoping for a bit better pace, at least not a 4 week stall- but feeling so good with it, that I'm determined to give it my all. I haven't read the entire thread yet- but plan on lurkin around here in the future ;)


Best of Luck to All!

Jude :rose:

[willeke]

Hi Jude!
I am a very slow loser, too, and maybe it's an idea for you to go and look at the Turtle Club here on this forum. There is a sticky here with all kinds of things that may be the cause that you lose weight slower than you think you shuold.
It may help!
cheers
Willeke

[Pat S.]

Hello Everyone,
Thought I would drop in and say hi.:) I have changed diets since I was last here and I love it I don't know why but Atkins didn't agree with me I kept trying to think it did but it didn't. The South Beach Diet I found is a lowcarb diet also but with a few twists like dessert every night like FF Fudgesicles or a Ricotta Creme.
Good Luck to us all. Pat S

[Meadow]

While I see that no one has posted here for awhile, I figured I would introduce myself anyhow. I'm 53, post menapausal. I've always been a yo-yo dieter, which I know messed up my metabolisim. I tried low-carb years ago, with no success. I seem to be more calorie sensitive, and always have had success with reducing calories...but ristricting calories was not sucessful for me in the long term, because I would soon grow tired of not eating and give up...always gaining more weight. After a total hysterectomy it seems nearly imposible to lose weight. I went back to low carb for a year.... lost 5 lbs and gained 10 when I got discouraged. Almost gave up. Then I hit upon a plan that I feel I will be able to live with the rest of my life. I'm doing a combination of lower carb and protion restriction. Notice I did not say calorie restriction. I don't count calories at all... I simply try to control the portions of what ever I do eat. Notice I also didn't say low carb... I do lower carb where my carb intake in about 40 to 60 carbs a day, but on occasion it my go higher. So far I'm doing well. I fell great and can eat most anything which will keep me on this WOE. That's been a major downfall for me in the past...I would start to crave foods. Not just foods full of carbs, but just food in general. I found that for me... to deny myself something for long periods of time, just cause me to crave it more. Anyhow, I'm still a turtle for sure, but at least I am seeing results which means that my head is not in my shell...right? LOL!

I've rambled on long enough. Just felt like sharing. Good luck everyone!

[Pat S.]

Hi Meadow,
Looks like there are two of us here. You know your diet sounds like the one I am on. The South Beach Diet isn't a lowcarb or low calorie is more a low glycemic. I wish you and I luck and anyone else who is reading this. :wave: Pat S

[tigeraspen]

Hi Meadow and Hi Pat,

I too have switched over to South Beach. Cutting down on the dairy and eating more veggies have really helped me out.

I basically low carb everyday and on special occasions, I will have a special meal and not overdo the carbs.

Keep up the good work!

Ellen :wave: :daze: :spin: :roll: :spin: :daze: :wave:

[Pat S.]

Hi Ellen,
I really am glad I am running into more people eating this way I know I sure feel better. There is a list at yahoo for ladies older that have started the diet SBD. I don't know if I am allowed to put the address on this site or not. If you want it let me know and I will email it to you. Pat S

[tigeraspen]

Hi Pat,

Send me the address via private message. Thanks.

Today was my administrative assitant's birthday, so I ate ice cream pie and went off the wagon. Tonight I will have some Vhick parm and a bit of pasta, the BACK ON TOMORROW.

Yes, I feel great!

Thanks for the reply!

Ellen :wave:

[Pat S.]

Hi Ellen,
I just private messaged you the address. Pat S

[abouttime]

i too just found this thread. I am 50 and started Atkins about a month ago. Did great the first week. Seem to hit that proverbial brick wall. Glad to wee that others are in the same boat. I have had no cravings and really am not hungry.
I was hoping that the fat would roll of quicker but I have lost 9 1/2 inches.
I need to ask since I am fairly new here, what does WOE stand for. Also, where can I find some information on the South Beach Diet that so many of you talk about.
Good luck to all. Stay with it. Slow losing is better that fast gaining!

[tigeraspen]

http://prevention.com/cda/feature2002/0,4780,5345,00.html

Abouttime....Here is some information on the South Beach way of eating (WOE). My fat is not rolling off but I feel so much better. :)

I bought the book. It did not tell me much of anything I did not already know but it does appear to have some wonderful recipes.

Never the less, I love diet books and find them inspirational. South Beach Diet has a great cover, almost like a summer novel.

It seems to be similar to the Zone for those of you familiar or Atkins ongoing weight loss.

Pat...thanks for the message.

Ellen :sunny:

[TarHeel]

Dear AboutTime: If you have lost almost 12 pounds in a month, you are doing amazingly well! Congratulations....the truth , if you start reading many of the posts around here, is that while Atkins was right and a great man, the stories in his books of incredible quick weight loss are pretty much apocryphal.

Slow and steady does win the race. And I, for one, find this a very comfortable WOE....which is, since you ask, "way of eating".

Aside from meeting some marvelous people here, I think the one thing that has impressed and helped me is the advice to drink at least 100 ounces of water a day. Preferably more. I have a hard time doing that, but every time I manage it, two days later I am down a pound. And there seems to be nothing else in my eating pattern to explain it. There are folks here who have tried to explain it over and over (bless them) but it still makes no really logical sense to me.....I am only a believer because my scales seem to prove it true.

Another piece of advice: Start a journal here. Mine is called "We shall See", not because I was questioning my ability to keep eating low carb, but because I was sure I wouldn't be able to keep up a journal. HAH! It keeps growing like Topsy....people here are so very supportive and great fun as well.

Good luck to you....you are off to a terrific start,

Kay

[tigeraspen]

Here is my crustless quiche recipe....

Ellen’s Crustless Quiche

1 package (high end) frozen chopped spinach
1+ cup shredded cheese
¾ cup sour cream
6 eggs
3 cloves crushed garlic
½ chopped onion
½ tea. Pepper
Dash of nutmeg
2 tab butter

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Thaw and cook spinach, cool, and press out excess moisture

Sauté minced onion and garlic in butter

Beat eggs with sour cream and spices

Mix spinach into egg mixture.

Spray a 9x9 non-stick baking pan.

Place mixture into pan. Top with shredded cheese.

Bake at 350 approximately 25 minutes, until a knife comes out clean and the mixture is not jiggly. Low broil the top cheese until light brown.


Enjoy!!!!!

Ellen

[tigeraspen]

Ooophs....another question

Where is the hamburger quiche recipe?

Thanks a bunch...

Ellen :wave:

[marilynuuu]

:wave:
I am 58. I am disabled. I have lost more wt than it usually says on the left side. 53 pounds since Sept 1,2003
I understand every post so I just joined this thread. I have stayed the same wt for 2 months. I was not attempting to loss during this period. I needed to prove to myself that I would not inhale and gain it all back.
When I was losing I was going to an indoor pool and water walking 3 x a wk. The kids have taken that over and it is,as of yet , to cold to swim outside.
I am unable to walk 20 yards if not in water with a noodle or other float device.
I have made some of the soy breads and muffins on the LC recipe forum. It helped my drive to eat bread. My teen even approves of most of them.
I need to get stimulated and involved again.

[scottjan]

Hi! I am 57 and so very delighted to have found this thread. I think we need our own place on the boards and not just in the turtle club. Who do we ask?

For our age, we haven't done so badly. In fact, I think we have done very well.

Often when I am reading the boards on Adkins, I think these are young people who don't really have a handle on this wol (way of life) or woe (way of eating). Usually, they are more concerned about weightloss than in health improvement. :daze:

I lost well at first, but am slowing down. But my health improves everyday. I feel so much better!!!!!! What more can I ask?

[TarHeel]

Hi Scottjan: I understand about your reaction to "the kids". However, I find most of them are much more aware of what their diet is doing to/for them than I ever was at their age. It can be a bit of a shock to realize that so many folks here were not born until long after we graduated from high school.

One even begins to pick up on the lingo. (I'm not sure if this is a good thing or not). But a good part of my life these days is spent at my elderly father's retirement community, and the younger folks on these boards present a refreshing balance.

Every now and then, I find myself skipping as I walk someplace. Then I stop and think: Is this a seemly thing for an almost 60 year old lady to be doing? I still feel like a kid in so many ways. So I think I will keep skipping if I feel like it.

Good luck to you Feel free to stop by my journal and visit me.

Kay

[scottjan]

Hi TarHeel!

Please accept my apology for the comment on young people. I have been "putting my big foot in my mouth" everytime I turn around today. I did not realize my comment was so negative.

Many of their comments are very helpful and I have used many of their suggestions. They are a very bright group and very concerned with improving their lives.

I hope I haven't offended anyone unintentionally.

I was just so happy to have found a thread concerning people closer to my age. I would love to hear more from these people about their successes, trials, and tribulations.

Thank you for starting the over 50 topic.

[Pat S.]

Hi Scottjan,
I am glad you found this thread. I understand what you ment it is different for younger people. I for one am not going to work towards wearing a bikini to many wrinkles I would have to iron me before I tried :rolleyes: Pat S

[JudeJudy]

Hello Everyone :wave:

Its been awhile since my first visit ...so nice to see some new faces here :)

Marilyn~ I have found great support in the forum here..so you have come to the right place for stimulation and involvement! AND~~~53 lbs! what an achievement! :thup: Are you thinking of starting a journal? :)

[marilynuuu]

I have never gotten into the journal portion that is offered on this site. Maybe it would help me get going again. I will start reading some other members journals.
The one I have read , a long time ago, had a lot of writing each day. I have never been very wordy.
I have to see if there is spell check there. I am so spoiled by having it.
How many of you journal? Do you do a daily entry or a wkly? Lead me to your sites so I can get the idea. Do you think doing a journal has helped your food program?
The only thing I have to compare it to is the time I spent in OA and the sharing I did there. I loved that and kept my wt down for 5+ yrs. Then OA died in this state. Atkin's is the only other......non medication thing......that has really worked for me.
At this point in my life I have to take certain medications and diet meds are out.
We have our first warm sunny day in a wk. I have shorts on and feel good about wearing them. How nice to feel ok with me.

[TarHeel]

Scottjan: No apology needed. As with everything else, you have to pick and choose whose journals you follow, and it's easy to discover which members are really working on low carbing in a realistic way.

Marilynuuu: Many of us in this thread have journals. Just click on the word "journal" at the end of each post, and you will be led to that member's journal.

There's no need to be wordy in your own journal, and you can make up any schedule you like for how often you post to it. Sorry, there is no spell check (I hate that part, too), but you can always write your post somewhere else (I use my email), spell check there, and then cut and paste into the journal. What I find most helpful about it is the support one gets from others once they get to know you a bit. I also think it keeps me honest.....if I don't stick to the diet, I wouldn't feel comfortable posting in my journal, and I REALLY, REALLY don't want to lose the journal!

WARNING: Journalling on this forum is highly addictive!!

Good luck,
Kay

[penelope]

I am over 50.I have been looking around for some explanation for my very slow loss.

http://menopausediet.com/News/digestion.htm

This site help me do my Atkins .

I just mix the two. I love reading journals but I am a terrible writer.
I am suffering from English as a second language and no spellcheck.This very nice to meet you all.
:) Pene

[TarHeel]

Pene: That was really interesting....never heard most of that before. And I've been post menopausal for almost 20 years. Can't say that I found it "cheery", but it was interesting. Thanks for posting it. And welcome to this thread.

Kay

[Pat S.]

Hello Pene,
I am glad you joined us don't worry about your spelling I have been trying for years to get it right.;)
Pat S

[bevbme]

I'm 53 now-went through menopause 4 or 5 years back. Weight gain all went to my belly. Not that I was thin before but carried extra in my hips/bust. Hourglass figure but not a pretty one.
This weight makes me short of breath and not able to move well its got to go.

I have hot flashes after any food intake do these go on forever?

HRT not an option-about the time I think I want them they come out with all this bad news,

Weight loss stalled since February.Low carb may not be for me

[gerriz]

Hi All, well I'm heading around the corner to 61 and it sure is harder to lose. Although I did great on Induction(13 lbs, 2wks) I have slowed down to about 1 lb a week. I know I'm not as active as I use to be, the old joints creak and moan and let me know when they've had enough. So even though it's slow it's relatively easy, and being retired I have more time to cook and prepare the right food. I love it, wish I would have started 15 yrs ago.

[TarHeel]

Hi: Just checking in. I guess it depends upon how much one enjoys eating low carb stuff. My weight loss is really, really slow, but it continues, eventually, and I don't feel like I am missing anything. I have a couple of alcoholic drinks, not sweet ones, every evening, and while I bet the loss might be a bit faster if I didn't have them, I'm trying to do something I can stay one without feeling as though I am on a deprivation diet.

I'm sorry to say (well, not sorry, but sorry I cannot commiserate) that I didn't have any real problems during menopause. However, my body temperature seemed to undertake a major change, so that I now have a really narrow window of comfort. I'm freezing below 69 and hot above 73 now.

And yes, my joints creak. And since doing this lc business, when I am down on my knees planting in the garden, my feet cramp up and give me fits trying to find a comfortable position. Other than that, life is fine....

Kay

[dancermom]

Can I join you guys? I remember Coutry Joe! I even dragged my 12 year old to a Lovin' Spoonful show at Epcot last week. I'm 50, having all sorts of health problems, and I've lost and regained the same 15 pounds about four times in the last year or so. I need to stick this time, a "support group" would sure help. I've started using Fitday religiously, I think that will help. And I visited a Women's gym close by this week, that's progress, isn't it? I'm going to go for a visit next week, but I'm allergic to most chemicals and not sure it's going to work out. May have to do it at home with tapes. Diana

[abouttime]

welcome, Diana.
This is a great place to be for support. i have had many question answer just wondering thru the different threads. It has helped to keep me on track. My loss has has been slow but steady and thats OK.
Also you can fine some great recipes so thinks don't get boring.
hAPPY LCing, Ginger

[StarAnise]

I am so glad to find this site. I have posted plea after plea about my slow loss. My entire office is on Atkins. Their average weight loss is about 11 pounds a week. Me, I have lost 5 pounds since April 20, 2003. I am 60 and do kickboxing 5 to 6 days a week and lift weights. My co-workers do not exercise and one is older than me. I am sticking with it, but it sure does get difficult at times - especially when the scales do not budge.

Should I be counting calories and watching the amount of meat I eat?

[scottjan]

Were you that active before you started Adkins? Just a thought that you already may have much more muscle than most of us when we started. Losing inches is great, maybe even greater than pounds. :hyper:

I have stalled too on the scale, but the inches are going down. Now, I am eating more calories, enjoying eating and living this way. I have many more pounds to lose than you, but I feel so much better. It's a difference between night and day.

I think you are doing great to have the energy to kickbox and lose inches. When looking at your journal, I agree that many much more knowledgeable people on this board may be able to offer some hints if you posted what you have been eating.

Just remember that turtles are much cuter than hares and at times do win the race. :dazzle:

Good luck!!!! :rheart:

[TarHeel]

Hi StarAnise: I checked out your other posts, so as not to recreate the wheel. One thing I can add, about the lack of change in the ketostix, is that I was getting positive results from mine for about a month, and then they stopped changing at all. And I had not added anything new into my eating plan. Finally went and bought a new bottle of them, and they again showed ketosis. Someone on this forum said that they go "bad" quite quickly when any moisture gets into the bottle.

And since I was born in New Orleans, I do know that it is "moist" there. Just a thought. But it is also true that some people just never get positive results from the ketostix. So who knows?

While the slow weight loss I (and you) are experiencing is very frustrating, it helps me to realize that if I were not doing this, I would probably be adding on a half pound or so a month.....so if you substract that from your net loss, it is a bit more encouraging.

Hang in there,

Kay

[Lorilynne]

:wave: Just checking in. Been doing pretty good on diet. Thinking about looking into South Beach Diet. Anyone tell me what is different about it from Atkins . Have alot of garden work to do. Raining as usual. Does anyone have polymyalgia r ? Everyone have a great day.

[gapgirl420]

Hello Everyone,

Just read through all these posts and realize that Hey! I'm a COUNTRY JOE FAN TOO!!!! Hope you don't mind my pushing my way in.

I'm 51 yrs old...over weight all my life...menepausal....take PAXIL,
HRT, battling a pinched nerve that forces me to take pain pills, sedintary lifestyle, carbaholic 100% :thdown:

I've been trying to begin a LOW CARB LIFE STYLE for quite a while, but every time I do, something pushes me back 50 paces!
I buy everything that I need to do it, begin and then something disheartens me and I grab the carbs to sooth myself! :mad:

I've told my storey in this forum so many times, that I've really tired of doing it...I feel like a failure to everyone on this board.
I'm one of those people who owns absolutely EVERY BOOK on the market and can tell ANYONE HOW TO DO THE PLAN, but I can't seem to practice what I preach!

I know that coming here every day is the key to success, but ...there's that BUT again....

I NEED HELP.....PLEASE!!!!!

GAP

[scottjan]

I see your diet is meat and green vegetables. Do you exclude sugar as well? What else do you do? Exercise?

Do you feel better when following you woe? That has been my greatest benefit.

I also had a blood sugar spike before I began Atkins which has helped me stay on the straight and narrow. I'm not really tempted to eat anything I shouldn't because I know what can happen with diabetes. Thankfully, my sugar level stablized by the time I tested again within a month.

Good luck with your woe!

[gapgirl420]

Hi,

I try NOT TO EAT sugar...it's never been my downfall, I'm fromthe SOUTH and it's been all fried food and gravies all my life..ALTHOUGH...I am so surprised to see just how much sugar there is in everything you eat...I try to stay clean and not eat preservatives...I'm doing better, and hope this COUNTRY JOE bunch can give me the support that I need!

GAP

[Chris Rob]

Hi
I'm closer to 60 than 50, and EVERYTHING is slower, especially the thinking process...soooo slow weight loss should not be a suprise to us 'more mature' folk... but it is sure frustrating. Keep plugging away there, thats what I am doing and sooner or later something has to give... either the elastic in my knickers or the fat beneath my skin......preferably the later... getting a bit long in tooth the the former!!!!

[jude]

Just wanted to share some good news. My Mom, who turns 82 next month, started Atkins June 14 and weighed herself this morning for the first time--10 pounds gone in 9 days!

judy

[scottjan]

Does this prove we are never too old to lose!!!!

Tell your Mom congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

She is doing much better than I did.

[jude]

Damn straight! IMHO, there's no "easy" age to lose weight. When I think of all the times in my 20's and 30's when I starved while eating food I hate, only to gain everything back....was that supposed to be an "easy" age to lose weight? Could'a fooled me!

In comparison, low carb is a breeze. Sure, the weight loss is slow, but who cares? The food is great and I know I can do this forever.

Thanks for the congrats, Scottjan,,,,I'll pass the word along to my Mom. She doesn't have a computer, so she's missing the forum support. She's already convinced one neighbour to try low carb.

judy

[scottjan]

Hi Jude,

I was so busy thinking about your mom that I overlooked the fact that you have been very, very successful with lcing. Many congratulations to you too.

Some day I hope to add to my success, but for now I have slowed to a crawl and then a standstill.

[jude]

Thanks, Scottjan!

These days I know exactly what you mean about "slow". I lost 40 lbs in the first 5 months, but only 13 in the last 6 months. Can't seem to get my carbs above 30 w/o gaining and now that my weight is down, I also have to watch the calories--it's pretty easy to go over 10x with the kind of food I've come to enjoy (like butter and whipping cream) on this woe.

Congratulations on your loss so far! You're doing great! Don't worry about slowing down. It happens to everyone. I think "stalling" is the most popular subject on this forum.

I think the worst thing is not knowing why we've stalled. It's simple (if not easy) to fix something if you know why it's "broke". For me, I know its a combination of not keeping track of the food and a major procrastination with exercise.

judy

[Chris Rob]

Hi Jude!


I thought Cals were not important on LO-Carb , so perhaps that is one of the reasons I am in a major stall... five weeks ....nothing.... a gain if anything. anyway, how many cals should one be eating? I am in the process of comming off HRT so am hoping that will help. Are you checking Ketones? I find it really difficult to stay in the "pink" even though I am still not eating more than 20 carbs a day ( I have a carb counter, so Im micro-managing)

[jude]

Hi Chris,

You're right, we don't usually worry about calories, but if they do become an issue, it's usually because we aren't eating enough. There's no hard and fast rule, but generally you should be eating 10 to 12 times your current weight. There's a thread in the Newbies section under "Hot Links" about this.

Are you recording at Fitday? When I first started low carbing, I was surprised to discover that I was only eating 900 calories a day once I got rid of all the high carb food.

I'm no expert, but another possibility in your case is that you don't have much to lose. It seems the fewer pounds you need to lose, the slower the rate of loss.

I've never bothered worrying about ketones--the scales are enough of an obsession for me!

Hang in there!

judy

[Chris Rob]

jude
looking back, I may have been bit low on cals..I think! somewhere in the range of 1000 -1700 a couple of days lower. I weigh 155 and should be at 140, so I do have 15 to lose, however not so concerned if it takes a while, just dont want to gain. I thought if you cut cals, weight came off, how come its different when LC-ing

[jude]

Hi Chris,

Don't quote me on the science, but basically we need a certain number of calories to avoid going into starvation mode--that's when your body hangs on to the weight. Here's a link to an earlier thread in "Hot Links" that explains it better.

http://forum.lowcarber.org/showthread.php?s=&postid=302541#post302541

I just know that time after time here, I've seen posts from people who increase their calories and start losing again. I suspect you're feeling the same way I did in the beginning, but that's the old brainwashing. Honest! Eating fat is a good thing.

judy

[jude]

Hi Chris,

Here's a link where you can calculate your BMR.

http://www.healthyontario.com/english/health_tools/calc_bmr.asp?channel_id=4&text_id=240

Judy

[Chris Rob]

Thanks Judy

I am going to up those pesky cals to 1600 and see what happens
this woe is a deal better than WW etc etc etc

Appreciate yore support

[penelope]

http://www.radiantrecovery.com/soy4303html.htm

Many of us were seduced by the claims that soy is the all-powerful solution to hormone shifts. And we had a lot of it. Soy powder in shakes, soy lattes, soymilk as an alternative to dairy, soy cheese, edame at the sushi store, tofu quick and easy. We started getting a little tubbier; we felt that our metabolism wasn't quite right. We had tests and nothing showed but we knew something was operating. From what I have read, overuse of soy can certainly contribute to many of these subtle concerns we have had.

I read a lot more on this site

:nono:Pene

[Morgan1974]

I'm not sure where to post this; please move it, moderator, if there is a more appropriate place.

I am almost 60 years old, and it is so much slower to lose weight on this WOE than it was when I first tried it in 1973. There are probably a variety of reasons (retired now and much more sendentary, the "diet" has evolved into something which allows a good many more vegetables, etc) but some of it MUST have to do with the fact that my metabolism has changed a lot in the past 30 years.

So I would l especially like to hear from folks who are closer to my age (as well as ANYONE on these boards). I will settle for anyone who has a Country Joe and The Fish album somewhere in their closet. Heck, I will settle for anyone who even knows who
Country Joe is!

Kay

<font color="brown"><B>Well, I'm not sure who "Country Joe" is, but "I was country, when country wasn't cool" if that counts. :wiggle:

Also, I am going on 60 and, YES, it is much harder to lose weight as this age! I used to have to eat like a truck driver to maintain my weight, now I have to eat like a sparrow to keep from LOOKING like a truck driver! (No offense to truck drivers!)

Moderation, Exercise, Moderation, Exercise, Moderation, Exercise.....that is my mantra! Atkins is the first WOE that has allowed me to lose weight so I'm pretty excited about it. Now if my recent boo boo would heal so I could get back to exercising, I'd be a happy camper!

Oh, I guess I got off course. Yes, there is someone else on here almost 60! Howdy!! :lol:

Morgan :yay:

[TarHeel]

Welcome, Morgan---Nice to hear from you. After reading your post in the comments about the new board format, I sent you a private message. I'm hoping you know how to open one of those! At any rate, you sound like you're about in the same place as I am in navigating around in here. I'm no more lost with the new features than I was with the old ones....but I really like some of the things they have added. For example, I can now use the quote feature properly (though may forget how by tomorrow) and I can now use the smilies. And do you see this purple?

It looks as though you have been more successful "navigating" your weight loss....very nice stats indeed. Boy, there are a lot of folks from Seattle in this forum. Some of my favorite members are Seattlites (if that is the term).

Wishing you continued success to your goal,
Kay

[Auburn2932]

Guess I'm the really old one in here. I am 71. I've been on Atkins since the day after Easter this year, so far I've lost about 9-10 lbs, it varys on days. Very slow going for me. I am VERY active, walk dog twice a day, do all our yard work, mowing etc. go to a health club and lift weights and use machines, have been swimming every day since it has gotten hot also, also use a Tony Little walking machine. Very very hard for me to lost any weight, have battled with it all my life, At one time after I had my second son, I weighted 201 lbs. that was the heaviest I've ever been though. My weight for the past 20 or more years stays about 145. I'd like to be 129! Would be ideal for me, hope someday I;ll make it.

[Morgan1974]

Welcome, Morgan---Nice to hear from you. After reading your post in the comments about the new board format, I sent you a private message. I'm hoping you know how to open one of those! At any rate, you sound like you're about in the same place as I am in navigating around in here. I'm no more lost with the new features than I was with the old ones....but I really like some of the things they have added. For example, I can now use the quote feature properly (though may forget how by tomorrow) and I can now use the smilies. And do you see this purple?

It looks as though you have been more successful "navigating" your weight loss....very nice stats indeed. Boy, there are a lot of folks from Seattle in this forum. Some of my favorite members are Seattlites (if that is the term).

Wishing you continued success to your goal,
Kay

<font color="brown"><B> Hi!! Yes, I did receive your private message and answered it immediately. I hope you received it because, like I said before, I just kind of click my way around; not quite sure what I'm doing.

It looks like we're about the same weight also. I'm kind of having a problem right now. I have been faithfully exercising everyday for about 3 weeks and was seeing the results already. Then I had a freak accident and hurt my tailbone, hip and leg. The doctor said I have to take it easy for a few weeks! Well, if I stop exercising now I'm afraid I'll never get back to it! Very frustrating! I do the "Walk Away The Pounds" tape and really like it. Hopefully, I can get back to it soon!

Thanks for the private message. It's nice to know others my age who are having the same struggles. It's so frustrating to me because I never had a weight problem until I quit smoking and started antidepressants; POW!! 30 pounds weight gain immediately! That's the weight I'm trying to get off now. I'm sorry to say I started smoking again (shame on me) and I'm proud to say I gave up the antidepressants. Who needs them? I feel great now! I haven't lost all the weight, but feel so much better, I know I'll make it....eventually.

Best of luck with your goals too! This menopause really makes it difficult, too. Let's face it...we women just flat get a raw deal all the way around. Grrrrrrrr

Talk to you later!
Morgan :yay:

[Bart]

: :)
HI
This looks like a great form, I turned 61 this year , and yes
the pounds seem to be comeing off slow, only about10#
so far. I'm not sure ,because i didn't weigh myself right away
when i started.
I did take my measurements in the beginning though and
as of today i've lost 9.5''
Bart : : :roll:

[Chris Rob]

Hi Bart

Sounds like you are doing great... good reduction, I am still struggling, but feel so good, dont really care too much anymore.. it will happen over time, ty

[rainopal]

I remember Country Joe and The Fish and the First Woodstock, and I'm even older than you are. How about Canned Heat? So glad I found your thread. Its encouraging to find others my age who are also finding it is harder to lose than when we were younger.
Lets just keep on encouraging one another and we'll make it. I read a posting on another board that inspired me. "Slow progress sure beats having things get steadily worse."

[scottjan]

Hi Rainopal,

"Slow progress sure beats having things get steadily worse."

That's a great quote; one that I will try to remember when I am feeling down!

[zandria72]

Hi Tarheel! Hey, I'm 30, and I know who Country Joe is! LOL

I'm just putting in a shameless plug for my mom who recently joined the site and has been lamenting about how few people have visited her journal. Her handle here is Lensesplus -- maybe you can con her into stopping in here. :)

[katrine77]

It's been a while since I've posted, but I've checked in a few times. I have a question for all you post menopausal women.
I seem to have just now really started to skip periods which means, from what I understand, that I am smack-dab in menopause.
Been in perimenopause for years, noticing many changes in menstruation, but never skipped one.
Everything I read says "expect to gain weight' during this time. This is so discourageing to me, cuz, I have spent my whole life being overweight and now, with this WOE, I am finally really LOSING weight/inches and feel great! I can't believe that I will be GAINING now that menopause has hit. I am also wondering if that might contribute to long stalls..... like the natural weight gain of menopause is being cancelled out by this WOE and vice versa. Which means...homeostasis! EEK! I hope I am way off on this. I would love to hear from others.

Also, I wanted to share with you all that I have been using herbs to counteract night sweats and hot flashes. Started having them pretty bad about 3 months ago, and since taking herbal tinctures regularly,I haven't had ANY night sweats and the hot flashes are barely noticeable adn usually occur after I eat something spicy or sip a glass of wine.

kathy :yay:

[Chris Rob]

Hi Katrine77

I really dont believe that menopause necessary means weight gain, it may be a fine excuse for many of us. I have been on HRT and have , this week, finally weaned off them so I could be eating my words in the next month or so, though I was told that HRT causes weight gain.. so who knows. What I do know is that weight loss for me is tediously slow, and that could be linked to age and menopause. but I feel so much better that I look better so the wol works. Havnt had any bad hot flashes yet, but just in case, what herbs are you taking? anyway, good luck with everything, I am sure you will sail through the whole thing and still lose weight albeit a little slower!

[katrine77]

Hi chrisee
I purchased tincture of motherwort and a tincture of chaste tree berry. But so far, I have only used the motherwort. My daughter is studying herbs and says that the tincture (herbs in an alcohol base) is much more effective then capsules, tea or pills.

I had a night of sweating back in May where I was waking up every 30 min with a sweat, kicking all the blankets off till I cooled down, covering up again only to have it start all over again. I wouldn't have minded so much except that I was losing sleep!

I started taking a dropperfull of motherwort before bed and upon waking in the morning. (under the tongue...and it tastes pretty bad so keep your water bottle nearby!). Within a few days, it all stopped! And no hot flashes during the day!

Now I only take it at bedtime. Still no hot flashes or sweats! Knock on wood!

And thanks for the encouragement and advice. You are sooooo right about the feeling better and looking better because of that. I have been getting the same results here, I feel great most of the time and I get compliments all the time now....and not about weight loss....just about 'glowing' and looking good.

Good luck with going off the HRT. I hope you have the same luck with the herbs that I have had so far.

Kathy :wiggle:

[Morgan1974]

Hi Katrine77

I really dont believe that menopause necessary means weight gain, it may be a fine excuse for many of us.

Unfortuneately, Menopause does mean weight gain in the stomach; there is plently of research to back it up. However, you can exercise, do crunches and eat properly and keep it in check. If you don't, it will definitely take residency around your middle. Now, whether you gain all over with menopause, I've never heard of that so I can't say. But if you don't want that menopausal belly, you better get used to eating properly and exercising. That's just a fact. :agree:

[TarHeel]

Hi Folks: I didn't respond to this at first, as I went through menopause at age 40 and had almost no bad effects as far as hot flashes, etc. And as I have gained and lost weight so many times in my life, it is hard to blame it on any one factor. (Other than eating too damn much for my height and exercise habits!)

However, I think Morgan may be correct about the increased weight moving to the belly. I am the same weight now that I was in 1989, and then I could wear my test jeans quite comfortably. I can wear them now, even zip them up and sit down and still breathe.....but they are definitely not comfortable over a period of time wearing them.

In fact, I wore them for about six hours the other day, and the next day it seemed as though I had "bruised" my stomach.....Oh, well. Ain't life fun?

Kay

[joizienew]

Hi everyone, how do I join here. I am 63 and just moved to Tennessee. I could use some people to talk to that are around my age bracket. I started the protein diet about three weeks ago and so far the problem of constipation is being worked on. I also started exercising, walking in the a.m and going to a fitness center twice a week. My energy level has increased and I'm feeling really good. I've lost about 7 pounds so far, but my body is looking much better. It's no doubt the combination of low carbs and exercise. I am not so bloated. Please respond anyone....

[Morgan1974]

Hi everyone, how do I join here. I am 63 and just moved to Tennessee. I could use some people to talk to that are around my age bracket. I started the protein diet about three weeks ago and so far the problem of constipation is being worked on. I also started exercising, walking in the a.m and going to a fitness center twice a week. My energy level has increased and I'm feeling really good. I've lost about 7 pounds so far, but my body is looking much better. It's no doubt the combination of low carbs and exercise. I am not so bloated. Please respond anyone....

It looks like you have already joined. I didn't think you could post unless you were a member. I could be wrong, though, it wouldn't be the first time! LOL Welcome and good luck! Yes, constipation is sometimes a problem with me, too. Not exactly sure why because it's only now and then. Maybe not enough fiber; maybe too much. Dunno! :rolleyes: Well, I guess I wasn't much help, was I? Again, welcome!

Morgan :yay:

[joizienew]

thanks for the welcome. I guess I am in. I have just started the fiber supplement and think that I will be OK, (that is as soon as I get over the consequences of the laxitive I took) I am looking forward to coming here daily to exchange ideas, etc.

[Chris Rob]

Actually, you are probably right about the belly fat..this is the hardest area for me to lose weight, but I do think the old menopause is an excuse for lots of us to give up the battle of the bulge... and what about those featherless bat wings that have taken the place of my arms.. where the hell did they come from?

[TarHeel]

Chris: Those bat wings did not come from me: I still have mine.

Kay

[TarHeel]

Joisynew: I posted to you in your journal.

Kay

[joizienew]

Oh chrisee, how I hate those flappy flabby things that are hangin down under my upper arms. I don't really see them often but I'm sure others do. I have just started going to a fitness center and working out. I wonder if anything I do will affect those little monsters.

[joizienew]

I am also having some hot flashes since I stopped the estrogen therapy. (currently no insurance so I had to stop all medications) I would like to try the motherwort if I can find it. I had a great breakfast this a.m. due to finding low carb bread. I was able to have one slice of toast with my egg, (only 7 carbs per slice) It made all the difference. The bread is called 'Nature's Own' and I fouind it at Super Fresh Grocery Store. It's real bread, (not like the low carb stuff I made in the past). On the bread wrapper is a web site www.naturesownbread.com

[Chris Rob]

Kay


you are too funny!!!

[Chris Rob]

joizienew

I have been working out for about a month now, and do see a liitle reduction in the bat wings... not a marked inprovement though... think sleeves is probably the only acceptable solution. Who was it who coined the term "Golden years"? someone with a sick sense of humor, or worse yet someone who hadn't reached them yet,I bet.

Off to buy some Natures own bread. sounds like heaven- a slice of bread.
Is this what it comes down to? happyness - a slice of bread!!

[joizienew]

I had to jump on and add this. Today when I was walking in the park, (I carry 3lb bar-bells when I walk to help out with the upper body and arms) well, anyway, a guy was passing me and stopped to say, "wow, those are really big bar-bells". I replied, "thanks, and there getting even bigger since I started carrying these 3lb weights around." It was great to have a laugh, I gave myself a pat on the back for being brave enough to take a risk with a perfect stranger.

[joizienew]

I have to admit that this morning, in place of sex, drugs and rock and roll, a slice of toast with my egg was the untimate thrill.

[Morgan1974]

Actually, you are probably right about the belly fat..this is the hardest area for me to lose weight, but I do think the old menopause is an excuse for lots of us to give up the battle of the bulge... and what about those featherless bat wings that have taken the place of my arms.. where the hell did they come from?

All I know is when it's 20 below in the winter and everyone is in heavy coats, hats and gloves, and I'm sitting around in a T-shirt fanning myself with my "fertility" fan (as I call it), and the sweat is running down my face....it's difficult to blame it on anything BUT menopause; that's no excuse, it's reality for me. :lol:

As far as the bat wings go, SO FAR I've escaped that but do not believe those are connected to menopause in any way. However, I do lift weights everyday (light ones) and that may keep the arms in check. But hey, if I develop "bat wings" in time, I'll just count myself lucky and FLY south to visit my family! :angel:

Morgan :yay:

[joizienew]

Yeah! I finally got a picture where I wanted it. Couldn't make it any bigger but at least it's there. Thanks for all your help everyone.

[joizienew]

Hi everyone, I have been working out at a fitness center at my work. (it's free to staff) I even have a personal trainer. Now I am wondering what I will look like with muscles. I really want to tone up and lifting the weights helps my Fibromyalgia pain, but I'm big boned to start with and I am having scary pictures in my head of being a big muscular freak. Wow, I'm I anxiety ridden or what! I can always find something to worry about. My trainer says muscles look good. So now I'm trying to turn off my own head and just pump iron. Oh, and I'm winning the battle of the constipation saga.

[scottjan]

Good for you joizienew!

I just bet working out makes you feel much better. Muscle does look much better than flab which is what I have plenty of. Keep with the program and enjoy looking great.

[Morgan1974]

Hi everyone, I have been working out at a fitness center at my work. (it's free to staff) I even have a personal trainer. Now I am wondering what I will look like with muscles. I really want to tone up and lifting the weights helps my Fibromyalgia pain, but I'm big boned to start with and I am having scary pictures in my head of being a big muscular freak. Wow, I'm I anxiety ridden or what! I can always find something to worry about. My trainer says muscles look good. So now I'm trying to turn off my own head and just pump iron. Oh, and I'm winning the battle of the constipation saga.

Hi, again, Jozie! You were saying earlier that you didn't think you registered. Well, because you were able to post, I thought you had. But now I just noticed that under your name it says "contributing" member instead of "registered" member, so now I'm not sure if you're registered or not. I've never noticed that before.

I wouldn't worry to much about turning into Arnold Schwarzeneiger! Most women can't even build those kind of muscles. We have "feminine" muscles and they do look good. Sounds like you're doing good and a trainer is a great idea. Wish I could afford one! Good luck!

Morgan :yay:

[Morgan1974]

I was able to have one slice of toast with my egg, (only 7 carbs per slice) It made all the difference. The bread is called 'Nature's Own' and I fouind it at Super Fresh Grocery Store. It's real bread, (not like the low carb stuff I made in the past).

I tried some of that "low carb" bread from Trader Joe's (3 carbs per slice). I think I would rather eat kitty litter! I went to Safeway and bought Oroweat Light...it's only 5 1/2 grams a slice. I love it and you can buy it anywhere! I missed my bread. I still don't eat to much of it, though. :nono:

[joizienew]

Yes, I missed my bread in the morning with breakfast. Other than that I don't mind doing without. I will check out the Orowheat light. The stuff I got is 7 carbs per slice, but I can't really tell the difference between it and regular high carb bread. That's a good thing. I became a contributing member by paying $15 dollars. I think it just means that I am a member who donated some money to the cost of running the show. I don't know for sure as yet.

[KoKo]

Hi Everyone

I didn't read all the way back on this thread, somehow caught it by accident. But from the few I've read I feel peolple longing for bread and also in my age group - I'm 48 - quit smoking in December 2002 and gained 20lbs within a month - NEVER quit smoking when the house is stocked with turkey stuffing, nanaimo bars, 12 year old cheddar and after eights :rolleyes: I've never gained weight like that before and never been able to not lose before - I kinda lived my life by the 3 pound rule - if you get more than 3 pounds over your ideal weight then control what you eat till you lose it - at times I even took it too far so as to be underweight. I am one who extremely lo carb dosent work for (although it did in the past - when Atkins first came out I was right on it and Stillman and did lose about a pound a day - but I was in my teens and early twenties then) The thing I missed most though was BREAD, I'm still doing lo carb - though compared to Atkins SPII is better described as controlled carb. I've found a bread that is 13 carbs and about 112 calories 4 grms fibre for two slices. In Canada it's sold as "President's Choice To Good To Be True Bran Bread. It's a small loaf in a green and white wrapper - Loblaws, Independant, Super Stores all carry PC products - and from what I read in the flyers I think that the same products are available in the US but I don't know for sure . If not some carefull label reading might turn up a similar product. I might sound strange to you but this bread saves my life - I can do without sugar, do without fat, do without protein but CAN'T live without a sandwich once in a while. (tho since I found this bread I admit I have them more often - skinny little sandwiches yes but still it's somehting you can hold in your hand and dig into)

[Morgan1974]

I became a contributing member by paying $15 dollars. I think it just means that I am a member who donated some money to the cost of running the show. I don't know for sure as yet.

Oh, that must be what it means. Well, now I feel cheap because I didn't contribute nuttin', honey! :lol: You'll like the Oroweat...it takes just like regular bread (even though I prefer white). I don't really miss the bread except for hamburgers and hot dogs. I do buy 100% whole wheat buns but still won't eat those very often. Bread in general slows down my weight loss. It's mostly a treat for me. :cry:

Morgan

[joizienew]

Well, this week was payday for me and I was feeling generous.
I am happy having just one slice of bread a day, in the morning with an egg, and at just 7 carbs per slice I don't feel as if I am shooting myself in the foot. I have tried to make my own low carb bread in the past using Atkins powder and it was pretty horrible. So I'm enjoying this new stuff.

[J.J.]

County Joe and The Fish! Yes, indeedy!!! I'm 50 and the DH is 52! I think it is harder to lose as you get older, especially if you've been on meds!

I didn't have time to read thru all the posts, but I wanted to pop in and say "Hello!" My mother just turned 76 and would like to get her doing the Atkins WOE. She has Type II Diabetes and is eating all the wrong stuff. She initially dropped 40 lbs when first diagnosed, but the weight is creeping back up on her. She thinks I'm crazy for doing this diet, she says it's dangerous. I'd rather do this than end up where she's at right now!! I can't even convince her to read the book!

O-well!!!

[shalizbet]

Hi to all. I, too, just found this thread. Just registered, will be 56 in a few weeks, and have struggled with many of the same issues. My experience with MP is that exercise really helps control the flame-on syndrome. My sympathies to those with injuries and health problems which interfere with exercise programs. I went into severe withdrawal when an attack of plantar fasciaitis (pain in the arch and heel of the foot) stopped my walking program. That's also why I'm back to heavy-duty (maybe not the best modifier) LCing after a year or so of maintaining a very good weight for me. I seem to be doing somewhat better with the foot problem and am walking again----carefully---so as not to end up back in trouble again. As for the loose skin and wrinkles: my theory is that you should cover the loose skin with the snug lower-size clothing you can now wear and forget about it. Smiling through the wrinkles is my solution to those. And when I ask myself whether I want to fill up the wrinkles again the answer is a definite "No!" Good luck to all on this thread. Thanks to Tarheel for starting it! :rose:

[geo53562]

Hi folks. I not only remember Country Joe MacDonald, but I saw him play in Golden Gate Park back in 1967. As I recall, Quicksilver Messenger Service was the first band that afternoon.

I'm a 56 y.o. male. I've been lucky so far...I'm in 10th week of my diet, and had dropped 40 pounds by the end of the 9th week. (I only weigh myself once a week...any more often and I'd make myself crazy!) I spend a few minutes on a rowing machine 5 days a week...which is more for my back than my diet.

I did Atkins back in the late 70's, and lost 80 pounds then...if I recall correctly, it took me about 7-8 months. I'm really curious to see how long it will take me to lose 80 pounds this time. Unfortunately, I'll still have another 55-60 to go after that happens. This is obviously gonna take a while...but lo-carb is the only kind of diet I've ever done that works for me at all!

[joizienew]

Welcome Geo...I never saw Country Jo but it's not that I'm not old enough. I also did Atkins a few years ago and lost all the weight I wanted to. I don't know why exactly I stopped and returned to 'low fat', but I think it was just that I needed a change after one year. Of course I immediately gained weight and went around all day feeling deprived and hungry. Now I am more serious about making low carbing a life style and I am exercising along with eating some carbs and making sure I get fiber. I think low carbing is like AA/NA, you're in it for life.

[joizienew]

Hey Shali, I too am walking nearly every morning and loving the meditation and the beautiful scenery. I found two 3lb bar bells at the thrift store, and I carry them as I walk. I move them around and do different things with them. It really works my arms and stressed muscles accross my shoulders, but it also makes walking more interesting as I change my routine around. I am not really focused on weight loss, only about 10 or 15 lbs is my goal, but my over all body health is a concern. I'm 63 and life just keeps getting better every day so I want to stick around as long as I can.

[penelope]

bump along

[Chris Rob]

joizienew

Have you tried the progesterone creams that are out there, they are a pretty good way of helping with the hot flashes, so I've heard. I have been off HRT for two weeks now and am not really having bad flashes and am sleeping better - how lucky is that!

[joizienew]

Yes, I did have progesterone cream by perscription in the past. They are very expensive and now I don't have insurance. I tried over the counter pills that were supposed to help with hot flashes, but I started getting a lot of headaches again so I stopped it. What progesterone creams are you referring to? I used Premarin Vaginal Cream. About $60 a tube.

[J.J.]

joizienew

Have you tried the progesterone creams that are out there, they are a pretty good way of helping with the hot flashes, so I've heard. I have been off HRT for two weeks now and am not really having bad flashes and am sleeping better - how lucky is that!

Wow! You are extremely lucky! I've been off mine for a month now and supplementing with Boron and multivitamins and it seems to be helping me sleep better, but the hot flashes are still on and off! I'd rather have a few extra hot moments than a lifetime of no energy due to excess weight! Choices............life is full of so many choices!!!! :lol:

[MizSteaks]

Good morning all you Fit, Fiesty and over Fifty people! I found you by following joizienew over here. Watch out Joyce! I'm after you! LOL!

Just wanted to inivite all of you over to the Elders Lounge to help with our 'remodel' of that sub-forum. It is supposed to be for 'us', but is terribly under-utilized for now. If we work together, we can turn it into a great spot to discuss problems that pertain mainly to OUR age group. The first order of business is maybe choosing a better name for it since few of us feel 'Elder'!! LOL!

See ya There!
Nance

[joizienew]

Hey Nance, thanks for the tip, I'm on my way over there right now. (then I gotta shower for work)

[Morgan1974]

Yes, I did have progesterone cream by perscription in the past. They are very expensive and now I don't have insurance. I tried over the counter pills that were supposed to help with hot flashes, but I started getting a lot of headaches again so I stopped it. What progesterone creams are you referring to? I used Premarin Vaginal Cream. About $60 a tube.

Joizienew......

There is a Progesterone Cream that is NOT prescription. We have it at our local health food store (not a chain; privately owned). However, I have not tried it but I'm certain is was not anywhere near $60.00. You might check that out at your local health stores.

Morgan :yay:

[joizienew]

Thanks, I will look for it.

[Chris Rob]

joizienew

If you are prepared to give me yr postal address, (perhaps on the buddy thing that I am not sure how it works) I will send a couple of unused tubs of natural progestrogine cream I havn't needed. I know what not having health insurance is like... didnt have for the first ten years that I was in this country... had to go back to the UK if I got really sick... anyway let me know if you are interested

[Chris Rob]

Heh Nance

off to try & find the 'elder's lounge, sounds like it should be fun. if you dont see a posting it means I got lost on the hyper highway... us oldies, you know!!!!

[TexLady]

Hi! I'm 54 and glad to have found this forum. This is my second time to follow a low carb woe. So far the experience has been positive.

[Lyda Rose]

1, 2, 3, What are we fighting for? Yep, I remember Country Joe and the Fish! I am 53, in fact, It is 2:07 in the morning here and I just turned 53 a couple of hours ago. I am a bag of hormones with a hair sticking out the top! Look out, here comes another hot flash!

I started Atkins on 3/24/03. I had been on it in the 70s but decided I would give it another try. My weight came from years of skipping breakfast and lunch, then having a reasonable dinner, but still gaining weight. Metabolism Mayhem!

I used to drink a lot of coffee and diet cokes. I have traded that for 5 quarts of water a day or more. Some Iced Tea and a cup of decaf on occasion.

I am so depressed about my weight loss, or lack thereof. I lost about 20 pounds in the first three months of induction. I weighed once a week and the scales fluxuated wildly up and down. Then I started weighin every day for a while and was so shocked, I have put the scales in the basement and hope they don't find their way back up stairs. For several weeks, I would go down to 210 and then back up to 237 overnight. All I had eaten was the induction food and I was watching my calories as well.

I am stumped because I have been so faithful to the diet. I don't have cravings and my worse problem is just making myself eat. I just don't want any food at all, but I open another can of tuna, have another boiled eat or a bit of salad and try to make myself get all my food in several tiny meals a day.

I bought some Ketosis strips a month ago due to my depression about the not losing weight thingy. What do you know? I am never in Ketosis!

I talked to Atkins Center and they advised me to try the "Fat Fast". Lots of people thing that is a bad idea, but I faithfully had 1/4 avocado with a teaspoon of mayo and a teaspoon of tuna four times a day and a deviled egg in the mornings. I didn't lose an ounce. I didn't go into ketosis.

I keep thinking I am being visited by plagues or something. I really just came here looking for solace from all of use "Maxine" types! PLEASE encourage me! LoL Goodnight

[Morgan1974]

I don't have cravings and my worse problem is just making myself eat. I just don't want any food at all, but I open another can of tuna, have another boiled eat or a bit of salad and try to make myself get all my food in several tiny meals a day.

I talked to Atkins Center and they advised me to try the "Fat Fast". Lots of people thing that is a bad idea, but I faithfully had 1/4 avocado with a teaspoon of mayo and a teaspoon of tuna four times a day and a deviled egg in the mornings. I didn't lose an ounce. I didn't go into ketosis.

I keep thinking I am being visited by plagues or something. I really just came here looking for solace from all of use "Maxine" types! PLEASE encourage me! LoL Goodnight

It sounds to me as if possibly you're not eating enough food. If I had 1/4 avocado w/mayo and a teaspoon of tuna 4 times a day and a deviled egg, my metabolism would come to a screeching halt! I used to skip breakfast and lunch and eat a reasonable dinner, too (before Atkins), and I kept gaining weight. It wasn't until I added more calories that I started losing. We have NO metabolism at our age anyway (I'll be 59 in a week), so we don't want to allow our bodies to think we're starving, or they'll quit burning fat entirely!

Now everyone is different, so this not be your situation; I'm just speaking for myself here. Are you under Doctor's care? Are you taking a lot or any prescription drugs? Drugs, such as; diabetes, anti-depressants, HRT, high blood pressure, etc., all play a part in making it very difficult to burn fat!

Other than that, I'm at a loss as to why you're not losing and why you're not in ketosis. Sorry I couldn't be more help. Just don't give up. Someone will have an answer for you, I'm sure.

Good Luck! :agree:

[Lyda Rose]

Hi Morgan, thanks for your kind words. It is just nice to know that there are others who are in the same place with this diet.

No, I am on no medication whatsoever, just vitamins, minerals (love that Potassium - stops those leg cramps!) and Glucosimine/Condroitin to make sure my knees and joints keep working.

I have emailed the Atkins people a lot and they were the ones who encouraged me to try that fat fast. I said that it didn't help and it didn't help me lose weight, but it sure did one thing for me - I made me sooooo Happy to be back on induction which was like a dream to me after being on that Fat Fast!

Yes, I am under a Doctor's care. I have had a complete blood workup. One of the main reasons I chose Atkins was that my Mother and Grandmother both have diabetes. I don't want to have to deal with that, so I opted for eating right now and making it a life time thing before I get diabetes and have to do it because of that.

Atkins assures me that although Exercise is really great and recommended, the Atkins plan should work whether you exercise or not. You might lose weight and not be toned, but you WILL lose weight.

I am just hoping that my back injury will get better and allow me to do more than just lurching around behind a shopping cart and sitting on my rump at the office.

Thanks so much for your reply. Hold a kind thoght for me and my thighs - I don't want them to catch afire from rubbing together one day while I am hiking up the stairs!
:o)

[Chris Rob]

Hi Lydia

I am in much the same place as you. I'm 56, totally with out any metobolsm, and eating no more than 20 carbs a day. How much weight loss in the last three months? Zero! Zip! Zilch! SO, I am now trying to eat more, (loads of calories) as has been sugested. This is quite difficult, as I am not really hungry, but will give it a go. From what I can gather and looking at your statistics, you will probably have to eat well 2000 cals a day, which sounds a hell of a lot to me, but if it works... who cares!!! Try it and let me know how it goes... I will keep you posted on my progress or lack there of.
Keep smiling!!

[Lyda Rose]

Hi Chris, Thanks for the reply. I really take heart when I read that I am not the one and only person in the Universe who is not losing weight. I keep telling my doctor that something terrible must be wrong with me that I can not lose weight on this program!

I guess it is my own fault that I have shot my metabolism completely down to zero. I have spent much of the past 20 years practically starving only to see the scales climb. I am just now coming to terms with the fact that the less I eat, the more likely I am to gain weight. Seems crazy, but I understand the principles behind it.

I gave in and weighed this morning. I am still stuck at the 10 pound weight loss over the past 5 months. Back when I started this diet on March 24, I had plans for being down at least 50 pounds by my birthday, which was yesterday.

So, only 20 pounds off and to make it worse, no a single soul remembered my birthday. I never even mentioned it. I was just feeling like a victim yesterday! hahahaha Poor me!

I am upping my calories as of today. I had two slices of Canadian Bacon, 2 scrambled eggs and 1/2 a broiled tomato for breakfast. It had to force myself to eat it but eat it I did. I can not imagine getting 2000 calories in one day, but I am keeping a journal in my Day Planner and counting calories as well as carbs.

Please keep me posted on your progress. I am so interested in seeing if we can find some mutual ground that will get those scales to moving downward. I keep waiting for that "big swoosh" that everyone talks about where you just wake up one morning 10 lbs. thinner.

Are you exercising?? Let me hear from you and thanks again,

[joizienew]

Welcome Lyda, Hey, what did you get yourself for your birthday? I finally figured that one out, now I get excited about my birthdays, cause I take me out and we have fun, me, myself and I do some shopping along with making myself a 'card'. My kids usualy remember my birthday about a month after it passes, then they call and say, "sorry I missed your birthday" Gotta love them though...Well, anyway, I'm stuck without a pound lost in over a month. I am getting serious this week though, I need to lose at least one or two... Hang in there

[Lyda Rose]

Hey Joyce, I'm just down here in Birmingham! Look out your window and wave at me!

Thanks for the "forgotten birthday" hints. This is the first time this happened to me, but in all fairness, I did get a card today from my best friend from college and one from an old friend who is out in Houston. Wonder how long I should wait before I tell my husband he forgot me birthday? I need to get the maximum effect! LOL!

The only thing I want for my birthday is to lose 10 pounds. That would give me the power to continue another 5 months. I mean , 10 pounds in five months is very sad, but if I could say I had 20 pounds gone, I would be very chipper about it.

I guess it's never too early to start planning for Christmas. I am planning on losing that 10 pounds by Christmas. Keep your fingers crossed that we find some "METABOLISM IN A JAR". I'll send you some if I find it. :o)

[Chris Rob]

Heh Lydia

HAPPY BIRTHDAY for yesterday.

Apart from the days between the 8/28 and 9/2 ( I'm off to Mexico) I will stay in touch on a just about daily basis, we both half that rotten 10lb to lose and we WLL NOT give up. This, for me, is war, my body wants to hold and want to lose it... well, guess what you and I will win. One thing, keep me posted on what you eat, so I can get some inspiration. I had 2 eggs and a brat sausage for breakfast. oh! and a small slice of water melon. I do loads of exercise. weight lifting and aerobics 5 days a week. planning a caeser salad for lunch and will do Sashimi for dinner.

[Lyda Rose]

Chris, You are an inspiration! All that exercise! I broke my ankle some months ago and even though it is well now, I wore a cast for so long I have compensation injuries with my back that I am working on now. Exercise for me mostly walking, er, make that lurching about, but my doctor says I should be much better in a month. Then I can join you in the exercise!

Thanks for the belated birthday greeting, too!

I will update you on the food thing. I am having one of my "Standards" for lunch in about an hour - Chunk tuna, mayo, Old Bay Seasoning, chopped Jalepenos, chopped baby dills, 1/2 cup cherry berry tomatoes on a cup of spring salad mix. I usually have a few pork rinds with this, too and an iced tea with Splenda.

I am going on vacation, too! I will be in Edinburgh, Scotland for a week and then two weeks on the Island of Madeira - a Portuguese Island about 350 miles off the coast of Tunisia, Africa.

It is paradise in Madeira! I was there last summer. It is the perfect place for the low carber if you can just ignore all that lovely fruit. The cuisine of the island is lots and lots of wonderful seafood, beef, pork, lamb and chicken, lots of salad. I am going to do something I have never done on this 5 month journey while I am in Madeira - that is enjoy a glass of red wine with dinner. I know that it is allowed on Lifetime Maintenance, but I have denied myself this pleasure so far since I have spent 5 months on induction; however in Madeira, I am going to indulge in a glass or two every night! Life on the Wild Side, eh? LOL.

Nice to have you to talk to! Glad I came here. Keep in touch.

[Chris Rob]

Lydia

Your vacation sounds awsome. I lived 17yrs in the UK so got all round the continent etc but especially love Scotland.. I was back there last year. I am only off to Mexico for the labor weekend ples a couple of extra days, but off to see my son in London in November and Egypt in February... love travelling dont you? By the way... drink the wine and enjoy, it dosnt stop weight loss.. and is sooo good for you! lifes for living. What part of the US are you from? I think I saw Birmingham, but being a New Zealander myself.. thought that was in the UK. LOL

[Morgan1974]

I know that it is allowed on Lifetime Maintenance, but I have denied myself this pleasure so far since I have spent 5 months on induction; however in Madeira, I am going to indulge in a glass or two every night! Life on the Wild Side, eh? LOL.



I also enjoy a glass of wine a couple times a week. Unfortunately, your body burns alcohol BEFORE it burns fat, so as long as there is alcohol in your system, you'll stop burning fat. But, oh well, nobody is perfect and I'm not going to give up all my pleasures. Have fun on your trip!

[Chris Rob]

Actually, the subject of wine is in debate on one of the threads in the elder's lounge forum

[Lyda Rose]

Hi Chris & Morgan, Boy am I glad I found you guys! I was having a terrible Pity Party on Saturday night and wondering how I could be turning 53 when I only feel 23! But, having you guys to talk to has been a real pick-me-up!

I am going to have the wine! I just love wine and unfortunately, I had a client about 20 years ago who was a real collector of fine wines. He had a wine cellar in his basement. This old gentleman was on so many medications he could no longer enjoy wine because his taste buds were all mixed up from the medications.

He gave me case upon case of wonderful red wines from the 60s and 70. I still keep the labels in a cook book somewhere just to prove that I have drunk these fine wines. Boy could I go for a bottle of La Tour about now!

I learned a lot about great wines from this client and went on with my husband to study wine a little with some local wine tasters. I was the only one at these tastings who didn't spit in the bowl - nope, I drank ever drop and made someone else drive me home! Yes, Wine is true stuff of a good life and it is very good for you. I think I might open a bottle tonight!

Chris, I am from Birmingham, Alabama - we are in the "DEEP SOUTH". One of the other people who posts on this list if Joyce from Tennessee. She is in the state directly above me, so she is a Southern Girl, too.

Chris, what part of Mexico are you going to. I have traveled extensely down the eastern coast of Mexico. From Texas all the way down to the Yuccatan Penisula. I have always wanted to see the west coast of Mexico on the Baja Penisula though. I have also been to the Mayan ruins and places next Cozumel when we have stopped there on cruises.

Yes, I love to travel. I am very lucky that I have a job that takes me to the UK for about 3 weeks out of every 12 weeks. I adore Scotland. I have lots of friends there in and about Edinburgh. Also, friend in London and Amsterdam. Love all those cities. I think Europe is grand and I could travel all the time!

Chris, what part of the UK did you live in? I am jealous of your trip to Egypt. Always have wanted to go there and hope to make it someday. I also have not seen Italy except for a three day stop in Rome which wasn't nearly long enough. I am dying to see Barcelona and other parts of Spain. Loved Paris, but I seem to be the only person who is enthralled with Paris!

I have a good friend who is from New Zealand and my nephew worked there for two years. Both of them loved the country and speak of it often to me. I would love to see it and visit the Aussies while (whilst) I am there!

Thanks so much for your support, all of you. I am determined to do this and nothing is going to stop me. So, I guess my body had just better get the message that this is the way it is going to be eating from now on and start dropping some of these frightful pounds!

For dinner tonight I am having: Pan Browns Scallops on a little Spring Salad Mix with a sauce I make of tabasco, lemon juice, Worchestershire, Horseradish and a little no-sugar Catsup. These are fabulous and then we are having a Portabello Mushroom with the stem torn out, spread with a little Pesto and topped with a tomato slice and goat cheese and grilled. I try to cook different things at night to make this more interesting and to keep my naturally thin husband from going nuts while I eat this way. He seems perfectly happy with his food and says he doesn't notice the difference!

Go figure!

[abouttime]

He y everyone, this is waht i like about this forum, you are not alone. I have not had a loss in 6 weeks, actually I went up 3 # and don't have a clue why. I think I do too much salad!
I even tried L-Caratin but tht didn't seem to help but it b might have worked if I remembered to take it. I am fairly healthy and lucky not to take any meds so it is real hard for me to remember to even take vitamins!
I want to be down another 30 # by thanksgiving (we are going on a cruise) but it doesn't look like I am going to make it. I think at this point I will be happy with another10 or 20.
Hang in there everyone, we have to stick together and not let this stall get us down.
by the way, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LYDIA :Party: :dazzle:
Its one day at a time!
Ginger

[Lyda Rose]

Thanks for the birthday greetings, Ginger! I feel like I have had a mini-birthday party today. My husband just called my office and wished me a belated Happy Birthday, too. It finally dawned on him! So, all is well that ends well!

Ginger, I think you can do it. I am very happy to see how much weight you have lost so far! They cruise will be fun and you will have plenty to do. Just be sure to watch out for those desserts and if you tell your waiter in the formal dining room - they will see to it that you have blueberries, raspberries and strawberries with whipping cream or something that is appropriate for your style of eating. Great desserts can be made from cream cheese and they cruse ships seems to aim to please you - at least the Royal Caribbean and the Holland American - which are the ones I have been on!

Have fun on your cruse and no that you will not be tempted by "the day after Thanksgiving Dressing Sandwiches"!!!!

Again, so nice to have you guys to talk to. Lyda

[Chris Rob]

Hi Lydia

Hope you opened that bottle of wine...there are some things you just have to do and having a glass of fine wine is one of them.!!!! My hubbie and I really love good wine and I believe the latest research is showing that it may (Dry red anyway) even help with weight loss. Db drinks a glass most evenings and he lost 28lb in three months low carbing (IS that grounds for divorce?). Well anyway, back to travel. We are going to the Yukaton peninsula for this wee trip, hope to get to Cozimel and 'close by' ruins whilst there. As for Egypt, I spent four weeks there a few years back, mostly scuba diving in the red sea off Hurgada, but also quite a bit of site-seeing - the valley of the Kings, etc etc etc. It was one of my most favorite hoildays. DB hasn't been there, hence the return trip. What do you do for a living that gets you to the UK for months on end and can I have a job? :roll: And who the hecks dosn't like Paris, its one of the worlds great cities.. in my mind anyway.. I love it. Then I love most of Europe.

You must make the trip to NZ at some stage, though, its not called "God's own" for nothing. Spectacular scenary, amazing food and wonderful people. You would love the place, I'm sure! We still own a house there up in the rain forest north of Auckland city and plan to retire back there when the time comes.

On the subject of food. I went for Sashumi last night and sort of blew the diet by scoffing three pieces of sushi (all that rice) as well as just the fish, so this morning I feel somewhat bloated and tired... too many carbs. Anyway your dish as described sounds great, perhaps we can exchange some recipes.. I love cooking and it sounds like you do too.

I have been to parts of the South.. and just love it. We will have to get cracking and get around down there a bit more during our stint here in the States. Must get back to work, this is quite adictive :wiggle:

[Lyda Rose]

Hi Chris, Abouttime, Morgan, Joyce and everyone else whose names I don't know!

Well, the world looks a whole lot sunnier this morning. I DID open that bottle of wine last night. A nice Rosemont Shiraz from Australia. I realized I was humming "Waltzing Matilda" while I was taking the cork out.

I didn't realize how much I had missed wine! I measured out 2 oz. and had it while I made dinner. Then had a 5 oz. glass with dinner. I fell asleep at 11:30 (so unlike me - I have insomnia most of the time) and I didn't awaken till 6:00 this morning. Ah, the wonders of wine!

Yes, Please offer up any recipes you might have. I will give you my simple recipe from last night's dinner. It is really two starters, but I often find myself ordering two starters when eating out rather than a regular dinner. Most starters are so low carb!

For the mushroom dish - it's a piece of cake! Just get some large Portabello Mushrooms. (Mushrooms count the same as "salad" on Atlkins) Wipe with a damp paper towel and remove the stem.

Cut off the tough end of the stem and chop the rest of the stem and sprinkle it over the mushroom. Then add about 1 Teaspoon of prepared Pesto mixed with olive oil. Top this with a slice of fresh tomato and some nice goat cheese - I use Chervil or some French Goat cheese, but most any kind will do. Pop this in under the broiler or under the "grill" as they say in the UK for about 7 minutes or until the cheese is brown and the mushroom heated through. Fabulous!!

As for the scallops - Just take a pound (about 12) of large sea scallops. Put them on a paper towel and salt and pepper them. The salt draws some of the water out and makes them brown nicely.

Heat a nonstick pan, add a couple of tablespoons of olive oil and brown the scallops about 2 minutes or so on both sides till golden brown.

I serve these on Spring Mix Salad with a sauce I make, but they are also nice with a your favorite salad dressing.

My sauce? Well, it is a traditional Southern Cocktail Sauce that is just a bit of this and a bit of that. For two people, I use about 3 TBS. of no-sugar Catsup, a nice dash of Worchestershire Sauce, a dash of Tabasco, a heaping teaspoon of prepared horseradish and the juice of half a lemon. You can fiddle around with it to get it to your liking. Just drizzle over the scallops and Whoo-Hoo!!!

As for the travel, well, I have toiled away as a lawyer all my working days. I was just about to give it up and take up some other line of work because life it too short to be in a courtroom all the time and the stress was awesome.

Quiet back accident, I met some people who lived in Edinburgh, became friends with them, visited there and they came here and before you knew it, I had a wide circle of friends with projects all over Europe that I could work on. So, I am still a practicing lawyer, but doing much more interesting work now. Life is just full of surprises!

I was not in the least hungry this morning, but had a boiled egg, two slices of Canadian bacon and a few cherry berry tomatoes. For lunch, I am having the "old standard" - I have this so often because it is so easy - just a Caesar Salad with Blackened Chicken breast on top.

Gotta go now, time to fill up my sports bottled for the third time today. I find if I keep this 1 quart bottle with me I can drink the water down so much more quickly through the straw than if I pour water in a glass!

Happy Tuesday to all of you! So good to know you are there!

[Chris Rob]

well
When you need me here I am a Legal Secre

[Chris Rob]

Ignore the last 1/2 message
Had a senior moment and pressed the wrong button. Was about to say I'm working as a legal Secretary. SO I can carry your bags. :p Actually, my real profession is breaking and training horses, but Chicago is sadly lacking in horses and I just got too darned old to do all that physical stuff, so some how or other I found myself being called a legal secretary and sitting at a desk pretending I can type, life never fails to amaze me!!

Will try the scallops, and will post my fav. recipe for scallops tomorrow.

[Lyda Rose]

Chris, sooo, if you are a legal secretary, you can imagine how I felt about the law after over 20 years. It can be a very frustrating business. Depending on what kind of law you practice, I guess.

Some lawyers I know have nice quiet practices where they do Real Estate Closings, Wills and Trust and Tax business - Me, I wanted to be a litigator. It was fun when I was young, but the older I got the more I got discouraged at the cases I was seeing, wondering if I was part of a solution or part of a problem! Guess I was just growing up.

I am much happier now but I feel just like you - I kept going to law school and took the bar exam and one day I just woke up in a court room and realized I was a lawyer!! hahahahaha

Yes, do share your recipes for Scallops with me. We get lovely fresh scallops here and have them often. I adore seafood and try to find interesting recipes for it to keep this diet interesting.

BTW, do you use Ketosis strips to test your urine? I can't even get in ketosis!!! I am stunned by this wondering if I am some sort of a mutant from the "Planet of the Fatties". I can't even pee right according to these Ketosis strips!

Tonight's dinner will be: Steak with grilled onions, yellow bell peppers and mushrooms. Simple and fast!

Lydia Rose

[Chris Rob]

Guess what?

if you drink enough of that great Aussie Shiraz, you can turn those little mothers purple... well, thats the only time I get a real reaction, so dont waste your time.
Talking of my favurite tipple, have you imbibed any NZ wines yet?.. we are producing some stirling stuff down there.

Scallops

4 - 6 large scallops per person ( do the same as you did in yr recipe with the salt, rather than dredging in flour, though you can dredge in a little soy flour)
2 - 3 tble spns butter (what is needed to cook scallops)
Lemon juice from 2 lemons (more or less according to taste)
double or heavy cream ( 1/2 - 1 cup as much as you like really)
salt & pepper
Fresh Basil

Cook scallops in butter untill golden and almost cooked through, remove from pan and keep warm

return pan to heat and add lemon juice and seasonings. add cream and bring to simmer, stirring. add scallops and stir through, (sort of flash cook,dont cook for too long) lastly add chopped up basil and serve immediately.
this is a great dinner party dish and so quick and easy. I used to serve with rice, but no longer. They are great with green beans , fresh asparagas or any mild veg.

[Mr.Mel]

Hi TarHeel,
I'm 55 and on Atkins since May 2003. Weights comming off slow but is coming off. Knees are shot so I can't do much excersize. Intense cravings are gone with this WOE. I love it!

[Morgan1974]

Hi TarHeel,
I'm 55 and on Atkins since May 2003. Weights comming off slow but is coming off. Knees are shot so I can't do much excersize. Intense cravings are gone with this WOE. I love it!

Mr. Mel.... Most men aren't crazy about exercise videos, but my knees are shot also and I do the "Walk Away The Pounds" tapes and it doesn't bother my knees at all! The weight REALLY started coming off after I started doing these tapes consistantly. I do it 5 days a week (weekends off). There is a 1 mile, 2 mile and 3 mile tape; depending on how busy your day is. Just a suggestion.
Good luck! :yay:

[Lyda Rose]

Hi, Chris, Mr. Mel and Tarheel!

Love getting your posts - they always make me more hopeful!

I, too have a back injury that prevents me from doing much excercise. I have been walking like Frankestein for months now. But it is getting better.

I went to the Doctor yesterday and he decided to give me some steroids for short term use, some mild pain pills so that I could stay on my feet longer and is keeping me on the muscle relaxers a couple of months longer. I swim when I can, but am going to try to do more walking. I know several people who do "Walk Away the Pounds". It works great for them!

Chris, Love that recipe for scallops and am going to make it this weekend! I can't wait. I am always looking for new recipes for scallops. I have another one that is scallops with tomatoes I think you might like - even without the need for rice! LOL.

And Yes, Chris, I have gotten into those NZ Wines while in Scotland. They are great! I love a good expensive bottle of wine, but also have to consider some bucks to replenish all my losses in my 401K, so I am always on the look out for wines that I call "El Cheapo, but El Goodo". There are some really reasonably priced Chilean wines that are very good, too! When we are in Madeira we find lots of good Portuguese wines - but I can't handle that wine that is the pride of Madeira - too sweet. I am a Merlot, Shiraz, Cabernet kind of girl - I like them rich, fruity, spicey and full bodied. Kinda like me, except for the "rich" part!!!

While I was at the Doctor's office, I decided to do some complaining about this lack of weight loss. I told him I had been on Atkins as a loyal and faithful member of the "Induction" Club for 5 months. He was stunned that I had only lost 10 pounds net!

The next thing I knew, I was in the lab, getting blood drawn for a whole series of test. My doctor thinks I might have a thyroid problem. Yeah, Right! I have looked for something to blame my weight on for ten years and I only hope that it is something I can just take a thyroid pill for. I will get my results on Monday, so I will let you know.

My husband and I had dinner out last night - we just stopped by Outback on the way home - so easy to eat there - I had 1/2 order of chicken wings, salad without the crutons, a small steak and some steamed veggies. I also had a glass of wine and two glasses of water with lemon. Came home so full I had to lie down to watch the 10:00 news!

Keep me posted you guys........Lydia Rose

[Chris Rob]

Greetings Lydia Rose

So sorry to hear about yr back probs. Actually, I did damage to my lower back on Tuesday.. weight training (I think) and have been hobbling for the past couple of days. wow, really know now what back pain is! So full on sympathy.
You & I could probably do a lot of 'damage' if we ever got together, tastes are similar.. hate sweet, adore dry and drink a lot of affordable Chilean, love good food mmmmm!
Occasionally Sam's Club here in Illinois has cheap NZ wines, so they are around.
I am off tomorrow to Mexico, don't drink too much and I will promise not to indulge in too any Mexican meals.
Wouldn't it be great if it is a thyroid problem... pop a pill and whamo! Hmmm, might bleat at my doctor for a test.

[Lyda Rose]

Chris! You are so right, we would be fast friends, between our love of travel, wine and food, we could eat and drink our way around the world, happily!

I will miss you while you are gone, but want to wish you a lovely trip! Get in the warm sun and water water of theYucatan and enjoy all that friendly Mexican Hospitality.

If you are in for a long plane ride, either call your doctor for some muscle relaxers or load up on Ibuprohphen or something. Those long flights are killers - at leat for me, I still am much too cheap to travel business class - I am cramped in tourist class with all the other sardines. You get many more flights for your money.

If you get in serious pain in Mexico, take heart, you can get almost anything you want a the Pharmacia there. They can give you muscle relaxers and mild pain pills over the counter. Just don't let you back ruin your fun!

I leave on 9/10 for Edinburgh and from Edinburgh I leave on 9/15 for Funchal, Madeira - I'll be back in the US on about 10/3, I think. But I will check email when in Edinburgh - I will be lost to the world, while in Madeira!

Have a wonderful time! Eat, Drink, Live, Laugh and Love,

I'll be thinkin' of you.

Lyda Rose

[Chris Rob]

You are away for a month??? thats European holday time not American...lucky you. My son, who lives in London, cant believe that I live here in the States simply because of the lousy vacation allowance. I have to agree with him. Though in all fairness, when I go to NZ ( every 2yrs) I take close on a month

[Chris Rob]

Lydia
where is your journal? I'm back from vacation and wanted to check in on you.. check my journal out for my weird news
Chris

[Lyda Rose]

Hi Chris! I can't believe I got your post just now, I was checking email one last time while waiting on the cab to take me to the airport!! I am will arrive at 8:00 am in the morning in Edinburgh! I will check my email as soon as the jet lag recedes a bit. I have lots to tell you and can't wait to read your weird news...I have some weird news, too! So glad you are back, Lyda Rose

[Chris Rob]

Lyda Rose
Och aye the noo!! and all that scottish stuff! hope you had a good flight, though I seriously doubt there is such a thing. My weird news is that after a week of socking back red wine, kaluhas, desserts, fruit and even some bread (in fact all kinds of forbidden fruit) in Mexico, I lost a pound, and today (not official yet,) another lb; that is weird, isnt it? But Heh, who cares, I have just proved that my scales can rejister under 150lbs. I would go back to Mexico for another week, but dare not push my luck. I will pray to the ancient Scot's 'god of tartans' that the same happens to you whilst you are in bonnie Scotland...but you must remember to lay off the Scotch!! Actually, nearly all my sojourns to Scotland can be remembered by the classic whisky hang-overs- I was a bit younger and much sillier in those days. :Party: :Party:
Anyway hope your visit/work goes well, enjoy!!

[Chris Rob]

Heh Lyda
Where are you?
you havn't been carted off by some burly Scotsman wanting to have his evil way with you have you?

[katrine77]

Hello fellow turtles.

I'm back after about a year-long absence. I had lost about 40lbs, but I'm pretty sure that I've gained back about 15 (I don't weigh).

This is my third day of induction and I was feeling great yesterday, but today I woke up feeling irritable and hopeless. Feeling like it's useless at my age (53) and that I might as well accept the fact that I'm gonna be fat the rest of my life.

But I'm going to act as if anyway and hope that I can keep going. I think it's having to do Induction again (first time was almost 3 years ago) that makes me feel deprived and hopeless.

Also, I thiink all the bad press that Atkins has gotten has affected me. In my heart I believe that eliminating any food group completely isn't a good idea. I have eliminated grains from my diet completely, except for this past year, I ate very whole grains, mostly homebaked. However, I ate a lot of sugar and I'm sure that's the cause of weight gain and slowed down weight loss.

I haven't been here in so long and I am trying to come back. I need a lot of encouragement. I went to another thread but didn't get any encouragement there. I feel so left out among so many young people with quick weight loss. I am a fairly youthful person in how I act and feel, but reality is that I am smack dab in the middle of menopause and my body is so different than a young person's. Hearing about their weight loss is painful.

Help! I just need some encouragement from a mature person.

Kathy

[HLFAN]

Oh My Katie, darling! I'm older than you but I feel great. I still have 15 lbs to go but I feel better every day. My knees are 100% better than they were and I am walking 5 miles or so a day with my new puppy. Sad to say my old dog Casey passed away. This new puppy was given to me and has really got me moving day and night.

I think that for every 5 lbs I lose I feel a year younger. At this point it's more a health issue than anything else. Carrying around an extra 50 lbs can't be good for the back, knees etc.

Also, I have a job that is in the public eye. Winter is no problem but being really fat in the summer is a major drag. What do you wear when it's boiling hot and everyone at work is in short sleeves etc and I'm trying to wear a suit jacket?

Nope, had enough of that and just think how nice it will be to actually be able to wear shorts again? So let's stay positive. I has taken me 2 years to loose 40 lbs and many times i would despair that it would ever come off. I remember losing 7 lbs in one weekend cross-country skiing when I was much younger. Now our metabolisms are much slower. So we just have to keep plugging away. Don't give up. Please write and tell me how you are doing!

All the best and happy new year :wave:

[scottjan]

Katrine77, you can do this. Yes you can. Yes you can.

Just look at what a wonderful start you have already had. One day at a time. One step at a time. We are all rooting you on.

Yeah Kathy.

I am 59 and so very, very glad that I started this weight loss journey almost 2 years ago. Each day I plug away. In the last two years I kept with the program when I wasn't losing as well as well when I was losing.

[katrine77]

You guys are so kind and inspiring! I am going to keep on keeping on and hope for the best.

The good news is that I'm back on the treadmill and committed myself to at least 4 days a week. I know this will help with weight loss as well as overall health and good feelings.

You know, the first time I did Induction, I did it for about a month and I can't tell you how phenomenal it was that first week. I felt like I'd been reborn. Within the first 2 days I was clear headed, energetic, slept better, not to mention a lot of wieght loss....it was all very positive. I think that I was hoping for the same thing to occur this time around but it's not the same. I do feel better than I did during the holidays, but those feelings that came with that first round of Induction 2 years ago is what I was hoping for again. that experience was so encouraging to me because I finally knew what it was like to feel good after so many years of a high carb daze. Each day I woke up knowing that I'd never eat that way again.

The good news is that I never did go back to that way of eating again. I have maintained a low carb lifestyle for almost 3 years now, but just not low enough for weight loss.

Has anyone hear every felt like they had to do Induction again? How did it go and was it as good as the first time? Has anyone here struggled with bouts of eating things they probably shouldn't? Ups and downs with wieght?

thanks so much for your encouragement. You are all so kind and inspirational!

Kathy :rheart:

[musicmama]

I have gone back to Induction several times, due to falling off the wagon,,,and each time its harder! You wont have the initial big loss, andit takes longer for your weight to start dropping, so my advice is to tell you to stay on plan. Dr Atkins said Induction is good for jumpstarting a stall anytime, and thats true. But dont expect all the things you expereinced the first time to be as prevalent. It will happen, but just not as easily.

[katrine77]

Hello everyone,

I'm just checking in. Feeling really good, but I must say I'm NOT sticking to induction as best I did the first time. Had a bowl of black bean soup yesterday and some pecans. I've really grown to accept the 'good carbs' in life and have a hard time eliminating them, even for just a few weeks. However, for the most part, I feel like I'm doing pretty good!

You are so right, musicmama, none of the same exact experiences, but I still feel better. My head is clear, I have more energy, getting more things done and pretty sure I'm losing weight. I decided to go ahead and get a scale and weigh in once a week with a group on another thread in this forum. That is really encouraging!

Thanks again for all your support everyone!

k :wave:

[marilynuuu]

I have been back on induction for 3 days. I read one time that if we have been off Atkin's for a few days that a 4 day induction is a good jump start. I gained over the holidays. I do not want to be 395 again and that is where I was headed. I was food crazy once I got into sugar.
So far this wk I have read info on pre diabetic and see myself in a few months if I do not lower my carbs and skip the sugar. I have some of the symptoms of diabetic or pre diabetic. I have started feeling better already.
I have gone to the pool 2 x this wk and plan to make it a 3rd. I keep moving in the water for at least 1 hr. I swim, I water walk ,I use the floaties sometime I join an arobic class in the pool. I can only walk a few feet out of the water.
I am looking at 10 lbs right now. After that I will look at 10 more.
By the way I am 60 and I know it comes off slower but it does come off.

[musicmama]

Bad day yesterday!! No supplements, half my water,,no exercise!!
Today is better though,,,88 ounces of water so far,,all my supplements,,,,cant get any exercise cause Im taking care of my daughter who just had surgery yesterday,,,,oh well, 2 out of three,,,,,,

heres stats;
Water-4 out of 7
Supplements- 4 out of 7
No exercise!! sigh...:help:

Tomorrow is another day.....:agree:

[janetkind]

hello all.
I did Atkins for 1 1/2 years. But was so slow. and had a stall for over 8 months.
I have been going to curves 5 days aweek
just started back at walking today. 2 miles and tonight I will do 100 abs and exersice ball.
Iam now aslo doing the curves diet. I like it so much beter.
If you like to look into curves u can get book at walmart.
Reaaly all diet work along with exerice and u have to eat good carbs ad watch [portions and calaries.
Iam 55. and I just went right into Menapluse and have now for a who;e year. doing real good so far. Go to Doc. in arpil and i want a bone test done to see how iam with that.
no drugs for me if i can.
Now to lose this weight .
Good luck to u all.

[Flower51]

Hi! This is my first time posting on this message board. I've wanted to meet some other "over 50" ladies who are exp the low carb way of life.
Like many who posted here I got on the Atkins diet back in the 70s when it first came out. I'm now 53. The weight fell off so quickly then! It seemed like 50 pounds fell off in a blink of an eye...just several months. Between then and now...well...life "happened"...children, hysterectomy, being older and having sabotaged myself by fasting, juice fasting, vegetarianism (I gained a huge amount of weight eating "healthy") and crept up so much.

I've been lcing since about 2003 now. I've lost about 35 pounds, depending on when I weigh myself! It is VERY slow. I found that even adding exercise (I worked at Curves for about 3 months and exercised for about 12 hrs a week) didn't help the weight loss, although my measurements were better and I felt stronger and more energetic.

I have a lot more to lose....between 70 and 95 pounds. So all you "older sisters" get on board here and lets encourage each other! :wave: Terry

[Chloesue]

Hi Terry,
I'd like to invite you to join us on the thread that I started two years ago for ladies over 50.
We have a great bunch of ladies there that support each other and understand what we are going through.
Here is a link to our thread.Hope to see you there.

Nancy

http://forum.lowcarber.org/showthread.php?p=5233162#post5233162&conly=

[patigayle]

Tarheel.........I just happened to read this thread and was pleasantly surprised that someone else actually remembered Country Joe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Boy that brings back memories...I'm 56!

[sailaweigh]

C'mon all you big strong men, Uncle Sam needs your help again.....
I know who Country Joe and the Fish are!

Read in Lizwhip's journal that you have all the John D. MacDonald books. I have nearly all of them. Love them, and the Travis McGee series too.
There was a tribute to John D. in Fort Lauderdale last Fall (I believe I have the facts straight...but there was a tribute to him) Glad to see he's being recognized. Also glad to see the Travis McGee series republished too.

Usually just read Liz's journal, but enjoy everyone's contribution.

'got himself into a jam, way down yonder in Viet Nam'.....

J.

[oaklady22]

Hi everyone,
Wow this is great to find all of these "over age" people...Can we please have an over 45/50 forum group (or whatever they are called????) I desperately need some advice on HRT that I have been on for about 10 days and I am sure it is slowing my weight loss. Perhaps some "I was on HRT and Atkins and survived" advice would be good.

[oaklady22]

Sorry Chloesue, Didnt read too carefully. Can I come too pleeeese?

[Rosebud]

Can we please have an over 45/50 forum group (or whatever they are called????)
Sounds as though you are looking for The Over Fifties Forum. (http://forum.lowcarber.org/forumdisplay.php?f=141) :)

Roz :rose:

[oaklady22]

Thanks Rosebud,
Are you chasing me round this site? I seem to be arriving in all sorts of different areas and will be pleased to "settle" in one group. Thanks for the continued efforts on my behalf.

[donda]

I'm a new person to this forum. I just found it yesterday. I've been on Sugar Busters for about 2 months now and have lost a few pounds. I just need a mental boost! I seem to lose more inches than pounds. I really want to be under 200 (199 will be ok) before my 51st birthday the end of Aug. I'm stuck!!!! I seem to work all the time and really get no exercise. I've been working about 50 hours a week and coming home to a husband. I'm sure all you women know what kind of a work in progress a husband is!! Any sugestions to kick start my losing again? I guess I've done ok on loss but I want more...faster! I've gone from 249 to 222 as of this morning.
Thanks from L.A........That's Lower Alabama

[patchuli]

:daizy: Oh yeah, I remember Country Joe, Quick Silver, the Airplane, the Dead ofcourse, Joni & Janis,the Doors, Santana, CSN&Y, the Band, Hendrix, - and I still wear patchouly oil and still consider myself a flowerchild, LOL, am I dating myself here? I'm 55 and have replaced a lot of those old albums with the re-released CDs.... anyway, back in the days of Woodstock I never would have dreamed one day I'd have the weight problem that I do, But here I am, needing to lose atleast 100 lbs, and the weight is coming off ever so slowly. I started low-carbing seriously about 5 years ago and stuck with it for awhile but eventually "fell off the wagon" Now I'm back on again and this time around, it's more about improving my health that weight loss - I mean I need and want to lose weight but I am not in such a hurry for that to happen - if it takes a few years that's OK as long as I am improving my health along the way. My scale won't even register my weight at this point so I don't know exactly what I was when I started a month ago and don't know exactly what I've lost so far - I'm guessing 10 lbs or so based on how loose my jeans have become - not much, but enought to notice. Anyway, here's wishing sucess to all of us on our journeys to health and slimness! (or slimmer-ness - I kinda doubt if I'll ever really be slim again, I'll be happy with just slimmer!)

[luckylady2]

I'm 59 and I have been on Atkins off and on since the 1970s. I always have regained the weight and it seems to have homesteaded on my torso. I started again in Jan. of this year, lost 25 pounds, I got off the WOE for a couple months and regained 10 pounds, I really want to relose that and lose more by Christmas. I need the support of folks like me to encourage me and make me realize that I can do it if I will stick with it.
I started this time at 265 want ot see 235 by Christmas.

[Joy41]

It is slower now, isn't it? The easiest weight loss was 30some years ago when I was nursing a baby. It really rolled off. But just 5 years later nursing didn't do it, and I've been hanging onto those baby pounds most of the ensuing years. I have a good feeling that learning how many carbs I can/can't handle is going to keep me thin the rest of my life. I went to TOPS in my small town and lost 10 rather quickly, then it screached to a halt. That's when I started reading about all the research into Atkins and discovered that it isn't the awful hazard I'd thought it might be. I don't have as much to lose as many of the wonderful folks on this site, so I think it will go slower because of that as well as my age. But that's ok because I need a lot of time to get this way of eating in my brain so it's there for life. I want to be a healthy, active Grandma to my new grandson.

[Hismouse]

Hi, everyone I found this page hunting for a woman that made me laugh just by reading her post, Tarheel is her name, but I can't find her Journal anymore. Well anyway , I would like to hang out here, if that is ok.. I am 51 yrs old, and working hard on my last 19 lbs. I would love them off by Christmas, but i"m not holding my breath, I might die first, lol....Debbie

[radiogal]

Hismouse TarHeel doesn't have a journal
I did however find her profile
http://forum.lowcarber.org/member.php?userid=24582

[Aisleone]

Just two years ago before I quit smoking and before menopause, the weight literally dropped off of me. Now I've been back at this for 4 weeks and have only lost 7lb. Which really isn't bad, I know. I haven't as much to lose this time but it seems much more difficult this time around (the last time!)
Gees when will I learn!
I was 53 the 4th of Feb. At least that's what the drivers license says. In my head I'm only 33. :D

[frothybake]

Hey ,I don't have a country joe and the fish album but I do have one of their songs on a 60's album, hope that counts!

I just turned 58 and like you said I tried this diet back in the early 70's it was called the air force diet back then, I lost weight SO easy then, now it is such a struggle, I'm a diabetic and for some reason that seems to make it that much harder, stick in there, I have high hopes for us both, we can DO this!!!!

Good Luck and stay in touch, Frothy

[SissyPoo]

Where is everyone.....

[sarar]

I'm interested in this thread. I just turned 50 and have restarted low carb after a break. I have had the old weight creep up thing. I am a very slow loser due to menopause and I wear an insulin pump (Type 1 diabetes).

I have been looking for a thread where I can post daily and touch in with people like me. I'm a pretty patient loser....not one of those desperate types. I do need encouragement to stay the course, however.

Perhaps people on this thread know what I mean.

My life is full. I am in the sandwich years---aging parents AND a precious new granddaughter.

Currently I am relearning how to put myself higher on my priority list. You may have seen a thread I started called Mistress of My Domain. That hasn't worked. I'm the only one posting, so I am hunting for a different thread. Maybe this one will help.
Sara<><

[Dancer123]

Hello. I am starting Atkins. About ten days in and exercising every day walking very fast for thirty to fourty minutes.

I have not really weighed. That is too depressing but I am using a favorite pair of slacks as my guide.

Most of my weight has settled in my stomach area and upper arms. I am worried about health issues and am devoted. I could kick myself for waiting so long to get this going.

Any support, suggestions or help would be appreciated. Thanks so much.

[KrisR]

Welcome to both of you. I don't really participate in a daily thread so I won't be of help to you there but keep searching for 'your place' here on the board. There are fabulous, knowledgeable people here that will help you along in your journey.

cheers

[locarbbarb]

Hi!

I'm going to be 55 in May, so I guess I could qualify! :lol:

I may not be here every day, but I will be happy to visit when I can.

Good luck to all and just stick with it! :thup:

Barb

[Halfmoon]

Hello! This is my really first day "on" here but joined yesterday - I don't even know how to post or where this stuff goes - I am 57, and have a metabolism that has come to a screeching halt - 25 pounds since January has settled onto my midsection - they hire me on cruise ships as their life buoy - when someone goes overboard, they throw me over the side and say "grab on to her outer tubes" - saves them the expense of floaties - have not got to start anything yet, but am hopeful of a new way of eating for life and a better and healthier body - I want my life back and I want my husband's life back, too - he has become overweight, also - we are vegetarians who are chunky. Call me Halfmoon -

[Melesana]

Bump.

I need this thread.

I'm 64, started low-carb six months ago, lost slowly but sort-of consistently until the last month. Nothing in May, and only two pounds in April. Yes, we're all getting older.

I'm glad there are many of us here struggling with the changes of age as we lose weight and get healthy.

Meg

[ebeadss]

Hi everyone.. I am just now finding my niche in this forum... I am over 50 and grateful for every pound I can take off. I have lots of pain daily from fibromyalgia and arthritis and when I am able to lose weight, I can really feel the difference. I lose very slow because at this weight I just can't do much exercise. I am slowly getting back to the exercise bike... gently with warm or cool packs on top of my knees... GEESH! Anyway ... I hope we can revive this thread and give each other some moral support. What do ya say?

[Melesana]

Ebeadss, I'm with you... and with everyone here. Grateful for every pound I can take off. I'm in my sixties, and it's going really slowly, but it *is* going. I'm glad this group is here, to encourage each other, and to share victories at times when this process looks hopeless. We can do it.

Meg

[ebeadss]

Hi Meg!
How nice of you to answer my post! This section of the forum had been pretty sleepy, so I am very happy to see your entry!
I see that you are in Phoenix... fantastic! I lived in the southwest for about 10 years and my arthritis and fibro were much less painful. The rainy days here in the northeast are heck on wheels for me.

I have dieted so many times I do get hopeless. I try not to hop on the scale too often because I lose so slow I don't want to see the same darn number even though I have followed my eating plan perfectly for weeks. THAT is the most discouraging to me.

[judywade10]

HI,

I'm 56 and just starting back on it after losing 40 lbs and gains ing 30 back. I figure as long as the scale goes down I'm happy. May take a little longer but o well!! LOL

Judy

[Hismouse]

Hi peoples:) I am sure I joined here, once, or twice:) still hanging and still in my fiftys:)
So I just wanted to welcome the newbies, and say, Make your journals and we all can visit and you will have place to keep tract of your progress:)

[ebeadss]

Hi! hoping everyone is doing well... good to see new faces...(new to me) and I am giggling at Hismouse's BF = Falling Fluff ... heheh love it!

[Merpig]

Hi, I haven't bothered to come here much as there seems to be so little activity here. But I'm in my 50s and definitely a "turtle". Sitting at the same weight now that I was at the beginning of March, and seem unable to shake any of it off. :( I never thought it it would be this hard. I was prepared to live with "slow loss" but have trouble dealing with "no loss" even though I do feel better in other ways - but even there not as great as I had hoped to be feeling.

[RCFletcher]

yes, I'm over 50. I think you need to tweak you plan. Does 'no grain' mean you eat things like potatoes?