losing weight

[lorash]

For as long as i can remember i have been on some diet or other. Throughout my 30s and 40s i was a size 12 or 14. I have always done some sort of keep fit and watched my diet. Since i retired 4 years ago i go to pilates, aerobics, abs blast and swiss ball - maybe 7 classes a week! I also watch my diet - however I now weigh more that i ever have and am a size 16! Whats going on?

[bigmamma]

Are you roughly the same shape but with more muscle Lorash ?

[lorash]

Hi Bigmamma! Possibly a slightly better shape - but I just dont like being so heavy!!

[bigmamma]

Awww honey , when you first start with a lot of gym work you build your muscles up which adds weight , a bit disheartening , but I'm sure you will get down to your desired weight if you continue your good regime . Is there a chance you can have the help of a trainer at the gym who will tailor things to suit your goal ?

[coccinelle]

Cut down drastically on all fats/oils and you'll see a difference.
No cheese, no red meat, skinned white meat, no vinaigrette, plenty of fish, low fat mayonnaise etc, proper vegetarian meals (not the quorn ones!!)
Once you've done this for a couple of months you can then add these occasionally from time to time to your diet ie red meat or cheese only once a month, vinaigrette once a month, a dessert once every 2 weeks....

[lorash]

Many thanks for your answer again Bigmamma - I shall endeavour and will let you know if eventually i get the result i want !

[ummmm312]

Muscle weighs more than fat. What you should be doing is taking measurements. If you don't lose it on the scales you can tell your progress by the inches lost.

Good luck.

[lorash]

Many thanks for your answer ummm312

[Charisse]

lorash you may want to have a word with your G.P. To check your thyroid.

Just to be on the safe side.

[Androcles]

Same with this boy! I wondered if it is best to lose the weight first and then get fit!!!

One interesting fact, from some research on older people, is that apparently, once you are older (i.e. retired) it is more important to be fit than fat. That is not to say eat what you like, but your primary goal should be keeping fit and active, then worry about weight.

[R1Geezer]

Coincidently I have recently decided to have a bit of a push in the gym myself. For the last 2 weeks I have been abstaining from b00ze, eating healthily and working out 5 days a week, I have been walking home when I can, I estimate I have walked 14 miles in the last 14 days. So how much weight have I lost? None, in fact I am 1lb heavier! the only reason I have not jumped off a cliff is that I have dropped a trouser size, so obviously I have lost fat but added heavier muscle. You are no different, Forget the thyroid cobblers, that's the usual excuse, very rare and even if you have a problem that doesn't change the laws of physics! Good luck, keep doing what you are doing, there is only one way, eat less move more!

[lorash]

Many thanks for all your thoughts on this