Hello from Canada

[Thespian]

I am new on this board and excited to be here. Brief history:

I've been up and down the scale over the course of my life. I have succesfully lost 'big' (40-50 lbs) 3 times in my life: once at about 22, again after the baby at 30 or so, and again at 42. That time it lasted really well (low carb approach similar to PP, which I had just read) for a few years. Then I met my wonderful husband, quit smoking, and the pounds crept up over 2 years. AT 47 I was 219 (highest ever). Hubby and I started lifting weights and cutting calories. He lost 45 pounds and I got to 210. I joined Atkins and lost 4 pounds in 6 weeks, but felt the diet was a bit too restrictive in food variety. So I'm here to try PP again.

I love the science behind the low carb approach. I have read Atkins' books, PP (original...new book is on the way), Paleo Diet, Good Calories Bad Calories, Body by Science and a few more, all of which have convinced me that low carb is the way to go. When I lost weight at 42, I was on a mission to heal some serious GI problems (vs. lose weight), and it turned my whole life around (not to mention that 50 pounds just fell off of me as a bonus!). I feel great on low carb and I function soooo much better.

This time around is proving to be seriously difficult, however, despite the efforts and dedication I've been throwing at it. So, I'm looking for a fresh start (I was feeling a bit defeated of late), some insight and inspiration, and a new group of like-minded people to bounce ideas and experiences around with.

I would be very interested in hearing from others who are about my age (perimeno), or are having a slow time of it, or who are into high intensity lifting. I'm curious about hormone balancing, supplements (there is SO much smoke and mirrors out there on supplements...), the Body by Science approach to exercise, and working this plan the second or third time around.

Thank you for listening, and I hope we can chat soon!

Here's to the start of a new life.

[gitfiddle]

This time around is proving to be seriously difficult, however, despite the efforts and dedication I've been throwing at it. So, I'm looking for a fresh start (I was feeling a bit defeated of late), some insight and inspiration, and a new group of like-minded people to bounce ideas and experiences around with.
Welcome in, Thespian!

Not sure what you call high-intensity lifting, but I like more weight with fewer reps better than the other way around. My history is something like yours in that I lost a ton of weight the first time, quite a bit the second time (20 years later) and then it got stubborn. I'm past menopause now, so that probably has something to do with it. I have many improvements that I look at besides the weight. My general health is much, much better.

Here are some links to Dr. Mike's blog that are an interesting read and may shed some light on some of your questions about slow-downs.
http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/low-carb-diets/why-is-low-carb-harder-the-second-time-around/

http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/bogus-studies/more-thoughts-on-why-low-carb-the-second-time-around/#more-2335 (http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/bogus-studies/more-thoughts-on-why-low-carb-the-second-time-around/#more-2335)

http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/lipid-hypothesis/why-is-low-carb-is-harder-the-second-time-around-part-ii/

[charleysmommy]

Hello, I am from canada too, where are you from?
Also, Welcome!

[Thespian]

Thanks for the warm welcomes! I'm currently living in Lethbridge, but have lived in lots of places (Winnipeg, Toronto, Vancouver, Edmonton, Victoria, Nanaimo...) and am moving back to Vancouver Island come fall.

I guess high intensity for me means heavy weights and fewer reps, yes. That's what I've been doing for the past year or so. But I am about to start working with the Body by Science method tomorrow, which is similar but pushed to its 'ideal'. After watching the videos on YouTube and reading the actual science in the book, I am becoming more and more convinced that using very heavy weight (70-80% of what you could lift just once) slowly until positive muscle failure (just once a week) is the way to go. Since reading the book, I've realized that by going to the gym 2 or 3 times a week, I've been short-circuting my recovery in between workouts and not letting my body actually build the muscle I've asked it to build. So I'm excited to see what I can do!

I read the postings (thank you!) and gosh...it makes you wonder if it's possible to lose weight at our age at all! ;) I know what you mean about feeling better, certainly, but I am quite set on getting back to my leaner, size 10/12 frame. I feel it's a very realistic goal and I am determined to get there. But most important is the journey itself, and that's why I wanted to join a group.

Thanks again for your replies and I hope to chat more soon!

All the best!

[Belfrybat]

Welcome! YES, it is possible to lose weight at "our age" and I'm living proof that it can be done. It took 3 years to lose 65+ pounds, and lots of ups and downs, but I did it and so can you.

The trick for me was to concentrate on becoming healthier. I am diabetic so staying low carb is essential for my health. I tried not to obsess about the weight loss aspect (hard to do), but instead concentrate on keeping blood sugars level. And that only happens if I'm consistent in what I eat. This board was a great support and at times a lifesavor when I went bonkers.

Come join us in the challenge area. That is where we post our menus and get daily support. YOU CAN DO IT. And we will assist. :)

[Karole]

Just wanted to add that I am 68 and lost weight ---altho it was slower the 2nd time around with lc. ( It took over a year and a half for me to reach goal.)

Like Carol and Bridget-Carol I am into this wol long term because of health issues...hypertension , high chloresterol and etc. It's made a hugh difference in how I feel and I have actually been able to ditch 2 of my bp meds---and I am all for taking as few pills as I can !! My blood work last year showed a hugh improvement as well.

So, please stay with it even if things start out slowly for you. There are so many benefits (and such good food) that it will be worth it.

[Thespian]

Good to know I'm not alone and it can and will eventually work! I have some work to do to figure out my own personal challenges, however. For instance...

Can anyone shed some light on hormomal issues? I am in full blown perimeno and having a good deal of trouble with emotional upheavals and weight gain each month. It seems it takes me 3 weeks to lose and 1 week to gain the same darn 4 lbs every month! What a circus.

I have ordered (as suggested by Drs Eades) Uzzi Reiss' books. Anyone read these? Thoughts? Experiences to share? I am an oh so willing sponge at this point.

Thanks!

[Mitra]

The hormonal issues seem to hit us all differently. I was lucky that I managed to lose what I needed to before the hormones attacked. Over the last couple of years, if I start to lose weight, I also feel terrible. My body just doesn't seem to like being in weight loss mode. I decided that for the sake of a couple of extra vanity pounds I wouldn't worry about it. I know some people have found that getting the right balance of thyroid/estrogen/progesterone helps, but it is not easy to do. I haven't taken that approach, so I don't have any personal experience.

Sorry I can't offer much more than sympathy from a fellow hormone sufferer :).