Women 50 and over

  • i'm not understanding the complex carbs...value? i ordered the book but it isn't here yet and i don't want to wait to get started!...only a few fruits are listed? can you only eat what is on the shopping list they provide? no bananas, peaches etc>....so the object is to have a protein with a carb?

  • Hi Wiki,

    The object is to have a protein with a carb in all 6 meals. As for the complex carbs what I will say is the list on the library link matches the authorized food list from the Body for Life book.  But if you read further, page 88, Bill lists a peach and a banana as being rich in nutrients and portable along with an apple and orange.

    What I will say on that is the subject of eating or not eating bananas has been debated on this forum many times, you can do a search on banana to see what others had to say in that regard.

    Take care,

    Kim

  • Oh so happy to hear someone in thier 60's!  I am 63 and have finished my first week ere. The biggest thing I struggle with of course is planning the meals. So I have a little of everything. Tuna, shakes, salads and I also do raw foods. I sprout my own stuff and add it to salads or use them for snacks too. I will also  ad seaweed to my salads for protein. I am impressed deeter1 that you completed 3 challenges, gives me hope I can do this. Ihave always gone to the gym since the 80's when they first started becoming popular. But this is just so different for me so focused and I am really loving every minute till I don't hahahahaha.

    I am als happy to read from all the ladies here close to or are 50. A thing I used to use to help curb sugar was chromium picolate really worked for me and for menopause sweats I use an herb called Shatavari it is great can get it on line I use the one made by Avesta.

    Keep writing ideas about the food thing, it is just so challenging to me especially when I get real busy at work, ha! Food goes out the window then.

    That and I am struggling a bit with the arobic part of this thing, What do you all do or use if you can't get to the gym and is it working for you??

  • I just noticed this group tonight, and I think it is great to have a support group for age 50+ females.  As I read your posts, I can see that you are working hard to improve your fitness.  I would recommend you all get the BFL book, whether it's the original or the "Champions Body for Life" version, and develop a full understanding of the program.  It has become my lifestyle.  The grazing approach to eating is IMHO better for humans to supprt an active lifestyle.  I found that cravings for unhealthy foods, whether it be sweets, or french fries, or pizza, went away once my mind was re-programmed to accept healthy foods.  This will happen if you can stay on track.  Do not expect instant results.  After all, did you gain all that excess weight overnight?  Where you end up on BFL is dependent on where you're starting from, and how well you execute the challenge.  If you adopt this as your lifestye, you can transform you body into a lean version, and increase your energy level to what you used to feel in your youth!  If you need guidance, you can e-mail me and I will try to help (e-mail address is in my bio).  

    One last, serious word, however.  If you give less than full effort on your challenge, you may be throwing away your last chance to avoid the health issues that overweight seniors face....I'm sure that was one of the primary motivating factors in my  case (i.e. I looked into the crystal ball when I weighed 240 - 250 lbs, and saw a future I wanted no part of).

    Jacium

  • mybodyforever - You found us!  I guess my directions were okay.  Welcome!

    Wiki - When choosing bananas, use the ones that are starting to show brown spots on the skin.  Bananas with any green are a simple carb from starchy source, but when they have brown spots, they are now a complex carb and ready to eat.  Even though a large portion of the calories come from sugar, they are loaded with potassium, manganese, and vitamins C and B6, and are a good source of dietary fibre.  Check out www.finetuneyou.com and read about bananas and other wonderful fruits.  For example, two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout.  Also, bananas contain tryptophan, which the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood, and generally make you happier.

  • do they really want to drinking the shake for snack...can have yogurt or carrots or something not so expensive?  can you drink milk anytime throughout the day or just water? could i have the protein pudding at snack when i might be craving something sweet?

  • Wiki,

    You'll need a lot of yogurt to get the 42 g. protein in a Myoplex protein shake.  Might be doable, if you eat Greek yogurt (I have one a day, and 1.5 shakes).

    Jacium

  • Starting tomorrow.  Can't wait!  Glad I found this conversation, at 51 I know this is going to be tough.  Good to know I have company.

  • Hi prnssdjn,

    Congratulations on your decision to make a change in your life with Body for Life. I will be 49 tomorrow and by starting BFL and sticking with it I am a completely different person inside and out and I feel amazing.  I would say following the program as written and planning is the key to success. There are a lot of great people on the message board so I would check it out and read often you will be inspired.

    Best wishes,

    Kim

  • Hey everyone!  I have not visited for a week -- I have been sick with a nasty cold -- I can tell you though, that some of you sound discouraged!!!  Don't be!  Just keep going!  You will see results!!  I (in one week) felt more "awake" with more energy and more get up and do it the next day feelings.  Try to remember that its a long journey -- not immediate results...lasting results!!  

    I had to take the week off (couldn't BREATHE)!!  But I am back on tomorrow, and feeling like I can handle it.  I thought that I wasn't working hard enough, no pain the next day in my muscles...and I am just figuring out how to DO the exercises, so it's taking some time....my favorite days are on the BIKE!  (easy cheesy!! compared to the weights!)

    I look forward to the posts!  By the way - I only lost about 9 pounds so far.  No sugar, No carbs -- NO CHEATING!!!

    Write and tell me how you're all doing!!

    Don't give up! 8 Weeks Left!

    xoxo

    Josi

  • Just finished Week 1!  Woo hoo!  This is the third time I've done the challenge, the first was 10 years ago.  Didn't finish, but lost 20 pounds and looked the best ever.  The last time was a couple of years ago, but I didn't really commit.  Got discouraged when I didn't lose any weight.  This time I'm really committed.  Told everyone, had my husband take the before pictures (gag), and signed up on the website.  I feel better already.  Sore, but better.  After doing a stint on weight watchers, I can see why I didn't lose weight last time.  Portions were bad, and the values of some of my carb choices were really high.  So I'm making better choices as far as my carbs, and really spend time planning my meals.  Actually lost weight this week!  And I'm able to sleep better at night, which makes it all worth while

    Congrats JosiD on 4 weeks!   I think 9 pounds is great!

  • Hey Deeter1!

    Glad you are doing great!  I got sick and had a little set back, but back on track this next week!

    I am looking forward to exercising!! How funny to SAY THAT!!  Let us know when you get to that next size down...I am feeling my pants slack a little too!  How cool is THIS!!?

  • Islandersfan...how's it going!!!

    Catch us up!!

  • lol...never mind!!

  • JosiD, were you able to workout today? It's really frustrating when you get sick.  

    Has anyone tried protein pudding, where you mix whey protein with sugar free low fat pudding?  I'm trying to figure out a good mid afternoon snack, when I usually crave something sweet.