New Year Anti Diet Culture Check-In

[gretchenindisguise]

The past six months or so, I’ve really stopped moving as much as I need to. I need to move more.

And this is totally silly, but I’ve always wanted to be able to do a handstand. I have no idea why, it’s just something I’ve always wanted to do and have never been able to. Since I’m 41, I decided if was now or never. I have 5 sessions with a ymca private trainer and want to focus on strength and balance - with the goal of being able to do a handstand by the end of the year. I assume this plan will also get me in a habit of moving again.

[fernweh]

Jan 1, 2023 20:36:46 GMT -5 starlily said:

I hit rock bottom with regard to my weight at the end of May last year when I couldn't accompany my kid on a ride at the fair because I couldn't belt in properly. So I am on a mission to lose weight for both health and vanity, but I'm trying to do it differently this time by aiming for consistency over speed. I'm in my mid-40s now and have accepted that what used to work for me just doesn't anymore. I've found a couple accounts on IG that I find motivating because they don't advise eliminating any food groups, prioritize exercising efficiently rather than endlessly, and address positive mindset. I did have some success with it over the past 6 months, so I'm planning to stick with it through this year.

Can you please share the accounts?

[goldengirlz]

Jan 1, 2023 21:10:42 GMT -5 gretchenindisguise said:

The past six months or so, I’ve really stopped moving as much as I need to. I need to move more.

And this is totally silly, but I’ve always wanted to be able to do a handstand. I have no idea why, it’s just something I’ve always wanted to do and have never been able to. Since I’m 41, I decided if was now or never. I have 5 sessions with a ymca private trainer and want to focus on strength and balance - with the goal of being able to do a handstand by the end of the year. I assume this plan will also get me in a habit of moving again.

I love this! Keep us posted!

Not quite the same, but I took up weight training over the summer, and I love being able to track progress in another set of pounds (heh) rather than my weight. The added definition in my arms is another non-weight benefit that makes me feel like a badass.

Anyway, I digress. Good luck!

[starlily]

erbear and fernweh, I've found Gains by Pat, J. Shah Fitness, College Nutritionist, and Prediabetes Nutrition helpful. All on IG. I'm not pre-diabetic, but I'm at a higher risk of developing it due to having had GD, so I still try to eat in a way that keeps blood sugar balanced.

ETA: I don't pay for any of the programs from these posters. I just use their free content to stay motivated.

[mrsukyankee]

I'm doing StrongLifts again. It is super simple weight lifting. You do 3 exercises per session, 3x a week. You squat every single session and try to move up ever session. Then you do either overhead press & deadlift or you do bench press and barbell row. Other than this, I'm just walking a lot and planning on doing some elliptical training so that I have sprint fitness before cricket season begins in May. My goals are to get strong and fit while not hurting myself, as the last few years I have had a major injury each year, which has set me back in terms of fitness, strength and flexibility.

[Jalapeñomel]

I’d like to get more flexible. I’ve always thought of myself as fairly bendy, but I’ve noticed lately that it’s becoming harder.

Any recommendations for good places to work on flexibility for 40 somethings?

[pixy0stix]

My ankles are finally ok with a minimum amount of exercise after obliterating them last Memorial Day Weekend. So I'm planning on starting walking and other activities again. I need to cancel my useless gym membership and maybe spend that money on getting better exercise bras.

[audette]

Jan 2, 2023 10:59:04 GMT -5 mrsukyankee said:

I'm doing StrongLifts again. It is super simple weight lifting. You do 3 exercises per session, 3x a week. You squat every single session and try to move up ever session. Then you do either overhead press & deadlift or you do bench press and barbell row. Other than this, I'm just walking a lot and planning on doing some elliptical training so that I have sprint fitness before cricket season begins in May. My goals are to get strong and fit while not hurting myself, as the last few years I have had a major injury each year, which has set me back in terms of fitness, strength and flexibility.

Thank you for mentioning this (StrongLifts)!  I'm trying to figure out how to fit working out into my work schedule, and this feels like it's approachable and doable.  And not something that will take me so long that I can't fit it into the time allotment I have available.

[quesyrah]

I am really struggling at the moment. I don’t weigh myself so I have no idea what the number is.

But I’m not currently comfortable in my clothes or my body. Things that used to fit well and even loose, are too tight. I can feel and see the extra weight in my belly and thighs. I am not really doing anything different than I have done in the past as far as what, how much and when I eat. My level of exercise is the same as well- maybe slightly more active. I’ve been to the doctor and labs look good- no thyroid issues. I have been looking/feeling this way about 6 months, maybe more.

I don’t know how to approach it in a healthy way without feeling like I am dieting/restricting.

I’m trying to incorporate less red meat and more veggies into my diet. But I am at a total loss because I feel like I do a good job of moderating what I eat and how much I move my body.

[formerlyak]

Jan 2, 2023 12:38:02 GMT -5 Jalapeñomel said:

I’d like to get more flexible. I’ve always thought of myself as fairly bendy, but I’ve noticed lately that it’s becoming harder.

Any recommendations for good places to work on flexibility for 40 somethings?

Fellow 40 something here. My DH and I were just talking about doing a 15 minute yoga daily using the Peloton app. We like that we can pick our level and length of time. 15 minutes seems doable to us. It’s $40 monthly for the family membership and we all use it. I think they have like $10 memberships for Vets, teachers and certain other groups.

ETA: info about peloton app discounts
support.onepeloton.com/hc/en-us/articles/360061427191-Special-Pricing-On-Peloton-App-Membership

[VillainV]

Jan 2, 2023 12:38:02 GMT -5 Jalapeñomel said:

I’d like to get more flexible. I’ve always thought of myself as fairly bendy, but I’ve noticed lately that it’s becoming harder.

Any recommendations for good places to work on flexibility for 40 somethings?

I found a yoga instructor who is very size-inclusive and body-positive, and my flexibility has increased since I started doing yoga with her once a week. I always used to HATE yoga but that’s because I always felt like I was horrible at it because I couldn’t do many of the poses (due to joint mobility/injury, body size, and skill level), but she really offers a lot of options and uses positive language.

[breezy8407]

Jalapeñomel I was also going to suggest the Peloton app. There are yoga, stretching, and mobility classes. I haven't done any of the mobility collection yet, but the yoga classes have been a low barrier to entry for me. I find the 10 or 15 minute classes are easy to fit in and I don't feel intimidated by not being a serious yogi. They always give options to use blocks or props to help you get in the pose to meet you at your level. I have low back issues, and will take classes focused on lower body and back. Its a goal of mine to make more time for stretching and yoga this year.

[hazelden]

Jan 2, 2023 12:38:02 GMT -5 Jalapeñomel said:

I’d like to get more flexible. I’ve always thought of myself as fairly bendy, but I’ve noticed lately that it’s becoming harder.

Any recommendations for good places to work on flexibility for 40 somethings?

I've been enjoying yin yoga at our gym lately - it's like a stretchy nap. Poses are held for a long time, so you only end up doing like 10 poses in an hour.

I did my first vinyasa/flow class in a long time and was out of breath during the class and sore for 3 days! I think hatha is the style between yin and vinyasa so I need to go to a few more of those to build my strength/endurance. The deep stretch from yin yoga feels amazing.

[StrawberryBlondie]

Jan 2, 2023 12:38:02 GMT -5 Jalapeñomel said:

I’d like to get more flexible. I’ve always thought of myself as fairly bendy, but I’ve noticed lately that it’s becoming harder.

Any recommendations for good places to work on flexibility for 40 somethings?

I'm pretty flexible but I've noticed recently that my hips and back/shoulders are decidedly not (hello, figure skating). I ended up searching YouTube for stretches for those particular areas and try to do them every day.

It was working, then I barely skated for 2 weeks and sort of forgot about it so we'll see what happens tonight when the rink opens again.

[aspentosh]

Jan 1, 2023 21:48:28 GMT -5 goldengirlz said:

Jan 1, 2023 21:10:42 GMT -5 gretchenindisguise said:

The past six months or so, I’ve really stopped moving as much as I need to. I need to move more.

And this is totally silly, but I’ve always wanted to be able to do a handstand. I have no idea why, it’s just something I’ve always wanted to do and have never been able to. Since I’m 41, I decided if was now or never. I have 5 sessions with a ymca private trainer and want to focus on strength and balance - with the goal of being able to do a handstand by the end of the year. I assume this plan will also get me in a habit of moving again.

I love this! Keep us posted!

Not quite the same, but I took up weight training over the summer, and I love being able to track progress in another set of pounds (heh) rather than my weight. The added definition in my arms is another non-weight benefit that makes me feel like a badass.

Anyway, I digress. Good luck!

This is awesome! Congrats to you!!

I started lifting when COVID hit and we built a gym in our garage. My H has always been into lifting and created a program for me that, at the time, I really enjoyed. Once winter hit and it was <30* in our gym I gave it up and never really picked it back up. We finished our garage in September and put a heater in, so this reminds me that I should get back to it. I still remember adding poundage to my lifts and what a rush it was.

[estrellita]

I really really want to start working out again. Not so much due to my weight, but how I feel. I do belong to a gym but haven't gone in months because things kept coming up. Kidney stones, tattoos (I was being cautious, lol), a trip, etc. Then I changed my work schedule to only do a half hour lunch. I had been doing an hour to give myself time to go to the gym, but I was informed after years of zero issues, we aren't allowed to shorten our lunch to leave early. So I could take a longer lunch, but getting off early has been nice 😂 Anyway, I'm trying to find the motivation and right time to go. I miss lifting and know I'm going to HURT after my first sessions back.

I also want to eat healthier, again more so for how I feel. I feel like crap when I eat crap, but I keep doing it. So I'm trying to be more conscious of eating fruits and veggies more often, and trying to cut back a little on the sweets. I'm just sick of feeling terrible all the time and my CPAP isn't the cure so far, haha.

[jinkies]

I feel so much better after yoga. I really like Yoga with Adrienne on youtube, and she has a 30-day series for January that I'm planning to start today. I work from home and feel like I barely move most days. Yoga feels sustainable to me.

I have been feeling really overwhelmed by trying to figure out what the "right" way to eat is for me. Measuring and calorie-counting ends up making me feel resentful, and also frankly has not worked as effectively for me once I hit my 40s. But restricting and depriving myself of certain foods doesn't work great for me either.

I am going with a "veggie-forward" approach for now. Trying to fill the biggest part of my plate with veggies, and going from there. I know that I feel my best when I get a lot of fresh foods, but it feels like more work and I'm lazy. I don't feel the need to go full vegetarian, but I think making vegetables the star of more meals will be good for my whole family.

[eddy]

For people wanting to approach movement, what would bring you joy? That is what you should do. Exercise should feel joyful on some level. Either in the moment or after the session is over.

A couple years ago I gave up running. I always felt like I should go out on a run. I hate running. I LOVE walking though. So now I go on walks. I listen to podcasts. It is fantastic.

Same with weight lifting. I love lifting heavy things. I hate cardio based classes. I could go my whole life without doing a burpee lol. So I don't. Even when my Peloton workouts call for a burpee I instanly sub in a movement I enjoy.

The way I have made movement a part of my everyday life is getting rid of shit I don't like to do.

[StrawberryBlondie]

Jan 3, 2023 11:48:13 GMT -5 eddy said:

For people wanting to approach movement, what would bring you joy? That is what you should do. Exercise should feel joyful on some level. Either in the moment or after the session is over.

Completely seconded.

I realized about 1-1/2 or 2 years ago that figure skating has been the only exercise I've ever truly loved. I like walking, but I get bored with it. I like yoga but I get bored quickly so I can only handle about a session a month.

So I started up skating again and almost a year and a half later I've kept it up and consistently skate 4x/week. And I still love it, probably even more than I did when I was younger.

[Velar Fricative]

Jan 3, 2023 11:48:13 GMT -5 eddy said:

For people wanting to approach movement, what would bring you joy? That is what you should do. Exercise should feel joyful on some level. Either in the moment or after the session is over.

A couple years ago I gave up running. I always felt like I should go out on a run. I hate running. I LOVE walking though. So now I go on walks. I listen to podcasts. It is fantastic.

Same with weight lifting. I love lifting heavy things. I hate cardio based classes. I could go my whole life without doing a burpee lol. So I don't. Even when my Peloton workouts call for a burpee I instanly sub in a movement I enjoy.

The way I have made movement a part of my everyday life is getting rid of shit I don't like to do.

This part speaks to me so much.

I used to be a runner 10+ years ago. I had to stop for a while, and then when I could resume, I found I didn't like it as much as I used to. But I considered that to be a problem and just tried to like it because I truly believed no other form of exercise could even compare, which meant I was doing it really really inconsistently. And I didn't want to do anything else because of that mentality I had about running being the only worthwhile exercise. But I ended up basically not working out for years as a result. 

I only very recently accepted that I like what I like, and should do what I like. If that's not running, that's okay. Maybe I'll get bit by the running bug again, but I need to do what I enjoy and then if I stop enjoying it, I'll try something else. No shame in that. It was a huge mental breakthrough for me. 

[picksthemusic]

I've been working with a nutritionist over the last year, and I tell you, it's made all the difference for me and my mental health towards food and my relationship with it. She helps me work through things like me justifying not eating all day at work because I can just eat when I get home; late-night eating (because I basically fasted unintentionally all day at work and now I'm starving). She has helped me with strategies to not feel so hungry at work, get more protein, and ways to incorporate movement into my daily routine (realizing that I hate walking after work because it's what I do all day at work!) that makes me feel re-centered and restored rather than more tired and exhausted and in pain due to my hypermobility. Giving me ideas for things to keep at work so I don't deprive myself of nutrition, find ways to add nutrition to my meals (add beans and greens!), and deal with the aftermath of me getting my gallbladder out. I'm very lucky that my insurance plan covers a few visits a year, and while it might not seem like a lot, it gives me enough time in between visits to work on my goals and come back with new barriers and also some wins!

Goals for this year will be incorporating even more movement that I enjoy and want to do, increasing fiber and lean protein, more time outside, and less time staring at my phone.

[underwaterrhymes]

I have not exercised in any meaningful way in nearly a year due to my surgery last March.

My goal this year is to build strength and stamina. I want to be able to run joyfully again and to be able to lift things that are heavier than a pitcher of water.

[gerberdaisy]

Jan 3, 2023 12:04:21 GMT -5 StrawberryBlondie said:

Jan 3, 2023 11:48:13 GMT -5 eddy said:

For people wanting to approach movement, what would bring you joy? That is what you should do. Exercise should feel joyful on some level. Either in the moment or after the session is over.

Completely seconded.

I realized about 1-1/2 or 2 years ago that figure skating has been the only exercise I've ever truly loved. I like walking, but I get bored with it. I like yoga but I get bored quickly so I can only handle about a session a month.

So I started up skating again and almost a year and a half later I've kept it up and consistently skate 4x/week. And I still love it, probably even more than I did when I was younger.

I'm so intrigued about keeping up figure skating! Can I ask what you typically do? Moves? I skated when I was young and my daughter has started, but find when I'm on the ice I'm not sure what to do any more beyond just playing with them.  Jumping and spinning skills are null, but stroking gets boring.

Read something about an edge class someone puts on that sounded really intriguing, but isn't anywhere near me. We have open freestyle at the rink nearby and always want to use it more.

[StrawberryBlondie]

Jan 4, 2023 8:47:48 GMT -5 gerberdaisy said:

Jan 3, 2023 12:04:21 GMT -5 StrawberryBlondie said:

Completely seconded.

I realized about 1-1/2 or 2 years ago that figure skating has been the only exercise I've ever truly loved. I like walking, but I get bored with it. I like yoga but I get bored quickly so I can only handle about a session a month.

So I started up skating again and almost a year and a half later I've kept it up and consistently skate 4x/week. And I still love it, probably even more than I did when I was younger.

I'm so intrigued about keeping up figure skating! Can I ask what you typically do? Moves? I skated when I was young and my daughter has started, but find when I'm on the ice I'm not sure what to do any more beyond just playing with them.  Jumping and spinning skills are null, but stroking gets boring.

Read something about an edge class someone puts on that sounded really intriguing, but isn't anywhere near me. We have open freestyle at the rink nearby and always want to use it more.

Moves and freestyle. Just landed my Lutz on Monday, working on axel. Also, I turn 42 next week.

My local rink (and most around here TBH) have adult group classes, so when I started again, I registered for one of those. I focused for about 6 months on the basics, so lots of edges, turns, two-foot spins until I stopped getting dizzy, etc. Then after then figured out which coaches were kind of known to work with adults (at my rink, they all do, but some are just sort of better at it, if that makes sense?), and took a chance on one that had subbed once in my adult class and I really liked her. So now I take lessons with her twice a week. I *think* I'm going to try competing this year sometime.

My rink has edge classes but you have to have passed a certain free skate level to take them. High edge is either silver or gold and low edge is the levels below that.

If you happen to be in the Minneapolis St. Paul area, PM me and I'd be happy to point you more specifically.

[wesleycrusher]

Jan 3, 2023 12:04:21 GMT -5 StrawberryBlondie said:

Jan 3, 2023 11:48:13 GMT -5 eddy said:

For people wanting to approach movement, what would bring you joy? That is what you should do. Exercise should feel joyful on some level. Either in the moment or after the session is over.

Completely seconded.

I realized about 1-1/2 or 2 years ago that figure skating has been the only exercise I've ever truly loved. I like walking, but I get bored with it. I like yoga but I get bored quickly so I can only handle about a session a month.

So I started up skating again and almost a year and a half later I've kept it up and consistently skate 4x/week. And I still love it, probably even more than I did when I was younger.

YES. I started tap dancing in my 20s.  I was taking a weekly class for years, then last year upped it and was taking an additional class plus another more advanced class. It was great...then I got a pinched nerve in my foot and had to stop while it healed and it took months!  I told myself I would start up again after the New Year, so I plan to go to class this week. 

[gerberdaisy]

Jan 4, 2023 10:16:56 GMT -5 StrawberryBlondie said:

Jan 4, 2023 8:47:48 GMT -5 gerberdaisy said:

I'm so intrigued about keeping up figure skating! Can I ask what you typically do? Moves? I skated when I was young and my daughter has started, but find when I'm on the ice I'm not sure what to do any more beyond just playing with them.  Jumping and spinning skills are null, but stroking gets boring.

Read something about an edge class someone puts on that sounded really intriguing, but isn't anywhere near me. We have open freestyle at the rink nearby and always want to use it more.

Moves and freestyle. Just landed my Lutz on Monday, working on axel. Also, I turn 42 next week.

My local rink (and most around here TBH) have adult group classes, so when I started again, I registered for one of those. I focused for about 6 months on the basics, so lots of edges, turns, two-foot spins until I stopped getting dizzy, etc. Then after then figured out which coaches were kind of known to work with adults (at my rink, they all do, but some are just sort of better at it, if that makes sense?), and took a chance on one that had subbed once in my adult class and I really liked her. So now I take lessons with her twice a week. I *think* I'm going to try competing this year sometime.

My rink has edge classes but you have to have passed a certain free skate level to take them. High edge is either silver or gold and low edge is the levels below that.

If you happen to be in the Minneapolis St. Paul area, PM me and I'd be happy to point you more specifically.

Wow, that's awesome! Haven't landed either of those since I was a teenager. Unfortunately we don't have an adult program at our rink (and no where near MN), but I might look into it elsewhere!

Thanks for responding!

[badgergrl]

Jan 1, 2023 17:14:09 GMT -5 Bernadine said:

Well, my h is planning on WLS, and it’s having an impact on me. I’m worried about the impact on our marriage once it happens. And I don’t really know how to be supportive.

Has he tried any of the new GLP medications? (Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro etc?). I truly think wls is going to be considered old, outdated txt for most people soon. Just something to look into before a big leap like surgery.

[StrawberryBlondie]

Jan 4, 2023 10:41:50 GMT -5 gerberdaisy said:

Jan 4, 2023 10:16:56 GMT -5 StrawberryBlondie said:

Moves and freestyle. Just landed my Lutz on Monday, working on axel. Also, I turn 42 next week.

My local rink (and most around here TBH) have adult group classes, so when I started again, I registered for one of those. I focused for about 6 months on the basics, so lots of edges, turns, two-foot spins until I stopped getting dizzy, etc. Then after then figured out which coaches were kind of known to work with adults (at my rink, they all do, but some are just sort of better at it, if that makes sense?), and took a chance on one that had subbed once in my adult class and I really liked her. So now I take lessons with her twice a week. I *think* I'm going to try competing this year sometime.

My rink has edge classes but you have to have passed a certain free skate level to take them. High edge is either silver or gold and low edge is the levels below that.

If you happen to be in the Minneapolis St. Paul area, PM me and I'd be happy to point you more specifically.

Wow, that's awesome! Haven't landed either of those since I was a teenager. Unfortunately we don't have an adult program at our rink (and no where near MN), but I might look into it elsewhere!

Thanks for responding!

If you go to learntoskateusa.com and click on "find a program" it'll give you a list of skate schools within whatever mileage of your zip code you select. Maybe a nearby rink has something?

[rubytue]

Jan 4, 2023 10:50:08 GMT -5 badgergrl said:

Jan 1, 2023 17:14:09 GMT -5 Bernadine said:

Well, my h is planning on WLS, and it’s having an impact on me. I’m worried about the impact on our marriage once it happens. And I don’t really know how to be supportive.

Has he tried any of the new GLP medications? (Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro etc?). I truly think wls is going to be considered old, outdated txt for most people soon. Just something to look into before a big leap like surgery.

There is a huge thread on ML about them. pandce.proboards.com/post/14172407/thread

[ksun]

after battling diets and binge eating disorder for the last 15 years and currently being the highest weight I've ever been, I'm having a VSG next Tuesday. Today I bought an Echelon bike.