Just Joined – Forum for Seniors?

This topic contains 30 replies, has 20 voices, and was last updated by chelseababy 10 years, 6 months ago.

Viewing 31 posts - 1 through 31 (of 31 total)

Sunny-23

3:22 pm
4 Sep 13
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Hi Everyone. I went on-line to learn about 5/2 diet and ended up here. I am very excited to try this diet. I didn’t think I could eat so little calories but the last two days I only had 523 and 720 calories for the day. So I decided to read up and try this eating plan. I am a senior and will be 76 in two months. I am a 24/7 caregiver for my husband. I used to be active but am now confined to home and caregiving. I do have a treadmill and plan to walk 30 minutes a day at about 3.5 mph. I plan on fasting Mondays and Thursdays. Since I am not very active and am a senior do you think I will be able to lose weight? Since I started caring for my husband, I gained 40 lbs! UGH!!! Also, do you think I fit into the ‘slightly active’ category?

I am so happy to find a site to connect with others. It definitely encourages me to stay on track.

fastinginberlin

3:36 pm
4 Sep 13
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Welcome Sunny! We seem to have 5:2ers of all ages here and it works!
Read Mimi’s post:
http://thefastdiet.co.uk/wheres-my-dad-gone/
I’m sure that taking care of your husband keeps you on your feet most of the time, that surely would put you in the “slightly active” category. The treadmill is a great idea. Best of luck to you and keep us posted!

wiltldnrUSA

3:40 pm
4 Sep 13
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welcome Sunny-23

yes i would say u r slightly active or more

watch out in eating 2 little on nonfastdays ur not alone

click on names & u will c their ages (some) 🙂

use search for 70

this is a great site & i wish u success

wiltldnrUSA

2:25 am
11 Sep 13
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this is not a computer glitch
just checkmarking
the
Notify me of follow-up replies via email
u should all
2
4 ur topics & replies

wish there was a better way ugh

anniew7

10:52 am
11 Sep 13
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Welcome Sunny, I’m sure you can do it, so best of luck. I expect you are more active than you realize with your husband to care for. I was very inactive before my knee replacements and had to give my job up as a care assistant, as I was in agony and then the weight piled on. Luckily this plan seems to be working for me and it could for you too. I’m 71 and still interested in looking good in my clothes and wanting my new knees to last, which are the main reasons for wanting to lose weight, plus a healthier life style of course!

grandpabj

1:19 am
12 Sep 13
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Hi Sunny-23, Welcome to a program that will change your life. I am 74 and fortunately in good health but started to get the dreaded tummy flab, which is so hard to lose… UNTIL 5:2. I started in late May and found it wasn’t difficult to move into the 5:2 mode. The first few fast days required a bit of effort and concentration, but after 2 weeks it became so normal I actually now look forward to my fast days. I lost 8-10 pounds over the first couple of months ( I wasn’t overweight) with waist measurement dropping too. Then I stabilized at the weight I hoped to achieve. What I do find is an absolute feeling of well-being. I have ‘suffered’ no side effects apart from mild headache on a couple of the first few fasting days. My partner adopted the program simultaneously and has experienced almost identical results and feeling of well-being. We note that our food bill is noticeably lower! And our attitude to eating has modified too… for the better. I have found a number of my friends have chosen to adopt the program…some out of a need to really drop some fat and weight, others for the health benefits it undoubtedly gives.. and all tell the same story.. good results, great feeling of well being… the best thing they ever did !! Hope it does for you , the same thing.

frankannabelle

2:50 am
17 Mar 14
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I’m 72 year old male. Wife and I lost 15 pounds each in about 8 months and then plateau. I don’t think we have much fat left to lose. I think you could lose a lot of weight on the program. I recommend watch the documentary and browse the forum, learn all you can. Maybe ask your Doc. I plan to stay on some form of the plan permanently. I have experienced benefits aside from the weight lose. More energy, much lower blood pressure, dramatic improvement in a skin prob, arthritis relief, probably improvement in blood work (waiting for recent test results). Worked like magic for me. Good luck

Lucylocket

6:08 am
17 Mar 14
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Have been looking for a fool proof weight loss plan for ages and I think I have found it. After 6 weeks on 5:2 have lost 10lbs and am thrilled to bits. I too have food obsessed sessions but I try to be really busy on fast days and the time goes by quickly. I only buy what I need to eat, i.e., do a shopping list and stick to it! Now that the weather is better I hope to get out and walk more, can’t do jogging because of achy knees but every little helps.

__teabrain__

7:25 pm
30 Mar 14
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Hi, I’m 60 years old and started 5:2 today. I’m fasting two consecutive days a week at 600 cals/low carb a day, then eating normally the rest of the week.

It would be nice if we could keep this thread going for us seniors. Sunny-23, I notice you posted last September; I hope 5:2 worked for you.

grandpabj

9:05 pm
30 Mar 14
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Hi I am 74 and started in May 2013 . It has worked wonderfully! I was never overweight, but carried a few extra pounds which I have shed from around my waist. What is even better is the feeling of well-being which i find has gone with it.After the first few fasting days it becomes very easy, body seems to adjust and the mind doesn’t keep prompting you to want to eat. I found it better to fast on non- consequitive days, but have now moved to maintenance mode of 6:1. Stick with it.. you and your friends will be amazed at the ‘new you’ !

Eirian

6:14 am
31 Mar 14
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I’m a 66 year-old female. Have done the 5:2 on/off (mostly off, in reality!) for a couple of months now and lost a kilo so far. Would like to lose about 6 to 7kg overall, and get down to 62kg.

My reason for getting more serious about doing the diet, however, is to avoid diabetes in particular – last time I saw the doctor she warned me that I was veering towards a pre-diabetic state. NOT good news for anyone, so I decided then and there that I need to tackle this head-on and do the diet properly with real commitment. Any reduction in my blood-pressure readings would also be good news, and might even allow for a reduction in my daily medications. Plus the 2 days a week without alcohol are a definite Good Idea, especially as my husband is joining me in that part, though not prepared to diet otherwise!

Done my weight readings and calculated BMI, so now I’m on the proper starting line at last…..!

vicki

6:34 am
31 Mar 14
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Hi Eirian

I had the same problem (but with a lot more weight). I’m 63.
My (new) doctor in January 2013 was worried that I was pre-diabetic (tryglicerides 3.2, cholesterol 7.2).

Now:
Weight from 90.8 (January), 80.7 (April), 69.8 (February 2014)
BMI from 34.8 (January), 30.1 (April), 26.27 (February 2014)
Cholesterol from 7.2 (January), 5.9 (April), 5.4 (December 2013)
Tryglicerides from 3.2 (January), 0.8 (April), 0.6 (December 2013)
And I’ve lost 27 cm from my waist and gone from a size 18 to a 12.

I’ve been stable 70kg now for 7 weeks and I am still fasting 1 full day a week, and don’t eat breakfast or lunch on 3 other days (after the gym at 7am, for me its the easiest way) and I will fast forever (and maybe get to 66kg).

Good luck
Vicki
I still drink wine every (non-fast) day and have a PIECE of Lindt after dinner.

Eirian

7:18 am
31 Mar 14
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Thanks so much for your encouragement, Vicki. Your numbers are fantastic, and you must be so proud of what you’ve achieved!

I don’t know whether I could cope with just a PIECE of Lindt though! I have NO desire to give up the wine on non-fast days, so very glad you still indulge. Life needs some pleasures, after all !

Rocy65

7:51 am
31 Mar 14
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This a great thread for seniors! I’m 65 and this is my second week and fast day today. I’ve found an app on my phone which is great to keep track of my calories. I got on well in my first week and surprised myself on my fast days only going over by a few calories and not really hungry. Brushing teeth after a meal is a good one especially in the evening! I walk as much as possible and plan to join the over 60’s swimming today.
Good luck to us all and thank you for your ideas and encouragement.

Linny

12:09 pm
31 Mar 14
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Greetings from America! Hi everyone! 61 year old Newbie here. I’m low carb and have stalled for 3 weeks. My plan will be low carb with 5:2 added. Have a great week everyone!

Boomtown

5:40 pm
31 Mar 14
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Hello, my wife and I started the 5.2 diet two weeks ago, I have lost 9.5 lbs and my wife has lost nearly 6 lbs, although our weights are fluctuating during the non fasting days. My wife and I are sticking to the 500 calories during the two fasting days, and my wife sticks to around 1500 calories on the other five days, I eat normally but I do not over eat nor do we eat chocolates or sweets. So it seems strange that we ‘put’ on weight.
We find this diet suits us and fits into our social life, unlike the other diets we tried.
We also hope that we will be able to maintain our weight when we have reached our goal weights unlike when we lost weight on weight watchers a few years ago.
We are both in our 60’s and do not get the exercise as we used to, although during the summer we get a lot of exercise with country walking.
Nice to join a forum where it will be interesting to read about other fasters experiences.

Amy C.

9:03 pm
31 Mar 14
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Having the weight fluctuate from one day to another is not a problem only with people in their 60s.

Unless you weighed yourself every day prior to going on 5:2, you probably were not aware that weight fluctuates from one day to another. Over the course of time, the weight will go down.

Weight loss is not linear, which can be frustrating if that is what you expect.

I suggest going more days in-between weighing yourself. I weigh after my fast day and will soon weight just once a week.

floridascott

9:45 pm
31 Mar 14
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Here is the breakfat drink I use on my fasting day:

1 cup almond milk 60 calories
1/2 scoop of pea powder protein 60 calories
1 tablespoon Hersheys dark chocolate powder 10 calories
1 packet truvia 0 calories
total 130 calories and it keeps your hunger down in my opinion

frankannabelle

12:40 am
1 Apr 14
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Hi: Our first anniversary tomorrow. April 1. We are down 15ish pounds each. We are strarting to talk about maintenance but will try alternating 6:1 one week 5:2 the next week. Mostly I wanted to bring down my blood pressure without taking the pills. Over the year we went on 3 ocean cruises and 1 visit to Barbados. Weight gain only lasts about 1 week after returning to 5:2 regime.

I’ve had improvements: Joint inflammation disappeared. Knee and shoulder. I thougt I was in for another knee operation for sure. Was very painful. No pain at all now. Amazing!

I’m 72. Blood pressure is 130 over 70 pulse 56.It was up 150 over 89. It wasn’t huge but I don’t want those pills and the side effects.

frankannabelle

1:28 am
1 Apr 14
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Further to previous.

My doctor says my blood pressure is better than his. He runs full marathons.
I wasnt really unhealthy before the diet but I sure have had improvements.

After 7 months all pre-cancerous lessions disappeared. After 12 years and about 800 lession removals. (I think 4 were squamous cell). I don’t have even 1 now. ?? That’s too good to be true. I also can’t believe it is coincindence either. My psoriasis has not reoccured. Dont know if it is due to 5:2.
We both had to buy a lot of clothes. Value Village is great for us on a budget. We find our tolerance to cold is way down. We suffered a bit this winter. Rings and watches also are a little loser. I run up the stairs now.
Same as most of us. We tried different diets. After a year, I feel that 5:2 is sustainable. We look forward to diet day now. Seem to feel refreshed. We don’t want big meals the day after. About supper time we eat a larger meal.

I was wondering if any other senior gentlemen have noticed a difference in their hair situation after being on 5:2 for a while.

A lenthy post. I wanted to put as much detail in for other’s info.

Lucylocket

6:12 am
1 Apr 14
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Embarrassed in that I find constipation is a problem since being on 5:2 diet, does anyone feel the same and is there an answer? Eat plenty of fruit and veg and stick to diet on fast days, what else can I do, don’t want to resort to laxative. This is not an April fool!

vicki

11:07 am
1 Apr 14
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Hi Lucy
Don’t be! It happens to us all as our bodies adjust.
In Australia there is a very good granule called agiolax (Senna and Psyllium) – A tiny bit (quarter teaspoon every few days WHEN I need it) works for me and stops the constipation, much less than the dose recommended.
best wishes
Vicki

sylvestra

11:33 am
1 Apr 14
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Hi Lucy – I don’t know where you live but here in the UK we can buy ‘Slimatee’. It’s a herbal tea which contains senna. I find that a cup of that before bedtime when I need it sorts me out and next day I’m back to normal without any ‘purging’.

You can buy it at Holland and Barratt and online from Amazon.

xx

Boomtown

12:11 pm
1 Apr 14
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Thanks Amy C, its good to know this happens to others.
And well done frankannabelle, on your health its great to be motivated , by reading your achievements.

daisy1953

2:20 pm
2 Apr 14
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I am a senior and starting 5:2 today. I’ve also turned to plant-based eating in an effort to improve my health. I believe between the two, I will probably be healthier than when I was younger. I know it won’t happen overnight, but I do believe it will happen. Attitude is half the battle.

tonyb-c

3:17 pm
2 Apr 14
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Hi daisy1953-
My wife (K) and I began 5:2 about a year ago. We’re both about 60 now. I did this not to lose weight or to live longer, but to attempt to live HEALTHIER. K joined me at first to share the experience, but we’ve both been pleasantly surprised. My wife has lost about 20 pounds, and I about 10.
I’m at a point where I don’t WANT to lose more weight, so my 5:2 is becoming a more modified 6:1. We enjoy shopping for ‘new’ clothes at the thrift shops, and are committed to Intermittent Fasting now as a way of life. As for my health- I was inching my way into prediabetes 2 years ago, but after starting IF have been able to stop taking the prescribed meds (HbA1c measured recently was 5.2%, down from 6.0%). For me, that is proof of success!
My advice: regardless of when you start 5:2, if you maintain your positive attitude and integrate it into your day to day life, you will likely be happier and healthier for many years to come! Good luck!

daisy1953

3:53 pm
2 Apr 14
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tonyb-c, thank you so much for your post! My husband is fasting along with me – I am 60 and he is 64. We’re also eating healthier. Your post was very inspiring. Thanks! I’m convinced this will work for us! I need to get my cholesterol and blood pressure down as well as lose a lot of weight. I believe this will do it.

Annie1946

5:28 pm
2 Apr 14
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Hi Everyone, Just joined today and read all the posts and they are very encouraging. Called my sister in UK today (I live in Canada) she turned 70 today and she told me about the 5:2 Diet which she has been doing for a year and has lost 30lbs. Like a few of you I have high blood pressure, high cholesterol & osteoarthritis and need to lose weight. My hubby has said he will join me on fast days (but will not give up his beer on those days) even though he does not need to lose weight and is healthy (no medication)..
P.S. I am 68 yrs old and decided in January I would get healthy and lose 70lbs by mt 70th birthday in 2016. So here goes.

Eirian

11:51 pm
29 Apr 14
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That’s a brilliant aim – it’s far enough ahead to be really realistic, and therefore fully achievable! I have been doing the 5:2 for a while now with little evidence on the scales, but I feel better, look better and am determined to stay positive and go for the long haul.
Also, another topic is really encouraging if the weight doesn’t come off quickly or consistently – look up the thread on the lines of “Is anyone else out there NOT counting calories on non-fast days?” I can’t recall the exact title, but it’s an excellent thing to read. The Fast diet is NOT supposed to be about calorie counting on non-fast days, and I DON’T want to go down that route as it would be unfair to my husband too, in my opinion!
Anyway – here’s wishing you very good luck from Sydney, Australia (ex UK)!

Boomtown

10:31 am
30 Apr 14
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Since my last post in here on 31st March, my weight loss is now 18 lbs, I guess it is going to slow down now as the last week I have stayed the same. but I feel healthier and my trousers are not so tight. with the pound a week target I am aiming to reach my goal weight in July. I don’t count calories on non fasting days, but I am more aware of what I eat, and if I over do it (eating out) I just include Wednesday by sticking to 1000 calories for that day, I suppose it could be called 4.3(ish). Anyway it works for me, and I can not praise the diet enough. Thank you Michael

chelseababy

5:44 am
30 May 14
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Hi all. I’m 60 and started 5:2 a month ago to lose half a stone before my cruise. Good news is I’ve found it relatively easy and done it with a week to spare. Hope I don’t blow it all. Now I need to do more exercise, that for me is harder to get motivated for. Nice to meet you all! CB