Jul 11 2008
Interview: Eva Age 45
“I may not be there yet, but I’m closer than I was yesterday. “
~ Unknown Author
Losing weight over forty is a steep, often uphill, climb. The path is marred with obstacles, thoughts and people who may discourage you. To overcome these self doubts, it’s important to surround yourself with encouragement. The inspirational stories of other women can be very encouraging as well as being part of a weight-loss group. Look for motivation everywhere!
Today, I’d like to introduce you to a woman whose been there and done that. She’s a member of The Daily Plate group “Forty Something”
Eva – Age 45
Hi Eva, thanks for joining us today. Why don’t you tell us a little bit about your weight history? Actually, I lost all my weight after my two children were born. I was never chubby; I loved fruits and veggies not much into sweets. As soon as I had my hysterectomy about 7-8 years ago it has all been down hill and up on the scale as far as numbers. I was less active after my empty nest. I did not do a lot.
At what point did you decide to lose weight and get healthy? Now that I have grand-kids I am feeling it. And I am feeling less sexy.
How did you lose weight? By not eating and I use to take diet pills. Not anymore.
What type of diet pills did you take? I took T-burn and the Fat Attack Combo. It gave me the jitters and about 1.5 years after I took it (can not prove it caused it) I was diagnosed with diverticulitis.
What types of exercise do you do? I have grandkids that keep me active, I garden and have a pool (I swim laps). However, living in the mid-west swimming is seasonal. I also have an elliptical in the basement that does not get enough work out.
In what way did others encourage or discourage you? I can not say that my husband was not encouraging; he is 6’2” and weighs 245 and he eats Ding Dongs and 1 gallon of milk every day. He loves to go out to eat at the all-you-can-eat buffets. Do not get me wrong, we go other places and I could eat better but when he does not care it makes it hard for me to be strong.
My daughter and grand-daughter lived with us up until 6 months ago and we use to do Hip Hop Abs together and walk. She was my inspiration. It is better to have a buddy to push you when you do not have the power to do what you should do. Having a toddler running around wanting to play kept me on my toes too.
Now it is an empty nest. My daughter wanted me to join an exercise club. The funny thing about it is in the past 6 months she has gained about 25 pounds. I guess she misses Mom too.
I also have my group on TDP that picks me up when I start feeling that nothing is working or hit a plateau.
How do you handle eating out? It sucks really bad! I have always been a BIG eater. And I am a steak and potatoes kind of Gal.
But you still try to make better choices? Oh my goodness, if I did not I would weight 100 pounds over what I should. There are times I splurged and eat what I wanted. Well, yes I do this often, once maybe twice a week.
I think we all do this from time to time. It’s hard to be good all the time!
What advice would you like to share with other woman over forty who are trying to lose the weight and get fit? Patience with this process of losing weight in the 40’s. If someone had come to me and said this is how it would be, I would not have gotten this out of shape.
So, you twenty and thirty year-olds listen up: It gets harder, so get in shape NOW!
Anything else you’d like to share? Without THE DAILY PLATE and all of the encouragement and friends I have on there, I would of lost hope a long time ago not to mention my mind! And my word of encouragement is “Just push yourself away from the table, put your fork down and stop! You do not have to get the clean plate award!
Eva thanks so much for sharing with us today.
You can learn more about The Daily Plate at thedailyplate.com
Got an encouraging story you’d like to share? Email me and let’s talk fitness and food! I can be reached at bkwrm1967@yahoo.com
