Losing Weight After 30

By Colette Marx

Last August I turned 30!!!  Oh yes! 30!  I didn’t think it would be all that bad…on the actual day however, I wasn’t sure whether to laugh or cry, but it was okay.  Then I hit a weight loss wall.

They say there is the freshman 15, well I’m here to tell you there is the 30 yrs old-15!!  I used to be able to eat whatever and whenever I wanted and not have to worry at all about my weight.  Now things have completely changed!  I packed on the pounds it seems like overnight!  Yes, my husband still loves me, the chubbiness and all, but I don’t love me like this.  So last summer I started jogging  and got so I could run a little distance without passing out, but then fall came and it got too cold and dark too early…

Packing On the Pounds

I hate when you buy a pair of pants around Christmas, and by February, they don’t fit you anymore!  It also sucks when you go shopping with your super skinny friend (oh yes, I know you know the type!)  “Umm, I’ll just be in the “other” section…”

I hate getting dressed every day.  I wish I could not choose a shirt because it’s ugly or I don’t like it anymore, instead of because it makes me look even more fat!  This is outta control now.  The word diet makes me hungry!  My sister-in-law says that she diets so she doesn’t have to work, and I say, “Let me eat, and I’ll do the work out!” until it comes time for the workout. I consider myself a retired athletic person.

New Year Resolutions

The New Year came around and so did all of the resolutions that people really only have half intentions of keeping.  I made mine!  Of course it was to lose some weight.   I saw an elliptical machine in an ad and thought, “Hmmm, since I can’t find time to go work out at the gym, why not get something to do at home!”  I talked my husband into the $350 machine when I realized that if I did some shopping, maybe I could find a better one for the same price.  I did a little research and check

ed Craig’s list with not much luck.  I gave up on the idea.

In February, I visited my brother in a city 2 hours away so that we could make some chocolates.  He had just purchased himself an elliptical machine from a warehouse/bulk type store.  It was a lot more expensive, almost double of what I had previously found.  I called my hubby on the phone and he said I could purchase it.  I promised I would work out on it at least 4 times a week to make it worth the money.  I was having buyer’s remorse before I even purchased the darn thing!  I didn’t get it and went home empty handed.  Every day I would wake up, grab my love handles and try to find some clothes that still fit me.  “I have to get that elliptical machine!  It will make all the difference!  I will be skinny again!”

On the road to Weight Loss

A few weeks later, I had another chance to purchase my machine, and I jumped at the opportunity!  I am the proud new owner of an elliptical machine!!!  I did really well the first week, then I had some stuff come up, and the 2^nd week I didn’t do so hot.  Now I’m in the 3^rd week and I have done 3 days in a row.  I have found that it’s easier just doing it on a regular basis than it is to do a hit and miss plan.  I always feel better after I do a work out.  I could tell a difference on my little love handles just a week after working out!  I wasn’t expecting results that fast, but let me tell you, if I hadn’t, I’d be struggling to get back on.

I’ve been doing a 30 minute workout on the elliptical, and depending on how gung-ho I feel, I do some crunches.  I figure I’ve already done the workout, may as well get a little ab time in.  Also, on my good days I grab a few weights to work out my upper body.    I haven’t cut out my sweets, or quit the soda habit, but I have cut back just a little bit.  Everyday I’ve been asking my husband if he can tell a difference (might not be the smartest thing I’ve asked), but he says he can tell!  What a wonderful feeling that is.  I do get a little discouraged when I think that I should be able to get my pants on a little easier and they are still pretty snug.  But, I know with a little more effort, the time will come when they will slide right on!  Maybe I just might even move down a size! ; )