What's 5 pounds? We'll find out by losing it



Back in October 2007 I was about 30 pounds overweight. I love eating sweets and, especially, salty treats but I realized a change was needed: My father had died of a sudden fatal heart attack at age 72, and there is a genetic risk in the family.

I joined the Scott County Y in Davenport and proceeded to lose the weight, determined to stay at about 135 pounds, healthy for my 5-foot-6 frame. In the intervening 11 years I worked out five days a week, nearly every week of the year, and aimed to lift weights, twice each week.

Then came a serious professional setback on Jan. 29, and bad habits re-emerged. I'm currently at 143.6 pounds, the most I've weighed in 11 years. I am determined to lose at least 5 pounds before an upcoming beach vacation. (Editor's note: I reached my final goal of 135 pounds on Nov. 2, 2018. So many months past the time I thought!)

I'll blog on this topic because it could help in the weight-loss quest, much more difficult at age 60 than it was when I was 49 years old. Importantly, it might help you readers as well. "Baker's Heartbeat" is designed to discuss my interests, which are wide-ranging. Physical fitness is one pastime and that extra weight is a concern.

I own a Fitbit but I no longer am a member of the YMCA. I work out at home, using a treadmill, free weights, and fitness videos. Today, Saturday, is a rest day; in the last six days I walked at least 10,000 steps (5 miles each day!) and lifted 5-pound weights for about 20 minutes, on two days.

According to government guidelines, adults ages 18-64 years old should get 150 minutes of aerobic activity each week, and do strengthening activities at least two days weekly.

Back in 2007 I went to the local K-Mart and bought the cheapest treadmill they had. It is still working just fine! We have it in front of our downstairs television set; I watch HG.TV and DIY.TV during workouts. Recently I also discovered "The Pioneer Woman" on the Food Network. I walk as briskly as I can, and run during commercials. (I also surf the channels to see how many shows I can follow at once.)

For weight-lifting, I acquired videos that I really like. I think it's much easier to lift weights when following a teacher.

Still, the weight is climbing. I know aging women are more likely to gain weight because the body's metabolism has slowed after menopause. I'd like to think I can beat the odds.

We'll see.



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