Lessons learned on my health journey over 50…because you asked

Pamela Lutrell discusses her heath journey

When I posted pictures of me in new styles last week, several readers asked, “TELL US WHAT YOU ARE DOING TO CHANGE YOUR BODY SO MUCH!”  That is why I decided to do a Lessons Learned post about my health journey over 50.

Pamela Lutrell discusses shirt tucked in

That is it…. a health journey…not necessarily a weight loss journey!  It has been my doctor’s talks with me about heart health and blood pressure that prompted more determination to turn things around.  As we are about to enter February, a month dedicated to Women’s Heart Health, I thought it might be the perfect time to do this.  I am going to attempt to cover all that I believe has made a difference.  I cannot point you to just one thing….on the journey it is a packaged deal that got me down the road.  I have not reached my goals and recognize things can go south in a moment’s time, so I must keep on keeping on.

Pamela Lutrell on Working Out

To begin with, understand these five things first.  These are my foundation lessons learned:

  1. I cannot tell you how much weight I have lost. I have not been on scales in months.  That is on purpose.  Scales discourage me…they do not motivate me.  A better way for me to measure things than scales has been to take measurements to see how my body is changing and tightening!
  2. Baby Steps are important…do not ever think you are not doing enough. Anything you do for your health will make a difference.  ANY LITTLE THING.  Baby steps eventually become big steps.  I am proof of that.
  3. Perseverance is key! Through the last six years, there have been injuries, job stress,  toes curling (literally), family needs, and some sickness that have set me down or caused doubt.  But, I keep getting back on the horse. My son’s football team wore a shirt in high school which said, NO EXCUSES.  I wish I still had that shirt.   Do not allow anything to discourage you enough to quit.  Persevere!
  4. Of course, read and learn from others, but you must pay attention and know what works best for you. What does your body respond to?  We are all different and not every food plan or exercise class will work.  Pay attention to what is happening.
  5. Finally, do not compare yourself to anyone. It is your journey.  Discouragement comes easily when you begin to compare yourself to other women.

How Pamela Lutrell eats

I AM NOT ON A DIET 

In my past, I have been on Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, Whole 30, this fast, that fast and always gained back weight and sometimes more than when I began.  So, I am not on a diet….I am on a healthy eating plan and paying attention to what my body responds to and doesn’t.

Healthy eating for me has been:

  1. More Protein – mostly chicken, salmon, shrimp, eggs and lean beef. Morning protein drinks after workout.  More protein has helped to alleviate my hunger and desire for sweets.
  2. More green veggies…especially broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, and salad
  3. Less sugar – way less sugar. I still eat it and would never be a KETO girl unless the doctor said you have to do this to live.  But, I do not desire sugar like I did in the past. In the afternoons at work, I may have a small cube of dark chocolate.  I really do not feel deprived.  I LOVE ice cream, but when the craving sets in I go for frozen yogurt.  I highly recommend KEMP’S FROZEN YOGURT…so good, I would rather have it than ice cream.  Also, when I need a little something, I snack on Honey Nut Cheerios (Gluten Free, Whole Grain), or the bread in the next point with no sugar added fruit jam. I do not do that every day.
  4. I rarely eat bread. I do eat Ezekiel Bread and muffins….sprouted grains, gluten free and yummy.
  5. In the mornings, when I want a snack I eat roasted walnuts. Occasionally when I want to crunch…I will eat a few Van’s Gluten Free Fire Roasted Veggie Crackers.
  6. I eat in the mornings and at noon. My largest meal of the day is at noon.  On workdays, I take meals for lunch that I have prepared at home.  I honestly believe this has played a major role into getting rid of the rolls around the middle!!  When I need to grab and go, I keep frozen meals by Atkins and WW in the freezer just in case.  I eat something very light at night around 5.  During the weekend, I encourage my husband to eat earlier…doesn’t always work.  But, five days of the week, I am not eating after five.  I drink a little wine occasionally, but do not drink any alcohol. 

Pamela Lutrell's Water Cup

     7. I drink water….and water…and more water. I fill up the cup pictured above at least six times a day and guzzle it over ice!  Occasionally I might do              green or black tea, unsweetened.  AND, yes, I drink coffee in the morning, unsweetened.  I love my coffee and do not desire to ditch it just yet.

    8.  The supplements I take are Vitamin D, Omega 3, Super Vitamin B Complex, Melatonin, and three types of Juice Plus. I do these every day…they are divided into a pill organizer and that is what works best in morning and night.

Pamela Lutrell recommends Juice Plus

NOTHING HAPPENS, UNLESS I DO THIS…

I work two jobs every day and both are sitting on my behind in front of a computer, so I have to make sure I MOVE or nothing changes!  I began going to the gym 6 ½ years ago right before my 60th birthday.  During that time, I have had stretches of time, when I did not go.  But, I have to thank my group of gym friends…they keep me going and it has paid off.  Strength training has kept me off of Osteoporosis medicine though I was diagnosed with it six years ago.  Working with a combination of weights and the treadmill has removed the inches faster than a diet would.

Over a year ago, my cat decided to hit my ankles and throw me into a wall shoulder first.  At that time, I could deadlift over 100 pounds.  This is where perseverance and not comparing yourself to others is critical.  Though I cannot do near what I was doing with my injured shoulder (I have elected not to do surgery), I still go to my weight class as often as possible and modify and do what I can.  I now need a shirt that says, I AM ONE BIG MODIFICATION!  I do not try to be the superwoman that many of the ladies in my class are…I do what I can.

Pamela Lutrell on Fit BIts

After a hip strain early on, I learned that it is important for me to stretch at home before I go to the gym and that has helped me stay injury free.  I have results from the treadmill and I do not push myself to do what others are doing on ellipticals because of knee issues that occasionally can pop up if I try things I shouldn’t. However, I use stairs at work often during the day.   I pay attention to what my body responds to and my body responds to walking and light weight work.  So, I will keep on keeping on.  On days I start at the gym and do two miles on the treadmill, then take breaks and walk throughout my workday, I can easily hit 10,000 steps or beyond on my FitBit.  I need the FitBit though to get me up and moving.  (OOPS…it just said FEED ME, I guess I have been typing here too long!)

Pamela Lutrell on Working Out at home

I wanted to show you the equipment I have at home.  I can do a good workout at home with the Kettle Bell and this 10 pound ball.  I use the ball for sit-ups and weighted bridges.  I mostly do hip swings and weighted squats with the Kettle bell.  You don’t have a gym?  No worries…it is easy to do a workout at home.

Don’t put too much pressure on yourself, just MOVE Start with small walks.  Make sure you have good athletic shoes for the type of work you want to do.  Shoes are more important than a cute little workout outfit!  PERSEVERE and do not be afraid of the gym.  Just take the plunge and you will be so glad you did.  When I first began to work with a trainer six years ago, he said…the rolls in the middle are the last to go, so do not get discouraged.  He was right.  It has taken me awhile to see these results…but I am thrilled to finally see them.  It is really my fault that it did not happen sooner.  I allowed work stress for almost four years to affect my eating and made horrible decisions during that time….but I kept going to the gym as often as possible.  Do I still have work stress?  Yep!  But, I reacting in good health ways now and not sweating the small stuff as much as I did before.

But, here is the key…I haven’t eaten correctly every day…I haven’t worked out every day…but consistent baby steps and perseverance have brought results!

A NOTE ABOUT MY SCHEDULE

In every possible way, I am a morning person.  I function better in the morning…love the morning…get more done in the morning.  I most often wake at 4 AM and I am at the gym by 5.  During the week that gets me to work a little before 7.  In order to do this and get the necessary sleep for good health, I must be in bed by 8:30.  On the days I work out, I sleep so much better!!  I do not respond well when off my schedule…still a baby I guess.  It takes me awhile to bounce back if I am off my schedule for even a week.  But, when I am on…I can accomplish just about anything.  There are classes at my gym I would do, (Yoga being one), if I could fit it into my current schedule.  I just keep telling myself…it will happen someday.

Pamela Lutrell discusses walking

I think I covered it all.  My changes have not happened through just one of these things and I do still have more progress to make in order to please me and my doctor…but the combination of all has brought results. You have to be willing to make some lifestyle changes, but I promise you will feel so good, you will not regret it.  Doing these things affects our attitudes and how we enjoy and see each day.  Do not delay to start your own journey!  Within this post you read about conversations with my doctor.  I have annual appointments.  A journey should begin with a good tour guide and that would be your doctor.

Any questions?  I have a good health slideshow below in order for you to see some of the things I am talking about.  Please feel free to ask me about any of this and may you always

KEEP SMILING!

 

By Pamela Lutrell

27 Comments

  1. Thank you for pointing out that there are a lot of ways to get to a healthy lifestyle. We all know how we judge ourselves and other women. For going on 8 years I’ve eaten mostly plant based, whole food, and exercise regularly, mostly walking outdoors and yoga. I’m a new person and have the labs to prove it. However, I have lost my sense of thirst (common in aging), and to prompt myself to drink when busy at work, I use red crystal light in my water there, as I find the color and sweetness appetizing for some reason. You would not believe how many women, while eating their own lunches of Mac and cheese, starchy leftovers, and French fries, think it’s their god given right to lecture me about the perils of diet drinks. I applaud you for being encouraging and supportive, but not narrow minded or judgmental.

  2. Everything you do has worked fir me. Not much food after a light dinner around 5pm. I’m an am person and it does help!
    I walk do yoga and tai chi. I must add weights again.
    I’ve had a major health scare involving kidney stones and blood infection involving 9 weeks in hospitals. Very bad scare. My wright is way down but my stamina has nit cone back yet.
    Your blog is wonderful and inspiring!

  3. I have just had both of my knees replaced recently, 8 weeks apart. They have been my reason for not working out for over 5 years. Now that excuse will be gone by Spring and I am excited to see what I can accomplish. They have me on a stationary bike at rehab, among other things, but I am enjoying it. I plan to join a gym to keep up the progress. One day at a time.

  4. Perseverance that is the key…I have a long way to go, but I rejoice in the baby steps. Thanks Ann!

  5. You are right, Linda. We all get there different ways. Whatever helps you hydrate is beneficial. Dehydration can cause so many bad things like the vertigo I get when I am dehydrated. Keep up the good work!

  6. Thank you, Paulette. So sorry to hear you have been ill. Just remember, baby steps help. Walking and carrying just 2 lb weights can make such a difference and is a great place to start. Just gently nudge yourself toward weights.

  7. Good for you, J’Laine. So glad your rehab is going well. Have you considered water aerobics? Many gyms offer it. Keep us up to date with your progress!

  8. Excellent post! I plan to save and re-read when I need support and encouragement. I was told how difficult it would be to lose weight at 64 but I have lost 20 lbs in 5 months by eating less carbs, more protein and going to gym 4 days a week for 45 minutes. Even my cardiologist was impressed ! Of course my husband decided to join me and he lost 25 lbs. Show off!,

  9. Donna! You go girl! Looks like you are on your way…thank you for sharing and inspiring all of us.

  10. Pam, you are an inspiration to us all! I was diagnosed with post infectious IBS after a bout of food poisoning and have been on a very restricted diet for three years…..no gluten, no garlic, no onion and I have to watch sugar intake. I am now seeing a nutritionist who has taken me off dairy except for an occasional piece of hard aged cheese. It has made a huge difference in the way I feel. I try to walk most days a week and would like to add some weight training. We all have our challenges as we age. You are amazing, and I’m so glad I found your blog. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate what you do for us!

  11. Thank you so much, Dawn… and for sharing your own journey. I was too slow to realize what good nutrition will do, but I am finally arriving to the party!

  12. Pam, I applaud your hard work and perseverance. I also applaud the ‘no excuses’ philosophy. It’s all too easy to let one no exercise day blend into another. I wanted to tell you about a program at the Y for cancer survivors, since breast cancer recently affected me (and my workouts!) It’s called Livestrong, a free 12 week program of training and motivation run by cancer survivors and it’s wonderful. Maybe just the thing for someone who has undergone the battles that cancer survivors do. This week I will be back to working out five days a week. It has given me back a sense of some control and empowerment. The best thing for depression is a workout!
    Keep up the good work!

  13. Thank you so much for sharing this, Susan! I love Livestrong and all they are doing to promote good health, their headquarters is just down the road from me in Austin. And the Y is where I am a member and workout! So excited to hear what both of them are doing to help breast cancer survivors!

  14. This post is incredibly valuable, Pamela; you can be so proud of yourself for what you’ve accomplished; thank you for presenting the “whole picture” of how each decision has added to your wonderfully obvious results.

    (Now, in my early 80’s, I just developed a muffin-top…shocker, but it’s because I can sit here at the computer for hours and it seems like one…bad, bad, bad. Yep, gotta MOVE…!!)

    Much appreciation for today’s post….it’s inspiring!

  15. Wow! Thank you for this blog! I am so proud of you, and this blog is exactly what I need! I am in my 60’s, about 30 lbs heavier than I should be, and have had diabetes for 23 years. I try to eat well (not perfectly), and exercise, but prefer walking outdoors when the weather is nice. I am going to save this blog and refer to it often! I appreciate you and your information so much! Keep up the good and inspiring work.

  16. Pamela, you are a busy lady. Blogging surely must be your second job. When do you have time to check out mannequins, shop and all the things blogging requires? You are to be commended for all you do, and find time for the gym. I am retired and tell myself I can’t find time. Thanks for the encouragement! Pat

  17. I have a used exercise bike, parked in front of a computer screen. Makes the time go much faster. I also have a used treadmill and free weights. I can finish a workout in the time it would take to drive to the gym. I am glad you mentioned wearing good shoes. I jogged in fashion sneakers and am feeling it in my knees.

  18. I am curious how to use the weighted ball to do sit ups and what a weighted bridge is. I want to work my abs without straining my neck and back.

  19. Hi Pam! You were my inspiration to join the local fitness center a year and a half ago. Because I work full-time, I too get up early and go to 6am classes two days a week. I have met the most amazing group of women and it is so fun to share our fitness journey together.

    Weight gain is my biggest issue right now. I have been blessed that this has not been a problem for me until now, although am not dealing with it well (denial). Your words are just what I needed to hear – I will persevere!

    It’s so great to hear from all the others on this post, too!!

    Thank you!

  20. Great information! This has motivated me to keep going with my healthy life style! I have had to change my eating habits because of GERD. I’ve been doing great, but it is hard to stay motivated. I just added in walking and light weight lifting this week. I have some back problems, so I can’t over do it.
    Thanks again for sharing your journey.

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