Over 50 starting Keto

(Richard T Hicks) #1

My name is Richard and I am 54 years old. I will go going solo on the Keto diet. I will have to break the news to my mom in law who lives with my wife and I. I am around 300 lbs and my height is 5’6", and have resolved to lose this weight. I also will start going to the gym at the first of the month. I will have to break the news to my mom in law, and I hope she is not offended. I know I will not be able eat some of the things she prepares. I will be the only one in my family who has a desire to lose weight at this point.

Thanks for any tips or words of encouragment would be greatly appreciated

RIchard H.

(Eric - The patient needs to be patient!) #2

@Richard_T_Hicks Hang in there.

Exercise
Start slow and get a routine going. It is best to make it a habit before doing anything too strenuous. Seek advice here and elsewhere about exercise programs. I’m 64 and have been going to the gym since I was probably 57. Best thing I have done. Keto is 2nd best.

Food
This is a hard one. Maybe explain how your health depends on it. Be prepared to fix your own food or have keto snacks when her cooking just won’t be what you need. Be prepared for pushback and guilt, and the need to remind others. It will take repeated tiny pushes. Be gentle. I was pre-diabetic and my wife was / is Type 2 and is several years behind me for going keto. I still have to remind her. I am gentle, oh so gentle. I’ve skipped some food items which she gave me the look for. But now she is getting it because she sees the benefit. My oldest daughter (26 years old) - is now keto for 3 weeks. Wife is just now going keto.

Good luck and report back here. We are here for support.

(Joy) #3

If she loves to cook/feed, then give her some keto recipes. Virtually every food type has been converted to low-carb form. Just google the word keto and food of choice: lasagna, potato salad (faux-tato), cake, etc. You can add extra butter on your plate to juggle your macros. This is definately do-able.

(Eric - The patient needs to be patient!) #4

Yes extra butter and heavy whipping cream (HWC).

(karen) #5

It is definitely challenging to live with someone who has emotional issues around being the provider of nutritious food, and suddenly basically say, “you are wrong. Bread and pasta are not good for me, eating pizza, caramel corn and donuts “in moderation” is about the same as eating arsenic in moderation, and yes, I am going to eat all the steak, fat and butter I want, there is nothing wrong with any of that. Oh, I’m also going to double my salt intake.” I have found it helpful (thanks @OldDoug) to present keto with a somewhat incredulous attitude. “I am amazed, but people seem to have great success with _____, I want to try it.” “I know this sounds odd, but apparently this keto diet helps people lose weight / beat diabetes / [insert benefit.]” “I am having a hard time believing my eyes, but this diet seems to be working.” This has been much less of a struggle for me than directly challenging someone else’s authority.

(Colleen) #6

Newbie here too. 52 y.o. female. Just finished my 10th week. Down 21.2 pounds. - about 93 to go. Inflamation greatly reduced. As a man, your loss will likely be greater and much faster. This has been super easy to stick to and my boyfriend is not doing the diet with me. Good luck - you can do this!

(Brian) #7

Hi Richard,

You’re about where I was a little over a year ago. Congratulations on not only waking up to the fact that you HAVE to do something, and soon, but you’ve found one of the best keto groups there is right here. If you will give it an honest go, it will change your life. It has changed mine. Down almost 70 pounds and lots of good stuff happening health wise.

Don’t fret the exercise stuff in the initial few weeks of keto. If you’re already exercising, that’s fine. If you’re just starting from nothing, go easy. Your body will be going through lots of internal changes as it figures out how to burn fat and live without carbs & sugar. Adding in the stress of a new exercise program could be a little overwhelming if it’s strenuous.

Good luck!

#8

I agree with everything said above, and Brian’s post above is about what I would have said as well! :slight_smile:

I’m just over 8 weeks in myself, and have lost 40 lbs. so far. But it’s more than just the weight loss. It’s the better WOE (Way Of Eating) the amazing foods and recipes and the way you feel overall. … I also started this journey by myself, but the wife and son have already mentioned jumping in as well.

I also agree with Brian on the exercise advice too. As he said, if you’re not already doing this, keep it simple at first. Honestly, I get most of my workouts in my yard just cutting grass, weed-eating, cutting tree branches and working in the garden. Drink plenty of water and get a good sweat in, and I prefer doing this before I eat, and as far from my last meal as possible.

Good luck!

(Ron) #9

Don’t know if you have done much research yet about Keto, but if not this was very helpful to me just beginning.
https://blog.virtahealth.com/weight-loss-ketogenic-diet/
http://pwop.com/download/TheKetogenicDietInANutshell.pdf
https://blog.virtahealth.com/sodium-nutritional-ketosis-keto-flu-adrenal-function/

(Bob M) #10

Personally, I would say don’t worry about the gym for a while. If you can get outside and walk, that would be good. I was about 250+ when I started 4.5 years ago, and I’m currently about 200. I lost 30 pounds relatively quickly (within 1-1.5 years), decided I was insulin resistant, and started fasting. I lost another 20+ pounds, but also veered off a bit (tried upping my resistant starch + probiotics, where I would eat some heated/cooled rice/potatoes/etc.), then had shoulder surgery (think terrible sleep, no exercise at all for 4 weeks, minor exercise after that for 6 months or so). I’m back near 200 again, and have gained muscle mass (did DEXA scans).

I lost the initial 50 pounds while decreasing my exercise, so exercise is not a big deal. I do like exercise, though, and think if exercise has a benefit, it’s due to the insulin-reducing effect. The calories are a (necessary) by-product.

As for family issues, you’re on your own there. My wife is supportive of what I do, but does not eat the same as I do.

(Rob) #11

+1 to this
This is absolutely brilliant !

(Rob) #12

I’m sure it’s been suggested before but the links @mtncntrykid shared would make a great intro sticky !

(Dew) #13

Hi Richard. By now, you should be a lean version of yourself. How is it going?