60+ minutes of exercise per day to maintain weight after age 50

[Irulan]

This is an AWESOME book! At one point at work, all of us 50+ women (I was 49 at the time) were reading and discussing it.

Why a men and women's version? Because we're different. I don't have my copy here, but I remember it talking about some issues specific to women, including menopause and metabolism.

I recommend it to everyone 50+ or getting close to that milestone birthday. It's very motivating as well. I need to re-read!

I didn't mention in my above post that I have gained four lbs. or thereabouts since moving to Belize and becoming car-free. That is certainly counter-intuitive, no? But as I realize, too much heat and humidity are not the most conducive to vigorous physical activity (the locals move sloooooow and I fly past them on my bike!) And there are other issues at play here as well -- since moving here my cycle has gone from once every 20-27 days to once every 45-90 days, so there is hormonal stuff, my diet has changed (carbier here since meat is expensive and fruit is plentiful), and living in flat terrain, it's hard to get the heart pounding as on our hillier walks, hikes, and bike rides back in NC. And I also retired from my job, so my entire lifestyle has changed 180 degrees.

Just curious, have you ever thought about how much of that is bloat and water retention from the heat and climate? Every time we go to the Caribbean, I gain at least 6 pounds and lose it back within ten days of getting home. I know its bloat because of how things fit.

[Crankin]

JoBob, you're not a slow learner. You do a lot more than me.
Hey, I am not giving up my wine, for anything. I'm fitter and thinner since I started drinking a glass of red wine everyday. See, I can justify anything.

[emily_in_nc]

Just curious, have you ever thought about how much of that is bloat and water retention from the heat and climate? Every time we go to the Caribbean, I gain at least 6 pounds and lose it back within ten days of getting home. I know its bloat because of how things fit.

I would love for that to be the case but don't think so. We spent 16 days in the US this summer and I didn't lose any weight. Course I was enjoying Greek yogurt, berries, wine, and a lot of other things we can't get here! But I can tell I am flabbier in the tummy and love handle area than when we got here, so I think the weight gain is really fat gain. When we arrived I didn't feel too chubby in a bikini, now I do.

I agree with teaktreak about intensity being key. That's mostly what I'm missing here with the heat and lack of hills, I think. The heat/humidity ma kes me lazy, I admit it.