My youth.
GONE are the days of running around barefoot in the street, ~ was no one watching me here? Like WHY would I run around barefoot in the street? speaking in ig-pay atin-lay with my sister so as to throw off our parents and chowing down on anything I wanted to because there was no fear of gaining any weight.
I was, after all, burning off far more calories than I could ever consume.
People often comment to me that I can wear anything that I want and that all clothes look good on me because I’m naturally thin. Well ~ I’m here to tell you, this is simply NOT TRUE. Ever since I was a young adult, I have struggled with my weight and I’ve been just about every size in the book.
That’s right ~ I’ve been everything from a size 00 to a size 18 and I know what EVERY single size feels like. I can completely relate to anyone who struggles with their weight. … Raise your hand if you’d like me to sometime share my VERY long, and somewhat sad, story that involves the DEFINING moment where I made the decision to address my weight issues because, YES, I believe that everyone who struggles with their weight has had their own *defining moment* that causes them to take action … and that any kind of action simply doesn’t happen until you have this moment … (exhausted from typing this) and the only thing that has worked for me to feel good in my own skin, and to keep my weight in check, is to exercise. I … MUST … exercise. (daily)
I admit that it was far easier to exercise in my 30’s and my 40’s, but now that I’m 50 … Oly-Hay Ow-Cay! I’m Ifty-Fay. Wasn’t I just 35? … it is SO much harder.
Now, I may not jump as high …
… or lunge and stretch as deep as I once did …
… but I’m still out there every day M O V I N G.
And, I’m eating right.
Fave breakfast smoothie:
½ cup frozen blueberries
1 medium over-ripe banana, sliced and frozen
2 tbsp old-fashioned oats
1 tbsp almond butter
1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
INSTRUCTIONS:
Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. #Easy
So if I’m going to be doing all that …
I might as well dress cute.
S H O P T H E C U T E N E S S :
I appreciate the confession….. but hard to believe !!
I speaketh the truth, Donna. A lifelong struggle.
Right there with ya!!
I would love to read your complete story!! I, too have struggled all my life with weight. I have not been as successful as you, but did pretty well for about 30 years until I was in a bad car accident and not mobile for about 6 months. I gained lots of weight, have gotten some of it off, but not all. I need to loose about 20 more pounds. If you think it is hard to exercise in your 50’s, just wait. I will be 70 in March and it has gotten harder each year for me. Enjoy your blog!
It IS a bit of a long story, Janice – but one that changed my life. And even though I’ve pretty much got my weight under control, I still *see* myself a certain way/size. I just wanted people to know that I can TOTALLY relate to anyone who struggles with weight issues that I completely understand all the feelings (successes and failures) one goes through.
Thank you for your kind comments! XO
Thank you for your heartfelt honesty. As a ‘young’ 54 year old, I also struggle with this issue. Every day there is a decision to eat well and move, not only to look better but to feel better. As women we can be so hard on ourselves. Thank you for motivating us to be our best!
Yep. Daily talking to myself about what the outcome will be with what I’m about to eat. Sometimes saltines w/grape jelly win out! (a childhood snack that still consumes my every thought)
Hi there! I think your true beauty does have to come from within. You can be a size zero and not feel confident. I am over 50, a size 10-12, and a married a mom of four. Over the years, I have learned to make the best with what God gave me and I feel more confident with myself now than I did in my 20’s. Even with a busy career, I still take an hour a few times a week to work out or go for a brisk walk. I think for me taking the time for physical activity is key to feeling more empowered and confident. Must be the endorphins! I enjoy your blog….
I ABSOLUTELY agree, Karen! My hope with this post was not to suggest what size someone should but rather to encourage people to just keep moving,… even if they don’t want to. I’ve looked back at pictures of myself at a size 00 and (although at that time I just thought I looked SO great) in reality I looked like I had just been discharged from the hospital … We all just need to know what’s healthy for each of us.
I’m a runner but I injured my ankle a few years ago so my *run* looks more like a fast walk … and I think walking is the perfect exercise! Thank you for sharing your story with me/us.
Jamie I had no idea weight has been a struggle for you. Thanks for sharing your story. I’ve been so slow to get back in my workout routine after the holidays. Thanks for the push! I’ll also be trying the smoothie!
Oh My Gosh. Since my 20’s. BUT I did get a grip on it and for nearly 20 years I’ve maintained what my Drs have determined my healthy weight.
It doesn’t stop me from a bag of funyuns, though.
Nice! Love the new blog my friend! One of my favorite smoothies is:
1 banana
1/3 cup dry steel cut oats
1T ground flax seed
1T dark chocolate powder
1 cup coconut milk
1/2 cup frozen cherries
Mix all in a vitamix and top with a few chopped nuts and for real decadence a few chocolate chips!
Anything that allows for a chocolate chip or two!
JAMIE, that darn 50! I would love to hear your story. I feel @ 50 it has been so much harder but on the upside I have always been active so I just have to work harder. Funny how we never realize the journey others have too dealt with. Love yourself the mostest my friend once told me!.
That’s a smart friend!
I spent a lifetime exercising. I cannot do the lunges or deep squats anymore and the 20-pound weights are off limits. I still skate, ride my bicycle (not the 20 miles a day of my youth), and take long walks. Last summer I would walk 5 to 8 miles a day. When the weather was not agreeable, I went to the gym and hit the elliptical…every day. Knee surgery has me near tears as I look at what I am missing as I am laid up here. Yes, exercise is important…not just for weight management, but for managing overall health….stress, high cholesterol, arthritis, and blood pressure. The perks are a good attitude, confidence, a feeling of strength, a leaner body mass, and a healthy overall glow. I miss my workouts, but your post has inspired me to try to push my recovery….should have worn those knee pads while ice skating…ugh
wishing you a quick recover, Lisa!
Love this!❤ You are beautiful inside and out regardless of age.
XOXO
Dear Jamie, I just wanted you to know what an inspiration your blog has been and continues to be for me. At 55 I realized I had quit trying to look cute and had succumbed to what was comfortable. Your blog helped me regain my desire to get off the couch and make the effort again. I put my heels back on and have copied your classy, edgy looks so many times. So please know that what you do is important and very much appreciated! Paige in Colorado
Well – gosh, THANKS Paige! What lovely things to say. This whole blogosphere (at least for me) is so we can all inspire each other. Feel free to *copy* me any time!
Thank you for sharing this Jamie. You are an inspiration!
Thanks, Patty! I appreciate you.
Ditto Paige
Thank you for the being real. I think everyone has their own struggles. In different areas in weight and life. No two people are a like. To me being in my 50’s is about joy, peace and living life in with a grateful attitude. Accepting who and what and where I have gone to , come to and going.
Becky in Texas
Well said, Becky! I AM so much more *aware* than I was in years past. Such a journey.
I love your new blog! Need help revamping mine! Any suggestions? Just want you to know you are amazing and always so inspiring. Need to meet up one day! Sooner rather than later!
XOXO, Kim
Awhhh – thank you, Kim. I think you’re an inspiration as well! Revamping ideas … that’s a tough one without hearing more.
OMG! I have been around the block, but no matter what, I have stayed just about the same size since age 17. Now, reverse those numbers and add a few more years. No matter what, I keep active each and every day, even as fast as I can after surgery, illness, whatever. It just gets harder, but, at the end of the day, no matter what, I feel better. So, I get better every day. And, I am stickin’ to it!!
Hi Jamie, you cannot understand how much I appreciate your enthusiasm for style at 50. Going on 62 I still exercise almost daily, love to dress with an edge and still have that zest. Many of my friends have already thrown in the towel. These girls were stylish when there figures were sizes 4-6-8. Once they hit menopause, the used that as an excuse for their appearance, I.e, weight gain, boring, sensible clothes and shoes. When I was in my early 50s it was a challenge to keep the weight off. Now in my 60’s is another challenge. Your body shape certainly changes – another challenge. So keep doing what you are doing and remaining a beacon of style and attitude in the coming years.
Angelita ~ you just made my day! Thank you for sharing your story and all your very kind words. I’ll keep going!! XOXO
Wow, Ms. Jamie! Before reading this I had no idea, however, I feel what you say. I’m a tad over 60. A former New Yorker living in South Florida, I went through menopause in my mid 50s. It was HORRIBLE, a living hell: mood swings, hot flashes/night sweats. Wasn’t eating right, either. I gained so much weight in my ab/core and none of my clothes fit right. I left Delray Beach, FL in 2008 for Arizona & wound up in West VA married to the cowboy of my dreams. In 2012, I got serious and started doing Billy Blanks’ Tae Bo Power. I’ve lost almost all of it (2″ to go)and eat clean. And feel so much better. I also use free weights & the weight machine. Thanks for encouraging me to do more!
I forgot to add that as we age gracefully, to never skimp on beauty, clean eating and working out which is more important now than ever. At 5’2″ tall and 62 years young, I’m 7 years older than my cowboy husband. Being 50-60 & beyond, doesn’t mean you stop being beautiful or doing the things that make you feel good. I still wear my stilettos, over-the-knee boots, suede and leather garments, and makeup. I love my French manicures and regular pedicures. I type this with a cast on my right arm/wrist which I broke ice skating almost 2 weeks ago (a hairline fracture). Keep doing what you’re doing Jamie. You’re such an inspiration to all of us and a fab fashionista as well.
Thanks for sharing your story, Alicia. *** you’re doing WAY more than I am!
Glad you met the man of your dreams. XOXO
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It’s so tricky when you hit your fifties. Trying to stay fit and healthy, it’s not easy.
for sure, Niki!