steffapeppa40 Posted July 14, 2009 Share Posted July 14, 2009 (edited) Hi all--- I might as well come right out and say it....I'm (gulp) 40. I certainly don't act it.... thankfully, I don't feel it...and I don't want to look it (yet). First off, I turned vegetarian at 15, and went on to veganism at around age 24. I did so for ethical reasons but health was always important to me as well. I considered myself an athlete growing up -I played soccer since I was 9- I even won the Phys Ed Medal at my H.S. graduation so others must havethought me to be athletic too...BUT, even though I mighthave next to 0 physical activity for months and months at a time(years maybe?) , I STILL falsely think of myself as some sortof an athlete. I look around at other people in my age group and think-"hey, compared to _____, I'm notso bad, really." A real problem.Once I get motivated and moving, I am certainly healthier and happier...and my body actually starts to catch upwith my active imagination. The same thing goes for eating patterns. I have learned that being vegan does not necessarily equal optimum health (but it easily can)and I have had periods of eating very very healthfullyand then I slip a little here and there and it gradually I'm eating a vegan sugary dessert after each meal and I have gained 15 pounds withouthardly noticing...(what the? those damned pants must have shrunk!) The last time I felt really good about my body was 2 1/2 years ago when my husband and I went on a fast (I've done them before) and westarted eating as alkaline a diet as we could. I was mostly walking (some running), using a trampoline 4-5 x's a week for 30-45 minutes, and using 10 lb weights once in a while. I believe I got down to about 128 lbs.( I am 5' 7 1/2"). I don't know what my body fat % is.Well, as time slipped into the future, I slowly lost my focus and recently found myself to be at about 143 and just out of shape in general....and yes, 40.BTW-Problem areas are my thighs and butt....(too big)...and upper body (too small). WHERE I'M AT NOW: I've been taking steps for the past 3 weeks to get back into shape....shed some fat,gain some muscle and just gain that overall feeling of strength, control, confidence, and well-being. I started doing something that is so completely foreign to me...working out to a dvd program. I won't even say what it is because this is NOT an advert.After 3 weeks of struggling, I do see results. I have lost around 5-6 lbs. I already gained some muscle mass in my arms and shoulders and the abs are coming along I guess. Pants are fitting better too....hmmm I guess I didn't shrink them after all! I am doing this regime with my husband (also a vegan of 15 years) so that helps a lot with motivation. Just thought some outside help and inspiration from you guys couldn't hurt, right? More lofty goals:I want to be able to do a pull-up for the first time ever. Okay, might as well say unassisted pull-ups. I am doing them now with the helpof a chair. I may even want to start doing roller derby and actually be competing in a sport again after all of these years! "Before and After Pics" I'll post in a few weeks for critiquing Hey, it's really cool to be here- s Edited July 21, 2009 by steffapeppa40 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robert Posted July 14, 2009 Share Posted July 14, 2009 Welcome! Nice to see you on here! Thanks for the great introduction and welcome to our online family Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Octopussoir Posted July 14, 2009 Share Posted July 14, 2009 You came to the right place! A warm welcome to you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lobsteriffic Posted July 14, 2009 Share Posted July 14, 2009 Welcome! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steffapeppa40 Posted July 15, 2009 Author Share Posted July 15, 2009 thanks for the welcome! I need that motivation, oh ya. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tuc Posted July 17, 2009 Share Posted July 17, 2009 Welcome! Judging by your avatar you look great. Looking forward to seeing those before & after pics! Also, I always have to compliment those who have been vegan for really long time! Big up! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zinzen Posted July 17, 2009 Share Posted July 17, 2009 Hope you enjoy the people here, its a good bunch of weirdos Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steffapeppa40 Posted July 18, 2009 Author Share Posted July 18, 2009 Welcome! Judging by your avatar you look great. Looking forward to seeing those before & after pics! Also, I always have to compliment those who have been vegan for really long time! Big up! Thanks! I'm looking forward to seeing and being those pics too! I still feel like I'm stuck in the "before".I will post pics in a month I'd say. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aryan Posted July 18, 2009 Share Posted July 18, 2009 Wow, you must have a great plastic surgeon. Any chance you could say who you use? I'll be needing one myself soon, and am willing to travel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steffapeppa40 Posted July 21, 2009 Author Share Posted July 21, 2009 Wow, you must have a great plastic surgeon. Any chance you could say who you use? I'll be needing one myself soon, and am willing to travel. I'm taking this as a complement--thanks.I'll be honest and say I take like 15 pictures I hate until I get one I kinda like. Yeah digital technology! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now