I need to lose 3-4ins off my waist,

[ggtone1937]

I have a Heart condition so exercise is out, I have R/A so walking is quite painful, my Diet is healthy i eat Fish 4/5 times a week Sardines,Sole, Mackerel, Cod, Salmon.

My medication is Methotrexate, Amlodipine,Candesartan,Bisoprolol,Co-amilfruse. My age is 74 but i am desperate to lose weight, can anyone help

[ElleC]

I'm just wondering why a heart problem rules out exercise? Certainly rules out training to be an elite athlete but the heart us as muscle that needs to be used... I know it depends on your heart condition but I've had a triple heart bypass and have valve problem and my dad has severe DCM and we're both encouraged to do the recomended 30 mind of gentle exercise 3_5 times a week. Maybe this will help, I know it's difficult with yolour RA but maybe something low impact like swimming or gentle cycling would be an option? Ultimately the key to weight loss is eating a sensible diet, keeping snacks to as minimum and trying to burn off a few more calories, there's no real secret! Hope this helps,

Ellen

[2squirrels]

If you go to your local gym they have trainers there who know exactly what you are allowed to do when you have a heart problem. I am in a similar situation and find swimming the most help as you get your exercise with the water taking much of the weight. However you will be fighting your medication as I do.

[Withattitude]

Swimming sounds like a good option. I have a friend with RA and they use toning tables - a selection of machines which strengthen muscle by resistence. She finds that they help her a lot. I do agree that the heart likes exercise. Maybe i you struggle with walking, a rowing machine might be an option. Any kind of movement is better than none. I think keeping carbohydrates low is also helpful. Good luck and keep us posted.

[patch14]

Swimming is an excellent idea but have you ever thought of tai chi? My sister who is the same age as you swears by it. It has helped her to tone and improve her flexibility. It is a low impact set of exercises involving the slow movement of arms and body with little movement of the legs. Rather like slow dancing. She has found that it has improved her overall movement.

I also agree about the lowering of the carbs. Eat more vegetables if you can and replace your wheat with oats or rye. Watch portion sizes of rice and potatoes and increase your pulses (beans and peas)

A friend of mine has managed to lose nearly two stone following a low carb diet and she has not felt hungry. She has a good breakfast of fruit and grilled bacon with tomatoes, or an omelette, a good plate of salad with fish or cottage cheese for lunch with a piece of fruit and a good evening meal with a small portion of potato, a filling protein meat or fish portion and lots of vegetables.

At the weekend she treats herself to a glass of wine, perhaps a biscuit or two and, as she went to a wedding last weekend, a piece of cake! She has gone down 3 skirt sizes!! And she is the same age as you! All the very best to you and I hope some of our suggestions are of help to you. Let us know how you get on.