November Chat

2

Replies

  • grandmothercharlie
    grandmothercharlie Posts: 1,356 Member
    edited November 2014
    Ker: You bet you need to buy something smashing for Christmas!. I can see you in something red! I think you have a sassy "red" personality! Right? >:) (he should be red!)

    I cleaned out my closets yesterday. Laundered everything. Kept one pair of "before" pants. A few cozy sweaters that are just, too, cuddly for around the house on a winter morning. Otherwise, it is all gone if it didn't fit. Sold the best items to a resale shop. They only want the better brands and had to be bought within the last two years so I didn't have a lot. But heck, I made $40. The rest will be a Goodwill tax deduction. Might use the $40 for a massage when I reach the overweight range at 158.5.

    Speaking about "overweight" has anyone else run into this? People will comment on my weight loss and then find it hard to believe that I still want to lose 45 pounds. That will put me smack-dab in the middle of "healthy." In 2011-2012. 44% of people in the USA were overweight, 35% were obese. That's a total of 69%! I guess we have become so accustomed to people being overweight that overweight is viewed as "normal." I must admit, even when I look in the mirror when dressed, I don't feel overweight anymore (naked is a different story), although technically, I'm still obese.

    I'm really working on the stress relief. Been meditating. Lights out. Classical music. Only 5 minutes 3x/wk. But, I'm getting good at it. I decided to wait until January for the Tai Chi so I can take it in my own town. Besides I already had some other Tuesday evening commitments.

    Going to a Green Symposium next Friday in DC for work. Flying out early in the morning, as I just need to be there for the afternoon. Of course, since I'm going anyway, I'm extending the trip until Sunday night, so I'll have Friday night, all day Saturday and until about 3 p.m. on Sunday to play! I love Alexandria and have a favorite hotel with free shuttle around town and to Metro and airport, full breakfast, and free snacks 24 hours/day (even protein bars!) Better yet, the price is right for an unexpected long weekend.

    Everyone gearing up for Thanksgiving?

  • IndianaPapaw
    IndianaPapaw Posts: 31 Member
    Well, I saw the Doc today for six month checkup. He and nurse both did a double take when looking at my weight. Lost 30 lbs. since May. 20 of it since starting with MFP 60+days ago. Cholesterol and glucose both took major drops. Can't wait to get the next 20 off!
  • ker95texas
    ker95texas Posts: 304 Member
    That's GREAT news Papaw!

    @Charlie - let's talk about those blasted normal/overweight/obese charts. 1) They suck 2)They're a guideline 3)They suck. Not that I feel strongly about them or anything lol-049.gif

    I'm average build in every way. Not muscular and certainly not large breasted. If anyone should fit into those dumb charts, it will be me - and my goal weight is the top of the 'normal' in the chart. My husband thinks I'm crazy to be aiming 'that low', but I've been ten pounds less than that in my adult life (and btw, was gaunt as all get out - not an attractive look), so I'm thinking it's probably realistic.

    You, on the other hand dear Charlie - from what you've said, you take an.. ummm.. errrr... larger cup size than we who are less endowed. You are also building serious muscle. BOTH of which are going to affect, based on common sense, your placement on the silly chart. Personally, I don't know that you will need to land smack dab in the middle of normal, because, well.. you aren't :blush:

    Sounds like you have some wonderful plans - hope you enjoy each and every one of them!

    -ker
  • learntolive
    learntolive Posts: 168 Member
    Nice post for the Veterans Wooken. We went to my granddaughters school for a Veteran's Day Program. It was wonderful!!! Very moving experience. Weighed in this morning, stayed the same. Not going to let it get me down. Saw a great movie, "St. Vincent". 9,200 steps today. Wish I had realized I was that close to 10,000. Too late now, it's bedtime. In January, I am going to set the 10,000 steps a day goal.
  • DreamOn145
    DreamOn145 Posts: 460 Member
    Ker: You bet you need to buy something smashing for Christmas!. I can see you in something red! I think you have a sassy "red" personality! Right? >:) (he should be red!)

    I cleaned out my closets yesterday. Laundered everything. Kept one pair of "before" pants. A few cozy sweaters that are just, too, cuddly for around the house on a winter morning. Otherwise, it is all gone if it didn't fit. Sold the best items to a resale shop. They only want the better brands and had to be bought within the last two years so I didn't have a lot. But heck, I made $40. The rest will be a Goodwill tax deduction. Might use the $40 for a massage when I reach the overweight range at 158.5.

    Speaking about "overweight" has anyone else run into this? People will comment on my weight loss and then find it hard to believe that I still want to lose 45 pounds. That will put me smack-dab in the middle of "healthy." In 2011-2012. 44% of people in the USA were overweight, 35% were obese. That's a total of 69%! I guess we have become so accustomed to people being overweight that overweight is viewed as "normal." I must admit, even when I look in the mirror when dressed, I don't feel overweight anymore (naked is a different story), although technically, I'm still obese.

    I'm really working on the stress relief. Been meditating. Lights out. Classical music. Only 5 minutes 3x/wk. But, I'm getting good at it. I decided to wait until January for the Tai Chi so I can take it in my own town. Besides I already had some other Tuesday evening commitments.

    Going to a Green Symposium next Friday in DC for work. Flying out early in the morning, as I just need to be there for the afternoon. Of course, since I'm going anyway, I'm extending the trip until Sunday night, so I'll have Friday night, all day Saturday and until about 3 p.m. on Sunday to play! I love Alexandria and have a favorite hotel with free shuttle around town and to Metro and airport, full breakfast, and free snacks 24 hours/day (even protein bars!) Better yet, the price is right for an unexpected long weekend.

    Everyone gearing up for Thanksgiving?

  • DreamOn145
    DreamOn145 Posts: 460 Member
    Oh my what a mess I am! The last time I was in here I said I was trying to make 50,000 steps a day, well I meant 50,000 steps a week!!!!!!! With all of my respiratory issues I was THRILLED when I made my way up to 7000 a day and I thought 50,000 a week would a geat goal! Sorry for that confusion. I am currently at about 40,000 a week and working on it! Geeeeez, what a goofball I am sometimes!

    I am finally losing, slowly, and hope that I will soon be back at point zero! I still have weight to lose that I gained when I was on the steroids but I refuse to change my starting point.

    My big accomplishment for this week is that I am getting a lot better about logging and especially logging BEFORE I eat. That is HUGE for me!

    As far as weight charts go, I don't look at them. At present I am focused on point zero and then I will focus on the 10% of my body weight.

    As far as meditation and its benefits. Huge fan there. I do reiki and its THE most amazing thing I ever discovered in my life. It was very simply a life changer for me.

    Hope you all are doing well as you are getting ready for the holidays!

    Janet
  • grandmothercharlie
    grandmothercharlie Posts: 1,356 Member
    edited November 2014
    I chose a weight goal because I tend to be a goal-oriented personality. Goals drive me. I have always been that way in both my personal and professional life. If I don't have a goal I'm striving for, I feel lost and will create a goal to strive toward.

    Goals and trying to reach them help me create benchmarks that also help me navigate through life. They help me make "sense" of things. Sometimes the "sense" is that the goals are unrealistic so I re-adjust. I need to be able to quantify things.

    This weight loss journey is fun for me because it is a series of challenges that I can easily measure. So, next goal is 158.5! As Reba would say, "Onward and downward!"
  • DreamOn145
    DreamOn145 Posts: 460 Member
    I agree with you about the goals. I don't personally select goals set by others such as weight loss charts. Now one that I do like is that 10% of body weight, which if I remember correctly is the goal that everyone is supposed to set when they join weight watchers? I do remember (if I can get there again) that there is a point somewhere between 5 and 10 when you suddenly feel as if you have made a huge step forward and you feel it! I remember it, I just need to get back there! lol

    Onward and downward is a good mantra. I love mantras and quotes. Getting dh to read an article about health is a challenge, but I can post pieces of them on the frig every month and he will read them. I also post things I snip out of magazines here and there. On the bathroom mirror it currently says "You get what you work for, not what you wish for" and there is a full size page on the frig that says "Being fat is hard. Losing weight is hard. Pick your hard!" When I was in NC I did a large vision board that included both health changes and the move to Florida! Well, it got left behind in the move, so I am considering doing another one!

    I just heard a weather report for the great lakes area and I feel much sympathy for people up there, having grown up in upstate NY. I hope you all have exercise bikes and yoga mats! The weather is certainly not conducive to exercising outdoors!!

    Have a great day everyone!

  • grandmothercharlie
    grandmothercharlie Posts: 1,356 Member
    Janet: I've lost 30%, but you are right, everything you read says that 10% weight loss makes a huge difference as far as health benefits. My goal is 50% loss from my starting weight. I won't even miss one of me! ;)
  • grandmothercharlie
    grandmothercharlie Posts: 1,356 Member
    My "ThriveOn" program at work had the following quote in an article about aging:

    "Some of the gain is unavoidable, because as your body ages, body fat increases as lean muscle mass and bone mass decrease. Body fat doubles over the 5 decades from age 25 to age 75. Body weight increases until you reach age 60, when it begins to decline."

    I don't think I had ever read this before as far as the doubling goes. However, look at it this way folks, we are at least in the "decline" stage! :)
  • ker95texas
    ker95texas Posts: 304 Member
    @Charlie - wish my body had read this when it reached age 60 :lol:
  • grandmothercharlie
    grandmothercharlie Posts: 1,356 Member
    edited November 2014
    So, I guess at 110 years old, we will be back to where we were at 25! I will have to work on patience! :s
  • mxchana
    mxchana Posts: 666 Member
    ... Body weight increases until you reach age 60, when it begins to decline."

    I don't think I had ever read this before as far as the doubling goes. However, look at it this way folks, we are at least in the "decline" stage! :)

  • mxchana
    mxchana Posts: 666 Member
    edited November 2014
    This is good news, that a natural weight loss goes in our favor! It puts a positive spin on the phrase, "over the hill." ;)

    My goals are figured on the basis of losing 10% of my weight at a time. (My next 10% mark is 183 and I am very close to it. I'm so close, I just ordered my reward for the next goal: an immersion blender.) I like to do it that way because, in my experience, it gets harder to lose as one's weight goes down. So each new goal will be proportionately fewer pounds, also. It makes it easier for me to stay encouraged along the way.

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  • DreamOn145
    DreamOn145 Posts: 460 Member
    I saw the remarks about muscle loss and aging and this article that I read recently sprang to mind http://www.prevention.com/health/health-concerns/are-aging-muscles-why-youre-tired-all-time-and-gaining-weight. I spent 30+ years in the field as a home health nurse and I can tell you that I have seen amazing results with patients who actually took the programs of their physical and occuptional therapists seriously!! And of course not only does building muscle diminish the effects of aging, a pound of muscle at rest also burns something like three times as much as a pound of fat! And if that were not enough, its just so darn easy to toss my yoga mat on the floor in front of the TV in the evening. I really believe you can never have a complete program without aerobic, anaerbic, and stretching and that they are more important as we age!!!

    As far as goals go for today, I just want to get back to point zero!!! crappy steroids anyway!!!
  • ker95texas
    ker95texas Posts: 304 Member
    edited November 2014
    off topic, but........ I'm heading to Wisconsin in the morning. Weather (and holiday craziness) will only get worse, so I figured it was as good a time as any. I'm leaving from the lake house, which saves me more than an hour - partly because I don't drive well at night and the hours of daylight are getting *really* short!

    Hoping to put eleven to twelve hours in on the road tomorrow, which will leave me eight or so on Tuesday. And yup, no internet, no tv, no wifi where I'm headed :disappointed: - other than picking up some free wifi here and there.

    I'm planning to be there no more than three (four if required) days to finish up my part of getting Mom's house cleared out and ready for sale. The best part is... I'll get to go see Mom!

    So, I won't be able to play in the forums or weigh in this week. Y'all behave now, you hear?

    BRRRRRRRRRRRRRR MSN-Emoticon-062.gif
  • Wooken3
    Wooken3 Posts: 578 Member
    ker95texas wrote: »
    off topic, but........ I'm heading to Wisconsin in the morning. Weather (and holiday craziness) will only get worse, so I figured it was as good a time as any.

    love-u-mom-smiley-emoticon.gif Off to see Mom...what fun!!

    Be careful out there as that part of the country has really been getting some winter weather. You may have to consider another form of transportation as you get further North.

    animated-driving-smiley-image-0022.gif.........I'm just saying...
  • grandmothercharlie
    grandmothercharlie Posts: 1,356 Member
    Ker:

    It's Chat. Nothing is off topic here! I agree you need to be careful and dress warm. Glad you will get to see your mom and you will get the house sale ready to go. Both of those things will be good for you and give you some peace of mind. Hug your mom for all of us!

    Charlie
  • debneeds2beskinny
    debneeds2beskinny Posts: 227 Member
    Hey everyone! I was on vacation last week and didn't log in, but just reviewing messages etc. Kind of proud of myself, didn't put on a single ounce during vacation. Of course, my husband walks everywhere and I had to keep up with him, so I think that is the reason. I did try to maintain a healthy diet, only one or two small infractions. ;) We had a great time and not gaining weight made it even better.
  • JoanLovell
    JoanLovell Posts: 127 Member
    You guys are certainly inspiring and I vaquely remember how good I feel when I'm working my program! I need to get going. I had endocarditis a year ago and one of the meds affected my balance. Although I've only gained 10 or 12 pounds since that happened (losing that seems doable), it's not exercising that's making me look and feel about 20 pounds heavier - and that fat is NOT settling in good places.

    My balance has improved quite a bit on its own. At this point I'm using it as an excuse because "I don't feel like it" and "it's too hard". I just can't seem to move off ground zero - even though I log into MFP frequently and vow to get going.

    I'm not sure this is the right place to post how negative I'm being :) But, well, that's my update.
  • debneeds2beskinny
    debneeds2beskinny Posts: 227 Member
    JoanLovell wrote: »
    You guys are certainly inspiring and I vaquely remember how good I feel when I'm working my program! I need to get going. I had endocarditis a year ago and one of the meds affected my balance. Although I've only gained 10 or 12 pounds since that happened (losing that seems doable), it's not exercising that's making me look and feel about 20 pounds heavier - and that fat is NOT settling in good places.

    My balance has improved quite a bit on its own. At this point I'm using it as an excuse because "I don't feel like it" and "it's too hard". I just can't seem to move off ground zero - even though I log into MFP frequently and vow to get going.

    I'm not sure this is the right place to post how negative I'm being :) But, well, that's my update.

    Joan:
    you can do this - start slow and build up. Even just walking a little will help you with your balance. 10 - 12 lbs, psshhh - piece of cake. Let's go...... I do hope you are feeling better and once you get moving again that will really help.
  • mxchana
    mxchana Posts: 666 Member
    Hey everyone! I was on vacation last week... Kind of proud of myself, didn't put on a single ounce during vacation.

    Deb, that's a real achievement - kudos!

  • mxchana
    mxchana Posts: 666 Member
    JoanLovell wrote: »
    You guys are certainly inspiring and I vaguely remember how good I feel when I'm working my program! I need to get going...

    I'm not sure this is the right place to post how negative I'm being :) But, well, that's my update.

    Joan, I see it as just being honest about where you are ... and I think this is certainly the place for realism. It's great that you gained back so little over that period of time. That in itself is encouraging. You can do it!

  • JoanLovell
    JoanLovell Posts: 127 Member
    Thanks for the encouragement. I did a little stability ball stuff with weights yesterday so that was a start. I ate too much but recorded everything -- that was huge! Staying aware is really key for me -- one of the reasons I love MFP. Thanks again!
  • jeanmrob
    jeanmrob Posts: 629 Member
    Great to catch up with you all......we all need a bit of general encouragement to keep us on track and in a positive frame of mind...nowhere better than here! <3

    Jean

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  • retirehappy
    retirehappy Posts: 4,757 Member
    Finally done getting Mom settled into a nursing home, I have two sisters who are also in this area, one works where Mom will be living. A lot of work, she is a packrat, so tons of junk to go through, plus sorting out what she would really need. I guess all that hard work payed off, eat whatever was available when it was available, and still lost over a lb.

    I'll be around for the rest of this week then off for 10 days, taking a vacation to a warm beach area!!!
  • mxchana
    mxchana Posts: 666 Member
    Finally done getting Mom settled into a nursing home, I have two sisters who are also in this area, one works where Mom will be living...

    I'll be around for the rest of this week then off for 10 days, taking a vacation to a warm beach area!!!

    Sounds like a well-deserved reward! It's wonderful that your sister works in the facility; that's a great advantage.
  • debneeds2beskinny
    debneeds2beskinny Posts: 227 Member
    Finally done getting Mom settled into a nursing home, I have two sisters who are also in this area, one works where Mom will be living. A lot of work, she is a packrat, so tons of junk to go through, plus sorting out what she would really need. I guess all that hard work payed off, eat whatever was available when it was available, and still lost over a lb.

    I'll be around for the rest of this week then off for 10 days, taking a vacation to a warm beach area!!!

    That is a lot of work and so stressful. Had to move my Mom to an alzheimers unit a few years ago - I was amazed at what she had packed away. nice that you have family for help and support
  • grandmothercharlie
    grandmothercharlie Posts: 1,356 Member
    It seems to be a reoccuring theme for people our age. Mom's in assisted living or nursing homes. I went through it in my 30s, but I was a very late child. It is difficult to suddenly have to be the "mom." It also leaves us feeling like orphans.

    It is wonderful that you are taking such good care of her and making sure she is safe.
  • DreamOn145
    DreamOn145 Posts: 460 Member
    Deb, congrats on not gaining anything while on vacation!!! That is always deserving of a huge pat on the back.

    Joan, the fact that you are in here talking to us is a good sign! Here are two of my tricks that help me to climb back up on the wagon. If I have slipped on the logging and or eating correctly (that is my worst, getting back into exercise is a bit easier for me) I force myself to log everything for 3 days. For some reason, if I can do it for 3 days I will start to either get ticked off at myself for how far off I am or my subconscious will take over and start pulling me back into line. As for the exercise, I remember something I was told MANY years ago by a PT. When you establish an exercise program,
    first focus on frequency, then duration, then intensity. So, if I am completely off the wagon I tell myself I have to do SOMETHING for ten minutes every day for the first week! Within a few days 10 minutes seems silly and I am walking for 20 and walking my way back to the exercise trail. And I offer these little tidbits because I have been on and off that wagon so much I consider myself to be a frigging expert at this point!

    Janet
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