WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR OCTOBER 2019
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last morning with a lap full of pups..working 7:45-1 and then have to get this place in shape and start taking stuff home..
having tea and have load of laundry in the wash
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Good morning all. The clocks go back tonight here, so I have been trying to adapt my sleep routine over the last few days in anticipation. The sun is out, but there is a bite in the air, so will be dressing accordingly. DH went out at 6.30am, for a day with his 2 birdwatching pals, so I will be going with the flow. I see some walking, and a little retail therapy in my immediate future.
Breakfast is calling, so will be back later.
Miele Failte to our new ladies. This is a great place for support/advice.
💕💖💕 (((Hugs))) and 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 to those in extremis
☘️ Terri3 -
Hello everyone.
It’s been since page 56 since I have sat down and really commented. Please excuse the long and sometimes delayed responses.
Machka – Wow, you are certainly busy with the cycle club. Seems like quite an event filled with tons of planning and execution. How many people assist with the event? Seems strange that you are studying for your exams yet done with the coursework. In the US when we are done, we are done. Final exams take place on the last day of class regardless of the venue (live or online).
Heather – Love your exercise room. One day my guest room will be fitted with an exercise area. Love the pics of the grands. Glad to hear DH’s DD survived the latest round of cuts. Hope she realizes it’s time to start downsizing her lifestyle and put away for that rainy day (something I am still learning – it seems to be an ongoing saga with me).
Barbie – Thank you for the positive words. I have had to cut down on the baking and sitting hobbies. I am still finding I am sitting more than I should, but it’s all about the baby steps. Oh, no the water heater (twice)! Never a dull moment with home ownership!
Lisa in AR – It’s difficult to choose between a dream and reality. It sounds like you found a place somewhere between the two options. I am happy you were able to do so. Expressing your story excites me because it reinforces the fact that I can find that happy medium too. Hope DS in Oregon did better than he expected on the midterms.
Tracey – Love the nursing home stories. I can only hope I will remain positive when I am not a so young person. Wow, 101! Sounds like she’s a blessing to all who surround her.
Rori – Glad to hear DB was able to turn around and find another job so quickly. Hope the foot and ankle are on the mend. Poor Mars – hope he is doing better too. Happy to hear DH's surgery went well. It must be confusing to him when out of the normal things are going on.
Kate – Hope all has settled with your DD and grand. That’s scary!
Amber – With your schedule and tasks I am surprised the weight just doesn’t fall off. It is wonderful DH is so supportive. I am with you. Small portions/tastes of everything I enjoy so I do not feel deprived.
Katla – Hope you are back to feeling better. Children are definitely petri dishes! Oh, no pneumonia/flu meds!
Yvonne – Hope the new gym worked out. Thank you for your kind words.
Sue – Sorry about the roofing challenges. I live in a townhome complex and the association is finally looking at the roofs and decorative mansards. They have been fighting with the insurance company for hurricane damage (over 2 years ago). The project is estimated to cost $3m (yes, that’s millions) which will eventually be divided between all of the townhome owners (120 of us). TG we will be able to pay over a period of 5 years. I am not looking forward to it, but it must be done. Our places will have a much higher resale value and to tell you the truth our places look run down (mansards have only been maintained for the past 35 years). I am looking forward to the face lift. It will make coming home that much more enjoyable. But the cost……it’s a love/hate thing.
NYKaren – Hope you’re enjoying the new treadmill.
DrKatie – Laughing out loud about firing your housekeeper! I fired mine too and I have learned I have much better things to do than worry about a little piece of dust floating around. But, like all of us still try and keep up as best as I can. As long as I maintain as the days go along it really isn’t too bad.
Flea – Your son is adorable and his room is fantastic. I am sure he is very happy with his privacy. Any updates with the interview?
Lanette – Feel your pain with the ice cream. I had a craving yesterday and remembering your message while at the grocery store reminded me to pick up a single serve.
Teri – I wish we could just stop messing with the clocks. It is strange that some do not and each country changes at different times. Here in the US the day is 11/03.
Risha55, Jean, Susan, knitski2002, jrsepe12 – Welcome to this wonderful group. Hope you are all able to find inspiration and are able to stick with your goals.
It’s raining today and I am extremely disappointed because it was to be my first outdoor yoga class. With the ground being so wet and thunderstorms on the horizon the class will be cancelled. I have been going over my October goals and need to re-engage with my exercise goals. No one can do this for us – we have to do it for ourselves. The weight is still coming off because I have stuck to a 1200 calorie/day diet regardless of how many calories burned during the day. Personal goal of getting rid of desk has not been met and I do not think it’s going to happen this month (oh, I continue to let this chore haunt me for some darn reason).
Work has been crazy and I will have to put in some time over the weekend to get caught up. Like many if I do not use my vacation time I lose it. I have 2 days scheduled next week so I either have to buckle down or I will find I will have to work a little over my time off. With the up and coming promotion and the changes within the teams I am having to work twice as hard to complete knowledge transfer/training. I am OK with it all because it results in a better situation for me, but the hours and stress right now are a little overwhelming.
SuziQ - SFL - Where the rain is needed, but not welcome today.4 -
Well, I am up and moving. Not sure what is up, but I really had to drag myself out of bed this morning. I do have my period. First time since early June (I am back to that "surprise-you-never-know-when-it-will-come" schedule with it). I think THAT combined with two weeks of having the furnace running (I haven't gotten the humidifier going yet) is what is doing it. We also had another windy night last night. We have a lot of stormy fall nights, so I hear them; but usually just think go back to sleep. Last night a particularly loud gust woke me up and I thought "Well, if a tornado takes my house, I hope it lands on someone who deserves it!" The odds would not be great of my house flying all of the way to D.C. (where many people would deserve a house landing on them), and none of my neighbors are on my shitlist, so...I guess everyone is safe. lol Anyway, I and my house are still intact. Shopping this morning. I made my yogurt on Thursday/Friday, again; so it is all jarred and in the fridge ready to eat.
Suzi Q- I got a giggle when I imagined a bunch of muddy yogis! It would be like those Mud Races, Tough Mudder Yoga! I would need pictures for that! lol
Lisa- There are many women in this group that I feel a kindred spirit! You are one of them! My husband thinks I am insane to tell people my age the way I do, "I will be 53 years old in November!" And I say it like I am excited! It does excite me. I lost my parents when I was young, and they were pretty young (58 and 63), so every year that I get older and am still kicking around is absolutely wonderful for me.
Pip- Give Yogi a special hug from me! I love that big lunk!
Well, I have to get busy and get my shopping done. ttfn xoxoxo LOVE YOU LADIES!!! KJ (Kelly)4 -
Morning! DH is walking a bit, resting, walking a bit and resting. Later today we take off the bandage, he's horrible at that kind of thing, so that is on me today.
KJ and Machka thanks for the links to monthly exercise challenges. I will join a November challenge, I think my personal goal is to hit 3 miles per day and the accountability of posting will be good for me, so maybe I'll see you ladies on that challenge thread Beth
With the novelty of the new machine, scheduling and following through of getting in steps should be easier, no need to drive somewhere after work. I was thinking of putting a jar out and every time I get on the treadmill a penny (or something) will go in the jar. That kind of thing works for me, silly but true.
Katla sorry to hear about your dad's fall and injury, hope he heals quickly, it sounds painful ((<3))
NYKAREN4 -
cityjaneLondon wrote: »Machka - do you have to organize marshalls, medals, refreshments, signage and everything?
Windy night. I didn't sleep too well. Brain active. I had a good book to read and a spare room, so I survived.
Love Heather UK xxxxxxxx
I plan and design my routes in Ride with GPS, and I do that months in advance. Then we drive or cycle the routes, or parts of the routes, a few times to check them, and once again close to the event date to make sure they are OK. We have to get the instructions (cue sheets) just right or the riders can get lost. I also monitor the roadworks and rail works information to find out if they're doing something to "my" roads or rail crossings. I've had them dig up portions of the road and close a road because of rail works which is very annoying and means a lot of rework.
This set of events are 50 km, 160 km and 100 km. The others are longer. Fortunately, once I've set up the routes, we can often use them for many years with perhaps only small adjustments if they do things like dig up a road or something. For example, I know that "they" are doing a lot of work in two different places which will likely affect my 600 km event at Easter, so at some point before Easter, but not too far before, I'll have to check that route.
I advertise my events and all the others. I'm the club's communication officer.
When participants register for my events (online only), I create the brevet cards for them for each event ... they carry the cards and get them signed at specific controls along the way because they have to reach the controls within a certain time limit. I also communicate the with participants to let them know where the start is and what to bring ... although some of that is becoming more automated. But I print their information out so I can refer to it if necessary, and I print the cue sheets and maps.
My husband helps organise the food and put together the lolly bags we give the participants at the beginning of the ride. But I will order supplies if we don't have them in stock.
At the beginning of the ride, often at some unearthly hour of the morning, we meeting the riders at the start to give them the map, cue sheet, brevet cards, and lolly bags and to set them off. A little bit later, we drive out to the first control and set up with food, beverages, etc. to wait for the riders to come in. We feed and water them and send them off. On these three events, there's only one control for each ride. On the longer events there are more. At some point we return to the start to wait for the riders to come in and welcome them in, then take their cards.
After the event, I'll submit the cards to our brevet secretary who will process them and organise for any medals. If I'm feeling particularly energetic or creative, I might write about it and post it on the club website.
I want to start using signage, for some reason previous presidents (I'm the new president) haven't purchased any. Oh, as president, I also hold the supplies for the Tasmania chapter of the club. We were bequeathed with about half a dozen bins of stuff. One day I'll need to dig through them to find out what's actually there.
So the busy-ness goes in waves. Right now, I'm in a very busy wave.
We're putting on 3 events this weekend. Next weekend, I'm hoping we can participate in an event put on by someone else. The following weekend, I put on another event -- a flatter 200 km. Two weeks later, I put on another event -- a hilly 200 km. I inherited those two. Part of the joy of being president!
Most of our events don't have very many people, but the hilly 200 km does tend to draw a crowd so I'm in the midst of trying to organise volunteers for that. And speaking of signage just now, it would be nice to have signage for that event. If that's going to happen, I'll have to start looking into it ASAP.
Meanwhile, I'm also trying to study for a final exam on Tuesday!! I don't usually have a final exam so close to these events, but that's how it goes sometimes.
You've got quite a strong Audax organisation in the UK too ... http://www.aukweb.net/
Machka in Oz3 -
Morning Ladies -
Hubs is off to work. My friends husband got here yesterday. He and I will head to breakfast later and then come home to watch some football on the back porch. His wife gets in at 3:30 so we will head to the airport to get her. Hubs is hoping to get out in time to go with us. We will stop for an early dinner and then get ready for the Halloween Party. I will post pictures tomorrow of our group costume. We had two people drop out, but for the US ladies, I think you will be able to tell who we are....well, I hope you will. It will be a fun time regardless. The friends head out tomorrow evening.
Have a great Saturday!
Okie in the TX Hill Country5 -
Machka – Wow, you are certainly busy with the cycle club. Seems like quite an event filled with tons of planning and execution. How many people assist with the event? Seems strange that you are studying for your exams yet done with the coursework. In the US when we are done, we are done. Final exams take place on the last day of class regardless of the venue (live or online).
SuziQ - SFL - Where the rain is needed, but not welcome today.
For these events, it's just my husband. He helps with the food and likes meeting and talking to the riders. On bigger events, there will be more.
In both Canada and Australia, we finish our classes and then have something they are now calling SWOT-VAC (Study without teacher vacation??). I know it as Study Week ... a week between the end of classes and the beginning of the Exam Period during which time we are supposed to study our brains out.
The Exam Period is about 3 weeks long and your exam can be scheduled on any day during those 3 weeks, at least 6 days a week, maybe 7, and at any time from 9 am to 9 pm. About a month before the Exam Period your exam schedule is released and you are told when you need to turn up. Mine is on a Tuesday morning this time which is the best time I've been assigned in a while. The last few have been 7-9 pm on a weekday ... since I take the bus, it's not easy to get home that late at night. Or 9 am on the weekend, before the buses start running. I had to take a taxi to one! So I was relieved about the date and time with this one.
Our exams are held in a large room and there are usually 3 or 4 different exams being held at the same time. So one row might be Class A, the next row is Class B, the next row is Class C, and so on. It is very structured, with lots of rules, and very well patrolled with numerous examiners walking up and down the rows ensuring no one cheats. Students are only allowed to leave the room at certain times and only with an escort. So if you've got to use the toilet, you'll have an escort. If a person were to walk in with a mobile phone, that person would fail. Security is very tight.
Then my next course starts on Nov 11!!
Machka in Oz4 -
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At the gym, put my regular monkey feet in the basket to wash, pulled these out of my back, thinking they were one pair. Not only are they different, I would have worn them anyway but they are for the same foot!!! AAHHH!! So gotta do something that I could wear my slippers in3 -
In these6 -
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Pip - LOL! Hugs!!
I am considering wearing my furry slippers with my costume tonight since we have had a cold front come through and it isn't 90 degrees anymore.
Okie3 -
It’s pouring rain and supposed to rain all day. I hate gloomy!!
My daughter is taking the ACT this morning. Poor thing was afraid we would oversleep, so she struggled with sleep all night. Fixed her a couple of eggs to avoid a carb crash. She is so stressed by the whole college pressure thing. I’m really trying to get her to take a gap year.
Connie in KY3 -
Good morning everyone!!! It's Saturday and not much planned for today. It has been interesting to read up on the posts. I've been saying I was going to write Banquet about their pot pies and never got around to it. Well last night just after midnight I sat down and wrote that letter and a letter to a credit union that I've been a member of for 42 yrs. to tell them goodbye. I've had good standing with them and in the last 2 months they've given me late fees on my credit card payment. I cut up the card and sent it to them.
Today I am going with some friends to see/listen to a local group that plays all kinds of music. Never heard of them and neither has my friends. New experiences in new area.
Have a safe weekend everyone!
Marianne-WV3 -
I don't want to write a novel here, only want to jump in to say that tracking with MyFitnessPal WORKED for this post-menopausal woman, without busting my rear in the gym or starving myself.
I've lost about 15 pounds gradually over the last six months or so and have reached my goal weight as a result. My body composition, general well-being, and energy have improved dramatically.
There is hope for those of us who are older; that whole "you can't lose weight after menopause" is a myth. We just have to be really diligent about what we eat, and make sure to exercise more. (Unless there are other underlying medical issues, of course, I realize it's not the same for everyone!)
One big change I did make is cutting my total carbohydrate to around 80 grams per day, focusing on real foods/whole foods, and completely ditching the sugars and processed stuff. I upped my protein to 100 grams per day (not always easy to reach) and make up the rest with fats like coconut/olive oils, butter, the fat on meat, and full-fat dairy. I make most of my carbs come from fresh vegetables and eat a bit of fruit, some rice, pasta on occasion. The bakery stuff is OUT. And when I do eat it, I'll gain a few pounds of water overnight as a result. Ditto on the alcohol! I love good wine, but limit myself to a glass or two per weeks when out with friends.
(I used to have wine every night with dinner--no more.)
Now that I'm in maintenance, I've upped my carbs to about 120 total per day, sometimes going over if I exercise a lot more or have a special occasion. I notice if I have more than that, my energy flags and I get low blood sugar episodes as a result. (I'm not diabetic/pre-diabetic, but I do get reactive hypoglycemia from eating sugar/processed carbs)
I feel GREAT, don't have the blood sugar/energy swings, and have even gained some muscle.
This, from someone who, at age 59, had gone through some trauma and was seriously deconditioned as a result, having sat on the couch for two years. There is hope!6 -
Connie ~ I think a gap year for your daughter would be great. In my family, 4 out of 5 went to college and none of us finished in the 4 yr after high school. A lot of growing up had to take place.
Kay ~ Healing thoughts for your Dad. He has been through a lot with health problems.
Carol in GA2 -
Oh....shoot. Goals for October (and November at this point) are to maintain my weight, keep doing what I'm doing, and not let the colder weather and holiday feasting derail my progress!
I'm "fluidly" located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the US. (It's complicated) Mostly near Washington, DC.3 -
Kelly, my current audio book is set in Northern lower Michigan in a small town in Lake Michigan so I can't help thinking of you as I listen.
Pip, some people in my neighborhood have their Airstream in their driveway getting ready for a trip and I think of you as I walk by their house every morning.
My line dance class yesterday had 46 students which is the highest this year. There was so much conversation and laughter that it was hard to quiet everyone down to go over the dances. I love to see the laughter and friendship.
My big yard chore for the weekend will be sifting the compost to remove all the pieces that didn't compost completely. I love seeing how vegetable peelings and plant pieces turn into beautiful black dirt.
Jake fixed lunch yesterday (he always does on line dance days) and it was pork chops that he'd bought on sale and found out how to prepare by looking online. He was very pleased with the result. He used items from the freezer for two side dishes.
Our neighbors across the street sold their house and are almost totally moved out. It will be interesting to see who moves in.
The dogs are being very patient but in a few minutes our walking friend will arrive and we'll head out for the after breakfast walk. We walk with our friend for about an hour and then Sasha and I walk for another hour.
Barbie in NW WA6 -
Barbara What a soggy saga. Tumble is such a good doggie. So, so sorry you've had to endure this mess; it makes me anxious just to hear about it...ugh!!! (((Hugs)))
Karen in Virginia2 -
Did 10lb down DVD. The plan for tomorrow is to do a Denise Austin Blast Away the Pounds DVD
Barbara – we know what you have on your mind – that ice cream!
Jrsepe – welcome back
Glad our clocks go back next weekend. Just wish they never went back
Last night woke up around 2 to sweating, so I played some mahjongg on my tablet.
Have to leave in a bit to get my oil changed. Then I think we’re going to cut the solar cover to fit the pool. The other one just wore out. Actually, they’re supposed to last about 5 years and we had ours 7, so it was time
Okie – what kind of costume will the group be using for the party?
ThinnerLiz – yeaaaaa My daughter used to live in Reston, VA
Did a load of laundry then made a roast for this week. Things just don’t seem to come out juicy in the oven
Michele in NC
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Feeling invigorated after a walk in the fresh air, and autumn sunshine.
@ThinnerLiz I’m proof of that. Tried most of my adult life to lose weight. Joined MFP almost 5 years ago at the age of 67 and Hey presto! Here I am, 74 next birthday, 73 lbs lighter and still counting downwards!
☘️Terri7 -
Happy Saturday, ladies!
SuziQ - that's something about your roofing costs but sounds like it will be well worth it. Great to have it spread over 120 residents, and doing it all at one time is wonderful.
Barbara AHMOD - what rotten news about the new water heater's shut off valve. What great news about the plumber being your neighbor and coming so quickly. Kudos to Tumble!!
Pip - how thoughtful folks are to have given you flowers in memory of Floyd! Is your kitty inside with Yogi all day? If so, perhaps they are keeping each other company.
Barbie - hoping you get some great neighbors. We've been really lucky so far, tho I wouldn't mind a younger (than us) couple with older kids who wouldn't mind earning a few extra dollars helping me weed the flower beds. Ours isn't a designated older community like yours is, it just has turned out that way.
Tracey - love that "stay in your lane" cartoon. So true, lol. Your nursing home (employer) sounds really neat. In our community, we have more upper scale ones for folks who can afford it, some that are assisted living/nursing care which allow pets (um....not a good place-hard to keep clean-often smelly) and then nursing homes with mostly Medicaid folks, some who are in bad shape and some who just have no where else to go. I figure if I make it to 90 then get some terminal disease, I'm going to start bungee jumping, taking parachute lessons, drive race cars, etc. Make it quick but having fun, lol.
Katiebug - wow, sorry about your dad! Poor fella!
ThinnerLiz - I so appreciate your post. It's exactly what I needed to read, so inspiring. Having put on a few pounds after a year of injuries and surgery - (due to cutting back exercise and heading toward the candy/cookie/ice cream ), lowering carbs is working. Maybe not reflected on the scale so much as jeans are now more comfy.
OK ladies, make it a wonderful weekend!!
Lanette
Sunny but chilly SW WA State6 -
Suzi Q- I got a giggle when I imagined a bunch of muddy yogis! It would be like those Mud Races, Tough Mudder Yoga! I would need pictures for that! lol
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KJ - Exactly my thoughts this morning. I am a nature girl at heart, but not that much! I envision downward dog and sleeping baby......hopefully next Saturday's weather cooperates.
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ThinnerLiz wrote: »There is hope for those of us who are older; that whole "you can't lose weight after menopause" is a myth. We just have to be really diligent about what we eat, and make sure to exercise more. (Unless there are other underlying medical issues, of course, I realize it's not the same for everyone!)
I agree 100%. I was actually typing up a message with my results thus far. I am very fortunate to have no real health-related issues. Thank you for sharing!2 -
There are many new and established members who have either asked or suggested they need some tips and tricks or are lacking in motivation. This post is to help those who need it or are interested.
One of my selfie-born friends on MFP kept urging me to take pictures along my journey. I am not of that mold and prefer to be the one taking the pictures of others. I still remember my 6-year old self and the joy I felt when my father gave me his Kodak Brownie. I have been taking pictures ever since.
This spoiler shows my progress to date. I did not have a start photo so I picked one from the beginning of this year that shows where I started.
January 19, 2019, far left – Me, gleaning a field for the food challenged. Gleaning dates back through the ages and anyone interested should check this out. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gleaning
September 19, 2019, middle – Selfie to show a somewhat before. Note: I started my latest journey on 08/24/19.
October 25, 2019, far right – Today, me, being silly. I decided to try a smaller shirt. I really did not think it would be appropriate. Notice the definition in my calves and arms. This is not from sweating at the gym. This is from adding movement when and where I can.
Also for those who are interested and looking for meal planning and/or adding exercise to your day. There are some repeats here.Adding Exercise- I added exercise very slowly. I would walk in place during commercials while watching TV or on a conference call. I am now actively walking at least 30 minutes in the morning before work. On days when the weather is not cooperating I make sure I am walking inside and/or try to walk at least 10-15 minutes during my work day. My co-workers are getting used to me walking the floor.
- I am using very light weights for my arms. I will continue adding reps when I can. I either take the weights with me while I walk or use them while I am watching TV.
- I generally do not like “exercise”. I have had to trick myself. I live in a townhome and my washer and dryer are downstairs while the bedrooms and closets are upstairs. I walk separate clothing types up when hung/folded. For example, short-sleeve shirts, long-sleeve shirts, shorts, pants, dress pants, panties, bras, socks, towels, etc. all get put in place one by one. This typically adds approximately 10-15 minutes of stair climbing to a chore. That is where I am gaining the calf definition. If you do not have stairs you can still walk separate items and put away.
- While shopping even if I am only running in to pick up one or two things I walk up and down the non-trigger isles. Again, adding 5-10 minutes of walking I would not be doing.
- I am also getting back in to things I loved when I was younger. Yoga and swimming are two things I enjoy and have slowly been working towards adding in to my normal routine.
Food and Intake- It is much easier for me to control what is in the house because I live alone. When my husband was alive and/or I had roommates I designative “my” own shelf and sections within the refrigerator, freezer, pantry, etc. at “my eye” level. I only looked at my areas when I was hungry. Being single I simply keep the stuff out of the house. If I want a trigger food I must go out and buy a single serve or I have to make it from scratch. Most days I find I really do not want it.
- Shopping. I make a list and stick to the list. There is no more, oh, that’s on sale, or oh, I have not had those in a while. Of course, if it’s on sale and healthy, I will buy it as I cannot pass up a good bargain.
- After shopping that day or the next I clean all vegetables, fruits, etc. I love hummus and vegetables. The vegetables are cleaned and cut in to usable pieces. The hummus is taken from the original container and put in to portion-sized containers. This helps me control my portions.
- My meals are planned. I work Monday through Friday and really try to plan my lunches out for the week. Lunches and breakfasts are planned and ready to go. If I am eating salads I make it the night before which is extremely easy because all of the vegetables are cleaned and ready to go. I did invest in some SnapWare so I could keep the lettuce and vegetables separate (I dislike soggy salads).
- For salad dressing. I invest in good-quality vinegars. I used the vinegar freely and add a teaspoon of a healthy oil (olive, avocado, or walnut).
- Being single I do not always want to make a full dinner (most I precook and are easy to reheat and eat). I do keep some healthier frozen options in the freezer for those days where I do not want to think or clean up. I typically buy on sale and make sure servings are 400 calories or less. I also make sure there is a high fiber content. I do not care for frozen meats in most of those types of pre-made frozen meals so most tend to be vegetarian versions (and no fake meat for me – either eat meat or not – there is no such thing for me as oh, that tastes like chicken – LOL!).
- I feel eggs get a bad rap. During the weekend I boil up a few. They make a healthy protein-filled snack and/or an easy breakfast or salad add-in.
- My diet is mostly plant-based. I do eat meat once or twice a week. I make sure I get the minimum-required dairy in daily (us not so young gals need to track this).
- I weigh myself every day and record it. Recent studies have shown people attempting to lose or maintain do a much better job of it weighing themselves daily.
- MFP is a wonderful tool if used daily. I record everything I eat, drink, or taste. On the weekends while putting meals together I forward add my intake. It helps me stay on track.
- Oh, and the measuring spoons and cups are on the counter. They are used every day for every meal.
I am in lose-weight mode and am determined to reach maintenance. I do have to keep reminding myself of my goals – to look and feel better. It is a challenge. We are the only ones who can do this. Being kind and gentle to ourselves certainly helps, but sometimes we have to be a drill sergeant too!
I hope this is helpful to some. I am off to complete my meal planning and laundry!
SuziQ – SFL
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Something is out of whack. Between my morning nap and my post lunch nap, I have been dozing half the day. My energy is gone. I had blood work two months ago, so it's not that. I don't feel depressed just lethargic. I don't use caffeine, and I seem to sleep at night too. Hmm. Maybe the apnea is back? Or I am eating too much sugar? I did eat some treats yesterday. Hmm. I need to drag myself to the gym this afternoon. I can do half a mile before my hip gives out. My hip is better now, so I don't have to be sedentary, but I have the habit. I just feel so sluggish.
Annie in Delaware4 -
Hope everyone has a terrific weekend. Off to grandsons birthday party...here’s hoping that I do more running around with the kids than snacking!3
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Annie - I'm having a low energy day too. It's been raining nearly all day and I haven't been able to drag myself to the exercise room for bonus calories, or even go round the corner to shop for food. I will phone the Indian restaurant for tandoori tonight. Just been a slug. Watched some good recorded tv though. DH is delighted that England won the Rugby World Cup semi finals.
I did do my morning routine of exercises, so not all is lost.
I don't know how to change the timer on the boiler for the clocks going back.
Good tv tonight, so the sofa is still calling.
Love Heather UK xxxxxxxx2 -
There are many new and established members who have either asked or suggested they need some tips and tricks or are lacking in motivation. This post is to help those who need it or are interested.
One of my selfie-born friends on MFP kept urging me to take pictures along my journey. I am not of that mold and prefer to be the one taking the pictures of others. I still remember my 6-year old self and the joy I felt when my father gave me his Kodak Brownie. I have been taking pictures ever since.
This spoiler shows my progress to date. I did not have a start photo so I picked one from the beginning of this year that shows where I started.
January 19, 2019, far left – Me, gleaning a field for the food challenged. Gleaning dates back through the ages and anyone interested should check this out. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gleaning
September 19, 2019, middle – Selfie to show a somewhat before. Note: I started my latest journey on 08/24/19.
October 25, 2019, far right – Today, me, being silly. I decided to try a smaller shirt. I really did not think it would be appropriate. Notice the definition in my calves and arms. This is not from sweating at the gym. This is from adding movement when and where I can.
Also for those who are interested and looking for meal planning and/or adding exercise to your day. There are some repeats here.Adding Exercise- I added exercise very slowly. I would walk in place during commercials while watching TV or on a conference call. I am now actively walking at least 30 minutes in the morning before work. On days when the weather is not cooperating I make sure I am walking inside and/or try to walk at least 10-15 minutes during my work day. My co-workers are getting used to me walking the floor.
- I am using very light weights for my arms. I will continue adding reps when I can. I either take the weights with me while I walk or use them while I am watching TV.
- I generally do not like “exercise”. I have had to trick myself. I live in a townhome and my washer and dryer are downstairs while the bedrooms and closets are upstairs. I walk separate clothing types up when hung/folded. For example, short-sleeve shirts, long-sleeve shirts, shorts, pants, dress pants, panties, bras, socks, towels, etc. all get put in place one by one. This typically adds approximately 10-15 minutes of stair climbing to a chore. That is where I am gaining the calf definition. If you do not have stairs you can still walk separate items and put away.
- While shopping even if I am only running in to pick up one or two things I walk up and down the non-trigger isles. Again, adding 5-10 minutes of walking I would not be doing.
- I am also getting back in to things I loved when I was younger. Yoga and swimming are two things I enjoy and have slowly been working towards adding in to my normal routine.
Food and Intake- It is much easier for me to control what is in the house because I live alone. When my husband was alive and/or I had roommates I designative “my” own shelf and sections within the refrigerator, freezer, pantry, etc. at “my eye” level. I only looked at my areas when I was hungry. Being single I simply keep the stuff out of the house. If I want a trigger food I must go out and buy a single serve or I have to make it from scratch. Most days I find I really do not want it.
- Shopping. I make a list and stick to the list. There is no more, oh, that’s on sale, or oh, I have not had those in a while. Of course, if it’s on sale and healthy, I will buy it as I cannot pass up a good bargain.
- After shopping that day or the next I clean all vegetables, fruits, etc. I love hummus and vegetables. The vegetables are cleaned and cut in to usable pieces. The hummus is taken from the original container and put in to portion-sized containers. This helps me control my portions.
- My meals are planned. I work Monday through Friday and really try to plan my lunches out for the week. Lunches and breakfasts are planned and ready to go. If I am eating salads I make it the night before which is extremely easy because all of the vegetables are cleaned and ready to go. I did invest in some SnapWare so I could keep the lettuce and vegetables separate (I dislike soggy salads).
- For salad dressing. I invest in good-quality vinegars. I used the vinegar freely and add a teaspoon of a healthy oil (olive, avocado, or walnut).
- Being single I do not always want to make a full dinner (most I precook and are easy to reheat and eat). I do keep some healthier frozen options in the freezer for those days where I do not want to think or clean up. I typically buy on sale and make sure servings are 400 calories or less. I also make sure there is a high fiber content. I do not care for frozen meats in most of those types of pre-made frozen meals so most tend to be vegetarian versions (and no fake meat for me – either eat meat or not – there is no such thing for me as oh, that tastes like chicken – LOL!).
- I feel eggs get a bad rap. During the weekend I boil up a few. They make a healthy protein-filled snack and/or an easy breakfast or salad add-in.
- My diet is mostly plant-based. I do eat meat once or twice a week. I make sure I get the minimum-required dairy in daily (us not so young gals need to track this).
- I weigh myself every day and record it. Recent studies have shown people attempting to lose or maintain do a much better job of it weighing themselves daily.
- MFP is a wonderful tool if used daily. I record everything I eat, drink, or taste. On the weekends while putting meals together I forward add my intake. It helps me stay on track.
- Oh, and the measuring spoons and cups are on the counter. They are used every day for every meal.
I am in lose-weight mode and am determined to reach maintenance. I do have to keep reminding myself of my goals – to look and feel better. It is a challenge. We are the only ones who can do this. Being kind and gentle to ourselves certainly helps, but sometimes we have to be a drill sergeant too!
I hope this is helpful to some. I am off to complete my meal planning and laundry!
SuziQ – SFL
SuziQ - thank you for posting this! Wow, all kinds of great inspiration this morning!!
Annie in Delaware - have you checked your blood pressure and pulse recently? Since my BP tends to run on the higher side, we've had the home blood pressure cuff for years. A couple times a week I'd take it, several times throughout the day, and write it and the pulse reading down in a little notebook. I've noticed since my surgery on Aug 26th, my BP is now running in the good range 95% of the time, but my pulse tends to hang in the 40's and 50's whereas this summer it was nearly always in the 60's and 70's.
I mentioned this to the nurse yesterday when I went in for the allergy shots, she put the pulse oximeter on me. Wow, what a range! She said do not get alarmed, this is normal for folks who have palpitations due to coffee, stress, anxiety, etc. I'm generally heavy on the coffee. Ordered my own little gadget from Amazon which should arrive today.
She said keep an eye on it though, if I don't have energy or feel faint at times, then by all means schedule a visit with the doc. We are using a new blood pressure cuff here which also could be measuring the pulse rate differently. And I'm back doing a lot of walking and my Tai Chi/breathing exercises.
Annie - if your lack of energy doesn't improve, it might be time to have the doctor dig a little deeper. Take care.
Lanette
SW WA State2
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