Daily Check In: Are You On Track Today?

shariletts

Our dog loves hunting for treats that we hide around the house. I am not sure he would do that well competitively but the game really does wear him out mentally. Moe is getting older now and it doesn't take him much to want to nap. He gets a lot of activity being out at the farm and with Jim being retired and out in the yard most of day.

I have put on 10 pounds this past year and it is so hard to get it back off. I don't think I will jump back on the 17 DD. I do well, but then somehow I stray and the weight all comes back on and then some. I am trying to focus on eating healthy foods that have lots of nutrients. Mostly I am adding good foods in hopes that I won't have room to eat the ones that waste calories. I have been reading a lot about restoring one's metabolism. It seems like there are so many approaches to losing weight that it is hard to know which one is right and which one will work. I am still wavering back and forth on the right approach for me.

I purchased some collagen to see if I will get stronger nails. I have been taking it, but I got gel nails and so I have no idea if the collagen is making a difference. Once the nails are all grown out, I can give you an update if the collagen helped or not.

We can do this!

Paulawilldo

DW, Congrats to your dogs on the Scentwork Trials. Would love to see the photos of your dogs when you get them. Good luck on the 17DD. I still try to follow many of Dr. Mike’s principles, but I know my carb count would be too high by his standards. Good to get your knees, etc. checked out…just to be on the safe side. I wonder if the gel is partly responsible for weakening your nails. I haven’t had my nails done in one month because my nail gal got another job (working for a medical company) and is doing nails only 1 day per week at the salon. Because walking to the salon from the parking lot is not easy for me, when I asked her, she agreed to come to my home to do my nails as her time permits. I have been with her around 18 years and she has been to my home many times over the years. I told her “no pressure” as I know with her new job she will be very busy. So far, one month since my last visit to the salon my nails still look pretty good. I feel like I am saving a few dollars too, which is helpful given all the extra expenses I have now because of the new floor.

Shari, It has been said that the last 10 pounds are the hardest to lose. And I suspect that when you do drop those 10 pounds, you will eventually drop even a few more. Nutrient-rich foods are so important to help us feel satisfied. I try to focus on lifestyle changes that I can live with long term. Some days are easier than others, as I often say. I know I have trigger foods that do me in, so I try to avoid them too but am not always successful. I stumble when I allow myself to get too hungry….then I overeat. So I have been focusing on eating healthy foods when I am hungry and not putting it off for whatever reason. I will be interested in what you learn about metabolism issues. I know muscle helps burn fat. I don’t do strength training but should. I think one of the reasons (besides his age) that John can eat as he does and not gain weight is that he is so muscular.

Today was a good day for me. I just hope I can string together a few more days like today. I had 3 healthy meals and healthy snacks.

Yes, We can do this!

shariletts

Thank you for the encouragement Paula. I would settle for just one pound this week! I agree that the changes I make need to be able to maintained long term, not just for weight loss. For my health.

I have learned over the years that muscle is important. I haven't been strength training. Not yet. I am focusing on walking and I have been going for a short bike ride in the evening. I can do that until fall. I am really enjoying that. I only have one route that I can take and it is on gravel, but it isn't too bad. I have to ride past our neighbours place. They have two guard dogs. Thankfully their place is well fenced, but I still pay extra attention when riding past. The dogs bark and jump all along the fence as I go past. I always pray that they won't get loose. I don't think that I could outrun them on the bike.

I am supposed to work in the office today, but I am going to stay home to work. It is a very hot day and I find it easier to be outside on my breaks when I work from home than when I work in the office. My supervisor said it was fine. I am thankful for that today. I just hope the my father-in-law isn't here all day too. I don't do well when either of my in-laws are here. I am getting better, but I am not in a place where I want to spend time with them. Maybe one day.

Paulawilldo

Shari, so good that you got to work from home. Nice to have a cooperative supervisor. Hope you weren't interrupted by your in-laws!

I had an excellent day today. I woke up very well rested which set the tone for a great day. My eating was almost 100% on track (a rarity for me). And I got a lot done here at home. My main accomplishment was going through some drawers of clothing. I filled about 3 garbage bags of clothes I don't use. A local Boy Scout troop is holding a clothing drive at a nearby church later this month. One of my friends has offered to pick up my donations and take them along with her donations to this drive. I still have time to gather more clothes before she comes at the end of next week. I am inspired to keep going with this effort to get rid of unused clothes. And it feels so good to have more space in my drawers.

DW2022

Hello! It sounds like you are both doing well!! Shari, I also had gel nails for quite a while, getting them re-done every 2-3 weeks. They really reinforced my nails and helped them to grow and then in the last couple of months, my nails started splitting and breaking with the gel on. I still don’t know what has caused that but am trying to get them stronger and growing. Paula, that is awesome that you are getting so much done! I need to start over on my “downsizing”!!
Diet-wise, I am doing great during the day but having a snack at night that is all carbs. Today I made an appointment with the orthopedic Dr. to figure out what is going on with my right hip and knee. The appointment is in about 3 weeks, which is really good to get into a specialist! Have a great weekend!’

shariletts

I have gone through some of my clothes, but I haven't packed any away yet. I am inspired by you Paula. It would be good to have more space in the drawers. I only buy clothes that I love so it is super hard to part with things, even if they don't fit anymore. I need to get past that! I will aim to put aside one article per week to start!

Good to hear you are doing well on your diet DW. I am still going back on forth on what the right way to approach my weight is. One day I feel like I need to be very restrictive, but then I reason that it isn't healthy or sustainable. Right now I try and focus on adding some nutrient dense foods into my meal plan. I will need to remove more and more of the things that are not good for me. Wish this was easier.

Paulawilldo

DW, Great that you will be seeing the orthopedic doctor so quickly. It seems to me that they are booked up well in advance these days. Will be interesting to see what the doctor determines.

Shari, It is so hard to part with clothes we love. I understand that. But I have accumulated so many items of clothing that for various reasons I no longer wear anymore. My taste in clothing has changed over the years too I think. I love having more space in my drawers. I have a few more drawers to go through and then must tackle my closet. That is sure to fill up a few more 30 gallon garbage bags. I don't fill them all the way because they would be too heavy to lift and carry.

John, Buster, and I had a great day with our friends Kellie, Greg, and one of their 3 dogs (their other 2 dogs stayed home). We went to the shelter where we got Buster and they got one of their dogs. Buster got his photo taken in their fund raiser photo shoot. It will be a week or two till I get the photos, but I will certainly share some here. Buster was such a good boy! I can't wait to see the photos. They did the photo shoot outdoors, which should result in some good pictures, but it was so very hot. It could have involved a lot of walking, but thank goodness I was able to stay in the car and watch from there. I am so blessed with such good friends like Kellie and Greg. We met when our boys were in Scouts together, and the friendship has lasted all these years.

I did well with my food choices again today. I ate just fruit before we went to the rescue. When I got home I had a turkey sandwich on diet (thin sliced) bread and some fresh veggies with it. I had turkey again for supper with more veggies and no starchy carbs. I was sooo tired from being out today however that I napped when we got home from the shelter and slept soundly for well over an hour. That helped keep me away from food too. And I had no temptations to snack at all today.

shariletts

Hey Paula, we had a very hot day here too. We were at a wedding and the ceremony was outdoors. We baked in the sun. The hall was very hot too. I wish I had melted a few pounds off, but that was not the case.

It sounds like you are doing very well with your diet Paula. That's awesome.

DW- now that Paula mentions it, it is a long wait to get in to see surgeons here too. It would take closer to six months or more to get it. I am so glad that wasn't the case for you.

Paulawilldo

I had another good day today cleaning out more clothes. I have at least 3 more bags ready for the clothing drive. It feels good to have the extra room in my closet. I plan to work on the closet again tomorrow. I had to cut my efforts short today to get prepare for our Monday evening online Bible study. I struggled yesterday with hunger, and I ate more than I should have....My portion sizes were bigger than I usually aim for, but I didn't eat any sweets or junk food. Today was much better. My morning hunger monster quieted down after I had an extra piece of toast today at breakfast.

shariletts

I have been sleeping in a bit each morning which meant I missed my morning walks. I managed to feel less tired when my alarm went off, so I am going to jump on the elliptical for 20 minutes. My weight hasn't budged in quite some time. I will keep doing what I am doing for the meantime. I don't want to starve myself in order to lose weight. It just ends up coming back on and then some. I haven't been tracking calories, I am going to get back on that today.

You have been doing well Paula. That keeps me motivated to keep trying too.

Paulawilldo

I recently heard a discussion about the benefits of exercising in the morning (it was on the Saturday morning health show I listen to each week). The doctor being interviewed praised those who exercise first thing in the morning, saying it can set a good tone for the day and supports the habit of doing this regularly. So woo hoo for you Shari for doing your elliptical in the morning.

I worked really hard today cleaning out more clothes from my bedroom closet. I think I filled about 6 more 30 gal garbage bags. I will eventually get a total count for all of my bags. I was going to bring the bags to the living room today so that they are readily accessible when my friends come to pick up the bags on Friday. I already got a few bags into the living room, but that is on hold now. My friend Sandi tipped me off that she an another good friend of mine (Nan) are planning to come tomorrow at lunch time to celebrate my 65th birthday with me. Sandi said Nan wanted it to be a surprise, but instead Sandi talked her into calling me tonight to tell me about it so I am ready for them. Nan hasn't called me yet, but I am sure she will call soon. I don't want a living room full of garbage bags while we celebrate my birthday. I think they are planning on getting delivery from the Italian restaurant that I like. So tomorrow I am not fussing much over what I eat too much. John told me Sandi is making me a peanut butter pie. (She told him that but didn't mention that to me.) I will enjoy a small piece of that. I am not a huge fan of PB pie, but I won't tell that to Sandi. I am confident that I won't be tempted to over indulge in the pie.

I did well with my eating choices today. I was quite busy with the closet cleaning and then going to pick up groceries. I really should be cleaning up the house a bit more now in anticipation of tomorrow's company, but I am taking a break to check in here and do a few other things. I can't believe I am going to be 65 tomorrow. Mentally I think I am still 42, but my body is not that of a 42 year old.

DW2022

Hello! Paula, have a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY !! It sounds like it will be a special day with friends!! Shari, I am finding the mornings more challenging, too! I think it is because it is staying dark so long. If it wasn't for my daughter pushing me to walk the dogs, I would stay in bed! Our oldest dog had surgery yesterday to remove a lump from his toe. It will be a while before we have the testing back to find out what the lump was. He has seemed stressed today inspite of pain meds and antibiotics, but the wound looks good and he is resting now. The stitches are on the top of his toe, so he is bearing weight on it and walking as usual. He also had a dental and two teeth removed. Hopefully he'll sleep tonight because he had me up around 12:30am to go out and then up for the day a little after 5am. I am so tired and will head to bed soon!. My daughter works early tomorrow so no dog walk, but the youngest has a class in the morning and a different class in the evening, so I will get some exercise with that. Have a good evening!!

Paulawilldo

How is your dear dog after his surgery DW? Hope you get good results from the testing.

Thanks for the birthday wishes DW. I had a very lovely birthday. It turned out that Sandi didn't make a peanut butter pie (not a favorite of mine) but instead had a chocolate peanut butter cake (a favorite of mine and John's) baked by another friend from our old church. It is an absolutely decadent cake. We had a lovely relaxing lunch with a wine that Nan brought. It was called Birthday Cake and tasted like a birthday cake. Nan also surprised me with an immersion blender. I had mentioned to her months ago that I wished I had one. I certainly never expected a birthday gift, and she really surprised me with this. My birthday celebration continued today with a visit from my friend Lola and her DH. It was another nice lunch from another local take out place. And they took away all of my bags of clothing for the clothing drive tomorrow. I had about 15 bags (30 gallon bags but each filled only half filled because of not wanting them to be too heavy). What a relief to have those bags gone and to have so much extra room in my closet and dresser drawers. Still more things to get rid of, but I am off to a great start. I plan to clear out some of the "extras" in my kitchen eventually. I have more pots an pans than I need. I use the same favorite ones over and over so if I clear out the ones I don't use, I will be better off.

I need to get back on the diet wagon tomorrow. Two days of birthday celebrating is enough. I enjoyed the celebration but am actually looking forward to getting back to healthy eating again.

shariletts

I missed so much being after being off my routine! HAPPY BIRTHDAY Paula! Sixty-Five and ready for a fabulous year ahead. I think I have had Birthday Cake wine lol. You have some very caring friends and I am glad they celebrated with you.

I will be curious about the test results on the lump removed on your dog DW. Moe has several lumps that we have just left. We did get a couple of them tested and they were not cancer. It was going to cost too much to remove them all and Moe doesn't seem to be bothered by them. I have heard of more dogs with lumps and wonder if that is normal or if something is changing in their diet or environment. Maybe I didn't pay attention before Moe started getting them.

I ate less yesterday after a number of days I ate out. I am going to do that again today to counter balance the excess calories I took in. Eating out is not helpful with weight loss efforts.

I cleaned out our fridge yesterday. I threw out the expired and way past best before date items. It looks so empty now but that is just fine. I only need to have the essentials on hand.

shariletts

I have had two good days in a row with my eating. I hope I can make it to four days today. I am excited to see if I can get that number on the scale to take a bit of a dip.

The nights are cooling off now. I may have to bring in my tomatoes. I was hoping they would vine ripen this year. I grew hot peppers and I am going to see if I can make hot pepper jelly with them. I picked them yesterday since they were ready.

Paulawilldo

Thanks Shari. I am ready for a wonderful year and am truly blessed with wonderful friends. Congrats on 2 consecutive good eating days. Same here. I did well on Saturday and Sunday and am off to a good start today. Hope you are able to enjoy your tomatoes and peppers. On my birthday my friend Nan brought me a huge bag of tomatoes from her garden. Home grown tomatoes are the best!!! And Lola brought me wax beans and summer squash when she was here on Friday. I am so well stocked with healthy choices that I am skipping my organic delivery this week.

My birthday celebration will continue this week as my cousin Greg and his wife Patty are planning to come here either Wednesday or Thursday. I am sure we will get some kind of take out/delivery food. It might not be a great diet for me that day, but I will try to not stray too far. Greg is my first cousin, about 5 years older than me. We were very close growing up. He and his wife live about 30 minutes from here, but we very seldom see each other. Both still work and are quite tied up also with helping to care for their grandchildren. I adore Patty and feel very close to her (even closer to her than to Greg), but we just don't get together very often. I am really looking forward to their visit. Patty will get here before Greg does, which is great because it will give Patty and me time to catch up on some of the family gossip that Greg tries to avoid....girl talk!

I am feeling really good lately. My legs seem to be doing better, and I don't feel any serious flares now, which is so important to my overall well being. I am feeling well rested too, though I still allow myself to take a nap when I feel I need it.

Here's to a great week!

DW2022

Hello! I’m so happy to hear that you are both doing so well!! I’m having a good day food- wise and hope to make it to bed without snacking! I’m having a couple of reality checks and need to get very serious about my physical fitness. ( more about that after the dog update).
We just got the results today but I will need to write it down when I’m next at the vet (9/7). The lump was benign and, since she got it all, it won’t grow back! We are so grateful for those results!! The bad news…inspite of 3 different cones, he managed to open up the wound on Saturday. I sent a photo to our vet by text and she gave us instructions on what to do. It can’t be re-stitched and will have to heal from the inside out and I rinse it with soapy water for 10 minutes each evening. We’ve been covering it with a sock when he goes out and I’ve ordered a boot that should be easier to use.
I had my eye Dr. appt today- a two year check up. He found that I have beginning cataracts in both eyes. I know it’s not a big deal now days but it rocked my world. That coupled with the pain I’m having in my hips/legs seems to indicate that I need to get really serious about promoting a healthier lifestyle. I need to have a serious chat with myself and make a solid plan-and pray a lot!!! Keep up the great work!!

shariletts

I have strung three days together. I do have to go to the office today, that will be a big test for me. I do much better at home.

I am so glad that you got great results from the surgery. Dogs sure do love to lick their wounds. I have come across that same issue, an older wound can't be restitched (or one that hasn't been stitched right away). I am not sure why, but it does make the healing process a bit more complicated.

I hear you about those serious chats regarding health and aging. We have a lot more at stake as get older so we require much more care. I also had some eye issues and went in for a check. I was getting flashing lights. My retina wasn't detaching, but the lining of the sac of fluid was. Age. I had no idea that could be a thing. Makes me wonder what else is around the corner. So like DW, I will need to focus on the plan and sticking to it.

Paulawilldo

DW, I have the beginnings of cataracts in both eyes too. I see my ophthalmologist every year (because one of my RA meds can cause eye issues). My doctor tells me that it will be some time before I might need to have cataract surgery, but he does watch them carefully. It is good to be on top of these things. Glad the lump was benign for your sweet girl. I am curious about the boot you are getting her. With all the care and attention you are giving her wound, she should do well.

Shari, Congrats on 3 consecutive days doing well. I, too, had 3 good days but I struggled too much today to consider it part of my streak. I felt kind of queasy most of the day and yet hungry as well. When I feel like that I want carbs like bread. I will not expect tomorrow to be "streak worthy" since my cousins are coming to visit, and I am fairly certain we will enjoy some wine along with whatever food we order. So I will expect to restart a new streak of good days on Thursday.

shariletts

Here is to stringing together four days! I am meeting a friend after work but she knows that I am trying to lose some weight so I know I will do well. She won't let me fail.

I have continued to jump on the elliptical in the morning and I think that has been good for me. I listen to podcasts while I walk/jog. The scale is starting to move, but it's still too high to claim that I am losing weight. I have a few more pounds to go before I would say that I am heading towards my goal. I am happy to do it one pound at a time though. If this plan of action continues to work I may get to my first goal in time for Vegas and my second and final goal in time for Mexico.