2022: Become a priority in your life - today is your opportunity to build the tomorrow you want.
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This showed up on my “memories” on Facebook today. I posted it six years ago. Lol.
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Lol perfect timing !!
It’s -17 Celsius here today was 23 km winds But I bundled up and dragged myself out for a walk - I only lasted 25 minutes but at least I feel better for moving finally!1 -
Wow! I’m impressed Snoozie! Well done!0
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Well done on the walk, Snoozie! Any time it's close to freezing here I just don't feel like going out. It has been pretty mild for the time of year, but also wet and windy.
Your post really struck a chord with me, Suzy! Yes, we all know what we should be doing. I think you have been so busy and have had so much change and stress recently, maybe you were instinctively caring for yourself by having a day of rest. I am the worst for mindless snacking these days. I've found for the past couple of weeks having the focus of the diet helps, in that I can remind myself that this is what I'm doing. The psychology of it all is so confusing. But I do think there is something instinctive going on - at some level, we are getting the message that we need easy, tasty calories for a short-term fix, and we have to have strategies to fight against that for the long-term gains.
There definitely seems to be a strong drive to go for the short term fix, which I suppose, biologically speaking, it makes sense (how can you be instinctively planning ahead)? At some kind of basic level you go for things which give rewards (like pleasure) and avoid things which are negative. That's just a natural thing to do, and your body (and mind)'s way of trying to look after you. It's not laziness, it's self-protection gone wrong!
I think it's difficult to work against, especially as not eating is a negative. It's not something you can actively get up and do, and it also doesn't give you any rewards in the short-term (quite the opposite!). This is what I'm trying to get my head around at the moment. Obviously a long-term reward is losing the weight, but what to do for the short-term? Maybe it's just things like the sense of accomplishment. Maybe concentrating on a feeling of lightness and reminding yourself of your goals, or having other rewards. I'm honestly thinking of a star chart!
I'm saying all this from a position of having snacked last night, off plan. Nothing major, and it won't throw me off the diet, but frustrating when I'm trying to be so focused! I think my strategy for tonight is that when I feel the urge, I will postpone it for an hour and rethink then, while reminding myself how good I'll feel if I stick with the diet!2 -
I was watching this youtube video yesterday, with Professor Christopher Gardner, which was quite interesting.
https://youtu.be/HtKlDR5S_aE
Quite a long video but in brief, it said that the quality of the diet was more important than the type of diet (low carb, low fat, vegan, etc.) for weight loss.
Anyway, the takeaway was (you'll be astounded to hear!) that it was best to eat
- more vegetables and wholefoods
- less added sugars, refined grains and processed foods
regardless of the type of diet. He also went on about nuts, beans, and fermented foods being good.
I found it interesting and went on to watch this video as well which goes into more detail
https://youtu.be/sJLK3sVexIk
No major revelations, and of course, I keep thinking, as always, the bit we find hard is sticking with it - we already know roughly what to eat! The people on the studies were supported to eat a healthy diet, whether it was low carb or low fat or whatever, and I think that's the bit that would really help: the support, and maybe the sense of meaning in helping with a major study. Anyway, it gave me something to think about. He said not to do low calorie because it's not sustainable, but I don't think he realises just how many nuts I could eat if given free reign!
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Thanks Vail. I like your idea of postponing the snack for a bit. Maybe if I postpone and drink an entire glass of water that would help with the “am I hungry or just thirsty” issue. Also, don’t be so quick to dismiss the star chart. You may have something there. I have a wall calendar in the kitchen. Maybe a star on each day that I feel I’ve done a good job making healthy choices? I could maybe be motivated by that. Lol. I’m the person who makes lists and gets a thrill out of crossing line items out when done.
I got so much done around the house this weekend with the unpacking. I crossed several things off my list and it felt great! Lol.
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That's great that you got loads done! Maybe you just needed a rest day. Amazing to tick off things on your list. I have a massive list at the moment - thinking I need to break it down a bit so I can do more ticks! Yes, I might seriously think about a star chart - I like your idea with the calendar. Then have some reward after so many stars. The first week of this diet it felt like the weight loss was a reward in itself, but now it's slowed of course so I'm seeing the usual fluctuations.
I'm not too worried about getting the calories dead on, I know it will still work if I go over the 800 as long as it's not too much, so am winging it a bit on the measuring now, which may come back to bite me! But still on the wholefoods, and I honestly think it's starting to cut my cravings now. I haven't been thinking about the stash of chocolate and snacks that I hid away at the start! Sweet potato is allowed on the diet, so I made myself some sweet potato oven baked "fries" last night, which felt like a treat!1 -
Morning..
it took me a while to reply because i wanted to watch the videos.. i just watched the first long one with my coffee this morning.. and thanks very much for sharing that Vail.. i found it quite fascinating right thru.. but a few particular areas struck with me.. (by the way Suzy.. at around 34:00 is a good section on grains and beans!)
i was quite interested in the studies where basically .. in the end there is so little difference between the type of diet (keto, low carb, etc) and the one about the multi mix salads.. how simply tweaking it to skipping the avacado if you are trying to lower some cals - but whether you call it keto or low carb or low glycemic.. there is so little difference in them all... and that basically it still comes down to as you said, eating whole foods - real fruits vs juice, nuts, beans, grains etc.. but not worrying so much about the "type" of diet... just focus on whole foods
Suyz - also an interesting one you might like was the study on the high fibre re inflammation in the body.. i think it was around 50:00 min mark) they had 3 sets of peeps put on high fibre only - (the other groups had high fibre AND added fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchee) but one group of only high fibre actually saw an INCREASE in inflammation in the body ... so he was saying that some individuals may need to increase their fermented foods to balance the gut bacteria - fibre is probiotic, fermented is prebiotic .. anyway i found that quite interesting that not everyone did great on a high fibre without adding the fermented too.. the other 2 groups did see a reduction in inflammation btw..
Anyway.. it was a very good reminder about just eating more food as it comes - (not that you can't cook it for veg lol).. but eating the whole orange, adding berries and nuts and grains to salads etc... the olive oil and vinegars ... i def plan to add some fermented foods to my gut.. with all the issues i've been having i figure it can't hurt.. im not a fan of kimchee but i do like sauerkraut so i can have a few spoonsfuls of that every day... as well, I'm definitely going back to my thin slice Dave's killer bread - it's a seeded bread but its very expensive.. its all i ate for a while but i had to stop it a few weeks before the colonoscopy and haven't gone back but i will now for sure. I just really liked the basic boil down of if it aint sustainable and its too restrictive... it aint gonna work .. and in the end a calorie is a calorie .
I haven't watched the second video yet.. i will later... but i really liked that one so ty for sharing!
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I don’t think I eat anything fermented. I need to look into that. I don’t really use vinegar and don’t eat sauerkraut or kimchi or even pickles.
I love Dave’s Killer Bread. I already had two loaves in the freezer that I bought from Costco and that’s the only gluten that I’ve been eating. I use one slice for my avocado toast every morning. I’m down to two slices so I need to find a gluten free bread. I love my avocado toast with a runny egg with a side of grapefruit every morning. I know I’ll tire of it eventually. Lol.
Finally got my booster shot today and I’m watching my granddaughter the next two days, so I’m hoping there’s no side effects.
My problem with the star chart is how do you reward yourself? I’m so used to a reward being some kind of food. Lol.
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I just looked up fermented food and found out that yogurt is considered fermented. Huh. Go figure. I do eat a yogurt for lunch quite often but that’s all I eat that’s fermented. I may have to experiment with other things.0
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That's funny Suzy cause I do like sauerkraut, but im not a big yogurt fan.. i CAN eat it, but unless its the little tubs full of sugar and fruit im not a big fan LOLOL... but did you know they apparently make dairy free yogurt now too?? (cause u mentioned you were trying to cut down on dairy)...
"you can find dairy-free yogurt options at many stores these days, some of which are made from coconut and almond milk. Be sure you’re choosing dairy-free yogurt that contains live active cultures, and try to choose plain, full-fat versions in order to avoid sugar. Yogurt that contains sugar can be counterproductive, as sugars feed pathogenic bacteria and contribute to sugar overload."
Who knew???
I did find out as well that most of the store bought sauerkraut, even the ones in the refridgerated section, don't contain any live probiotics at all!! because they've been pasteurized which kills the good bacteria... so it looks like I may have to start liking yogurt more (or at least eating it lol)0 -
Actually, dairy is one of the only things that I’m not actively trying to cut back on. Lol. I do use almond milk on my GF cereal but that’s because it’s higher in protein and calcium and lower in calories.
Surprisingly, it hasn’t been that hard to stop eating sweets. Perhaps because I don’t buy them but there are Oreos in the pantry and I haven’t had even one. They’re for my husband’s lunch.
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I’ve been trying to log everything for the last week or so. You would think giving up sugar and gluten would mean lower calories. Wrong. I’ve been consistently going over my daily goal by at least 300 calories. I guess I now have to figure that out. Lol.
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I have made all sorts of fermented foods in the past. I can't be bothered now, but might think about making sauerkraut again. Easy to make, and a lot of taste for not many calories. I seem to remember there was a lot of fuss about getting the right kind of salt. I do eat yoghurt.
Tracking has slipped for me. I have been so busy and cooking from scratch almost all the time, it's so irritating and time consuming. However, I am trying to estimate and keep under my calorie goal and I think I have been OK at it.
I usually make everything from scratch, but I've cheated and bought some small packets of cooked meat and that has been great because I just write the total calories on the packet, so when that packet is eaten I know how much I've had. When I've been really busy, stressed and working late, I can then just make a quick salad and add the cooked meat in.
I still want to eat in the evening, but now I'm having a few nuts if I really really still want to after waiting. High calorie, but kind of healthy and on plan so I don't feel it's a disaster and give up.
Weight loss is now glacially slow, as expected after that first loss! I've pretty much just maintained this week. I'm not sure if it's because I'm overestimating calories, or if it's just because my weight tends to fluctuate and I lose slowly anyway.2 -
Well off I went to try and make my sauerkraut and I could not find a plain white cabbage in the shops! Maybe they are out of fashion, although what are people using for coleslaw? I only have a savoy at home, and the other one available (can't remember the name) didn't look suitable. So that's that little project put to rest. I'll just stick with my greek yoghurt, but thinking of ordering some of those probiotic capsules, which I occasionally take. I'm pretty sure my gut flora is messed up with all the medication I take.
Snoozie, I find greek yoghurt tends to have a milder taste so might be good if you're not so much of a yoghurt fan? I sometimes use it in cooking but I imagine that would kill off the bacteria, so maybe not the best idea. If make your own, it comes out milder if you stop it a bit earlier, and I tend to use a greek yoghurt culture so more of milder taste. I have it delivered with my milk now so don't bother making it. I mostly use it to top porridge.
I am having porridge a lot! Due to my Scottish heritage I make it with water and salt, but I am adding all sorts of things to it. I use oatmeal (I think called steel cut oats in some places?) and one of my favourites at the moment is to add chopped apple, cinnamon, cocoa powder and some chopped nuts, salt of course, cover with hot water, microwave for 2 minutes, then top with the greek yoghurt and maybe a tiny bit of peanut or hazlenut butter. It's like a pudding. I made a nice coffee and walnut porridge the other day (with instant coffee powder) and a chocolate coconut one (with dessicated coconut and cocoa powder).
Not much good if you don't like porridge, but another use for uncooked yoghurt is overnight oats? Or as a base for coleslaw? However, to be honest, if you just don't like it, it's kind of a waste of calories, lol! I have a policy of not eating food I don't like even if it's healthy, because it just makes me feel I want to eat something I DO like to make it up for it, ha ha!2 -
Vail - I love porridge too!! Growing up my mom made the real stuff i guess they call it.. on top of the stove? But I do buy the steel cut instant ones here for the microwave now and i eat it several times a week in the winter. I'm kinda weird, i like it plain.. or with just a teeny bit of brown sugar but i have on occasion added some frozen blueberries.
Sorry about your cabbage... i don't think it's gone out of fashion, maybe just the timing? A little market by me will cut a cabbage in half if asked and often times i will do that as a whole one just goes to waste. They also make their own dry coleslaw . . you just add whatever dressing at home so I actually have a tub of that in my crisper now.. I do love cooked cabbage too tho.. one of my fav meals from childhood is still cabbage, turnip and carrots along with well, usually a ham slice these days as the salt beef we had as children isnt around anymore lol.
That same market i just discovered makes their own sauerkraut in store! They just happened to be making it when i was there the other day so it wasn't ready, but i forgot to ask if it was just pickled or fermented.. as pickled doesnt have the live priobiotics. And yes you're right - heating the yogurt does kill off the good stuff.. same as pasturized yogurts have none because of the process.. I read that it only takes about 3 tbsp a day of the fermented saurerkraut to get the amount of pro (or pri) biotics you need so i can easily do that.. i would actually consider supplements too if i wasnt already taking so many of those and meds a day.. i just cannot handle adding another pill form to my mental health right now!
and I'm with you on not eating what i don't like anymore so i suspect the yogurt wil take a pass.. i have tried the greek before, when my doc told me to follow the mediterranean diet i tried.. but its just not my thing.. (unless of course its the banana chocolate or fruit ones i can get those down but lol.. ) its like Kale.. i have accepted the fact i do not want to eat a vegetable i have to massage first to eat LOL.. actually its one of the few i just dont like but there are loads of other cruciferous and green veggies i do like swiss chard, cabbage, broccoli, bok choy etc .. so i'll get my greens from that rather than forcing myself to eat something i hate... im way beyond that these days!
I didn't know you had a scottish background.. my dad's family are all from Scotland - i think my grandparents were originally Glasgow area.. and my little senior friend i helped out for years was from Aberdeen. Rumour has it i still have a cousin somewhere over there who owns a pub.. maybe i should start trying to track him down and go visit ha..
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That's funny about the Scottish connection! My ancestors and I are all from Scotland as far as I know. Howver I know some of the family emigrated to Canada and the US years ago. I did one of the those genetic tests that shows your possible matches and I appear to have lots of second and third cousins all over the US and Canada!
Your childhood meal sounds delicious! I love that sort of food. I used to eat a ton of cabbage when I was really short of money in my youth as it was so cheap. Cabbage stir fry, pasta with cabbage, etc. You'd think it would have put me off it, but I still love it!
That's great that you can get possibly fermented sauerkraut at your market. I understand about all the medication. I'm on a load as well, and I try to avoid adding anything more in if possible! I am taking a vitamin supplement at the moment though, as it's recommended on this diet. Unfortunately one of those ones we were talking about a while back which probably just sits undigested in your gut!2 -
Vail - i had turnip and carrot for dinner with my chicken tonite and i was wishing for some cabbage on hand to add to it LOL.. I honestly do love most veggies but especially root veg - altho i will confess while going thru my mom's things 20 yrs ago i found a note either my sister or i wrote to her when we were probably about 7 or 8 (from the handwriting) saying "do we have to have TURNIP again?" (my grandparents were visiting from Newfoundland lol... and so we were eating a lot of that sort of thing... fortunately tho its still one of my favs!
Yes my fathers parents emigrated from Scotland to Nova Scotia here in Canada.. a lot of people from Britain emigrated to Newfoundland way back too.. which is where my mom's family is from altho we're all scattered here now lol. One of my cousins recently searched a bunch of archives and found my grandparents birth certificates and wedding certificates etc which was very cool to see..
and yes... honestly... i actually have to take a baby aspirin (low dose) every day now too.. and i keep forgetting because my daily hourly type pill box is already full.. and i cant find room to add it! so yes im a little resistant to taking a pill for anything else even tho its a supplment.. im already taking C0Q10 and Omega 3 supplements too on top of the meds... sigh.. so im really hoping i find out their sauerkraut is fermented lol.1 -
Sorry I’ve been absent for a bit. We drove to Mississippi to see my great niece compete in a state level drama competition. It had been three and a half years since we saw all of them. We were going to drive on to their house and stay until tomorrow but we had a winter storm watch going on where we live. We decided to come home on Saturday instead. At least we got to see everyone.
I learned that avoiding gluten and sugar is extremely hard while away from home.
We’re expecting a lot of snow and ice tonight so I’m really hoping we don’t lose power. We’re prepared with lanterns, propane grills, camp stove and soups….fingers crossed it isn’t needed.
I love cabbage but it’s one of those things I never think about making. I think I like turnips? My mom made them when I was little but I have no idea how to cook them.
You know how you are with Kale, Snoozie. I think I’m going to have to accept that fermented foods may be my kale. None of that appeals to me. I’m not sure the Greek yogurt I eat has the good stuff. How do I tell?
I’m researching a vacation in Scotland for next year. We want to hike along Hadrian’s Wall for three or four days and then go to Scotland. I’m not sure what to see and do there yet. I just know that I absolutely need to lose some weight and get in shape for it.
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Suzy - i think the only way to know for sure is to google whatever yogurt you use with "does x contain living and active cultures" (unless it already says it on the label - the only yogurts that contain probiotics are the ones that say “Living and active cultures On the label.)
In Canada, all yogurts are made with Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus – bacteria NOT known as Probiotics By Health Canada. These yogurts are still a good source of protein, calcium, magnesium and zinc, but they are not beneficial Probiotics Cultures.
So I will have to research what yogurts that ARE beneficial are available here before i buy lol
I'm so glad you were able to see your family in Mississippi after so long, but sorry you couldnt stay longer. We are getting a snowstorm now.. supposed to get 25cm when all is said and done by the end of today, but since i dont have to go out in it, im just enjoying the "snow globe shaken" effect thats happening out there right now lolol..
WOW on Scotland trip thats awesome! And a great additional goal to help keep you motivated on your health journey indeed! i've never been to Scotland and i have no idea yet where a future trip for me might be.. i was kind of hoping last year to perhaps do a Portugal/Spain trip this spring but that's not going to happen right now with the pandemic.. so gives me lots of time to think about maybe in the fall or next spring..
i'm supposed to be using the winter months to figure out how to plant my community garden plot i won lol.. I have NO experience gardening at all and i want veggies in mine so i'm trying to learn as much as possible.. I can't start any plants indoors here but am just starting to figure out what to plant and at what time of the season ... i admit it'll be a miracle if i get one tomato or one carrot out of it hahaha.0 -
Snoozie, I can’t give you any usable advice on your garden. I kill everything. Gardening just isn’t in my skill set. I think it’s great that you’re challenging yourself and doing something new.
I’m relieved that we didn’t get as bad a storm as they predicted. (Knock on wood) we didn’t even lose power! Of course now that I’ve said that a tree will fall on the wires. Lol. I’m almost done unpacking from our move!!!!! The last room is the bonus room over the garage and it’s MY room. I’m setting up my easel and paints in front of the one lonely window and my craft/scrapbook table against the wall. I’ll also have a small area for my granddaughter with a child size easel, toys, books and hopefully some big floor pillows. That’s the plan anyway. I have two boxes left to open and that’s it! There are plenty of small projects but the unpacking and setting up will be done today!
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I'm the same with gardening, absolutely terrible at it. I used to be better, when I lived in Wales I was quite successful with growing veg. But not any more. Even houseplants are guaranteed to die, although that's partly because my cat eats them.
I love the thought of your art room, Suzy! How wonderful! And that your granddaughter can make her own creations there too.
I should probably check what bacteria is in my yoghurt: I hadn't realised I could be eating the wrong strain. I think any yoghurt you can make yoghurt with is live!
Exciting to be planning a trip to Scotland. There is so much to see! How long will you be there for? One of my favourite things about Scotland is the coast and the islands. I used to do island hopping in the summer. You get a boat (I think Caledonian MacBrayne still has a monopoly on the ferries) between different islands. Or you can fly out the Outer Hebrides. See seals, dolphins, eagles, red deer, etc. Of course, depends if you like boat travel and coastline, no doubt in the rain! But I think it's magical.2 -
I don’t think I’m eating the beneficial fermented yogurt. Oh well, wine is fermented, isn’t it? Lol.
I’m slowly getting back to my GF and no sugar eating habits. I’m really struggling with making these fit into my 1200 to 1400 calories a day goal.
Still haven’t established a routine of five cardio days a week. I’m just so lazy!!!
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Wine, yes, of course! And it's very Mediterranean! Actually I think on my diet in maintenance you are supposed to drink the occasional glass of red wine.
I checked my yoghurt carton and it says "Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus bulgaricas, Streptococcus thermophilus". It's just the one that gets delivered with my milk so I don't get to choose! This site https://www.thegoodgut.org/guide-to-probiotic-bacteria/ which I can't vouch for in any way (I just googled the bacteria) seems to think they have some benefits, even if not the recommended ones?
You are anything but lazy, Suzy! I don't know how you have time for anything sometimes, reading your posts. Five cardio sessions a week is a lot. I am mostly managing to fit in the exercise sessions on my plan and I think it's partly because they are so short (about 20 minutes) and no equipment. I'm just doing it in my normal clothes while I'm doing housework, and put the kettle on so I know I'm going to get a cup of tea at the end. Maybe short sessions would be easier? Or some at home, some at the gym?
Well done on getting on board with the GF/no sugar eating. I suppose my diet is almost GF/low sugar too. I'm doing two meals a day (have done that for ages, actually) and I find it easier because you can have bigger portions! Also trying to do the old filling up on salad trick - I'm not sure that ever works! My meal tonight was steak with blue cheese, sweet potato fries (air fryer) and veg, but I cut the steak and the sweet potato in half before prepping them so only a small portion but felt quite substantial. I am not hungry now ... although do I want to eat something? Of course I do! But I'm going to have a delicious glass of water instead, lol!2 -
I hadn’t even thought about breaking the cardio up into segments…even though we’ve actually talked about this before. Do y’all feel like your mind just isn’t as sharp as it used to be? We watch Jeopardy! every night and I swear I can’t come up with the answers as fast as I used to just a couple years ago.
I can relate, Vail. I can eat a full meal but still think about those cookies in the cupboard. I ate a good sized meal last night. Not the healthiest, grilled chicken wings and some mashed potatoes. Afterwards, the bag of apple chips was calling my name. I ate the whole bag (350 calories) then I heard from the vegan cookies so I had two (95 calories). Mind you, I wasn’t even hungry.
I had a moment this morning where it really hit me, with total clarity, that I’ve got a very small window to lose this weight. I’m 60 and it’s just going to get harder every year. I keep thinking I’ve got time but I really don’t. As if the pain in my knees, foot and hips isn’t enough of a wake up call. I want to go into my senior years as healthy as possible but then I eat half a pizza, drink mojitos or decide not to exercise. I need to start equating these unhealthy habits to being unable to walk when I’m 75. That is NOT the tomorrow that I want. How do I keep this clarity so that I make better decisions? How do I hold onto this determination?1 -
Suzy... the clarity you spoke about? I don't know if fear is a motivator as such... but i know i've told you before about the seniors i play pb with (or did before covid).. that they range from 60-80 and i'm probably the youngest at 61.. and hand to God there are 70 year olds that can kick my butt on the court.. a few of them work out at the gym and also play volleyball and badminton .. and I used to think to myself.. seriously.. they are 10 YEARS older than me now.. and in way better shape..
then i see my sister.. who i love dearly.. but she is only 2 years older than me so she is ONLY 62 .. and she's probably about 40lbs overweight.. pretty much same as we have been at some point).
but EVERY single day.. she goes for a nap in the afternoon. And it drives me CRAZY... (ya i know its none of my business).. but a 62 year old should NOT need a nap every single day to get thru it when you aren't doing anything to tire yourself out. Dont get me wrong.. i've napped after a bad nights sleep ..but she sleeps a solid 8-10 hrs every night as well... but I honestly believe its simply become a habit for her now... she doesnt do anything physical at all except walk a dog for a neighbour .. but that's a "stroll" not a walk.. and to me she just "thinks" old in my opinion.. I swear it's like she's 80 sometimes....and I get frustrated sometimes when she msgs me and says "k going for a nap yap later" ..
Even when we were in Italy 2 years ago.. same thing with the naps... and no there is no underlying medical reason for it ... but even this summer when i was down east she would never join us to walk the beach.. she just sat around.. i know I'm sounding mean but I'm really not... it worries me a lot but i have to be really careful not to say anything..
so on one hand i see my sister at just 62 like that.. and some of the pb players and friends of mine as well who are active and having fun while doing it.. and in better shape ALREADY 10 yrs older than me NOW.. and that's where the fear comes in.. and i think.. which do i want to be.. i'm AFRAID of becoming old before my time physically.. (i will concede my mind is going already LOL).. two of my oldest friends are 75 with numerous health probs and they travel all the time (or did pre covid) and while they don't go to a gym or workout or play sports, they are always on the go doing something... and i look at myself and think... is how i am now how i want to stay?
But.. between the pandemic and winter, I have used both those excuses and many others to not to exercise or eat well, i.e. I can't go out for a walk it's too cold... I can't go anywhere everything is closed, blah blah blah. So for me.. I need to get that FEAR back... and stop making excuses to myself about why i can't change anything because i CAN.. if i want a different tomorrow for myself. So that's going to be my motivation ...1 -
p.s. Suzy - i LOVE the art room plan as well!!
Vail - I caved and bought the jar of store bought sauerkraut which does not have the probiotics either as its pickled, not fermented.. but I wanted it anyway after all the talk LOL.. (I ALSO bought some montreal style smoked meat and rye bread to go with it lol). I'm pretty sure i read somewhere that if you make your own yogurt from a starter it DOES have the probiotics in it.. but either way.. as you said there are beneficial things in it no matter what!
How was that delicious glass of water by the way?? lol that was too funny i did laugh out loud when i read that..
I've been eating a lot more the past few days now that im not having to run to the bathroom every time i eat.. but if i eat too much i get nauseous now... so while I won't go back to the very unhealthy diet of soup and crackers.. i am eating a lot more veggies and fruit but definitely smaller portions; its just not worth that gross ugh feeling when i do pig out... hopefully i will remember that for more than a day or two lol1 -
Snoozie, I just wondered with your sister (although it's not my business at all, but that never stops me wondering!) has she thought of sleep apnoea? Or anything else that could be affecting her quality of sleep at night (drinking alcohol, etc.) and make her need to catch up during the day? Or even depression ... I went through a stage when I was depressed years ago that I was spending so much time sleeping and always tired. Maybe you're right that it's just habit. I agree it's kind of worrying, especially if it's interfering with other things.
And yes, the idea that if this is life at 62, it's only going to go downhill. Suzy you really made me think about your comment about time running out. I'm 59 this year, so not far off. You are so right. What both of you are saying, and particularly about your sister, Snoozie, made me remember what it was like at my top weight. I remember passing on a trip to London with a couple of very slim, very active friends as I knew I wouldn't be able to keep up. I certainly wasn't inactive, but activity was so much harder (and was why I decided to lose the weight in the first place, because I was struggling with exercise).
Anyway, I lost 60lbish, which took me into the overweight (not obese) range, and I felt would be easy to maintain while looking "normal". I've more or less maintained it, but always with the thought that I will go lower eventually, and I've had a few half-hearted attempts at that over the years. But for goodness, sake, you are right, I have heart disease, I have kidney disease, arthritis, covid is hyper-prevalent, and probably the one tangible thing I could do to avoid the complications of those is to lose weight.
I think I need to keep that in mind, and particularly remembering the feeling of having lost weight, of being lighter. You know, my feet don't get as sore with walking as they did when I was bigger! I feel more "balanced" as if I'm less likely to fall. I really hate the fact that losing weight doesn't mean going back to the nice young taut skin I had before I gained, but instead this loose, saggy, wobbly stuff, BUT, if I lose the weight, there is less of that stuff to carry around.
I need to be realistic about how much extra I am carrying. I'm still about 40lb heavier than I was in my 30s. That's a massive amount extra to be lugging around. If I felt better with 60lb lost, I'm still going to feel a significant difference with another 40lb lost. I think it just feels so daunting to think of 40lb! And I've been wary about going for it, because I've actually maintained so well at the overweight point that I didn't want to upset the apple cart by going too far and end up gaining back even more!
But I'm taking your points into consideration: if not now, when? Do I still want to be carrying this extra fat around in my 60s, and wearing my joints out even more, never mind anything else? If I have another heart attack, or go into the next stage of kidney disease, will I be wondering if my weight has contributed to it? Good point about the FEAR, Snoozie.
Now I just need to keep this feeling and motivation going now, which is the hard part, but thank you both so much for the wake up call. I think I am in denial a lot of the time.0 -
As for my diet, it's going very well if slowly, but I'm now at 59lb lost (I've never, never updated my ticker!) so only just starting to get back to my previous maintenance weight of 60lb lost. So all the work so far has been just to get me back to that overweight point, instead of the obese point I was hovering at, lol!
I think I have been so pleased with the 60 lb lost, that I have lost sight of the fact that it was 100 lb that I gained, so I've only really lost 60% of it. I had gone up to about 50 lb lost, so this is still good progress (I've lost about 9lb since Christmas). But the hard part is going to be going below that 60lb. I think the lowest I have got in the past years has been 67 lb lost, for about a day, lol!
The easy part, though, is that all I really need to do is keep going. And not keep giving up. I managed to do that for the 60 lb orginally - it was slow, but I stuck with it. So there is no real physical or psychological reason I can't do that again (I know I will have to eat less than I did then! But the principles are the same). The fact that I AM losing weight when eating significantly less food (who knew?) shows that it's all working as intended, and I can do it. I just have to KEEP doing it!
Roll on the slim 60s!1 -
It's me again! Sorry for taking up almost a whole page of this thread, but have just found out how get this image on, in a way that it will auto-delete! So it's here for limited time. This is me at my son and daughter in law's wedding in October.1
