WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR JANUARY

barbiecat

Being mindful about food when I'm on an eating program seems to lead to thinking about food too much. Other times that my weight went down instead of up, I was more indifferent to food. Does anyone share this psychology? Anyone have any ideas for psyching up against it?

I found that when I planned my meals and snacks ahead of time and posted them on MFP, then I was relieved of the need to think about food because all the food decisions had already been made......additionally I made the decision to accept no food that was offered to me and eat only what I had planned for the day. :bigsmile: :bigsmile: :bigsmile: :bigsmile:

kackie

Hello Dear Ladies,

I am checking in to say hello and welcome to all the newcomers! This is a great source of encouragement and friendship!

I have been missing in action here since the holidays. I have NOT been tracking my food consistently and I know it just takes one day at a time. SO, Birdie, I read your post. ....ONE DAY at a time!!! I am starting today and trying to get some momentum back.

Mimi: Good to hear from you. I hope you find a job that you can enjoy and also helps you finish your Granny-house!

Barbie: Congratulations to you and your DH for your 2 year successful journey. You are an inspiration!:flowerforyou:

Robin: WTG!!! I am so happy for you. Your persistence is a wonderful trait and I am sure they will be so thankful to have you!:flowerforyou:

We helped host an engagement party last night...it was not at our house, thankfully...we had 120 guests! I did the flowers and made on appetizer. It was fun to see all of the young people and see the young couple so excited to start their life together. We are in that "season" of life, as are many of you, with lots of weddings and also lots of grandbabies...showers and parties for all of these events. I love all of these celebrations but have to get back to enjoying the people and not getting too mindless about the food that come along with these events! Ahhhh....It is so easy some times and so difficult at other times.:huh:

I hope everyone has a good rest of their weekend. We have house guests coming in for lunch today. Another food event. I am tracking my food right now.

Take care, All! Kackie

Darlis

Reading the posts here is soooo motivational!!! This is a great group and I am beginning to recognize a few names after 2-1/2 weeks here. So far so good....the water weight went first, I am beginning to move again and work is slow right now with all the winter ice and snow. Hopefully by the time we get back into "tourist season" I will feel more like being on my feet most of the day! Speaking of which, I am at work now, so this is short and sweet....take care my friends.....eat well and live long!

jam0525

Hello all,

Just like so many others have already mentioned, when I first joined MFP it was just as a calorie counter. I took me a while to learn to post. Now, I'd be lost without my forum friends.

Dad is in the hospital with the beginnings of congestive heart failure. I brought him to the emergency room yesterday before noon and they will probably keep him 4-5 days to get everything straightened out. I had left instructions for him to go to the doctor's last week because I had that feeling, but Mom refused to change her hair appointment and make him get a haircut instead. She always thinks "he's being lazy" and refused to co-operate with me or the home health care people. I just had another long talk with her that things have to change around here and Dad has to get the care he needs too. The doctors lecture me about his diet ( got 3 yesterday), but it is hard because I work and she still cooks. Her final word to me was since I don't like what she buys, I can just do the shopping for her from now on! That is OK by me as I have to go shopping for us anyway. When he comes home he will be on a low sodium no processed foods diet. So he will be eating what I am suppose to be eating too.

My next long talk will be with the health care agency!

Well, as always I have too much to do today. I still plan on bringing the kids skiing tomorrow. They have given up a lot having my parents around and I think we all need a mental health day.

Chat with you later. Have a great day all,

Jeannie

edmontonukeplayer

Hello,

I have been struggling for the past few days. I am so tired and have had a few of my stupid 'attacks' of RUQ pain. What is very apparent to me now: I have used food in the past to try to cope or as a remedy to the extreme fatigue - one of the symptoms that generally comes after these attacks. Though this learning is interesting, what I am struggling with is trying to resist using food, my old comfort and booster.

Yesterday, I went over my calorie limit. I was "snacky" all day. Tried to eat lower calorie foods and stay within MFP calorie limit, but I was not successful. I am hoping for a better day today but I am still struggling. The fatigue is really getting me. I would like to just go to bed and sleep for a week but responsibilities keep me from using that remedy.

Karlene

barbiecat

Naturally we are watching the football game today......I took the dogs to the dog park first thing this morning even though it was drizzling......the girls didn't want to stay too long but at least they got to run for awhile......I will try to not sit too much while watching the game.:bigsmile:

:flowerforyou: Karlene, as long as your goal is to eat better and not use food as a remedy for fatigue, you will continue to do better....slow and steady wins the race

:flowerforyou: Jeannie, I applaud your decision to do something special with your kids and not let them get lost in the struggle to care for your parents.

:flowerforyou: Darlis, congrats on your success.....just keep on moving even if it isn't the goal you've set for yourself

:flowerforyou: Kackie, someone suggested to me that when I go to food filled events that I think about what I can bring to the event (my support, good listening, friendship) instead of what I can get out of it and that helped me stay away from the personal treat of eating all the goodies and kept me moving looking for people to talk to.
:drinker: :drinker: :drinker: :drinker:

zmankin

> I found that when I planned my meals and snacks ahead of time and posted them on MFP, then I was relieved of the need to think > about food because all the food decisions had already been made......additionally I made the decision to accept no food that was
> offered to me and eat only what I had planned for the day. :bigsmile: :bigsmile: :bigsmile:

This is a great idea, makes so much sense - I'm starting it as of now. Thank you.

Good luck on Tuesday.

Z.

mimi7grands

Hello to all my wonderful MFP friends ("old" ones and new ones),

Barbie, I read your advice not to accept food that’s offered other than what you’ve planned. I need to learn this! I do well at home but go unconscious (you know what I mean) when I’m out.

I figured “out” would be over after the holidays but not so. :noway: Since Christmas, I’ve spent a week with my sister and my folks, enjoyed wine and munchies at a neighbors and, last night, joined my kids and their kids for my grandson’s birthday party (fish tacos and sushi – his request!)

Aaargh. The nibbley munchies get me every time. It’s time I accepted that and either took my own food or measured/weighed what I ate. I get self-conscious about doing that, but know the weight could come back on even more quickly than I got it off. And I love looking better and feeling better.

About feeling self-conscious...to be honest with myself, when I'm not controlling my eating, i eat more than the people around me eat. That's what I want to be "self-conscious" about.

I have yet to get back to the gym too. The last few months are the first in many years that I’ve felt strong and healthy. I didn’t realize how much difference exercising made until I took a "vacation” from it at the beginning of December.

Birdie, as you said, it’s ONE DAY at a time. Time for a fresh start.

I am going to have a little helper in my fresh start. I adopted a 5-1/2 to 6 month-old, 10-pound yorkie/poodle mix from the SPCA yesterday!!!! I’ve named her Isabella – Izzy for short. She looks like a dust mop and has more energy than any puppy I’ve ever before encountered.

This morning, I took Izzy for a walk up the street. I didn’t go far, but farther than I ever have before. The morning was beautiful – crystal blue skies with a few, hazy clouds and still fresh-smelling from the rain last week.

We startled a deer as we walked up our gravel/dirt road to the “big” road (still a little, winding country road). The deer are a little aggressive this time of year and I had to stamp my feet before she ran away.

We heard hawks screeching, turkeys gobbling, and woodpeckers tapping. The neighbor toward the top of our road keeps ducks, geese, and turkeys. They made a racket as we approached. Izzy tried hard to turn and run the other way!

When we came back, my three grandkids came down to play with her then we walked up to their house to introduce her to Bodie, their big Southern Bulldog (tall bulldog) / Lab mix. They look very Mutt and Jeffish. They were a little wary of each other but got along pretty well. I expect them to become friends pretty quickly.

She's finally sleeping now. (she finally crashed after 4-hours of non-stop bouncing, scampering, and general racing around.) We’ll take another walk this afternoon on the walking/bike trail nearby. I’m looking forward to chatting more with some of the other walkers. They’re usually friendly but I expect Izzy will be a good conversation-starter.

It’s good to be back (again!) and good to be posting. As Mary mentioned, posting helps in staying focused. I need focus!

The other Mary

mimi7grands

...someone suggested to me that when I go to food filled events that I think about what I can bring to the event (my support, good listening, friendship) instead of what I can get out of it...

Barbie, more wonderful advice from you. You are so wise. Thank you.

mrsanderson404

I too am starting to recognize names and such here...it's only been 2 weeks and I've lurked more than posted but you are all so encouraging.

Like some, going out to eat has made me quite uneasy. I don't want to eat like I used to and can really understand how I ended up in this size jeans...but I'm not sure how to eat out within my calorie limits either. I know I can take half home and order more healthy alternatives, but this is a new game to me. It stinks being short too because I only get about 500 calories a meal! Enough venting....I'll make it work!

Jam0525.....I'm having the same problem but my mom is the one that is ill and my dad sometimes seems incapable of caring for her or getting her to do what he wants...it's a long story but I feel your pain....(((hang in there)))

Enjoy the day ladies...it's gorgeous in sunny So. Cal!

JanisMS

Hi All

Today is my first day on a diet and exercise program for several years. I have belonged to a gym in the past and they made a lot of money from me as I rarely went. I have to find an exercise that doesn't seem like an exercise. I have exercise induced asthma which makes cardio-exercise exhausting. I would like to do water exercise but the only class I can find is during the weekdays and when I am work. Nothing in the evenings. I find your posts on Women Ages 50+ so inspiring and I have already noted some very good strategies. I love the ticker tapes. That would motivate me. I will be reading your posts and I will post again.

BirdieM

Blessings to all this bright and cheery Sunday!!!:flowerforyou: I had another successful day yesterday with my calories so I am aiming for another one! :bigsmile: There is no beginning or end to this journey. It has been an incredible learning experience in ....not only food....but behavioral patterns. We never graduate....we achieve goals....one day at at time....and continue to set new ones. The weight is ONE goal. But teaching ourselves to be grateful for goals met.....patient and kind to ourselves on those not so good days.............and to always go forward not backwards.:bigsmile: No matter how bad your day is....as far as food and behavior...it is most likely BETTER than before you started your journey! :flowerforyou: Kudos!!! Kudos!!! When I fall on my butt....and I certainly do...I remind myself that I use to live with my butt on the ground every day!!! :laugh: Now...it's just once in a while!!!
I went out to eat last night....something I love to do! I had peel and eat shrimp, grilled scallops, salad, string beans and a baked potato that I took a few bites from. I had 2 glasses of wine and I was still within my calories!! :bigsmile: The reason why I can do this is because I'm on my treadmill every morning for an hour and burn 600 calories (incline 6) . I add these to the 1200 and that's my goal for the day.:happy: I have lost all my weight by doing this....eating my burned calories...and it has saved me from feeling deprived!:bigsmile: Because I just gained 2 pounds...... my choices are stricter than when I'm trying to maintain. Eg. Grilled scallops instead of a steak. When these pounds are off...then I may eat steak. I love them both... but chicken and seafood are lower in fat and calories and are better choices when trying to lose. These are the lessons I learned over the past 16months:bigsmile: They may not work for everybody....but they're working for me!:bigsmile: This is why it is a "journey" not a quick diet! Lose fast....gain fast! At least that's been my story:embarassed: Small steps with lasting habits...work much better and is more likely to stick
Barbie & Jake, congratulation on your anniversary! :flowerforyou: What a lovely evening you had!!!
Doobie hang in there and I'm sorry for your loss.
Jeanne I admire you for all that you do! Dealing with both parents...kids...a job....wow! You are one terrific lady!!!:flowerforyou: :flowerforyou:
Mimmie, Mary, Kackie (my spelling is awful) and everyone who is comming back after being away! Welcome home!!!:laugh: To all the newcomers....Welcome!!!!
One Day at a time, exercise when you can...drink lots of water....and...for the most part you will see results!
As far as thinking too much about food by taking this journey....I ditto Barbie! Plan ahead and look for other treats and fun experiences!!!
Working 6 day a week....so I may not be on as much as I'd like to....but I will be "lurking" when I can!!!:laugh:
Look for the positive...in today!:flowerforyou:
God Bless!!
BirdieM:drinker: :drinker:

mrsanderson404

Just rewarded myself with a Starbucks Grande Skinny Caramel Macchiato...the barrista assured me it was only 140 calories....that is manageable for me....tasted yummy although I'm usually quite adverse to artificial sweetener. Once in awhile can't be too bad for me....don't drink diet soda or anything like that so the occasional yummy coffee drink is ~~~heaven~~~

It's all about new habits and understanding that I can't keep doing what I was doing before, and expect change.

pmjsmom

Happy Sunday, everyone!

Welcome to all our newbies!:flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: This is a wonderful group of women!

Robin--I'm so happy to hear about your new job! Congratulations!

Doobie--Nice to see you back and I am sorry for your loss.

I have been slacking on my healthy journey and am working on getting back on track. Today has gone well so far though I still need to get some more exercise in! I will get that done in a bit.

I really think this constant gray weather is starting to get to me! Even extra vitamin D isn't helping much. I may see about getting one of those lights that help with seasonal affective disorder--It would be needed almost all year long here!

It is SO helpful to me to read all your posts. I get ideas and encouragement from you all. Thanks for being a part of my life!

msh0530

Hi All

Today is my first day on a diet and exercise program for several years. I have belonged to a gym in the past and they made a lot of money from me as I rarely went. I have to find an exercise that doesn't seem like an exercise. I have exercise induced asthma which makes cardio-exercise exhausting. I would like to do water exercise but the only class I can find is during the weekdays and when I am work. Nothing in the evenings. I find your posts on Women Ages 50+ so inspiring and I have already noted some very good strategies. I love the ticker tapes. That would motivate me. I will be reading your posts and I will post again.

And a warm welcome to you! Glad to have you on board! When I first started, walking around the block was big exercise for me, so I am sure you will find a way to start. Just remember, anything that you do is better than nothing, and you have to start somewhere. Here's to smart choices!

dogsdogs

Hi - I used to run much more than I do now. My feet are starting to act up.....yuck!!! Shoes are very important for a comfortable run. The first l0 to 15 minutes your body is saying to you......what are you nuts? Lets stop this now.....try try not to listen to that. If you keep going (even very slowly), your body will adjust and say "ok, I guess I can do this"....our breathing gets easier and it feels lots better. Hope this helps.

frogmama

Hi Ladies!

Julie, I like your idea of exercise stars. I do exercise most days. I knew I couldn't get to the gym today so I had to force myself to get on the stationary bike. I think if I had stars, I wouldn't want to skip the day. Sure is funny how something so simple can be so motivational. Thanks for the idea.

Zmankin- congratulations on only missing 3 days of exercise in the past 2 months. You are an inspiration!

Jeannie, sorry to hear your dad is in the hospital. Hopefully you can get through to your mom.

Mrs.Anderson- I am short too so I feel your pain. I went out to eat tonight, and ordered a dinner salad and had 2 of my daughter's ribs. It was enough and I felt good about not over eating.

Janis, Finding a schedule at the gym with fun classes that fits your schedule is tough. I finally found a gym that I enjoy going to most days and it fits my schedule. I generally get there 5-6 days a week. It has made a significant difference in my weight loss and my body is starting to tone up.

To all of the other ladies- we are struggling together to become more healthy and fit. Together we can do it. The motivation that I get from MFP and all of you ladies is a great help.

Today I ushered at a local opera house production of "Beatlemagic." This group recreated the sounds and visuals of "The Beatles." It was a fun filled afternoon, bringing back many memories. We even did a bit of dancing in the aisles.

Planning on getting out tomorrow to do some geocaching if it's not too cold.

Lynn

Darlis

I know I have only been here a short while.....but ladies, I certainly need your prayers! The Dr.found a spot on hubby's lung xray from a routine physical. Lung biopsy tomorrow and PET sacn on Tuesday.......thanks to all of you for your motivation and support.

mimi7grands

Darlis, you have my prayers and hopes for good news.

joylaut

Darlis - sending positive vibes your way.

Mimi - congrats on your new addition. I have only ever adopted from shelters or rescue org. Where do you live. I would love to walk out my door and be in nature. DH and I talk about retiring elsewhere but he really needs to start cleaning out his garage today if we are to move in 5 years.:ohwell:

Jeannie - hope your mom comes around to be more supportive of what your dad needs to do for his health.

Well, I was doing pretty well staying under or at calories until we took the grandkids out today. At the movies, I brought in my own smartfood popcorn to eat. The problem? Baskins Robbins afterwards. I even went with the lower calorie choice but at 220 it still put me over w/o exercise today. And then there was the wonderful fruity, riesling with dinner. I should have said no to both. The good news? Usually when I mess up, I say 'What the hell? Why not eat whatever I want 'cuz I screwed up already so what difference does it make?" I'm happy to say that I did not go crazy -- did have a couple of pfeffernuse cookies (small ones). but I could have done a lot worse. Tomorrow is another day --- and not too busy work wise so I know I will get some exercise in. Although I know it's tough when some of you report straying from the plan...it's still reassuring to know that I am not alone when I do that.

Joy

barbiecat

Darlis, you may have been here only a short time, but i feel already that you are part of my family and I am thinking positive thoughts for you, your husband, and his doctors as you face this new bump in your life road.

lyn54

May God be with you, Darlis.

wizzywig

Happy Monday Morning everyone

:flowerforyou: Robin Congratulations on your new job.

:flowerforyou: Happy Anniversary Barbie

:flowerforyou: Darlis sending prayers and positive thoughts your way.

I've gone over my calories at the weekend, so I'm sure I've put back on the half pound I lost during the week. :frown: I'm starting the week with new determination (again) I'm going into town with my mum this morning and we usually stop off for a cuppa at a little closed down church that is now a little cafe for pensioners. Years ago when my kids were small, I didn't realise and we popped in for a snack (it's a lot cheaper than most cafe's) when I got to the counter I was asked "are you with a pensioner" and I had to confess that I wasn't, I apologised and left quickly. Now though, with mum in tow I can go in legally :bigsmile: :bigsmile:

I went to the running club on Friday, don't laugh but I think I pulled something when doing the warm up exercises. :noway: The run went okay - well I was running for about 100 - 150 steps then walking for about 50 - 80 to get my breath back and then running again, but by the time I was walking/running home I could feel pain in my upper thigh. Sat and Sun I've felt it when walking the dogs. I've tried stretching by standing on one leg and raising the left leg and that hurts, so I'm sure I over stretched it on Friday, we didn't do that warm up exercise before and I was fine apart from a general ache in both legs.

It's been a bit of a lazy weekend for me apart from the dog walking, I've been trying to march on the spot when watching tv, but could not get the motivation, I've been so sleepy, I've fallen asleep a few times, can't seem to keep awake, until bedtime when all sorts of things start swirling in my brain and I can't settle.

Time is getting on, better get hubby his breakfast and get ready to go into town. Wonder if I can get anything nice in the sales (if they are still on)

Have a wonderful Day everyone,

Viv xx

mamacindy81

Morning every one,

Mimi, post a picture of the little fuzz ball when you get a chance.

Darlis: I hope everything goes okay with your husbands tests.

Had a birthday weekend so went over my calories. Well, I'm back to today is the day I have to deal with. My exercise has been really good so I am hoping the gain on the scale is mostly water retention. I'm also feeling like I might have a period coming on. I've been getting one about every 3 months now and I would like for it to just stop completely. Well, it can't go on for too much longer.

DD was a little sad this weekend because she didn't get selected for a critical care position she had applied for. She's an OR nurse and wants to go to Anesthesia School but first she has to work in a critical care position (ICU or ED). So far she isn't making any progress in transferring into critical care. I keep telling her when the time is right it will happen! She did take the GRE (I think that's what its called) this month and made over 1200 so she is good on going back to Grad School. She is so smart and I am so proud of her accomplishments.

Well back at making good and better choices today!


Cindy

BirdieM

I know I have only been here a short while.....but ladies, I certainly need your prayers! The Dr.found a spot on hubby's lung xray from a routine physical. Lung biopsy tomorrow and PET sacn on Tuesday.......thanks to all of you for your motivation and support.
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May you and your husband be lifted on the wings of prayer

We are all family...... whether here 1 day or 1 year!!!:flowerforyou:

BirdieM

EMMOM

Hi! I am new to this site and thread. I think this is just what I was looking for. I just turned 52 and need support from others 50 and older. I have found that I have to approach weight loss differently than 20 years ago. I am looking for support, advice and motivation from others who are there or have been in my shoes. I have lost 13 lbs. but need to lose close to 50 more lbs. to reach my goal. Any help would be appreciated. This site has really been great so far! In January I am striving to get more exercise in. Good luck to everyone in 2011.

joylaut

Welcome, Emmom. As many will attest. this is a good place to get support and encouragement. And it's motivating to see the success some gals have, especially seeing their tickers at the end of the posts.

I see I'm not alone in going over cals this weekend. It's the reason that I don't bother changing my ticker to reflect a measly 1-2 pounds, because that scale goes right back to where I started with a minor indescretion.:grumble:

Those of you who have the day off -- enjoy.

Joy

barbiecat

:flowerforyou: EMMOM, if you are looking for support, encouragement, and good ideas, you have come to the right place.....this thread has the most amazing women :bigsmile: :bigsmile: :bigsmile: go back a few pages and read the posts, then get in the habit of reading and posting every day along with posting your food.....do some exercise today even if it is only a walk around the block or ten minutes of walking up and down the hall.....the longest journey starts with a single step.

:flowerforyou: Birdie, I am always so overwhelmed by the job of gathering all the numbers and documentation for our income tax that I have the highest admiration for people like you who are tax professionals......I am always amazed at how quickly our accountant finishes our return after we send her the information.......I will miss you during tax season.....you always share the most encouraging message......your weight loss and your insights on maintenance continue to help me

:flowerforyou: Mimi, good luck at finding a job......I've been thinking I might want to work part time but then I think about when I'd have the time and what I'd want to do and the idea goes on the back burner :laugh:

:flowerforyou: Cindy, i agree with you that the right job is out there for your DD......it just hasn't appeared yet

:flowerforyou: Viv, if you are falling asleep while attempting to exercise in front of the TV that might be a sign that you are sleep deprived.......first things first.......go to bed and get more sleep :bigsmile:

:flowerforyou: today is my day for all liquids.....I posted my intended consumption on MFP.......the calories are moderate but the sodium and carbs are sky high.....the prep beverage doesn't happen until 6 PM:grumble: :grumble: :grumble: :grumble: :grumble: :grumble: :grumble: I didn't check to see if it has any calories :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

EMMOM

Thanks to everyone for the welcome and encouragement. I look forward to going through my weight loss challenge with kind people like you. I think with all of the great posts here, that I can do it.

tiarapants

Hello ladies

Darlis, prayers have been said and hugs are being sent.

I'm hoping to get this posted whilst I'm at my DD's as we are still without our broadband at home. Really annoying and we've pretty much decided to change providers.

Anyway, I'm doing fine with my food (maintaining my goal weight, but would like to lose a little more eventually) and my exercise is picking up again. I've started running for a few minutes each day and I'm also hoping to fit another aqua fit class in each week. Cycling is coming along too, although I'm not confident enough to go out on the road yet.

My cardiologist has agreed that I can postpone my valve replacement surgery until March time, however, I have to have more tests next week and will find out if I have to have an ablation procedure prior to the main surgery. Fingers crossed that I won't need it.

I just about manage to read all the posts while I'm in the coffee shop, but it is hard to reply. Can't wait to get the broadband sorted.

My love and thoughts to you all.

Amanda x