WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR MARCH 2012

barbiecat

:bigsmile: :bigsmile: :bigsmile: :bigsmile: Welcome to the supportive thread that helped to change my life.

:flowerforyou: The title says Women Ages 50+ but all women are welcome.

:flowerforyou: This is a supportive and encouraging group of women who have helped me along my weight loss journey and I know they will do the same for you.

:bigsmile: How did you do with your goals for February?

:bigsmile: What goals do you have for March?

:flowerforyou: Some of us set weight loss goals and others have goals that address exercise, healthy behaviors, or new attitudes.

I love the start of a new month because it is a clean page on the calendar ready for a new beginning.

Barbie from NW Washington

March goals:
*walk the dogs for an hour or more every morning no matter how cold, wet, windy, or snowy.
* Yoga three days a week
*100 squats a day
*strength training two days a week (three would be better)
*17,000 steps a day


[img][/img]
"The reason most people fail instead of succeed is that they trade what they want the MOST for what they want at the MOMENT."

"The temptation to quit will be greatest just before you are about to succeed."

1960lisa

Hey Barbie and all the 50+ ladies ....happy March!! Just thought I'd get in early and say hi to everyone....I am not really posting much anymore as I find it too hard to keep up with everyone...but I do check in from time to time and love reading everyone's stories and I have a few of the gals as friends so just use my newsfeed as support these days.

I'm still loving MFP and I just weighed myself and have now lost just over 8kg....haven't updated my ticker just yet as I always seem to fluctuate for a few days when I have a loss...but I'm a third of the way there so am feeling great!

I'm having a bit of a hard time of things at home at the moment....I've posted this on my newsfeed but perhaps someone here might have had a similar experience (maybe not)..... my older son (21) went over seas for 18months as an 18 y/o (never had a girlfriend before, never drank) and came back with a girlfriend 9 months ago.... we have tried to be really supportive and welcomed her into our home....but in fact we have found her quite challenging... not culturally (she is from Iceland)...but she has some fairly major self esteem issues, eating issues, she hit my son and broke his nose one time in a jealous rage after drinking, etc, etc...you get the picture..she is basically very manipulative of him and he doesn't seem at all happy although he says he is...and I really don't think he is using his brain to think these days but rather another part of his anatomy. Anyway she is going home in 4 weeks as she was only able to come here on a tourist visa....but they are going to apply for a defacto visa...and yesterday he asked if we would help with the application (she didn't ask mind you she was in hiding and made him come and talk on his own)....but I had to tell him that we couldn't support the application...that I would be lying to say i thought he was happy and it would be long term, etc etc...I tried to be gentle and not say everything I feel about her...also said i wouldn't do anything to stop them and that if they are able to work things out then that is great (not that I mean that)...but I did say that we wouldn't offer to have her stay in the house again.....

So as you can imagine things are a bit frosty here now.... not sure how we are going to get through the next 4 weeks...I don't know if he has told her...she spends most of her time upstairs in the bedroom and rarely comes and sits with us. My other son feels uncomfortable around them as well and is in fact going out a lot to his girlfriend's rather than be around here....and they were previously very close.

Sorry to have a big rant...particularly as I don't contribute much any more....but just thought all you wonderful 50+ ladies might have some words of advice.... I am feeling a bit miserable...part of me is just trying to not think about it as I really don't think they have much hope of getting the visa even if we did agree to help but certainly not without our help....and i also wonder if it will all just fizzle out when she leaves and he can get back to reality and his friends here (which she doesn't like so they don't see them much)...but in the back of my mind is just this horrible thought that what if he really does try and stick by her....it has just driven such a wedge in our family.

I'm trying not to resort to comfort eating....going to hit the gym instead!

So here's to a great March....happy losing everyone.

Lisa:flowerforyou:

Cando055

I'm glad to have found this thread for March and will claim my space in the wee hours of the first day. I am so tired of taking one step forward and two steps back that I really plan to make this the month to turn things around.

lisa, I feel for you. My children are 24 and 21, and it's hard to know when to give them space and when to intervene. Sounds like you have set perfectly appropriate boundaries. That is, you've been clear about what you can and can't do in the areas that affect you, and you haven't interfered or offered an opinion about the areas that only affect your son and his girlfriend. Give yourself a big pat on the back for that. Of course he's angry, but that's okay. You can be the north star. He can choose to follow it or not.

I hope to get to know this group better as the month progresses.

tiarapants

Happy March my friends. I'll be back later x

megathome111

Catching a spot so I don't miss anything!

OnlyGrace

I have only been a member of MFP for a week now and have been looking for a group for support. It has taken a while for me to fine a group that I feel will fit my needs and this one seems to fit! I have had a struggle with weight all my life. I am a pro at weight loss but since I turned 53 things seem a lot different. Seems like my body just doesn't respond to the effort any more. I feel much better when a follow a healthy eating plan, my energy level is much better, but the scale is not moving. I really need support. Looking forward to being a part of this group and welcome any freind request!

scompton54

Happy March!!

lisa: you have handled the situation really well. Let's hope that distance makes the heart grow weaker.

mazaron: congrats!

I managed to complete my February goals

I'm down 5 pounds

40 hours of working out.....three hours of skiing a week sure helps

I did something fun, healthy and social once a week (skiing again plus yoga)

I will set my March goals later....have to get my butt in gear.

Sarah

realpure

Glad to have found the March thread. I'm going to keep on track even though I'm getting discouraged. I have tried so hard and the scale is mocking me. I know some of it is mobility. My darn ankle still hurts if I do much at all, and I'm afraid to push too much and not be able to walk. Weights and squats, sit ups and lunges are my friends right now. I thought I'd have at least dropped 5 pounds by now.

Lisa, I don't have older children, but I have lots of older nieces and nephews. Sounds like you have done all you can do. My oldest nephew went way off track a couple of years ago and even married the "wrong" girl. It took a while for him to remember who he was etc...... long story short, he is back on track and much wiser now because of it. He has a good heart and in the end, it served him well. His Mom and Dad were heart sick though...... Good luck.

A confession....... stress eating is a stumbling spot for me. I know it doesn't help. But some days it is oh so tempting. I have NOTHING fun to eat in my house so that helps, but I wish I could just rise above it all.

quilteryoyo

My goals for March are:

1) Be able to run on the treadmill for 30 min without stopping. I've been following a program since Nov and should be able to do this

2) lose another 4 pounds. I'd love to be down to 150 by the end of the month. I don't know if that is doable or not, but will be happy as long as I lose something. I usually hit a plateau after losing 5 or 6 pounds, so I'm sort-of expecting that to hit soon. But, I am proud of my progress so far and feel so much better than I did.

hate2bheavy

I'm creeping closer to 50 everyday and could sure use the advice and motivation from other MFP friends. Glad I found this thread, I will check in often. My goal for March is to lose five more pounds. I seem to have hit a plateau (was previously in Weight Watchers)and can't seem to jumpstart my body again. Friend requests always welcomed

vickthedick

ageists

quilteryoyo

OnlyGrace, I think I have had the same problem as you. In the last 3 years I've probably lost 75 pounds. Unfortunately, it was the same 5 pounds over and over again. But, I finally decided I was going to get the weight off and, since my highest, I have lost 11 pounds and hope the downward trend continues. So, if I can do it, so can you....by the way, I'm 52.

mazaron

Hi all!

I posted the results of my Feb goals at the end of the Feb thread, it's all there.

I don't set a "numer of pounds to loose" goals because it's not really something I can control. I can control these things, though:

Goals for March:
Exercise at least 35 hours. :explode:
Run two miles in 20 minutes (treadmill), walk at lunch time when weather permits.
Finish Phase One of New Rules of Weight Lifting for Women, perfect my form doing lunges!
Plan food during weekends and follow the plan. :drinker:
Make the bed, put away my clothes, leave the kitchen tidy.
Stay cheerful while driving J’Boy to school, even when he's grouchy.

The last two goals are the result of reading "The Happiness Project" - small things that make a big difference to my quality of life.

Have a great day, see you on the other side. :flowerforyou:

Nancy

vjhanson5

Good Morning All!

It's the first of March so I did my measurements and stepped on the scale this morning...WOW what an I opener. February was not a good month for me, worst over the past year. So I decided I needed to refocus on what I know has worked in the past so you'll be seeing my goals on here later today to get myself back on the right path. Until later, have a good day!

wickedcricket

I'm glad to have found this thread for March and will claim my space in the wee hours of the first day. I am so tired of taking one step forward and two steps back that I really plan to make this the month to turn things around.

I hope to get to know this group better as the month progresses.

This. I have issues, didn't think I did but I've been in the 160s for MONTHS. I had a tooth extracted & couldn't eat for 2 days and my weight got down to 161- and somewhere some demon came and shoved all kinds of fattening stuff in my mouth! I don't understand it. So now I like to think I'm back on track but am beginning to think I don't know myself at all.
I need ... a kick in the rear ... or something. Anyway- I'm here- looks like I'll be here for a long time
Here's to getting OUT of the 160s in March

yoyoung

Since I just started a week ago I am going to keep the same goals for March. Barbie, I love the walking dogs for an hour goal. I am on a 30 min dog walk a day goal right now and you inspired me to increase it. I have a little 3 month old Pomeranian. I love all of your posts. Lisa, I have a 28 year old and an 18 year old, I feel your pain. Being consistent has worked but it is so hard! I have been unable to do much excercise due to chronic migraines but you ladies will keep me inspired to keep trying. I started a new preventive for them today and it is supposed to give me more energy also so I am excited!

daphnegetnfit

Happy March! I will be back after work, talk to you all later!

barbiecat

February was a good month for me. I didn’t miss a day walking the dogs for over an hour every morning. I made the new weight training program a part of my life, added some new exercises, and increased the weights. I did 100 or more squats every day. I walked more than 16,000 steps every day and averaged almost 25,000 steps a day. Yoga is still a struggle for me. I seem to do better with activities that don’t require a mat and lying down.

My March goals are the same except that I’ve increased my daily steps goal to 17,000.

:bigsmile: Lisa, I don't have children so I don't really know your pain, but please stay in the moment and walk and exercise more to combat the feelings and worries

:flowerforyou: yoyoung, my dogs are active standard poodles.......in April I was walking them for 20 minutes each morning and I've gradually extended the time :bigsmile:


Barbie from NW Washington
My life today is so great today it should have background music
March goals:
*walk the dogs for an hour or more every morning no matter how cold, wet, windy, or snowy.”
* Yoga three days a week
*100 squats a day
*strength training two days a week (three would be better)
*17,000 steps a day

wjrapp

Ditto on sooo many comments before mine! I will be 53 in April and have suggled as many of you have between kids, weight gain, low engery, low metabolism, a husband who isn't as dedicated as myself...and I've come to one conclusion: Life can be hard and we can only control so much and we cannot control others, so we need to find support and encouragement where we can, offer what we can to others and try to realize what we can change and make an effort (for our own sake) to change what we can about ourselves.

I love that I found this thread...My goal for March is primarily to:

1. Show up and keep up with what I can (push myself when I need it)
2. Don't be too hard on myself when I slip
3. Remember that I didn't get overweight and unhealthy overnight (nor in just 6 mo) and I won't improve without effort and time
4. Pat myself on the back for the efforts made and bullets avoided (kids and decisions......)
5. Remember tomorrow is another day and I was fortunate to wake up this morning.....

And I'll probably be friending some of you very soon.....or friend me you like what you read...
Happy March Ladies.....we can do this
Wanda

rjadams

Good morning my dear friends. February wasn't a good month for me so I have decided that March will be better. I have to get myself back in action. I will be back later to try to post more this month. Marking my spot.


-Robin, Bodi and baby Ritter

jaks97

Hey Barbie and all the 50+ ladies ....happy March!! Just thought I'd get in early and say hi to everyone....I am not really posting much anymore as I find it too hard to keep up with everyone...but I do check in from time to time and love reading everyone's stories and I have a few of the gals as friends so just use my newsfeed as support these days.

I'm still loving MFP and I just weighed myself and have now lost just over 8kg....haven't updated my ticker just yet as I always seem to fluctuate for a few days when I have a loss...but I'm a third of the way there so am feeling great!

I'm having a bit of a hard time of things at home at the moment....I've posted this on my newsfeed but perhaps someone here might have had a similar experience (maybe not)..... my older son (21) went over seas for 18months as an 18 y/o (never had a girlfriend before, never drank) and came back with a girlfriend 9 months ago.... we have tried to be really supportive and welcomed her into our home....but in fact we have found her quite challenging... not culturally (she is from Iceland)...but she has some fairly major self esteem issues, eating issues, she hit my son and broke his nose one time in a jealous rage after drinking, etc, etc...you get the picture..she is basically very manipulative of him and he doesn't seem at all happy although he says he is...and I really don't think he is using his brain to think these days but rather another part of his anatomy. Anyway she is going home in 4 weeks as she was only able to come here on a tourist visa....but they are going to apply for a defacto visa...and yesterday he asked if we would help with the application (she didn't ask mind you she was in hiding and made him come and talk on his own)....but I had to tell him that we couldn't support the application...that I would be lying to say i thought he was happy and it would be long term, etc etc...I tried to be gentle and not say everything I feel about her...also said i wouldn't do anything to stop them and that if they are able to work things out then that is great (not that I mean that)...but I did say that we wouldn't offer to have her stay in the house again.....

So as you can imagine things are a bit frosty here now.... not sure how we are going to get through the next 4 weeks...I don't know if he has told her...she spends most of her time upstairs in the bedroom and rarely comes and sits with us. My other son feels uncomfortable around them as well and is in fact going out a lot to his girlfriend's rather than be around here....and they were previously very close.

Sorry to have a big rant...particularly as I don't contribute much any more....but just thought all you wonderful 50+ ladies might have some words of advice.... I am feeling a bit miserable...part of me is just trying to not think about it as I really don't think they have much hope of getting the visa even if we did agree to help but certainly not without our help....and i also wonder if it will all just fizzle out when she leaves and he can get back to reality and his friends here (which she doesn't like so they don't see them much)...but in the back of my mind is just this horrible thought that what if he really does try and stick by her....it has just driven such a wedge in our family.

I'm trying not to resort to comfort eating....going to hit the gym instead!

So here's to a great March....happy losing everyone.

Lisa:flowerforyou:

Sometimes we have to let our kids grow and make their mistakes and be there to pick up the pieces. Doesn't mean we don't love them, and we don't want what is best. Good Luck

auntiebk

Good morning lovely ladies. Barbie thanks for the much needed fresh start.

February didn't see me moving enough AND I skipped matwork too many days.
Will try to scan posts EVERY day, but (after today) won't post until and unless the matwork is done.

Lisa I have no kids, but am sure you did rightly. You can't in good conscience stand by and allow someone to physically abuse anyone, much less your own child. Period. If that makes her uncomfortable, it should. The only olive branch you might consider extending is to see if there is any free mental health or couples counseling available nearby. She needs help neither you nor your son are qualified to provide.

To all who are struggling with plateux, I am so there with you! and the one who lost 75 lbs but it was the same 5 lbs 15+ times, thanks for the laugh and the new perspective.

Amanda that profile pic is beyond inspiring! WOW!

Hugs to ALL,

Barbara, the AHMOD who WILL be size 10 one day
March: get down on that mat EVERY day. Average 10K steps/day. Let it be. Really.

kackie

HAPPY MARCH, DEAR LADIES!

Love, Kackie

JipsyJudy

Hello March, and hello friends. Hugs and pats on the back to you, Lisa. I agree that you did right to set a boundary. There's a difference between unconditional love and unconditional support.

Barbie, you continue to be an inspiration!

February was a month of barely running in place for me. We took ten days of vacation, and when we got back home, I couldn't remember how I ever managed to juggle all the balls in my life, with the result that I started dropping some of them. Obviously my job/work takes priority, and most of the balls I dropped were aspects of my exercise routine. It would indeed be good to set some goals, so here goes.

First, I need take better care to get my foot to heal. In January, I pulled something in the right side of my right foot walking up a steep hill on a sloping road. Every time it gets better, I walk too long or too fast and hurt it again. Yesterday I taped my instep with sports tape before walking the dogs and that helped a lot.

Second, for two decades I've done a set of exercises daily to keep my core muscles strong, because I have multilevel disk degeneration in my spine. One of the balls I dropped in February was doing those exercises every morning. I must put that routine back in my life before I injure my back again. Since I'm having trouble fitting everything in every day, I'll say at least three days a week in March.

Third, I need to do my Qi Gong routine at least three times a week. That's another ball I dropped after vacation.

Fourth, I will walk the dogs at least sixty minutes per day (more when my foot is better). Before I hurt my foot, I walked them an hour a day before work, and a hour a day after work.

Fifth, I will ride some kind of cycle at least an hour each day. Chris and I have registered to be a team in the Livestrong bicycle event in Davis CA in late June. We're dedicating the ride and our fundraising to his cousin Bruce, who died from metastacized prostrate cancer last year. I have a stationary bike, a street bike, and an adult tricycle for cycling with the dogs. I have no excuse for failing to peddle something each day, and the dogs love to trot alongside the tricycle on the bike paths.

Last but not least I will continue to stay on my diet, which is to follow the program in The Insulin Resistance Diet Book and also stay within 1400 net calories per day. I seem to be losing only about 1/2 pound a month now on this program, but at least I'm actually within the healthy range for my height now.

Chris and I have another conference to attend March 7-11, so I will need to play, plan, plan and focus, focus, focus to reestablish my exercise routines while traveling again.

yclayton

happy march everyone! just started this week. today is my son's 35th birthday! so that tells you i am at LEAST 50+, heehee! taking him out today for lunch...have a feeling i won't meet my goals for today...but tomorrow is another day! so happy there is a place for us older ladies!

Marcelynh

Ah, welcome March. Goodbye February.

Goals:
Run a minimum of 50 miles this month
Cut 5 minutes off my 5k time in my race on the 26th
Cook real dinners at least three times a week. This is actually a hard one for me. First I hate cooking but the real obstacle is my husband doesn't get home until late, around 8 PM, and he wants to eat with me. I really hate cooking so late at night and we tend to eat out a lot. Eating so late is not good for weight loss so finding things that satisfy him and keep me losing is tough.
See the 140 s on the scale.

Pam3

@suz....great pic

@nancy...congrats on your weight loss.....

@kackie ....how exciting for you and your family,,,,happy baby sis isnt sharing lyla bday

@barbie...lovely photo
@marcelynh...wow how great to have your family so close

@virginia.... feel better soon...i have been sick for most of february so i feel your pain

@lisa...i am so sorry for what you and your family is going through, as a mom(and a mom to 3 boys, actually men)i too would not feel i could support their request...and i agree with auntiebk, maybe couples therapy.....hope things resolves

@auntiebk......happy to hear you.....hope you get your mat time in

sorry that i wasnt able to comment on more post...
we moved out of our home yesterday, everything was put in storage, until the 9 of march when we are moving into a smaller home....meanwhile my youngest son and i are staying with my #2son....i have to say that it has been fun(we have been here for 5 days now)and its nice to see how nice my son keeps his home....well i have recommitted to my journey,today i WILL log all i eat and stay within my calorie range, wont be able to workout, meeting realtor and new tenants, and lots of other errands, but tomorrow WORKOUTS here i come.....have a lovely day all

i had posted or so i thought, but my post was lost in cyber space...luckily i had kept my notes:laugh:

jb_2011

March!
- Towards losing another 4 or 5 lbs.
- Towards not going overboard on weekends
- Towards 30 min daily aerobics and/or racewalking plus 60 min walking dogs
- Towards 30 min daily upper boby workouts, abdominal crunches, squats and stretches
- Towards 1200 calories per day

Notes:
- Lost 5 lbs in Jan., 2 lbs in Feb. But it was a short month.
- Need to kick this thing into gear a bit in order to be down another 8 by May 1.
- Have to work on eating less. Weekends kill me.
- Salads have been delicious every day and I'm feeling grreat!
- Definitely doing MUCH better with exercising.
- Upped water intake from 8 to 10 glasses.
- Started tracking sugar, makes a big difference in how I look at food.
- Enjoyed reading and posting here.

Good day, everyone!
jb

Pam3

February was not a good month for me on many levels....sick a couple of times, moving and lots of stress....so my goals were not meet.....:mad: :explode: :grumble:

new month ....march goals....:flowerforyou:

1) back to logging
2) eating healthy
3) back to my monthly exercise routine(8 weight training sessions, 20 cardio sessions(spinning and biking) and 4 yoga classes)

thanks barbie for keeping the thread going

brunsda

Happy March!

Enjoyed reading all the posts. Wishing you all well.

This month's goals: Exercise 3+ times a week, Start using a pedometer (thanks for the suggestion Barbie),
Break out of the 170's (pounds).

Dawn

AHealthierSuzyQ

Thank you Barbie for posting the link to the new thread on last months. Some would say finding you was a piece of cake But since most of us no longer eat cake, I can't think of a proper idiom...

I'm having a bit of a hard time of things at home at the moment....my older son (21) went over seas for 18months as an 18 y/o (never had a girlfriend before, never drank) and came back with a girlfriend 9 months ago.... we have tried to be really supportive and welcomed her into our home....but in fact we have found her quite challenging... not culturally (she is from Iceland)...but she has some fairly major self esteem issues, eating issues, she hit my son and broke his nose one time in a jealous rage after drinking, etc, etc...you get the picture..she is basically very manipulative of him and he doesn't seem at all happy although he says he is...and I really don't think he is using his brain to think these days but rather another part of his anatomy. Anyway she is going home in 4 weeks as she was only able to come here on a tourist visa....but they are going to apply for a defacto visa...and yesterday he asked if we would help with the application (she didn't ask mind you she was in hiding and made him come and talk on his own)....but I had to tell him that we couldn't support the application...that I would be lying to say i thought he was happy and it would be long term, etc etc...I tried to be gentle and not say everything I feel about her...also said i wouldn't do anything to stop them and that if they are able to work things out then that is great (not that I mean that)...but I did say that we wouldn't offer to have her stay in the house again.....

So as you can imagine things are a bit frosty here now.... not sure how we are going to get through the next 4 weeks...I don't know if he has told her...she spends most of her time upstairs in the bedroom and rarely comes and sits with us. My other son feels uncomfortable around them as well and is in fact going out a lot to his girlfriend's rather than be around here....and they were previously very close.

Sorry to have a big rant...particularly as I don't contribute much any more....but just thought all you wonderful 50+ ladies might have some words of advice.... I am feeling a bit miserable...part of me is just trying to not think about it as I really don't think they have much hope of getting the visa even if we did agree to help but certainly not without our help....and i also wonder if it will all just fizzle out when she leaves and he can get back to reality and his friends here (which she doesn't like so they don't see them much)...but in the back of my mind is just this horrible thought that what if he really does try and stick by her....it has just driven such a wedge in our family.

I'm trying not to resort to comfort eating....going to hit the gym instead!

So here's to a great March....happy losing everyone.

Lisa:flowerforyou:

Been there done that, sorta... Our son turned his back on a chance to go the Air Force Academy for a Russian foreign exchange student. Long story short, she was in town going to school on an education visa. They got engaged the summer before he went to basic training in San Antonio. She would have nothing to do with us and he thought he was madly in love. Our heart was broken. We never felt good about the relationship and got callouses on our knees from praying for them both.

While he was in tech school and trying to qualify for top secret level security clearance so he could do the job he was traiing for, she disappeared from his life without a trace - didn't even tell her host family where she went! It took him about a year to locate her and another year to get over her. Lets just say the situation he found her in was NOT good.

Happy ending: he now has a very high security clearance, a job he loves, and has been married for a little over 3 years. His wife was raised with very different outlook on life than we have religiously, politically and culturally. It took me 2 years and lots of heartache to build a relationship with her, but things are getting better all the time.

My advice is to keep the lines of communication open with your son, pray and hang in there. Do what you have peace about! Its really the only way to handle these sort of things. And remember exercise is a great stress reliever! Hugs :flowerforyou:

:drinker: PROGRESS REPORT:
February I didn't meet my weight loss goal; the scale did not budge, but the tape measure did.
I have managed to firmly establish a clean eating lifestyle.
(Avoid sugar, white flour, artificial colors and additives and closely monitor starches, sodium and dairy.)
My clothes are fitting looser and looser, and my energy level is at an all time high.
My mind is clear, instead of foggy, and my skin and hair are healthier than they've been in years.
After 5 decades I am finally comfortable in my own skin.

:flowerforyou: MARCH GOALS:
Eat as cleanly as possible while traveling.
Walk or workout for at least 45 minutes everyday, especially on driving days.
STOP worrying about what the scale says and measure my success my how I look and FEEL.

:drinker: I'm gonna stay active, choose REAL foods, find something to smile about every day and be the best me I can be... period.