WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR APRIL

I'm BAAAACCCCKKKK!

Kathy - I love shopping, Especially when I get things on the clearance rack. just took the tags off a shirt from Kohl's that was originally $24 marked down to $6.80.

Becky - my hubby knows me well enough. He knows that when I'm under any stress, he just says "go to the Y, just go to the Y". Seriously, I work off stress, frustration, and lots else. That's a big help. Honestly. One time a few years ago he and I were under the same stress. I went and worked out. Admitted, I worked out close to the door in case I had to make a quick exit to the bathroom to get sick. But when I left the Y, I no longer felt sick to my stomach. Now hubby, didn't work out. When I got home, he had cancelled all our reservations saying that he'd gotten physically sick. I would have had I not worked out. So exercise really does help with stress. I also found that if I can't get out in the sunshine (like in winter), Vitamin D suppliments help, but to me, exercise is best.

Well, I did my 15 min of yoga/day for Lent. Even took some yoga DVD's down to the condo. To be honest, I really don't feel anything special. As a matter of fact, in a way I was looking forward to Easter and no longer "having" to do it.

Recorded everything I ate while we were gone and then journaled it, mainly to see how close to my calorie goal I would get. Did pretty good, actually. Only two or three days was I over calories. But as much as I was under, it really all evened out, I may have even come out ahead. Did exercise almost every day. It's interesting to see what classes are at different places. Honestly, I am impressed with how far this Y has come. When I first went to it, probably about 10 years ago, it was just this one little room and I remember thinking to myself "this is IT??? Thank goodness I won't be here very long". Then one year I went and they had built this addition. Then they added more machines (treadmills, ellipticals, etc). Now they're adding more and more classes.

kackie - I'm with you. Even tho the 30 day shred leads you to feel you should do it every day for 30 days in a row, your muscles need 24 to 48 hrs to recover, so I do that DVD once every other day. I usually do resistance training 2 days/week and cardio 3 days. Then yoga on Sat. I probably should change it up and do strength on Mon, Wed and Fri. So what's holding me back? The fact that a lot of the cardio classes are MWF and weight classes on TTh. I just wish you didn't have to go back to the main menu (for the Shred) to get to the next segment but it just played automatically. I usually do all three in a row. What part of FL did you go to? You know, when we were coming back we stopped at a rest stop. It was interesting, most of the people eating their lunches there were elderly people, you could see in the cars of the younger people McD sodas, etc. Yet, it seemed that the older people were more conscious of not wanting to spend a lot of money and also more health conscious. I just found this interesting.

Have a question for everyone. There are times when I'm tempted to eat but I'm not really that hungry. Mainly it's boredom. Is there something someone can suggest that I can say to myself that will possibly keep me from mindlessly eating? I'm trying to say to myself "is it worth it?"

I am SOOO going to get my period soon. Today (4/11) has been really bad. I've had cravings for carbs and chocolate like crazy.

Made a pizza for hubby one night in the condo. MIL didn't have a pizza pan. Someone told me that you can put aluminum foil on top of the cardboard the pizza comes on. Well, that's what I did, but the pizza didn't come out as crispy as if I had used a pizza pan. That's something that's on the list for us to take with us next time we go down.

SuzyQ - WTG girl!

Barb (weaklink) - when I'm doing shoulders, I usually only use 3 lb weights. Sometimes for triceps (when doing kickbacks) I only use 5lb weights. When doing a kickback, one of the important things is to keep your arm up. If I have even an 8lb weight, I find that after about 8 reps, my arm drops and I don't feel it as much in the tricep. So using a smaller weight makes me able to do the exercise correctly and therefore get the maximum benefit. Kackie - you might very well need lighter weights (sometimes 3lbs) for smaller muscles

Barbie - Agree about how some people feel that the holidays give them permission to pig out. I found it very intersting that after a time of watching what I was eating, even when the holidays came around, I didn't want to pig out, I felt so yukky when I did that I stopped.

We went out for Easter dinner, I had a lobster tail. Really, the lobster was a bit on the tough side. This place specializes more in steaks than seafood. But I love lobster, really, I love almost any seafood. Had a sweet potato (since I really didn't make any at the condo) and some peas. My drink was always "water, no ice". I did have some chocolate cake for dessert. Wish it wasn't served to me. Honestly, I didn't feel all that great after having it. I really shouldn't have had it. But what's done is done.

Planning to do one of my downloadable spinning workouts tomorrow. Another reason is because I want to go to the branch of the Y (the one I like). See, they were planning to discontinue providing soap and shampoo at the Y where I'm on the Board (probably soon to be kicked off), but evidentally they got enough feedback that people were unhappy about that so they reversed their decision. As I read the letter that went out about this, I read "we were looking to cut back on costs, but the Health Dept. says that we must provide access to soap for at least 200 people so we're not going to. In other words, we would have if the Health Dept. said we could". Talk about cheap! It's one thing to be cheap, but another to look cheap, and to me this looks cheap. They've also decided that the aquatics director will also be the fitness director. Come on now!

Kathy - Sorry to hear about your youngest. There's abook called "Get Out Of My Life but First Would you Drive me and Cheryl To The Mall" I highly recommend this book. When my oldest was between 16 and 18, I swear I locked myself in the bathroom and read this book because if I didn't I would have killed her. There's a line in there that says "the more they pull away, the harder they come back" and it's so very true. When my oldest was between 16 and 18, I almost tore my hair out. Now, we live in NC, she lives in VA, she's 26, but she comes to visit us at least once/month and calls multiple times/week. Hang in there. They eventually figure things out (even tho I'm still praying for youngest)

Vicki - I am so jealous. AT&T keeps calling us wanting our business. We keep telling them that when they can provide U-Verse for us, then they will get all our business. You are so lucky to have it.

Vicki - I don't eat back my exercise calories. I tried adding in those calories, but I found that by the end of the day, I wound up eating junk food, mainly to get my caloreis in and I wasn't losing weight. To me, that's not worth it. I would rather eat good food. Another thing is that by not adding in those exercise caloires, if I eat over my 1253 limit, I still feel fairly safe because I know deep inside that I have those "extra" calories I could have. Is that clear as mud now?

Heather - I'm 5'1" also and according to the Harris Benedict method, I should be taking in 1253 calories so that's where I start. I think when I originally joined MFP it gave me 1300 calories/day. I found that to be too much, so I changed it.

Before we left for FL I went to Whole Foods, just to check it out. Never been to the one around here (45 min away). The good/bad part was that I found things that needed refrigeration, and, of course, I couldn't buy them. However....that also means that I have a good reason to go back.....lol

Barb - that guy in Tucson who has the dog who is 245 pounds...are you SURE that's a dog and not a mini-horse??????

You know what would be absolutely great? If Mike were able to make it so that there was a pie chart (really, any kind of chart) that would show you the percentages of fats to carbs to protein for the day? That would be totally awesome.

I found that if I have dinner (with protein, maybe chicken or turkey) around 4, I'm not starving by 6. Unfortunately, dh likes to eat around 6. I'm hating the idea, but I'm thinking that I'll eat earlier and then have something small, like a bowl of cereal, with him around his dinner time. Any ideas?

Robin - don't beat yourself up for having a bad day. Just don't let it be a bad week. One day isn't going to really hurt you. As a matter of fact, it might even help. Our bodies get used to a certain way (like having 1200 calories) that sometimes it's good to shake things up.

While we were in FL, I had the mother of all sinus headaches! Well, for one thing, FL news was saying how the pollen is at its worse. Well, I took some Sudafed but even tho it's the 12 hr kind, it only seemed to last for 6 hrs. I was in such pain that I decided I'd take another Sudafed. That's when I found out that the Sudafed had expired, which explained why I wasn't getting the full 12 hours. So the next day I bought some more.

Got to see the shuttle launch. In a word...it was SPECTACULAR. We started out by going onto the deck and watching the space station fly overhead. I was surprised how fast it was moving. But then again, it was moving at 5mph/SECOND which explains why it was moving so fast. Then we went behind the condo which is right across the river from the Space Center. The sun was just coming up but the shuttle was against a black backdrop. To see the flames from the ignition against the black sky was just awesome. Then as the sun rose, the sunlight hit the vapor trail that the shuttle left and it made such a rainbow! Truly awesome. Even tho I knew that there'd be a delay in hearing the shuttle and seeing it, it still surprised me how long it took before we could actually hear it. But when we did, the windows of the condo shook.

Things went smoother at the lawyer's than we expected, which was a nice change. We did get a new refrig. We got a pretty inexpensive one. Then again, we aren't down there all that much anyway, so we don't need all the bells and whistles. When we left, we unplugged it. When we moved one time, the mover moved our refrig and he recommended we put those coffee filters in it, and that really did keep that yukky odor away, so we put some in the refrig and freezer before we left.

Like I said, did pretty well on my eating and exercised most days we were there.

Glad to be back.

Michele

Hi Ladies, I'm new to Fitness Pal and my goal for April is to stay focused on getting some type of excercise at least 3 times a week. If I lose weight that is a plus at this point in my life I really need to build my strength and work on toning.

Hi everyone,

Thanks for the birthday wishes. I had a lovely weekend and although I ate and drank what I wanted I'm back on track today. My kids also bought me a wii fit plus for my birthday so I should be able to do some fun exercise on that

Everone who looks after their elderly relatives - I really admire your caring attitudes

Alice - belated congratulations to you both on your anniversary

Rebel - well done for all the bike riding and golf. We were out for a drive on Saturday, stopped at a cafe for a cuppa and got talking to the bloke in cycling gear who came and sat at the next table. He was on a 160 mile ride! We don't have the flat raods that they have in Holland either, he had come up some serious hills. We also have a friend in his 60s who is training for a 100 mile bike race. They are good adverts for cycling as they are both skinny :laugh:

Jackie - sorry to hear about your mum. Hope she is on the mend.

Michele - glad to hear you had a good break. I am so jealous that you got to see a shuttle launch. I've been to Florida a couple of times and one time the shuttle landed. It was dark but we watched it on tv and heard the boom. It did make the windows rattle and a lot of car alarms went off in the motel car park. Another time we visited Kennedy Space Centre and were hoping to see a rocket launch but it was called off because of the cloud cover. Maybe next time.

Viv - hope you managed to find a top. I often find that when I'm planning to buy something I can't find anything I like but when I'm only window shopping I see loads of stuff:laugh: Oh, we stayed in Rosedale Abbey last weekend. We had a run up to Whitby on the Saturday. It was a lovely afternoon, in amongst a bit of a damp weekend. I like North Yorkshire. We'll be down your way again for another weekend soon, staying in Alne near Easingwold.

Well, must go and make lunch. Have a good day everyone.

Denise, sorry I missed your birthday. What thoughtful kids!

Not a great weekend. DH didn't help. He wanted wine with dinner last night and that is really my weakness. He also had a craving for mexican crap food yesterday. I stayed within my calories but I feel puffy bloated and I am up a couple of pounds. I know its water but uggghhh!. Oh well gotta crank it out this week. I also finally have an interview scheduled for Wednesday. maybe the job market is finally starting to open up a bit. Hope you all have a great week.

:flowerforyou: Good Morning All

:noway: Do you guys know how long it takes to get caught up when you miss three days! WOW so much happening and i guess you could say "that will teach you" for not reading over the weekend:laugh:

Benson - :flowerforyou: Good for you having the breast reduction. I had a co worker from years back that did that and she too was able to have it done because insurance covered it, due to health issues and she was really happy afterwards. My three sons were in Band during their High School years and I was the "Band Mom" for ten years...it felt strange when the last one graduated and I didn't have anymore competitions to go to on the weekends:sad: I really enjoyed spending time with all those kids.

Robin - WOW :noway: that was a lot of calories burned...I don't think I've ever burned that many and I'm sure you will be burning more lifting all those stones and hauling them up stairs, my body hurts just thinking about it. A few years ago we had 8 tons of rock to move and I shoveled it into the wheel barrel for my husband to haul...boy were we sore:laugh:

BridieM - I loved the "Lord help me endure my blessing" :laugh: I'm sure to remember that one.

Jackie - Glad your Mum is doing better.

Randy- Good for you on the 1.5 loss:drinker:

TamiToo - I pack my snacks every week and for the fruit daily, it keeps those naughty cravings away:drinker:

Mary - If I'm ever in an accident I would hope that there would be someone like you to come along:flowerforyou:

Barbie - great job on bringing your own snacks and resisting the ice cream:drinker:

Viv- How smart are you to go back and check to make adjustments to your calories and exercise to get things moving again:drinker:

Denise - So glad your husbands wallet was found I lost (misplaced:blushing: ) my main credit card a few months ago and after I had ordered a new one and my husband had to get a new one too...then I found it:blushing: Oops! Happy Belated Birthday:flowerforyou:

Alice - Congrats on those 34 years:flowerforyou: we are part of a special club (this year is 37 for us in Nov)

Rebel - I too unclicked that exercise button...I really didn't need to see how little exercise I do:blushing: ...I'm just not that into seeing that.

Michele - Welcome Back:flowerforyou: Awesome for you to see the launch. :drinker: A couple of years ago we visited Kennedy and it was an experience that I'll never forget, would love to see a launch!

Pzzy4c - Welcome:flowerforyou: This is a great place to get inspired and encouraged and to make new friends:drinker:

This weekend was pretty good, until last night:grumble: Went to the Cheesecake Factory with #3 son and DIL, I was good until my Hubby said let's split "Mango Key Lime Pie"....Yep I hade half and at the whole thing:sad: Loved every bite going down:blushing: Today I will make up for it by drinking extra water!:laugh:

Everyone have a good day and will check in at the end of the day, so as not to have so much to catch up on!

Laura:drinker:

:flowerforyou: Jackie

Don't beat yourself up! Just put the word CRUISE in front of you and feel the inspiration!

You can do it!

Laura

Just noticed all my typos from earlier.:noway: ..and see that I can't go back and fix them now ...those clumsy fingers:grumble:

:flowerforyou: Rebel, I really want to come to Vancouver Island and when we do, I'll be letting you know......maybe we can walk part of that great trail together. Thanks for telling us how to adjust the news feed. I guess a lot of people made adjustments because I was starting to think I was almost the only one doing anything any more, now I know that others just shut off the information source.

Just an FYI Mike just changed the site. so now when you complete your food diary a post will go out and just give a total cardio calories burned. Not every time you enter something.

Hi everyone, I am new and found this thread..Its late for me to set a big goal for April, its already the 12th...but Here goes and I pray that I can meet the goal.
I am currently at 179 lbs. I would strive to be at 175 by the end of april...
Started 3-24-2010 at 187 lbs and have been stuck for 2 weeks at 179

Wish me well, and push me along so I can get to 175 by April 30th..

Thanks and good luck to all with yr own personal goals

Hi my name is Joy I started the 1st of March and my monthly goal is to lose at least 10 pds. I know later it will be harder to do but as of now I have a whole person to lose, an adult, of whom weights approximently 165 pounds. Pretty scary so far I've lost 22 pds and I'm a mother of 2 and I'm 56 well into the 50+..

:flowerforyou: Hi Joy

:flowerforyou: Hi Luli

You came to the right place. Welcome to this forum and all the best on your journey!! :flowerforyou:

Terri - Congratulations! (I will never know that feeling - my bare bones wouldn't fit into a size 10. :laugh: )

That being said:
I put this on my status, but just have to post it for those who don't see my status:
I have done it! My goal for the spring (by the end of May) was to swim 1/3 of a mile, all crawl stroke. Today, I swam .45 miles, all crawl! I think that by May, I may be able to do 1/2 mile. I debated putting it in as fast, vigorous effort, because it is as fast as I can move at this point, but compared to others that I swim with, I am slower. Anyway, I am woman, hear me roar!

I have done it! My goal for the spring (by the end of May) was to swim 1/3 of a mile, all crawl stroke. Today, I swam .45 miles, all crawl! I think that by May, I may be able to do 1/2 mile. I debated putting it in as fast, vigorous effort, because it is as fast as I can move at this point, but compared to others that I swim with, I am slower. Anyway, I am woman, hear me roar!

:flowerforyou: I hear you honey, I hear you!!!:flowerforyou: Well done my friend!!! (((hugs)))

Rebel

Hello All,

Have been too busy to post, but have been "lurking." Welcome to the newbies--this is the place to be.

A couple of days ago, I spent the day clearing all the clothes out of my closet that are too big, and I now have a boatload of stuff from 18 Misses to -24W that is going away. I also had 3 boxes of clothes in smaller sizes that was in the storage unit. These were things that I wore 20- 30 years ago, and they had been in my parents 'house in my old bedroom, where a lot of things got stored when I was a footloose person moving around in my younger days. They got stashed in the storage unit during the insanity that took place three years ago when I helped them move out of their house. I looked at the sizes, and they said 16 or 18 misses. Since I just bought a pair of slacks in a 14, I figured, these things might not fit. They didn't ---they are all too SMALL!! The sizing of clothing has REALLY changed over the years. A pair of 18 pants I couldn't even pull over my hips!! They have to be about the equivalent of today's 10 or 12.

Size is relative, however. And the fact remains that I am in a smaller size than I was a year ago and over 50 lbs. lighter, so I will take it!!!

Bradley managed to stay out of trouble for a couple of days, but yesterday, he managed to polish off part of a bag of Kashi cereal, and today, he got into my quinoa!!! Didn't eat any of it--just scattered it all over the kitchen.:noway: :grumble: The problem is I re-arranged where I was keeping some foods stored in ziploc/slider fastener bags, and foolishly placed them in the sliding wire mesh basket drawers that provide storage in my kitchen cart. Mr Bradley, AKA "Pirate Dog"-- has figured out that if he has enough time and enough persistence, he can get the drawers to slide and therefore access "treasure"--also known as food.

I am revising my storage arrangements!!!:ohwell:

We had some sunshine and a few clouds today, but NO RAIN since before dawn this morning. We are supposed to have similar weather over the next few days, with a few showers just to remind us this IS the "Pacfic Northwet."

So long for now. I have to put in some time in study for my new position.

Barb

:flowerforyou: Good Morning All

Barb- You have the smartest "doggies" around. I'm not sure what I'd do if Peanut started getting into the food...he'd probably gain weight and then he'd look like those dashounds that have their stomachs touching the ground, as it is he is quite slim because he's so active. I could probably learn something from him in that:laugh:
About the size of clothes, yep I think todays sizes have grown and kept the smaller numbers, but we all know our bodies and when we have lost getting into a smaller number works for incentive for me:drinker: I have so many clothes lurking all over the house I'm afraid that by the time I am that size and they fit over the oversized parts of me they will be out of style but the reason i kept them is because I like them...not sure what i will do then:grumble:

Getting encouragement from Gerald the last couple of days compliments on the smaller back side, telling me I'm looking "good":bigsmile: I just have to keep it in perspective and not let it go to my head:blushing: I still have a ways to go and I do want to reach my goal:happy: ...I guess all I need to do is go find something that I was wearing in Dec 2008:sad: and that will keep me motivated!

Everyone have a great day!

Laura