WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR AUGUST

I started my walk yesterday evening at 7:30 pm, thinking I’d be back before dark. The last 20 minutes were not pitch black, but darker than I’d planned on. There were a few late birds heading home and some bats fluttering around. The bats are harmless – they’re good mosquito-catchers - but they make me a little nervous. Being on the trail that late makes me a little nervous too. Most people with any sense are off the trail by 8 or so. There was one homeless guy who mumbled at me. :noway: I’ll get out there earlier tonight. I do like walking outdoors when the weather's good much better than on the treadmill.

Had a very nice day with GD, Kate, today. She’s so much fun when it’s just the two of us and she doesn’t have her sister to fight with. We have some good conversations. DD had to go down to Sacramento for a permit and DSIL was working from home and needed it to be quiet so Kate and I went shopping! She was a great shopping partner.

TJ Maxx had a great sale, with markdowns of more than 75%. Bought some cute things for Olivia and Kate for $3 apiece! Got a couple of polo shirts for my DGS’s too, on sale for $5 ea. And got a snazzy purple top in a silky knit and jeans for myself! Unfortunately, not on sale. The top is size Large and the jeans size 16. Progress! The top’s long sleeves pull up nicely to become ¾-ish in length. It’s so nice not to shop in the Women’s department anymore.

***

Cindy, thinking of you and sending hugs.

Welcome to everyone who’s new. This is a great place for encouragement and support.

Seawillow (pretty name!), you’ve made a great start. I don’t see much slow-down with age in the weight loss department. The biggest slow-down is probably due to losing some muscle over time, which mostly can be fixed!

Amanda, you’re doing great. Not only maintaining, but continuing to lose even while you’re entertaining company. :flowerforyou:

Peggy, woo hoo!!! Congrats on a successful weekend. You couldn’t have done better. :flowerforyou:

Kackie, fingers crossed for you. Even if the scale's gone up, it’s not a big deal if you jump back in. :happy:

Bec, Yay for grilling. The new grill sounds great. I’m jealous! One of these days, I’m going to get a BBQ. Loved your story about Mac. A nice, happy ending! Loved the Veggie Queen lyrics too. :smooched:

Jackie, getting ready for vacation --- so exciting!

Barb, congrats on the blood pressure. It’s nice when the test results reflect the progress we’re making. :flowerforyou:

Michelle, you made great choices at your get-together. Way to go! :flowerforyou:

***

Roasted my Brussels sprouts last night. Not a good idea! They needed to be steamed to soften up. I saved them and will try steaming them tonight. Should be interesting. I don’t love the flavor of every veggie I roast but last night was the first time I really disliked something.

Good night every one. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us all. I feel as though I know you even though I’ve met only Randy in person.

Hello ladies!

I just learned about this site last week and love it already. I turned 50 in May and have 50 pounds to lose. :sad: I have Adult Cystic Fibrosis and am limited in activities and get tired quite easy, but decided I need to do something.

So far I've been very diligent at exercising every day (I HATE exercise) since I feel obligated to this computer program, and I also find myself being much more careful at what I'm eating. Tomorrow I'm going to weigh for the first time, but my initial weight is from the drs office so I'm not sure if my home scale will be accurate. I need to save up for a decent and accurate scale.

It's so motivating to read all of your posts and see how much you all have lost. I can't wait to be able to post numbers like yours. It sure gets harder as you get older, doesn't it?

Debbi:flowerforyou:

Welcome Debhow and painted lady..

Debhow,
You can purchase a reliable digital scale for $20-$25 at Walgreen's. Mine is 3 years old, works great and needs a new battery about every year and a half. It is a Taylor.

Mimi,

Glad you mentioned your Brussels sprouts. It reminded me that I saw something on the public broadcast channel over the weekend that I thought you and others would like to know about. A guy named Steve Raichlen has a program called Primal Grill, AND it has a website with complete recipes for all three seasons of the program.

Here is a link to the one I saw for brussel sprouts with bacon and some other ingredients. Sounds yummy.

http://www.primalgrill.org/recipe_details.asp?RecipeID=161&EpisodeID=38

I am trying to motivate myself into the kitchen to make some dinner so BFN.

Barb

Cindy,

I'm sorry to hear about your MIL. I'm sure it's going to be a lot to adjust to.

All
It is 8:30pm and I'm just getting to sit down. Hubby already went to bed to rest up for his first day with students. The next few months are going to be very tight between soccer schedules for both kiddos. I love soccer and so do they, but the end of October is party time as we finally get to rest up and get home early on week nights!

Jeannie

Barb, thanks for that link. I'll check it out. Brussels sprouts with bacon? Maybe I can buy ONE PIECE of bacon! :laugh:

I'm procrastinating on going for my walk. Now it's gotta be the exercise bike, x-country ski machine, or Leslie Sansone. Too dark out there! But I did find out some good info.

Several people have commented about finding it harder to lose weight as they got older. The research says there is a small decline in metabolism due to age but most of it is due to losing muscle mass. If you don’t do any strength training, you lose 5-7 pounds of muscle every decade, which lowers your metabolism. The decline stops around age 50. Interesting, huh? The drop in metabolic rate is NOT due to aging; but mostly due to losing muscle, which we can do something about! :bigsmile:

The two major causes of muscle loss are DIETING and NOT USING OUR MUSCLES. Yep. Dieting! :noway: When we don’t eat enough, our muscles begin to break down. Because muscle is heavier than fat, we lose fast. We say, “Whoa, look at all that weight I’m losing.” Unfortunately, the big loss makes it easier to regain all the weight.

For me, it always was regain all the weight and THEN SOME! I guess that's why MFP says not to go under 1200 calories. I think you can go under, and not lose a lot of muscle, if you exercise like a fiend. I did that (lost weight quickly) on an 800-calorie, medically supervised, supplemented fast many years ago. Unfortunately I didn't do the "exercise like a fiend" part and regained all the weight. And then some.

Besides losing muscle through dieting, one article says, “As you age you start doing old. You get fooled into thinking that, as you get to a certain age, it is inappropriate to do a lot of activity.” They say not to retire (slow down), but “re-tire.” (Put on another set of tires and keep going.) If you don't lose it, you lose it.

30 years ago, people lost about 1.5 percent of their muscle mass every 10 years. Now, they lose about 2.6%. Thank you TV, computers, and desk jobs! :grumble:

Here’s the good news: you can increase your muscle mass by about 3 pounds by doing two 25-minute strength-training sessions a week for 8 weeks. That will increase your resting metabolic rate by 7 percent. And that's just in 8 weeks. By exercising for a longer time, I imagine you gain more muscle. Makes sense.

Okay, if I needed to talk myself into Gut ‘n’ Butt, that did it! Time to break out the old “Strong Women Stay Young” exercises too.

If you missed the Gut ‘n’ Butt exercises, here they are. Unless my memory has completely failed me (which is not impossible), they came from Jeannie. Her daughter did these exercises when recovering from extensive surgery. (Jeannie, let me know if I got that wrong.) The exercises are all designed to be done slowly so the abs are engaged and you don't use other muscle groups to compensate.

Jeannie said, “My daughter did them every day for 10 weeks, building the reps up to 30 for each exercise. Then she dropped to 3 times a week. She went from a size 14 before the surgery to a size 8 (which she was flaunting in my face…) but only lost 2 pounds. She was not on a diet and doing about 40 minutes a day on a stationary bike at the lowest level and relatively slowly. Like not even breaking a sweat. She is 15 years old.”

There are just 4 Gut 'n' Butt exercises:

Pelvic lifts -
Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet on the floor, arms at your side palms down. Lift your pelvis up in the air as high as it will go, hold up to 5 seconds and lower. Do this 10 times, when it gets easy add in another set of 10, then up to 2 sets of 10 for 30 total. It took Anna several weeks to get up to 30. This never goes above 30.

Abdominal curls -
Same position as above except your arms are bent so that your hands are touching your ears. Curl up getting your shoulders off the ground. What ever you get when you curl up is fine. Don't use your momentum to swing up. It is just your shoulders and head that curl up. Again, start with 10, get up to 30, but don't go over 30.

Marching -
Same position as Pelvic Lifts. Lift one leg at a time so that your calf is parallel with the floor. 10 lifts each leg. When you get to where 30 repetitions are easy, start extending your leg, pulling it back and putting it down. This also never gets over 30 at the higher level.

Side planks -
Lie on your side, legs bent at knee, keeping a straight line with your body. You are up on your elbow. Upper hand on your hip. Lift your hip off the ground as high as you can and hold up to 5 seconds. Lower down. Start with 5 on each side. As it gets easier, add in more repetitions until you get to 30 each side.

Okay, NOW I will do my exericise - cardio and strength. :laugh:

Rebel,
Your trip (except for the car battery:frown: ), and the MENU sounded wonderful!!! I have been to some of the places you mentioned, and know how beautiful they can be.

Mimi,
Thanks for reprinting the Butt n Gut exercises. Maybe I will finally try them this time.:blushing:

I found a new way to avoid eating after dinner. I went to the Kohl's store in my town, and wandered through the clothing, and tried on some slacks in a size 14 that FIT. :drinker: :drinker: I didn't buy them because I am hoping to reach size 12 by Fall and these were a dark color, and a brand and style that they will continue to carry for a while.

I mentioned this afternoon that I was expecting someone who didn't show up. When I called I got her voice mail and then a call about 3 hours later. She "forgot" that she was supposed to come and work for me today, and wants to come on Tuesday, so I guess tomorrow it is.

Just heard something on the news about an invasion of "dime size toads" :noway: :noway: on the Olympic Peninsula. Maybe Brandy and Sasha, Barbiecat's doggies will have some new playmates to chase at the dog park. :laugh: :laugh: They haven't played the story on the toads yet, so not sure where exactly on the Peninsula they are.

BFN

Barb

Evening everyone,

Had to catch up on reading the post. I've been very busy contacting doctors, friends that know about caregiving or are dealing with the same issue as I. My mom has been in rehab now 4 days and today was her first physical therapy. She didn't even get through half of it, before claiming she was too tired. The good thing is that she was able to stand and walk 2 steps. I know that doesn't sound like much but I was afraid she wouldn't be able to have the strength in her legs to keep her up without collapsing. (This has happened before) But when I called her this afternoon after PT she was really exhausted, mumbling and such. She slept straight through dinner also. I don't get it? I asked her if they gave her anything, like pain meds, which always makes her drowsy and drunk like and she said no. I think I need to call the place tomorrow and ask the nurse what they are giving her. She is so sensitive to drugs.:frown:

:flowerforyou: Mimi

I remember the first time when I had lost like 80 lbs and I went into a grocery store and paid by check making them have to look at my license. The checker refused to believe it was me on the picture. Plus it didn't help that my hair color was different and styled different. They wouldn't let me purchase my items. Needless to say I had to get a new license .....twice. One for my new and improved self at the time and one later when I gained it all back.:indifferent: So I can totally relate.

My son has me doing weights with dumbells for my upper arms and I try to do them every night. I am hoping that by starting now that maybe I will not have jiggly arms later when I have lost weight. Oh I expect some of course but am hoping maybe it won't be too bad. I wish I could walk. That helped me so much the first time I lost weight. But my knees are so bad, my left one in particular that I am in excrutiating pain after a 10 or 15 minute walk with Boo. It bugs me that I can't do some of the exercises on my DVD because of it. I complained to my doctor about it and she gave me an exercise to do to build up the muscle above the knee to provide more support for when I walk. So I have added that now.

:flowerforyou: Michelle
Okay, where in the heck do you go shopping at? Everywhere I go, all I see is small sizes and I am like, yeah right, who can fit into them???? I have a hard time finding decent looking plus sizes that fit me. They either are too long, don't fit properly around the waist, tight in shoulders, too loose in shoulders or are just plain ugly. Yes I have gone to Lane Bryant and Avenue and shopped at Catherines. I just have a weird body. Even in high school when I was thin my butt couldn't fit in to the current trend then, "Ditto's or DIddo's" pants. They were designed for flat butts! The guys loved my butt, but I sure hated it. Now my butt back then would be every girls dream to have. Why was I born in the wrong time period of flat butt clothes?

Lastly, Okay, it is obvious we are all in agreement that my ex is a JERK! So my next question is "Does anyone know of a good, reliable hitman??? Preferably one that if he gets caught and tortured would never squeal me out that I was behind it all?? Any suggestions will be handled with utmost confidentiality!:glasses:

Chiclet

Welcome Roberta,

This is an extremely friendly group of people. You will find lots of encouragement and tips from the gals on this page.

I just burned my 200 exercise calories. Off to the shower and then to Bible Study group this morning.

I'll check back later,

Cindy

I can tell it's going to be a hard day to exercise today. I think I am catching my son's cold and since my lung capacity is already at 39% a cold can just stop me dead in my tracks. I really don't feel like doing a blessed thing!

On top of that the neuroma on my root is really bad this morning and it's hard to even walk a few steps, so I don't think using the treadmill on this rainy day would be smart. You know, I'm actually going to MISS using the treadmill! I put my earbuds in and listen to an audiobook and when I get off I feel so much energy and so much better during the day.

I can still use my Total Gym, as long as it doesn't involve my foot. Guess that's the plan. I'm noticing that when I fill in my exercise it only seems to calculate calories burned with my walking and not strength exercises. Am I reading that correctly? Can anyone advise me?

:flowerforyou: I love brussel sprouts steamed. I had only had them boiled to death as a child, but since steaming them, they have become a favorite. They need a little butter and salt to make them really tasty!:flowerforyou:

My son and I love brussel sprouts, too. Everyone thinks we're weird, but they just don't know what they are missing. I've seen a cold brussel sprout salad I'd like to try sometime.

Mimi, thanks for the lesson on muscles. I've printed out the gut 'n butt moves (again). Now to DO them :laugh: :laugh:

:drinker: We've had a bit of a heatwave here, and for me that meant it's been a week without riding my bicycle. The weather is supposed to cool though by tomorrow, so it will be back in the saddle for me then. I've missed riding. I also miss my friend who is on vacation. I have a hard time pushing myself to go to the gym for strength training without her. See.....so many excuses not to exercise I could make myself unhappy and defeated. BUT I don't. Because I know tomorrow is another day and it feels so good to just know that I will not give up! HAH!

Notice my profile pic has my DD in it. Taken this past weekend. In addition to our culinary adventures, we also did some swimming, went on an adventurous 1.5 hour hike and on the way home a 2 hour shopping spree (a girl's gotto do what she's gotto do:bigsmile: :bigsmile: )

:flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: Have a wonderful day my dear MFP friends.

Rebel

Good Morning Ladies!!!
I can't believe how much I enjoy catching up with everyone. I also learn so much from everyone.

Rebel, it sounds like you had a GREAT week end. This sounds like someplace I need to visit.

Barbiecat, no date set yet but as it all hinges on me( married within a year of moving in) I should get my act together as I have already made him wait over five years. :noway:

Mimi, you are an inspiration, need to try Butt & Gut

Jeannie, congrats on your new post child birth weight.

We last weeks lesson was very eye opening for me. It made me realize that in addition to eating in the car and at my desk I also "treat" myself to a little something (usually a brownie) when I stop and get gas. I even get a bit irritated and have a sense of loss if station doesn't have brownies and I have to settle for a candy bar!!!
well as of last week that has come to a screeching halt and I have been paying for my gas at the pump so as not to get tempted.:bigsmile:

So now this week the new lesson is eating patterns. In order to control your eating it is helpful to understand the factors that affect your appetite.

How fast you eat
How much bulk (fiber) you eat
How often you eat
Where you eat
What time you eat
Are meals planned or spontaneous
Stomach hunger vs. mind hunger

Over weight people tend to eat to quickly not giving them time to truly enjoy their food and the stomach needs time to digest food and to feel full.

Low calorie food with plenty of bulk (fruits, veggies, water) will make your stomach full and you will feel less hungry.

It is temping to skip a meal or save calories for a big treat but that may backfire and start an eating binge that will cause you to overeat. distribute your calories throughout the day. It may be easier to manage your hunger and calories with 5 or 6 smaller meals rather then 3 larger meals.

Where you eat was last weeks lesson and helps you to realize when you are full.

What time you eat is similar to how often you eat. try planning specific meal times.

Plan meals ahead of time to avoid eating whatever catches your eye. Have low calorie snacks available to help between meals.

Some people eat because it is a certain time or because of emotional responses or because food is available. It is important to decipher if it is mind hunger or stomach hunger. If you are eating for mind hunger then you need to make a plan and work on those issues.

Helpful hints.

Put down your fork between bites
pause for a two minute period at some point during the meal.
Eat lower calorie foods before higher calorie foods
leave something on your plate at the end of every meal
avoid extreme hunger by distributing your eating throughout the day.
drink more water WITH meals
eat only in designated eating places
pay attention to your stomach hunger
plan what and where you eat.

There is also stuff on fats and cholesterol but I will share that later in the week. Next week is recipe modification.

Better get started on my day. Everyone have a wonderful day!!!

Peggy

drink more water WITH meals

Oh, no, this is a HORRIBLE IDEA!! When you drink with your meals, it flushed your food through quicker and you don't get as much satiety and are hungry again faster. That is because our pylorus valve opens up once the food pressing against it gets to a certain level of mush. If you add water to anything, it gets mushier than if you don't and wait for stomach acid and stomach churning to produce that level of mush.

When I was morbidly obese, I would eat, start to feel full, drink, then not feel full, and eat some more and I never realized what was going on until I found out about how the pylorus valve works. Now I look back and it's obvious what I was doing and I feel a bit dumb no to realize it, but at the time I was thinking "oh, the water will fill me up!"

I also disagree with the emphasis many diet programs have on filling yourself up on low-cal foods. Most of these foods are high in carbs and they may fill you up at the time, but you get hungry faster as well. I find that I can eat two cheese sticks for a snack and be full or satisfied for hours or I can eat a bunch of carrots and be ready for more food half an hour later. When I was first losing,

I started upping my protein and that caused my calories to naturally go down from 1800 to 1500 without me consciously trying to limit myself. It just happened because I felt full longer eating protein-based snacks. Which is not to say I won't eat carrots or other fruits and veggies. I just don't eat them bulk and I pair them with something protein-rich.

Well ladies, I've been rushing around again today!

Got a call from my dad this morning to say that he wasn't feeling well and had called his gp for a home visit. I dashed round to see him and it transpires that he had a tummy ache ...... possibly because he had a big bowl of prunes with rhubarb for his supper last night. He gets himself into a right panic if he has even the slightest of off days. Anyway, I stayed with him and saw the doctor with him - who said that he is as fit as a flea and should just have a day of resting.

After that I ran a few errands for him and then dashed off to see mum in law. I was supposed to go and have my bloods done this morning but had to call and cancel the appointment so I could be with my dad. I can't get them done until next week now, which is a bit of a bother.

Mum in law had another visitor whilst I was there and I kept trying to leave the two of them alone so that they could chat. Unfortunately, mum-in-laws friend is a bit of a chatterbox and always ends up chatting to me rather than MIL. This in turn makes MIL frustrated and upset, so I tried to escape asap. I think it took me about an hour to leave though. I'm hoping that the lift at the nursing home will be fixed in the next day or so. It would be nice if I could get mil out into the garden for some fresh air and a change of scenery.

I've got my weekly therapy appointment tomorrow morning, but will go straight to the nursing home after that as our pet Aussie is going out for the day, so I don't need to worry about him. He was such a darling today whilst I was out. He cleaned my kitchen and even hung out my washing! I could get used to this!

DH is due back home shortly and I've got veggies roasting in the oven along with a chorizo bake for the guys. I'll have tzatziki with mine.

Not much time to chat today, but I will be back to check up on you all later, so be good!

Amanda x