40+ Club: Fall Fitness Fanatics

Hello to all! Time to get out and get moving! We can do it!

Happy Friday!

This is my 9th day between 164 & 164.5. A couple of weeks ago I had a small goal of 160 for this day.

I'll be 42 this coming year and have slimmed down a number of times over the past 8.5 years. This time it is different because I've opted not to do this the old low fat/processed food way. Last year, after turning 40, I was so tired and run down. I knew my body was changing and what I was doing, although I could still lose weight that way, I didn't always feel good. Honestly, even with all of the changes, I'm fighting my body. Mostly the 3 herniated discs which make me feel so achy. I've got to get this weight off in the most healthy way possible and keep it off for my the sake of my back.

I realized that there are two ways for me to go about this and I'm really starting to opt for the long way.

1. strictly 1200 calories and do all the maximum exercises my body can take. Try to keep the fat down to 10-15%. It should come off quickly.

2. take my time..1400 calories a day and continue to ease it off through the middle of January. It'd be a lot less stressful for me at this point and there should be an average of 1.5 pound loss a week.

I just don't plan to do this again. I'm tired of it. We don't buy or have any processed food in our house, except the left over mustard that I will end up making from scratch. Does unsalted butter count too? Open the pantry and you'll find shelves of dried beans neatly stored in glass jars. Cereal shelves are empty as it was replaced with oat groats. Now paper napkins fill the space. A large 3 gallon container on the floor stores oat groats, wheat berry and home mixed chicken feed. Left over seasoned salt...might as well throw it away at this point. The fridge is packed w/fresh produce. The refrigerator shelves have glasses of ground flax seed, brewer's yeast, and homemade almond milk for coffee. Freezer packed with frozen chicken, Mahi Mahi fillets, organic fresh blueberries, blanched almonds and wheat flour that I ground up 2 days ago. On my kitchen counter sets a dispenser of extra virgin olive oil, coarse sea salt, a colander loaded with roman tomatoes and a banana basket filled to the hilt with ripening bananas, avocado and kiwi, while a broccoli sprout & dill grows in the window sill waiting to be transplanted into the garden. This sounds enchanting to me...I'll never go back. I love my life and love knowing what we are eating is good for me and my precious family.

@spulido, congratulations on the loss! YIPEE!!

@mkwood10, no oreos, but I did forget to mention the Hershey's dark chocolate bar in the freezer for the 1 sq a day recommended Just had mine w/3 almonds after riding 4 miles with hubby If that doesn't satisfy a sweet tooth, maybe the 5 gallon bucket of raw honey will And thanks for liking my kitchen...

@singfree, what a chore...it seems that those who lived through the depression tend to hold on to things they don't need.

My daughter finally found out where they are gonna be stationed... Fort Polk, Louisiana. Now they are just waiting for the official orders so that she can apply for housing.

As for me I have just been super busy still. Going to Nevada every week to work on houses is getting tiring. Last week we had to get a crack chaser blade and cut the cement floor. At least that is almost done and that is the hardest part of the whole job. But then we are expecting to close on the other rental where the "slob" lives and I can see that taking a few weekends. Thats the way it goes though.

I will come back later and catch up on all the post, just wanted to say a quick hello....

Hi all! Welcome to the all the new members! This is a great group!

I wish I could have a pantry with nothing processed in it... I will try this next week to only eat unprocessed food. Let's see how I do.

I didn't get to Zumba this week but did make it to water aerobics once. I need to get back to exercising more. I found some "triplay" triathlons in the area for next spring and summer. There are even "My First Tri" events which are shorter than the shortest triathlons: I think it is 500 meters swim, ten miles bike and two miles run. The swim and bike parts don't scare me but I have never been a runner. Oh well, I can walk that part. So, I am about to sign up for a my first tri to be done in April 2011. That should give me plenty of time to get ready.

How about them Rangers! First pennant in their over 50 year history. Son in San Francisco called last night to listen to the end of the game with us. We are going out this morning to get our ALCS champ tshirts. I was so nervous last night I hand scrubbed the wood floors in the dining room and living room and on the stairs and totally scrubbed two crock pots. I guess that is aerobic activity. Take care all! TxMs

Hope everyone had a fantastic weekend. I tried to get as much done on my own house before I leave for Nevada again tonight but gosh darn it I am just so tired. For someone who doesn't have a job I sure seem to be busy a lot lately. Sunday night - Tuesday night I am gone to Nevada to work on the rentals. Wed I usually sleep in because I dont get home til 2am or later. Thurs and Fri I spend with my girls usually going with them to run their errands or mine. Sat and Sun as long as my son doesn't have any place to go I try to catch up on my house so I can leave again Sunday night. Soon the snow will be here and that will make going to Nevada a tad bit harder so I will have a break for a little while.

Its cold and raining here in Northern California. This season the rain has come early. We dont usually get our first rain til Halloween night. We've been having rain here or there for weeks now. Hope that doesn't mean we're gonna get a ton of snow.

kadetr... Congrats on being a size 4.

daybyday... Welcome. This is a terrific group of people here I think you will enjoy it here. We have our check in day on Friday.

Alf... I just had to add you on facebook. I looked into zumba here where I live and let me just say... The prices you have are cheap compared to over here. Of course there is one that I haven't gotten a price for bit still.

Stiring... I hope all of your belongings are nicely put away so you can start to feel at home in your new place. Its gotta be so stressful moving so much.

Sing... Both my mother and mother in law are pack rats. They think their not just because they dont have garbage laying around like what you see on the show hoarders. But just because you throw away your garbage doesnt mean your not one.

Hi all. Just time for a quick check-in. It has been very busy since Friday, but the good news is we got all of our household goods, and they were in very good shape. We lost a couple of things in the move (to be expected) but very minor things. I think the total $$ lost would be under $10 (some plastic lids, etc). That's about the best we've ever had. Amazing.

We worked hard over the weekend to get everything in place because, of course, my husband left town on Sunday. It's always like this when we move. But we got everything into a position where I have been able to pretty much finish the house up the past two days. We still have curtains to hang and such and are expecting two more shipments (stuff we put in storage while we were in Korea and our last 'essential' shipment that left Korea with my husband), but I feel very settled now.

This was a tough move for me physically, and I am exhausted. But I decided to workout both yesterday and today. Oddly, working out made me feel better. It took away some of the aches and pains that I had. Cardio will do that for me sometimes. Today I actually lifted weights with my upper body, and that was TOUGH! I'm going to be feeling this one tomorrow, but it's a good pain, right? And it feels so much better to be eating at home now. Last night was the first meal I've cooked in over a month, and that felt really good to me.

Alf, so good to see you back. Sorry to hear about your shoulder and hip flexor problems but it sure sounds like you've mastered the art of maintenance. Great job!!

tron, sure sounds like you've been busy. I can't imagine going to Nevada every weekend to work is any kind of fun.

duffy, I'll be thinking about you on Thursday. Sounds like you've got a good mental approach to this appointment. I hope it goes better than you are anticipating.

spulido, sounds like you are doing great!! Good job at the exercise, and it sure sounds like you are keep it diverse. Do you take belly dancing classes, do it on DVD or what? Just curious. That's a great form of exercise, and it sounds like it would be so much fun.

kadetr, great job on pushing the scale away. Obsessing over numbers is never a good thing. I think your approach--tight clothes--is a great way of monitoring your weight. That's what I've been doing for quite some time, and it is actually working for me now very well.

funnygirl, your idea of ridding yourself of processed food is excellent!! I can't tell you how much better I feel when I'm not eating processed food. There are times, like recently with this move, when I have to go back to eating more processed food out of necessity (for example, I can't carry my bread machine with me during a move, so I have to buy bread, most of which is processed somehow), and I can really tell a difference in how I feel, how I look, how much energy I have, etc. I have never rid my diet of all processed food, but I really do keep it to a bare minimum. Great job!

Julia, I pretty much felt the same way losing weight. My initial goal was 120, but when I got there I thought to myself 'I can lose more'. I got down to 98 pounds. :noway: That was TOO much. I don't know what I weigh right now, but I would wager about 110 or so, and my body is sitting very comfortably at this weight. I simply couldn't maintain my weight at 98lbs. It required the strictest eating and a very heavy workout schedule. In other words, it wasn't worth it. So I say, as I always do.....listen to your body. Your body will tell you when it feels the most comfortable. Just because you can lose more doesn't mean you should lose more. Don't pay attention to the lumps and bumps as much as you do your energy levels and such. When I weighed 98lbs and worked out like an absolute fiend, I still had lumps and bumps. That's part of being human, and definitely part of being a middle aged human. Just be proud of what you have accomplished because, as you said, you never imagined yourself this small again. Enjoy that....and ignore the rest.

singfree, I can't imagine having to clean through a house like that. I dread the day when I have to go through my mother's house, but the good thing is she isn't a pack rat. Hope your trip to the dentist went as well as any trip to the dentist can go!

Okay, I said this was going to be quick and I've gone on. I'd love to respond more, but I really must run. I'll see you all tomorrow!!

Thanks all for the compliments on the photo. When I told my husband I wanted him to take a photo of me for this site, I explained that I liked taking my friends around the world with me.....last was Japan, before that was China, before that was Hawaii.....and all of that in the past six months!! :noway: No wonder I'm so tired. :yawn:

Speaking of tired, we got another shipment in today. This was the stuff that we were living with in Korea after they shipped our household goods....so things like some dishes, sheets, towels, clothes, etc. I was most definitely not in the mood to see another box when the truck arrived, and for about the first three hours I was unpacking the stuff, I just kept muttering to myself 'Make it stop. Please'. But it is all done (last load of clothes in the dryer and dishwasher almost done), so I'm feeling better about it now. One more shipment....the stuff we stored while in Korea. And that's mostly outdoor/garage stuff, so that should be easier....I hope.

But I got a workout in this morning before the truck arrived. I did Insanity's Max Interval Plyo. I decided to finish my last two Insanity workouts this week on those days when I'm not lifting weights. It felt good. Only one more to go! :drinker: I love Shaun T. and Insanity, but I think it will be a little while before I pick up one of these workouts again. Two full rotations in less than a year has been a little much.

Happy Birthday, Zebras!!! Good job getting back to Zumba. I feel the same way when I start back up with some forms of exercise. Just yesterday I lifted weights for the first time in five weeks, and I could swear my muscles got bigger over night. :laugh: I know they didn't, but I find that feeling motivating.

Happy Birthday, Alf!!! Hope you enjoy the cruise. Are you able to do any resistance training at all....even just using your body weight? I find that helps me feel more 'firm' when I can't be lifting weights. But, of course, that may put too much stress on your body. I'm so sorry to hear you are continuing to battle these injuries.

singfree, I've been enjoying some good wine the past two nights! Tonight I'm so tired, I've opted for ice cream instead. :blushing: Some days are just like that......

Enjoy your evening all!

Good Wednesday morning everyone! It's been a rough couple of weeks at work (busy busy BUSY!) and the resulting stress and odd hours are not good for the weight loss my friends. :frown: Hopefully things will settle down a bit soon, and my schedule will get more regular, but for now, I'M TIRED!!!!

Still making it to the gym most days, and still eating clean, except for the occasional piece of Halloween candy because, really, how can one say no to a peanut butter cup? :ohwell:

Saturday's boot camp had one-legged burpees as part of the final burnout, and ooooooOOOooOooooh those are hard! Still recovering from them. Heh. But I have to say, I have great satisfaction in being able to even complete the class.

Stiring, your new picture is awesome! You look great! I'm so glad the move is almost done for you and I hope you get to stay in D.C. for a long time! Are you going to the Rally to Restore Sanity? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rally_to_Restore_Sanity_and/or_Fear

One of my proofreaders is headed down to D.C. to go to it. I'm jealous she gets to visit the city!

Sing, it sounds like you are as busy as ever! I take your warning about being a pack rat! I've been gradually trying to pare down all the accumulation of years of living in this house. It's not fun, but it is necessary. And a trip to LA and then Utah sounds like fun, even if it is going to be mostly driving.

Duffy, I'll be thinking about you on Thursday and praying for strength for you.

Alf, a cruise seems like a great way to celebrate your birthday! Go ahead and enjoy the good food! You deserve it!

Zebras, you're too funny! Glad you're enjoying Zumba! And I'm sure you will make your goal!!!

Hello to everyone else!!!! Hope you all have a great day! I'm headed up to the gym now! Those weights are a'callin' me!

just thought I would pop in real quick-am at work, so can't be on too long. It is a warm wet morning-bad hair day. It is amazing to have it so warm for this time of year along with most of the leaves still on the trees! Wild weather....wonder what kind of winter we will have????

Well, I squeezed in an extra gym workout this week-felt good to do the weight machines along with the tread mill. Today I have a workout with the trainer.

Sing-I laughed when mentioned how LA is becoming a bad area-I was there a few years ago and thought it was gross then(so one cld see that it was nt a good place to live for decent people)-I wld not desire to live in that area. I was surprised as I never pictured LA looking like that. Not surprised about the costs-very, very small homes in CA seem to go for a million-the housing prices/cost to live there are extreme.....I hear people can't retire there.

Anyone watching any of the Halloween specials?

Stay dry

So I weighed in this morning. I don't weigh weekly because it drives me crazy. I weigh the 15th and last of the month. This past week to 10 days I've been going over on my calories so I thought it would be BAD. Much to my surprise I had lost 3 pounds!! I haven't been this weight in about 10 years!!!! I'm waiting on Turbo Jam to arrive in the mail. This is my plan for the winter as I know I won't want to get out in the snow and cold at 5:30 in the morning.

Hope you all are well and have a great rest of the week!!

Hi all! A good friend's 13 year old son died unexpectedly on Wednesday. He had congenital heart disease and had been through multiple surgeries. He had a heart transplant about 18 months ago and was doing really well, in school and on a baseball team. They think he had a heart attack, which can happen in kids post heart transplant. It is very sad. Sorry to be a downer but this really hit me hard.

Take care all. Life is too precious not to savor all the blessings and love we have. TxMs

Hello everyone!!! :drinker: I'm glad to read about so many of you!!!! Keep up the good work!!! I am telling you, I have aches and pains all over!!!!!!!! Geez, am I going to feel this way for the rest of my life??? Not fun at all. :grumble: Yesterday I was limping with some foot pain, it has gotten better but not completely gone. It is ridiculous!!! My hip is also bothering me today...but nothing is stopping me!!!!!!!!!!! :laugh: :noway: I am celebrating Halloween with my classes this week. I will post pics and videos in my Facebook page for all to enjoy. I would also like to invite you look at this video I filmed with some of my students. It is for a contest that Zumba has. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiAhGpMyXW4

Sing, I am sure you will be glad when you finish with your mom's house. It's got to be painful at times though...good to hear from you as always. And thank you for keeping this thread alive...:flowerforyou:

Stiring, it does seem strange that you are back in the US so soon, it feels like yesterday when you told us you were moving to Korea and now you are in DC. :noway: You are the travelling girl, that is for sure!!! :laugh:

Kadetr, Happy Anniversary!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :drinker:

Tex, I am so sorry to hear about your friend's son. That is so sad. I just cannot imagine losing one of my children. My thoughts and prayers for them.

Cardi, WTG on your workouts!!!!!!!!!!! They sound awesome!!!! :drinker:

Pepper, good to hear from you. :flowerforyou:

Daybyday, congrats on your weightloss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Keep up the good work!!! :drinker: :drinker:

Gotta go, at work...talk to you tomorrow!!!! :flowerforyou: