WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR MARCH 2014

Hello friends,
It's been several weeks since I posted. I apologize for not being supportive.
I've been trying to keep up with the everyone's posts. I'm so sorry to those
who lost loved ones and those dealing with illnesses.

THANK YOU-
For the past 3 months I've been doing the 'CHOOSE 2 LOSE' challenge at
the YMCA. Today was weigh in and I got rid of 16.5 lbs of fat. My goal was
to lose 20 lbs, but the best part is that I learned that just by watching my
portion sizes and exercising I didn't have to give up my favourite foods and
can still lose wght. And that is thanks to all the great advice on this board.
By the way the winner lost 33 lbs.

Now I need to make my plans to keep up this journey. Today after weigh-in
I felt good about it but the first thing I wanted to do was over eat. I didn't
because I got on mfp and read all the encouraging posts and it helped me
to refocus, so thanks again ladies.

Brenda from Md

Hi everyone!

Just starting out and needing support in changing my eating habits. I have a limited range of "healthy" foods that I like and from logging my food each day I realized I REALLY need to overcome my addiction to "bad food carbs" and and learn to like healthy carbs. I do not just want to lose weight I want to be healthy. I envy people who can eat "clean". I am a compulsive/emotional eater and I need to change. I am determined to get healthy and on March 17th have also quit my 2 pack a day smoking habit (which has been pretty easy this time). Being disabled with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Fibromyalgia, I was eligible to join Silver Sneakers and have been going to the gym 3 days a week and riding my exercise bike at home on days I don't go. The motivation is high right now and I want to keep it that way. I can stay within my daily calorie range, however, even though I am losing weight the quality of the food I am putting in my body is less then ideal. I have increased my fruit intake and try to have a salad each day, but I need to make more changes. I have made many big changes these past 2 weeks and I want to start small in terms of replacing my bad carbs with good ones (eg. love white bread and hate whole wheat and the like). How does one make the transition and still feel satisfied and not deprived? My fear is that my love of junk will win. I need to find a doable lifestyle and not a diet - unfortunately - I've always lived to eat and not eat to live. Any support would be welcome!

Welcome, Kitkat! Congratulations on the loss! That's a really good amount for the time frame. I love "bad" carbs, too. For bread, I started out switching to Nature's Own WhiteWheat and then went to Nature's Own 40 calorie per slice Honey Wheat. It tastes more like white bread than many of the others and it also packs in 3 times the fiber. I like all kinds of bread, but for every day use, the Honey Wheat is the best I've found. I, too, fail at eating enough veggies most days. I could eat fruit all day long, but they're higher in calorie. On the other hand, I cook in bulk and will fix vegetable soup quite frequently and freeze it to get in the veggies more regularly. It's hard for me to cook for just one.

I did some cleaning out today and packed up all the too big clothes. Well, except for those I need to try on. I told a friend that I kept looking at garments and thinking, "That wasn't all that big last time I wore it." Then I remind myself that I haven't worn it in a year and that I don't wear a 2X or even a 1X anymore! All that's left now is to clean out my sock drawer. That is, of course, not because they don't fit anymore, but that the lost mates never turned up or they're simply worn out!

Does anyone else feel like they're an imposter or something when they shop for smaller clothes? I feel uncomfortable in the Misses section, like people are looking at me and wondering what the fat lady is doing looking at regular sizes. I guess I'll get over it, but I feel weird now.

Oh, I wanted to tell y'all that I slept last night! In fact, I slept close to 11 hours! It felt amazing.

Well, I've got another 1500 steps to get in before bedtime so I need to get to work on it! Oh, and I have a new dress to wear to church tomorrow and then to work this week. I got it on clearance for $5.99. I bought a medium, which I could wear, but it was a little tight for modesty's sake, so I went back and got the large. My daughter says my behind looks awesome in it. In fact, she told me to take my flat belly and skinny legs somewhere else! :laugh: My belly is not flat and my legs are not skinny, but it was nice to hear, anyway.

Goodnight from Carol in gloomy NC.

Kitcat, it is a slow journey for most of us. At least it was for me. You are doing good things by going to the Y, exercising at home, stopped smoking, recognizing that you need to change, reached out to MFP. I promise, it will come with time.

Joyce, Indiana

Kim - thanks for telling me about the chocolate chips in the black bean brownies. I think they're good, but I don't know how Vince'll feel. I did add extra chocolate, but they still don't taste real sweet. Then I realized it's probably because you add cocoa powder but there isn't any sugar added. Well, we shall see what happens.

Alison - please don't beat yourself up thinking that you didn't eat well enough. Remember, stress can certainly add on the pounds. I know it sounds weird, but that's how our bodies deal with stress. And you've certainly been under a lot of stress lately.

Cynthia - good for you being down!

Eli in Tuscon - also, every month our fearless leader, barbie, starts a new thread, regardless of how many pages are left. So be on the lookout in a few days!

Margaret - you know, I had that mini-splurge Thursday, Friday I wasn't feeling good at all, even this morning my stomach was upset. I'm beginning to think that I had a touch of food poisoning. Now I'm feeling better. Still not 100%, but my stomach isn't rumbling any more

Ordered a new chlorine resistant swimsuit. Bought one a few years ago and it's held up quite well. The biggest problem is that the suitspinner at the Y chewed up part of it. So I'm planning that I'll use the new one here and take this chewed up one and keep it down at the condo. When we were there last time in the summer, I was in the pool every day. The day we left I went into the pool in the morning and did some exercises. I know that I didn't have time to wash out the suit so I just let it dry. I do hope the chlorine didn't totally dissolve it. Well, I should have this new one to take down with me next time so even if it is dissolved, at least I'll have another suit. I also got 10% off.

Made catfish to have later in the week and then made these spinach parmesan bites to take to Mexican Train Dominoes with me Tuesday night.

Sylvia - so sorry you had such a terrible time with your dinner. That's amazing how the chef treated you, just letting you sit there and watch your hubby eating. You'd think he'd be able to come up with SOMETHING

Pat - woohoo on being down three sizes! That's fantastic.

Rita - look online and see if there is a Newcomer group. Most of the people will be transplants, too. Most -- probably not all -- but most.

Brenda - great weight loss, and even greater that you learned so much.

kitcat - welcome and big congrats on stopping smoking. Brenda had great advice, concentrate on portion control, even the junk food. Eventually (trust me, it WILL happen) you'll get to the point where you want less and less of the junk food. Yes, it may take a while, but it will happen. I'm very fortunate that I can have just a little of something that I'm craving and then I'm satisfied. Not everyone is like that. You'll get lots of support here.

Carol in NC - $5.99 for a dress! Awesome! What a thoughtful daughter you have there, what a compliment!

Michele in NC

Good evening,

Been a few "off" days.........kept up with reading but that's about it. Blah, just blah blah blah.........and this rainy weather and lack of sun is not helping. Would love to get out in the garden but it's either been too cool or rainy. Sleep has been off too..........and watching WAY to much trash on Netflix. So, there you have it. Congrats to everyone of you with losses and NSV's and welcome to our newbies.

Volunteered this am at a 5K to benefit colon cancer research; tomorrow will be helping at the finish line for one of our elementary school races.

I am debating calling Gwen's sister and making her aware of what she is walking into with Gwen's mental state---the bug and cleaning obsession continues.........not sure how much to reveal or if I even have the right at all to do this. A major new wrinkle, today; all I can say is, I'm VERY happy to be taking her to the dr. on Monday as I am realizing how very ill-prepared I am to handle all the manifestations of her state............and she may well be placed in hospital, at this point, frankly, I'm thinking she needs this. Will go by her house tomorrow after the race and have someone else loooking in tomorrow am.

Heather..........The one huge bright spot is that BBC Desert Disc show....THANKS so much for that recommendation!!! I've listened to it twice now and enjoyed it thoroughly each time. What a useful, marvelous life she has led. I have alwayes liked the piece "If" and find it fascinating that she became Buddhist.

I leave you all with a favorite quote of Buddha:

"You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection."

Hugs to all. G'nite.
yanniejannie

Sylvia: "Do you realize how many politicians it takes to get a pound of brains?" LOL! Thanks!:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

Patceoh: Congratulations on the new, smaller clothes. They’re such a wonderful reward for hard work.:flowerforyou:

Renny: A good bike is a wonderful thing. I loved my bike and when we switched to trikes, I loved my trike even more. I hope you find something that you’ll enjoy.:flowerforyou:

Brenda from MD: Congratulations on your diet success in your “Choose to Lose” competition.:flowerforyou:

Kitcat: Welcome. It sounds like you’re off to a good start. You’ll make your choices one day at a time, and gradually find your way to foods that you enjoy and are able to eat in moderation. Just be patient with yourself and the process. Quitting smoking is a major achievement. WTG!:flowerforyou:

Carol in NC: Congratulations on all your successes, especially getting a good night’s sleep.:flowerforyou:

Alison: Listen to Michele! She is so right. I agree completely with her that stress quickly adds on the pounds. I suspect the body goes into “hoarding mode” and hoards fat to tide itself over through a crisis.:flowerforyou:

Barbie: Your recommendations and advice are golden. I envy you for being done with your taxes.:flowerforyou:

Beth in WNY: Your DH finally came up with a great answer about your new pants. Yay for him!.:flowerforyou:



I’m still tired. I haven’t done much today, took a nap, and will be ready for bed early. I did manage to make a good chicken noodle soup using thick frozen noodles from the grocery store, left over chicken and veggies that I happened to have on hand. Much to my surprise, I ended up not salting my bowl of soup. That is so unexpected. I’ve always been a heavy salt user and I’m changing my ways, much to my own surprise.

Katla in beautiful NW Oregon

“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.” Thomas A. Edison

Hi dear ladies

:frown: Guess who forgot to change the clocks before bed last night. :embarassed: I woke at 4:30 a.m. then remembered that the clocks went backwards and though yey I have another few hours in bed. Turned over to go back to sleep when the light went on from DDs room - went to say what are you doing we have another two hours yet, when she told me "No mother, the clocks went backwards, we lose and hour! :noway: :noway: So we both got up and sleepily took the dog for a walk, I honestly don't think he was too bothered I think even he thought it was too early to go out :yawn: :yawn: But we went walking and it was very quiet - most people were still in bed - very sensible!

:flowerforyou: It's Mothers Day here in the UK my daughter Heather, has bought be a ticket to see a show at the Theatre. I am going with my sister in law Helen and her twin Judy and Judy and Heather's boss Liz and I think Judy's daughter Crystal is also going with us. I asked Heather if she was coming too but she hates crowded places and people and said "no way" We are going to see a production of "Poirot" on 2nd April. I'm looking forward to it. I'll have to make sure I don't eat too many sweets though as if I remember, the last time we all went to the theatre together Liz brought lots of chocolates and sweets to munch. What is it about going to the cinema or the theatre that makes people eat none stop? Or is that just here in the UK?

Well while it is quiet I'll get one of my exercise DVDs out, I need to plan in some exercise every day as walking on its own is not helping me lose weight. No excuses, my back is okay again.

Have a good Sunday. Hugs to those who are struggling and in pain, and :drinker: :drinker: to those who have had success this week.

Good morning everyone! The sun is shining again.:drinker:

Wizzywig - I hate to tell you, but the clocks have gone FORWARD. :laugh:
I hate it when people eat around me at the theatre or cinema. I give them filthy looks if the rustling gets on my nerves and have been known to shush them. I used to go to the cinema at midday when the place was more or less deserted. I never go to either now. This is someone who spent most of her life involved in Drama, with acting, producing and teaching. Having said that I do like a panto with lots of audience participation. :bigsmile: At the theatre I sometimes had an interval drink or ice cream. Stem ginger was my favourite - yum!

Yanniejannie - glad you enjoyed the programme. I find these days I would rather listen to something inspirational than a drama with nasty people in it, even if they get their comeuppance in the end! Do you do lovingkindness meditation? I find it helps me when I am a bit blah.

May I be safe.
May I be healthy.
May I be happy.
May I be filled with lovingkindness.

I imagine myself sitting on a mountain top and looking out over the sunrise. Other people use slightly different wording and imagery. Then I do it for other people, ones I know and ones I don't know, but the most important is to do it for yourself.


Brenda - what a great loss! Well done!:flowerforyou:

Kitkat - what a wonderful gift you gave yourself when you gave up smoking.:flowerforyou: Like others I think you should be kind to yourself and take this slowly. I still eat white rice occasionally and portion control and moderation is the most important thing. There is no magic "bad" food and no miracle "good" food. If you make gradual changes you will be able to sustain them for ever, not just have a virtuous spurt and then collapse back into old behaviours. Denial and going hungry is not the answer.:noway:

Rita - I always think a year is the absolute minimum before a move seems to fit. Sometimes longer. My mother was always good at it because she was a "joiner" and got to know people really quickly. I am not, so it has taken me longer. The winter you have had has been enough to try anyone's patience. Do some fun things. Go on some fun outings. Join something. My yoga class has been a great help.:flowerforyou:

Beth - congrats to your husband! I read it out to DH. He laughed out loud!:laugh: :laugh: :bigsmile: :drinker:

Well folks, I'm back to the beets for lunch with puy lentils I've just finished cooking, avocado and light philly. Salad bits chopped up and lots of garden herbs and garlic. I'm counting 350 cals.

It's Mother's Day over here. Of course I have heard nothing from my boys. Can't help but feel a little bit disappointed. I don't expect a big fuss, but a tiny little fuss would be nice. It's partly my own doing as I didn't bring them up to celebrate all this stuff, but as I get older I wish I had. :bigsmile:

Love to all. Heather in sunny and gorgeous Hampshire in the south of England, UK

Heather: it's still early.

Tell us more about yourself. Do you work? Have a hubby? Do you have a support system of friends and family? Pets?

I'm disabled wih with RA & Fibro - don't work.....Single...Great friends for support system and mommy of 3 kitties! I am also a crafting fool!

Thank you for all the advice!!

Good Sunday morn to all. Welcome Kitcat. There is a ton of info on these boards.I sift thru,looking for tips that look helpful to me.You can ask questions & we all do our best to answer.Another carb lover here,but not the carb stuffer I used to be.
Every diet has taught me something,so not a total loss.......even tho they didn't stick long enough to be my "ah ha" moment
Where wt loss is concerned.
Bread is limited to my usual lunch sandwich,LF dairy,smaller servings,home made salad dressing,measured dessert once a day etc.Nothing diet shattering,but do think the boring,watch what you eat food plan is going to work for me.Slowly,but finally :laugh: :laugh: & way past time.

Carol,I also keep veg soup in freezer.Going to do that tomor,filling the slow cooker...For bread,I try to remember to read the calorie count,but stick with favs like Nature's Own,Sara Lee etc. Smaller servings.

Also,trying not to replace a dish with one that is low cal to begin,then loads up with butter & cheese.The best thing I have learned along the way is to go with what works for me. We are all different with different ways of cooking,cutting back or in the food plan we choose.Did I say smaller servings? Right now,that is my main job,smaller servings

Having dinner at DDs today. She is a WW leader,so can relax & enjoy......Taking mashed potatoes made with chicken broth & FF evaporated milk. Have a great day. Pat in Ohio

My new Mantra is ..........Be Aware,Be Aware

Anamika: It is good to see you here. I hope you’ll continue to stop by when you can.:flowerforyou:

Wizzywig & Heather: Happy Mother’s Day! Ours comes along in May.:flowerforyou:

Heather: Congratulations on receiving a text from DS1 wishing you Happy Mother’s Day. My kids have switched almost entirely to texting as a form of communication, supplemented with facetime calls. I did well by my mom for Mothers Day, but all too frequently forgot her birthday until later years. :embarassed: I know it caused tears more than once. When I grew up and put together a calendar I did a lot better.:flowerforyou:

DeeDee: I’m so happy you’ve had a wonderful time with your company and are expecting a visit from more good friends in May. :flowerforyou:

Gloria in SUNNY metro Detroit: Congratulations on the sunny day! Laughing and having fun are excellent goals.:flowerforyou:



The weather forecast says that it is raining, but reality is a combination of sunshine and fog. I can hear the foghorns out there and they have very high voices, which makes me think they’re little boats. It makes sense because we’re having a salmon run in the river right now and a lot of folks are fishing. DH will wait for warmer weather to fish, I think. Wow, the fog has lifted. Beautiful day! (for now):flowerforyou:

Katla in beautiful NW Oregon

“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.” Thomas A. Edison

OK, so I just had to go tell my 7 year old "if you EVER text me.......":laugh:

Not fond of all the silly little symbolic days on the calender that someone else made up to make $$ on one hand but, for goodness sake child, pick up the phone for your mother.:drinker: