WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR JUNE 2014

It's so neat to see all of you on this post! I love to read how all of you are doing and am looking forward to what JULY will bring for all of us! I finally get the 4th of July off (from work) and am looking forward to watching fireworks with my daughter's family, including my grandson (20 months old). Home Depot starts a Healthy Challenge in a couple of weeks - 8 weeks of keeping track!

Have a great weekend!

Melinda from Eastern Oregon :flowerforyou:

Sayin' hey (that's twice for the day, Renny! It's nice to be wanted!!)

Renny and Katia, thanks for your warm hellos. Every time I get back to MFP after a hiatus, even a short one, it always feels so good.

I was reading an e-book on the net (http://authoritynutrition.com/viciouseating.pdf) about food addiction. The title is Vicious Eating--The Food Addict‘s Guide to Redemption. It's the story of one person's experience with addiction, first drugs and alcohol, then food.

I relate to so much of it, particularly where he describes the internal argument between the desire to eat food that he knows is not really good for him and the desire to eat healthy food, knowing he'll feel better if he does. It reminds me of the Bible verse, "I don't really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don't do it. Instead, I do what I hate."

The author believes sugar and gluten are the worst culprits in making some foods addictive. I've read that so many times. I'm giving it a try--cutting out sugar (except for natural sugar in fruit, etc.) and gluten. I'm also cutting out lactose as I seem to have become lactose intolerant overnight.

Today went well...way under my calories even though that wasn't my intention. (It was mostly due to timing.) No added sugar and no gluten is worth a try as I think I fall right into that cycle of eating the wrong food then wanting more of it.

The author also said something I think Barbie has said about not making exceptions. It came across pretty powerfully when he said eating just a little bit of addictive foods would be like taking just one line of cocaine or, for an alcoholic, having just one drink.

It's obvious that "just a little" cocaine or alcohol (for an alcoholic) are a bad idea. It's easy to want to squirm out of looking at certain foods in the same way. But, I have to say, he has a point that comes right on home to me.

Time for bed. Take care.

Mimi

:flowerforyou: Welcome back Mimi

:yawn: :yawn: Had another bad night sleep wise and feeling a bit out of sorts this morning. My energy levels are on the low side too.

:frown: Jane so sorry you are having to move again so soon, good luck in finding somewhere suitable - sending hugs your way as well as calming vibes at this stressful time.

:noway: So much to do before I go away with mum and dad for a few days, DH and DD are staying at home so I've got a food delivery coming on Tuesday to keep them going until next weekend. I'm going to take my lap top with me as I've found out the hotel has internet access in the public areas. At least I'll be able to keep and eye on my steps and food in-take.

Not sure why, but I am feeling depressed this morning and very emotional - probably hormones - I blame them for everything. Might go for a nap later to see if that gets me back on an even keel. In the mean time I'll have to find some good music and put it on very loudly - singing along usually gets me in a good mood.

Have a good Sunday ladies and catch you later.:flowerforyou:

Viv Dull and cool York UK

Good morning everyone!

Sansyteach: so sorry for your losses; five people in the first half of the year?! :flowerforyou: How wonderful you want to take care of yourself now.

Jane: when it rains, it pours. Sorry you have to deal with so much trouble. I really wish you could try to get some advice. Maybe they would discover that you don’t have to move as quickly as you fear. :flowerforyou:

Vicki: hope your sister-in-law continues to be stable.

Joyce: you don’t have a friend who’d be interested in going to the tournament with you? I’d go for the treat day on July 4th. Doesn’t mean you have to go whole hog, just that you won’t beat yourself up for going over a bit.

Kayzoola: my rabbit (years ago) was found on a bridle path. She and her siblings had been dumped; she was the only one still alive. Someone on a horse managed to catch her, put her in his coat and ride back to the stables with her. I always like to remember how I got her.

Gloria: welcome back! Hope the trip did you good.

Renny: glad you had a good moment with your mom. Sounds like she is being well taken care of. :flowerforyou:

Carol: hope you slept well.

Katla: enjoy the boat once the batteries have been installed.

Viv: hope you feel better.

Yesterday went well; I managed to get the rental van through all sorts of small streets to the place we had to be. My guy and his friend had already gotten all the furniture down from the 2nd floor and onto the sidewalk. The three of us loaded everything in. G. and I drove back here, unloaded everything and got it into the basement storage. Took our dog with us to return the van and pick up the car, then collapsed at an outdoor café. :bigsmile: I was very tired and stiff afterwards, but managed to make dinner (it was my turn) and ended up right on my calorie mark.

After a couple of weeks of nothing, I was down 0.7 kg this morning (1-1/2 pounds). Total 16.7 kg (37 pounds). Yay!!!

Hope everyone has a good day.

Cynthia :flowerforyou:

Wow, what a community of supportive women. I am inspired by your stories and by how much weight some of you have lost. I am not sure if i am going to be able to keep track of what everyone is doing, but I do intend to record what I eat everyday and read a bit too, so I am sure I will get to know you. I live on the other side of the world, and it has been cold and windy. I prefer the warm days. Loved the description of the farmers markets and rolling hills. Sounds lovely. Keep going everyone, it is fun to have a community of successful people doing good things for their health

To Kathy: might try lemon juice or soy sauce in your burger.

Good morning beautiful ladies:flowerforyou:


Mimi Welcome back:flowerforyou: !!! So nice to see you again!

Renny What a lovely day you had ! I might be just a touch jealous:embarassed: !!! Glad your mom is feeling better!!!

Bj At times I wish I had taken on one project at a time, instead of doing the entire house at once:frown: , I know it will look fabulous once it's done, I keep telling my self that ! Sounds like a lovely day you had too !

Cynthia Glad you managed the mini van, I've never driven one either! Resting at an outdoor cafe sounds wonderful! Congrats on the pounds coming off:bigsmile: !

Vicki Tough love may be the best thing, I know at the time it certainly doesn't feel like it! Keeping your family in my prayers!

Anamika So glad to see your post:bigsmile: !!! I've not been able to post everyday lately! life is sometimes crazy!

I've been spending at least 30 minutes sitting out on the new deck in the early morning, watching the sun come up , and feeling the coolness of the morning air...ahhhh, it's been perfect!

Wishing everyone a day of health and happiness!!! Drink your water:drinker: :drinker: :drinker: and log your food!

Hugs,
DeeDee in gorgeous NC

It's so good to finally get a health warning that is useful!
IT INVOLVES THE SHAMPOO WHEN IT RUNS DOWN YOUR
BODY AS YOU SHOWER WITH IT.
WARNING TO US ALL!
Shampoo Warning!
(I don't know WHY I didn't figure this out sooner)!
I use shampoo in the shower! When I wash my hair, the
shampoo runs down my whole body, and printed very
clearly on the shampoo label is this warning, "FOR EXTRA
BODY AND VOLUME." No wonder I have been gaining weight!
Well! I got rid of that shampoo and I am going to start showering
with Dawn Dishwashing Soap. Its label reads, "DISSOLVES FAT
THAT IS OTHERWISE DIFFICULT TO REMOVE."

Problem solved! If I don't answer the phone, I'll be in the shower!:laugh:


Have a great day.

Katla in beautiful NW Oregon

Not exactly joking when I tell you that I've wondered, more than once, if the calories and fat from the coconut oil I rub on my skin is absorbing into my bloodstream. :smokin: :ohwell:

Happy Sunday!

Nice day here again

---

the sky is blue with big white puffy clouds and once again, as yesterday, it's not horribly humid. I have a bit of concern about some weather now forming off Florida; getting stuck on the Eastern Shore is not an appealing option. Crossing the Chesapeake Bay in bad weather is no fun. Will keep an eye out and pull out of our trip if necessary.

Question for the ones among us who garden; I bought a cucumber labeled "bush cucumber"............now, bush to me would mean you don't need a trellis, which was the reason I bought it. Well, it started with those little tendrils and grasping on to plants in other pots and I ended up with a trellis for it to grow up which means it's stuck in one place. It has a lot of little cucumbers just beginning but with my low amount of sun I have to move plants around the yard and can no longer do this. Has anyone else grown these?

janemartin............Your housing situation would scare me tremendously.............hope it's resolved very soon.

Vicki..........Best wishes to your SIL; sounds like she is very ill. Hope your DSD has learned something through her behavior.

Mimi..............A warm welcome back!

Kayzoola..................You will catch that "wrascally wabbit" yet!!!! Good luck!

Katla..............Hoping your energy level has returned to it's usual. I hate those days when I feel just "off".

Heather.............How did the "pirate" life go? Did DGS make anybody walk the plank?

Cynthia............Loved your rabbit story. Congrats on your loss!!!!

Dee Dee...........Glad to hear you are enjoying your new deck. I sat out last night as the sun was going down here; it was a lovely evening with no bugs, for once.

Sylvia...........Safe travel!!!!!!!............looks like you might be going through rain, possibly lots of it.

In keeping with the problems people have been recounting about bill mix ups...........here is a bit of trivia I came across elsewhere--no idea how true it is:

"Nearly 22,000 checks will be deducted from the wrong account over the next hour" Now, doesn't that make you feel secure?? LOL

yanniejannie
mid-Atlantic

Melinda from E Oregon: Welcome! We have family in Eastern Oregon. DH grew up there and I have cousins there. :flowerforyou: The Columbia River is beautiful and dangerous. I fear the person from Battleground may be lost. The Coast Guard and two Sherriff’s Departments searched until dark last night using boats and helicopters. There were some reports of heavy drinking, which is dangerous when a person is on or near the river.

Mimi: I’ve been lactose intolerant since age 18 or 19. Lactaid helps when I want to eat ice cream or suspect that other people have put butter into food I’ll be served. It helps more if I take it BEFORE eating dairy products. We tried the gluten free route for DH’s MS, but it really made no difference and his MS doctor told him that there wasn’t a link between the two unless an individual with MS also had gluten issues. We’re back to bread and pasta now, with no ill effects. We use portion control and count calories.:flowerforyou:

Anamika: It is good to hear from you. I’m happy you stopped by!::happy: :flowerforyou: :

Heather: What is a hanger steak? I am happy to report that I learn a lot from your cooking adventures.:bigsmile:

DeeDee: Your mornings on the deck sound lovely. We enjoy sunny mornings on our deck, too, but it has been uncomfortably chilly lately.:flowerforyou:

Sylvia: Good luck on your next batch of salsa. I hope your poor toe heals quickly.:flowerforyou:



We’re nearly done with installing new batteries on the boat. There is one connection that needs a new cable and then we can put things back together. YAY!

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



June Goals:
1. Log every bite and swallow.
2. Cardio exercise at least 3 days a week.
3. Have fun every day.
4. Drink at least two glasses of water daily, preferably more!

My daughter gave me a Fitbit Zip a few months ago. I put it in my pocket then lost it. Bummer. I’m thinking I should get another one – or maybe a different device. What do you like? Is it more important to sync with MFP or to use the device’s online system? (Or maybe you can do both?) Any suggestions?

Another question...I got a smart phone (Galaxy S5) but don’t know how to do anything yet besides send messages. I guess I’m not the only one who doesn’t know how to use a smart phone as Verizon offers classes. (I’m signed up for one this week.) I’d like to get the app that lets me log onto MFP. Is there anything I should know about that? (Gee, I hate to be so dumb. Technology is not my thing.)

Hi Viv (Wizzywig). Depressed and low energy…no fun. Have you had your Vitamin D checked? Low Vit D can cause depression. Exercise helps depression too. Something I need to work on. My spirits lift when I get more exercise but it’s not easy when you’re not a born exerciser. (Is there such a thing?)

Cynthia, what a good job you’ve done. Staying on track seems hardest when the schedule’s upside down.

Gmom, I wonder how many people find sugar addictive. Yours is one more experience that supports that idea.

Thanks, DeeDee. Sitting on the deck, watching the sun come up…sounds like heaven.

Cindy, I’ll be on vacation next week too. It’s so much harder to stay on track when your schedule is disrupted – and when there’re all kinds of yummy temptations around. Since I’m newly motivated (re-motivated?) to get on track, I’m going to stay with the plan of NO deviations from “no sugar” and “no gluten.” That my be hard (probably will be) but will be worth seeing if it helps. I do NOT want to get off track. Urgh. Good luck to you and to me.

YannieJannie. Thanks for the warm hello. Hello to you too!

Hi Geri. I know what you mean about it being harder to make friends when you’re older and not working. I moved to a smaller town about 10 years ago and have a couple of casual friends I enjoy but, still, except for family, have not made close friends with anyone. I’m enough of an introvert that I have to push myself to get out and join in. Sounds like you’re similar. I noticed you and Viv both are feeling a little down. Might be the sunshine (or lack thereof) in the UK. Good old Vit D can make a big difference.

Katia, what you said about gluten and MS is interesting. A friend’s husband (only about 40 years old) was diagnosed with an aggressive form of MS almost two years ago. He went completely Paleo, no gluten, etc. and has not had a single flare of his MS since. Amazing really.

I was interested in what you said about lactose. Butter actually has almost no lactose. I had a small amount of butter last night and got a fleeting stomachache. (I'd figured the stomachaches were from lactose intolerance, but maybe not, or not that only). Woke up with the same thing this morning too. I wonder if it's a problem with the whey in the butter. I’m going to switch to ghee (clarified butter, tastes just as good, easy to make) and see if that makes a difference.

Renny, If the ablation cures my afib, I’ll have the same risks as someone who’s never had afib. That’s a nice picture. I do have other genetic risk factors for cardiovascular disease though, so I know it behooves me to work on eating better and exercising more. I don’t know of any old, fat people. Old, yes. Fat, yes. Old and fat, not so much.

I think I remember a while back that your cholesterol results came out high. How are you doing with that?

My brother-in-law takes a statin. (IMHO, the jury's out on statins, but that's another subject.) His doc wanted him to take a genetic test to see which statin drug would be most effective. That makes a lot of sense to me…much better than hit or miss. But, he doesn’t want to do it for “privacy reasons.” Huh?! I can’t see that genetic testing for statin drug effectiveness would be any more revealing of personal info than any blood test. I'll ask him if he still thinks the earth is flat. Similar thinking, I'd say. (I do like brother-in-law a lot however!)

BTW, re heart stuff…this may be coincidence…or not. I took my blood pressure yesterday morning (after having eaten a lot of salt the previous day) and it was 130ish over 90ish. Yikes. Way too high. I cut out added salt yesterday. When I measured my blood pressure this morning, it averaged 110 over 76. Nice. I’ll stay off salt for a while, check my BP from time to time, then go back on salt and check it again. Interesting, huh?

Not BTW, HAPPY BIRTHDAY tomorrow!

Mimi

Carol – I have used the ‘come to Jesus meeting’ phrase before and it made me smile to see that you say it, too! Oddly enough, it was almost always directed toward a child as well! The one in particular has a birthday coming up in a couple of weeks – he’ll be 36. Where does the time go?

Anamika – nice to see your post. It is so interesting to hear your stories.

Many of us seem to be recommitting to healthier living and I must do the same. I’ve let work run my life of late and have to get back to a more balanced routine. When I next go to the Y they may ask for ID!

Thundershirt report – it does seem to work for our dog. After church we had to stop at the grocery store and could see building clouds to the south, so we put her shirt on her when we got home. It hasn’t stormed at this point, but the thundershirt really does comfort her and we have not used her medication over the past few weeks. The 4th of July holiday will be a litmus test – the fireworks really upset her.

Statins – if I said this before, forgive me, but I can’t recall and I see more talk about statins again. My experiment with my heart doc of taking half the original dose worked and I am cleared for just 10mg a day at this point. NOW I plan to try taking the 10mg one day and 5mg the next to see if I can wean it down more and still keep the numbers where the doctor wants to see them.

Those with sodium concerns – right there with you.

The admin we’ve started at work is doing pretty well, yet forgets to follow the instructions provided for invoicing. As we’re working I try to give her the opportunity to come up with the answer on her own, but she tries random guessing versus referring to the directions. I’ll pause and ask her where she is in the process / instructions and then she’ll go to them. I think I’m not a very patient teacher these days. On the flip side, she did a terrific job on the expense report for the boss without much direction. It is just a matter of learning the industry language and becoming familiar with who is what type of player – insured, carrier, broker, etc.- time is the big helper there. I’ll just be glad when she can come in and do her thing while I do mine. No desire to be a supervisor again…been there and don’t miss it!

DH and I have a big goal of paying off the mortgage in the next 5 years and thinking of putting a reverse goal thermometer on the fridge to be reminded on a daily basis. When I was annoyed about work the other day he said, ‘Just $96,000 more to go, honey!”.

Churches / making friends – some of you will recall that DH and I joined our church a couple of years ago. We still haven’t gotten to where it feels like home or that we have friends there. Some of our own fault, certainly, but recently someone else said they had heard that about our congregation. Where we have participated other members didn’t talk to us unless we initiated the conversation. Today the lay readers had a training session and several points we already felt came out from other new/more recent members, so at least our experience was validated. One of the others kept saying the church’s programs need to transition from a small church ‘mentality’ to that of a larger church, which flows over to many areas. That transition is tough, having gone through it at another church. I had not considered it before. Otherwise we are pretty much just at work or with long-time friends, so not making a lot of new ones either.

Well, I need to get some things done and quit sitting!

Gail, metro ATL

Checking in. I fell off the wagon yesterday. We had the grandchildren for a few hours while my DD and DSIL went to the movies, and I was exhausted! I sent DS to Hardee's for burgers and fries instead of cooking the meal I had planned. I had a small Diet Coke with the burger, then the next thing you know, I am grabbing a handful of DH's candy and stuffing my face. Mimi is right. It is all or nothing for a food addict. I am still under my calories for the week, but blew Saturday out of the water. I'm back on track today.

I spoke at a local senior apartment complex this morning - two services. The residents for the most part are very sweet and complimentary. I love going there. They like me because I bring them a printed order of worship to follow that has the scripture printed right on it. I am also very aware that many are hard of hearing, so I use the microphone as well as my teacher voice. I came home from there. DH and I did our 3 miles then ate a little lunch, then took a nice nap in the recliner. It has been a good day. Yesterday was good, too, with the sweet grandchildren. The only damper to the whole weekend was my binge into the candy.

Katie - I hear you on the grandchildren! I am soooooo tired.:yawn: Everything aches. I also ate a bit too much today, but not over my TDEE. It would have been ok if I had been able to do my normal amount of exercise, but 30 mins walking is not going to cut it!:noway: With me it is never sugar that tempts me. I have always been very grsteful that I have not got a sweet tooth. Even as a child I much preferred savoury tastes and my two boys were the same so it is obviously a genetic disposition. Yes, you've guessed it, it was the cheese in the fridge that called my name! First I had an oz on Ryvita, then when DH was upstairs watching the football the remaining oz sent out its siren song. It was looking so lonely just lying there in the box. And it was the most delicious, sharp and tasty strong cheddar! :embarassed:
But the real damage over TDEE was yesterday. I will delay a weigh in until Tuesday to see if I can get rid of the cheese's sodium. Back to exercising tomorrow even though I will have to do it without DH as he is going off early to a cricket match in London. I have a big food delivery between 11 and 1 and will start some of Wednesday's prep. Get the desserts done.

Anamika - great to hear from you!:flowerforyou:

Vicki - so sorry to hear of your family worries and troubles. There's always something, especially if you have a big family.:frown:

I am thinking of my DS#1 who I hope managed to get himself off to his break in Scotland. His anti depression meds weren't working too well so the doctor changed them. I just hope he summoned the energy to get away as he often cancels when he is feeling bad. I would love him to turn the corner soon.:brokenheart:

We feel really blessed to have spent the weekend with the grandchildren. My DDIL came home a bit unenthused about the hen weekend she had been on. She felt she'd spent a lot of money on something she didn't really enjoy and I know she missed the lovely baby in my profile picture. I had the priviledge og carrying her around most of the weekend and nuzzling her lovely head. What big grins she gave me! DGS had some wonderful play sessions with his "friend Johnny" - my DH. The living room was a sea. The cushions on the floor were islands with different names and DGS was pushed around in a plastic box, his boat, by DH. I'm amazed his back didn't give out - I can certainly feel mine this evening! ! ! !

I am very, very grateful for their presence in our lives.

Heather in Hampshire UK

Gmom, I wonder how many people find sugar addictive. Yours is one more experience that supports that idea.

Mimi

Hard to tell because most are in denial. I think the obesity and type 2 diabetes stats pretty much confirm what we already believe. :frown: