WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR FEBRUARY 2105

My goal for 2015 is to get serious about what I eat. I know chapter and verse about most aspects of "good" nutrition. Frequently I ignore what I know! I have been physically active for many years--I ride a bicycle 20-30 miles, 4 or more times weekly in the spring, summer and fall. I am at the gym at least 5 days a week, and do aerobic activities for 70-90 minutes at a pretty fair intensity. My problem is that I convince myself that all this activity will allow me to eat, well, whatever I want. That philosophy has added 30 pounds to my 69 year old body!
So this is the year (before I turn 70 next January) I hope to pay strict attention to what is going in my eager mouth. I am finding that MFP is very helpful. When I know that I am going to go home and list that bag of chips (even if it was a small one, I can see those calories add up!), or those 3 (or 4) cookies someone left in the team lounge, or those three handfuls of popcorn they had in the office, or what the heck, have a candy bar, I just worked out for 90 minutes-I actually think twice about whether I really should be eating that.
When I am actually listing each and everything that goes past the lips, past the gums, lookout stomach here it comes--I find it so much easier just to put it down and leave it alone. In the past three weeks, with the use of listing EVERYTHING, I am getting a much clearer picture of why those pounds have crept up on me. I am passing on so many of the casual eating bits and bites that I have indulged in for so long.
My husband and I are planning a trip to Arkansas in early June to canoe and kayak and do some hiking. My immediate goal is to be 15 pounds lighter by then.
So I'm substituting oranges, apples and grapes for Reeses Minis and corn chips. I'm having smaller portions and measuring them. I'm being faithful in working out with weights at least two times weekly, instead of my hit and miss sessions with them.
I am already finding that I can live without a sweet treat after leaving the gym. The apple on the way home will be just fine thank you.
I am eating more raw veggies (mostly at lunch) than I ever have, and leaving out the chips and candy. I've lost about 3 pounds since January 1st, so it's a good start.
I already knew that even with my extra body weight I was pretty physically fit. Now I want to be physically fit AND not overweight.
My mantra is "NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF A DETERMINED WOMAN"--and right now I am determined!!

Barbie - Thanks for the specific instructions on how to find my favorites quickly! I get it now!

You have all motivated me. In fact, I was wanting to eat some not-so-good things and came to the board to see what you all had to say!

My goals for this month are:
1. Log everything!
2. Pray and be mindful about my food, especially when confronted with temptations
3. Work out 6 times per week
4. Drink at least 64 oz of water each day.

I've been on this road before and know I can do it, which I guess actually makes it worse... but I too, am DETERMINED! Let's do it!

Thanks for the tips Barbie et al. Got it!

Happy February and Go Hawks!!!!!

I had a wonderful visit with my granddaughters last weekend and I am enjoying a casual weekend at home today. Bodi is being a cuddle boy and Ritter is being Ritter.

Have a great day all.

Robin, Bodi and Ritter
PNW

Jean from Wayne NJ. I bought a fitbit and I'm trying to keep on track. Its difficult at times. I started around Christmas which wasn't a good idea. I'm back and trying my hardest to lose weight. I'm a bank teller and don't get in to many steps during work.

Thanks for the new thread, always forget to thank u Barbie. I started February off right without trying to, there just so happened to b a long spin class today. They opened it up early just for the class attendees then closed it up and reopened it up at the usual 9am, I thought that was very cool.

To all the newcomers. Take it one day at a time, every day u challenge yourself will b your day of success.

To all the maintainers like myself. Keep on keepin on. Don't forget, when u slack off, it will creep back up on u before u know it.

Pip from tacoma wa, by seattle

yanniejannie wrote: »

Tara.........In the recipe swap group for Jan. there was a thread for free exercise workouts online; mostly on youtube.......hope that helps.
yanniejannie

Thanks so much. How do I access that thread?

Barbie: Thanks for keeping us going month after month. Which of the beautiful new hats will you be wearing today? You are so gifted.

I'm up to my elbows in cabinets, sandpaper and paint. Got the mad urge to refinish my bathroom cabinets. Good thing is it's keeping my hands so busy I can't mindlessly snack.
Gotta get back to it.

I'll be back with Feb goals soon. Stay well. We can do this!

Rori
Colorado Foothills

I seem to remember Allison was into herons. I saw this picture of a heron in local lagoon. The photographer is Doug Clement. Give him a lot of credit for taking awesome pictures.



Enjoy!
Renny