WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR JULY2015

Since my depression reared its ugly head, I had not done much more than the bare essentials this past week. Well, yesterday at physical therapy it showed. My therapist always has me start off on the NuStep, five minutes at hardness level 8, since he wants me to build muscle without using the joints too much. I could barely do it and could barely stand afterwards! THAT should help motivate me to get moving again!

grandmallie wrote: »

Good Morning my friends~
slept pretty well, but up at 2:30 on my unpaid day off mind you.. and alot of stuff to do today...have a load of laundry in the wash.. have to grocery shop, going to check the davita website for recipes for myself.... have to stop at Lowes again.... call the boneheads at designer appliances to see if I can get my money back.. there is no serial number on the range hood we had installed and took out again. so will have to have a go around with that..
then both dogs to the vet,one for annual check up,one for rabies shot I think and poor Homer I think has an ear infection he keeps shaking his head and trying to itch his right ear..
Pip~ you and Kirby look like your having a ball.. but Holy Heaven's to Betsy I couldn't justify spending that kind of money on water or drinks... but I guess that is just me I am cheap But you both deserve that and more...
well off to look at recipes ... wish me luck

@grandmallie - Ear mites will also make a dog shake his head. We always put some rubbing alcohol in our dog's ears and then squished his ear together to loosen up the mites; then take a cotton ball and clean out his ears. Mites show up as looking like 'dirty ears'. They drive a dog wild because no amount of 'scratching' relieves them. It is a monthly (sometimes 2x) to get them where they are not bothered by them. Some dogs (such as hound dogs or being in that class) are more susceptible to them because their ears hang down. But, all dogs have this issue - mites look for a nice warm spot and inside of their ears is just that. When you take your pets to the Vet; he or she can show you how to clean your pet's ears out. I don't go so far as using a Q-tip in their ears, I let the Vet do that cleaning part; but, keep them as clean as possible between visits.

I'm a newbie this is my 4th day here, just wanted to wish you all success in your journey and my goal is to keep on track with my food journal and move more, ... it's soggy and hot here in Ohio... Julie

Welcome to the newbies, this is such an amazing place to be...

Morning, all... dawn breaks in West Texas on the next seven days that are moving us back toward normal for the desert in July. The forecast last night was Warm, Warm, Sunny, Sunny, Hot, Hot, Hot! 90s today climbing into the hundreds early next week. Running early mornings is pretty much the only way for a while... I'm OK with that, leaves the rest of the day free to accomplish things--once I stop sweating, er... glowing.

Joyce/IN - Thank you for the compliment on me knowing my body and what it needs. When I decided ten years ago that I was going to risk my life to have gastric bypass, I coped with the fear and stress the only way I knew how--by researching the process and why my body does what it does with food (as in wants it all the time and then hoards every calorie). One of the things the medical establishment is finally beginning to do is to call obesity a disorder because, at some point, our brains actually change to crave food in excess of what we actually need. They just haven't figured out why.

I know what broke that part of my brain--but only in retrospect. I was trying to hide my body under a fat blanket to make myself safe from my abuser... then married my now-ex-husband, who wasn't truly into women. My fat blanket gave me the excuse I needed in order to stay and be neglected and ignored for 27 years. Once my abuser died (2004), I didn't need the protection any more, so was able to get the gastric bypass (nine months later, in 2005).

But I still must deal with this brain that wants food from the moment I finish my first cup of coffee until I go to bed at night. The surgeons operated on my stomach, not on my head. I know now that I gain weight when I allow myself to stop being aware of what I'm eating--as in NOT tracking what goes in my mouth. My brain, on this particular subject is truly damaged--that's why I will usually enter my food in MFP while I'm eating it. I get why people enter ahead of time--but that would still give me permission to not be aware in the moment... so I enter in the moment.

DJ - Damit, I got tickled when it made you sad that I'm not just "picky," but missing out on veggies. It's not pickiness--I am not a child saying "that's yucky!" Think of a taste, any taste, that grossed you out or made you gag. Triple that, and you have my reaction to vegetables. I don't miss them, because to me they truly taste horrible. And I have tried ALL of them, and do pretty much once a year or so again, as I'm married to a guy who loves veggies. In order to eat them, I have to add calories like butter and cheese to them in massive amounts, and I can still taste the nastiness underneath, so why do it?

The only ones I will eat are the occasional roasted carrot, fresh mushrooms, which I love, and oddly enough, pickled beets--remember the purple, crinkle-cut things that we ate as kids? I actually crave those about once a year, but other than that, don't go looking for them. Fresh tomatoes are just little pink wagon-wheels filled with snot and seeds as far as I'm concerned, but I love tomato-based sauces with food. The worst taste to me of them all is green peppers, which is probably my husband's favorite flavor. I loved lettuce prior to the GBS, but ever since, lettuce and romaine simply get stuck, not a pleasant sensation at all... and the ticket to a couple hours of upchucking. Yet somehow, my husband still cooks for me, often separately. Must be love!

It all has to do with my reactions to bitter vs. sweet foods... I know you ladies who avoid artificial sweeteners are going to flinch on this one, but in order to make coffee palatable for me, I use seven Splenda (sucralose) packets in a 16-oz cup. And one tablespoon of powdered cream. That makes a 30-calorie cup of coffee taste exactly like it smells to my admittedly odd taste buds. From conversations I've had with others, including my husband, that amount of Splenda makes coffee taste to me like one packet would make it taste to someone else--slightly sweet. Seriously--I'm brain damaged, and I know it.

Being able to get something sweet enough for me to be able to recognize it as sweet, and do it without adding calories, has probably kept hundreds of pounds off of my frame... or you could make the argument that it continues to drive my urge for sweet tastes and I'd be better off without it. We all make choices... and at some point you decide what you can live with...

I also get a full panel of blood tests run every year to check ALL my major vitamin and mineral levels, as the surgery bypasses the part of your stomach that absorbs iron. I pass with flying colors most years, and when I don't, I add supplements to accommodate my needs--past years have seen me a bit low on iron, Vitamin A, and zinc... followups 60 days later show it corrected.

Wow, that went on forever, sorry! I do not suggest in any way that anyone walk the same path I'm walking--we are individuals, and I respect your choices, as well. The biggest and best things I do for myself:

• Know what I'm eating
• Know why I'm eating it
• If I won't eat something, I make sure I get that nutrition in some form, I don't just ignore it.
• Adjusted my diet as well as my exercise to become something sustainable.
• Remember, this is not a rehearsal--this is the rest of my life. It's not too much to ask to be able to stay in this place where I'm so happy. I matter.

Lisa in West Texas

Last nights bowling practice. Game #1 with coach (dad) on short pattern. Game #2 alone on long pattern.

Hello Ladies... Welcome to everyone new. You'll find great support and caring here.

DJ - You bet I'll do everything I can to make the birthday party. It's about 3 hours away for me. Fortunately it's only about an hour from my parents so I can hang out there for the weekend. Hope your back is better.

Carol/Peach: Advertise them as petites...I'd be thrilled to find a garage sale that had items already hemmed. I hate hemming!

Katla: Hope the mechanic gets back to you soon and that the damage is minimal.

Terri: Your hostas look great to me..are the purple thingy's part of the hosta, a different flower or a weed? I have a bunch of similar looking plants at my house that I didn't plant and I don't know if I should get rid of them or leave them because they at least add colour.

tuliplor: that desert looks amazing!

Sylvia:I'd be avoiding carrots too! Your plans for the trip are awesome.

Mary: That's a lot of work! It sure won't take you long to whip that house into shape. Pretty great calories out too!

Managed to ride my recumbent bike for 40 minutes yesterday and also went to a beginner Tai Chi class with my friend. This was her first class and she really enjoyed it. I'm going to try to go with her each week.

I'm really finding it difficult to get back into routine since my holiday. Food choices have been less than stellar for the last week or so and that has to change!

Thought for the day: “Excellence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution. It represents the wise choice of many alternatives. Choice, not chance, determines your destiny.” ~ Aristotle


Carey-Edmonton

July Goals:

1. Do menu planning for July - Increasing protein to 130g per day. Do one week at a time so that can adjust as I go.

2. Log all meals - try to pre-log to get a better handle on calories for the day

3.Plan and Do - 2 fun things every week

• W1: Family reunion - 3 days of fun and hard work
• W2: Tai Chi with friend who will start beginners and needs some company. Hot Stone Massage

4. Ride stationary bike 3 times a week for at least 30 minutes.

Lestan48 wrote: »

Could not make Citrus Ginger smoothie so made "Cough Buster"
Peach pie Delight smoothie
1/2 sweet potato
2 peaches
1 apple
1cup blueberries
Dash cinnamon
Blend everything one at a time

I threw up this morning so now shampooing dining room carpet, oh my

Lesley in Tasmaia

This looks wonderful and I like all the ingredients. Is the sweet potato raw or cooked? How about the peaches? I'm assuming everything else is raw. do you have calorie info?

Call me crazy but I love to see other people happy and succeeding .

Good Morning Ladies,

JanetM, way to go on steppin’ out! Get some rest.

Lesley, thanks for Peach smoothie recipe. That looks like it makes a lot? Sorry about your accident! Hope you are feeling okay?

Michele NC, don’t you just love to have something ready to eat when you get hungry and go to the kitchen? That makes it worth it to me to prepare ahead. Great that your shirt didn’t wrinkle. If I like something enough I’ll even iron it. Well actually I do’t do the ironing, DH does. Tee hee hee Girl, you still amaze me with your exercising! So many of you in here are very inspirational.

Becca, poor thing, it’s all the fault of the food bank. They should know better than to give you something like that and then have the nerve to hold you down and force you to eat it. So sorry. Maybe next time will be vegies? Okay, you vented, now put on your big girl panties and eat right. I’m eating right pretty much but having a hard time moving more. What a pair we are. We can and will do this!!!

Linda, I hope drinking ourselves to Bolivia doesn’t require a passport, cause I’ve been there and it was before I had one. And then I didn’t even remember too much about the trip. In fact, don’t know if any wanking was going on there or not???

Tulip, that dessert looks great. I just stay away from dessert for the most part, but that one is beautiful and healthy.

Janetr, I do stretch and warm up before doing anything. With the ice and a pain pill I was able to sleep pretty well last night. Back is better but not great, so giving consideration to a chiropractor visit. Good for you on getting motivated and exercising like you mean it!!! No one here gave you the motivation, you did that yourself with a little encouragement. Keep it up!!

Sylvia, I hope you have a wonderful time on your trip. I’m like you in that I want to come home to a clean house. And you are so right in that we need to stop and think about what our DHs do for us, when we are getting a little miffed about doing so much around the house while they sit. Like right now, I’m sitting at this computer and my DH is out in the heat and humidity mowing the yard.

Julie, welcome. You will find this a very supportive group of ladies as well as informative. I have learned so much from them. Please tell us a bit about yourself to help us get to know you. Come often and join right in.

Lori, Congrats on that 3 lb loss. I find that the more I plan ahead and prepare ahead, the easier it is to stay on track. Keep up the good work. And just move when you can. Every little bit helps.

DeeDee, isn’t it funny how you have less time after you retire? When you worked, did you go to the track to get your 5 miles in? Gosh you ladies exercise like a bunch of 20 year olds. Very impressive!!

Lisa, I think the thing that surprised me about you not liking any veggies is that they are all so different, in taste and texture. But now that I realize you are brain damaged, that explains it. If you have to put all that in coffee to drink it, why don’t you just not drink coffee? With your food restrictions (self-induced) you have done a wonderful job with your eating. Keep up the good work.

Terry, welcome. This is a great place for support and information. Come often and join in the chat.

Terri, holy mackerel, what a score!!!! Did you say that was in practice????

Mary, so you have done enough inside the house that you have moved to the yard? Wow, I’m impressed. What’s the word on closing the old house? Do you know what the holdup is?? Sending good thoughts for it to happen soon.

Carey, good job on that bike! If you just put your mind to it, you’ll be back eating right in no time. It amazes me how getting off schedule for whatever reason can then take a while to get back on track. I find that after each cruise. Good luck.

Cheri, thank you for sharing. I totally enjoyed getting to know you better. Wow, you have a lot of hobbies, which is great! I absolutely love the quilt!!!! I’ll take one any time. So happy things are improving with hubby. And good job on your eating. Keep up the good work.

to any Newbies that I missed. Come often and join in the chat. This thing works!! Please sign your post with what you want to be called. It makes it easier for us to respond to you. Also a location is great, be it specific or general. We are happy to have you join us.

As my aunt used to say, I still have a "catch in my gitalong". But it seems a bit better. It's definitely better than last night so I'll just keep moving and see if it works out.

My friends, I hope you all have a wonderful and fulfilling day.

Words I live by:
Savor. I have to slow down and savor every bite.
and
Opportunity. Each day offers new opportunities for good health and happiness if we just look for them and choose them.
I Love you,
DJ
Myrtle Beach, SC

DamitJanit wrote: »

Lisa, I think the thing that surprised me about you not liking any veggies is that they are all so different, in taste and texture. But now that I realize you are brain damaged, that explains it. If you have to put all that in coffee to drink it, why don’t you just not drink coffee? With your food restrictions (self-induced) you have done a wonderful job with your eating. Keep up the good work.

DJ-Damit - Glad your back's doing some better...I drink coffee for everyone else's protection. Actually did quit drinking it last year for almost four months, switched to hot tea, which requires about half the amount of Splenda, but still takes a tablespoon of creamer per 16 oz cup for me.

Realized I'm a much nicer person when I'm drinking coffee. . Went back to coffee.

Cheri gorgeous quilts. Thank you for sharing.

Pip your food and drink bill made me gulp. Glad you had that extra $400 to help you splurge. When we go on vacation I know I have to make peace that almost everything will be more expensive. Good for you for making the most of a once in a lifetime trip.

Lisa great self awareness. Our taste buds are geared for sweet. For whatever reason yours have become supercharged. Whatever you are doing is working for you given your results. Great job!

I am trying to get myself to go in the opposite direction. I am trying to eat more veggies. Usually the more bitter the vegetable the more antioxidants it contains. I mentioned the book Eating on the Wild Side that discusses how our food supply has been manipulated to make vegetables sweeter, so it appeals to people's sweet tooth. Fortunately for me I like bitter foods well enough, example is I drink my coffee and tea without sugar or milk. Don't get me wrong I like sweets too and I used to binge when I was younger. My goal is to have a varied high fiber diet with portion control. What I like best about this diet is how well I feel whether the scale is going up or down.

Hope everyone is having a great day!

MNMargaret

Just checking in....

Pip ~ I've always thought I wanted to go to Vegas to see the shows but if it's that expensive I know we will never do that. We are tooooooo cheap.

Sylvia ~ Guess I missed something in all these posts, but, where are you going? Just curious.

Carey ~ I'm glad to know I'm not the only short one around. I'm 5' 1" and hate shopping for clothes that fit my Pillsbury Dough Boy figure.

As to vegies vs. meat, I love both but would choose meat and starches over veggies if I could.

Carol ~ Peach

Got in 17 k steps yesterday! I'm up early this morning and already made a trip to the grocery store to stock up on salads, eggs, and fruit. Our hotel fridge is full. This way maybe just dinner on the go with friends

Dance competition has been a success and one of DD dances is a national winner and will be in the showcase Friday night. Could have gone home tonight, but oh well.

Drinking lots of water. Gonna post a picture from our balcony. Enjoy the day and be well.

Rosie

@italy10548 - what a dizzying view! I'd still like to be lower ... won't stay in a place where a fire truck's ladder can't reach. Stayed in San Antonio, Texas and had a street view overlooking the Alamo. Never figured in all the world that it would be right downtown. River walk was great, food great, some of us got on the trolley/bus and went to the marketplace - lots to see. Got this trip paid by our government for training as a Judge's secretary since my trip to Savannah, GA was cut short by loss of DH's 1st GD.

Unfortunately, we have not seen the 2nd one that his daughter had but a couple of times before she got her @$$ on her shoulders about something when Dh's mother passed away and that was 8 years ago. Their loss, not ours. Still have moments when it does bother one or the other or both of us. I'm sure that her mother's husband is a good substitute. Today is a day that it is 'bothering' me, as if you probably can't tell. We now have 4 beautiful, smart, active DGDs that are our sons' girls. Oldest one is on the Dean's List, 2nd one on Honor's Society; 2 younger ones make all "A's". Ages, 19, 14, 10, and 9. We are taking 3 (next door) of them to the beach the end of this month; and the end of next will see the other one when we visit and celebrate 2 birthdays in that month.

Painted a portrait of my DDnL's grandmother for her birthday. Now, maybe, she won't be upset that I painted my DYS's (at that time - fiancée a picture of a peacock). It's a way to show her that I don't play favorites. All I need to do is stain the lavender frame with some black paint on a turpentine soaked rag. I'm not happy with the picture I had painted of the church my son and his wife got married in on 5/9. I'm going to repaint it and make it a lot smaller (now that I have some good pictures my oldest DGD took of it) It was a beautiful, very old Episcopalian church on a plantation outside of Natchez, MS. Can't wait for the 'good' food - Louisiana Cajun-style. I will have to 'drink'' my protein shakes at breakfast and lunch, no snack and save my remaining calories for dinner.

Now watching one of my 'favorite' decorating shows: "Salvage Dawgs". Love it when they are transforming some of their 'finds' into something totally off the wall. I'd love to be a constestant on "Flea Market" flip; but, that would mean a trip to New England ... we don't have that many junkie flea markets to choose from. Usually, yearly they have a 100-mile flea market (I don't see how they don't have 100's a fender benders when they do - although it is generally going through small off the beaten track, so pulling over and walking part of it wouldn't be so bad; and then moving the car a little further down the road. DDnL went last year with her sister and mother; but, they were looking for clothes and such.

Happy Thursday ! ! !

Linda – it seems we have rain every-other time DS is supposed to have baseball. There is also a LOT of shade in that area. Plus, I bury dead rodents and cover with a bucket of water a few times a week in that garden, too.

DJ – Just keep kicking. Yes, I get lazy quite easily. I’m already trying to figure out how I can have pizza for supper tonight, because DS has basketball again, and I work 6am tomorrow, so no time to cook and little time to sleep. Kick me again, Please !

Lesley – I hope your tummy is better soon. Throwing up is yucky.

Becca – I see your rant over in the corner. Since my pity party is under it, I think it should spontaneously combust soon. Thanks for sharing.

Lisa – although I enjoy most vegetables, I understand what you are saying. I consider you lucky to be so in-tune with your body, taste buds, and needs. I’m the same way with coffee (any caffeine beverage. DH will actually say “I see Starbucks in your future”. Lol )

Oops!!! on my picture. Game #1 didn’t post. DS shot 215 and DH shot 205. DJ – unfortunately, yes, this was practice. In preparation for next week’s Junior Gold Nationals, we take DS to different bowling centers, and ask them to let him bowl on different lane conditions. This particular house is where DH has bowled league in the past, so they prepared 4 lanes, all with different oil patterns, just so DS would stay confused, and have to think about adjustments. Since I don’t bowl, that’s about all I understand about this. The real test is next week Monday – Wednesday. We will be in the Chicago area that whole time. The prize pool (scholarhip money) starts at 4-digits, so we are hoping he can be at the top of his game the whole time, or at least recover quickly if he is struggling. I can’t afford to send this kid to college, so keep your fingers crossed for that scholarship money.

Cheri – good luck with the prep for your move, and nice NSV. Lovely quilt and afghan. My desire for crafts waxes and wanes on occasion. I usually just let it happen, and when I’m ready, start the next project (or finally finish the previous).

Pip – LOVE the idea of the cabana. We got lucky enough to “use” one once, but had to move as soon as the people who reserved it showed-up. Any time I go out of town I do my best to get a massage. Using the spa (whether free or for a fee) sounds like tons of fun, too. Keep Enjoying and sharing !

Heather – Prayers that you find in your heart the exact words that your friend needs. Just acknowledging her is wonderful on your part.

Rosie – Congrats to DD and the dance competition. How lucky that you get to extend your trip. Proud that you can be proud, and prepared for the eating. That is the view from your hotel room? You are so lucky, it is beautiful ! ! !

Miriam – Yipee ! ! !

DH made it to Chicago by himself just fine this morning, except that he was in the wrong lane for a tool booth, so we will likely come home to a ticket in the mail. He is there for USBC Bronze Coach training. DS and I will meet him Saturday late-morning (after I donate blood), and we will be in the same hotel room for the entire week. Then, if DS bowls well enough to make the finals, I will have to come home for work, and DH will have to hope he can get a room for the next few days.

Now, it is time for my lunch and work-out.

Hugs for Everyone ! ! !

Terri in Milwaukee