The only downside to talking about politics is how some people are very entrenched in their opinions. Likewise with religion and possibly philosophy. Keeping an open mind isn't as easy as some believe...

Although we are a tacitly mature group, I'm willing to bet if people start talking about either of these subjects, there'll be some who will leave rather than open their minds.

Aye!

I prefer to keep things fitness and nutrition related as well as some of those personal demons we all fight regarding both of those. Grandkids are kind of fun to talk about too and sometimes personal issues that we might need encouragement or advice on enter the discussion. Controversial subjects should really just be off limits in my opinion.

There are a few other non-controversial subjects that might be of interest since we're trying to get some of those 600 "lurkers" to chime in rather than sitting back passively...

The two latest friend neighbourhood group leaders (Farback and myself) are both motorcycle fans. Perhaps there are others in the group who share that interest?

I'm interested in sustainable technologies, small living and "off the grid" stuff... electric cars & motorcycles... By no means an expert but the concepts fascinate me. Perhaps I'm not alone?

Farback wrote: »

My experience from scuba and lifting forums is that it can be very polarizing. I avoid it, particularly USA politics, where, as a Canuck, I feel I should keep my opinion to myself. We have our own issues up here, but since there's only a couple hundred of us, we work it out at the big meeting. I've said too much.

THANK YOU Farback...I just got my first belly laugh in a long time!

UncleMac...our local college has programing for agricultural sustainability. Some interesting stuff coming out.

I love you guys!! I am actually looking into getting my duel citizenship....it has nothing to do with the elections!!!!!! I have cousins who have gone through the process and we are all about the same age. Something about the "Rock" calling you home in retirement!

@nikkib0103, relapsing and restarting is almost as common as breathing... almost... If there is a solution, I'm not quite sure what it looks like...

My dietitian says the trick is to fundamentally change your relationship with food... and that ain't easy... He suggested maintaining a food diary is one of the most effective tools, hence my time at MFP.

While the comparison to an addiction might not be perfect, it might be useful. Smokers struggle to quit smoking; tobacco is not essential for life. Alcoholics and drug addicts struggle to end their dependence; alcohol and recreational drugs (legal or otherwise) are not essential for life.

We don't have a choice; we have to eat. Unlike any other pernicious habits/behaviours, you cannot quit eating... cold turkey or otherwise... feel free to insert your favourite Thanksgiving joke.

My dietitian's recommendation for me was to start having healthy snacks and to never allow myself to get hungry and certainly not ravenous. Three squares a day doesn't work for me. My habit was to skip meals. I usually (but not always) ate breakfast but I often skipped lunch and then I would have a large supper... and a snack before bed.

I still struggle to snack but I keep trying. I am slowly modifying the content of my meals. More veg, less pasta. More qualify protein, less sugar. Small portions, more homemade meals. Meanwhile, I do yoga twice per week and I workout twice per week.

This kind of incremental changes might not work for you but it's worth a try, right?

I agree with Mac Nikki. It's a fundamental change in how we see food that is the only path to anything but temporary changes. Of course what you eat is as important as how much. Whole foods, quality protein, limited whole grains, and on and on. We all know this, but it's easy to back-slide.

It seems to happen with us all, me included. I don't beat myself up, I take a zen approach, the past and future are constructs, live in the now. What will I do TODAY to improve my health.

UncleMac wrote: »

@nikkib0103, relapsing and restarting is almost as common as breathing... almost... If there is a solution, I'm not quite sure what it looks like...

This kind of incremental changes might not work for you but it's worth a try, right?

Yes, Uncle Mac, thank you. It is worth a try. I know it's supposed to work but, really, does it have to be so g-d hard? So hard to lose, so easy to regain. But I know you are right and will adopt your advice and hope for the best. I was, of course, secretly hoping for something easy. Some day...

Such insight...really impressive. None of us are really alone as long as we stay in touch.