WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR MARCH 2017
Replies
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Heather - thanks for worrying - I wouldn't be in the right place if someone wasn't worried about me.
If it helps any, I'm using the numbers as a motivational tool, not a pass/fail.
And, because I am not a perfect person, I must admit I'm tired of my office manager saying, "I don't eat! I don't know how I gain weight!" AND she's talking about having the gastric sleeve done. Her body mass index is 38, and has to be at 40 in order to have the surgery. For comparison, my BMI when I had my surgery was 58. (If anyone wants to know what your BMI is, here's a good calculator.)
So my publisher (whose parents both had the sleeve done and are doing well) and I had a serious talk with her about how hard dealing with the aftermath of the surgery actually is. She does not exercise at all, she brings in crap food for lunch, and she eats candy all day--and says the problem is just "baby weight." Her "baby" is in kindergarten. My publisher is about 6' tall, and probably weighs in the range of 280-300 pounds. She's lost 50 pounds in the last year already, and was more than happy to jump on board with competition to lose the next 50.
That said, I really do appreciate the worry--the plan, for me, is to do what I'm supposed to be doing anyway post-gastric bypass, and concentrate on protein first, then add in fat and carbs, and exercise. Plus, unlike other times I've done this, I will NOT be driving my calories down below 1200. Right now I'm at 1500 calories a day, without eating my exercise calories back. When I stall, and I know I will, then I'll drop the amount to keep losing, but in small increments. My eventual goal is 150 pounds, which is reasonable for my height, and then I HAVE to learn to maintain. The other part is, the weight gain is hurting my knees so badly that if I let it keep going, I'll stop exercising.
I think part of the issue for me was that I started having a lot of issues with things sticking, which causes me to throw up, sometimes for hours. Instead of dropping back to my post-GB training, which was to cut meats in pencil-eraser size, never take large bites, chew everything until it's liquid, put the fork down between bites, etc., I had been eating things that do not stick--salty, crunchy carbs. I know better.
Most of all, I have to acknowledge (once more) that the surgery was on my stomach, not my head. It just won't save me from bad food choices. I made a commitment to change the way I eat for my lifetime, and for the last year, I haven't held up my side of the bargain.
Thank you - and I will be asking for maintenance tips when I get closer to where I want to be...
Love y'all,
Lisa in West Texas
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Gym this morning 20 mins each on elliptical, rower and treadmill with some HIIT on rower and treadmill (boy does that get the heartrate up)
On day 26 of Squat Challenge, only 4 more to go but will keep doing squats anyway.
HEATHER - glad you are feeling better and as usual you remind us why we are here and inspire us to keep going
Kate UK5 -
And... if anyone is wondering about the program I've worked up for myself, see below. Please note - I am NOT suggesting anyone do this. It happens to work for me, because if I get hungry, I tend to overeat. Also seems to keep my blood sugar level. If I eat anything in the morning before ten a.m., I am hungry all day. Everyone has their own rhythms.
Before 11 a.m.:- Two 16-oz cups of coffee--I use a tablespoon of non-dairy creamer in each. Total 60 calories.
- A protein bar or shake about 10 a.m. or so - 150-200 calories
- High protein lunch: Today's will be a packet of tuna mixed with two tablespoons of low-fat mayo on a crispy English muffin. About 240 calories. Note - I am not trying to restrict fat at all, but the low-fat mayonnaise helps reserve my calories for dinner, so I can have some of what my husband's eating without running over. I only use those low-fat products where I can't tell the difference. Many of them use sugar to replace the fat, so I'm careful.
- A protein bar or shake
- A reasonable dinner - I keep about 450-500 calories for dinner. Last night was two ounces of dark-meat chicken, shedded and mixed with salsa. Added a slice of cheese, two tbsp of low-fat sour cream and warmed in the microwave. Yummy.
- If I want a snack, I can have air-popped popcorn or an envelope of instant oatmeal. Some carbs before bed often help me sleep.
Exercise - five days a week. Three days of cardio - I run for a half-hour to 45 minutes (slowly, very turtle-through-peanut-butter, but still) and am on the elliptical for 30 minutes, but I break it up ten to fifteen minutes each and then swap. Burns about 600-700 calories. Two days of flexibility and strength training, which I hate, but just can't run every day without my knees breaking down. I try extra hard to walk more on those days for the calorie burn.
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Good morning ladies! Happy Thursday! I have decided to continue with my 4 30-day Challenges, that I was doing last month. By months end I am now able to do 250 squats a day, 150 crunches a day, a 3 1/2 minute plank and 150 jumping jacks. I do have to split the squats and crunches up through out the day; but it all gets done. The only challenge I am adding to is the plank challenge. I want to get to a 5 minute plank, so that is one of my fitness goals for this month. I am pretty sure I can do it by the end of the month if I add a few seconds to each day. My other fitness goal is to walk every day. I don't have a machine or gym membership, so it has to be done outside. And because I won't walk alone in the dark, it will have to be done after 6pm (it stays light now until 7ish). I just have to figure out how to fit dinner in there. I have kids in my care until 6; I could wait until after my walk to have dinner with Tim (DH) and Colin (DYS)...but eating/cooking that late in the day is not appealing to me. Ah well, I will figure it out.
Book alert- I like books about food, or books about life and food. LOL! One of the best books I have read (and re read) is Stealing Buddha's Dinner. But I am currently reading a book called Day of Honey by Annia Ciezadlo. She and her husband were writer/journalists and lived in Beirut and Baghdad in the years after the 9-11 attacks. Very interesting books that explains a lot of what was going on in those cities and countries during that time. How the locals, tried to maintain some semblance of normalcy as different political regimes were grappling for power, bombs going off in their neighborhoods and the way they used food to feel "normal". I have had to have a map nearby so I could visualize where she (the author) was living or speaking about. I have wished I had a Lebanese translator (I have used the translator on the computer to figure out words). But the food! She is very good at describing in detail the meals they cook and why they make them, what region it comes from, the herbs that are used...As I read, I thought, "Man, I wish she had put out a cookbook with this book!" WELL, she added a recipe section in the back! I am so excited!
I hope all of you who are fighting injury or illness are on the mend and moving again soon! Loving all of the pictures!
Kids beginning to arrive. Gotta fly! ttfn xoxoxoxo KJ (Kelly)
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Lisa! - So glad to hear from you! I hope your coworker appreciates the advice you have given her. I think many people go into GB thinking it is a instant fix. Every one I have ever known who has had it, will attest to how hard it is to stick with the meal plans and get into the habit of exercising regularly. I think your meal plan looks good. I love the flexibility of protein shakes. Good for you and you are one of my inspirations as a woman who is navigating work, home, and health!2
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My Feb goals were:
Mind - frugal mindset; spend my money on necessities, not frivolous items (I met with the most success here, 75% and none of the frivolous purchases were junk food related - a big victory for me. 21 of 28 days)
Body - active body; at least 15 minutes of deliberate physical activity each day (I averaged 15 minutes a day over the course of the month, because when I exercised it was for 30 minutes or more- 30% successful. 9 of 28 days)
Spirit - prayerful spirit; connect with higher power each day (I'm sad to say that I had only 50% success rate. 15 of 28 days)
Same goals for March and I hope to significantly increase those percentages!
queene in PA4 -
Lisa - Where are your fruit and vegetables? (I sound like your mother!) I know you hate veg, but it really makes sense to eat your 5 a day for gut health and to fill you up for fewer calories. Could you make tasty veg soups or shakes? Yesterday I made roasted butternut squash, onions and garlic, blended with chicken stock, half a can of tomatoes and a small tin of butter beans. Seasoned it with pomegranate syrup, which gives it a lovely tang. That did us both for two lunches.
Your shake could be a blend of fruit and veg, like cucumber, etc.
I can't imagine my life without veg. I eat hardly any simple carbs, so I fill up on veg. Luckily I love them, but with the GS you might need to find an easier way of slipping them through.
You know I love you.
Heather UK xxxxxxx1 -
Becca ~ I like to eat non-breakfast foods for breakfast. Today I had a bowl of lean beef & chicken vegetable soup and 1/2 a corn muffin. Yummy.3
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Sharon, when I changed my way of eating, I found that it was best to say nothing about it to anyone. It was amazing how defensive people got when I told them what I eat and what I don't so now I say nothing, My husband and I frequently have days of "find it and fix it" when we are each responsible for our own meals. I make sure that there are foods in the house that he likes so he has something he can fix for himself.
Barbie3 -
Checking in quickly and marking my spot
my goals for March
- not to eat too much,
- lose a pound move more
- get my income tax done
Lillian in West Central Saskatchewan
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Heather, my dear, I depend on it! And salsa is a vegetable.
My husband is very good when he cooks about making steamed broccoli, green beans or one of the few I actually will eat. By the time I get about two weeks into it, I'll eat almost anything, so there will be a serving or two at night. I do also take a multi-vitamin religiously, which I know isn't the same, but reassures me somewhat.
Love,
Lisa in West Texas3 -
Greetings Lovelies!
We had a lovely surprise visit from my sister-in-law this morning. She brought with her an enormous scrap book filled to the brim with news cuttings, photographs, letters, pamphlets, tickets, etc, which chronicled my late mother-in-law's life as a young woman during the 2nd World War. She and her two sisters and parents left Jersey in the Channel Islands just before the Germans invaded, and came to stay with relatives in Bristol. After the war she returned to Jersey before marrying my late father-in-law, and much much later having my darling hubby (the youngest of 6).
We were intrigued to read some of the letters and look at some of the priceless photographs that told us even more about this life well lived. We will scan some of the documents, before passing it on to another sister-in-law.
I'm ashamed to say that I've already forgotten my February targets - note to self: keep a copy!
March targets:
Lose 4 pounds by end of the month
Keep within calorie allowance 5 days out of 7
Walk more
Investigate aqua aerobics
It's a bright and sunny day in Bewdley today, making us all hopeful for spring!
Love love love,
Yinka in Worcestershire, UK3 -
I've caught up on your posts this morning while I wait for my car doors to thaw. Sixty-five degrees to pouring rain to freezing ice and snow have frozen the doors shut. Luckily a remote starter and religiously setting the heat and defrost to high will eventually get me in the car and off to work ... older cars and their quirks ...
I agree that it's best I don't tell others what I'm doing when changing my eating habits ... others really are intimidated by someone who wants to do what's best for themselves. Lots of naysayers out there.
Question for those who have experience with seizures ... my friend, 61, is dealing with seizures for the first time in her life. Tests are coming back normal ... no tumor, disease, etc ... but also no definitive cause. She's been told stress, lack of sleep, dehydration and low protein may be culprits. Thoughts?
Beth near Buffalo2 -
Gained 3 pounds in February. Stressful month and March isn't going to be any easier. By the end of the month things should be better. We will have had the closing on the house, stuff put in storage and begin our cross country trip if all goes as planned.
Meanwhile..... my goal for March is to not gain any more weight. Maintain or lose. That is the only health goal.
Rita from Windy CT4 -
A quick comment on telling others about our eating habits - I just rec'd an email from my baby brother (63) stating he's finally giving in to taking a statin and BP medication due to nagging from his doctor and wife .
So in typical big sister fashion I told him about cutting out the sugar and gave him some leads on books and films about it. He and his wife are both in the medical field - will be interesting to see if they investigate this or are satisfied with taking meds. She's on diabetes meds and I'm not sure what else.
Yinka, I would love to have seen that scrapbook. History means a lot more for me when reading the personal stories and see photos of people I have a link to.
Allie, that Android alternative to Dish sounds great. Saving $$ is always good. Paying for a lot of channels we don't watch...grrr , that's when we decided to toss the satellite. It's been 2 years now and their telemarketers resumed calling several times a day despite being told to stop it. Well, a few weeks ago I actually picked up the phone and I am sure their equipment burned up because of the fire I blasted at them, lol. Guess what, the calls stopped immediately.
KJ, a "Day of Honey" sounds good. I am getting so many great book suggestions from this group! Thank you!
Lisa, thank you for posting your eating plan. I think when we actually write it down like that for others to see, it reminds us of our goals and how we plan to get there.
Ok, ladies, make it the best day ever
Lanette
SW WA State
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Uuuu2
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Sharon, when I changed my way of eating, I found that it was best to say nothing about it to anyone. It was amazing how defensive people got when I told them what I eat and what I don't so now I say nothing, My husband and I frequently have days of "find it and fix it" when we are each responsible for our own meals. I make sure that there are foods in the house that he likes so he has something he can fix for himself.
Barbie
Ditto. . This is also why I have a private food diary.
Janetr okc2 -
Just peeled and chopped 3lb 2oz of carrots, celeriac and swede (rutabaga) which I am cooking together to make mash. That will be 6 portions, i. e. 3 days of mash. Two days will go in the freezer in two pots. I always try to cook stuff for more than one day. Each portions comes out around 100 calories. We will have that tonight with salmon, baked with a little spicy sauce and some snow peas. Yum for around 340 calories.
Just been out to pay in my travel insurance cheque at the post office and the girl in there, who was an unsupervised trainee, messed it up. She paid the cheque into the account it was written from, not my account. She didn't know what to do about it, so she is going to ask her manager and phone me when they've sorted it out. :sad: :sad: After all the trouble I've had getting my money back that is the last thing I need.
Love you, Heather UK xxxxxxx3 -
Greetings again Lovelies!
Heather - I think I'm gonna steal that carrots, celeriac and swede mash combo recipe from you. Never thought of freezing it - I hate peeling veg!
Commiserations on your misshap at the post office - I would have felt compelled to offer my best hard stare in response!
Lanette - we had to put the scrap book away with a promise to look at it more slowly after supper. And bravo for seeing off those pesky satellite telemarketers. That made me chuckle!
Love love love
Yinka in Worcestershire, UK1 -
Becca: I like my spinach raw in salad best. I put the frozen stuff in meatloaf and like that, too.
rebeccaabeck: Tells us about yourself. :flowerforyou:
DJ: We're very pleased that the insurance is pitching in because the raccoons caused several thousand dollars of damage. Yikes! :sick:
Sharon: I hope the doctor can figure out what is going on with your DD and put things into a better spot. :flowerforyou:
Heather: I'm so glad that you're beginning to feel better. YAY!!! I love your advice to the newbies, "Love you ladies. Remember log everything, eat to your calorie allotment plus exercise allowance, eat good food, not junk, and exercise, as vigorously as you personally can manage, six days a week. That means getting slightly out of breath." Sorry the post office clerk goofed up with your check hope they get it resolved.
Lisa: I'll give you my maintenance tips now: Log every bite and swallow and move more. That doesn't change when we reach our goal zone. (They are also my weight loss tips. ) (((HUGS)))
We have dental appointments today for regular check ups and tooth cleaning. Our dentist has been undergoing cancer treatment. I hope he is doing better at this point. The office made previous appointments for us but those were cancelled when we had snow. His brothers are also dentists and they were coming to his practice to help out with the backlog. I don't know who will be there today.
Katla in beautiful NW Oregon
"The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another." - William James
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