WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR SEPTEMBER

Good Morning ladies,

I have had a very good week of clean eating and no alchohol. I travel all next week on business so I checked out all the hotels I am staying at and they all have fitness centers so instead of going up to my room with a bottle of wine, I will work out for a couple of hours.

I have been so inspired by those of you who are continually successful (Barbie, Amanda, Birdie and more) and those who slip a little but get right back up. (Mimi!!!!) I slipped so far that I am starting all over but its a big lesson I learned. I will always, always, have to stay focused. I have to live each day and I can't just wait and start or fix it tomorrow, I have to start or fix it today. Thank you for all your support.

The good news is that I am officially back under my ticker weight this morning. I will post a loss probably tomorrow. (I creeped up almost 6 pounds but refused to change the ticker )

I am really reveling in my food again. Breakfast is so good when I didn't drink too much the night before. I do miss dinner (protein shakes are keeping me on track but my inner gourmet is screaming at me) I will be spending the next couple of months trying to find the right balance between new rekindled love of exersize, moderate drinking and good food. I am such a work in progress.

Have a wonderful Saturday.

edit - oops I didn't see it post so I posted it again. sorry about that.

Good Morning ladies,

I have had a very good week of clean eating and no alchohol. I travel all next week on business so I checked out all the hotels I am staying at and they all have fitness centers so instead of going up to my room with a bottle of wine, I will work out for a couple of hours.

I have been so inspired by those of you who are continually successful (Barbie, Amanda, Birdie and more) and those who slip a little but get right back up. (Mimi!!!!) I slipped so far that I am starting all over but its a big lesson I learned. I will always, always, have to stay focused. I have to live each day and I can't just wait and start or fix it tomorrow, I have to start or fix it today. Thank you for all your support.

The good news is that I am officially back under my ticker weight this morning. I will post a loss probably tomorrow. (I creeped up almost 6 pounds but refused to change the ticker )

I am really reveling in my food again. Breakfast is so good when I didn't drink too much the night before. I do miss dinner (protein shakes are keeping me on track but my inner gourmet is screaming at me) I will be spending the next couple of months trying to find the right balance between new rekindled love of exersize, moderate drinking and good food. I am such a work in progress.

Have a wonderful Saturday.

edit - oops I didn't see it post so I posted it again. sorry about that.

good for you, you research the hotels and found that they have fitness center....that way you can keep your goal of 2 hours of exercise....

MIA-JANE
Haven`t been missing ,just been trying to recover from a terrible asthma crisis.Got the ok to walk Thurs,and slipped in the store,waiting to hear what damage I did with the fall.Had xrays yesterday and spent most of the day in the Immediate care.Dr wants to rule out any damage in the spine,pelvis and lower back.I fell on my but and was sore thurs night.Fri am I couldn`t bend or lay flat.So if you pray,please say a prayer for me,for good results.
Trying to catch up a little on the posts.Hope everyone is doing ok.
Everyone have a great sat!
I`ll try to do better with the posts,it has been like a whirlwind since we moved aug 17.Life slow down a little,trying to catch up!
Jane

hope the results are good...get better soon:flowerforyou:

Randy - about drinking water, I find that I add some of the "true lemon" to the water to give it a bit of flavor. Also, I drink a lot when I have something with red pepper in it or lots of fiber. Right now I'm munching on some roasted chickpeas. Unfortunately, you can't spot reduce, as I'm sure you know. You can try the exercise where you are lying on your side, one leg is on the floor in front of the other (knee bent facing the ceiling) and you lift the other leg. That targets the inner thigh. I usually have a 24oz bottle of water while I'm getting dressed in the morning.

Woohoo Angela! What a picture!

I am most impressed with the people who slip, admit that they slip, and get back on the bandwagon.

Did an hour of yoga today. Haven't done any pilates in a while so I'll do a DVD of that tomorrow.

jane - so sorry to read of the problems you've been having. Of course, you'll be in my prayers.

Here's hoping everyone has a great evening.

Michele

autumn,
I understand your mental pain you are going through. But you have to remember you are not the problem. Please don't let anyone tell you different. You must first think of yourself. That is when things started changing for myself.

Jane hope you start feeling better

Michele I agree with you. To me if you slip you learn from it sometimes it is so worth it.

Joyce

Barbie, I hope you enjoy the workshop again. Have fun!!!

Good morning everyone. I'm getting better I'm posting for my second day in a row. It's amazing how easy it is to fall back into old habits.

Jane I will be praying for you.

Autumn - Alcoholism is one of the hardest things to deal with. My ex was a practicing alcoholic and my life for the most part was hell until I joined Alanon and came to realize that I wasn't causing his drinking that it was his choice. There is nothing you can do to stop his drinking. Take care of yourself. Get out, get active and live your own life. I know that's alot harder than it sounds. Use this group of women as a support. You made the right choice leaving the house when you did. Take your life one day at a time.

Barbie - I know you're right I should open my diary but I'm ashamed of what I eat. I'm going to share a problem that I have that really bothers me and also affects my eating. I have no teeth. I can't chew hardly any meats which is O.K. but I also can't eat raw veggies and salads. I've never shared this before and I hope people don't think of me as silly.

I need to start exercising again and I need to find some kind of healthy food plan that doesn't require to much chewing. I really need this groups help.

My Dearest Chiclet! Are you sure that your mother isn't my mother? My mom is mean, too. It's hard to believe I turned out as "good " as I did based on the way I was raised. We've been on that merry-go-round that you've described for the past two years. God bless you and your patience. I know it isn't easy-I was slender when we moved to FL to take care of my mom, then I gained twenty pounds due to comfort eating... But it looks like your doctor totally rocks! I've had to beg the docs to tell her she can't drive, that she isn't doing what she should, etc. Hang in there and stand your ground!

Lisa Weaver
Sarasota, FL

Dear Ladies

Just to let you know that I am saying prayers for all of you - especially for those who are struggling or having a hard time lately. I'm also saying a special prayer in memory of those affected by the 9/11 tragedy.

I've had a busy weekend, running around trying to catch my tail for the most part. I had loads of big plans about what I was going to do - cleaning cupboards etc, etc, but have ended up doing other stuff and wishing I'd made time to do everything!

One thing I've noticed since I've lost weight is that I've got a really bony bottom. Years ago I had an accident and broke many bones, including my coccyx and now that there is little padding on my behind, it has become extremely painful to sit down for more than a few minutes. I find that I'm wriggling around trying to get comfy all the time. Anyway, I bought myself some padded bike shorts lately and they help somewhat, but I still find I need a cushion - not easy when I'm out and about.

With the talk of alcoholics, I thought I'd add my twopence worth. My first husband was an alcoholic - an extremely violent one at that (I carry many scars, both physical and mental from my time with him - including 2 where he stabbed me). When my eldest daughter was six weeks old he went into a facility to be 'dried out'. Well, he didn't really want to be dried out and started drinking straight away afterwards. Since then (35 years later) he has had many, many more attempts to stop drinking - including rehab, surgery and drugs. He is now in his sixties and still drinks. Still gets violent. Some people will never be 'cured'. I am grateful that I found the strength, at the age of 20, to leave him and make a life for myself and my children without him.

The one positive thing that this has taught me is that so many people have addictive personalities. Sometimes it's drink, sometimes drugs, sometimes sex, sometimes food. The most important thing is to find a balance and if you can't create a healthy balance, then cut it out of your life completely. Two years ago I decided to stop drinking alcohol. It wasn't that I had a problem with it - it was more that I looked forward to a drink at the end of the day too much. I chose not to fall into the trap and I am now a teetotaller.

It is much the same as when I decided to give up smoking. My mum was in hospital, dying of cancer (not smoking related) and I would see patients outside the hospital, wheeling their IV drip stands so that they could stand outside for a cigarette. I couldn't smoke any more - I threw away my cigarettes and lighter and will never have another cigarette. Six years have passed and I know that I am now a non-smoker.

The death of my mother also opened my eyes to the fact that I was damaging my health by being overweight. My poor mum was overweight. Ate badly. Didn't exercise. She became diabetic and had barely controlled asthma - if she had changed the way she lived she may have had a longer, healthier life. Instead she died at 69. Considering she was a highly intellectual woman, it always amazes me that she let herself lose control so much.

My ramblings bring me to the point .... I have seen bad things happen to people I cared for; I have had bad things happen to me. I am now taking back control of my life and will never again be ruled by food, alcohol, lethargy or bullies. I'm no saint - I just want the chance to live my life and if that means doing without a few things that taste nice, then so be it.

Have a good day everyone.

Love to you all.

Amanda x

:flowerforyou: Thank you ladies for your inspiring stories.

I made spaghetti yesterday and used prepared sauce. Of course it was full of sodium, and the scale did not go down. Not up either though. I also had wine in the late afternoon, which I just can't seem to leave at one glass. Weekends are tough that way. I also did not drink enough water. Taking Mimi's tip about logging anyway, I did. And I actually did better than I thought I did. Go figure.

On weekdays I have much less trouble drinking enough water and sticking with good eating habits. It is also no problem refusing a glass of wine at the end of the day, which DH so lovingly offers. I grew up in a home where no one ever consumed alcohol. And I do not need it now. But it is a social thing. Just time spent together enjoying that glass of wine. I need to find a replacement which will give me the same joy as the wine.

I am tired today as I did not sleep well last night (could it be the wine?). So I need to be extra vigilant about what I put in my mouth. Water, water, drink water.

ttyl
Rebel

Faye, I am glad your sinus infection is gone. :happy:
Rebel, this has been the first week in a long long time with no alcohol. I feel amazing. I do miss the taste but not the feeling or cals. It has helped me make good choices with food. I too have no problem with food and water during the week but the weekends bring no real routine so it gets messy.
Kackie, I too love this forum. so many wonderful ladies to share with and to vent to. I couldn't do it without you all.
corqueen, enjoy your holiday, make smart choices but don't stress about it.

To everyone else - Have a super dooper Sunday!!!!!

It is Sunday and a rather solemn day. :frown: Remembering what happened 10 years ago today just makes you shiver. During mass this morning, the priest was giving his homily and said he would stop in a few seconds to take a moment of silence…. because at that precise moment 10 years ago was the time the first plane hit the first tower. What an intense and solemn moment. My prayers to all who were personally affected ….as well as the rest of us who will never experience the confidence in security we felt before 9/11.

Welcome Litra!:flowerforyou: I started 2 years ago at 61 for many of the same reasons. My knees and back were bothering me and I knew I had to do something to improve my quality of life as it would get worse as we get older. I take Glucosamine Chondroitin and do the treadmill everyday. I do not have any more pain in my knees and am sure that taking 55 pounds off of them helps! You can do it too!!!

Connie I love the landscaping. I looked in your profile and saw the before picture. Absolutely beautiful!:flowerforyou:

Barbie, as always, thank you for your advice.:flowerforyou: I love hearing what you have to say. Those drinks that you use, you say make you feel full and then there’s the cleansing ones. All I can think of is gas and bloat or diarrhea!:noway: Do they have that kind of side effects???:huh:

Autumn that must be a difficult situation. You handled it well by getting away and having a lo cal meal! :flowerforyou: As far as the comfort food thing….to me they call it that because the moment you are eating it, it tastes good …and for a second…comforts you. They forget about the aftermath when guilt and anger sets in…..and you want to eat more!! What an awful cycle to get in. Glad you stayed cool!!!:flowerforyou:
My husband, 3 daughters and I am musicians. I have a daughter in a band, one who is a cantor at church and my husband sings in nursing homes. He used to be an opera singer and play in Country Western bands, too. Me…I’m a “Has been” singer.:laugh:

Last night my SIL invited us over for dinner and insisted we didn’t bring anything. She had this wonderful salad with about 6 different vegetables! Mmmmm But the main course was RAVIOLI!:noway: Now I don’t usually eat any sort of pasta, because quite frankly, like you Marie, it isn’t worth all those calories. So, because they were frozen, and she and I get along real well, I asked to look at the bag. 250 calories for 9. She said “No one’s counting calories tonight!!!” and laughed. My husband took the bowl of ravioli, and making fun of me started counting them as he put some on his plate! (He’s really very proud of my progress but loves to pull my leg). However, you can be sure that when I took some there were no more than 9 of them, which I tracked when I came home. :bigsmile:

Phyllis be safe…..!

Jean, good luck with the exercising!:flowerforyou:

Sally, glad you’re getting back on track!:flowerforyou:

Amanda, my tail bone kills me since I lost weight and I work in an office sitting down all day! In January I will be working 6 days a week (Tax season over here)…and I’m dreading it.:frown: Even a pillow doesn’t do much good so I try to do as much standing as I can. It’s a bummer isn’t it….no pun intended!!!:laugh:
It’s sad to hear that you had to suffer abuse at the hands of your first husband. You are a strong and courageous woman!!!:flowerforyou:

Geri have a great vacation!:flowerforyou:

Angel, Lisa, Marilyn, Natalie, Randy, Kackie, Rebel, Mimi, Robin… and everyone else, sending greetings and hope you have a good day!


BirdieM

Okay, if some of my previous post doesn't make sense...I realized that I was replying to 2 threads! It's tough to get old!!!!:embarassed:
BirdieM:embarassed:

Amanda, Thank you for your post. It was very good. Jeannie