50+ WOMEN FOR THE MONTH OF MAY

A bit late but here are my May goals:

Lose eight pounds.
Eat my bigger meals early in the day.
Eat more protein.
Work on building my muscles.


I have been wearing my pedometer at work. I take over 11,000 steps while there. This is about 4.3 miles. I saw the doctor yesterday. I am down 4 pounds since my last appointment.
My husband fell at work a week ago and has been on light duty since. Found out yesterday that he majorly tore his muscles, tendon, and ligaments by his shoulder blade. The doctor said that he should not be able to even lift his arm but he can and they think it is because he works our with weights. So, he has other muscles taking over for the torn ones.

Good morning,
Esther: Thanks so much for your understanding and support.

I'm very impressed and grateful to all of you who keep us all in mind and heart. It helps so much.

I weighed in this morning and I FINALLY BROKE THE PLATEAU:bigsmile: :bigsmile: I'm down 1.6 lbs from my lowest fluctuation point. It just shows that it's important to keep on plugging away even when things seems hopeless and discouraging. I think what made the difference was increasing both exercise intensity and upping calories (a little).

Good weekend to all, Diane

:flowerforyou: Morning Ladies,

I have been on this site for over a year. I guess the first year was a learning experience, paying attention to my food intake, and getting advice and support from other members who are dedicated to living the most healthiest life possible. I have met some great people that I would never have met any other way.

I have to say, Oprah and Kristie should join MFP. This is reality.

I log in my food and sometimes it’s a big reality check. But its real life, NOT some fad diet that claims there will be no work involved. Yes, this is work and sometimes extremely hard for me. But, like hard work I have received great benefits. I look healthier, I feel like moving and I cope with situations with a rational outlook. I also have learned exercise has to be in the equation. I just can’t sit and watch the world go by. I want to be part of that world. Yes, sometimes I do lose sight, but not for very long. This site has a lot to do with it. Here I can read about someone’s day and relate.

I learned that when life throws me a curve ball, and I begin to go back to my old habits, I stop, and think. Is this what I want? Do I want to go back to having a hard time breathing while I walk? :NO WAY! Do I want to have a hard time lifting my leg to get on the back of my husbands motorcycle, while my husband steadies the bike with all his might, so it won‘t tip it over? Then, have an uncomfortable ride because I’m too big for the seat. :noway: Do I want to stay in a plus size, where all the styles look like bed spreads and chair covers?:noway: Do I want to sit at a table, at a party, and watch everyone else have fun, because I’m self-conscious of my looks? :noway: Do I want to feel embarrassed, when my family has a slide show, and I look so blotted I could pop? :noway: :noway: :noway:

:noway: NO, NO, NO, I do not. It has been a slow process, but a very positive one. I am learning to deal with trauma in a more analytical manner. I have learned to think of what I am doing to myself. Curve balls happen, that is life, and I just have to deal with it.

We are all having tough times, and I can see we are working hard at focusing on what is positive about life. This support is phenomenal. The food log has to be the best. I have so many journals of my food intake through out my life, and it does work. This site makes is so much easier. Plus, being able to react out to others for a virtual shoulder to lean on, has to be the best therapy. It just keeps me going.:happy:

Today I got on the scale and I dropped most of the weight I had put on during a difficult time. Even though a few days ago, I aimlessly walked the grocery store wanting to eat all the junk food, I stayed focused. I bought my groceries mainly on the outer isles. I did not buy any food that would trigger me to eat all day. I stopped, thought about my goals, and then move on the best that I know how.

I read, this thread and say, wow so many have gone through so much and they are dealing with it and getting through the day. I can too!

I just love you ladies, I want to get back to my funny side again. I hope that will come next.

Kathy

I decided to update my ticker with a picture I had of our Bosco. Now I have another incentive lose enough weight so you can see his face!:bigsmile: :bigsmile:

Bosco is 2. He's a big part of our family now that the kids are grown. We basically swapped 3 children for 3 dogs. Never a dull moment.

Nancy

Good mornin' all,

I should be outside walking me (already took the dogs) since it has stopped raining here in the "Pacific Northwet" :laugh: for a few hours, but more is on the way.

I stopped to log my breakfast and caught up on the new posts since late yesterday.

Kathy, it sounds like you are getting back on track after that very stressful experience you had in your car earlier in the week. I am glad you stayed focused. Now you can feel very proud of yourself that you "hung in there." :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou:

When I first began posting on this thread, I mentioned Mai Li--the little treasure on my Avatar, with "Mr Banana" in her mouth--was on a diet and I thought we should go through the process together. Well Friday was "weigh day" for her, and unless the vet's scale has the hiccups, my little piglet girl is down .8 of a lb. since the previous Friday. I don't remember if I mentioned it, but I have found a new solution to her "I've got the hungries" barks that sometimes start a couple of hours after dinner. The answer is baby carrots--she LOVES them!! and they take some time to chew on so after a few, she has usually forgotten about carrying on her barking commentary on the state of her tummy.

I actually use them for the same purpose for myself--but have not found the need to bark and jump around in order to get them:laugh: Now THERE'S a sight to ponder...maybe the jumping around could count as extra exercise???:laugh:

I postponed the extended walk I had planned for Friday afternoon, due to conflicting information about when the impending rain would arrive. I should have gone ahead as it didn't show up 'til late evening, but since I did my shopping yesterday instead, I plan to do my extended walk today. There is a walking trail a few miles from where I live and I have never gone all the way to the end of it (about 3 miles) and back, because I always have the dogs with me, and I would NOT want to end up carrying EITHER one---never mind BOTH of them.!!!

I may respond to more of the recent posts later today, but I have to get outside while I can, since I prefer to walk, rather than "slosh" for exercise..

Before I leave, it appears, someone around here wants some carrots....coming Mai Li:laugh: :laugh:

Barb




I am deferring my weigh in til Sunday.."because." It that is cheating, so be it.

Anne,

Just came back on here and saw your post. I think the upside down thing you described is called inversion therapy. I have heard good things about it. A male friend with back issues swears by it--has a device at home that allows him to hang upside down, says it really helps him. I have no idea if it would benefit arthritis. If you are shrinking, couldn't it be from the vertebrae in your back deteriorating and causing your spinal column to be shorter, thus loss of height? That can be related to osteoporosis, but I am assuming your doctor has checked you out for that.

I have a few pains that affect me when I am going to be active, and I believe in what I call, the "precautionary ibuprofen"--I take a couple just before I start the activity, and by the time they wear off, I am already finished and managed to exercise without pain. I don't do this every day--just on days when I feel like I am more achey than usual.

Even though you are a former dog owner who become a "cat lady," I am sure you still derive enjoyment from your feline companions. I was a cat person in my younger days, but I met and married "Mr Allergy"--the nickname I gave my (former) husband, so the last cat I had spend the final four years of her life with my parents.

Losing a dog is awful. My new ticker below is a tribute to my late Shih Tzu, Dreyfus, whom I lost last year due to cancer. He was always momma's VERY sweet boy, very laid back. Pepper, the Shih Tzu I was given as a Christmas gift, is a much different personality, and I am very attached to him and Mai Li, but Dreyfus was my first dog, and will always be special.

Now I REALLY am going to head for that walk!!

Barb

Happy Saturday to all of you wonderful supportive women.
I ran around like crazy yesterday---line dance and saying “good by for a month” to all my line dance friends, taking stuff to the motorhome and putting it away, last minute shopping and errands, an hour at the dog park (the little ”naughties” were very good girls and get high marks for “plays well with others” for playing with two German Shepherds, a Doberman, and a pit bull as well as several other large dogs.

I loved reading all your goals and I’m cheering for us all to achieve them.

About ten years ago when I faced terrible situations at work, I got in the practice of putting a sticker on the wall calendar at home if my behavior was kind and principled in the face of adversity at work. It helped a lot. A few years later when I got my first pedometer, I changed to putting stickers on the calendar any day that I walked 10,000 steps or more. I still do that. I look at my calendar at lot in planning so it is encouraging to see the evidence of my working on a meaningful goal.

Barb---Before I started MFP plan I made it my goal to use all my canned and packaged foods as part of pre-planned healthy meals and to not buy any more of them ever. I have only a few things left either in cans or in the freezer and will finish them some day (but not all in the same meal). Changing from processed foods to “clean eating” is a wonderful goal. It’s been almost 20 years and five moves since I fit into size 10 or 12 clothes. It’s been pretty expensive buying new clothes but I agreed in January that I’d go to any lengths to lose weight and I’m sticking to that. I love that refrigerator sign “You here again?” Maybe I’ll make one for myself. You are amazing that you could even go to TGI Fridays. I’m not ready for restaurants, yet. You did great in your ordering.



Esther----I liked your goals so much I almost stole them for myself. We had our lawn reseeded so we have no mowing to do and because we’ll be gone for two 20+ day trips this summer we dare not plant anything that needs care so I envy you your yard work. We’re doing the same thing you are getting our motorhome ready for the trip. It’s been winterized since November so there was a lot to load just like you.


Anne---thanks for all your encouragement. Being a walker instead of a “hobbler” is an amazing accomplishment. The longest journey starts with a single step. I agree with you about Kirstie and Oprah and all that ego. Thanks for the encouragement.

Kathy---your goals are very realistic. You can do it. Do you have a planned evening snack or are you trying to go from dinner to breakfast with no eating at all? Thank you for your inspiring words about your weight loss journey. It is helpful to me to hear from someone who has been working hard at this for a long time. I need to know that a positive attitude can go on for a long time.

Diane

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I am so sorry about your son. You have made an amazing comeback from a devastating loss. What a great idea to include gardening among your goals. One of the hardest things I did when I started this journey was to decline the bagel and cream cheese that a well meaning friend brought when she picked me up to go somewhere. I had made a rule of accepting no food that was not already on my plan and I was not going to give in because I didn’t want to look silly in front of my friend. Congrats on getting past that weight plateau. How great that you persisted

Heather---getting into smaller clothes is a great incentive. I wish you the opportunity to get rid of tons of clothes in the next year. Somebody else will be glad to get them. Today is the beginning of an even better journey.

Marie---your goals are great for the upcoming good weather. Jake says that golfing is amazing exercise. He has to take a cart because of his heart but even so he gets a good workout. I hope you’re feeling better very soon. Glad you’re feeling better. It was a hard lesson for me to learn to slow down when I was sick.

Susan---congrats on your patio and garage. They’ll be great for the upcoming weather. Gardening as healthy activity sounds wonderful.

Ellen---welcome to the group. We’re glad you’re here. That’s great about your new walking energy.

Sparkyspal---welcome to the group. This is the place to be for support and encouragement. If you lost weight before then you know you can do it. Stick with this group and you’ll get into that dress and look fabulous.

Becky----you are doing great. Congrats on losing 4 pounds. All that walking will continue to chase away the pounds. Sorry to hear about your husband. Will he be a good sport about the healing process?

mnichol

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hope your energy is back soon.

Nancy---thanks for the encouraging words---how great that you have vegetables coming up already. Your Bosco is darling.

I loved reading about all your pets. While I was reading I had to stop several times to tell "the naughties" to quiet down. the neighbor's cat is outside and teasing them from a distance.

I have done almost no exercise to day except loading and organizing the motorhome. there's some festival activity at the city park where the dog park is so I dared not even try to go there. i hope they'll be gone after supper so i can take the girls and get some exercise.

I have to be gone all day tomorrow to a meeting and then we leave on our trip on Monday. I'm trying to not get frantic and just stay in the moment.

I loved what everyone wrote about goals and successes. Thank you all for allowing me to be part of your lives.

big hugs
Barbie

Welcome to the new ladies on the thread! :flowerforyou:

Haven't had time to catch up on everyone yet, but I'll do that first thing Monday.

I made history today! How's that? Today I did something I have NEVER done in my entire life! I went to a birthday party and DIDN'T eat ANY of the cake. Instead I ate fruit. :happy:

I have a great nephew who is allergic to eggs and milk, so I tried making cupcakes for him to eat at the birthday party using the egg-less, oil-less cake recipe replacing the 15 oz can of pumpkin with a can of unsweetened applesauce a french vanilla cake mix. Even hubby liked it.. He wants me to try adding frozen blueberries for Sunday breakfast muffins. I'll let you know how that turns out.

Check with you all on Monday.