WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR FEBRUARY 2012

Welcome to newcomers!
Jane - You remain in my thoughts and prayers.
Sherry - If I were you? If I had at least hit close to 1200 calories, I would call it a day and go on with my life. (Probably if I was anywhere over 1000 and knew it was just going to be one day.)

The birthday list: (Remember, if you want to be included, send me a personal message, and you will be on the next time it is posted.)
And happy birthday, doobiedoo!

50+ thread Birthdays
January:
5 – csally01
6 – barmbord
13 - Qpeace
17 – grabbit97
25 – zuback55
28 - genealace
29 - ritamerlot

February:
2 – doobiedoo
7 – 2youngatheart
7 – jeqrosen
9 – AHealthierSuzyQ
15 - anotheryearolder

March:
1 – auntiebk
3 - arborsong
4 - heartrw
6 – jeanne3651
7 – DebKRN
7 - vypeters
8 – pmjsmom
8 - deb_rn
12 – glendaaus
14 – cj1234cj23
15 – joylaut
20 - spaniel60
21 – cjwil01
25 – barbiecat
30 – BirdieM
31 – wizzywig

April:
4 – Lyn54
4 - frogmama
8 – grandee47
11 – smelliott
11 – kel7298
14 - ildi59
17 - Cindyw7
22 – sceck

May:
2 – gracete
2 – janemartin02
4 – chicletgirl21
5 – Debma1010
6 - smwert
13 – lovediets
13 - jberberian
20 – mimi7grands
23 - debieanne
25 – jam0525
25 – wehavethestars
25 - sissygok
26 – vickim26
27 - rjadams
30 – msh0530

June:
3 - eotrg
4 - Caminogirl
4 - Shirley61
12 – Ldspill
13- tiarapants
23 - goldwingrider
27 - Donna56
30 - RebelRenny

July:
3 - Iojoi
7 – Lindaj07
8 – BarbieCat1
9 - yvonnemfp
20 - TeresaSavage
27 – mynyddisamrs
31 - randylevy

August:
7 – MacMadame
15 - CathiAnne
18 – bkrbabe57
24 – cherubcrnp
24 - Kckramp
27 - corqueen

September:
2 – Laura80111
14 – ItsTerriC
22 - gloriaandison

October:
3 – shiddelson
8 - djdreger
15 – Jolandolfo
21 - peepocheck
23 – rjnandjosh

November:
11 – kackie
19 - Benson
30 – SallyCC
30 – topaz2986

December:
6 – cucoyannie
24 – frogmama
30 – caharleygirl

Today totally sucked on the food and exercise front but tomorrow is another day.

Wow! I can't believe how many pages have been filled up in just a few days!

Congratulations go out to so many of you that met your January goals. Reading February goals has proved to be very interesting and has already given me some ideas for next month.

Cathy- Enjoy your visit with your son and his family

Virginia- Sorry about Smokey.

Met with my book club today. I was pretty good in the eating department there- a little popcorn,1/2 of a potato skin, and 1/2 of my strawberry salad. The book that we read last month, Crooked Letter, Crooked letter, was unusual in that every one of us liked it. Quite often there are several folks who do not care for a selection. This was one that was enjoyed by all. The other book club that I am in read "Hunger Games," and I also enjoyed that one. There were many nights when I would still be reading at 10:30 or 11 and I would have to force myself to put it down to go to sleep since I get up for work at 3:30. Not working tomorrow, so I'm still going strong tonight!

Good Morning!-- A new day! A fresh start! I'm in the kitchen assembling all I will need today so there will be no surprizes or deprivation. I feel like I'm going to war with this "thing".... Have a good day everyone!

Good Morning everyone. Hope everyone has a great day. thank goodnes its Friday.
Looking forward to weekend Anyone have any ideas for healthy snacks for Super Bowl?
I think pizza, onion rings, and wings are a little out of the questiion:laugh:

My heart goes out to the loss of your cat. I know how hard it is I lost

Welcome new members Looking forward to meeting with you.

Gotta go but am commited to stick to my calorie count today! kate

Good morning all :laugh:

It’s Friday Fun Day again and I could wear my skinny jeans to work except I forgot to put them in the dryer last night :noway: . I’ll have to wear the baggy black jeans instead.

We have our last gymnastics class with the guest teacher. I’ve really enjoyed having her because it’s fun and because I didn’t have to plan PE classes. It’s not that I mind teaching gym, it’s that I never, ever participated in any team sports as a child so I’m totally lame at coaching them. It’s OK when I have younger classes but the grade 6/7’s expect something more. I give them a killer fitness circuit once a week though! :laugh:

Spin class this afternoon, must phone and reserve my bike. :explode:

Jhoson, start one step at a time, literally. Walk for five minutes - to the end of your driveway, around the block, twice up and down your hallway, whatever it takes. Have a drink of water. :drinker: Do it again tomorrow.

Scompton, Sarah. You never totally suck, I know you.:flowerforyou: You’re making great changes in your life. Keep it up!

Frogmama: Please keep me posted on what your book club is reading. My son & older students loved Hunger Games, I gave a copy to my nephew for Christmas and sister says he’s addicted to the series. I’ll be looking for Crooked Letter in my library.

:happy:

Hasta pronto,

Nancy

Good morning all. Colonoscopy later today, just finishing up my yucky laxative solution. Can't wait to get back to normal eating,

Good morning, everyone! I'm new here, but have been looking for a consistent source of support on MFP for some time. This looks like an amazing, active group, and I hope to get to know you and give as well as get some motivation and support. I'll start by sharing my story and goals.

I had no problems with my weight through high school and college, but began to put on some pounds during the four years that I worked full time and went to law school at night. When I got out of school in 1982, I dropped the weight almost instantly and absolutely effortlessly. Then came marriage, two kids, continued full-time litigation practice, virtually no time to myself, and the weight crept up a pound or two a year. Nothing too extreme and, frankly, I was too busy to really even notice and I got comfortable in my new size 12 (I'm 5'4). Then I hit age 50, and wow, what a shock! My weight climbed steadily and noticeably. When our son started college 6 years ago, I was 168 lbs and in a size 14. That was enough to move me into action. I worked with a dietician and got back to 147 lbs when she relocated and I felt comfortable that I could keep on losing without support. I did hold steady, more or less, for the past several years. I hovered between 150 and 155 lbs, and dabbled with diets and exercise, but never tackled the lifestyle changes that I need to get back to where I should be. Every new year I made the same resolution, and every December I found myself in exactly the same place. What's that definition of insanity? Doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result? That's been my story.

Fast forward. My husband and I took a dream trip to Italy in October. Usually when we travel we walk our feet off, which generally compensates for the excesses in food and drink. This time I stumbled and broke my ankle just days into the nearly 3-week trip (I didn't learn it was broken until I got home). Instead of walking, I spent a lot of time sitting, riding, and watching, but I didn't curb the indulgences in pasta, red wine, and other amazing Italian delights. When I got home I was over 160 lbs, and since my activity was severely limited for the next 2 months while my ankle healed, I got to nearly 165 lbs -- a shocking number that I thought I would never see again. Man, how depressing!

So I made a resolution this January to seriously change my life. Regular exercise, clean eating, and (my biggest challlenge), moderate alcohol (a major stress reliever). My best weight is between 125 to 130 lbs, so I've got close to 40 lbs to lose. More important, I want to get rid of my frumpy clothes, get my waist measurement to be less than my chest measurement, get out of my DD bras, and regain my energy and sense of self esteem. I've really been in a down place these past several years, and I intend to turn that around.

My first challenge is my daughter's graduation at the end of April, with a degree in dietetics and nutrition! I will NOT be the fat parent watching that class graduate (I still cringe when I see the picture of myself the day we dropped her at Pitt 4 years ago). My second challenge is a 5-day bike trip I've registered to take with my daughter in mid-June, from Pittsburgh to D.C. I WILL be in shape to bike the whole trip (and not wimp out in the SAG van). And finally, my husband and I are attending a gathering of our boat club in Detroit in early August. One of thefriends we'll be meeting there also is a friend on MFP, so we've been challenging each other to be in great shape for the rendezvous. So those are great target dates: April, June, and August. I'm serious, I'm committed, and I can do this!

I hope I haven't bored you all to tears. Posting this is one way of stepping out, in a public forum, and stating my intentions. No more wishy washy, vague and uncertain goals. I know what I want. I know I can get it. I'd like to be accountable. I've read all your posts from this month and have so much in common with so many of you. I'm going to get active and look forward to getting to know you. It's a big overwhelming right now, but consider this a dip of my toe into the waters.

And to Virginia, let me just add my sympathy for your loss. The pain of losing a pet is nearly unbearable.

Thanks, all, for listening.

Eileen

Hello everyone,

I can't believe we hit 3 sections last month and we are on page 6 already.

January was OK for me. I lost .5 of a pound, but it was enough to put me back under 150, so that is good. I started doing GutNBut again. GutNBut is a nickname for a series of core strength exercises a doctor gave my DD two years ago after major hip surgery. I found a work walking buddy who is not afraid of the wind and/or a light rain.

Not sure on goals as I am really focusing on one day at a time. Well, I guess that is my goal.

Jeannie

Eileen - Welcome! I feel that I already know you. Come back often; we love to chat!

To whoever is looking for Super Bowl recipes:
I went to my favorite go to recipe site, put in a search for appetizers, and narrowed the search to low fat and low carb. Here is the link if you want to give it a look-see: http://www.tasteofhome.com/SiteSearch/FacetSearchResults.aspx?search=appetizers&st=2&vw=1&page=1&rs=10&fc=Low+Fat+Recipes&sort=0&fc=Low+Carb+Recipes&omni=initial
Obviously, you would still have to eat in moderation and probably do some exercise that day (maybe jog 5 minutes whenever cheering for your team?), but perhaps it would give you something to choose from. Hope it helps! I don't take the Food Network magazine, but I hear that this month featured light Super Bowl recipes. I did a search online, but couldn't really find anything. Maybe you can pick one up at the store.

Better get back to supervising my Algebra student taking a test. Later! Mary

Maureen - you posted while I was writing this - welcome to you also!

Furnace is working, DBF is phoning - he is being sent for a geriatric referral to see if they can solve his on-going continuing problems with insomnia and pain, so I guess all is right with my world for the time being.

Virginia - so sorry to hear about Smokey. The only time I ever remember my brother crying (I was about 12) was when he had to take our (his) dog to the vet and have him put down.

Jhosan - I was going to recommend starting slowly and Nancy posted the same advice. Your goal is to lose 1 lb. More than that is too enormous to think about. Find a large potato and that is what you are working at getting rid of A whole bag of potatoes is just too much to imagine. And, when that pound is gone you can start on the next one. Start your exercise slowly and build up gradually. 5 repeats of an exercise for 3 or 4 days and then make it 6.

Eileen - welcome to the group - your plan looks like it has good goals.

Maureen - welcome

Welcome to anyone else I've missed.

Didn't have the best of eating choices yesterday, and I was way over on calories so I'm being much more conscious of what is going in my mouth today. Working my version of the Wendie (sp) plan.

Good morning all - not a lot of time these past few days but did want to pop in and say hi.... :bigsmile: HI :bigsmile:

Barbie - 100 squats in 100 days - that sounds like a challenge I could do :drinker: thanks and I too told my hubby probably 20 years ago - NO CHOCOLATES for Valentines - instead he usually leaves me a little note on my purse in the morning

Meg - good for you for getting the teadmill out - I had to get my husband to stop hanging his uniform shirts on mine and he laughed at me saying 'why? somebody should use it" so now I too am using it 3 times a week minimum :drinker:

Justkate2 - what got me motivated to exercise again was taking my measurements and getting a nice surprise after one month AND I have a friend that comes over 3 times a week now to exercise with me....good luck and you'll get back on track when it's right for you - don't beat yourself up....try herbal tea when you're feeling like a snack - the hotness helps curb my cravings and the liquid fills me up so I don't snack as much between meals...

Amanda - good luck with your blood work and PLEASE if you find out the secret let us all know

genealace - Ground Hog Day - that's funny - heard two different reports of ground hogs seeing their shadow and ground hogs not seeing their shadow and they ALL SAID 6 more weeks of winter...lol...which is it supposed to be?:indifferent:

msh0530 - I love the quote - but I'm afraid if I broke any chocolate bar in any amount of pieces it would only prolong the time it took me to eat the whole thing lol...better to stay away from chocolate bars - the guys at work bring me 1 chocolate kiss a week lol and that's my limit of chocolate or I'm afraid I won't stop! :happy:

Virginia - sorry for your loss

AHealthierSuz - I too am reading Jillian's book...not too far into it yet but finding it VERY INTERESTING - can't wait to put some of her things into my plan. I bought by book at Costco for more than $4 - should have looked on E-bay p.s. I love the little cartoon - have that posted on my bulletin board at work - love it!

issyfit - good luck with your tests today :flowerforyou:

jb_2011 - mmmmm Wonton recipe looks good - will have to try for sure....

welcome to all the newbies :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou:

Great looking goals for February ladies - good luck to everybody!

Busy Busy weekend again - not sure I'll get back to chat so I hope everybody has an awesome safe and helathy weekend! :drinker:

The other book club that I am in read "Hunger Games," and I also enjoyed that one. There were many nights when I would still be reading at 10:30 or 11 and I would have to force myself to put it down to go to sleep since I get up for work at 3:30. Not working tomorrow, so I'm still going strong tonight!

Frogmama...I read that entire series as well. I learned about it from my friends 7th grade daughter who had it on their required summer reading list. I thought it was a great series, but was a bit puzzled that it was considered required for 7th graders. I guess it is just a sign of the changing times.


@Laura...I'm with you...I love being home. I'm off today as a comp day for an unexpected requirement to work one Sunday last month. I am TOTALLY convinced that I will be GREAT at retirement when the time comes...hopefully sooner rather than later

Schmogo...I am thrilled to have the treadmill back out & available. Yesterday I had nearly 13,000 steps, whereas I normally have about 7500-8000 I know that is not the only thing that contributed to it, but it sure is a nice feeling to see the pedometer steps creeping up...I'm looking for the days when I can keep up with BarbieCat...Actually...her step count motivated me!

Suz...love the cartoon...absolutely the truth!

msh530- Thanks for the SuperBowl Tips & link...we've been invited to friends...so taking some safe snacks will be my goal. Growing up in NYState all I can say is GO Giants!

Jeannie...so great to have a dedicated co-worker to walk with...a gal at work joined me this week, and I think it makes me kick things up a bit to walk with someone, as opposed to by myself.

Eileen...welcome...I'm a short-time poster, but this is a great group of ladies. My history is similar to yours. Lost 25 pounds 12 years ago...put 35 back on by 2011. How did I let that happen?

JB...your recipe looks great...I'll definitely try it. I used ground pork for the first time in a tasty healthy dish this past week, and was amazed at how flavorful it was.

issyfit...good luck...I am doing a kidney/liver cleanse today (a first experience, but it hasn't been miserable). They say it will improve many aches and pains when you flush out the toxins. Will let y'all know the result tomorrow.

RJAdams...Those M&M's sound to die for...my self-control would have been challenged I know.

Nancy....I'm really looking forward to owning some "skinny jeans"...but I think it CAN happen.

Pam...hope you get feeling back up to par...being sick is not a fun way to lose weight.

Kate... Have a splendid Friday and a stupendous weekend!

Val...surge on soldier! You've got the right attitude.

Realpure...good luck at the surgeons!

To the rest of those I missed...keep up the great work, and thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of your heartfelt support!

MEG

Good morning all. Colonoscopy later today, just finishing up my yucky laxative solution. Can't wait to get back to normal eating,

Yuck! I hate that stuff. Good luck on your test.


Groundhog's day cracks me up. The Spring Equinox is just under 7 weeks after it so they always say the Groundhog saw his shadow and there will be 6 more weeks of winter and they are never wrong!

But, even if there are 6 more weeks of winter, I predict that they will be pretty mild ones in my neck of the woods. They have been so far. This weekend it's going to be gorgeous and in the high 60s. That's my kind of winter!