WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR MARCH 2012

Made it to our first stop without incident yesterday. It was blowing dirt when we left home and then rained on us the rest of the way. Saw 2 really bad wrecks which delayed us about an hour but still it was a good day. I wasn't able to eat completely clean but did the best I could. Ihad a grilled pork chop and a side salad for lunch. Skipped the bread, corn and potatoes and asked for a bowl of pinto beans instead. For supper my Aunt made Chicken Teriayki and spring rolls from the freezer case. Loaded with sodium but skipped the white rice and chocolate cake my two diabetic companions ended with. Didn't get a chance to walk but at least I didn't blow my calories!

Happy Friday!

It's been quite a week. My bod is hanging on tight to the excess insulation around the mid-section, a sure sign that winter isn't over yet. Yep, that's what it is, glad I've finally figured it out. Nature is protecting my backside from the cold. And you can't mess with Mother Nature. She's one tough cookie and doesn't easily give in to anyone going against her wishes. I'm planning to give her a little bit of a fight, though.

My thought for today..."What goes up, must come down". Weight loss is nowhere near as simple as gravity, wouldn't it be nice if it was? On second thought, it's actually really quite simple and can be put into 2 little words. EAT LESS. :grumble:

I missed seeing the Salad Sistas this week, they return from vacation today, right? Greens & vegs, here I come. :blushing:

Hope you all have a wonderful day full of happy stuff and good, clean food. :flowerforyou:
jb

Anyone have luck with using natural foods, supplements to prevent/reduce hotflashes? I'm getting desperate here.

First of all Welcome:flowerforyou:

I use Evening primrose, Estroven and Black Cohost as well as a Super B, these have kept the hot flashes and mood swings at bay for me. It took about 2 weeks of taking them before they kicked in, but I sure can tell when I stop any of them.:grumble:

Hope that helps.

Laura80111

:flowerforyou: TGIFriday!

Welcome to all the newbies this is a great place to be and we look forward to getting to know you:drinker:

Deirdre- Hawaii it's a fun place to visit. Now Son #1 would say visit but not live there as he was stationed there when he was in the Army and island fever (being surrounded by water) was really bad and the $$ it took for him to come to the mainland was too much for him to afford.

Kackie- You enjoy that time with the kids and I'm sure the 3 yr old will help you in that exercise department

Nancy- maybe if I'd had a math teacher like you I would have done better in math in school:blushing: as it is I have to have a calculator handy all the time

Marcelyn- :grumble: spots:grumble: hoping that they prove to be nothing:drinker:

Robin- Sorry for the job stress but I do understand...I have plenty of it here too:ohwell:

Heather- Great job on keeping the eating under control:drinker: for your first day of the trip.

****

I do so love when Fridays arrive, only have to work 1/2 day and that makes it tolerable. But (there's always a but in the way:blushing: ) then I'm not as disciplined as I need to be over the weekend....so I'm hoping this is my "good" weekend because I'd really like a serious loss next week when I weigh in.

Everyone have a good day and evening...keep drinking the water:drinker: and let's all get moving.

Laura80111

jb, you made me chuckle. Thanks, I needed that.

Connie has gone to bring Vic home from the hospital. The past few days have been really strange for me, with Vic's knee replacement and all the trips to the hospital and such. Yesterday, we snuck Vic's puppy in to see her at the hospital. I put a little coat on her that said "Certified Therapy Puppy". LOL.One day (night, actually) I blew the food, but yesterday, I kept the calories in line. Didn't exercise much, but managed to fix and tweak two computers in the house. :happy: I love troubleshooting computers. I know, I'm strange... Maybe, scratch that, TODAY I WILL EXERCISE! I need that stress reducer. And, I need to get back on track to work on my goals for March.

Hi there! I am going to be turning 5-0 on Monday, March 12th. I just joined a few weeks ago and looking to lose some of this weight by summer! I need to lose 30-40 lbs and need a kick in the "can" sometimes to get me motivated to get to that fitness center. This week I I have been great in going there everyday, but I know how easy it is to sit back and relax and not go. So, I would love to join this group and make new friends.

I have the same problem. I am 53 years old and can watch my calories, exercise and nothing happens. Its very frustrating and once in awhile I get the "oh well.....I might as well eat whatever I want and just accept the fact that I am what I am and just enjoy life". I need to lose arouond 30 lbs. I have a back and hip problem which makes it very difficult for exercise. I had a cortizone shot in my hip 2 1/2 months ago and the pain was gone. So on the treadmill I climbed. Unfortunately, the pain comes back when I walk and now I can't do it at all again. The Golden Years will be quite a challenge I can see. Any secrets out there that might help this poor woman?

I'm not sure what to suggest about the stuck scale......... because I'm right there with you. However, I can tell you a lot about pain, recovering and the dreaded cortizone shots. I broke my foot and ankle in late August. Soft tissue damage as well. (I'll never run again). I caved to 3 shots this fall and wish I had just let nature take it's course. I believe the shots caused at least 15 pound of my problem, plus the inactivity didn''t help............ Several things to try.

First off, try to get a handle on inflamation: Things that help, lots of water, stretching, ice several times a day, a diet with PLENTY of healthy fats. Round that out with vitamin B complex and Fish Oil tablets. I think the most helpful has been the vitamins. I am determined to get this weight off. I saw so many frail women when I was getting rehab. It was a real eye opener. Drugs in gereral don't help, just mask the problem. Message me any time. I can really relate. We'll get there.

I must not travel in the right circles any more as I haven't been offered Girl Scout cookies in years. My kids are older and where I work almost everyone has really young kids and/or adult kids. No kids the right age in the neighborhood either.

Which is fine by me. Because here's a dirty little secret: the cookies don't really taste that good. It's the memories associated with them that make me want them.

Hi!

Well, I guess it's Friday for most people, but for me, tomorrow is my Friday. One more day of work to go.
It has been a good week. I was able to get to the park for a walk three days this week. One thing I learned is that I need to be done walking or running by 3 o'clock. At that time, the high school kids are out of school and all of those that just got their learners permits flock to the park. The parents pull up, and then they switch drivers. The back of the park is blocked off from traffic for the winter, but the main part of the park is where drivers, walkers and bikers must share the road. I think that Kona and I jog faster than those with the learners permits drive.

I am now six weeks out of surgery and able to go back to spin class. I went yesterday and expected to be a bit sore today but I don't feel anything. I still need to wait until I can do any ab or core work.

I had a rather bad experience at the airport today. A lady came through the scanner and I had to pat her arm and her upper leg. When I went to pat her leg, I saw and felt a bulge. She told me she had a bathroom accident and it was an extra pad. By this time< I noticed a rather unpleasant odor. When I went to go around the back to pat the back of her leg, I saw that the whole seat of her pants was brown. She certainly did have an accident! I felt sorry for her, but had a hard time to stop from gagging.

Congratulations to all of you that have been had a weight loss. For those of you that haven't, hang in there. You can do it.

Hope all of you enjoy your weekend.

Lynn

Good to see everyone's posts tonight. There are many new people...welcome!!

Today was a busy day. My husband is off on Fridays and I try to have the day open so we can do both work and play. Today we went to a great market and stocked up on fresh veggies, fruits, etc.
I am going to begin cycle 2 of the 17 Day Diet...and this time, it has been interesting. It's another lesson in listening to your body. I began the first cycle 17 days ago...and right at the beginning, I got a stomach virus (my husband came home with it--he works in a nursing home) and my body was off...that went into a bad cold/sinus infection for both of us which just knocked me for a loop. I am doing better and getting back to my usual energy. My weight has returned to about where I began. I am looking forward to moving ahead to cycle 2 and getting my exercise back to what it was. Moving forward....

I put Strong Women Stay Young on reserve at the library. I have found the books we've shared here so helpful.

Have a good night!
Sally

I'm in GRAND BABY HEAVEN!!!!

Walked all over Chicago and you are right...chasing a 3 year old is WORK!!! So think any extra calories I didn't figure correctly at our nice dinner out are moslty gone *(I forgot...3 year olds do not WALK....they RUN!!!!!!!!!!!!! )

Happy Weekend and love to all of you! kackie

congrats on your new grand daughter, and enjoy them both!!!!!have fun:flowerforyou:

Plateau City

I've been out of town for awhile, visiting a place called Plateau City. It's not a bad place, really, it's fairly laid back and by no means a tourist trap. The streets aren't lined with brightly colored items for sale, or postcards. You can't find any candy or jewelry anywhere. There are no little tents or canopies set up along the roads with wares for sale or carts being tended by food vendors. I miss the aroma of corn dogs. There might be an occasional whiff of a solitary pine tree. Flowers don't bloom very often in Plateau City. I think I saw a rose blooming there last time I visited. Just one rose, dirty, dusky pink in color and not the least bit fragrant. The street lights are on at night but are rather on the dim side.

Plateau City is located up at the top of a very steep slope which takes weeks and possibly months to climb. Once you reach the top you'll find the landscape is flat and mostly barren, much like a mesa in the southwestern states. On the ground are stones and dirt. Dust storms blow the sand up into your face every so often, reminding you that you're visiting a place you're not accustomed to and one you don't want to remain in for long.

It's a place I don't really care to visit, but for some reason I've been forced into going there several times on my journey. This time seems like the longest, most drawn out of all. There's no going up, no going down. I'm stuck there. I've been looking all over for a trail leading downward towards the lower valleys which are teeming with enthusiasm and success.

One thing to consider about Plateau City is that it might be akin to the neighboring town of Maintenence. I think I'll take note of this fact and store it away for future reference. After all, there will be a future once I've left this dismal, flat patch of ground.

:bigsmile: Have a great weekend everyone, hope we all make plans to hang out with the Salad Sistas. I paid them a visit twice yesterday, they were so glad to see me.

jb

Ah, it’s Saturday. :happy: I am on the couch, looking south, and I can hear birds singing in the maple tree. Time to refill the bird feeders.

Not just Saturday, but the first day of Spring Break. I have two weeks off with DH and J’Boy. No specific plans. We'll work on the house renovation projects, do some skiing, cook some good food, keep up the workout schedule…all at my own pace. Sigh of contentment.

Division 6 classroom report: We never got to measure volume using water displacement yesterday! We got caught up in calculating % of error between estimates and actual measurements. My students were surprisingly intense and having such fun that I just went with it and we spent the whole lesson on question one.

In the afternoon they painted designs on their Hoplite (ancient Greek soldier) shields and watched the movie “Clash of the Titans”. Well, the boys watched the fighting scenes. The girls just painted and talked. The classroom is now ringed with 1-meter diameter cardboard shields decorated with terrifying paintings of medusas, gorgons, evil eyes, three headed dogs, harpies, minotaurs and one blue dolphin (she’s such a sweet girl! ).

Have I ever mentioned that I really enjoy my job?

On the fitness front, I attended a spin class, then came home and ate pizza (but righteous pizza, thin crust vegetarian with ½ the cheese) and had a beer with clamato juice. At 7:15 I was suddenly too tired to do anything, not even finish the crossword puzzle DH and I were working on. :ohwell: I went straight to bed and slept until 7:00 this morning. I think it must be the weight lifting! Gotta say I feel great today!

Blissfuldrake I am glad to read that Vic is safely home.:flowerforyou: Love the idea of a “Certified Therapy Puppy”.

Realpure – “I saw so many frail women when I was getting rehab.” Oh, I am so there with you! I am 5’1” inches tall and small boned – my wrists are about 4” around. If there’s one thing I am determined not to be it’s frail. No, no, no.:explode: I also agree that taking medication for chronic pain can do more harm than good. On the other hand, chronic pain can take a big slice out of the joy in life, so one has to find a balance. I have arthritis in my feet and manage the pain in a variety of ways but try to take as few meds as possible because I’m afraid if I can’t feel it I might do more damage.

Lynn, your work experience reminds me that not all the suffering in the airport security line-up is endured by the passengers.:grumble: Great to be back at spinning! I just discovered it and I think it’s great.

Michele, Oh church food! Not the place for fine nutrition, but a fine place for friends and fellowship. I have learned to avoid the after service tea, now I just do a walk through and say hi on my way out the door.

JB, Plateau City does not sound like a fun place to spend Spring Break, I hope you find a way down soon. :flowerforyou:

Hasta pronto,

Nancy

Hello everyone! March is half over, but hopefully I can still join you. I really need some support, so any friend request would be great. I have been on MFP for a couple of months. I had a good start and have now come to a stand still. I am feeling a bit low about that. Perhaps having people I support and that support me will get me going again.

My March goals are: Walk 3 days with strength training
Dance exercise 3 days

My birthday is March 21st. Hopefully I will have less of me by then. I am looking forward to working with you guys!

Plateau City

I've been out of town for awhile, visiting a place called Plateau City. It's not a bad place, really, it's fairly laid back and by no means a tourist trap. The streets aren't lined with brightly colored items for sale, or postcards. You can't find any candy or jewelry anywhere. There are no little tents or canopies set up along the roads with wares for sale or carts being tended by food vendors. I miss the aroma of corn dogs. There might be an occasional whiff of a solitary pine tree. Flowers don't bloom very often in Plateau City. I think I saw a rose blooming there last time I visited. Just one rose, dirty, dusky pink in color and not the least bit fragrant. The street lights are on at night but are rather on the dim side.

Plateau City is located up at the top of a very steep slope which takes weeks and possibly months to climb. Once you reach the top you'll find the landscape is flat and mostly barren, much like a mesa in the southwestern states. On the ground are stones and dirt. Dust storms blow the sand up into your face every so often, reminding you that you're visiting a place you're not accustomed to and one you don't want to remain in for long.

It's a place I don't really care to visit, but for some reason I've been forced into going there several times on my journey. This time seems like the longest, most drawn out of all. There's no going up, no going down. I'm stuck there. I've been looking all over for a trail leading downward towards the lower valleys which are teeming with enthusiasm and success.

One thing to consider about Plateau City is that it might be akin to the neighboring town of Maintenence. I think I'll take note of this fact and store it away for future reference. After all, there will be a future once I've left this dismal, flat patch of ground.

:bigsmile: Have a great weekend everyone, hope we all make plans to hang out with the Salad Sistas. I paid them a visit twice yesterday, they were so glad to see me.

jb

Enjoying a quiet Saturday Morning:flowerforyou:

Jb- I'm sure that everyone on MFP at some time or another has been to both "cities" and not because we have wanted to visit there:grumble: and I know we have never packed the right luggage to get there

Kackie- I'm sure that every 3yr old needs a tee shirt that has "catch me if you can...." on the back :laugh: Glad to hear you are enjoying those grandbabies.

Lynn- I know that when my parents were alive and came to visit me and I watched them through security that my Mom was always nervous about what the security would smell when they checked her:blushing: and I'm sure that woman was equally embarresed too.

*****

Hubby has just left to take his guns target shooting giving me time alone here at home...I love being home alone after a week at work, something I don't get very much. I'm wondering if it has something to do with being an only child that I love it so much:huh:

Yesterday was our #1 Sons 35th Birthday, it seems like yesterday we were just 22:noway: and hanging out at the hospital, where oh where does the time go? I miss seeing him on a regular basis since he & his wife live in Las Vegas, but it is only a 12 hr drive away...we just have to plan when we take that trip.

So last night hubby wanted to go out to dinner and so we splurged and went to Red Lobster, I somehow managed to keep my calories in check and the scale was the same this am. I am planning on hitting the cookbooks this weekend and make somemore kitchen experiments in low fat, low calorie, high veggies and keeping my fingers crossed they are all successes that hubby likes

Everyone have a good Saturday, I'm off to test "drive" my new kettlebell exercise DVD let's all keep moving and :drinker: drink your water:drinker: it really does make a difference.

Laura80111