WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR APRIL 2012

I'm back at it again - done running all over the SE and ready to get back to the gym and proper eating.

My last trip this month was dual purpose - to visit with a long time friend and help her care for her two severely autistic grandchildren. The oldest is 13 and non-verbal. The other is 12 and is mentally and academically about kindergarten level. Mom and Dad were finally convinced that they needed some "just us" time. They hadn't had a weekend alone together for 10 years and finally took last weekend off just for themselves. They work so long and hard for those kids with so very little to show for it; it makes your heart just ache.

Anyway - I'm back at it and really need to focus. I have gotten sloppy lately and it just won't do. My purpose was to get healthy and I'm being careless. My joints will thank me, if I get back on track. I really think when I eat as clean as possible my sinus problems are relieved as well.

Monday I bought 7 flats of strawberries on my way home and yesterday I made 48 1/2 pints of freezer jam for DS and his family and for DH. I will be eating the sliced no sugar frozen berries. Add some coconut milk to the frozen berries and it's like strawberry ice cream - well almost!

Laundry, garden and cleaning are waiting for me, so have a great day everyone!

Oh - BTW, my grape sized tomato is now a tennis ball. I can hardly wait!

Faye

:flowerforyou: Hump day Wednesday,

Cathy- welcome home, I'm sure those sites were something to behold. Hope that you are able to get the date changed for the condo...moving what a task:noway:

Jane-glad to hear that your PT is going well and you are truly on the road to recovery:flowerforyou:

Elle- when I wake in the middle of the night I put my book light on my book and start reading...I just hate tossing and turning:grumble: I feel like I should be doing something if I can't sleep.

jb- Rugby sounds like he has the best dog life Yesterday hubby built three steps up to our bed with carpet because Peanut has started having trouble jumping up on it, I will say it's pretty high, even I have steps to get into it :blushing: but for some reason Peanut won't use my steps. We did the doggie treat thing to get him to use the steps and it looks like it will be a solution, although I did hear hubby in the night telling Peanut to use the steps...it may take a few nights

I got an email from the Realtor that I have Mom and Dad's house listed with and she has three people really interested...I just wish they would be so interested they would buy it...that would make me soooo happy:happy:

Hubby was up early this morning as he got a notice yesterday that his Federal unemployment has run out, but he qualifies for the state unemployment...so he was going to try and get them on the phone since the letter said to call, so so much of the time you just don't get through and it is a waste of hours of time sitting in a phone queue:grumble:

This week (and I know it's only been two full days) has been tough for me to get my exercise in. Monday I only had time for my kettlebell and yesterday nothing:sad: had too many errands to do after work, hoping tonight is better.

I did show a .8 loss from last week:bigsmile: but once again I am being greedy and wanted about .4 more and I'm blaming it on the fact that I didn't get good exercise in Monday or Tuesday:grumble: ...so tonight I will get it in.

About drinking water...I get about 60 oz in a day in addition to my two cups of coffee (16oz) and my two cups of green tea (16oz). I drink 16.9 oz of water with my breakfast and another with my lunch then for dinner I have anywhere from 16 to 24 oz. I used to hardly drink anything at all but have decided it's the best thing to flush out the fat

Must get going. Everyone have a wonderful day. Move your body, log that food and drink your water:drinker:

Laura80111

Bump!

Thanks for the welcome home.

Last night I developed ALL the side effects of the acid inhibitor I have been taking for the last week or so, including racing heartbeat. Being one who rarely takes ANY medication at all, today I have stopped taking it, doubled my water intake and have put myself on the BRAT diet plus Pediaylte. I'm feeling more like myself already! Down side is I just don't have the energy I need to exercise or even work on the long list of Spring cleaning things I want/need to accomplish. Looks like today has turned in to a pajama day. At least I got my pantry restocked yesterday....

Happy Wednesday to all! Short work week for me as we are off for Good Friday, which makes me very happy! I intend to treat tomorrow like Friday.

I keep forgetting to post the birthday list in the evening (sorry) so you still have a chance to message me your birthday if you want to be included. See you all soon! Mary

Suz: Yes, your trip sounds great! How long did all that driving take you? I am sorry about your tummy troubles though and hope that you are feeling like your old self SOON. One PJ day is good for the soul:happy:
Kackie

We only drove about 6 hours on any given day. My trip meter said 4466 miles and 97 hours, 47 min of actual driving.

Just realized today was Moma's birthday. She would have been 95.... this makes the 5th one she's celebrated in Heaven, pain-free and breathing easily.

Greetings All

Oh my God, what a chatty group we have here. It's April 4th and we have 5 pages!!!! I can't possibly answer everyone but I will try to answer some of the points. Welcome to all the newcomers, you have found a very inspirational group. I think that weight lifting is the best. I haven't read the Strong Women Stay Young (SWSY) book but I am following New Rules for Weight Lifting for Women (NRFWLFW) All you new comers, I, too, struggle with all the acronyms people use. I think we should have an acronym link for this group, or, just feel free to ask.....I certainly have.

On a personal front, my new Principal told me today she couldn't understand how I stayed so thin (THIN!!!!!) given that I teach Foods and work with food all the time. She has gained 7 pounds since she started at our school on February 2nd so I am feeling really happy. On Monday, someone commented on my sculpted arms (my goal is to have Michelle Obama arms) and I can only put that down to my weight training. Another friend dropped by some Portuguese Easter bread today and commented on my weight loss as well. Today I reached 13 pounds lost since restarting seriously on this weight loss goal. I only have 11 pounds to go for my goal. Unfortunately, the sweet bread is going to have to go, (and she makes really the best I've ever had)I will take it to school tomorrow. It's sugar and white flour....all delicious but not allowed right now.

A number of you are following specific "diets"....no carb, high protein, very restrictive in one way or another., I wouldn't encourage those. My weight loss has been slow, and I have blown my own on more than one occasion, but a balanced diet is the way to go. We need carbs, whole grains, veggies (even the starchy ones) and we also need treats every once and a while or we will fail.

I had to pick up my bike yesterday from its yearly tune up so decided that I would do a 1 minute jog, 2 minute walk to the bike store. It reaffirmed my belief that I was not made to run...my back was killing me afterwards and I won't be doing that again, any time soon! However, I love biking and the weather has been great so I am replacing my X country skiing with that......the fresh air is so much more fun than the gym and the stationary bike and I saw hawks and swans nesting, and all sorts of people out on the trail. It made my heart happy and full to see everyone and everything enjoying out early early spring.

Requests for recipes:

Spicy Eggplant

Raw - Chinese Eggplant, 700 g
Oil - Vegetable, canola, 2 tbsp 248
Generic - Chili Bean Paste, 3 tbsp
Garlic - Raw, 6 cloves
Ginger root - Raw, 3 tsp
Onions - Raw, 1 cup, chopped
Spicy Peanut Satay Sauce, 3 TBSP ( 30 ml)

Saute eggplant, garlic and onions until lightly browned then add a spicy bean paste or black bean paste and sambal oelek (or other asian chili paste) and peanut sauce and cook, covered, until eggplant is very soft. I worked this out to 4 large servings at 167 calories per serving. This dish has a zing but it is filling.

Chicken Curry
Boneless Skinless Chicken, 24 oz , cut into mouth sized cubes (you could also use thighs which are higher in fat but more flavourful.
Vegetable, canola, 3 tbsp
Curry Powder, 3 tbs, your milaege may vary
1 c. raw grated carrot
2 T. flour
1 cup grated apple
Soup - Stock, chicken, home-prepared, 2.5 cup (or water and a bouillon cube, sodium may vary)
1 lb. peeled potato (I used baby potatoes)
Ginger: Fresh, Raw, 3 tsp (2g)
Garlic - Raw, 3 cloves
1 medion onion, medium dice

Heat oil in pan and add onion, ginger, garlic and chicken cut in cubes, garlic and ginger and saute until chicken is white or slightly browned. Add curry powder and cook until fragrant(at least a minute). Add flour and stir and cook one minute on medium heat, add the stock and stir until it hits simmer then add potatoes, carrot and apple (if desired). Reduce heat and simmer until potato is soft. You may want to add more liquid. I kind of like it soupy because it seems like I'm eating more but you might want it thicker. Check for seasoning (salt will probably be needed if you are like me)

Very flavourful and filling.

395 calories per serving

I have a 4 day weekend coming up, so excited!! Going to see Warhorse, on Saturday, in Toronto ( the play) and then Easter dinner with my niece on Sunday. Yoga and workouts in there too. I am so happy that sping is here!

Goals for April:

Stay on my workout track of 6 days a week
Do something social and healthy once a week
Strength training 3 times a week
Stay positive every day this month.

Good luck to all and may you all fulfill your goals

regards

Sarah

You are all so very inspiring. Cant remember everyone's names yet but thanks for spicy eggplant recipe, thanks for slow weight loss tips, thanks for sharing. I have enjoyed reading all your posts as I have no choice but to take it easy as I deal with pneumonia. Some days I feel so well could take on the world but have been warned not too. Today I am very tired and have no choice but too rest. I am taking my vitamins and getting plenty of rest and another course of antibiotics which I'm not so happy about I prefer natural remedies. So if anyone out there has suggestions please met me know. I know it probably has to run it's course but I am hoping to come out of this with some vitality.
May you all have a beautiful Thursday a beautiful autumn day here in Sydney, Australia.

I keep water by my bed. I drink at least 2 glasses during the night. I sleep pretty well but often wake up thirsty at some point in the night and reach for my water bottle, Having it there sure helps my sleep. Usually, if\\
I don't have to get up, but if I have to get up to pee, I drink a glass.

been on MFP for one month - lost 8 lbs. Thought my MD was crazy when she said 1100 - 1200 calories for someone my age. MFP has made it not nearly as hard as I thought. Travel for work so April goals are to lose at least 5 pounds, make time for exercise on the road, be aware of calories when eating on the road (look up stuff before you eat) - make better choices and don't beat myself up when I discover I should have chosen differently. Travelling for work definitely provides a challenge but I can do it!! Would love tips from women over 50 who travel for work!