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!

I have to tell you all this. In July of 06 my body fat percentage was 23.16. In April of 07 it was 21%, in March of 2010 it was 16.80%. Last year it was 12.78%. I just had it taken and I seem to recall it was something like 11.something -- I need to get a printout so I can input the figures for my knowledge. Now I haven't lost any weight. Weight is just a number on a scale. So if you don't see that number go down, don't get discouraged.

Vince got my Charter DVR today and hooked it up. It's an upgrade to the one he has, it has whole-house capability. Charter doesn't have that, but when they do, I can utilize it. There have been times when I can't get to sleep and really wished that I could have watched what was on the DVR in the living room so I wouldn't wake Vince up. Maybe someday......

Did an hour of deep water today, then food shopping, then the one bowling alley by us had a free bowl for seniors. I knew that they were going to try to get us to join their senior league, and they did. Honestly, I don't think I will. Bowled 5 or 6 games, all of them over my average (but that's not very hard to do since my average is so low) Tomorrow I'll do a Bob Harper total Body workout DVD

I have some whole ginger in the freezer, so I'm going to see how it is on the sweet potato I'm having. Guess it can't hurt! Update: fresh ginger is quite intense. Not bad at all -- just intense.

Cathy - sounds like you had a great time! Now with all that packing, you probably won't even have time to eat!

Nancy - I like your idea of plugging in your iPod when you can't sleep. Never thought of that. To me, the reason I walk backwards on the treadmill is that it gives my calves a real workout. Also, in true Michele-form, it is just one more thing that prevents me from getting bored. Always wanting to change things, that's me. It also works your glutes but I don't feel it that much. But I do feel it in my calves.

Faye - how lovely of you to give your friend and her hubby some "me" time. You are one in a million

leahhelen - you aren't one of the smallest losers. I honestly don't feel like I'm losing ANY weight, but then again, my clothes fit, I feel fine (that is, as long as I'm eating decently), so to me that's what matters most. I do the Wii body test daily, and that tells me if I'm up or down on the weight. I have been at about the same level for so long that it's getting somewhat boring. I do an "official" weigh-in once/week and I can honestly say that my weight doesn't fluctuate too much from week to week.

Eileen - welcome Sophie Elizabeth. I bet I know what the wallpaper on your computer is.....:)

One of the reasons we moved to NC was because it has a change of seasons and it may get hot, but very seldom does it get really humid.

Welcome Sharon! Good for you, not giving up!

Welcome back Barb!

Welcome to everyone else new. You've joined a wonderful group!

Tessi - I was about to suggest walking videos. Maybe even on a rebounder (very little impact). My next suggestion would be yoga, but I see Barbie already suggested them!

Here's hoping everyone has a great evening.

Michele

First - I am so glad to hear from you Barb (weaklink)! I think of you and your little mischief makers often and wonder how you are. Post once in a while to keep us updated.

Next - Happy Birthday, frogmama!

And finally (drum roll please) the birthday list! If you aren't on here and want to be when it is posted next month, send me a message with your birthday. Mary

50+ thread Birthdays
January:
5 – csally01
6 – barmbord
13 - Qpeace
17 – grabbit97
22 - celticmuse
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
8 – Cando055
12 – glendaaus
14 – cj1234cj23
15 – joylaut
20 - spaniel60
21 – cjwil01
25 – barbiecat
29 - deluda
30 – BirdieM
30 - Blissfuldrake
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
20 - fibrogirl
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
15 - brunsda
19 - Benson
30 – SallyCC
30 – topaz2986

December:
6 – cucoyannie
24 – frogmama
30 – caharleygirl

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!

Welcome. I'm turning 66 this summer. I seem to have spent my whole life traveling, which is why my online handle is jipsyjudy. I was a corporate trainer for nearly 30 years. Now I handle the back office functions for my husband's law practice, but he goes to a half dozen conferences a year, and I tag along with my office-in-a-carry-on-bag.

I think the most important thing to focus on when traveling is to eat enough protein at every meal to keep your blood sugar up and your appetite down between meals. Most snack food, reception food, coffee break food, and airline food is overloaded with carbs, fat, and sugar. It will spike your blood sugar within ten minutes and then crash it, leaving you hungry and craving more nibbles. Whenever I can when traveling, I try to eat eggs for breakfast, for the protein.

At lunch, I look for salads with protein, but when I can't get that, I order a sandwich with a side salad and throw away the bread. Sandwich fillings on top of a salad are quite delicious! At dinner I try to stay away from Italian, Mexican, and Chinese restaurants. All those yummy, carb-laden dishes are three times as tempting at the end of the day when I'm over tired and craving comfort food.

Also I eat a lot of fish (but not fried). Ounce for ounce, it's lower in calories than meat, and I don't think food scientists have yet figured out a way to give fish growth hormones or force feed them, so it's probably healthier and kinder to animals to eat fish . I know, I know, mercury is a concern. I ask my doc to test my mercury levels whenever I get a blood test, and so far, no problems. I always ask about local fish wherever I go, and if I can get it, I'll order the local fish broiled or grilled.

When you go out with co-workers or friends for drinks, order light beers and dry wines. Never mind if they tease you. It's your body, and you want to treat it right.

Finally, if you have to go to a lot of business reception-followed-by dinner thingies as I do, show up late for the reception and figure out a way to be absent during the dessert course. You can pretend to need to go out and take a phone call or use the Ladies room, and tell the person next to you that you don't want dessert.

Yesterday the scale finally showed a number below the ticker:happy: ... so if course I blew it! :explode: No mat work, no dancing not even a lunch walk, didn't log til just now and 3 count 'em 3 glasses of wine. Today I must get in a lunch walk to offset the glass of wine I'll have dropping in at a birthday party on my way to Maundy Thursday footwashing. ALMOST :noway: looking forward to Friday's SWSY, naaah.

Barbie, is choreography next on your list? My teacher choreographs some. Why don't we just dance is easy, Club Can't Handle This, not so much http://www.youtube.com/user/ceferdjr?feature=g-all-u
Cathy sounds like you may have to go back to work to get some rest :laugh:
Nancy, never thought of shopping as a justification for international travel, thanks!
Faye a tomato in April? I'm jealous!:glasses:
Laura we had an ottoman to help Robby off and on our bed, but he rolled off a time or two so we moved the mattresses to the floor. Sometimes I really struggle to get UP!
Leahhelene, ladyluch99 and all newbies, Welcome! Thanks for the "Smallest losers" tips!
Judy let me know when you take poodles to visit Barbie, I'll bring my wheaten :bigsmile:
Sarah thanks for the chicken curry recipe! (Not ready for eggplant:sick: but will keep just in case I change)
Joan speaking of recipes, willing to share your jb's yummus and jb nuts recipes?:huh:
Jen took me a Loooong time to recover from pneumonia (8 days in hospital, 3 weeks on oxygen, 5 weeks out of work then weak as a kitten for another month), but it sure cured me of smoking . Take all the time you need, relapses stink.
Barb welcome back! Was so happy to see your profile pic again! Hang in there with Soc Sec and hug the piggies:smooched: for me.
Tessi1958 when my DH and I worked different shifts I started taking dance classes in the evening. Great fun, great people and I can't boredom-eat while I'm dancing :> My knees are tricksy too, but when I do my knee stretches (from Physical Therapist and Chiropractor) they feel better. Ice and a nightly aspirin help. Started SWSY recently and the knees now even feel more reliable when dancing and haven't hurt for days.
Jane that's great news!
Michelle, omg what an accomplishment! What method are they using to take your body fat percentage?
Sherry LOL! With me its the same 5!

and now you all know what I do when I can't sleep but forgot to leave a dirty dish in the sink!

Hugs to ALL,

Barbara, the AHMOD who WILL be size 10 one day
April: get down on that mat EVERY day. Average 10K steps/day. Let it be. Really.
2012: dance more, bark less and CHECK IN!!!