tulips_and_tea Member

That is definitely not an easy job! Good for you for doing it. Kind of similar, years ago when I had my son, I cleaned houses 4 days a week and it was great for short-term: made good money and I was active all day. I didn't then have to go to the gym or workout in the evenings. Not something I would do for a long-term…

Oh, I knew it! I was going to guess Alton yesterday, but got busy at work. Sounds like him...

I prefer espresso, so I have a Moka pot. It gives me two cups, which is just right. Most of the time I just add a packet of Equal. If I want it flavored, I'll add a teaspoon of good vanilla extract and put 2 oz of either oat milk or soy milk in a little jar and shake it until foamy and pour that on top. Certainly not a…

It works for me and no, it hasn't slowed my metabolism. But, I'm not someone with "broken" hunger and appetite perceptions, as Ann mentioned applies to some people. Just like everything else, it has different meanings to different people, so maybe eating only when hungry overall doesn't work for you, but using it in…

As usual, I agree with @AnnPT77. Also, depending on what kind of travel you'll be doing, personally I like to make sure I have enough strength and stamina for it, i.e. hauling luggage, getting through airports, walking tours in new places, etc. And, travel can add water weight, so what if you lost the 4 lbs but then see…

And even if this isn't the "in" look right now, @EliseTK1 you look fantastic and have a great attitude! Thank you for sharing. Ages ago, I believed I was "pear shaped", however, consistent lifting and weight training has balanced out my body as well.

@ddsb1111 Fantastic post! I hope OP and whomever else is feeling the same way reads all the info you provided. Very helpful. And congrats on your success!

And hopefully developed a new habit that is now part of your routine and lifestyle and not a burden or obligation. Great thread!

This is good advice. Best to start slowly and build up. Since the importance of good shoes has already been addressed, I'd only add that paying close attention to your posture is important if using any kind of weighted vest or whatever. Make sure the weight is even and be careful to avoid back and/or neck strain.

Good! Female viewpoint here, but years ago I was convinced I was pear shaped and destined to be that way (just like every other female in my family that is overweight), however, after adding consistent lifting to my workouts I quickly discovered that was not the case. A good, full body weight routine may balance out your…

Sounds like you have a nice set up and variety! Whenever possible, I walk or hike outside. Indoor cardio is such a struggle for me. But, I keep a padded mat in my living room and march in place while watching TV randomly during the evenings and weekends. I also have free weights and a yoga mat. I like variety, too, so I…

Interesting user name for someone who likes wine!

On my way to work this morning.

I've always skipped breakfast, as food in the morning doesn't appeal to me, but there are occasional "off" days where I feel hungry early and then I'll be eating my lunch at 10:30 am! Doesn't happen often, but listening to your body is much more important than keeping to a strict eating schedule, in my opinion. Glad you're…

Yes it is! Not sure where you are in CO, but I had to drive I-25 both days this weekend. It was terrible! Ice cold the past two mornings, too.

I order my groceries on Walmart.com and do curbside pick up and that's where I'm able to get them.

I don't know your location, but I'm in the US and I can buy a CASE (12 cans each) of no-salt-added corn and green beans for $5 each. Or, if you can only buy canned vegetables with salt, then just rinse them first. Frozen bagged vegetables are also cheap, if you get ones with JUST vegetables. Some have flavor additives or…

There are lots of separate apps that do that, as you probably know, but instead of adding another one, if you use FitBit, their app has that option.

Sounds like you're positive and determined, so that's great! Remember, a goal without a plan is just a wish. Per the previous two posters, a plan is important, but the plan needs to be simple and easy for you to be consistent with in the long term. Hopefully you have a daily (or weekly) calorie goal set and can eat in a…

I didn't mention your cancer comment because I thought it might cause some issues, although I know you didn't intend it to. And because I had a friend who was diagnosed with breast cancer and was extremely positive that she'd beat it, but she also rejected standard Western medicine and treatments and only pursued holistic…

I agree with @kbrown1527. We all can't will ourselves to win the lottery, although it would be nice! But the power of positive thinking is immense. Mindset and attitude are SO important to the quality of our daily lives. And, yes, I also agree with OP about some people believing they have some (or any and all) illness or…

Yes! Agree 100%. This is something I pay very close attention to for myself. And, it starts young! I see young children hunched over ipads or phones and if it starts that early they will have issues much earlier in life. I'm not saying it's bad for kids to have devices! Good posture is so very important for overall health.

When I was dealing with a foot injury last year, I found a lot of "Pilates" videos on You Tube. They don't use the actual machine, of course, but they worked your whole body without ever standing up. And they were tough! I still do them.

Interesting post and if it helps you get started on a better path to health, then great! Now it's time to make a plan and start thinking and talking to your body positively.

Five questions seems reasonable to me. I seem to get bombarded by surveys and most are much longer than that. I don't do most of them.

Oh goodness! You have a very full plate. I can somewhat relate, but I only had one baby/toddler every weekend for almost the first two years of his life. I was exhausted just with that, since I work full-time as well. Thankfully, one of his parents got their act together and they are the caregiver now. Grandson is 2 1/2…

Uncomfortable, for sure, but necessary. If you hadn't brought it to their attention it would have continued. And how many times had it already happened. I understand the difficult situation, but I'm glad you spoke up.

Rest days are very important and you shouldn't feel guilty about them. I know you've said in that past that missing one day would start a pattern of not working out and eating poorly, so you KNOW that. Just don't even think about it. You're going to the gym tomorrow and that's that. Try to plan regular rest days though, or…

Please don't waste your energy hating yourself! Obviously, your body is capable of being physically active since you are embarking on two good challenges, so be grateful for that. Treat it well, and feed it properly and changes will come if you are honest and consistent with weighing and logging your food. There are lots…

Oh, and also, you're NOT a desperate failure! You're learning to navigate new, difficult circumstances.