Age 50+ - GOLDEN GIRLS - January

~GOLDEN GIRLS~

We are about Fitness and Quality of Life after 50...
We are about Fun and Friendship after 50...
We are the Golden Girls...

There is Value in us
There is Power in us
There is Wisdom in us
And Laughter....
We are a rainbow of unique wonders,
There is love in us.
(poem by Dorothy Holmes)

Tell us a little about your life, family and goals. What keeps you motivated? What is the best thing that's happened to you since you pasted the 50 mark?
Friends laugh, cry and stand by each other, we'll be that to you!

Good Morning Everyone,

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

I spent New Years Eve with my df - we did our traditional NY Eve jigsaw puzzle, had snacks, watched the ball drop in Times Square (didn't see you, Lyn), and went to bed.

I'm sending my best wishes to everyone for a Happy and Healthy 2008.

Lynn

Good Morning all, Hope this is the Happiest, Healthies year ever!!

Didn't do much last night, actually did nothing! I had to work and got home around 8. It had started snowing by then and got worse. We didn't get as much snow as we were expecting but still got several inches. That might explain why I didn't hear any noise last night. Usually we hear lots of nose and even some gun fire at midnight. I'm like Deb, it scares me that they might shoot the wrong way. By midnight most of them have had a bit too much partying!!!

We.come Debbie #2. Great group, i know you will be made welcome here. Jump in and post lots. It really does help. We have a Janurary Challenge too if you think you might want to join in. It's my first time for the challenge too, and I'm looking forward to it.

Cat, I have a brother named Beau too! The thing I said I didn't know anything about was agave nectar. What is that?

Lynn, Sounds exciting, being with that crazy croud, watching the ball drop. Something I will always just watch on TV. So,,,,how was it?

Debbie, I had to laugh when You said you had a gun permit and carried a gun. I'm from Ky. and my little old prim and proper aunts have their little guns in thier purses. Cute little pearl handled things.....you know, just in case!

I lost another pound. I am not that far from goal now. I know I should do it the "natural way" but these last few pounds are so hard to lose. I'm actually thinking about buying "Alie". I talked to a Dr. at work and he said that it was safe and it helps you lose twice as much as you regurally would. Not something you could take all the time. For one thing, it's expensive. Not sure I would pay 60 dollars for too many months for just a few extra pounds. (yes, I'm cheap). Has anyone else ever taken anything? How do you feel about it? Pros and cons?

Take care, Freda

Well...we almost made it to Times Square...got to 5th Ave and 43d street (even drove in and found a parking space), but they had all of the streets leading into Times Square blocked off with many many police officers at each intersection. They told us we had to hike up to 59th street and then we could head west...well, we walked with the crowd the 15 or so blockes and at 59th street we all tunned left and walked about a block and were stopped by the crowd. There was a huge tv screen and the best we could do was watch the ball drop on the screen. So we turned around and battled the crowd back to 5th ave and headed back to our car. Had a very expensive beer before we drove back to LI. So we had new years in the car. (Seems appropriate with all the time spent in the car over the past few days!) I guess if you really want to be in Times Square for New Years you have to go down there early in the afternoon and hang out. Well, we tried! I actually enjoyed the trip into the city despite the obstacles. Saw lots of happy joyful people in their funny hats and glasses and that was fun to be part of.

Happy New Year :woo:all my GG friends. Today my SIL is cooking us a big dinner and then we drive home tomorrow. Back to work on Thursday. I just checked the weather up in Rochester NY and it looks like snow, snow and more snow and temps in the teens. Back to reality. Back to eating sensibly too!

Lyn

Happy New Year everybody!! Here's to success in '08:carrot:

Lyn - I saw people in Times Square as early as noon, and I did hear that you have to get there that early!! I can't imagine it...

Phyllis - I have a son the same age as yours who's also still looking. And he and I are very close as well. I can't imagine moving away from him. This must be very hard for you - and him.

Freda - so close to goal. How great is that?? Pearl handles, huh?? Hmmm, I think I like that!!

Here's a confession - 2 years ago I was actually at 200lbs. For me, that was a 96 lbs loss, and I just couldn't seem to push into onederland. And now, I've put 20 of those lbs back on. On the up side, I guess it's great that it's not the whole 96. But still!! I know how I have to eat to lose and it's just so frustrating when I don't do what I know I have to. Is it too late to acquire discipline when you're pushing 60???:shrug:

Happy New Year Everyone,

We had a nice evening last night. Sara invited us over for supper ~ so we visited with them and Robert's mom and the kids for a while. Then we stayed with the kids while Sara and Robert went out for a while for new years. We watched movies and Corbin fixed pop corn, then watched the ball drop (looked for Lyn but didn't see her either). It is kind of weird being in the central time zone ~ when the ball drops in NYC it is only 11pm here. So when midnight comes here ~ there is nothing ~ it has already happened.

The 30th was my daughter Jen's birthday and she got engaged. Her boyfriend/fiance is a real nice guy ~ gentleman. He called and talked to my husband to ask permission to ask Jen to marry him. They haven't set a date yet.

Well, have to work tonight, so off to bed for a nap.

Take care everyone.

Morning everyone! Happy New Year!!!

I've been cooking up a storm since daybreak and just ducked in quickly to wave! The house smell all yummy and my youngest may also be having a friend over to add to the festivities.

Freda, agave necter is the "juice" from an agave cactus...tastes kind of like honey only kind of "lighter". It is very low on the glycemic index and can be used by people with diabetes. It's great stuff. If you can get it at your grocery store, it's by the syrups...if not, most health food stores carry it. Great stuff.

Happy New Year Everyone!

May this be our very best year yet! Just finished the black eye peas/greens/cornbread & my dh surprised me by going with me on the slowest run in history at the track.

Congratulations Gayle on Jen's engagement! I suspect you've been expecting that for a while. Nice to see there are still gentlemen avaliable for our daughters.

Didn't bother to ring in the new year. Crashed at ten & woke up to the dogs barking like crazy every time someone would set off a firecracker within a 7 mile radius. Couldn't calm them down for a while. Finally gave up to sit up until they could be quiet and long story short they fell asleep and I sat there with insomnia for the next two hours. Thanks dogs.

Freda congratulations on the loss! I really don't know enough about Alli to make any comments other than one side effect seems to affect bathroom habits. Perhaps it won't do that to you though. Good luck & let us know how that plays out for you.

I'm encouraged. After two short months of usually being almost good through the holidays, finishing a marathon, weight training under a sadist & currently training for another marathon I dropped three pounds! Perhaps I should goal to lose another three by Easter. That's realistic.

Everyone have a wonderful day & take care!

Marylynn

Hello Ladies, I hope everyone had a Happy New Year!! Tim and I celebrated both our anniversary and new years! We went to Cripple Creek and let the slots take $20 from us!! Then we had a nice dinner and was back home before it got dark. Figure that way we didn't have to worry about dodging any drinkers out on the road! We had our champagne at midnight and watched the fireworks off the top of Pikes Peak. So glad we can see them from inside our house-- the temperature was -15 degrees!!

Phyllis--- I'm so excited for you at getting the condo that you wanted. I'll send good thoughts your way that someone will be there soon to buy your place. I keep looking at homes on the internet in MO. but so far we haven't had anything definite here. I guess there are some people that are very interested in it but need to sell their place first. We got and email from our realtor that said they are having a meeting next week so hopefully something good will come of that.

Welcome Debbie! Pull up a chair and make yourself comfy... I think that you will like it here.

Freda-- congrats on another pound gone!! That is one less that you have to lose now. I'm going to have to get serious and get motivated again here too! I've heard lots of good things about the Alli. I haven't tried it but I did notice that at Wal-mart they have it for about $35. You might want to check that out.

Lyn, sounds like you had a good celebration too-- even if you didn't make it to Time Square. I like watching it on TV but don't know if I would like being there.

Debbie--- it's never too late!! I'm pushing myself this time too. I am planning to watch the Biggest Loser-Couples starting tonight and see if that motivates me more!! I'll take anything!

Gayle, glad that you had a good New Years too!! How neat to get engaged on your Birthday--- tell Jen I said Congrats!!

Cat-- I wish I loved cooking as much as you do!! Of course it wouldn't do much good since Tim is a basic meat and potatoe guy!! But somtimes I wish he were more willing to try different things.. Guess you can't teach and old dog new tricks!!;)

Marylynn, glad to hear from you! Both Ginger and Sissy were driving me crazy starting about 10:30 last night. We usually go to bed about 10:00 and they weren't happy to stay up later. They are so funny!! Have you been to myspace yet and looked at new pictures and videos of them? They are so spoiled!!

Well, guess I'd better get going and get the kitchen cleaned up so I can watch the Biggest Loser. Everybody take care and I'll chat more later.

Hello Golden Girls
It is so nice to see some of the old faces still posting. Lynn....you really have kicked butt since September.

Yes I am back, and naturally much heavier....but I am hoping to get back in the traces and doing my thing. I wish I had the magic answer to all the dieting problems, but everytime I think I know what is keeping me fat....I find that it isn't the fix that I had hoped. I am frustrated by the craving problems. Has anyone ever found a solution to that??? I can fight it for only so long before I totally go crazy....and doing so during the fall is about fatal.
If you are doing alli (sp) it would be interesting to hear about the results.

It has been so long since I posted, that I'm not sure what will show up when I log off...but the tracker is obviously wrong....maybe if I don't change it, it will give me some impetus to keep on keeping on.

On a brighter side....I do weigh less than I did last year on Jan. 1st. I am planning a cruise in November, and would like to get back down to my lowest weight before then. Also have a wedding to attend in July...so maybe I will get to that weight before then.

Happy New year all, and to all, wishing you a great weigh off!!!
Margaret

Good Morning Golden Girls, It's a lovely morning here, snow still on the ground and the trees dripping white, it looks like a winter wonder land. Reality is, it's COLD! Supposed to warm up later in the week, upper 30's. Heat wave comming through!

Lyn, Hope your drive back home went ok and you didn't hit too much snow.

Debbie, Of course it's not too late to disipline yourself when you're pushing 60. I hit that in December and it has given me more incentive. If not now, when?

Gayle, Tell you daughter "congratulations" for me. How wonderful, and you have plenty of time to lose the weight. Gotta look good in that mother of the bride dress.

Marylynn, You and your marathons are an inspiration to us all! And those 3 pounds you dropped!! Way to go girl!!! 2 more is doable and i'm sure you'll meet that goal too. And not only will you be thin, you will be buff!!!

Karen, I hope the new year brings in some new buyers and you sell your house soon. My dog does the same as yours. he gets scared and wants us with him. And I wasn't enough, he had to get Ron out of bed too. Talk about spoiled! But they all should be, it's not actually spoiled, just loved a lot.

Margaret, I'm one of the new people here and don't recognize your name. But i've done the same thing. Lost the weight and thought I could keep it off by self, only to find out that I couldn't. I'm not making that mistake this time. I'm admitting i can't do it alone and staying here for support.

No great plans today, but DH left me a todo list. I'm glad he went back to work before it got any longer. Everyone have a good day, and remember, we can't always controle what happens to us, but we can controle how we react to what happens. Freda

Hi Margaret - I'm new here, so we haven't met!! Howdy:hug:

Marylynn - I just don't know what to say. My goal is to be able to WALK, and here you are running!! It's just fantastic!!

Talk about fireworks upsetting animals...we had the most celebratory gunfire we've had in years. There were semi-automatics with 30-round clips going off. My cats were going nuts. We didn't have these kinds of problems 20 years ago!!

Hello all! Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy & healthy new year and let you know that I'm still alive and kicking (feebly).

It's been an incredible experience, this move of ours...not something I'd recommend to anybody anytime soon! My son flew in from L.A. on Dec. 20th, and spent a lot of his time refinishing the hardwood floors in the foyer, living room and dining room at the new place. They are downright gorgeous! The kids all pitched in and painted to my specifications, and we had a stackable washer & dryer installed in the kitchen broom closet so that we wouldn't have to run up and down to the basement to do laundry. All the appliances are new within the past couple of years, and the place looks wonderful.

That's the good part.

The not-so-good part was the actual moving, which was a genuine nightmare, and that's the truth! I had no idea that we owned so much stuff. Seriously. The movers came, packed all our furniture and about seventy-kazillion boxes into the truck, and we STILL had to make four or five trips over with stuff that didn't fit in the moving truck - and stuff that turned up after we thought we were finished packing! (Phyllis, trust me...you don't want to buy any furniture at all in Florida! Wait until you're in Ohio and the store can deliver it right to your condo!)

My DS's flight back to LA was at noon on Sunday - my DD3 and I drove him into Boston to Logan Airport. He made it out about eight hours ahead of a big old snowstorm. When we got back from Boston, DH & I went back to the old house to clean up - wanted to leave it nice for the new family coming in. We were there until 8PM, and when we walked out the front door (or, more accurately, LIMPED out the front door) it was a real blizzard outside.

We got back over to the new apartment, and spent New Year's eve with no TV, no internet, and no telephone (no landline; we had our cells). That's all being hooked up/installed tomorrow. Oh, No champagne, either. Oh, and no party hats or horns, either. In fact, we were both fast asleep by about 9:30. So the new year arrived without us. And we were glad of it.

Now LAST night, I had my first bubble bath in the great big, oversized clawfoot tub that's in MY bathroom (Dh's bathroom has a more conventional tub & shower...I guess you KNOW I claimed that clawfoot tub the minute we walked into the house!) I think that was the best bath I've ever had in my entire life! I had hot water up to my armpits, lounged back against a little tub pillow, and just LUXURIATED.

Well, we are officially moved in, and all the furniture is (more or less) in its designated spots, but it's pretty much obscured by boxes and bins of every size & shape, and the spare bedroom is filled with those great big wardorobe boxes. Sooner or later we'll get everything unpacked and put away, but at the moment, I'm betting on later rather than sooner.

I'm back at work today after five days off, and I swear those five days have just gone by in one big blur.

OH! I haven't eaten "on plan" since before Christmas. Just impossible what with all we've had to do. No time to cook whatsoever. So, I figured I must've gained back ten pounds, you know? Was even feeling bloated and puffy this morning, afraid to get dressed for work. But, I guess all the exercise I've been getting - bending, stretching, cleaning, etc. - has countered what I've been eating, because the suit I pulled out to wear, which I expected to fit snugly, had inches to spare! I was amazed! Talk about clouds with silver linings, eh?

Okay, can't say hello to everyone individually right now, but I will as soon as we get our computers online at home tomorrow.

Wishing you all the very best, and sending big hugs to all my wonderful Golden Girlies! :grouphug:

Z

Welcome back Zoe!! We missed you and I can hardly wait until I can be as tired as you!! Still waiting for something definte on our house but have had a couple nibbles. Anyway, Just wanted to say Happy New Year to you and we missed you!

HI GOLDEN GIRLS I have tried so many times to post and have run into computer problems - this is my third attempt today and I think I suceeded!!!

First a HUGE BIG HAPPY NEW YEAR to
Lynn -- thanks for starting us off and I love your signature line!!
Freda -- congrats on the pound and stay away from Alli -- anything that messes with us naturally can't be good -- my opinion lets just struggle along together.
Lyn -- guess I should change my desire to be in Time's Square to another big party -- unless you get there a day ahead it doesn't sound worth it. Well you tried good on you!!!!
Gayle -- sounds like a nice New Years -- congrats on your daughter's engagement. My mom is still waiting for my fiance to ask for permission -- she is going to wait a looooong time LOL.
Margaret Welcome back -- glad to see you again.
Cat-- HI
Marylynn -- congrats on losing three more I am still in awe of you doing the marathon -- YAY!!!
Karen - sounds like a lovely NYE -- although -15 YIKES!!!
Debbie -- Hi - I can't even imagine hearing gun shots -- very very rare here in Vancouver (ok except for the stupid and I mean stupid gangwars)
Zoe -- so glad to see you post I was sure you were busy like crazy with the move. I so know about just when you think its done you uncover something else. My son and I finished up the move from our house and it seemed like it took forever and had way more cupboards than I knew about when we lived there LOL. OMG loved the description of the bath - YUMMY!!!
Phyllis -- miss you!!!!!!

So I survived the holiday season pretty much unscathed. I even tried on my test top today. I had trouble buttoning it this fall and today it went on well enough I almost wore it -- but decided against it. Just revelled in the fact I could do it up easily. I must try on my test jeans tonight. I won't weigh myself until I get back from my Maui trip (Jan 20) I figure why bother if I have lost I will figure I can eat silly through out the trip and still lose (silly mindset that I suffer from). If I am up too much I will be even more upset with myself -- so I will go get lots of exercise try not to eat too silly and hope for the best. I got into the habit of doing an exercise video in the mornings while I was off - I forgot how good it feels. My classes here on campus start next week and I am even going to pay for a Friday afternoon class -- it looks good and of course if I pay for it I won't miss it -- that is for sure!!!

Well my darling GG's back to work for me - I just hope this posts!!!

Hello everyone .Happy New Year . I am so glad I found this site It's gonna really help me get to goal . I am also glad the holiday's our over. This morning I went for my yearly checkup and I'm ready to get on the treadmill and a walking routine I am so excited .

Hello Golden Girls
It is so nice to see some of the old faces still posting. Lynn....you really have kicked butt since September.

Yes I am back, and naturally much heavier....but I am hoping to get back in the traces and doing my thing. I wish I had the magic answer to all the dieting problems, but everytime I think I know what is keeping me fat....I find that it isn't the fix that I had hoped. I am frustrated by the craving problems. Has anyone ever found a solution to that??? I can fight it for only so long before I totally go crazy....and doing so during the fall is about fatal.
If you are doing alli (sp) it would be interesting to hear about the results.

It has been so long since I posted, that I'm not sure what will show up when I log off...but the tracker is obviously wrong....maybe if I don't change it, it will give me some impetus to keep on keeping on.

On a brighter side....I do weigh less than I did last year on Jan. 1st. I am planning a cruise in November, and would like to get back down to my lowest weight before then. Also have a wedding to attend in July...so maybe I will get to that weight before then.

Happy New year all, and to all, wishing you a great weigh off!!!
Margaret

Hi Margaret,

It's so nice to see you back!

Lynn

Hello everyone .Happy New Year . I am so glad I found this site It's gonna really help me get to goal . I am also glad the holiday's our over. This morning I went for my yearly checkup and I'm ready to get on the treadmill and a walking routine I am so excited .

Hi Debbie,

I'm so glad you decided to join us. Glad you're joining us in the January Challenge also.

Lynn

HI GOLDEN GIRLS I have tried so many times to post and have run into computer problems - this is my third attempt today and I think I suceeded!!!

First a HUGE BIG HAPPY NEW YEAR to
Lynn -- thanks for starting us off and I love your signature line!!
Freda -- congrats on the pound and stay away from Alli -- anything that messes with us naturally can't be good -- my opinion lets just struggle along together.
Lyn -- guess I should change my desire to be in Time's Square to another big party -- unless you get there a day ahead it doesn't sound worth it. Well you tried good on you!!!!
Gayle -- sounds like a nice New Years -- congrats on your daughter's engagement. My mom is still waiting for my fiance to ask for permission -- she is going to wait a looooong time LOL.
Margaret Welcome back -- glad to see you again.
Cat-- HI
Marylynn -- congrats on losing three more I am still in awe of you doing the marathon -- YAY!!!
Karen - sounds like a lovely NYE -- although -15 YIKES!!!
Debbie -- Hi - I can't even imagine hearing gun shots -- very very rare here in Vancouver (ok except for the stupid and I mean stupid gangwars)
Zoe -- so glad to see you post I was sure you were busy like crazy with the move. I so know about just when you think its done you uncover something else. My son and I finished up the move from our house and it seemed like it took forever and had way more cupboards than I knew about when we lived there LOL. OMG loved the description of the bath - YUMMY!!!
Phyllis -- miss you!!!!!!

So I survived the holiday season pretty much unscathed. I even tried on my test top today. I had trouble buttoning it this fall and today it went on well enough I almost wore it -- but decided against it. Just revelled in the fact I could do it up easily. I must try on my test jeans tonight. I won't weigh myself until I get back from my Maui trip (Jan 20) I figure why bother if I have lost I will figure I can eat silly through out the trip and still lose (silly mindset that I suffer from). If I am up too much I will be even more upset with myself -- so I will go get lots of exercise try not to eat too silly and hope for the best. I got into the habit of doing an exercise video in the mornings while I was off - I forgot how good it feels. My classes here on campus start next week and I am even going to pay for a Friday afternoon class -- it looks good and of course if I pay for it I won't miss it -- that is for sure!!!

Well my darling GG's back to work for me - I just hope this posts!!!

Hi Joanne,

I'm so glad to see you back with us.

Lynn

Hi Everyone,

OK, I went to the dietitian today to see if she had any ideas for boosting my metabolism. I went armed with tons of data & we spent 1.5 hours going through everything. Her advice is to up my exercise, drink more water, and take a vitamin B complex.

She also thinks that I am OK health-wise with 1,000 to 1,100 calories/day (she checked all my vitamins/minerals).

So, the long story short is that I've decided to hang out here (153'ish) for 6-8 months. If I can maintain that, I'll worry about losing again in the summer.

Take care,

Lynn

Glad to see Joanne and Zoe back.....missed you too.

I was the last post on Dec. thread so I think you didn't see my news about getting our condo in Ohio. We have until March 31 to close and hopefully sell this place. It's never been lived in and everything is brand new and that includes ALL the furniture, even bed sheets and towels.....I'm getting really excited.

We went thru all the Christmas boxes today and my oh my we have sooooo much stuff! I see already what you mean Zoe, I will not buy anything else that has to be moved north. We will have to have a couple moving sales as we are only taking 3 pieces of furniture with us.

It's cold here in Florida tonight.....should get down in the 30's but by Sat. it will be in the high 70's again and that is just perfect weather for me to get out walking in.

I am starting my diet tomorrow and will join the challenge then.

Phyllis

Hi "GG" another new year for us all..i am back on track as of today and surprized that my dh wants to join with me which will make cooking much easier..i maintained my weight thru the holidays and weighed this am and i am minus 1 # from before the holidays.. im so pleased and not sure how that happened but it must have been that i was more active with the grkids than im used to.anyways nice to start the new year with a minus.. we spent new years eve with the grkids and my dd and her family.. we had fire works and ate pizza and played games..they went home yesterday and i had along nap..i watched the biggest looser premeir show..do any of u follow it.. i find it inspiring..hello and (((hugs))) for all ttfn rosey :wave:

Hello all

Well in SD it is in the teens....so the dogs are inside again. I do not like that at all.....(The big dogs are labs.....the little dog always is in the house). But at least the dogs are happy, so that makes someone so!

Not a good day today for dieting, and the strange thing is, I don't know why it went bad....a beautiful start.....oh well...tomorrow...another start.

Greetings to the group..........I'll pass on all my secrets as soon as I get some!:grouphug:
Margaret

Good Morning Golden Girls, I actually have a free day. I'm not used to that, not too sure what to do. I know!! Go shopping!!! I am almost in the size I want to be and the clothes I get should be fine.

Karen, Sorry, forgot to say :congrat: on your Anniversary!

Margaret, the way I hand cravings, I just give in to them. If i am craving something i will have a small piece or even a bite and that seems to be enough. If I don't i just keep thinking about it. Drives me nuts. I'm sure you will work out something that works for you.

Zoe, Your bath sounds heavenly. I love those old fashioned tubs, they were made for relaxing. And you sure deserve it after that move. With all that work you might even have lost some, i'd be surprised if you gained!

Joanne, I am a totally idiot when it comes to computers. They still baffle me. I have a pair of "test" jeans too. They are fitting right now, a bit tight, but I can wear them. My goal is that they will be loose and comfy when I'm done. And your trip to Maiu doesn't have to be the end of your diet. They have wonderful fruit and sea food, and with all that walking you will probably do, you can have fun and still not gain!

Lynn, sorry the Dr. couldn't give you more definate answers to why you're not losing. I am going to follow her advise too. I have been neglecting my vitamins, got to start taking those again.

Phyllis, Isn't it amazing how much "stuff" we accumulate? When we moved into a larger house it looked empty for awhile and I was amazed at the room. Now every nook and cranny is filled with some kind of "stuff". Some of the stuff I'm sure I don't even know we have and definateally don't need. I think I need to go clean and purge!

Rosie, Keeping up with those grandkids will keep you running all right. :carrot::cp: it's great that you lost another pound!

Everyone have a great day, Freda

Good Morning Everyone,

Hi Freda, I'm glad you joined the January Challenge. Here is a web-article about Alli http://www.weknowdiets.com/Alli.html?cp=101&KEYWORD=alli&gclid=COumwsCs2pACFQiSHgodKU4PPg
You might want to read before you buy.

Hi Lyn, I'm sorry you didn't get to see the ball drop. Glad you enjoyed the evening.

Hi Debbie, I'm so HAPPY that you didn't put back all of the weight you lost. Hang in here with us & you'll lose that other 20 pounds in a snap. You asked - "Is it too late to acquire discipline when you're pushing 60?" I'm on the other side of 60 (will be 63 in April), and I "acquired discipline" last Spring because I got type 2 Diabetes. My advice is to do the "acquiring" before you have to.

Hi Gayle, Congratulations on your daughter's engagement. How much will you be involved with her wedding plans?

Hi Cat, I need a recipe for "crispy" cookies made without sugar or artificial sweetner. Any ideas?

Hi Marylynn, glad to see you back with us. Where is your next marathon?

Hi Karen, You and I gamble the same way. Throw away twenty dollars & walk away!

Hi Moxie, to get rid of cravings, cut out sugar, white potatoes, white bread, white pasta, and white rice. Also cut down on high-glycemic fruit. After 4 days, cravings and hunger will be gone.

Hi Zoe, I REALLY admire you and your husband. You know how to take lemons & make lemonade! Enjoy your new home.

Hi Joanne, test top/jeans & a trip to Maui! What more can you ask for? I'm taking a course at the Community College this semester - existential philosophy. I can't wait!

Hi Phyllis, where in OH? I have relatives in Canton, used to do a lot of work in Cincinnatti, and visited Ashtabula. What are the 3 pieces of furniture you're moving?

Hi Rosey, I missed the Biggest Loser couples show - bummer. Were you happy with the last show's winners? Didn't everyone look GREAT?

Today is a day without anything scheduled! Time to catch up on my housework.

Have a great day, everyone,

Lynn

Lynn thanks for the warm welcome and everyone else also. Lynn my grandparents lived in Feasterville .Were from Philadelphia we lived off South Street in South Philly .Been down here in the Orlando area for over 12 yrs . Phyllis good luck with your up comming move and sale of your home .Everyone else enjoy your day. :) dEBBIE

Hi everyone!!! Another good day -- sort of I have to admit I was slightly disappointed yesterday. I was investigating some activities during our Maui vacation and decided that was the time to seriously think about doing a zipline tour -- unfortunately during the investigation I found out that the tours will not allow you to go if you are over 250 pounds (even though the lines are rated to carry 26,000 pounds!!) -- anyway I am not quite sure if I am over 240 or not and don't want the agony or aggrivation during my vacation so I decided to cancel the activity. Once again being heavy is getting in the way of living. One day though I will be able to march up to a zipline -- put on the harness and back out because I am scared not because I am heavy ;)

Debbie -- welcome to the GOLDEN GIRLS fabulous group of ladies if I say so myself.

Lynn -- glad you saw the dietician and holding steady at 153 is great - get the body used to that weight then take more off -- much easier to maintain that way. Have "fun" with the class -- heck I can't even pronounce it let alone study it LOL

Freda - happy day off. You are absolutely correct about the walking, swimming and eating - I know I should be good while I am there the activities alone should keep me from doing too bad, We might even take the tennis racquets if there is room

Margaret -- keep warm -- brrrrrr. Cuddle up to a lab nothing better - I miss my darling golden retriever -- she never knew she was a big dog LOL. I will wait here for when you discover the secret

Rosey -- sounds like a great New Year. and yes so much easier when your DH joins you. When my sweetie moved in I thought if I ate just like him I could be slim like he is -- LOL that thinking cost me a 25 pound weight gain -- so much easier if they join us.

Phyllis -- CONGRATS on getting the condo -- you are getting closer to us at least LOL.

Well another day of feeling good -- I must say so far 2008 has been a gentle year -- all three days of it. Talk to me next Saturday at noon when I am rushing to get the packing done and the house locked up LOL

Hello Golden Girls

Another day....another one RIGHT!!!! What I did differently today was to incorporate fruit for my inbetween snacks. I don't usually eat fruits, so we will see how this goes.

I have tried eliminating all processed carbs from my diet, and it still doesn't seem to help in the long run. I don't think that I usually eat much for processed carbs anyway....I probably purchased 2 loaves of bread the entire year last year, (Whole wheat type), no potatoes, pasta, white rice etc. etc. I am shying away from wheat products, using alternative flours instead. Seems to run in spurts......I haven't been able to "eat just one" bite of anything that I am craving. Truth is....the more I eat, the less satisfied I feel. So maybe that will help me realize I need to stay the course as often as possible. (Eventually it just isn't possible!)
Diabetes seems to be a law unto itself. I don't know how anyone can keep blood sugar levels from going bonkers from time to time, just because it does, and not because of any abnormal eating patterns. I need to get on vitamins also....I got some today.....we'll see if that helps.

All for today!
Margaret

Good Morning Lovely Ladies, Nothing Much To Do Today, But I Have To Work The Weekend, So I Do Need To Get Some Things For My Lunch. Relying On The Cafateria Is Asking For Problems.

Lynn, I Haven't Decided To Actually Try The Alli Yet. I Am Still Doing Ok. I'm Not Ruling It Out Yet, But It Will Be A Last Rsort For Those Last Few Pounds That Just Seem To Not Want To Leave. By The Way, What Is Existential Philosophy? Sounds Interesting. Reminds Me Of A Relative, A Gentleman Who Was From A Rather Wealthy Family, Who Never Worked. He Would Spend His Summers On Campus Taking Something "interesting". He Would Say "i Think I'm Going To Study The Law A Bit This Year"

Joanne, My Husband Is Naturally Thin Too, And Eats Junk, Sweets All Day Long. If I Ate Like Him I Would Be Very Overweight! Life Is Not Fair. One Thing I Have Noticed Though. I Am An Emotional Eater. When I Get Upset, I Eat More. When He Gets Upset He Can't Eat Anything. He Stops Eating When He's Full, Me, What Full?

Margaret, Diavetes Is A Devistating Disease. When You Get Sick Or Injured Your Blood Sugar Just Naturally Goes Up, No Matter What You Eat. But You Can Controle It From Day To Day With A Good Diet And Exercise (i'm A Nurse, I Do Diabetic Teaching). I Find That Eating A Lot Of Fiber And Proten Keep Me Feeling Full Longer. And It Takes Your Brain 20 Min To Get The "full" Signal, So You Have To Stop Eating Before You Are Totally Full.

Everyone Have A Good Day, Freda

Good Morning Everyone,

I'm upping my daily exercise time. Did 45 minutes this morning & plan to go back to gym later this morning for a "Sculpt and Tone" class.

Someone on another website posted this today - "We cannot control the events in our lives, but we can work to control how we behave in reaction to those events." It struck a chord with me.

Hi Debbie, I'm about 10 minutes from Feasterville. I live in Yardley. How do you like living in the land of the sun?

Hi Joanne, I love your new photo. I'm sorry that you're disappointed, but if you have to be closed out of something, I think a "zipline tour" is a good thing to have to miss!

Hi Margaret, how much fat (saturated & unsaturated) are you eating? I eat mostly unsaturated (olive oil, canola oil, Smart Balance margarine), but some saturated - chicken, fish, (rarely) beef or pork or lamb. My daily diet for the past 6 months has been about 50% fat. NOTE: I lost almost 35 pounds in that time & lowered my cholesterol. It's the fat (mostly unsaturated - some saturated) that will keep you from being hungry.

Hi Freda, from the little bit I've read, existential philosophy is about "living in the now." Experiencing things as they are - without preconceptions or "baggage." I'll let you know how my description of it changes as I proceed with my course.
About the diabetes - between diet & exercise & meds, my 3-month blood sugar is now 5.5 (my daily readings are between 85 and 115). Once in a while, when I eat something with white flour - e.g., pizza, it can go up to over 200. However, I've done that only once in the past 5 months.

Tomorrow, I'm taking my Little Sister into NYC to see Chicago. If I'm feeling REALLY strong, I'll take her to the Hard Rock Cafe for lunch - don't know if I can stand the noise for an hour. Today, if my dd can get away from the b&b, we're going shopping to use the gift certificate I got her for Christmas.

Have a good day, Everyone,

Lynn

Morning, Ladies...rush, rush, rush in the cold, cold, cold. Just wanted to pop in quickly to say hey.
Zoe...I want pictures of your new place. I'm sure it's going to be a decorator's wonderland before you know it!!
Lynn...the cookies. I would think that you can take a "regular" cookie recipie and maybe substitute sugar with agave necter, substitutle the flour with whole grain flour or maybe almond flour and substitute butter with "I can't believe it's not butter" or something similar.

To everyone else...gotta dash, but hope you have a great Friday and weekend. I need to dash off to Lowe's and get some stuff while it's not too crowded. Have company coming for 2 weeks on the 11th and have a bunch of stuff I need to do to get the house in "company shape"...
hugs..

Hi everyone....I am so far behind with personal replys so I will start fresh today.

Lynn, have fun at the show and I know you will enjoy your shopping with your daughter. What a good day! My three pieces of furniture are 1. an antique rocker hand carved from Germany from my great-great Grandmother, 2. antique side table with marble top from my Grandmother and a hand made cedar/hope chest that my son made for me and of course my sleep number bed - can't forget that. I have other furniture I love but it is Florida style and not of any sentimental value for us so it stays behind.

Joanne, I bet your excited with your vacation coming up. Hey, I wouldn't want to do that zip line no matter what I weighed. You will do it one day if you REALLY want to. Take lots of pictures to share.
I still can't get mine from the new camera small enough to put on here!

Freda, my best friends took Alli and didn't lose anything, they didn't gain and it seemed to me whenever we went out they ate a lot of things like french fries and counted on the pill to take care of the fat. They gave the hubby bathroom problems, otherwise it didn't seem to bother them. I would use it as a last resort, another lady I know took them with no results....like any diet you would have to really diet along with them.

Gayle, an engagement....how wonderful. I am glad you like him. How did Corbin like Christmas.....I bet he loved it.

Margaret, hi glad to see you back with us. I have been starving every since we got back from our trip in Dec. and then the holidays...seems the more I eat the more I crave. I am finally calming down now and all the JUNK is out of the house. I believe that carbs to make us crave foods. Glad you joined the challenge.

Hi Debbie and welcome....lyou'll lose the weight with us...we never give up!

Rosey, congrats on being down 1 lb. after the holidays, way to go girl.

Hi Karen, a late Happy Anv. to you. We also gamble like you do.....I hate to lose money!!!! Been looking at what I really want to take to Ohio with us, it is just overwhelming to think about. We did go thru and box up ready to move all the Christmas and have that at least ready.

Lyn, it sounds like you still enjoyed the drive to the city and I bet seeing all those people was quite good entertainment but sorry you didn't get closer.
Nice it wasn't that freezing cold or raining on you.

Marylynn, nice to see you posting.....I am so proud of you running those Marathons, me I'm happy to get an easy 1 mile walk in, I think you'll be my inspiration from now on!

Zoe, glad you popped your head in and let us know your all moved in. That is nice your son could help out that much and I am sure he enjoyed helping. I sit here overwhelmed with the prospect of packing and moving and what things I will take. Guess the kids will get a lot of the things I have collected over the years if they want them. Hope your getting settled in and SOME boxes unpacked.

Hi Cat, guess your back at school now and I hope you enjoyed your time off.
Your cooking hints are great, keep them up.

Sorry if I missed anyone.....catch you next time.

Phyllis

Lynn, found these recipes (http://www.wildernessfamilynaturals.com/agave.htm). They have a recipe for coconut cookies, but if you don't care for coconut, you can substitute other stuff for it, leave it out, use whole grain/almond flour etc. Looks like a good "base" to work from.

Hey Phyllis, we were posting at the same time! I don't have to go back to school till the 8th..yehaa...

Hi there . . . :grouphug:

Wow . . . am I ever glad to be home again. The visit with the relatives in Ontario was great . . . but definitely not good for the weight loss routines . . . ate all sorts of everything and did no formal exercise at all . . . consequently I'm starting January five pounds higher than I started December. :( Hopefully I'll get my act back together now that I'm home again. My blood sugar has been erratic, too -- Gee, Linda, do you think it might be connected :p she says with tongue firmly implanted in cheek :p Will get my profile information and my ticker updted as soon as I'm finished visiting a few more places around 3FC.

Actually got home late Wednesday night after a terrible 3 hour (more than twice as long as normal) drive from Halifax airport thanks to the latest blizzard. :yikes: To top it off, my luggage finally arrived home late yesterday (thursday) evening. Why oh why can't people learn to read the name-tags on bags :mad: before they just pick one up and wander off with it? Think I'm going to stencil lots of cat pictures (or something) all over my bags to make them more distinctive.

Speaking of the cats -- they are all fine and dandy -- although they did get a little destructive while I was away; guess they were bored. :shrug: At least nothing was broken that cannot be replaced.

Well, gang . . . glad to hear the New Year is ticking along okay for most of us. Guess I skip the challenge for January since it is already the 4th and hope I can get my act back together -- hey, one accomplishment -- I still haven't had even a taste of Cool Whip since the end of October -- too bad I can't say the same about shortbread, cheesecake, stollen, and a few other goodies (baddies?).

Have a great day everybody . . . see you tomorrow . . . :wave:

Hi Golden Girls; I just found the 3FC sight yesterday and I understand that this is the happening place for the 50+ gals. I just turned 50 on New Years Eve and I am embracing it with all I have. I lost a sister to cancer when she was 45, so I know how blessed I am to see the big 50 and everyone keeps telling me 50 is the new 40 whew whooo!!! I checked out this sight because I just moved from IN to AR with my hubby's job and have been in limbo for months waiting for the move and now have two houses, the one in IN has not sold yet, so you can imagine the stress (NOTE: I eat when stressed) so it is time for me to get my head back in the game and lose the 15 pounds I have gained and another 10-15 to reach my goal and stay healthy. I love reading all the messages and look forward to chatting with all of you. I am in need of the sisterhood since I left all family and friends in Indiana and don't know anyone here yet. Thanks for listening. KD50

Whew! Here I am again…still surrounded by boxes, but not quite so many as the last time I posted. <sigh of relief>. :^: There’s STILL so much to do, and I guess that’s pretty much what my weekend is going to look like – unpacking, hanging pictures, finding places for everything, and ending each day with a good long soak in that sweet, sweet tub. :love:
Congrats on being so close to goal, Freda! I know Lynn has given you some feedback on Alli. I don’t know all that much about it, but there are some possible side effects (if you stray from your low fat eating plan) that I sure wouldn’t want to take any chances with. But that’s just me. I was raised by an obsessive-compulsive mother who also happened to be a nurse, and also was a firm believer in laxatives :o as a means of staying “regular”. After I escaped to college, I vowed never to “mess with nature” through artificial means, and just made it my business to eat right. I sincerely hope that this subject isn’t too delicate for anyone, but we’re all grown women here, so I figure we can handle bathroom issues. I remember, too, when they used to run those TV ads for Claritin a few years back – one of the side effects of which was, of course, diarrhea. They had this gal with long blonde hair running through a field of waist-high wheat or some such grassy stuff, not sneezing a bit, but all I could picture was, well….to put it bluntly, what might be running down her legs behind all that waist-high grass. That ad never failed to make me giggle like crazy. “What’s so funny, Zoe?” “Hmmmm. Nuthin’.” Ahhh. Sorry if anyone finds this distasteful. I guess it probably is, but that’s pretty much what has kept me from trying Alli myself. :shrug:
Well, Lyn, welcome back to the land of ice & snow, m’dear! 3 degrees outside my door this morning. SO not optimum. If it weren’t for having to MOVE again, I swear I’d be on my way to any little shack I could find down North Carolina way! Keep those long undies on, darlin'! ;)
Debbie (from Houston) – no, “pushing” sixty is not too late to acquire discipline! I “pushed” sixty, ran right over it, and am hitting up on 62! (What happened? I SWEAR I was only 40 at my last birthday!) But you can do it; it’s just a tad slower than it might’ve been when we were all in our twenties and thirties. Half-dead metabolisms! So unfair! :mad: But a lot of us are exercising (not me so much since all the hoopla with the moving and all – and I WAS bike riding, but I can tell you I won’t be out doing that anytime soon with all the cold and ice and snow that we’ve got here.) and my plan is to do some walking even if it’s just in the house with those “walk off the pounds” tapes. (Which reminds me – I’d better order them!). So, yes, yes, and yes! You’ve already done great – and we all have a set-back or two. You’ll get there, kiddo! :yes:
Hi Gayle – I’m glad you got to spend New Years Eve with your favorite little (and big) people! Sounds like hubby is settling in without upsetting the apple cart TOO badly! ;)
MaryLynn, all this running is just awe-inspiring! Boy, when you make up your mind to do something, you get it DONE, don’t you? Say hello to DH for us – we’ve been busy as can be with this move and all, but the cable guy came and got our computers, phone & TV up & running for us yesterday, so MY DH is back today learning all about the wondrous world of C#, as per YOUR DH’s advice. :D
Welcome back, Moxie, and happy new year!
Thanks for the welcome back, Karen… sorry you lost $20 on your anniversary! Seems like the least they could’ve done was give you a free token or something, eh? Oh, well. Better days are coming. I’m betting that 2008 will be YOUR year, girlfriend! Betcha your house sells, you find someplace wonderful in MO, and hopefully, your move will be more organized and less stressful than mine!
Welcome to the Golden Girls, Debbie (Florida) !!! Nice to have you aboard!
Lynn, are you saying that you expect to maintain your current weight at 1000 – 1100 calories a day? Jeesh! That sure does seem low, but I guess if you & the dietician figured it all out, it must be right for you. I think I’d be starving on those few calories! :?:
LindaD! Where are you? I hope you're feeling better! Please check in? :^:
Hey, PHYL! I missed YOU, too! SO glad that your trip was such a success, though – and especially glad that you found that condo up there in Ohio. If it weren’t for the kids having the empty apartment, I think our next move would’ve been to a condo if we could’ve found something reasonable enough. It seems a shame not to take advantage of the current real estate slump here in the northeast, but with DH having no job at present, buying something else would be a little unrealistic. And, now that we’re officially moved (despite still having an astounding amount of stuff left to do) I don’t think I could do it again for at LEAST another five years or more, anyway.
Oh, Jo-annie! Off to Maui, are you? What a GREAT idea! I wish I could crawl into your luggage and go along with you! (Of course it would be one heck of a haul just GETTING to your luggage in the first place!) I hope you have a magnificent time, and take thousands of pictures for our vicarious enjoyment! :yes:
Oh, Cat…”decorators wonderland” indeed! If anybody creates “decorator’s wonderlands” that would be our Cat! I am quite enamored by that whole “southern living” atmosphere…in comparison, our old Yankee colors and textures, which undoubtedly evolved out of the need to keep warm, seem heavy and ponderous.
My favorite room is still my bathroom…there are a few finishing touches (like the curtains that I will have to make) but that tub is what has helped me stay sane through all of this upheaval.
Hi Rosey! Congrats on the pound! I know you enjoyed those grandkids of yours! I’m looking forward to getting settled in enough to have mine visit!
Hi Meowee-Linda! Welcome home! Glad you enjoyed your holiday visiting! Now, we would all like for you to get your blood sugar under control, because we kinda like having you around, you know? Hope the kitties are doing well.
Well, thaaaat’s aaaaallllll for now, folks! So nice to touch base with you all again!
Hugs, :grouphug:

Z

Ooops! Welcome, KD!

:welcome: Welcome kd50!! I know you will like it here. Keep posting and let us get to know you!

Linda(meowee) Welcome :welcome2: back. Glad the kitties are all fine!

Well, this is going to have to be a quick fly by this morning. But I did get on those dreaded scales this morning and I ended up gaining back 9 pounds since the last time I charted any weight loss! I did change my ticker but didn't want to! DARN IT! But that's OK this is a new year and I plan to work hard and get those 9 off and 31 more!! The holidays are over!!

I'll be back later this afternoon to post more. I'm getting ready to go to town for groceries this morning.

Have a good day everyone!

Lynn, are you saying that you expect to maintain your current weight at 1000 – 1100 calories a day? Jeesh! That sure does seem low, but I guess if you & the dietician figured it all out, it must be right for you. I think I’d be starving on those few calories! :?:

Hi Zoe,

No - during the next 6-8 months, I plan to build up the number of calories I eat daily while maintaining my weight at 150 - 155.

Last week I averaged 1075 calories/day. My goal is to get my daily intake up to at least 1200-1300 calories/day. I need to do this to be able to again reduce my calories to lose the last 20-30 pounds. My nutritionist believes I will be able to get up to 1400-1500/day and still maintain. I'm not sure about this.

I REALLY think that the combination of all the meds I take slows my metabolism. However, I plan to work on speeding it up over the next 6-8 months.

Lynn

Linda, welcome back....glad the fur babies are OK.

I just read to keep cats from scratching or off of items spray it with Fabreeze Citrus spray and on wooden furniture use polish with citrus in it. Cats evidently don't like the citrus smell.

Wish I had know that with my kitties.

Phyllis

Hi Phyllis . . . :hug:

Sargeant's has a spray product called "SHOO" that works pretty well with mine -- as long as you spray every couple of days. Febreeze makes a special spray just for removing pet odours which works extremely well. Believe me, I tried just about everything when the kittens were going through their "the couch is a great litter pan" stage and those are the two that worked the best for me. While I was away, the problems were with things getting knocked over and/or dragged around the house. Thankfully no litter pan problems.

I do think that the citrus smell works for keeping most cats off furniture; but I have one that likes to play with orange peels (Mouse; the one that also loves to eat romaine lettuce) -- I have some pretty weird cats. :shrug:

Zoe - I think you're right on with the Alli discussion. I've never tried it, but I know folks who have and lived to regret it big time.

OK, there's something on my mind. We're all women here, and I'd like to discuss menopause. Just a brief background - had a horseback riding accident in my 20s, broke 6 ribs and 3 vertebrae; gained a lot of weight which made it worse; re-injured my back helping with Katrina people in '05, and then really did a number on it with our own run from Hurricane Rita that same year; spent 27 hrs in the car and have been in unrelenting pain ever since.

Here's what I'm getting to, I see a pain management specialist as a result of the back problem, and we've tried lots and lots of different meds. They've all worked on the pain, which is great cause I'd have to be seeing a shrink if nothing helped, but my body hasn't tolerated any of them. I went through menopause in 2000 - and it was great!! No hot flashes, no dispositional difficulties, and I was never able to lose weight before menopause cause I had the PMS from Satan where only chocolate would save me.

Now, many, many meds I could take before, I can't take at all now. Not even the flu shot cause I can't eat eggs anymore. Steroids, NSAIDS, antibiotics, phenergan, compazine, the list goes on and on and is growing - of things I can't take at all, and all of which I took without any problems before menopause. Some of them actually send me into convulsions. And I can't take calcium either - legs swell something fierce.

So I was wondering if any of y'all have had the same thing happen. My dr seems to think this is very unusual. He said normally it's the dosing that has to be adjusted but not eliminate the med completely. And earlier this year my bp med put me in the hospital. I'd taken it for years with no problems.

If you don't mind talking about it, I'd sure love to know if any of you were similarly affected. There's comfort in knowing you're not alone and things aren't as bizarre as they seem. Or if this is just me, then I'd like to know that, too.

Have to admit that I've never experienced those problems nor have I talked to anyone who has. Other than the hot flashes (that I still get; although I don't think they are connected to menopause anymore); I had no major problems with the experience. Hope your doctor can track things down for you. :hug:

Hello Ladies & WELCOME KD50

Lynn: I know that you said before that you ate 50% fat..... That just seems really high to me, I don't know how you eat anything else much. I figured out what mine was....it was 32 grams.....or 288 calories out of 1180 for the day, and my math wiz tells me that is 24% fat. Very little of that is animal fat.... Since I don't eat bread, I haven't reason to include anykind of margines, or butters (molley McButter on veggies). Anyway, I got some vitamins that my sister decided was great stuff.....(darn...they are HORSE pills... I just hope the digestive track can break them down!!) Anyway, you have done incredibly well....my hats off to you!

Freda....I help to take care of a diabetic elderly person (92 yrs old), and I find it very frustrating to try to keep her BS levels in any range. It seems to me that they are starving her to death in hopes of not overfeeding her. Of course she isn't very active, and thus wouldn't require a lot of food, but still I would be surprised if she ate 800 - 900 calories a day. For snacks she usually gets a cup of water, or some diet jello. (YUK) My brother found out he had diabetes, and I am afraid that he isn't going to even try to take care of himself! :(

Phillis & Meowee....thanks for the cat tips. I didn't have much trouble cat-box training my cats....cat#1 broke the first time I sat her in the litter box, and cat#2 was a bit more challenging.....I decided to put litter boxes all over the house.....it did the trick, and after a couple of months she decided on her favorite box and I eliminated the rest.

Took Alli and didn't lose a thing?????? Sounds like she lost $ $ $ $.

Debbie: I didn't have a lot of trouble going through memopause....a few hot flashes and it was over shortly. But I had a lot of b/4 and after changes with my pregrancies. #1 Child gave me a severe perspiration problem that I had never had before. #2 Child stopped the perspiration problem and turned my naturally straight as a board hair into a curly afro. #3 Child left the curly hair and deposited a distaste for the aroma of coffee, where previously I hated coffee, but loved the smell....still hate coffee....still almost heave when I have to clean up someone elses coffee messes.

Must close before the computer boots me off:

Hello to the rest of the Gals....:grouphug:
So glad to see the old faces & welcoming the new!
Margaret

Hi there, everybody . . . :wave:

Wow . . . everytime I turn around today I find another work-related problem that must be handled urgently. Hey it's helping to keep me on track with the eating. Yesterday was pretty good although a little overly starchy (and that showed in my BGL too). Today is going great. Probably helps a lot that the sun is shining and the temperatures are almost up to the freezing mark. :yes: Additionally, the felines menagerie appears to hve finally forgiven me for deserting them and have not broken anything new in the last day (hope I don't suddenly hear a crash to pay me back for saying that :o). Now if I can just find some time to get my accumulation of laundry done and some more time to get back in touch with good old Gadzella; things will soon be 'tickety-boo'.

Well, guess I'd better get back to the grind . . . have a great day and I'll see you again really soon . . . grouphug:

Zoe - I think you're right on with the Alli discussion. I've never tried it, but I know folks who have and lived to regret it big time.

OK, there's something on my mind. We're all women here, and I'd like to discuss menopause. Just a brief background - had a horseback riding accident in my 20s, broke 6 ribs and 3 vertebrae; gained a lot of weight which made it worse; re-injured my back helping with Katrina people in '05, and then really did a number on it with our own run from Hurricane Rita that same year; spent 27 hrs in the car and have been in unrelenting pain ever since.

Here's what I'm getting to, I see a pain management specialist as a result of the back problem, and we've tried lots and lots of different meds. They've all worked on the pain, which is great cause I'd have to be seeing a shrink if nothing helped, but my body hasn't tolerated any of them. I went through menopause in 2000 - and it was great!! No hot flashes, no dispositional difficulties, and I was never able to lose weight before menopause cause I had the PMS from Satan where only chocolate would save me.

Now, many, many meds I could take before, I can't take at all now. Not even the flu shot cause I can't eat eggs anymore. Steroids, NSAIDS, antibiotics, phenergan, compazine, the list goes on and on and is growing - of things I can't take at all, and all of which I took without any problems before menopause. Some of them actually send me into convulsions. And I can't take calcium either - legs swell something fierce.

So I was wondering if any of y'all have had the same thing happen. My dr seems to think this is very unusual. He said normally it's the dosing that has to be adjusted but not eliminate the med completely. And earlier this year my bp med put me in the hospital. I'd taken it for years with no problems.

If you don't mind talking about it, I'd sure love to know if any of you were similarly affected. There's comfort in knowing you're not alone and things aren't as bizarre as they seem. Or if this is just me, then I'd like to know that, too.

Hi Debbie,

My biggest problem has been hot flashes. I have not had problems with medications - if anything, I think I have fewer side effects than I had before.

Lynn

Lynn: I know that you said before that you ate 50% fat..... That just seems really high to me, I don't know how you eat anything else much. I figured out what mine was....it was 32 grams.....or 288 calories out of 1180 for the day, and my math wiz tells me that is 24% fat. Very little of that is animal fat.... Since I don't eat bread, I haven't reason to include anykind of margines, or butters (molley McButter on veggies). Anyway, I got some vitamins that my sister decided was great stuff.....(darn...they are HORSE pills... I just hope the digestive track can break them down!!) Anyway, you have done incredibly well....my hats off to you!
Margaret

Hi Margaret,

Here's Friday's menu -

Vitamins include fish oil w 2.5 g fat

Breakfast - Protein bar
Snack - cheese stick & sesame cracker
Lunch - tuna + mayo + salad + dressing
Dinner - chicken + olive oil + tomatoes + string beans + sweet potato + Smart Balance margarine
Snacks - sf pudding + 1/4 cup ricotta cheese

46% fat; 26% protein; 28% carbs

NOTE: the mayo is with Canola oil & the cheese stick and ricotta are part skim & the peanutbutter is sf & the cottage cheese is 1%

My dietitian has convinced me that the reason I'm never hungry is because of increasing the amount of fat in my diet. I really think she's right. For the first time in my life, I sometimes forget to eat a meal.

She wants me to eat at least 2 Tbsps of olive oil (cold pressed extra virgin) a day.

Lynn

Good Morning Everyone,

NYC was GREAT! Drive was the pits! (40 min from my house to my Little Sister's + 2 hours from her house to NYC x2).

Dancers in Chicago were unbelievable. Actors from The Sopranos (Aida Turturro and Vincent Pastore) played Matron "Mama" Morton and Roxie's husband Amos Hart. They were actually pretty good. I was amazed at Turturro's voice - VERY good.

We parked in NJ and took the ferry over to the city. Went to the Hard Rock Cafe on Broadway for lunch - Luz LOVED that.

Transportation connections - ferry & buses to and from the ferry - were fantastic. All-in-all we had a REALLY nice day.

This morning I woke up too tired to exercise. Think I'll take the day off.

My dd & s-i-l are supposed to drop their cat off - they're supposed to leave for FL today. Then, this evening, I'm going to dinner with a neighbor.

Hope we all have a Happy and Healthy day,

Lynn

Morning, all…well, a hugely busy day yesterday, and not a lot of obvious progress, I'm afraid. We made an early morning (okay, well, not that early - 9:30; it just felt too good to sleep in) run to Home Depot for stuff that will allow us to progress a little faster around here. DH needed a steel pipe to install in place of the closet pole that was in the Master Bedroom closet - it's a long closet - 80-something inches - and if we hung clothes the full length of the existing pole, it would have bowed down onto the floor. Also some blinds for the bedroom windows, some of that vinyl-coated closet shelving for the spare bedroom closet - and various and sundry other odds and ends, all of which will make it possible for us to unpack and put away more boxes of drek. Where did all this stuff come from, anyway? NOW it's starting to annoy me, I gotta tell you.
Okay, Deb/Houston. Re: your menopausal issues/allergies. I haven't experienced a lot of what you describe, but I HAVE developed some allergies - ie.; to eggs - that I certainly never, ever had before. Breakfast used to be my all-time favorite meal! Scrambled eggs with sausage bits, onions, peppers, cheese - bacon on the side, muffins - bring it ON! (Of course that was back when I could eat like a freaking truck driver and not gain an ounce. Now it's caught up with me. Menopause definitely DOES slow your metabolism down to practically standing still.) Anyway, about three years ago, I ate an omelet, got deathly sick :barf:, and haven't been able to touch an egg since. Luckily, I can have things MADE with eggs in them, as long as it's only a minor ingredient. I can't say whether or not I'd have trouble with some of the medications you mentioned, because of course I haven't had a need for anything like that. Well, calcium, sure - but I take it pretty rarely. The only medicine I take regularly is blood pressure medication, and to be honest, I'm on the verge of stopping that, because having lost some weight - and I quit smoking exactly ONE YEAR AGO TODAY (Yay, me!!!!) and some increase in exercise, it's now running on the low side. But, it may be that you could be helped by a homeopathic practitioner. I've have friends who have had a terrible time with menopause, took hormone replacement medication, needed anti-depressants, had one problem after another, and ultimately, the only thing that helped was seeing a doctor who worked with homeopathic therapy, and completely changing the way they were eating. One had developed an allergy to wheat products that she knew nothing about, and once she learned how to make satisfactory substitutions to her diet - plus the right combination of natural supplements, she felt reborn. Might be worth a try - or one visit to see what you think, at least.
Lynn, I'm actually not at all surprised with your fat intake, seeing as how it's carbs that you're limiting in your diet. I may have mentioned that after my son was born (Could it POSSIBLY have been 26 years ago?) I was on the Atkins plan for more than seven years. I was able to maintain my ideal weight while eating an unbelievable amount of primarily meat, poultry, eggs, cheese and a few salad greens every day. The thing is that my calories were extremely high. I've always been pretty much of the opinion, Moxie, that what works for one doesn't necessarily work for the other. All of these percentages that they (*they* meaning the medical profession and diet gurus in general) are highly debatable, simply because you can't generalize everybody into the same mold. I know I couldn't do the low carb thing anymore - I've become too enamored of fruits and vegetables, and a little turned off to red meat over the past year or so - but I know for a fact that when I DID do it, I had my cholesterol checked regularly, and my doctor ended up shaking his head and telling me to go ahead out and eat a whole pig at one sitting if I felt like it. I forget, too, Lynn, that you're six inches shorter than me…so maybe you can get by with fewer calories? Does that make any sense? You've lost a LOT, though, Moxie….I thought you said you were coming back heavier than ever? Hmmmm. Well, congrats, at any rate.
Karen, trust me. Don't overworry yourself about the extra pounds. Once you start moving, you'll be lucky if you remember to eat at all. Here's hoping for a 2008 that brings us everything we're needing it to bring, eh?
Jo-annie, I looked up those Zipline tours? Omigawd. Nah. Me? I'll be sitting on the terrace sipping a mint julep. Guess I'm just not the adventurous type, eh? :lol:
And speaking of mint juleps, Hiya Cat…more recipes, I see. Time to write a book, m'dear. You have oodles of material and plenty of talent. Have at it, Lady!
Okay, gotta go unpack some more. Hugs on the fly to Phyl, Lyn, MaryLynn, Gayle, Meowee-Linda, LindaD (Where art thou?), Freda, Rosey, Deb/FL…and all the GOLDEN GIRLIES wherever you may be!
:grouphug:
Z

Hi gang . . . :wave:

Life is a bit chaotic right now. Hopefully I'll be back to my normal dull and boring existence really soon and will have more time for cruising and posting on 3FC.

Have a great day and I'll be looking forward to seeing you all again really soon . . . :grouphug:

Good Morning Everyone,

I begin teaching my course tomorrow (I actually started posting stuff for the students yesterday). So, I'll probably get kind of scarce for the next couple of weeks.

I'm thinking about getting some kind of exercise machine - a treadmill/eliptical? - that I can use in my living room in the evening while I'm watching tv. I just want to increase my exercise (muscle mass). Any advice? I do around 30-50 min most days at the gym. I want to add 30-50 minutes.

Lynn

Just a quickie check in here. Wanted to congratulate those who were actually able to lose over the holidays...Marilyn and Rosey if I remember correctly. You are inspiring us all here on the GG site. Welcome to our newest members - keep posting. I'm going from memory here. Zoe, glad you're settling in ok. Yes I want to see pictures too! Lynn - oh "Chicago" sounded wonderful...glad you had a good time with your sister. Lynn from Canada - gladd you made it home safely and the cats all survived. Cat - just wanted to let you know that I haqve been using your method for cookiing brown rice successfully in the oven and my DH raves about the rice done that way. Thanks for all your cooking advice.

I'm at work doing noise testing today. Had to start at 6 am when the mechanics start here so have been up for hours. Well time to get back to it...will chck in later.

Lyn

Good Morning Lovely Ladies, I get so behind when I work the weekends. I can't even began to address everyone individually, but Hi too all of you!

I lost another pound!!! This is the first time I've ever been on a diet and not been able to exercise so I am quite surprised that I'm losing at all. Maybe I won't have to resort to ALLI. I was just keeping it in mind "just in case". I talked to a Dr. at work and he said the same thing most of you ladies have said. It's mostly "digestive" issues that are problems. Too much fat and you end up being very sorry. And it says it makes you lose double what you would lose without it. If you don't lose anything, double nothing is still nothing. Sorry, no miracle drugs out there that make you just drop the pounds.

I had a terrible time with menopause, mostly hot flashes that kept me up all night changing bed linen and sometimes even taking a shower I was so wet. Besides the metabolism of a flea, nothing else much too complain about.

Zoe, don't worry about all the boxes, just go through them one at a time! You'll still get there. Is it almost spring??? I'm getting the "urge to purge" and have started going through things too. boxes in the basement, "things" I have been saving for God knows what. Seems i just want all the clutter gone.

Lots to do today. DH seems to spend the weekends that I don't work thinking up things I need to do. I think I need to spend my weekdays making a list of things for him to do on the weekend so he won't become bored.

have a good day, Freda

Lynn, I bought an elliptical through the craigslist for $20. The display doesn't work and the resistance can't be changed but where the resistance is right now I wouldn't want to change it for quite awhile anyway. BUT then I found a Gazelle Power Plus on craigslist too and bought it for $75 and I really like it better and also have it in my living room where I can watch TV--it is really quiet. So I have the elliptical advertised on craigslist. Just thought that I would let you know. I know Linda (meowee) loves her Gazelle too.

I just popped in here quickly to read the posts this morning but need to get busy and get some housework done. I'll be back later to chat.

Hello everyone .We took a few day's down in jupiter sat on the beach and just relaxed much needed. I will go to get weight tonight soooooooooo will see. I will also be going to the ymca tommorow to join .Lynn I like living in Fl but I do miss the dinners lol and I miss the boardwalk down the shore. :) We sold our home here so I am not sure if I will come back or where WILL GO .My hubby will retire next yr. Zoe it will all get done just takes time to find places to put stuff. I got a ton of boxs in our rental I hate to move again and pack and unpack .Debbie (h) I never had a problem I was very lucky and most of my friends just had hot flashes.well everyone enjoy the day. :)

Hi everyone -- another new week in the land of the GOLDEN GIRLS. Glad to see everyone is doing well sorry no time for personals and probably not until I get back. I struggled through the weekend and I realized (in discussion with someone else) my problem is that I need to be accountable for my calories. I hate being a slave to my computer so I decided to check out a handheld Calorie counting device. You can either get the software for your own PDA or there are a few out there. I made the decision to spend the $79 and have it shipped to my home -- hopefully it will arrive before I leave if not it will be there waiting for my renewal day of Jan 21 (get real about eating and exercise).

Debbie -- honestly I have never heard of that problem with menopause -- I just want to go through the darn thing. I thought I might have started but I am guessing I am only in peri because now its back and regular every 3 weeks (where is the justice???).

Zoe -- I will do something like the zipline once in my life -- I have to for me I need my YEE HAWWW moment. For now I have booked us on the America 11 for a whale watching outing. It was the yacht that challenged the Stars and Stripes back in 1987 for the America's cup. My late husband would be thrilled to do this trip and I feel like I am doing it for him. Besides being out on a 65' sailing yacht in Maui sounds rather nice if I say so myself. Doubt if we will get any performance sailing that usually only happens in the afternoon and the whale watching leaves at 8:30 in the morning.

Catch you all later

Good Morning,

Would you believe it's going up to 70 degrees today? My df and I are taking advantage of this & heading for the canal to walk.

Check back later,

Lynn

Good Morning GG's, The weather was quite balmy here yesterday. Warm enough for a very light jacket. I wish it would continue for awhile, but I know we have colder days ahead. And we haven't had the dreaded ice storm that we get every year. Still, I will enjoy it while it's here.

I love this group for so many reasons. I have been reading some of the others and I am so happy that i stumbled (or was guided) to this one. They just don't seem happy or terribly supportive.

Lyn, we must have been posting at the same time. We're all back to work as usual, huh? I can't say i'm terribly sorry. I guess I must be getting old, I just like structure in my life. Wait....no, it's not getting old, I have always been that way.

Cat, Lyn mentioned you posted a recipe for cooking brown rice in the oven that was fail proof. Would one of you post it again? I only make brown rice anymore (like it better anyway) and make a large batch when i do cook it, and keep it in the fridge.

Lynn, the only exercise equipment i've used with any consistancy is the treadmill. But a lot of people seem to like the gazelle too. Both are a big investment and needs to be something you will use. decisions, decisions...

Debbie, so how did the weight in go?

Joanne, have a safe and fun trip! Take lots of pictures!

everyone have a good day, Freda

Good Morning

Not much news from sunny Florida where it will be in the high 70's today....beautiful. This I will miss when I move to Ohio.

Been a bit under the weather this past week so I have dropped out of the challenge until next month. I'm going to try to get a walk in this a.m. with my dh.

Guess I will go back to counting point and watching the carbs, I realized during the holidays that the carbs do make me have more cravings.

Hi to everyone....Phyllis

Good morning, everyone! Hope you all have a wonderful day!!

Zoe - thanks for the info. You're the only one I've run across who had any digestive problems with specific food after menopause. Can you take the flu shot?? The older I get, the more my dr is concerned about this, and he may insist on it, but would put me on Zofran and a nausea patch beforehand. There is a nasal delivery method, but my insurance won't cover it, and it's very expensive.

Phyllis - did you ever say why y'all were leaving sunny Florida for the frozen tundra?? It must be very hard to move away from your son. I couldn't do it. When my SIL asked to marry our daughter, I told him he couldn't move her away from me. He asked how far was too far - I told him north Houston cause we're on the south side!! They live 2 blocks away, and that's just fine with me!!

Gayle - how'd the oatmeal turn out??

Lynn - you know, I really think it is calories in/calories out, but that your own chemistry determines what plan works best for you. I couldn't exist without WW, but I have a friend who couldn't lose a lb on it but does extremely well on the plan you're on as long as she watches the calorie intake.

Here's to a successful and disciplined week :dancer:

Good Morning, Freda I lost 1/2 POUND I'll TAKE IT LOL .I'm going over to the gym this afternoon to join I gotta work out or It's just to hard to lose weight for me . To be quite honest Last yr I went to the gym and was doing spin classes I loved it THEM I HURT MY BACK and I stopped.Now I didn't want to go back But I am joining today for sure.Phyllis I think that would be the hard part for me also the weather is so nice down here in the winter.I don't know where will go .We were thinKing N.G will see. Lynn, I used to enjoy walking the canal when we were up that way then we go eat a Mother's Well all that post after me hi .Enjoy the day everyone BE GOOD TO YOU TODAY :) dEBBIE

Ahh... just ate my lunch of 1/2 cup of vegie soup, green salad with a little feta cheese and a few crackers. now it's time to either walk outside (it's in the 60s so maybe I should) or go to the gym. I'm procrastinating, can you tell?

Had a little bit of a rough time yesterday afternoon...my DD2 called to say that she went to the college bursar's office to inquire about her bill and they told her she still owed over 5K for the next semester. I thought that the federal aid she had applied for was going to cover the tuition, room and board so I was shocked and dismayed. My immediate reaction was to tell her we would loan her the money. Well, my DH vehemently disagreed and we had quite an emotional argument...(he wants her to learn to be self-sufficient - she's 24 - and I tend to run to want to rescue her:rolleyes:). Well, he went with her to the college today and it turns out she has a 2K Grant plus a 4K loan so she IS covered. :carrot::cb::cp: Thank God. I really want her to get this degree - she only has 3 semesters left. So I'm feeling relieved and life is peaceful again.

Well, off to the gym or canal path...still not sure which it will be.

Lyn

Flying by quicky, then back to work.

Hi everyone & welcome to the newcomers who are probably right at home here since I've not posted in a long time! Always good to have more & looking forward to getting to know you better.

Debbie to add to the menopause stories, for about 3 years I developed an ugly allergy to peanut products (wheezing & rashes). Now I can tolerate it in small dosages but never really interested in pushing my luck again. Menopause is just fun isn't it? We get to helplessly watch ourselves morph while our loved ones think we need to be committed... anywhere. Like everyone else, it stole my metabolism.

Lynn to compliment your comments about fat in the diet, Prevention Magazine (Feb 2008 issue, pg 153) has an article which highlights the benefits of monusaturated fats in a weight loss diet. I've bumped up my avocado, pesto & almonds & can report that hunger does not seem to be the same issue it once was. Since I have a certified lumberjack appetite, that's significant.

Zoe your life must be nuts trying to work, remodel & move. I wish we could somehow help. If you saw how Rik helped with a move, you'd thank me for leaving him home. Currently he & my son are running around mumbling stuff about dotnet & sequel. Happy for them.

Still training at the gym & running a ridicliously slow pace outdoors when weather permits. In the gym, naturally new people have joined & my attitude is the more the merrier! I like company when I'm suffering! Just a couple of thoughts for anyone joining to keep you from looking new while you're there. When I'm doing all of that time on the treadmill, it gives me a chance to look around & take notes of what people are actually doing.

1. Leave the velour jogging suit at home. It's best for post workout cozy time. Find something that you plan to saturate with sweat & is baggy enough that you don't worry about other people watching you. They're NOT watching you but I get self conscious & bet everyone else does too.
2. Ignore your hair & makeup. I was changing in the locker room for another sweatathon & there was a young woman in her thirties actually primping with makeup & hairspray. I thought she was finished with her workout until later I saw her targeting a man working out & trying to make conversation with him. Kinda got the feeling that fitness wasn't her priority. The serious people really arn't looking at your hair & don't care about your makeup.
3. If you don't know how something works it's cool to ask one of the people that work there. The only thing that looks silly is when someone pretends to know what they're doing and they go on and on doing something wrong. Every now & then one of the trainers will approach me with advice on how to do a particular move & frankly I'm grateful. Why waste a workout doing something wrong?
4. Bring water & a small hand towel to mop your face. No need to bring a large frappuchino (yup I've seen this), a high calorie sports drink or a huge glass of iced tea (yes & yes I've seen that too). Leave the novel by your bed (yup) & soon you can get back home to focus on your reading. Not a lot of people put in a decent workout if they're reading while they're working out.
5. Good shoes. Crocs are fun but they're not workout worthy. (sigh, saw that too)

Sorry, that's my soapbox & I don't want any of my friends looking like newbies!

Back to work for me. Tis golf shoe season! Everyone take care & consider yourself hugged.

Marylynn

Good Morning GG's, Any one else getting these rain storms? It has melted all the snow and now it just looks nasty and dirty outside. I'm lucky, we still have power, but a lot of people are still without electricity. That storm that came through really did a lot of damage here.

Deb, Congrats on the 1/2 lb. Every loss is a loss!!! Did you join the gym? I know they have more equipment, trainers, lots of other benefits, but I really just never liked going. I do fine and home, loved my treadmill and weights, but never wanted to go to the gym. Excuses? I could always come up with something! Maybe it was the fact that I couldn't always keep up in the exercise classes and did think that everyone was looking at me. Now, I know most people don't care what you look like or if you're doing it the way you should, it was just me.

Lynn, Not long ago someone made the comment that they couldn't wait untill their children were older so it wouldn't be so hard. I couldn't help myself, I laughed! I'm sure all of us are aware that you never stop worrying, you just worry about different things. and then along comes the grankids and you have more to worry about. Glad everything worked out well for you and your daughter!

Hey Merylynn, good to see you posting again. You gotta stay around, ya know, to be a good example. Like you and Lynn, i've added more good fat to my diet. That is always the first thing we cut when we start on a diet, forgetting that the body requires some fat. I love nuts and the magazines change which ones are the most beneficial, so I eat a small amount of them all. Love walnuts. And don't forget peanut butter.

Everyone have a good day. I miss all of you who are not posting right now, and hope you're back soon. Freda

Hmm...Marilyn...I love to read while I do the eliptical...is it really that bad? It still says I've burned over 400 calories by the end of my time on there.

Hi GOLDEN GIRLS busy getting everything cleared up before I leave for vacation. So nice to see the posts and Marylynn thanks for the gym pointers. I think a few of the things you mentioned were the reason I avoided the gym for years. I remember the times I was there (as a new young mom) and feeling like it was more of a meat market than a place to work out. I couldn't stand the "posers" and at that time there seemed to be more posers than honest people working out. As I have mentioned before the gym we have here at work is phenomenal -- the staff and students are always there in force so there is always a great mix of people. Only thing I disagree is that I have to read or something -- on the treadmill or bike or elliptical otherwise I am bored. Music doesn't keep me occupied - very rarely enjoy what they have on the tv's so I need a magazine or book to help the boredom factor.

LOL that said I went to my first class of the new year -- all us "regulars" and about 20+ "new comers". I am almost glad I am away next week -- we are hoping they will be gone -- there just isn't enough room and equipment for 50 people. Today's class should be better - the early class could be busy but the second one I am going to should be much quieter -- I hope. Not that I want to deny anyone to get fit but I just wish they came regularly all year long rather than just a couple of times at the beginning of the new year.

Still waiting to get my little hand held counter -- although typing that up I realized I bet it will get held up at the border and I will have to pay duty and taxes so I most likely won't get it until after I get back -- crap.

Well onto another day

:wave:

Another little fly-by for me -- hope this 'working while retired' garbage is soon done and I can get back to the imprtant stuff.

Later . . . :grouphug:

Happy Wednesday!

Lyn, 400 calories during an eliptical workout is wonderful! I agree w/ you & Joanne that some of the machines are mind numbing but have noticed that when people (or me for that matter) are reading on a machine, they seem to be less focused on putting out their absolute best effort. Maybe that's only my experience. That said, can't imagine doing it without my MP3 for my music. Never seem to enjoy the gym music & not into what they have on television. For myself, if I'm going into the gym to get this thing done, I want every ounce of benefit I can get from that workout. Would like to drop another oh... 2 or 3 pounds before Easter. Talk about a slow go!

Fun day on the ranch over here, calculating quarterly sales taxes, yippee! Everyone have a wonderful day & consider yourself hugged.

Marylynn

You are totally rocking it Marylynn and I am just wanting so badly to be where you are with that much determination -- I want to grow up to be you!!!!

Don't change and don't leave us I need your inspiration!!!!!!!!!!

Hi everyone.. sry i have been mia.. lots going on in my life all stressful.. my mom is 86 and recovering from radiation for cancer is now back in the hospital..we had 3 family members passaway in the last week..and my dh injured himself in his shop and had to go to the er for treatment..he cut his finger,getting a nerve and tendon..hes all stitched up and home but in alot of pain..and i want to go in to a closet and go blub blu b blub but the picture of that is enuff to keep me sane..this to will pass i know; and the one good thing about it is im not a stress eater so maybe a loss of wt would be the one good thing out of it all..we had 10+ inches of new snow and its still coming down but so beautiful out..congrats to all who are sticking to their programs and the exercising is great..its one thing that i have not adopted into my daily routine..i did go to curves for awhile..when i first went i wanted to walk out the door..to public..didnt want anyone seeing me bouce around(not a pretty sight) but then i realized i was there for a reason and got over it..to bad i couldnt afford to go again cuz i got so i liked it..my dd went with me and some machines she would have to pull my big butt out of we still laugh about it.. anyways i admire folks that do the exercise and ok what is my excuse:?: i dont have one..hoping u all have a good day (((hugs))) rosey :wave:

Hello Everyone! Just a quick fly by here also--- I just got home from having a bone density test (never had one before) and the good news it is all in the normal range! YAY!!! The bad news ---- I always thought that I was 5' tall but now I'm 4'11" short!!

When we left here about 11:30 this morning it was nice ouside, blue skies and sunshine. Coming back up the mountain 2 hours later we were traveling in a blizzard!! Always glad to get back home when it is snowing so much!

Anyway, need to get some supper started and just kick back for a little while. Take care.

Good Morning GG's, It's still warmer than usual out. Ok by me if it stays that way for awhile. Nice to get out without wearing coat, gloves, hat and still freezing! I am still doing well with the diet. WISH I could exercise. I miss it so much. I am still doing the weights every other day.

Rosie, I'm so sorry to hear about your mom, your husband and the other family members. My Goodness girl, if any one ever had a reason to go into a closet and blubber for awhile, you do!!! I hope Mom and husband are doing ok. Prayers for you and your family.

Karen, Glad you got home before the weather got too bad there. And congratulations on the bone density test. Always nice to know that things are ok. I know what you mean about the heigth. I used to be 5'1" but i'm down to just 5 now. I guess time is taking it's tole.

WHEN i walked on the treadmill i always watched TV. It was a ritual. I could only watch a certain program if I was on the treadmill. It got me there every day and kept me on there for the length of the program. Maybe it would have been better if I hadn't watched TV, but I probably wouldn't have exercised as often or as long.

Everyone have a good day, Freda

Oh My Goodness . . . will you just look at this . . . I actually got to drop in to 3FC two days in a row. :yay: Not that I haven't still got some work-stuff that needs doing; but it is starting to slow down a little.

I just put in my second load of laundry and took advantage of the mild weather to scrape the last of the pools of ice off the driveway (at least I got some exercise). My driveway is on the north side of the house and up near the garage, no sun every gets to it, so it takes a long time for stuff to melt. We are supposed to have another above freezing day today but then we are heading back down to 'normal' again and they are predicting freezing rain for tomorrow -- at least I'll be starting from plain asphalt again. :lol:

Well, guess I'd better scoot around to a few more places before I buckle down to the pension calcs again. Have a great day, gang, and I'll see you later . . . :wave:

Pretty danged exciting here in northern Mississippi, lots of storms & a few tornados. Reminds me of Texas. Mighty nice of these guys to give a homesick lady a taste of home. On the serious side, here's hoping there are no injuries & everyone can keep their hands on their insurance policies.

Rosie I'm so very sorry! Here's hoping your mother recovers, your husband's injuries heal quickly & you can get some brighter days! You're in our thoughts & prayers. PS. If you want to blubber & just 'lose it' you're in great company, I like that closet from time to time myself. At least it's time I get alone without someone needing SOMETHING.

Karen I completely understand about the losing an inch thing. Congratulations on high marks on your bone density tests! That's wonderful! All of my life I had always wanted to be shorter & hugged the nurse when she measured me & I came in an inch shorter a couple of years ago. They're blaming it on my back injuries, etc. In my mind it was always more acceptable to be short & overweight than tall & overweight. When you're already tall then overweight, the word monster always came to my mind. Tough thoughts to overcome.

I think it's safe to comment that if we find something to do that keeps us on a machine, (treadmill, eliptical, whatever) then we should pat ourselves on our backs for being on the thing in the first place. When my dh first started working out with me he'd put on his flip flops, light a cigarette (I'm NOT kidding) & grab a novel then set the thing to go at 1.5 mph. I bit my tongue & congratulated him for not falling off. Now he's working on his tempo's, inclines & distances because he noticed that by bumping up the effort the old guy dropped 6 pounds. While I'm happy for him, I've already warned him that it's a bad idea to lose weight faster than I do. I don't think he's paying much attention.

We've been nominated to host next year's Christmas Eve party for about 50 relatives. I thought it would be a good idea to start planning now. So far, we've agreed to clear all the furniture from the living room & set it up as a Country & Western dance club with little tables, chairs, candles & an open bar. (His family functions so much better with the open bar) with my BIL as the disc jockey. That song about hiring a wino to decorate my house seems to be coming into play. If anyone has any ideas, shoot 'em over.

Everyone have a great day & consider yourself hugged! I'm going to toss the animals back into the 'safe place' (my bathroom) & go check more weather.

Marylynn

Hi Everyone,

I REALLY hope I didn't bite off more than I can chew with taking a course at the same time I'm teaching one.

Spent lots of hours online with my students - hopefully, it's just because it's the first week of class. Went to gym this morning & went scrapping today. Ready to sit in front of tv & veg out.

Hope everyone is doing well,

Lynn

Well, we didn't get all that much snow afterall.. Just about 2 inches. But my goodness it was coming down so fast while were driving up the pass that I thought we were really going to have a major storm.

Marylynn, you are doing so good! WOW! I've been trying to get more time in on the Gazelle but so far I've just managed 15 minutes at a time. But I really like it and can feel it in my legs and stomach. I'm hoping I can get to where I can do a full hour on it--- that is my goal anyway.
I weigh in tomorrow so hope I can move my ticker downward again!

Freda, our temp got up to about 24 degrees today. But it was another sunny day for the chamber of commerce! It looked so nice outside with the blueskies and bright sunshine--- but it was cold! I hope I don't lose anymore Height inches!! 4'11" is short enough!

Well, just wanted to touch base tonight-- I need to get caught up with all the post again. But until then Just a big Hello to everyone.

Good morning ladies...quiet here in sunny Florida.

Today is housecleaning day (how exciting) and we are going out to dinner with friends and then on to gamble a bit. (only an arcade with penny machines...I can't stand to lose more than $5.00....lol)

I found a stir fry chicken/broc./few noodles and sauce on the side that is filling but not high in calories at our favorite place, so that is what I always get now. Leaves calories for the WINE!!!

I have been doing much better with the exercise, food choices and water this week since I am feeling better so I'll be cutting the portion size down and hopefully get back to my ticker in a week or so.

Got to get moving here, we are hoping to show our condo this week-end.

Phyllis

Hi ladies,

My second day back on this site. I think I like it here :) Yesterday after my exercise session (I'm just getting started so I don't feel right calling it a workout just yet) I was feeling great and very motivated so I decided to jump ahead in my day planner and put in some little motivational notes to get me through those times when I feel like giving up - or get me back on track if I've slacked off. I decided to also use the day planner as my food and exercise log - the idea that I leave it laying around and someone else might see it makes me think twice about putting that cookie in my mouth :ink:
I wrote down ideas like using morning shower time as "me" time to focus on keeping the motivation going - great way to start the morning actually visualizing myself as one hot granny! :belly: Have a GREAT day.

Good morning! I was MIA yesterday - the light company had to change the pole behind our house, and it didn't go as well as they hoped. But, after 5 hrs, it was done, and I don't think I'll have to be watching it everytime we have a big storm!!

Rosey! I can so identify with what you're going through. It's been a rough couple of weeks for me, too. :hug:

Marylynn! I don't listen to country music, but hiring a wino??? I have tears :D Thanks for the big chuckle this morning!!

Lynn - Am I the only one who doesn't know what you teach?? Or what course you're taking?? Veg out, my friend.

Hey Yoyo! I say anything that motivates you is great!! Now, could you send a little of that my way??

Karen - I've had the bone density, and I'm normal too!! Yea! I think it must be genetic cause my mother, who is 95, has fallen several times and never broken anything. It's a good thing I'm normal, too, cause I don't tolerate calcium supplements....I guess we're all the "incredible shrinking women"!!!

Freda - I tried that "I can only watch it when I'm on the treadmill" and then I decided to hate the program!! Go figure!!

Have a great day all, and keep those heinyas in gear :carrot:

Good Morning Ladies!!
Welcome Yoyo! :welcome2: It sounds like you have a really good attitude! Make sure you come around often and pass that around! ;)

Rosey, :hug: Here's a hug for you. I hope things are getting better.

Phyllis, :crossed: Got my fingers crossed for you.. Sending lots of :goodvibes your way! Keep us posted on how the showing goes. We're still tryingt o be patient!

I got on the scales this morning and I lost 1 pound! :carrot: It's a start and I'll take it!

Well, I need to get going and get to the grocery store and see if I can beat the snow for today!

Everybody take care!

HI GOLDEN GIRLS last post until we return from Maui. I will miss you all and I promise to do as much working out as possible and good eating while I am away. It shouldn't be too bad there - I do love water activities. And walking should take up a bit of the day - I hope. We are doing one morning of snorkeling - I will report back on our success of snorkeling with Hawaiian sealife (the sharks can stay away -- they already took a chunk of one guy I work with - the odds are on my side I think LOL).

Rosey -- you have every right to sneak away and push out a few tears -- after my husband passed away having a good old bawlfest in the shower was the order of the day for a long time. Best part is you are rehydrating yourself while you let loose with the tears and few people can hear you.

Karen -- glad the density test went well - sorry about the lost inch but I guess that happens to all of us. My mom used to be taller than me - now I have about three inches on her. Then there is my auntie that at her tallest was 4'10" -- now we are not sure - just way shorter.

Freda -- keep enjoying the nice weather. Some of the yoga workout videos have chair workout modifications - would that work for you??

Linda -- glad you are doing well

Marylynn -- stay safe. The Christmas eve party sounds like fun. Love the story about your DH -- just too funny smoking while you exercise -- such a throwback to years ago. Like when the doctors used to tell pregnant women to have a cigarette to feel better :?:

Lynn - I am sure you will do great teaching and learning but watch you aren't burning yourself out.

Phyllis - glad things are going well. I have my fingers crossed that your condo sells!!!!!!!

YoYo - nice meeting you. LOL good idea about leaving the planner around. Heck just knowing I have to record the darn cookie makes me think twice. I remember thinking once I can eat it and not record it -- but who am I fooling only me and only cheating me. So when I am good about recording I do well -- its the whole exercise of being honest with myself.

Deb -- glad all is ok. We will all motivate ourselves -- so I need you all to get busy and send all sorts of vibes to me while I am gone. I am sure I will feel them!!!

Zoe I know you are busy busy busy gal but I miss you to pieces. Lyn hope all is well with you and I will see you all on the 21st - RESET and RENEW - again!!

Hi Everyone...Happy Friday. Still warm here (for upsate NY) in the 40s but they say snow for Sunday. I'm slowly getting re-motivated after the holiday binge. I am:
1. Writing down what I eat in my excel spreadsheet that calculates WW points....so far am not staying in"the range" but at least now I can see how much is going into my mouth. This has to be good eventually, and will make me think before I eat.
2. Excercising daily - we are having a "Biggest Loser" contest at work and I signed up...one of the prizes is for the most exercise minutes for the next 8 weeks.

Welcome YoYo :welcome2::trampo::welcome: You do sound very motivated so please share some of your positive attitude here.

JayJay - Oh I'm sure your trip to Mauii will be the best. We'll be thinking of you swimming with the tropical fish. Have a great trip.

Karen - glad the snow wasn't too bad for you - and your bones are healthy. I have to take the weekly Actonel and calcium 3x/day as I am on the borderline for bone loss.

Debbie - glad the pesky pole was fixed and your back with us.

Marilyn - loved the description of your DH on the treadmill. Thanks for the giggle.

Rosie - hope you're being good to yourself. Hang in there.

Lynn - Good luck with the new courses. Hope things settle down.

Freda - Keep lifting those weights. It really does burn calories AND help your figure. Try to be patient.

Phyllis - Happy gambling! Good for you eating sensibly with the stir fry.

Sorry if I missed anyone...

My DH asked me out on a date tonite. We're going to exercise first, then go to dinner and a movie. Not sure what we'll see yet. Then Sunday I got tickets to a local production of Cabaret.

DD2 called and is in NYC writing songs with her BF and singing them in the subway until school starts at the end of the month. Ahh youth.

Have a great weekend GGs.

Lyn

Lynn - Am I the only one who doesn't know what you teach?? Or what course you're taking?? Veg out, my friend. :carrot:


Hi Debbie,

I teach graduate students Educational Research. Most of my students are teachers who want to become Principals. I teach online courses with the University of Phoenix.

I'm taking an undergraduate course at the local community college in Existential Philosophy. I'll be in with college-age Freshmen and Sophomores.

I'm REALLY looking forward to the philosophy course.

Lynn

Hi Everyone,

For those of you who have been around a long time - remember the problem I had with my friend? We got into an agrument & stopped talking for a while. Well, I just got off the phone with her. Through a series of emails, we got back in touch & are planning to meet for coffee next week. This makes me VERY happy!

I had a cardio analysis done this morning - I will find out my optimum heart rate during cardio exercise to burn fat - not muscle. I'm leaving shortly to see about purchasing a treadmill, or eliptical, or gazelle. I want something portable (need to move it in and out of my living room) with a cardio monitor. I'll let you know what I find.

I'm determined to boost my metabolism so that I can eat 1300-1400 calories a day without gaining weight. So far this month, I've averaged 1302 calories/day and I've gained a pound.

Hope we all have a happy and healthy day,

Lynn

Quickly popping in to say hi...have been swamped with work since the holidays. I also have company (my aunt,87,cousin and sister along with my mother who is already here)...they are coming for 2 weeks. Ought to be fun, but now I'm in a panic to have house/yard ready. I'll probably be even more scarce for the next couple of weeks, but think of you all often.

:wave:

Another overly busy day -- but I do think it will soon be over -- can't think of any stupid questions they could possibly ask that I haven't already dealt with about ten times. Yeah, I know, famous last words. :lol:

See you all soon . . . :grouphug:

OK - I did it. I bough a Pro Form portable (folds up and rolls) Eliptical. They will deliver and assemble it for me.

Maybe I'll be able to up my daily calorie intake a little.

Lynn

Hi everyone.. thanyou for all the lovely support..things are better or im handling them better..trying to stay busy..i have new recipe in the crock pot today..beef fahitas..if it turns out good ill post the recipe..(((hugs))) rosey :wave:

Hi again,

Just wanted to say thanks to all for the lovely warm welcome. I know I'll be back.

JayJay - I am soooo jealous!! Maui is my favorite place. Don't forget to stop at the Pioneer Inn in Lahina for some Portugese sausage - I know, not diet food but skip the potatoes and you can burn it off snorkeling ;)

Lynn - Have fun with that eliptical. I think they are tougher than a Stairmaster. My legs always give out before I can get my heart rate anywhere near where it should be to burn those calories but they are really cool - feels like you're gliding.

Off to spend a relaxing weekend with DH but planning to forego the temptation to veg on the couch and munch :carrot:
You all have a great one and keep thinking healthy thoughts!! See you all on Monday

Hi Golden Girls,.................Long time, no See! (Due to me)
I'm sorry but went thru late summer, fall and early winter thru H*ll. I'm tring to get my act together again, thank you all for keeping the Golden Girls going. I knew we had a great bunch of gals and I see most of you are all there. A couple of new one, Hi. I'm Bobbi, started this thread with the help of others, most of you know me. I'd like to start participating again now that some of the crisis is over. We are still stressed over MIL, she has dementia (did I spell that right?), she calls us 3 times a day with the same question, where are my credit cards, someone took them. duh! Someone stole my coins in my billfold, she didn't have any credit cards or bills or coins when we moved her in. She doen't believe us! She is driving Bruce and me crazy.
ON to a better note..............how is every one doing with the new year? I don't do resolutions because I only break them after a couple of weeks.
How about you?

Love ya, Bobbi

HEY BOBBI!!!! Welcome back!!! We missed you!! Sorry you have had such tough times ---I know my time is coming when we get moved back to MO. but I miss my family so much I really look forward to it! At least for now!!!

Lynn-- I hope you enjoy your elliptical. I'm sure you will get a routine down and really get with it. I advertised my elliptical for sale and plan to keep the Gazelle... I like it so much better. It just seems easier on the knees!!

Just thought that I would pop in for a minute and say HI!! Take care everyone.

Thank you Karen for the nice welcome back. I was looking for the button that alerted me when someone commented on this thread. Is it not there anymore? Gosh, I haven't been gone that long!

I pronounce you Queen of the Golden Girls. I see you have not only kept the site going but put much time and effort into the challenges. God bless you! I'd like to know what keeps you motivated? You are truly an inspiration.

Bobbi

Hi Golden Girls,.................Long time, no See! (Due to me)
I'm sorry but went thru late summer, fall and early winter thru H*ll. I'm tring to get my act together again, thank you all for keeping the Golden Girls going. I knew we had a great bunch of gals and I see most of you are all there. A couple of new one, Hi. I'm Bobbi, started this thread with the help of others, most of you know me. I'd like to start participating again now that some of the crisis is over. We are still stressed over MIL, she has dementia (did I spell that right?), she calls us 3 times a day with the same question, where are my credit cards, someone took them. duh! Someone stole my coins in my billfold, she didn't have any credit cards or bills or coins when we moved her in. She doen't believe us! She is driving Bruce and me crazy.
ON to a better note..............how is every one doing with the new year? I don't do resolutions because I only break them after a couple of weeks.
How about you?

Love ya, Bobbi

Hi Bobbi,

I am SO HAPPY :carrot::carrot::carrot: to see you back with us. You have been TRULY missed.

I sent you a pm about my "motivation" - basically, it's fear of the affects of this @#$%%^^&&* diabetes.

Welcome Home!

Lynn

Good Morning Everyone,

WELCOME yoyodieterinvegas - what's your name? As you can see, we go by first names here in our happy/safe place. Glad to have you join us.

I've got a sad thing & a happy thing planned for today. I've got a funeral this morning - my friend's mother died on Wednesday - and a massage this afternoon. Another friend and I gave each other a massage as a Christmas gift.

I'll check back later today. Hope we all have a Happy and Healthy Saturday.

Lynn

Good Morning . . . :grouphug:

Its another mild and rainy day . . . at least I don't have to shovel it and . . . drumroll please . . . I'm not working. :yay: although my 'horror'scope does make it sound like something I've been doing in the past couple of weeks could be about to explode all over the place. time will tell, I guess.

Glad to see you back Bobbo . . . hope you'll be able to stick around for a little bit, this time, Chickie. :yes:

Later, gang . . . :wave:

Lynn, enjoy your new purchase. I have only tried it one time but I do know it will give you a good workout. Take it easy at first. Also, I am very happy for you and your friend getting back together, I know that was hard on you.

Welcome Yoyodieter, it would be nice to have a first name if you don't mind. I hope you'll come back often, post everyday if you like, we like to keep this board active. Good luck.

Well look who's back.....BOBBI....so good to see you my dear but sorry you are still having MIL problems. I have missed you.

Karen, have you had anyone looking at your place? Is it slower in the winter there? This is our high season so we are hoping for more activity. Still sending good vibes your direction.

Marylynn, you are doing so great. I hadn't realized that you had lost so much, way to go girl! I'm too old to start running just walking is my goal and I really need to keep at that.

Zoe, I am actually looking forward to packing and going through all the STUFF but dread the unpacking part. I am sure I will take too much STUFF! You are wise taking your time unpacking, my dh will want to get in his"tunnel vision mode" and unpack in 2 days and then we can't find anything. So this time I will set the speed and he will have to deal with boxes sitting around for awhile. Your baths in that beautiful tub sound wonderful.

Lyn, are you having a hard time getting back into the exercise routine since vacation? I am...finally getting some time in but I need someone to kick me in the **** to get me moving. I didn't know who you were when you changed your picture....your looking good!

Hi to Rosey, Linda, Gayle, Debbie, Cat and I hope LindaD is OK and will return.
Hi to all I've missed, not intentional.

Phyllis

Hi ~

My dad asked me ~ why when he checks his blood sugar does he get a higher reading on the right hand fingers than the left hand fingers? Do any of you have such an experience? Is is just a fluke that it happens that way for him?

Thank you for your help.

Gayle

Hello all ~

Hope you all are having a good weekend.

Lynn ~ Enjoy your eliptical ~ hope it helps you like you want.

Debbie (TX) ~ How are your mom and daughter doing? Thanks for the oatmeal help. It makes a nice breakfast or snack.

Lyn ~ Glad your daughter's college expenses are covered ~ now you won't have to stress about that.

Freda ~ Glad you are able to do the weights at least ~ will you eventually be able to get back to exercising?

Cat ~ Enjoy the visit with your aunt, mom, cousin.

Marylynn ~ Wow ~ you are brave to host that New Year's Eve party ~ sounds like you have some fun ideas.

Karen ~ Glad your bone density thing came back ok ~ I has similar news ~ used to be 5'2", now the tell me 5'1/4"

Margaret ~ Glad to see you back.

Zoe ~ Your bath sounds wonderful. Enjoy that as often as you can.

Phyllis ~ Where in Ohio is it that you will be going?

Rosey ~ I'm sorry for all the hard stuff that is happening in your family. Thought and prayers for you all.

Linda (Meowee)~ Hopefully things have slowed down for you and you can relax and enjoy now.

KD50 ~ Welcome ~ glad you've joined us.

Joanne ~ Have a great time on your vacation.

Debbie (FL) Wow ~ that sounds heavenly ~ sitting on the beach.

Bobbi ~ Glad to see you back.

Yoyo ~ Welcome ~ you'll like it here.

Hello to anyone I may have forgotten.


It is nice and sunny here today. I'm off the weekend ~ yippee. Thankful for the days off ~ trying to get better from a cold ~ had to miss work the other night. Feeling a little better today than a couple days ago.

Take care all

A laugh or two!!!!

-----Walking can add minutes to your life. This enables you at 85 years old to spend an additional 5 months in a nursing home at $5000 per month.


My grandmother started walking five miles a day when she was 60.
Now she's 97 years old and we don't know where the **** she is.


The only reason I would take up exercising is so that I could hear
heavy breathing again.

I joined a health club last year, spent about 400 bucks. Haven't lost a pound. Apparently you have to go there.

I have to exercise early in the morning before my brain
figures out what I'm doing.


I like long walks, especially when they are taken by people who annoy me.


I have flabby thighs, but fortunately my stomach covers them.


The advantage of exercising every day is that you die healthier.


If you are going to try cross-country skiing, start with a small country.


And last but not least:??? I don't exercise because it makes the ice jump right out of my glass.


Phyllis

Hi Phyllis and all you that welcomed me back.
Phyllis, that last statement you pasted is hilarious, I had a good laugh. I think It's important that we have many laughs a day.
Anyone who has a good clean joke, please post it,

Bobbi (Not Bobbo)

Hi ~

My dad asked me ~ why when he checks his blood sugar does he get a higher reading on the right hand fingers than the left hand fingers? Do any of you have such an experience? Is is just a fluke that it happens that way for him?

Thank you for your help.

Gayle

Hi Gayle,

I don't know the answer to your question. I never noticed a difference, but I wasn't looking for one.

Lynn

Good Morning GG's. Not much going on here today. I had to work yesterday and now that is out of the way untill Wed. I am still doing well with my diet, haven't went over my calories since before Christmas.

Phyllis, Hope you had fun gambling. I hate losing too, never take over a few dollars with me. If I win i continue playing, if I lose i am DONE! Read the jokes. Would have been a lot funnier if so many of them didn't hit too close to home!! ha!!

YoYo, Welcome. Hope to see you a lot.

Debbie. Glad you got that problem fixed! With all the spring winds it's one thing you won't have to worry about.

Lyn, I'm rooting for you to win "the biggest Looser" contest at work! What do you win?

Marylynn, I like your idea for the party! Sounds like so much fun.

Lynn, I'm glad things are begining change for your and your friend. I hope the reunion goes well. It takes a long time ro re-build bridges, but some bridges are worth the effort.

Cat, Enjoy your time with your company.

Rosey, How did your recipe turn out? I'm always looking for good, low fat/calorie recipes.

Bobbi, I knew I hadn't seen you around for awhile. Glad to see your back. Sorry about your MIL. Dementia is a terrible condition. It robs us of so much. My mom has a condition that has early dementia as one of the effects. We can see her getting more and more forgetful....so sad when someone has always been so independant.

Gayle, I've never noticed a difference in BS numbers from one hand to the next, but like Lynn, I never looked for one. Never say anything is not possible, but I can't think of a good explination for that.

Karen, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that you find some buyers for the house soon. Spring is a perfect time for a move.

Everyone, take care, Freda

Hi everyone.. a very lazy day here..Gayle.. im diabetic..if hes not cleaning his finger off with soap and water or an alchol swipe he could be picking up stuff from things he handled like foods or lotion or even toothpaste that would make for a higher #..esp if hes testing on the hand that he uses the most..other than that ive never run across that.. maybe meowee would know what the answer is..Freda the recipe was simple and good..one onion,green pepper,red pepper(sliced thinly),round steak sliced thin,pkg of fahita seasoning mix and 1/2 can beer..cook in crock pot till beef is tender..use whatever sides u like in your tortilla..hope u all are having a good weekend (((hugs))) rosey :wave:

Sorry, but I've never noticed a difference between one hand and another and not between fingers either (I rotate through all ten fingers on a daily basis;, i.e. one finger per day based on the date of the month. Day 31 gets any finger I feel like using.). Rosey's explanation would be as close as I could come with a guess, too.

Thank you for your answers about the blood sugar readings. Mom said that dad was just curious ~ she said he has too much time on his hands for thinking of stuff.

Good Morning Everyone,

My class (the one I'm teaching) is going well. Students are VERY nice & anxious to learn.

The textbook for my class (the one I will be taking) is HORRIBLE - VERY difficult to read. I can't believe a teacher is assigning this (along with 3 others) to freshmen and sophomores!

Did you ever totally believe you were in the WRONG day? I woke up this morning convinced it was Monday. I took all my stuff to the gym so I could shower & change to be ready for my dentist appointment. On the way to the gym, I couldn't figure out why my favorite radio program wasn't on (I'm embarassed to say it's Imus in the Morning). It wasn't until I got to the gym & saw the calendar that I figured out my mistake.

Hopefully, this is an effect of being retired & not an omen of a disintegrating brain!

Hope we all have a Happy and Healthy SUNDAY!

Lynn

Most Effective Weight Loss Diet Revealed, According To New Study
ScienceDaily (Jan. 13, 2008) —

Scientists at Aberdeen’s Rowett Research Institute have shown that a high protein, low carbohydrate diet is most effective at reducing hunger and promoting weight loss, at least in the short term.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Healthy, obese men were given two different diets during their stay in the Rowett’s specialised Human Nutrition Unit. Both diets had a high protein content (30% of total energy value of the diet) but they differed in the amount of carbohydrate: One diet was low in carbohydrate (4%) and the other contained a moderate amount of carbohydrate (35% total energy value).

“Our volunteers found both diets to be equally palatable, but they felt less hungry on the high-protein low-carbohydrate diet compared with the diet which contained high-protein but moderate amounts of carbohydrate,” said Dr Alex Johnstone, the Rowett’s weight-loss expert who led the study.

“Weight loss during the two four week study periods was greater on the high-protein low-carbohydrate diet, averaging 6.3 kg per person, compared with 4.3 kg on the moderate carbohydrate diet,” said Dr Johnstone.

An important part of this study was to unravel the physiological mechanisms behind this type of diet. It is known that when people eat low carbohydrate diets, within a relatively short time their body has to switch from using glucose as a fuel to using something different called ketone bodies. Ketone bodies are appetite-suppressing and they may have an effect on the appetite centres in the brain. It’s also well known that protein itself is very good at making people feel full-up.

“In this study, we showed that on the high-protein low-carbohydrate diet the volunteers became ketogenic within 1-2 days of starting this diet and so it may be that high-protein, low-carbohydrate diets are particularly effective because of the combined effect of the protein and the ketone bodies,” said Dr Johnstone.

“We showed that the volunteers on the ketogenic diet reduced their energy intake without increasing their hunger and this was a very important factor in their ability to stick to the diet.”

Dr Johnstone sounds a note of caution about her findings: “A paper published last year from the same study showed that low carbohydrate diets may have consequences for the health of the gut by dramatically reducing the numbers of particular types of bacteria. So we will be looking in more detail at the complex way in which we respond to changes in our diet before we can say whether low-carbohydrate ketogenic diets are a suitable tool for everyone who wants to lose weight.”

When the phase of the study which involved the volunteers finished in October 2004, it attracted considerable interest because of its celebrity volunteer, Cameron Stout, who lost just over 12 kg during his nine week stay at the Rowett Institute. At the time, Cameron mentioned his surprise at not feeling hungry during the study and said he had adjusted to eating smaller portions.

The weight-loss study is published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, volume 87(1), pages 44-55.

The study which investigated the impact of the low carbohydrate, high-protein diet on the bacteria in the gut was published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 73:1073-8.

Adapted from materials provided by Rowett Research Institute

I am laughing Lynn.....it is being retired. I never know what day it is unless I have something to do that day or we go to church! My dh asked me the date the other day and I had no idea!

Glad you made it to the gym anyway....Phyllis

A quick check-in on this now Sunday afternoon. I promised my DH pancakes this morning and then forget and went to church - so we had pancakes for "brunch" Haven't had them for months and months. it was a nice treat, but now I must got out and walk before the snow flies. We cleaned out our garage yesterday and now I can get my car in along with his motorcycle and the other car. Tonite, we're going to see "Cabaret" at the local theater in Rochester. We are both going to hit the gym before hand.

Welcome back, Bobbi, we missed you.

Lynn - too funny about forgetting which day it is. I've done the same.

Phyliis - Thanks for the laughs.

Rosey - recipe sounds really good. I may try it.

Meowee - wonder if you're going to get the Noreaster they are predicting tomorrow. Stay warm.

Bye for now...
Lyn

Hello everyone

Hope you all are having a nice weekend.

Have been working this weekend putting up some shelves and moving furniture around ~ finally getting this house to feel more like home. (Have been living for year amidst stacks of boxes and unable to unpack until Steve got here to help me get the furniture arranged so we could unpack.)

Got e-mail from Jen with pictures of the place where she and Mike are gonna have their wedding and reception. Kind of a rustic looking place. In one picture was Mike's mom ~ it was a relief to see that she was similar size and shape to me.

Lynn, I can identify with the not knowing the day thing. The other night at work (Sat Jan 5th), one of my patient's asked me what day it was. I didn't even hesitate and told him it was Satruday December 5th. He looked at me puzzled ~ and said what happened to January? I had to laugh at myself ~ my patient who they said was confused was more oriented than I was. :sssh: :o

Well, guess I will go do something.

Take care

Oh, Lordy, I am back and have read through all the posts that I've missed, and have a few comments, but not enough time to go through each one, and I apologize for that in advance, but we are still horrendously busy getting settled - this has simply been the pits, I tell you. DH is studying that C# programming (thanks, MaryLynn & Rick!) which is a GOOD thing, but I've got to say that there's a lot of the unpacking and putting away that just doesn't get done unless I'm home to be insistent about it. Okay, and because I'm very anal about where my stuff goes. That, too. Picky, picky, picky. That's me. This weekend we've managed to get the living room, dining room and our bedroom finished off, which sounds great except for the fact that all MY clothes go in the spare bedroom closet, and that room is still being used as a repository for everything that's still in boxes, which includes my clothes, which are still hanging in wardrobe boxes. Things are starting to come together nicely, but I have to say that I'm really feeling tired from the constant activity. Plus DH's snoring, which has sent me scurrying out to the couch more often than not, so getting the spare bedroom set up is getting urgent from the perspective of my getting an uninterrupted night's sleep. :faint:
Bobbi!!!!!! :hug: SO great to see you back again! We've missed you lots! Quite a few of the old gang are still around. In my case, I've just been trying to get moved, so I haven't posted as regularly as I used to, but I'll be back on my old schedule soon.
I'm going to just send hugs to all my Golden Girlies - and if you don't see your name, it's not because I don't wuv you...it's just that my brain can only handle but so much these days... I'll be so glad to get back to my old routines....anyway, please don't give up on me...Phyl, Lyn, (Jo-annie in Maui), Karen, Gayle, Rosey, Freda, Lynn, Meowee-Linda, LindaD (hope everything's okay), Deb(s), and everybody else... :grouphug:
:dizzy:

Hi everyone.. another very cold day here..i was up early and did laundry..i got to talk to my mom today(i call her every sunday since my dad passed, as she said sundays where the hardest and lonliest days for her) she sounded more like her self and the dr.'s are pleased with her progress. altho hes still in the hospital she is improving..my dh is getting so bored,his finger still hurts and he has to be careful till the tendon heals..ella bella i can relate with the snoring hubby.. mine sounds like chainsaw and i can eve here him from across the hall and his door closed :dizzy:..hope u are all having a great weekend (((hugs))) for all rosey :wave:

Hi Golden Gals,
Thanks for the welcome back, it's been awhile. Life out in the country was going great until today. We were going to bring a standing lamp into MIL apartment today, only to find her in a guest apartment, her bedroom totally cleaned out and a huge fan going. She turned the faucet on in the bathroom, left it running and went back to bed. She flooded out her apartment and part of the next door neighbors apartment. (She lives in an assisted living apartment) This stress is what put me back to over eating, pigging out, etc. Tomorrow we'll have to go back in and see what's to be done with her. I think they'll kick her out and we'll have to put her in a nursing home.
On a better note, I've dropped 6 pounds since starting on the Flat Belly diet through Prevention magazine. I saw a segment of it on Good Morning America and thought it sounded interesting. Anybody else on this plan?
Have a good one, Bobbi

Hi Golden Gals,
I've dropped 6 pounds since starting on the Flat Belly diet through Prevention magazine. I saw a segment of it on Good Morning America and thought it sounded interesting. Anybody else on this plan?
Have a good one, Bobbi

Hi Bobbi,

Sorry about MIL - Nursing Home would probably be the best place for her.

OK about this Flat Belly diet - what does it consist of?

I read an article recently about one's waist size and the the potential for heart attacks. Women's waist size should be about 32 inches! I've got a LONG way to go for that! Sounds like a Flat Belly diet might help the situation.

Lynn

Things are starting to come together nicely, but I have to say that I'm really feeling tired from the constant activity. Plus DH's snoring, which has sent me scurrying out to the couch more often than not, so getting the spare bedroom set up is getting urgent from the perspective of my getting an uninterrupted night's sleep. :faint:
:dizzy:

Hi Zoe,

Take care of yourself. Get rest. Moving is a VERY stressful event.

I'm sending you comforting vibes - :grouphug:

Lynn

Good Morning, Everyone,

Rosey & Zoe, you've got hubbies who snore. I get awakened by my dd's visiting cat who cries out about 4 times/night (sounds like someone screaming) to get fed!

There's about 1/8 of an inch of snow on my driveway. I'm trying to decide if it's enough for me to cancel my dentist appointment. I guess not. Oh well, you can't win 'em all.

Check back later,

Lynn

:wave:

I had a busy day yesterday but at least it was a fun-busy for a change. Back to the work-busy today but hopefully that will be the end -- at least for a little bit of time.

We are supposed to be getting upwards of 6 to 8 inches of snow over the next 24 hours and that will be a shock to the system after the past week of nothing but melting and more melting. who knows . . . maybe it will never develop.

Have a greaat day and I'll see you all later , , , :grouphug:

Good Morning Golden Girls, made it through another weekend of eating well. So far, so good. I am actually going to sort through my closet this week. Pack away all the "too big" clothes. If I slip up and have to go unpack them, maybe that will be enough of a wake up call for me to get back on tract.

Lynn, When I don't work I forget what day it is. Of course, if you were in the hospital and I asked you, I would have to say you were only "Ox2.

Lyn, doesn't it feel good to clean out something, like your garage? I don't know what's wrong with me! I'm in this cleaning mood. Some one stop me before it gets out of hand!!!

Gayle, I'm glad to hear that you are getting your house together. More like home now? When is daughters wedding? Still lots of time to lose weight? I know you will look lovely. Never too soon to start looking for the dress though.

Zoe, I agree with Lynn, Moving is terribly stressful. Take it slow and don't stress yourself. The work will get done. My big priority would be getting that spare bedroom finished, to avoid DH snoring. My husband snores too, but I can just roll him over and he stops. Don't think I could stand that all night!

Bobbi, Sorry to hear about the trouble with your MIL. They may not let her live in the assisted living area any more. And, if she is doing things like that, it might be better that she isn't left alone. Do they have a nursing home in the same facility? Some do. I haven't heard about the flat belly diet either, but I'm always looking for something that will help. At my age, I think a flat belly is asking a lot, but I'm willing to give it a try!

Meowee, Looking forward to when your pace slows down a bit and you can get back to posting. Miss you!

Rosey, thanks for the recipe. Looks good, I'll add it to my file

Everyone have a good day, Freda

Good Morning!
I read an article recently about one's waist size and the the potential for heart attacks. Women's waist size should be about 32 inches! I've got a LONG way to go for that! Sounds like a Flat Belly diet might help the situation.

You might want to google it, too long to explain but it hits the area in women that's the hardest to lose, belly fat. The first 4 days is pretty regimented, but after that you can pretty much eat what you want as long as you get 3 good fats in a day, olive oil, nuts, peanut butter, etc. and stay in your calorie range. I lost 6 pounds in the fist 4 day jumpstart program, the web site for this is up but has lots of kinks to work out. They are overwelmed, didn't know the segment they aired on Good Morning America would brings thousands of dieters to their site. I think this diet is compared to the Mediterranean plan that uses lots of good fats and it's very healthy. They reccomend all organic produce, foods, etc. I can't afford all those organic items, so make the best of what I can find locally.
Lynn...you are too funny, 1/8 inch of snow will put off going to the dentist! Ha, Ha, I have a better excuse. You can't find your car keys so you'll have to cancel your dentist appointment.
Snoring>>>>>>My DH and I have had separate bedrooms for 31 years due to his snoring. It sounds weird but it worked for us, not only did we both start getting a good nights sleep but our sex life improved too. We stopped fighting because of lack of sleep. If you have a second bedroom, move in an enjoy a good nights sleep. Amen!
Bye everyone, hope I have good news when I post again, have to go into town to see what's going to happen with MIL after the flooded apartment incident.
Bobbi

Good Morning Golden Girls!! Today is pretty nice here--- today that is! They are predicting really cold temps and snow starting tomorrow night!! i am really getting to old to think of snow as being a good thing anymore!! :)

Bobbi, so sorry to hear about MIL problems. Try to stay focused on your diet since you have started off so well!! I know it has to be hard but think how good you are going to feel when the weight comes off. Things always have a way of working out for the best--- even if we don't think so at the time. I may have to do some more checking on that Flat Belly Diet! Sounds like you are doing fantastic!

Gayle, glad to hear from you. I'm so ready to get things moved and set up in a new house--- just have to wait for a buyer!! ;) I did get a few more boxes packed up yesterday. I really want to be ready when we get a contract. Plus the more I have packed up --- the less I have to try to keep clean! There is a method to my madness!!

Zoe, I'll bet you have your place looking like a doll house in no time at all! I remember the pictures you posted of your home before and you do a great job!

Linda(meowee) I am loving my Gazelle!! This weekend I did pretty good with exercise. I did 15 minutes on the ab lounge (300 curnches) 15 minutes on the treadmill, and then 20 minutes on the Gazelle. Then since I still have the elliptical here I went and got on it--- was only able to make it 5 minutes but it was still moving. I figure I can do my own circuits here! :carrot:

Lynn, you made me laugh about the snow! We still have at least 3 inches on the ground from the last storm and more coming! But I'm like you, it is a good excuse! I have a 4WD Blazer and very rarely has it been driven in the snow! I am just not a confident enough Winter driver. So at least I know that and don't drive unless it is an absolute must!

Phyllis, How are things going for you? Do you have any buyers lined up for your place? I'm still hoping that the people that wanted it but couldn't get financing until February come back next month! I kept their email so I will probably send them a note on it and see if they are still interested.

Marylynn, How are you? Are you still tiring the boys out every day? I ended up buying a laundry basket for Ginger and Sissy's toys! The little basket that I had just wasn't big enough! The picture is Sissy in the middle of them all! She gets right in there and roots around until she finds just what she is looking for. They keep me smiling all the time.

Rosey, I may have to try that recipe-- it sounds pretty good!

Lyn, Have you tried the protein oatmeal pancakes?? They are so good! I don't know if I would even like the regular ones anymore!

Lynn, in all your busy days-- don't forget to make time for you! And I too sometimes forget what day it is. I think it is "normal?"

Well, need to get busy. If I missed saying Hello to you it wasn't intentional and I'll try to catch up next time.

Have a great day!

Hi Ladies,

Hope you all had a super weekend!

I don't know all of you very well yet so a thousand pardons for not speaking directly to everyone.

Lynn - Don't worry about the wrong day thing - The brain is like a computer - when you get soooooo much information stored in it, it takes a little longer pull up the right file ;)


I was bad on Saturday but it was ever so fun :D DH & I went to the Strip and played tourist and I (gasp) drank beer. Surprisingly though, this time I didn't berate myself, decide I need to learn how to communicate in oinks and use the slip-up as an excuse to give up all together. Told myself that one day of no-nos is not going to completely negate the other 6 days of healthy eating. Shook myself off and packed my hard boiled eggs, raw tomatos, and raw almonds for work. :carrot:

Now, here is my problem - for the last, oh, 25 or 30 years I have been a one meal a day gal. Just dinner. This is obviously not working since I had to come find this web site:) I understand from all the articles I've read that, for metabolic health, you need to spread your caloric intake out over the course of the day. I am getting started in that direction and am also being diligent the amount of water I drink (I have never been good at getting all the water I should - 16oz in a day would be about usual). For breakfast I had one hardboiled egg. Midmorning snack was a small handful of about 10 raw almonds. The problem? I feel so stuffed I don't think I can eat the tomatos I brought for lunch. Not eating enough has just never been an issue for me. Can I be that full from the extra water? I haven't even had 4 servings yet. Do you think I am trying to make the adjustment too fast jumping in to breakfast (even if it is just one egg)? I'm having an argument with myself and the "old dog/new tricks" adage feels like it's getting the upper hand.

I'm hoping that with the experienced dieters and avid researchers in this string someone can give me a clue as to what may be going on here.

Hi Everyone & Happy Monday!

Been tied up moving stuff around the house. Tired of my desk in the bedroom With DH's computer stuff & mine in there it looked like the cockpit of a 747, not at all relaxing. Forget snoring, try sleeping when monitors mysteriously pop on in the middle of the night thanks to a cat on the mouse or keyboard. I feel almost like a grownup now. Entire office & store in one room that no one else has any business in here but me. Woohoo! Peace at last!

Sorry, that was out loud wasn't it?

Welcome home Bobbi! So very glad to see you again & so very sorry to hear of your trials with your MIL. God bless you for being so nice anyway. I saw that diet in Prevention magazine & as a result have bumped up my monosaturated fats (almonds, olives & avocados for me) without any damage so far. Yum! Leet us know how it's working for you. I was downright impressed with the article but missed the television showing.

Welcome Yoyo! You live in a wonderful place for a decent walking program. The few times I've visited your city I thought it was a terrific place for distance walking. I saw your post about water & breakfast & was wondering if you are journaling your intake? There are a couple of decent sites that offer free online journaling. I'm enjoying fitday.com. Another thought, I would consider making sure you have a real breakfast that's somewhere in the neighborhood of 300 calories minimum to bump up the energy through the day. This thread seems to have a variety of women doing a variety of programs, each with our own success. You're going to see lots of good advice coming & going. (I just love these people, they're REAL) Very interested to hear of how it's going for you. Personally I've discovered, the hard way through years of doing plans B, C & so forth... that I'm better off counting calories & putting in workouts that give my tee shirts that 'plop factor' when it's all done. Hang tight & let us know how you're doing. Meanwhile WELCOME!

Karen! Hi! I love hearing about Ginger & Sissy. I'm still walking the boys between 1 & 2 miles a day & Rocky (the darker cinnamon one) is having pack leader issues. He's not fond of being led, at all. Thanks for the suggestion about the laundry basket for their toys. Right now they both have cardboard boxes in the kitchen (w/ blankets) & in my new 'office' with a heating pad in Furby's box. I know he's a male but he's our princess all the same. Stay warm over there & we're still sending vibes for a buyer for your home!

Zoe! Moving, no matter how you work it, bites! Make sure you can find the coffee pot & the job is half done already. Looking forward to the pics, your description should give me some inspiration over here. We've been in this place over a year & I've yet to figure out what to do with the windows, any of them. Glad to hear the C# is going well. Give DH a hug for us & remind him that Rik has no problems with any phone calls at all. If you've lost our watts nuimber,let me know & I'll pm you with that number.

Hi Lynn! If there were the thinnest sheen of what used to be snow that would be enough for me to reschedule a dental appointment. But then again, I'm native Texan. We really don't want to be out on slick roads with other native Texans who have no idea how to stop a pickup truck going 75 mph on the ice. It's ugly! Made me smile about the lost day you had. At least I'm in good company. Bobbi is talking about the same diet that's in the current Prevention magazine (I think it's on the shelves now) if not, you can find more details on their website. Any excuse to eat more avocados gets my attention. So far I havent GAINED, which is promising.

Actually, since bumping up the monosaturated fats, have lost another pound. Yipee. All I have to do is log more than 35 miles a week, write down every bite & maybe I'll lose two more before Easter!

ALERT ALERT!!!!! Just so everyone knows! DH (Rik) ran 10K at the Y yesterday on our long run! He's more surprised than anyone. There's a new movement of slow running that's coming alive out there led by John 'the Penguin' Bingham. He actually advocates running as slow as 3 mph. Rik's running is a little faster but he's so proud of himself, as he should be! He's actually agreed to do the Nashville half marathon with me in April! See? There is hope for old goats! He's proof!

Hey there Freda! Isn't it cool to have clothes that are too big? Think about donating those too big clothes instead of keeping them. I'm getting mine out the door once they're hanging wrong so they can bless someone else & I don't have the option of going back to them. I'm starting to see what Lynn keeps talking about. We need to plan our maintenance NOW. I fear without planning, I'll gain it all back!

Gayle! How are you? Will the wedding be out of state? When will it be anyway? I'm sure you've already addressed these questions, I've been like a day late, dollar short & rearranging stuff here too. Finally unpacking a couple of stacks of boxes here too. Looks like we're all going to stay put eh? Hope you're doing well, keep me posted k?

Lyn, so nice to hear that you & dh hit the gym together. I think we should be more like you guys personally. We have the gym thing down pat but seem to have forgotten how to date otherwise. Now if it's Friday night & we want to go out he offers Cardio, Weights or just the sauna tonight? Sigh. I have got to get back to my search for decent dancing around here.

Meowee, Zoe & all others in the Northeast! How are you through this latest storm? The Noreaster is making the news down here in MS, that's impressive. I clearly remember the winter of 2004 in Boston & want to tell all my friends up there to stay warm & don't fall!

Everyone consider yourself hugged. I'm tired!

Marylynn

Hi Ladies,

Now, here is my problem - for the last, oh, 25 or 30 years I have been a one meal a day gal. Just dinner. This is obviously not working since I had to come find this web site:) I understand from all the articles I've read that, for metabolic health, you need to spread your caloric intake out over the course of the day. I am getting started in that direction and am also being diligent the amount of water I drink (I have never been good at getting all the water I should - 16oz in a day would be about usual). For breakfast I had one hardboiled egg. Midmorning snack was a small handful of about 10 raw almonds. The problem? I feel so stuffed I don't think I can eat the tomatos I brought for lunch. Not eating enough has just never been an issue for me. Can I be that full from the extra water? I haven't even had 4 servings yet. Do you think I am trying to make the adjustment too fast jumping in to breakfast (even if it is just one egg)? I'm having an argument with myself and the "old dog/new tricks" adage feels like it's getting the upper hand.

I'm hoping that with the experienced dieters and avid researchers in this string someone can give me a clue as to what may be going on here.

Sorry,

I don't have a clue. I've never known anyone who eats just one meal/day. If an egg and 10 almonds make you feel too full, there may be some medical problem. Have you seen a doctor about this?

Lynn

OK Bobbi & Marylynn, I'm picking up a copy of Prevention Magazine for this diet. I can't find the website. There are MANY "belly fat diet" sites in Google.
Not sure which is the correct one.

I hurt my arm yesterday - getting into the tub - I think I threw my shoulder out. I'm off to the gym this morning, but will have to stay away from the arm wt machines.

Today, my df and I are headed for a museum in Newark. I've never been there.

My class (that I'm teaching) is going well. Students are REALLY nice.

Take care everyone,

Lynn

Good Morning . . . :grouphug:

Things are all white and sparkly outside this morning . . . Winter is definitely back . . . trouble is, it's still snowing and the wind is just howling. I definitely got spoiled over the past week. :shrug:

I read about that diet plan in the latest issue of Prevention -- sounds great except for the comments about olives being such a great food -- just me, I definitely do NOT like olives.

Anyway, better go and visit a few more 3FC places fairly quickly -- my power is feeling a wee bit 'flickery' this morning -- see you all later and hope you have great fun plans for the day everybody. :wave:

Ouch Lynn! Hope that shoulder/arm gets to feeling better soon!

Stay warm Meowee, looks a lot like winter on the map in your direction.

Mornin' all, Just got back from taking my grandson to school. I was surprised this morning to see the white stuff on the ground and still falling. I knew they said it was going to snow but they have said that a few days this week and it didn't. I should have known that sooner or later they would get it right. One good thing, it is covering up the ugly mud and bare lawns. I just hope it doesn't snow too much, I have to work tomorrow.

I got bad news yesterday. A friend called and said that another one of the nurses I work with son had been killed in a motor cycle accident. And I went to the bank and found out that my favorite teller had died also. Sunday there was an accident in front of the hospital at the time we were going to work. A jogger had stepped in front of a car and was killed. I'm not sure if they are calling it an accident or sucide yet. That makes 3 this week. I'm terribly supersticious, so that should be the end of that.

I got on the scales this morning and I had gained a pound!! Now, how could that have happened? I have stayed on the number of calories I can have, not went over one time. Bummer!!! I should only weigh myself once a week. Daily weighing is not acurate and just bums you out if it doesn't say what you want it to say.

YoYo, Don't worry about having a beer. Just count it and move on. If you are going to be in a situtation like that just save enough points or calories to have a beer if you want. This is about living the good life, not doing without everything we want. I don't understand the one meal a day thing. I am always hungry in the morning. Butmy mom says she can't eat anything untill around noon. Different types I guess. I do wish 1 hard boiled egg filled me up like that. But you are slowly making changes and that's a good thing.

Marylynn, I have already started planning maintenance. That has always been my big problem anyway. One of the things i've decided to do is reward myself for every month I stay the same. I got a pandora charm bracelet for Christmas and i have only 2 charms so far. I am going to buy a charm a month for not gaining. May not work for everyone, but I think it will for me. That, and comming here and confessing!

lyn, I'm adding my name to the list of people who are picking up the magazine for the abs diet. I hope your shoulder is ok and you enjoy your day at the museum.

Meowee, We're getting the snow too. We must be having the same weather. I got spoiled with all the nice weather last week too. I love olives. I won't find that part of the diet a problem at all. Only the green ones though, don't like the black.

Karen, I tried keeping my dogs toys in a box and he would pull them all out and arrange them on his blanket. He has a place for everything. If I take his blanket up to vacuum, he will be trying to carry his toys back before I am finished. He doesn't like us touching them unless we are playing with him.

Everyone, have a great day, and stay warm. Freda

Mornin',

I just love listening to all you guys talk about the snow. I grew up in it and lived in Tahoe for 5 years before moving here. I never have to shovel again :D(or play slip-n-slide on the highway).

Boy do I feel in control today - there was a half a box of chocolate candy (creme centers - yummy my fav) left in the cupboard from the holidays. Did I eat any? Did I say "we can't waste this"? nope - this morning I tossed them without a second thought. Didn't even eat just one :carrot: not even a nibble. I do think a lot of this newfound power and control is coming from you guys, my new buddies, who I can tell I tossed candy and know you won't just roll your eyes and say "big deal" so many many thanks!!

Lynn - Have seen a doc. 2 in fact. First one told me I ddn't feel well 'cause I was fat. Made me feel like $&*% so I ate less and less and less but still gained weight. Then the sweet little doc said "well it must be monopause, get used to it" and wanted to perscribe anti depressants - I assume so that I would just no longer care that I was fat. Found a new doctor quick. This new one is wonderful. Told me I was bordering on malnutrition (even though I was way overweight?!?) and put me on a potent multi-vitamin. I really like this new guy - he is an MD but refers to himself as an "aesthetic physician" meaning he really is licensed to practice medicine and can write perscriptions and all but leans really heavily toward an almost holistic approach. He thinks I may have a "sensitivity" to something I'm eating. Had me spend 2 months writing down everything I put in my mouth, right down to every piece of gum and any little tastes I took while cooking dinner. I also had to document how I felt each day - tired, manic, energetic, down in the dumps, etc. Nice guy let me slide until after the holidays but now we are eliminating things. Starting with the really obvious. For the next 8 weeks I am to have no processed sugar or sugar substitutes - brown sugar or honey is so-so as long as it's at least 5th on the ingredient list but I'm supposed to avoid those too if at all possible. He told me not to worry about counting calories or carbs just yet - but I do have to keep writing down everything I put in my mouth which sort of keeps me honest (and trying to shop for foods with no sugar has to be burning calories - all that lifting, reading, and returning to the shelf :dizzy: )

Freda - I believe in that "3s" thing too - hope we're right and no more bad news for you.

Oops - I'm writing this from work and duty calls. I'll try and check back later but if I don't make it, have a fabulous, fit Tuesday.

Kim

Lynn - Have seen a doc. 2 in fact. First one told me I ddn't feel well 'cause I was fat. Made me feel like $&*% so I ate less and less and less but still gained weight. Then the sweet little doc said "well it must be monopause, get used to it" and wanted to perscribe anti depressants - I assume so that I would just no longer care that I was fat. Found a new doctor quick. This new one is wonderful. Told me I was bordering on malnutrition (even though I was way overweight?!?) and put me on a potent multi-vitamin. I really like this new guy - he is an MD but refers to himself as an "aesthetic physician" meaning he really is licensed to practice medicine and can write perscriptions and all but leans really heavily toward an almost holistic approach. He thinks I may have a "sensitivity" to something I'm eating. Had me spend 2 months writing down everything I put in my mouth, right down to every piece of gum and any little tastes I took while cooking dinner. I also had to document how I felt each day - tired, manic, energetic, down in the dumps, etc. Nice guy let me slide until after the holidays but now we are eliminating things. Starting with the really obvious. For the next 8 weeks I am to have no processed sugar or sugar substitutes - brown sugar or honey is so-so as long as it's at least 5th on the ingredient list but I'm supposed to avoid those too if at all possible. He told me not to worry about counting calories or carbs just yet - but I do have to keep writing down everything I put in my mouth which sort of keeps me honest (and trying to shop for foods with no sugar has to be burning calories - all that lifting, reading, and returning to the shelf :dizzy: )

Kim


Hi Kim,

After I wrote to you this morning, I realized that I do know about people who eat once a day - Buddhist Monks - they eat once a day & eat low protein/vegetarian diets.

I think that your doctor sounds like a "keeper." Glad to hear you're getting medical advice.

Lynn

Okay - so yesterday I was stuffed after one egg and a couple of almonds. Today I was ravenous! Kept checking the clock to see if it was time to eat. Chewing ice and drinking water trying to make tummy shut up. Called the doc to check on something else and casually commented (don't want him to think I'm obsessing). He said not to worry. My body is probably having a little tantrum about me trying to make it adjust to the new foods and eating schedule (I'm thinking Del Taco withdrawals :D). Said as long as I am not feeling naseous or light headed, and being diligent about the vitamins, I don't have to force myself to eat but should keep gradually making the change.
Here's to health!!

Hello to all of you from beautiful Vermont. Is it OK with you all if I just jump right in here?

YoYo, your doctor sounds great. Sensitive and caring, and apparently he listens! I'm jealous. I have not been able to find anyone here with whom I can work confidently on my weight problem.

I think what you are experiencing (feeling stuffed one day and starving the next) is plain and simple adjustment. My guess is, since you are overweight, that when you ate your one meal a day in the past, it was probably a huge one, right? So now you are being asked to eat in a different way, changing your pattern - and your body doesn't know what to make of it. Just stick with it, Girlfriend. Be patient, and your appetite is bound to adjust eventually. And keep drinking that water - it really does make you feel "fuller." Besides, it's good for the skin.

Freda, I am so sorry to hear about the three recent deaths in your life. Guess I'm a bit superstitious too, cuz I do believe in those "3's." I hope this is the last of it for you for a good long time, and gosh, my heart goes out to your coworker whose son was killed. How horrible!

I laughed when I read about your dog's insistence on keeping his toys "just so." I have a little Chihuahua-Terrier mix, whose interior decorating style differs vastly from my own. I feel that his pillow should stay inside his crate, and he doesn't. In fact, he believes that one of the sofa cushions would look better in there... and apparently is more comfortable. I just wish he'd make up his mind about. I'd happily let him have the sofa cushion, if it would stop the battle - but noooo... I think if he had his way, he'd stuff the entire sofa in there! His toys, on the other hand, are all over the house. No effort on my part to keep them contained meet with his approval. I've given up - it's best to just pick my battles.

Day 2 of turning over a new leaf, and so far so good. Getting on the computer and "talking" with all of you at night helps. Sure beats standing in front of the fridge, deciding what to eat - doesn't it? Thank you all for "being there," and I'm looking forward to getting to know you.

Birgit

Good Morning Everyone,

Welcome Birgit!

OK, after reading the Prevention magazine article about reducing belly fat (Thanks Bobbi & Marylynn), I've decided that I'm going to try this new way of eating - basically, eat 1600 calories/day (4 meals of 400 calories each); and eat monosaturated fat at each meal - seeds/nuts/olives/dark chocolate/canola or olive oil.

My concern is upping my calories to 1600 - right now, I'm eating around 1200/day - but I do want to increase that over the next few months. So, here's my plan. My new Elliptical gets delivered a week from Friday. Beginning on Friday, I will be increasing my exercise from around 30 min/day to around 60 min/day. On that same day, I will start the new way of eating.

I'll measure my waist on that Friday & add a weekly waist measurement to my Challenge post.

I'll let you know what happens.

Lynn

Hi everyone. I've been MIA and will explain in a minute. Welcome Birgit! Is it Birgit or Brigit?? One day I typed my name with 2 Xs instead of Bs - go figure!! Sure, just jump right in!!

Zoe - about the snoring. Has your husband had a sleep study?? I have apnea so bad - well not as bad as it used to be when I weigh nearly 100 lbs more - but what I learned about snoring scared me to death. Almost literally!! The amount of oxygen that gets cut off to the brain and organs is scary, so he should definitely see his dr. Does he stop breathing at all when he sleeps??

Kim - my brother is a once-a-day eater, and his dr has told him over and over how bad that is for him. His one meal would be huge, and he would have blood sugar fluctuations because of it. But he just won't listen to anyone. I've asked him why he eats like that, and he doesn't really have a good answer, but he is very, very overweight. He's a lot older than I am, and I really worry about it. I think journaling everything you eat is a great idea. I do that, too, on the WW site. It does keep you honest!!

Marylynn - congrats to your man!! What an accomplishment for him, and I can so hear the pride in your voice!! That's just really special for both of you.

Freda - :hug: I'm not superstitious at all, but it is so stressful to have to deal with so many things at one time. Did it affect your eating?? I'm a big stress eater, so I was just wondering how you handle it.

What an unnerving time I've had. I told y'all about the light pole that was replaced behind our house. Well, when they put it in last Thursday, they put it in the sewer line. Not the light company's fault - the city guy mismarked the sewer line. What a mess I woke up to on Monday morning in my bathroom!! And it's still not fixed. Well, they've got it open, and the light company has moved the pole, but the line needs to be repaired for about 10ft either side of where the pole was put. Problem - my elderly neighbor who has dementia, has a shed on her property right over where they need to replace the line. It has to be moved. She doesn't have the money, etc., and the people who are supposed to care for her (family) evidently don't care enough to see to it. The city used to do stuff like that for folks, but because of a couple of frivolous lawsuits, they don't do it anymore, and this widow woman catches the fallout. I have a big, gaping hole in my backyard, and a sewer line that's iffy until it gets repaired. Happy days :mad:

The short version of a long story - Beavis and the Buttheads is how I refer to the man and teenage sons who used to live next door. They moved and rented out the house, but they got kicked out of where they were living, had a confrontation with the people living in the house next door, and may be moving back in next door to us! Quelle nightmare! We actually have a police lieutenant assigned to us because of this guy and his kids. Well, Beavis actually got picked up by police Friday night - his 4th DUI. He also got charged with felony evading and felony endangerment of a child cause one of his kids who was in the car is a minor. The guy bonded out Sunday morning. How does somebody with that kind of record and these new charges get out?? I'm trying to keep control, but this man terrifies me.

Consequently, I was popping stuff into my mouth all weekend and saw the 2-lb loss I was working on turn into a maintain for the week. Help me out with tips for controlling stress eating, will ya??:dizzy:

Lynn - forgot to say that I frequently don't know what day it is! My husband is a shift worker.....sometimes my nights are my days!!

Hi Debbie,
No - my name actually is Birgit, not Brigit. Pronounced like "get beer" in reverse. I was born and raised in Germany (moved to the USA when I was 12), where the name is as common as "Jennifer" (or Debbie :)) is here.

I feel for your septic troubles, and the problem you're having with your neighbors. I am a Property Manager, and I often struggle with the septics in many of our properties, and I often have to help my residents resolve issues with their neighbors. It can be extremely stressful!

But it's not worth eating over (I know you know this). Eating when you're stressed out just defers and then multiplies the stress. How about journaling, instead? Or sitting down at your computer and writing to us instead? I'm new to this site, but that is my plan for dealing with those inevitable stressful situations...

And good morning to the rest of you. Hope everyone's day is going well.

Birgit

Good morning ladies,

Hi Birgit and welcome. I'm kind of new here too but this is a great place to hang out. The ladies are really supportive and caring. Doctors can be soooo unhelpful can't they? See if you have any doctors in your area that are "aesthetic physicians". They are licensed MDs (so most insurances cover the visits) but they honestly seem more interested in helping than in squeezing in as many patients as possible so they can pay off their student loans faster.

Ooh poor Debbie! I grew up in a rural area where we had septic tanks and in the winter, when the ground was saturated, the leech line couldn't drain properly which caused our downstairs bathroom used to flood with ick if you flushed the upstairs toilet so I really feel for your mess. Thank heaven's I've never had to deal with scary neighbors though (nosey sounds downright pleasant after hearing your story). I'm sorry your brother won't listen to his doctor (or you) but this kind of bad habit is almost like an eating disorder (or maybe it is an eating disorder) and all the pleading, arguing, and harping isn't going to make him change - I know, I spent a lot of years telling everyone who tried to help me with suggestions that "I've tried that and I just gain more weight". And it was true, if I added lunch or breakfast I gained like mad but that's because what I was adding wasn't healthy (salad good - processed, bottled dressing by the truckload bad). It's going to take him making the decision because he cares about himself - before we can make lifestyle changes we have to make attitude changes. Maybe the best thing you can do for him is keep to going forward with your healthy lifestyle goals and when he sees how fit and happy you are becoming he'll want to follow suit. And, maybe see if you can help him find a site like this for guys so he knows he's not alone.

OK, what I really needed to ask was - Has anyone tried Milk Thistle? That "other thing" I mentioned calling the doc about was results of a liver panel. Turns out my liver is stressed and fat (so is the rest of me so why am I surprised?) I am working on developing a "non-alcoholic fatty liver". Not advanced so I have a really good shot at keeping it from progressing into full blown liver disease (studies say there's no such thing as reversal but let's try to prove them wrong :carrot:). Sooo I did some reading about fat livers and one of the recommended herbs for liver health is Milk Thistle. Just wondered if anyone has tried it. Doc says it's OK to give it a shot but start with low dose and work up to avoid possible side effects (not harmful ones but can cause frequent bowel movements - I might have to poop in public restrooms! I shudder to think! :o ). Low and slow -thank goodness age has given me a better handle on that instant gratification thing :D Other interesting thing - One of the symptoms of a fatty liver is persistent weight gain even when on a reduced calorie diet. I need to call that first doc and tell him to jump in the lake, menopause my patootie! This is serious but I feel much better now that I have a reason for the fat happening - still totally my fault for prior bad acts like mega doses of acetaminophin back in the cramp days (gone but not forgotten :p), crash diets, and we won't even talk about the 70s ......... But at least it's not because I'm just a gluttonous piggy.

Lynn - I haven't read that article yet (going to find it after I leave here) but the increase in monosaturated fats sounds a lot like the liver health diet I'm working toward and, one of the other symptoms of a stressed liver is a chubby tummy. Wonder if there's a whole slew of peeps out there with underfunctioning livers and that's why it works so well for them. My apologies if I'm confusing you with another poster, but did you mention somewhere that you are diabetic? If you're on insulin you might want to double check with your doctor - from what I've been reading, improved liver function can have a big effect on insulin resistance so diabetics are supposed to have their doses monitored closely for a while.

Happy, Healthy Hump Day to all

Kim

Welcome, Birget! :welcome2: Nice to have another tall " GG" to comiserate with on this site. I think you me and Marilyn are the tall ones here. Your dog sounds cute...what a rascal.

I'm feeling good about myself today. Just did 45 minutes of strength training and 15 of cardio. Wish I was this motivated every day. Am now munching on my ham and swiss on a low-carb wrap and celery and pickels.

Debbie - Hope the sewer and neighbor woes simmer down soon. Yes, keep coming back to this site to stay awya from the bad food.

Lynn - I will be curious to hear how the new eating and exercise plans work out for you. You have done so well I know you'll be successful. Hope your arm is doing better too.

Kim - Changing long time eating habits is a challenge. Just keep on trying - we're here for you.

Hi to all my other GG friends!

Lyn


Freda- so sorry about the 3 deaths. Surely the bad luck is over for now.

Guess I should have read that article before I spouted off about insulin resistance :D You already know that :o

Hi I'm Ellie from NC
I'm new to 3 fat chicks on a diet but I hope to learn how to use the website and be here more often.

I'm doing the biggest loser challenge so wish me luck :)

Hi Everyone, I had to work yesterday but i'm off for a couple of days. Just enought time to re-coop and get ready to work the weekend. I am doing really well with my diet. I am down to 1 pound to go to reach my goal.

YoYo, I'm proud of you for throwing out that candy! Now that took real will-power. With an attitude like that you will do great. I'm happy to hear that you finally found a good Dr. and they are not all created equal, believe me. I know Dr's at work that I wouldn't let treat my dog (what am I saying, I'm more pickey about his heath care than I am my own), but you get my point!

Brigit, Welcome! I hope you come here often. Looking forward to getting to know you.

Debbie, For once I was able to talk myself through the stress and not eat my way through like I usually do. I think the longer you go, the easier it is, at least for me. If I do slip, I find it really hard to get started back, so I try to stay on my diet. I tell myself "it's just not worth it", and ya know, it's not! I lived in the country before I got married too, my family still does, so I know all about the problems you mentioned. Hope the mess gets cleaned up soon. I'm crossing my fingers you don't have any problems with Bevis and Butthead. I'm smiling even as I type this, getting a picture in mind mind here!

Welcome Ellie, You'll find lots of encouragement here, so check in often.

Hey, where is the rest of our G G's? Come out, come out, where ever you are. Freda

Here I am . . . :wave:

It has finally stopped snowing -- think there is as much on the ground after two days as there was before the lovely week-long thaw that eliminated it all. Yesterday was one of those 'stay off the roads' type of days and also one of those 'intermittent power interruptions' type days that drive you absolutely bonkers. Everytime I'd decide that the power was going to stay on and therefore I'd fix all the clocks, it would go off again. :mad: At least I didn't have to go anywhere over the past couple of days, but today I absolutely must get some errands run so I hope they've got everything cleaned up by this afternoon.

Other than that -- nothing exciting around here -- take care, gang and I'll see you later (I hope) . . . :wave:

:welcome: Ellie! How do you like doing the challenge? I love the show and watch it every week. Just watching those guys makes me hurt in places I didn't know I had :carrot:

Good morning everyone. Beavis showed up again yesterday. He IS moving back into the house. I contacted our Lt., and he gave me a lot on info on trial date, complete charges, etc. He said they would love to put this guy away for a long time, so they will be watching him carefully. They didn't know he was moving back to our town, so he liked getting that info. As far as the Buttheads go, he couldn't share any info cause their stuff is sealed in juvenile records, but he said they'd love to get those 2 also. The whole neighborhood is cringing with the thought of this group of knuckleheads moving back in. I'm locked and loaded, just in case....

Lynn - I did my senior thesis on existentialism. Of course that was many moons ago! I also did a senior research project on Franz Kafka. Some serious drug use going on there, I think....

OK, I'm being punished for being little miss smarty pants and bragging about not having to shovel snow. Driving to work this morning it was 26 degrees!!! I know for some of you gals anything above zero is sweater weather but live in the desert for pity sake! I'm not supposed to need a down jacket and gloves. I'm actually hoping for a hot flash!

Welcome Ellie! I'm still a little too self consious to try any challenges so I admire you for going for it!! :bravo: Come here often as you can - these ladies are great support and will cheer for your successes and talk you through your frustrations.

Good Job on the talking yourself through Freda! I think we all know how easy it is to give up or, if we have that one cookie (just because our life is stressed and we deserve it), to say "well, I've blown it now so I might as well eat the whole dozen". Keep up the good work!

Well, today was weigh day for me. I spent a lot of years avoiding the scale like the plague - telling myself I'll just judge my progress by my pants size - but broke down last week and bought one (the day my exercise video arrived). Nearly fainted when I got it home and stepped on (I was just sure the one in the dr office was way off - not). Didn't hold out a lot of hope because when I've started exercise programs in the past I've always gained a few pounds the first couple of weeks. Imagine my surprise when I stepped on this morning and found 2.2 pounds gone! Going to be a little challenge for me not to be disapointed if I don't see that much gone every week but I am determined to do things right and all the way this time - even already thinking ahead to maintenance when I hit goal :)

Go GGs Go :cheer2:

Bobbi and Lynn, I did join the Flat Belly Diet on-line. There is so much info to read, I didn't order the hard cover book but I may do that.

Seems like I will be able to do well following the daily food plans as it is full of food I can actually eat and like. I am going to the grocery today and will start tomorrow (Friday) with the 4 day plan.

Bobbi let me know if the book is really worth the $.

OK, rainy day here in Florida but we really need the rain.

Had a couple look at our condo Sunday and they seemed to love it and we are still in the running but waiting to find out what they are going to do is driving me CRAZY!!!

Hi to the new ladies, you'll like it here....nice group of women.

Got to run.....Phyllis

Guess I should have read that article before I spouted off about insulin resistance :D You already know that :o

Please don't apologize. In fact, I've become kind of remiss about checking my blood sugar. It's been VERY under control between my meds, diet, and exercise. However, you raise a good point. When I increase my exercise, calories, and mono fats, I will be sure to keep a check on my blood sugar for a while to make sure it stays in range.

I appreciate the advice.

Lynn

Hi I'm Ellie from NC
I'm new to 3 fat chicks on a diet but I hope to learn how to use the website and be here more often.

I'm doing the biggest loser challenge so wish me luck :)

Hi Ellie,

Welcome! I watch the Biggest Loser all the time. The show always focuses on the exercise. What does their diet consist of?

Lynn

Lynn - I did my senior thesis on existentialism. Of course that was many moons ago! I also did a senior research project on Franz Kafka. Some serious drug use going on there, I think....

Hi Debbie,

So far - pre-reading for the course - I've read Martin Buber and Dostoevsky (had to look up the spelling of this one!). They seem to be saying almost opposite things! I'm wondering what ties them together? I guess I'll have to wait for the Professor to explain.

Lynn

Well, today was weigh day for me. I spent a lot of years avoiding the scale like the plague - telling myself I'll just judge my progress by my pants size - but broke down last week and bought one (the day my exercise video arrived). Nearly fainted when I got it home and stepped on (I was just sure the one in the dr office was way off - not). Didn't hold out a lot of hope because when I've started exercise programs in the past I've always gained a few pounds the first couple of weeks. Imagine my surprise when I stepped on this morning and found 2.2 pounds gone! Going to be a little challenge for me not to be disapointed if I don't see that much gone every week but I am determined to do things right and all the way this time - even already thinking ahead to maintenance when I hit goal :)

Go GGs Go :cheer2:

:carrot::carrot::carrot: 2.2 lbs!!!! How great is that!!!!!

A BIG CONGRATULATIONS to you!

Lynn

Bobbi and Lynn, I did join the Flat Belly Diet on-line. There is so much info to read, I didn't order the hard cover book but I may do that.Got to run.....Phyllis


Hmmm - from the article in Prevention magazine, it sounded simple - just eat four 400-calorie meals/day & include monsaturated fat at each meal.

Did I miss something? Do you think I need to get the book?

Lynn

Good Morning Everyone,

I need to spend the day with my online course. I took a day off yesterday to go scrapping & was too tired when I got home to log on.

I'm not sleeping too well with the sore shoulder. I go to the doctor's this evening - hope he can help.

I was VERY happy to see a new low weight today. After a 2 and a half-month plateau, it was a WELCOME sight. I have upped my calories a little & I guess it's working. Who knows what tomorrow will bring? Our bodies seem to have "minds of their own!"

Have a Happy and Healthy day,

Lynn

Hello Ladies!! When I got up this morning it was -20 degrees!! Now that is just too cold!! But we have already heated up to a great big 0 degrees now! Can you tell that I'm ready for Spring?

Phyllis, Good luck with the couple that looked at your condo! I know how you feel! The people that looked at our house still want it but they need to have their house under contract before they will put an offer on ours. But their realtor keeps getting in touch with ours and wants to keep updated on what our house is doing. So we are also at "the dance waiting to be picked"! On the flat belly diet do they have you eating a lot of fish? Tim can't stand fish so I know it wouldn't work for me to have to do something separate.

yoyo--- 26 degrees really sounds like a heat wave right now!! Congrats on the the 2.2 pounds gone!! It sure makes you feel great doesn't it!

Freda-- I know what you mean about the Dr's!! I know I check out the vets probably better than I do a Dr. for myself! But I feel pretty lucky right now. I've found a really good vet that seems to care a lot about the "girls" I had a vet that I just adored (in fact I have a picture of him holding Ginger in their photo album!) but he left a little over a year ago and I've really been searching to find someone that I liked half as well!

Linda (meowee) I was wondering how do you log in your exercise on the Gadzella in fitday? I've looked to see if I can find something but haven't been able to. Any ideas?

Debbie, that is so scary to have neighbors like that. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers and hope all goes well. Maybe they won't be there for long.

Lyn, sounds like you are doing great with your plan! I'll be so glad when it warms up here and I'm not craving all the "comfort" foods! I could really go for mac and cheese, or a big bowl of chili. You know all that good stuff!

Welcome to all the new girls! We Welcome you here and look forward to getting to know you.

Hello to all the other GG's and will try to check back later. Have a great day!

Hello to Everyone -
It's lunchtime, and I thought I'd take a moment to write to you all. I'm not sure that I'll have the time this evening - I am on the Board of the local Habitat for Humanities affiliate and we have a meeting tonite.

YoYo - 26 degrees is waaayyy cold when you're not used to it. My brother lives in Florida and he recently visited me in VT while we were having an unseasonably warm late Fall. Everyone around me was reveling in the lovely weather, running around in shorts and flipflops, while my poor brother could not get warm enough.

And Karen - minus 20??? We get those kind of days here in VT too, and it can be absolutely bonechilling. A good excuse to sit by the fire (or the radiator) with a hot cup of tea and a good book, huh?

Here it's in the mid-teens these days. Not too unpleasant. My company recently moved to the same rural little town that I live in, so now I can actually walk to and from work every day. That feels absolutely fabulous! Before I had a 24 mile RT commute - still not too bad, but walking is better. It's only about a mile each way, and the first couple of days I thought I was gonna die. But yesterday on my way home I noticed that I wasn't having a hard time walking, and this morning I was practically skipping. It's pathetic, how out of shape I am - but I can already feel myself getting healthier. One small step at a time. And in these days of global warming and exorbitant gas prices, not having to take my car out of the garage is just an extra bonus!

Be well, everyone, and have a great day.
Birgit

Karen, I am just starting the diet but you can pretty much choose what you want to eat on your own plan. Just the first 4 days are restricted but only fish one night on my 4 day plan.

Lynn, ask Bobbi about the book, I don't have it. I just joined the on-line group which has tons of info....I just have to read it all. You seem like your doing very well on your own plan, I'll have to see what they have put together for my days after the first 4 days, which is the start up plan, I'll let you know.

Phyllis

Phyllis and Lynn, I do have the book but haven't had the chance to look thru it yet. I did learn lots from the online site, the first 4 days of the plan are pretty rigid. After that you can eat what you like, 4 meals a day at 400 calories, always get some beneficial oil in, Flax, olive oil, etc. It can be in the form of olives, peanut butter, etc. I'll try to get around to reading the book today and let you know. We're having MIl problems, I made 9 or 10 copies of the note hubby wrote out for her, we took them in yesterday and posted them all over her apartment. (For those who don't know, she has dementia and asked us the same questions 3 times a day) She keeps asking if we have her credit cards, money, blah, blah, blah. So tired of it, not following this great new Flat Belly diet, need help. Just shoot me!
Bobbi

Good Morning G G's, It's cold outside! But compaired you to Karen, it's downright balmy! -20 below? I wouldn't get out of the hosue! And in weather like that chili, stews and baking is called for.

Lyn, Don't you love strength training? Right now that's all I can manage to do, but it always makes me feel strong. And it's one thing us women usually lack, upper body strength.

Meowee, Miss you, hope you get to post more soon.

Debbie. existentialism? Now what the heck is that?

YoYo, YEAH!!!! you lost 2.2lb. Way to go!!! And now that you have gotten a scale you can keep recording thos losses.

Phyllis, I'm crossing my fingers (and eyes) that the couple that looked at your condo is ready to make an offer so you can move closer to those grandkids! I am really interested in joining the flat belly diet too. I have to get some information. Yu joined on line?

Lynn. I hope the Dr. helped some with that sore shoulder. And I'm glad to hear that the scales have started to move in the right direction again. AND you get to eat more calories while you're doing it.

Birget, You are walking to and from work with the weather in the midteens? You are remarkable. I love walking outside, but once it's that cold it's the treadmill for me. But that is an excellent way to get your exercise in a useful manner. Nerver really understood those people who would drive for 10 min. in a parking lot, looking for a spot up front, when they were going inside to walk. I always park at the very back of the lot. Every step counts, ya know.

Everyone, stay warm, have a good day, Freda

Didn't even look at the thermometer this morning - sometimes it's better not to know.

Hee-hee Freda - I agree, never could understand the peeps who circle the parking lot like vultures trying to get the spot closest to the door of the gym.

I used to walk to work too Birgit. Loved it and got in great shape but then changed jobs. Now I'm 10 miles away. I'd probably get here eventually but would have to turn around and go back home for a shower. I think my coworkers like it better that I drive :dizzy:

Doesn't your eliptical get delivered today Lynn? Be careful that you don't re-injure your shoulder setting it up. With the piece of equipment I bought the hardest part of the workout is getting it out and putting it away :D

Well, I'm on to the next step of my reformation - I am supposed to be eliminating processed sugar AND artificial sweeteners. I've been very steadfast and not given in so this morning I pitched that last little tub of Crystal Light I've had stashed in the back of the cupboard :cry: I truly love the stuff (possibly addicted?) but there is nothing in there but synthetic this and artificial that - even diluted by water, as much as I was drinking it can't have been good. Sad (heavy sigh) but feeling very empowered.

Here's to good health for GGs

Happy Friday!

Freda thanks, you made me smile with your description of people having to park as close as possible to the mall so they can mall walk. Loved that.

This is a fun time of the year. Lots of marketing for fitness stuff & new diets coming out on the market. May we all keep level heads & stick to those plans that are lifeworthy. I'm enjoying that belly plan myself & am now reading Bob Greene's book about living my best life. So far so good, love getting to add the extra goodies (almonds, olive oil, avocados, pesto) to my meals. Bob is sensible & does not suscribe to doing anything quickly, which seems to work for me (as evidenced by my creeping wt loss.... I'm hoping for a five pound loss before summer, woohoo!)

Bobbi I'm thinking of you. What you're going through with your MIL could well be some of us in the future. Have you thought about giving her a little pocket change & a few dollars, maybe even an expired cc so when she checks her purse she can feel a little secure that there's something there? That might not work for her. I don't know. I do have a mentally ill (Schizophrenic) big sister who cannot manage five dollars (years ago my dad about had a stroke when she wrote a check to Billy Graham for 4K & it cleared... so much for bank access). We try to keep a handful of change & a twenty that's been broken into ones/fives & a ten in her purse to keep her calmer. I'm thinking that with dementia, sometimes people need to have reassurance that they're not on the verge of being a bag lady. Good luck to you & try to take some time for yourself. You deserve it.

Welcom Birgit! How cool is that when you can walk to work! I'm a big believer that life is messy enough, make it simple. Looking forward to more of your posts.

Kim/Yoyo congratulations on the 2.2. I missed the part about having to get rid of artificial sweetners but am sure there's good logic behind it. What's the thinking? I pitched my Crystal Lite too after I saw it had aspartame in it (saw some reports that aspartame actually boosts an appetite....!) Now I'm down to 2 cups coffee, green tea & water. Sigh. Soon it will just be filtered water I guess. You're virtuous lady.... keep it up!

Lynn, are we discussing the Dostoevsky (however it's spelled, I cut/paste your spelling) as in Crime & Punishment? My dh loves that guy's work & I was never more depressed trying to plod through it. Kudos to anyone who can read it & walk away feeling good about being alive! Hope your shoulder gets properly diagnosed & you get to feeling better. Could it be your rotator cuff? It's not hard to injure that one & it takes forever to heal. Good luck to you.

Welcome Ellie! You & Birgit have found what I believe to be the nicest group of online friends around. These people are genuine & no one will judge you here. Post more, would love to get to know you better!

Debbie your neighbors sound like a nighmare! Here's hoping that they decide to move..... far far away! I'm so sorry you have to put up with that silliness. AND..... really sorry to hear of the lightpole in the sewer line problem. Repeat after me.... it's all good.... it's all good..... this is fun..... Thinking of you & wishing I could help.

Fun day for me. I make my own laundry detergent (2 bucks for 4 gallons is my kind of cheap) so it's soap day, the dogs have lost their mind & seem to think going for a long walk in 22 degrees will be fun & plan to catch up on reading before hitting the gym w/ my newfound athletic dh tonight.

Everyone take care, consider yourself hugged & have a wonderful weekend!

Marylynn

Hello everyone. I introduced myself above - but it seems this is where all the action is ;).

So...Hi :)

Hi MaryLynn,

The idea is to get to a diet with the fewest processed and chemically enhanced sugars as possible; and artificial sweeteners are either entirely synthetic or are still sugars just chemically processed to reduce the calories. If your body chemistry is on track so that fewer calories and exercise keeps you headed toward (or at) a healthy weight then a little Splenda now and then is not an issue. But, some of us have so unbalanced ourselves through horrid eating habits, crash diets, diet pills (remember the days when every OTC diet pill was 90% ephedra? Some of us subsisted entirely on coffee and ephedra with a beer thrown in now and then for good measure), etc. that the only way to try and rebalance and restore some semblence of a metabolism is to give our poor, stressed out little livers a break and try to feed them stuff that's easy for them to process until they get their strength back.

Honestly, when I look back at the abuse I've heaped on my dear little internal organs over the years - all in the name of being thin - I am amazed, and supremely, grateful that I am still here at all much less showing remarkably little permanent damage. I'd probably be one amazing old broad if I'd figured this out sooner but better late than never huh? Here's to amazing old broads :D

Hi Llavender! :welcome3:

Looking forward to getting to know you!

"Honestly, when I look back at the abuse I've heaped on my dear little internal organs over the years - all in the name of being thin - I am amazed, and supremely, grateful that I am still here at all much less showing remarkably little permanent damage. I'd probably be one amazing old broad if I'd figured this out sooner but better late than never huh? Here's to amazing old broads :D"

I think that about myself every day. Not just in the name of being thin, but in following advice from other people whose goal was to make money for the most part - not help others get healthy, even though that was their claim. I'm very slowly undoing that damage. I don't know how much damage is permanent, and probably never will - but at least I can see some things getting better now.

Coming to this site is a great step in the right direction Llavender. Any advice you get here is going to come from someone's personal experience. And no one is going to tell you "This is the right way" or try to sell you something that promises you can eat all you want and lose 25lbs a week while you sleep, and have a sexy, ripped body.

I've noticed that almost every time someone offers advice they preface it with "what worked for me" instead of "what you should do". If you feel good about what seems to be a minor accomplishment you'll get the applause you need to stay motivated and if you feel bad about a slip you'll get support, commiseration, and then a very gentle scolding to get you back on track.

So keep coming back and, when your ready, share your experiences and ask questions.

Hmmmm. Dragging my tired ole self back in to say “hey” to all the Golden ones, and our new Golden Girls who snuck in when I wasn’t looking…welcome, Birgit, Kim and Ellie!
We are just about settled in. Sorta. Pretty much. Few things left to do, but they aren’t critical to our survival or anything. We’ll get to them sooner or later. I’ll take a few pics, too, when DH finds the digital camera. (Just kidding - he guards that thing with his life - we’ll get a few pics soon so you’ll be able to see for yourselves that we’ve gotten past the “living in squalor” stage, anyway). Haven’t been counting calories or points or looking into the “flat belly” diet, although I’m definitely going to do that soon. So far I’m holding steady, but we all know where “steady” can lead when you stop being careful. I don’t want all my efforts to date to be wasted. It sure is hard to diet properly when so much else is going on, though.
MaryLynn, thanks so much for the support you and Rik have already given us….I guess it probably is likely that we’ve lost the numbers. DH has gotten behind in his studies with all the moving tasks and such, but will get back at it soon, and then very likely will want another chat. I’ll PM you - and thanks again! And tell Rik we said congrats on running that 10K!!!!! Awesome! (Looks like you’ve been a good influence, eh?)
Freda, I was thinking of you when they held the Michigan primaries. Looks like your state stood behind its native son. All I can say is that he was our governor, and I wouldn’t vote for him for garbage collector. And, since this isn’t the place to express our political or religious leanings, I’ll leave it at that. Forgive me my spouting off, puleeze? And congrats on clothes getting too big! Gotta love THAT!
Omigosh, Bobbi. That MIL of yours is something else! Well, I hope the multiple notes help some. You sure have been through the wringer with her!
Phyl! I’ve got my fingers crossed on your Florida condo selling. Hey - maybe you can sell it furnished and then just pack your bags and head for Ohio! (Wouldn’t THAT be awesome???!!!!) (I think you said you were bringing just a few pieces with you, though, right?)
Karen did you say MINUS 20 degrees? :brr: Omigosh! We’ve had some temperatures in the single digits and thought we’d re-entered the ice age! I don’t think I’ve ever experienced - 20 degrees, unless we’re talking wind chill factor. We have a few like that every winter, but minus 20 actual degrees is pretty rare here in MA. I’m thinking I wouldn’t be a very happy camper if I had to deal with that too often. Well, next winter you’ll be in MO - that’s a little less extreme, isn’t it?
Hope your shoulder’s feeling better, Lynn - but congrats on dropping some weight. That’s a good feeling, I know.
Ooooh, Debbie/TX!!!!! I sure hope you don’t have any trouble with that neighbor! Hopefully, he’ll get locked up and your worries will be over! I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you!
Meowee-Linda - yup. We had a nice January thaw too followed by more danged snow. We were supposed to get more last night, but it seems to have mostly rained, and it looks to be melting some out there. I didn’t go out. Feels like I’ve got some kind of stomach virus thing going on…and headachey…so I called out of work. Probably more tired than anything else. It’s been a crazy month or so for us.
Sounds like you’re on track for the new year, Lyn…I wish I could get myself organized and do some real exercising (besides unpacking boxes, hanging drapes and arranging stuff, I mean). Hopefully I’ll be back to a decent routine soon.
Hugs to you Rosey, and you, too, Gayle. Hope all is well at your ends of the world.
My sis is having open heart surgery on Monday - she had a heart catheterization done this past Monday, and needs a valve replaced. I don’t know how I forgot to mention THAT, but we’ve been dealing with all of that this past week, too. I’ve been awfully worried.
Well, that’s all for now.
Hugs all around, and have a good weekend, Golden Girlies!

Z:spin:

YoYo, those were very wise, sweet, and true words. Thank you.

Llavender, I am glad you found this site and we are all looking forward to getting to know you better, supporting you on your path to getting healthy, and most of all - being supported by you.

And YoYo again, I so know what you mean about all the abuse we have heaped on our bodies. Sometimes I think it's a miracle that I'm still alive - so many in our shoes are not. I worry about my bloodpressure, and my cholesterol levels, and could diabetes be lurking around the corner? How could it not... But miraculously, here I am and in relatively good health. Our bodies are amazing regenerative things.

Bobbi, I am so sorry to hear about the stress you are experiencing around your MIL. Dementia is so, so hard... both for the person who is afflicted and for the people who love and care for her. I am sure she is terrified pretty much most of the time, and I'll bet you and your husband are too. This is a bumpy ride and all of you will just have to hang in there and "go with it." I hope that you are getting as much support as possible: someone to come in occasionally to provide respite, maybe feed her, take her for walks and to doctor's appts, etc. I assume that you are connected with the local elder care social service agencies in your community? If not, please reach out to them to see what sort of services they can provide for your MIL, and for you as well. I wish you much luck!

I am doing well, so far. Didn't walk to work today, cuz I had a meeting and needed my car. But four days out of five this week ain't half bad, I think. M food intake is working pretty well, too. My entire food-related focus is on NOT BINGEING! I am not focussing yet, on what I eat and avoiding certain things. I try, at each meal, to get in touch with what my body tells me she wants to eat - and then I eat it. Even if it's a porkchop fried in olive oil. The good news is that when I had that for dinner recently, I only ate one - and not the entire 6-pack. I ate a second one for lunch the next day, and froze the rest. Now for me, that's real progress.

Hugs to all - and hope you all have a great start to the weekend.
Birgit

:carrot: Good job on getting a handle on the portion control!!! And, if you only had one, a pork chop in olive oil is not as bad as you think it is - The olive oil is supposed to have the "good" fat that we need so, see, you've even already got a head start on switching over to healthy food :carrot:

Hi again everyone, I went shopping this morning for food to take to work for the next 2 days. I also looked for the book, the flat belly diet. Couldn't find it anywhere. I put in a request at the library and they didn't have it either. I know I'll find it sooner or later, but in the mean time, Phyllis or Bobbi, what is in the Miracle Water? Looks like lemon and they mention ginger, but what else? If you don't mind sharing. I want to start with that right away. Bobbi, where did you get the book?

Bobbi, I know how frustrating and sad it is to see your MIL get like she is. I can only imagine how she must feel. One of my patients that had dementia said to me "I know I am losing my mind and I'm scared". he was crying and I tried to confort him, but what can you say?

Marylinn, My dad was schizophrenic. He was ok and did quite well with the meds untill he was much older and then it seemed that he just "lost it all". He became very paranoid and had to be placed in a group home. It's sad. It's like he died, only worse. Watching him retreat into his own little world was devistating.

Lavender, Did I say WELCOME? IF not, you are! This is a great bunch of people.

YoYO and Lavender, Isn't it amazing how much abuse our bodies can withstand and still come out intact? God sure knew what he was doing when he made us, didn't he? But of course our bodies do run better on the right fuel. I always say it's like a car. You can put bad gas in there and it will sputter along, stall occasionally, or even shut down. Put some good gas in there and it will run well, be dependable. Just like us.

Zoo, Good to hear from you again. Hope things are back to normal soon. I can't wait to see pictures of what you've done, I know they will be smart and colorful, and sophisticated. Just like you. Prayers for you and your sister during her surgery. Hope you're not coming down with the flu. It's probably just your body rebelling against all the stress. It needs some time down.

Everyone have a great weekend, Freda

Hi everyone.. another cloudy day here but its not snowing :carrot: we finally got shoveled and plowed out of over 12 " of new snow..we have had out of state relatives here for my nephews memorial.. to see everyone we all went out to eat last night..it was fun to see my nieces and nephews(some i had not seen in 23 yrs) but sad also under the circumstances..and my meal was awful i hate paying good money for bad food:?: on another note my mom is being released from the hosp today and she will go to my sisters home for a few weeks till shes stronger..hopefully she will be able to go to her place and live by herself with some assistance, thats what she wants..welcome to the new GG's and :hug: for all..and wtg's for those loosing and exercising(im still procrastinating on that :?:)ttfn rosey :wave:

Hi Everyone,

OK - I got all my students' first week's grades done so I feel like I can spend some time hanging out here with my friends.

Karen, about the FBD (Flat belly diet), I didn't read anything about eating fish in the Prevention magazine article.

Birgit, on the Board of Habitat! How great is that! I ABSOLUTELY LOVE the work that your organization does. Wonderful for both the recipients and the workers!

Phyllis, how have you been feeling? Are you back to walking?

Bobbi and Marylynn, I'm goint to the website when I finish posting here.

Freda, doctor ordered X-rays - I got them taken today. They won't get report back to him until Monday. I guess I'll be off the arm machines at the gym for a while.

Yoyo, Elliptical comes next Friday. They are setting it up for me. Until my shoulder gets better, it will stay in the living room.
GOOD for you getting rid of Crystal Light! Linda (Meowee) and I both got rid of SF Cool Whip last month. I also got rid of diet soda.
Last thing left is Splenda - I use A LOT of that. Once I give that up, I'll be perfectly perfect in every way! I won't even be able to stand me.

Marylynn, the piece I had to read was titled, "Notes from the Underground." The premise seems to be - To enjoy life, one needs to embrace free choice in everything even if it means that one will act in opposition to one's best interests.
I finished with the Dostoevsky reading yesterday. This evening I'm on to Kierkegard.

Hi llavender, nice to meet you. Welcome to our World.

Hi Zoe, it's so good to "hear" from you. You've been missed. I'm sending my most sincere good wishes to a successful surgery for your sister.
Are you ready for me to send you the book about your ancestors?

Birgit, Congratulations on attacking the binge-eating. Get that under control & all else will follow.

Freda, the website is flatbellydiet.com

Hi Rosey, sorry your family is going through so much. Take care of yourself.

I'm making chicken Marsala for dinner. Isn't quite as good without the bread & pasta, but it's still pretty tasty.

Take care, everyone,

Lynn

Hi To All Thanks For All The Advice .I Need All The Help I Can Get .

Hello Everybody! We had a real heat wave here today!! It got clear up to 20 above!!! Right now the temp. is back down to 6 though so I'm sure we will be at 0 or below again tonight!

I got on the scales this morning and lost 2 pounds this week! :carrot: I was really pretty happy since I really didn't get in the exercise that I really wanted to do. I just really need to get a good routine going again! It is just so easy to wrap up in an afghan and curl up on the couch when it gets this cold!

Bobbi, I'm so sorry to hear about the troubles with MIL. I know that has to be tough on you and DH. But try to stay strong and keep a smile on your face. Remember you have to take care of Bobbi too!

Marylynn, you are just doing so wonderful and now you have your hubby working right with you! That is awesome! If Tim ran a 10K there wouldn't be anything left of him!! ;) It's too bad that I can't give him a few extra pounds and then we could both be in good shape!! :D

Bobbi and Lynn, I think I may have to go and check out this Flat Belly Diet a little more. It is really starting to interest me a lot. Keep us posted how you like it.

Zoe, It is good to hear from you again too! We're anxious to see pictures! I'll bet you have it fixed up so nice. Yeah, minus 20 is pretty darned cold!! I was wishing that I had worked harder to get Ginger and Sissy to learn how to use a litter box. I'll bet they were too!! :)

Rosey-- sounds like you are getting lots of snow there too. We haven't got so much snow but my goodness it has sure been cold! I don't look forward to getting our gas bill this month!

Freda-- If I'm not mistaken you have to order the book off the flatbellydiet.com site. I don't think they have it for sale anywhere else right now -- I may be wrong though.

Welcome to Birgit, Ellie and Kim--- You are really going to love it here! Everyone is so great and very helpful--- and not just on weight loss ideas either!! Be sure to post often so we can get to know you.

Linda (meowee) I hope everything is going good for you. Are you getting lots of snow too?

Well, I hope some of the other GG's come back here soon. Anybody heard from Theresa lately? I hope things are going alright for her.

If I missed you this time-- sorry it wasn't on purpose. I hope everyone has a great weekend and I'll try to catch you later.

Know I've been MIA...very busy with company in town since Tuesday. Hopefully I can catch up with posts soon.This morning we are headed out till Monday afternoon for a family reunion of sorts in Mississippi. Taking my Mom and Aunt, Cousin and Sister up there to visit family...sounds like every minute will be jam packed with driving here and there for visits.

I went to my first photography class on Thursday night and it was like algebra to me. My eyes started glazing over while taking notes on "f -stops", asa, etc. Hopefully I'll catch on. It did force me to actually start reading the manual that came with my camera (I didn't read it all when I got it 3 years ago) and I found out it can do all kinds of neat stuff that I didn't realize it could do, like taking pictures quickly one right after the other..click click click.
The guy who is teaching it is a cinematographer who also teaches Marines how to shoot pics in battle (he's also in Marine reserves and got called up to do photos in Iraq and took some amazing shots) very interesting guy who has a lot to teach. He has also done cinematography on tons of movies etc...Hope he didn't realized I was hopelessly "lost" in the class.

Hugs to all if I don't get back over the next few days. I've been a pretty good girl considering all the food porn that is going on around here right now. I've been at a plateau since Christmas, but hopped on the scale yesterday to find 3# gone...I've been too busy to stop and grab a handfull of nuts every now and then, and I'll bet that is what broke the plateau.

I went to my first photography class on Thursday night and it was like algebra to me. My eyes started glazing over while taking notes on "f -stops", asa, etc. Hopefully I'll catch on. It did force me to actually start reading the manual that came with my camera (I didn't read it all when I got it 3 years ago) and I found out it can do all kinds of neat stuff that I didn't realize it could do, like taking pictures quickly one right after the other..click click click.
The guy who is teaching it is a cinematographer who also teaches Marines how to shoot pics in battle (he's also in Marine reserves and got called up to do photos in Iraq and took some amazing shots) very interesting guy who has a lot to teach. He has also done cinematography on tons of movies etc...Hope he didn't realized I was hopelessly "lost" in the class.


Hi Cat,

How exciting. I can't imagine that your photos could get any better - you have such a great eye - but always good to learn new things - especially from a professional. Enjoy!

Lynn

Hello all ~

Hope you all are having a nice weekend. Just checking in quick ~ work this weekend.

It is sunny here today ~ thank goodness. I feel so much in better spirits when it is sunny.

Yesterday was dreary and I was bummed. Had my anual review at work, and mostly it was good except for one comment that has just kept eating at me. (That I am slow ~ ie ~ don't get done in time ~ take too long to do things.) I just want to cry ~ I work really hard ( they did notice that). It has been a rugged year ~ work wise. I don't know what it is about this job ~ it just feels so much more stressful than my previous jobs. I have tried to find other jobs, with no luck. So I have sort of resigned myself that I am stuck there and to try to make the best of it, because the constantly wanting to get out and not being able to was making me miserable. Part of me wanted to just scarf down some cookies and chocolate yesterday. Thankfully there were none of those things in the house and it passed.

I hate to wish my life away, but I can't wait until I can retire. Or, wish that I could find some other job ~ I wouldn't have to love it ~ if it was one I just didn't mind going to.

Sorry this got long and was probably a downer. I appreciate being able to share. That helps some.

I'll have to do the personals another time. Have a few things to do then to bed for a nap before work.

Take care all

Hi Gang . . . :grouphug:

Here I am for my once every two days check-in . . . not that I want it that way mind you. It seems we are getting a nasty storm every other day followed by an absolutely gorgeous day before the next nasty storm. This is the beautiful and sunny and calm day so . . . my electricity is stable and I get to post (and keep the house warm too -- do you think shivering a lot can be counted as exercise?). Hey, I could manage the fact that it is still Winter and storms are bound to occur if said nasty storms would just quit playing 'silly buggers' with the power supply. :mad: Tomorrow we are supposed to get snow again but with relatively calm winds so maybe -- just maybe -- I'll get a lucky break and be around here twice in a row. :lol:

Anyway . . . better get things done while I've got a chance . . . bit HI for everybody and a big WELCOME to the newbies. See you again soon. :wave:

Gayle - we'll hear anything you want to say! Don't worry about being a downer. I know yesterday was the pits - we live in the same area, and it was cold, cloudy, rainy - just awful all day and all night. And your shift, time of year, etc., probably has something to do with how you feel. Do they want it fast, or do they want it right?? And we all do it - focus on the one thing that was negative instead of all the good things they had to say, right? You've got to let it go - and BTW congrats on not eating the bad stuff. Just turn the negative into a positive and look for areas where you can improve your response time. How great will it be at your next review to see that they have nothing negative to say!! And you know what, where my husband works, they are told to find at least one area that needs improvement for each employee - that there's no such thing as the perfect employee. So it's not just you - they probably had to find some area that needs improvement for everyone.

What a beautiful day here. It's cold - well, for us - it's only 40F, but the sky is the brightest blue!! Such an improvement over yesterday's dreary doldrums. I talked with my Lt. about the neighbor guy moving back in, and he gave me reassurance and support. He also gave me some positive directions to go in dealing with the situation. DH will be implementing some of his suggestions over the next couple of weeks, just to give me a better sense of security. The last couple of days have been fairly quiet, but it's the weekend now, and time to get drunk! Not that Beavis confines his drinking only to the weekend, but if he gets picked up again, I'm assured there will be no bail.

DH is at a gunshow this morning, but this afternoon we're going to Hobby Lobby and then out to dinner. I'm thinking Applebee's cause they have the WW menu there, and there's no guess work on my part.

Have a great weekend, and to those of you in the frozen north!! You have my sympathies :hug: Please return the favor this summer when we hit 100F or face a hurricane.....

Hello all ~

Yesterday was dreary and I was bummed. Had my anual review at work, and mostly it was good except for one comment that has just kept eating at me. (That I am slow ~ ie ~ don't get done in time ~ take too long to do things.) I just want to cry ~ I work really hard ( they did notice that). It has been a rugged year ~ work wise. I don't know what it is about this job ~ it just feels so much more stressful than my previous jobs.
Take care all

Hi Gayle,

Your post reminds me of a place I used to work. SPEED was VERY important to everyone there.

I finally put a BIG sign over my desk that read - "THERE'S NEVER ENOUGH TIME TO DO THINGS RIGHT, BUT THERE'S ALWAYS ENOUGH TIME TO DO THINGS OVER!"

Lynn

About measuring the "belly." OK, on tv today, there was a show about measuring the "belly fat." She said to measure at the waist - where the belly button is & then at the hips. If your waist measurement is 85% or more of your hips measurement, you have dangerous belly fat.

I've also read that waist measurement for women shouldn't be above 32 inches.

Here's my issue - If I put tape measure at my belly button, and then measure circumference from there, it's not around my waist - it's lower. Is my belly button in the wrong place?

Lynn

Gayle, Hey Girl, CONGRATULATIONS! on getting an annual review that was nearly all good. Please focus on the positive, and let the negative go. Is being slower than "they" would like something that you can change? Do you want to change it? If so, go ahead and try to work on making that change. More likely, however, my guess is that you are the type of wonderful person who does things slowly, methodically, and RIGHT. I see that you are a nurse. Frankly, you are exactly the kind of person I would want at MY bedside! So please, give yourself a huge break, OK? And congratulations on not going for the food afterwards. That is fantastic!

Lynn, I'm not actually sure that you meant to be funny, but I burst out laughing when I read your post about your misplaced bellybutton. I'm quite sure that mine has gone somewhere south on a holiday, as well. Years and years of far more than the recommended space between it and my backbone, and well - just years and years of gravity ... my bellybutton is no longer where one would expect it to be. But you know what? I don't need a tapemeasure to tell me that I carry around a dangerous amount of belly fat. That's why I'm here, after all. But I truly, truly wish you good luck with your bellybutton project and hope that you find that your measurements are not quite as dire as I know mine would be.

Meowee - I don't know if shivering burns calories, but I do know that being cold does. We actually burn extra calories keeping our bodies warm. You also burn extra calories running around the house resetting all those clocks after a powerfailure ;) See? There's all sorts of benefits to living in the frozen north.

Cat, good luck with that photography class. Your teacher sounds like a very interesting and talented guy. I tried taking a class too, several years ago and like you got totally confused by all the technical jargon. I gave up on the class and decided to just have fun with the camera, doing the stuff I knew how to do. By sheer luck some photos come out great, and others are a disappointment. But that's life, right?

Zoe, I will send some prayers and good vibes for you sister. I know it's a scary operation but things are so advanced in the heart field now that I am sure it will go fine and she will be up and back to normal in no time. Congrats on getting settled in, I can't wait to start packing! Let us know how your sis does.

Lynn, I just finished a slow 1 mile DVD, my foot seems to be fine now but I still tend to baby it. I hope the x-ray shows nothing major. How is the class your taking going? You sure stay busy!

Hi Gayle, I'm so sorry you don't like where you work...that makes for long hours. Hey, come here and vent we don't mind. How is that new grandbaby?

Birgit, sounds like your making great progress.....my worst time of day is 4 p.m, I could eat everything in my house. It's hard to break old eating habits, 21 days to break a habit....

Bobbi, that must really be so hard with you MIL. Bless your hearts it has to be such an unthankful job. Are you still on the farm? Did you buy a condo? Sorry just full of questions....

For those of you asking about the Flat Belly Diet, you have to order the hard cover book from Prevention Magazine or from the online site. I didn't order the book but joined on-line. The Sassy water is only to drink for the first 4 days of the diet and 1200 calories/day, it is pretty restricted. The next 28 days you get more calories (up to 1600) and many added food choices. First 4 days are to remove bloat, calm the GI tract. Take a look at the on-line site.

I made it thru the first day OK and lost one lb. I know it's only going to be water but I'm hoping for 4-5 lbs. Then I know I can stay on the plan for 28 days and they give you all the daily menus....ha so I don't have to think too hard!

Karen, fish is in the foods to eat but I only have it once in a week on my plan, well plus some tuna fish for lunch. My dh doesn't like fish much either.
Hope you and Linda stay WARM!

Welcome new ladies, nice to see you here.

I'll try to catch up more later in the day. Hi to everyone....Cat the class sounds great, I never read the book that came with my camera either, I know it does a lot more that what I am doing.

Phyllis

Lynn, I'm not actually sure that you meant to be funny, but I burst out laughing when I read your post about your misplaced bellybutton. I'm quite sure that mine has gone somewhere south on a holiday, as well. Years and years of far more than the recommended space between it and my backbone, and well - just years and years of gravity ... my bellybutton is no longer where one would expect it to be. But you know what? I don't need a tapemeasure to tell me that I carry around a dangerous amount of belly fat. That's why I'm here, after all. But I truly, truly wish you good luck with your bellybutton project and hope that you find that your measurements are not quite as dire as I know mine would be.



It's funny to me - glad it made you laugh. I'm with you - no matter where I measure, my belly still comes out too big.

Lynn

Hello everyone....I have been wandering around for months looking for a new forum.When South Beach site crashed I lost my home and I think my incentive. I have lost 52lbs and am half way there, but now finding 1600 excuses why not eat something stupid! We retired 7 years ago to Florida and love it to death. Only question we ask is why did we wait. We live on a tiny river just off the Gulf. It is actually cooler here in the summer than there Eastern Shore of Maryland where we moved from. I am a bridge player and addicted to the game. I play 4 days a week and just love going off for week long tournaments. The next one is in Feb. down in Sarasota.

Morning GG's.. its blustery here today..im longing for spring allready..my dd and i went to play bingo last night( i luv to play) and i came home with $900 :carrot: id say that was a fun night..

Zoe..i hope you sister is doing ok :hug: for u and prayers for her

Lynn..why is it when we get older everything goes south i cant find my belly button its hiding :o to funny.. its good we can laugh at our selves

Gayle sorry for the hurt feelings over the job review:hug:

Cat that class sounds fun..i need a class as i have an 18 galloon plastic tote of bad pictures..thats why i went digital so i can delete the bad ones and print my own

Phyllis hows the puppies.. i get such joy from my daisy

Bobbi.. sry u are stressed with your mil, i can relate as i have the same going on here altho mine lives alone at 86 but boy is she stubborn and set in her ways

Hello to all and sry to those i have missed,im still getting to know every one.. wtg to those who have lost..im still holding the same but ill take it..ttfn and hope your weekends great rosey :wave:

Hi Karen, welcome! I'm new to this thread too, and am finding these women to be wonderfully supportive, kind and caring. I'm sure you'll find that you've found a new home here.

I don't have much time, but just wanted to share what I'm doing tonite. I'm running out the door to a church potluck... at the home of my nutritionist! Aaarrggghhh... this is the kind of thing that only happens in small towns. She is the wife of a member of our church. While I know her husband quite well, I only know the wife professionally, when I saw her in late October. She gave me all sorts of good advice about weightloss, and sent me on my way. She suggested that I see her again a month later, but I cancelled the appt cuz by then it was Thxgvg. You know what that means.... and then, of course, it was Xmas-- and you know what that means. So here it is, mid-Jan and I'm fatter than when I saw her last. Ugh! I was asked to bring an appetizer to this shindig, so now I'm finding myself heading to my nutritionist's house for dinner, bearing a hollowed out loaf of crusty bread with cheddar cheese dip inside. Wish I'd just stuck with the fruitplatter... Oh well, she actually really is a very nice woman and if it weren't for the weight issue, and her profession, I'd really be looking fwd to the eve. Actually, I've bn looking fwd to it all day, and then it suddenly struck me how ludicrous this is. Only in a small town... OK, I'm off! Just wanted to share... :dizzy::D

Hello everyone....I have been wandering around for months looking for a new forum.When South Beach site crashed I lost my home and I think my incentive. I have lost 52lbs and am half way there, but now finding 1600 excuses why not eat something stupid! We retired 7 years ago to Florida and love it to death. Only question we ask is why did we wait. We live on a tiny river just off the Gulf. It is actually cooler here in the summer than there Eastern Shore of Maryland where we moved from. I am a bridge player and addicted to the game. I play 4 days a week and just love going off for week long tournaments. The next one is in Feb. down in Sarasota.


Hi Karen3,

Welcome to your new home! You're going to love it here.

Lynn

Cat,

I just made the 2nd Splenda cake from the Koch cookbook.

The first one was NY cheesecake - FAN-Tastic!

The one I made today - carrot cake w cream cheese frosting - Also VERY yummy!

Lynn

Hello Everybody--- Just a quick pop in here--- it is almost 11:00 pm and I was jsut reading some posts--- and I noticed my time and temp. deal said that it is 73 degrees here!!! :) Well, I don't know where it is being measured tonight but it is defintiely not 73 degrees here!! More like 10!! I'll check it tomorrow and if it isn't correct then -- I'll take it off!!! That is just too funny as I sit here freezing!!!

Thank you all for your kind words about my job review. I got over my mood. We had a great night last night at work ~ wish more of them could be that way ~ but I'm thankful for any we get. I had to kind of laugh on my way home from work this morning ~ the nurse who said to the boss about me that I was slow ~ passed me on the road going home. I thought ~ she probably thinks I drive as slow as I work. :p LOL

Ok, off to bed. Hope you all have a good day.

Take care

Good Morning . . . almost Afternoon . . . :grouphug:

Absolutely delighted to tell you that it has been snowing all morning but it has been fairly gently about it -- i.e., no blizzard force winds. Consequently my power supply is happy. We are amassing a bunch of new snow, of course (about 3 to 4 inches so far) but it is definitely coming down straight. :yes:

Have a great day, gang . . . see you later . . . :wave:

Aw, Karen - 73 when it's really only 10 degrees? Now that's just downright cruel - seems like your screen is mocking your reality. I agree: you need to assert your superiority, gain control and turn the thing OFF! ;):D:dizzy:

Gale, I'm glad that you were feeling more upbeat yesterday, and hope you are today as well. Sometimes we all get into those funks, don't we?

My Sweetie and I had a lovely evening at the church potluck last night, at my nutritionist's house. I decided that if I were she, I wouldn't want to bring my work home with me on a Saturday night at a party. And so I acted as if I never even saw her in her professional role, and she acted likewise. The evening just slipped by with lots of nice people, good conversations and delicious food. I felt very "mature" in the way I handled this...;)

So today my Sweetie and I are just sitting at home, relaxing, with nothing much to do on a cold and overcast day in VT... both of sitting in our nice warm livingroom noodling around on our respective laptops - each of us with a fuzzy critter curled up next to us. Frankly, I don't think it gets much better than this. Feeling pretty content today:goodvibes

Hope everyone is well. Best wishes,
Birgit

Hi everyone..Birgit.. thats sounds so comfy..actually my dh and i are doing the same as its snowing like crazy outside but hes watching football and im reading..my favorite way to spend a lazy sunday..hope u all are having agreat weekend :hug: rosey :wave:

Hi you all...I posted a message and it went somewhere, but be damned if I can find me. I wanted to say thank you. Can't believe that just knowing I had support got me jump started. I have eaten by the book today and just finished my 6th helping of vegies. 5 is good 6 is over kill I think. Am shivering at your temps. Grow up in snow country, but now going North even in sept is chilling.We were out in Colorado in May and the snow hadn't melted yet.....gesh! Gotta go move my pots in from front porch. Florida is weird in that azalas start blooming in Nov and finish up in May. You plant tomatoes in Oct and you can't grow much stuff in direct sun. It literally cooks. karen3

ps...karen really is my name and I guess to keep the karens straight i better just be 3.....rarely met other karens so it's wonderful to met u.

:wave:Welcome Karen3!! It's nice to know you. Today we really had a pretty nice day--- it made it all way up to 33 degrees!! We're trying hard to sell our house here so we can move to MO. All my family is there and I'm so anxious to be there too!

We did have some people that were out looking at houses this afternoon and happened to come down our driveway. I went outside and said they could come in and look if they wanted.... They did and seemed to like it pretty much. They have llamas so they are really interested in the 5 acres and the 30' X 70' steel building too! I hope we hear from them again!

Rosey, You sound like me the last few days with it being so cold! I'm glad that I got at least a little busy today though and had the house pretty decent and also a crock pot full of beef stew cooking--- made it seem pretty "homey" when those people came in. ;)

Birgit, I was really surprised when I saw the temp was 73 ----- guess they must be having a glitch somewhere. I may try again later.

Meowee--- How are your fur babies doing? Did their eye problems get cleared up? You stay warm there too! Hey, how do you count the Gazelle in your fitday? I've tried to figure that one out. I think it is more that walking but less than aerobics.

Gayle, glad things are looking a little better for you. It is tough when you are at somewhere you don't want to be. But keep that nice smile on your face and things will continue to get better.

Lynn, I haven't made anything with the Splenda book yet.. I've looked at a lot of recipes and know that my Dad will just love it when I get moved back there!

Zoe, you and your sister are in my thoughts and prayers.. Please let us know how she and you are doing.

Phyllis--- And news on your condo? I'm sending lots of good thoughts your way. Maybe we can both get good news real soon!

To all the Golden Girl's that I have missed A big :hug: to you. Where is everybody else lately?
Take care and I'll catch y'all later.

Oh my gosh - so many new posts in just a few days. Where to begin? First of all welcome to all the new GGs...Karen 3, Kim, Ellie, Llavender.. ..sorry if I missed anyone. I am catching up while my DH keeps tabs on the Giants and the Packers playing in the God-Awful cold!! Actually it down to 3 degrees here in upstate NY and I was proud that I managed to walk 120 mintures between yesterday and today. I got an MP3 player for Xmas and I love walking to the music. I went to my youngest DD’s computer and copied all kinds of music (luckly we have similar tastes!). I bundled up in my ski gloves, headband, neck warmer, hat with those funny ear flaps, long johns and headed out. I probably looked like an arctic explorer and the wind did blush and numb my cheeks a bit. Tomorrow is weigh in after two weeks and I had better show a loss.

Birgit, Yes I love these winter days when you can hunker down in front of the woodstove or fireplace with a cat at your feet. By the way, Habitat wants to start a home in small town here and our church is planning to take the lead on the project. I’m thinking that this may be an outlet for me when I retire. I’d be anxious to here of your experiences with the group there in VT.

Karen – hope the home plans all go through for you soon. Fingers are crossed.

Bobbi, Hang in ther with the MIL. Notes sound like a good idea hope they help.

Hi Zoe, Can’t wait for some photos of the new digs. It must be nice to finally see the light at the end of the “boxes”.

Cat, Photo class sounds like a challenge. I took one when I got my Nikon digital DSLR and learned SO MUCH. Fun to find out what all it can do.

Marilynn – and just how do you make your own laundry detergent? You are so inventive.

Lynn – such heavy reading, my goodness. I got a laugh out of the bellybutton going south too. Ain’t it the truth!?

Yoyo – I do still drink a lot of diet soda. Maybe I need to cut down. Hummm Congrats on the weight loss this week.

Rosey – Hope your mom is doing ok now. Nice to have a family visit.

Gayle – I agree with everyone else here. I’d definitely want you as my nurse! Keep up the great work.

Phill – good luck with the flat belly diet plan. And hope the condo sells real soon.

Well, think I’ll go check on the score. We’re packing for FL this week. Leave Thursday.

Bye GGs,

Lyn

Good Morning Golden Girls, Today is celebration day. I got on the scale this morning and I am now at goal!! I worked long and hard, gave up a lot of junk at Christmas time, but it was worth it. Now comes the hard part, Keeping it off! With the support of everyone here, I know I can do it.

I had to work the weekend, and when I work 2 days I get behind in the posts. So, everyone, I did read all the posts. I'm always interested in find out how everyone is doing. But forgive me if I don't answer every one of them.

I do want to WELCOME our new member. It's great here, I hope to see you here often..

Like the others that live in cold weather places, it's bitter cold here. Walking from the parking lot to the hospital yesterday, I got so cold. I had to check my nose when I got inside, to make sure it hadn't frozen off. Some of our patients are old and frail and have memory loss. One of those patients, somehow, slipped down the back stairs and got down to the lobby, where she was stopped by one of the guards. Thank God. Can you imagine an older, confused person being outside for any length of time in this weather?

Everyone have a great day, Freda

Good Morning . . . :grouphug:

:yay: FREDA :yay: So happy for you, Chickie (and so jealous, too, of course).

I think you are on the right track there, KAREN . . . I don't use Fitday but would guess at the Gazelle as somewhere above walking (or level treadmilling) but definitely below a true eliptical or a stairclimber.

Here's a great, big, :welcome: for you, #3. Hope you will love it around here just as much as the rest of us do.

Well . . . we are having another beautiful :sunny: day here in northern Nova Scotia but, oh boy oh boy, is it ever cold at -31C / -24F. At least that means it cannot snow at the moment. :yes: So guess, I'll just be thankful for the small things.

Hope everybody has great things planned for this lovely day. I must get myself moving and shaking and out to enjoy the sun. See you all later. :carrot:

Good Morning Everyone,

I got the results of my cardio analysis today. To summarize, I was getting my heartbeat too high during aerobic (Elliptical) exercise. This was causing my metabolism to actually slow down instead of increase when I am not exercising. I now have a 10-week program to straighten things out & hopefully, to speed up my metabolism so that I can eat more calories & not gain any weight.

I saw my Little Sister yesterday. Her mother told me she had cut school on Friday. I'm really concerned about her. She jumped into "terrible teens" with both feet when she switched schools. I tried talking with her, but I could see the "glazed over eye look" that I remember from when my dd was a teenager.

Weather is sunny & cold here. Really a beautiful winter day.

Hope everyone has a Happy and Healthy day,

Lynn

Good Morning all you wonderfuls GG s :grouphug:

Sounds like a lot of you had lovely, cozy weekends. Mine was semi quite. Had brunch with some friends who were in town for the weekend - Since I've been paying attention I've been pleasantly surprised to find that some of the better buffets in town have some amazingly healthy selections. Came up with a spiffy little idea - since I didn't want to drag my day planner out to write down my meal (and I tend to have selective recall when trying to write down my eatings hours later) I used the note pad on my cell phone to jot it down then transfered to the real food log after I got home. Everyone just thought I was checking a text message so they didn't ask questions ;)

Freda! You skinny thing! :bravo::cp::hat::dancer::cheer2::cheer: I am so excited for you I actually got a lump in my throat! Now just because you can move on to the maintainers thread, don't forget to come back here and inspire us to stay motivated too :)

Gayle - glad you got past the review blues (and without comfort food!! :cb:). I'm a manager and have to hand out those icky things. And yes, we are mandated to point out an area where each employee should improve. I hate that part and no matter how hard I try to make it sound like a pep talk, a lot of people still look at it as a criticism. We do ours in April - this time, even though it's last on the form, I'm going to try getting that part out of the way first so I can finish up with the more positive stuff. I'd love input from you (all of you) as to what would make you feel less focused on the negative side of reviews.

Welcome Karen3! I'm pretty new here too but these lovely ladies have made me feel so welcome and at home that I feel like a long timer. I know it'll be the same for you. Visit often so we can get to know you.

To all you guys looking into the Flat Belly Diet - For the life of me I can't find the exact link right now but you might want to go to ask.com and look up which fish are highest in Omega3 (which, from what I understand, is the main reason behind increasing the fish in your diet). I found a site that gave levels of Omega3 as well as mercury (very scary) and not all fishies are created equal - for example, my (former) favorite Orange Roughy has really low Omega3 and really high mercury. Salmon is by far the best with Tuna (fresh or in water of course) a close second.

My mini milestone to keep motivated this week? - took those too tight jeans out of the dryer this morning and didn't have to do the "pillowcase" dance to get them on (you know how you have to shake a plump, fluffy pillow to get it to squeeze itself into the pillowcase? I usually have to do that with my thighs to get them into the jeans when they are fresh from the dryer); I didn't have to lay on the bed to get them zipped AND (drum roll please) after zipping and buttoning, I could bend over to tie my shoes without them cutting off all my oxygen. :carrot: Still going to be a few weeks before I'm ready to try out those one size smaller jeans that are currently languishing in the closet in the spare bedroom but I think I won't move them to a box in the garage just yet :D

Healthy, Happy day to all

Gosh Lynn, I knew they always give you a specific range you are supposed to shoot for when doing cardio but always assumed it was to keep from stressing your heart too much. Never had a clue it could effect your resting metabolism. Guess I'll need to pay more attention to mine too. Thanks for sharing that - see, you're teaching even when your not teaching ;)

A lot of changes have happened since I posted here last. I switched diet plans in early December. I went from WW Flex Points to the South Beach Diet which I have begun following since the first of this year. I am very satisfied with the results. It is not as difficult as I expected that it would be.

My personal changes have been more dramatic. My mom is critically ill and she may be on death's door. She was told she had two types of cancer the week before Christmas. She had a hysterectomy a week ago for uterine cancer. She has had a multiple sequence of complications: acute renal failure, low B/P, massive blood lose, the stroke which they still don't know how much damage it has caused and now an infection in her incision site. She is 73 and diabetic but she was okayed for the surgery and they told her they felt she was healthy. I live 1000 miles away and because of some serious financial problems I am facing I probably will not be able to go there until she dies and then I will have to borrow the money to do that. My only sibling and sister is there. My Dad had a stroke 9 years ago but he is in good health. Two of my sister's children are both going to be in the same hospital as our mom this comnig week when one has heart surgery and the other thyroid surgery. I feel for my sister. She is getting this in spades.

My way of dealing with this is a rosary each day and to follow my food plan. We can't control a lot of things in life but what we can I want to.

It is cold here in Atlanta too and we had snow on Saturday. I got some lovely pictures of it. I am from the Midwest and although I don't miss the blizzards and bitter cold, it was a real treat to see the soft falling snow. I was able to get out in it a bit and then watch it from my windows. Just lovely.

Have a warm day today ladies;)

Freda!! :congrat: That is Wonderful News!!! I'm sure you are still up on :cloud9: And you have every right to be!!! That is just great! :carrot: We are all very proud of you!

Wow Lynn, I didn't realize that getting your heartrate up to high could actualls slow down your metabolisim. I hope that all get straightened out for you soon. Be sure and let us know how you are doing.

Zoe--- I saw the big fire in Lawerence--- Sure hope you are all fine and that wasn't close to you. Please let us know how you and your sister are doing.

pamatga--- I'm so sorry to hear about your Mom. I know how worrisome that can be. That is why we have our house for sale and we're wanting to get moved back to MO. We are about 850 miles away from my Dad and he is 88. He had quadruple bypass and is doing pretty good but he will never be able to live by himself again. Right now he is spending days with my sister and nights with my older brother. Will keep you in my thoughs and prayers!

Well, guess I'd better get going for now. I'll try to get back later.

Hi everyone..just a quick fly by..pamatga :hug: i know just how u feel as my mom is ill with cancer too; shes 86 and lives in minnesota and im in alaska..money keeps me away from her and it breaks my heart..life sucks sometimes doesnt it..one day at a time tho right ladies..it snowed yesterday and then warmed up and rained all night..its a real mess outside right now :?: hope u are all having a good day :hug: rosey :wave:

Just a real quick note to say that my sis came through her valve replacement surgery with flying colors (typical sis!). Can't tell you what a relief this is to me; I've been teary-eyed most of the past two days. Waiting now for another call from my neice. I'll check in tomorrow. Thanks so much for all the care and concern from everyone. It really does help!

Hugs to all,
Z

hi you all....Just read about having sick parents. Been thru that and know how hard it is. I lost my Dad years ago and miss him just as much today. We lost my mom,dh's mom and dad in a 2 year span just before we retired to Florida. Kept going North for funerals....and discovered that the amazing ladies of our old church who were OLD when I was still a kid have not aged. How come I look in the mirrow and shock me everytime and those sweeties stayed unchanged.
Day 2 of level one and ate 7 portions of vegies and kept up with drinking water. Cravings are still banging around in my head and wanna just stuff carbs into my mouth. Not hungry just wanna chew. Played bridge at club and we had 23 tables. So there was 4 hours I never thought about food. Another day and I should be over the cravings. I will direct the game next Friday.
I must tell you what my Dad did for me. He died in 1967. When we were packing to move to Florida I gave my daughter a batch of his books on horses and carriages. She called me in tears. In one of those books she found a letter he had written to me one side was dated 1953 and other was 1955. He was telling his teenage daughter how much he loved her and how proud he was. He mailed it and then when it arrived put it unopened in the book. So I got a love letter from my father 37 years after he died. Wish I could do something like that for my 2.
Sorry you all are so cold. We had a cold spell but it is warming up nicely. I could heat the pool, but hate to pay Progress Electric anything extra. Stay healthy....karen3

Hi Everyone I am new here. I really need to lose about 50 lbs. I dont know where to start. Should I buy excersice tapes? I thought about walking for about an hour a night. Would that be effective? I am 58 years old but my health is fine, other then being overweight. Its a big battle, I cant seem to lose. Anyone have any tips? Nice meeting all of you

Bonnie

Good Morning Golden Girls, I was very surprised this morning when I looked out the window and saw several inches of new, white stuff covering the ground. It wasn't expected, at least by me. But, my grandaughter spent the night and I was too busy watching cartoons and playing games to listen to the weather. Hubby got out of the drive way ok, so I guess the streets are ok. and the snow seems to have stopped.

Thanks, everyone, I am happy that I finally got to goal. Now, maintaining is the big problem. And I know I will get the support I need here. How do you stop dieting? Add a few calories at a time? I'm learning a new skill here.

Sandy, glad you had fun at the pot luck. I always have a few low cal things that I take to such things. You never know what you're going to find there to eat and I am not good with temptation! ha!

Gayle, Repeat after me "I am a valuable asset, they are lucky to have me".

Linda, I hope you continue to have fair weather and don't get too much snow. It's beautiful to look at, not much fun to shovel. Although, that is excellent exercise.

Karen3, I'm glad to hear that you are eating well. That is a lot of vegetables! And I like vegetables! Think of the health benefits along with the weight loss. How wonderful to have letters like that from your dad. Like he is still sending his love. something I know you will cherish.

Karen, have you heard back from the people that looked at the house? Fingers crossed!

Lyn, How did the weight in go? I'm crossing my fingers again.

Lynn, I have heard that you need to exercise at a certain rate. I guess we all need to find out now what OUR rate is. I don't quite know the reasoning behind that. Runners lose weight too, their heart rate has to be up. This stuff is too confusing at times.

YoYo, Good idea, using the day planner to record what you eat. And since you're recording everything, it makes you focus more on what you're eating. Most places have at least something you can have. I like to go online and see what they have and decide ahead of time what I am going to get. And then I don't even look at the menu. Don't need anything to tempt me.

Pam, I'm so sorry to hear about your mother. Prayers for both of you. I'm a long ways from home too, and at times it is really hard.

Zoe, Glad to hear that your sister is ok. Hope the rest do just as well.

Hi Bonnie, Welcome!!! Come on in and make yourself at home. Walking is great exercise. It's cheap and easy and you can do it anywhere. That is what I used, along with weights that I did at home too. You might want to add something else later, but that's great for now. And if you can walk for an hour, you are doing REALLY good. I remember the first time I walked. I got a few blocks and had to sit down. It took me quite a while to build up to an hour.

Everyone, stay warm, Freda

Just a real quick note to say that my sis came through her valve replacement surgery with flying colors (typical sis!). Can't tell you what a relief this is to me; I've been teary-eyed most of the past two days. Waiting now for another call from my neice. I'll check in tomorrow. Thanks so much for all the care and concern from everyone. It really does help!

Hugs to all,
Z


Oh Zoe, I'm SO GLAD to hear about your sister's successful surgery. This is wonderful news - thank you for letting us know.

Lynn

Morning all,

Wonderful news Zoe! Waiting and wondering when there is nothing you can do can be almost as hard (mentally) as having the surgery yourself. OK, you can go ahead and breathe now :D

Wow Karen3 thank you so much for sharing the touching story of your father's letter. Funny how we hardly ever think of our parents as real people who care(d) for their children as much as we do. So sweet of him to leave you that special reminder of his love. And thank you again for reminding the rest of us.

:welcome3: Bonnie. You've already made a good start by coming here. I'm still pretty new to my "get healthy and lose weight" program too but what really helped me out a lot was, before I actually started trying to change my eating habits, I spent some time learning to log everything I put in my mouth - and I do mean everything, every stick of gum, every cup of coffee, and every little "taste" and nibble I took while I was cooking dinner. Even if you only take a week or so it'll give you a good idea of what areas you can improve and give you a base to start planning your changes. Then relax and take your time - don't try to change all the not so healthy behaviors overnight. One step at a time will make it a lot easier to stick to. Then, come here as often as you can so you'll know you aren't alone in your journey.

Freda I know you've got to be nervous - I'm not even anywhere near goal yet and I've been worrying about how not to either fall back into old habits or (yeah right) lose too much weight. Even though I for one am a little green with envy (OK a lot green :D ) we're all still your friends and are here for you.

Have a great day all :grouphug:

Good Morning (well, it's almost afternoon) . . . :grouphug:

:welcome: BONNIE . . . you have definitely taken a great first step by coming to join us at 3FC . . . just know you will love it here. Anything that gets you moving more is a great step in the right direction . . . just don't lose sight of healthy eating because that is usually 80% of the weightloss solution.

Glad to hear your good news ZOE . . . :hug:

I've done my exercise for the day -- had great fun dancing around the house this morning rejoicing about the fact that we are enjoying another :sunny: day -- wow -- two in a row and it is at least 15 to 20 degrees warmer today than yesterday, too -- double wow. Of course, they are predicting another 3 or 4 inches of snow starting later on this afternoon. Oh well. :shrug:

Hope everybody else is having a good day, too . . . See you all later . . . :carrot:

Welcome :welcome3: Bonnie!! You are going to just love it here! These ladies are just fantastic and give great advice and support on anything that you can think of!! Love them all! You might think of getting the Walk Away The Pounds DVD's by Leslie Sansone. They are really good and help you do more than just walk PLUS you can do them anytime no matter what the weather is !! ;)

Still haven't heard anymore from the people that looked at the house :( But yesterday was a Holiday and most places were closed so I still have my :crossed: that we will hear something very soon!

Zoe, so happy to hear the good news on your sister! Still sending lots of :goodvibes and prayers your way! Be sure and keep us posted

Freda--- I know you must be nervous but I'm betting that you do just fine! You worked long and hard to get here.

Well, Better get busy!! Hello to all the Missing Golden Girls Hope you all have a great day!

Zoe, so happy to hear the good news ... I know you were very worried.

On day 5 of the Flat Belly Diet.....I lost 4 lbs. and 1" off my waist in four days.
Pretty good. Now day 5 starts the 28 day part of the diet with lots more food but they are wanting me to stay at 1200 cal./day so I have to figure out what to save for an afternoon snack from the meal plan.

I will say it wasn't too bad, I didn't feel like I was starving as on the first 4 days you get 4 meals, not many calories but filling.

I looked at the diet plan for the next 28 days and there is not much fish....you can choose from a list what you want to eat that day.

No luck with the people that looked at our condo, I hope your fairing better Karen.

To those of you having Mother's that are ill, I'm sending my prayers to you and your families. I lost mine several years ago, she was only 69 and my Father 2 yrs. before that.....I really miss them.

Phyllis

Just a quick check-in.

Freda - Congratulations on achieving your goal!!:carrot::dancer::hat:

Zoe - Great news about your sister!!:hug:

Phyllis - WOW! one inch off the waist and 4 pounds is great. I may have to look into this!:broc:

Meowwee - glad the sunshine got you dancing around the house.:dance:

Rosey and Pam - hang in there...I know how hard it is tooo having a sick parent far away. Lost my mom 10 years ago and she was in CA while I was here in NY. My youngest sister took care of her and I made severl trips wet when I could. My prayers are with you both.

Welcome Bonnie:welcome: All good advice from fellow GGs so far.

As for me - I weighed in and stayed the same after two weeks. I need to start tracking what I eat better. The exericse level is good...it's just the eating that is still not under control.

Well, off to do my eliptical.

Lyn

OK - new mini challenge for me - slow down! I'm getting ever so better at eating the right foods now I have to slow down and enjoy it instead of behaving like a human vacuum cleaner. I'm thinking that's why I'm still having issues with feeling overfull after an awfully small meal - I'm practically swallowing it without chewing.

I was leaning more toward being a portion control person as opposed to a calorie counter but I think I'm going to have to start looking at at least an estimated calorie count for each meal - Having a few issues with thinking that I'm eating like a horse and fighting the urge to cut back but when I checked out what I've eaten so far today it adds up to just under 600 (of course I didn't weigh the tomato or put the grapefruit sections in a measuring cup so could be off but I don't think by much).

Hi you all...Just spoke to dd and it's warmed up to 31 there on the edge of the Pocono mountains after being 11 this am. It wasn't too polite what she said when told her it was 75+ here. Gosh it is fun to get her going.
Day3 of level one is done. Didn't cheat but still attempted. I make a hugh pot of vegies. Diced tomatoes okra corn lime beans carrots onions peppers any all left over vegies....this batch had zuchinni, mushrooms, black beans,cauliflower, gr beans, few peas,tons of garlic and chicken stock. So just scope a bowl and nuke. Dh calls it soup and pigs out happliy. Sure makes dinner cooking a snap. Do a salad and small meat portion. Heck I threw in some shrimp one day and served company Gumbo(they got the rice separate).
On South Beach you don't calorie count but think roughly I am eating about 1000 a day some days less. On level one I get leg and toe cramps that usually go away using V8 for extra potassium(but nor this time)...Jumped out of bed all nite long with toes heading North.....Any suggestions.
karen3

On level one I get leg and toe cramps that usually go away using V8 for extra potassium(but nor this time)...Jumped out of bed all nite long with toes heading North.....Any suggestions.
karen3

Hi Karen3,

The traditional fix - take potassium and calcium supplements. I take my calcium at night & it keeps the leg cramps away.

The more bizarre fix - put a bar of soap (any face soap except Ivory) under your bottom sheet - down by your feet. I know - it sounds crazy but it actually works. When my cleaning lady changes my sheets, she sometimes removes the bar of soap - if I forget to check, I wake up with leg cramps.

Worth a try - yes?

Lynn

PS - check on your medications to make sure none is causing the leg cramps.

Oh wow . . . I've definitely heard about the 'traditional' fix, but the 'bizarre' fix is a new one on me . . . I'll have to try it. Leg cramps are fairly common for diabetics unfortunately. An offshoot of the neuropathic problems we are prone to. If I've done an inordinate amount of walking during the day, I can almost count on having to get up to massage my calves a couple of times that night.

hehehhehehe Lynn...I can't decide whether to try the soap tonight or take some calium and potassium. Think I'll try the soap but have the tablets at my bedside. Tell all in the morning. karen3

Good Morning GG's, It continues to be cold and white here. I was out a few times yesterday, out of necessity. The main roads were clear but the side roads were very slick, as i found out a few times. Put The front wheel traction to a test.

Is it just me, or is everyones appetite kicking in, in this cold weather? i am being careful and staying on tract, but it's harder. Or maybe it's my body just trying to get those pounds back.

Phyllis, 4 lb. and 1 inch in one week? That is just too cool. Even though I have lost the weight, I still have this tummy. I am going to try the diet to see if the belly fat goes away. It's worth a try and you are a good indorsement. Wonder if Bobbi is doing ok with it.

As far as the leg cramps go, my Dr. recomended magnesium, and it worked for me and several of the other nurses. We are always on our legs for long hours and on hard surfaces. As far as the soap in the bed thing, what would it hurt. try it.

YoYo, I still have to calculate how much food I am getting sometimes. I measured everything for awhile, and got to the point that I could just "eyeball" it. After a time those portions got larger and larger and I had to get the measuring cups out again. In your case, sounds like you need to do the opposite, make sure you are getting enough food. And slow down and enjoy it. We are supposed to enjoy food, as well as be nourised by it.

Not a lot going on here today, but i do need to go shopping. I am still wearing most of my old clothes and last night my husband told me to "quit wearing all that baggy old stuff and get some pants that fit". Music to my ears and he doesn't have to twist my arm!!

Everyone have a good day, Freda

Sun is shining a little more sporadically today -- but it is trying and that's what counts. Temperatures are a little below the freezing mark and we did get a few inches of new snow overnight. The good news however is that our semi-sunny; semi-mild; and currently not-snowing conditions are supposed to continue from now right through the weekend. Hope they are right. :yes:

I was going to stick soap in my bed last night, but I forgot. :lol: Maybe I'll remember tonight.

Oh FREDA . . . there is no more wonderful feeling that actually having to buy smaller pants . . . enjoy.

Well, guess I'd better get myself moving and shaking -- it's almost noon and I've really not accomplished much so far today. Have a good one, gang and I'll see you all later . . . :wave:

Morning to all,

Gonna try that soap Lynn I've been getting those nasty cramps since I was a kid (although gotta admit that since "aunt flo" passed away they've happend much less often).

Gotta watch those sneaky marketing people! Yesterday DH stopped at the store to pick up a few things. Now I had been nattering on about balancing my Omega3s and 6s and yada, yada, yada. Bless his adorable little bald head he was actually listening! He was so proud of himself when he came home and presented me with a loaf of bread (big time national brand) that proclaimed itself as "containing Flax - high in Omega3". Had little hearts all over the package. Great big "Whole Grain with Flax Seed". Looked perfect - until, that is, I flipped it over and read the ingredients: Wheat flour, water, HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP! (gaaak), followed immediately by partially hydroginated something or other - both things I am diligently avoiding. I pretty much stopped reading at that point and skimmed looking for the flax seed - there it was, second to last. Didn't have the heart to tell DH I won't be eating the bread when he's trying so hard to be supportive (although I think it's mostly because he's afraid if I don't take care of my health he'll be left without me some day and will never be able to find his cell phone, glasses, wallet, or car keys again :lol: )

Tomorrow is weigh day (already!) and am a little nervous. Also went out and bought a measuring tape so will add measurements to the documentation :eek:

have a simply maaaavelous day all you lovely GGs!

Hello to all you friends--
Sorry I'm been incommunicado for a few days. I think I mentioned that my company recently moved. The good news is that we are now located in the same town in which I live - so I can walk to work! The bad news is that it has been the absolute worst move conceivable. Everything that could go wrong, did go wrong. The result is that we have been in our new space now for about 3 weeks, and we're still not really set up to work productively. But slowly and surely... on Monday furniture began arriving, so now we at least have desks to put our computers. Yesterday blessed us with some additional file cabs, so now we have a place to store stuff. This place is starting to look like a real office! In the meantime, of course, we have been completely disorganized and trying to do our jobs in a nearly unworkable environment. Very frustrating! Everything takes three times as long... But I think, finally, that we're nearly there.

It's amazing how much happens to all of you when I'm not able to get to a computer for a few days. i don't know where to start:

First of all, Bonnie - WELCOME!! Glad to have you aboard!

Freda, you reached your goal! Now that is just fantastic, and we are all excited for you (and of course, jealous). Now comes the hard part, huh? Not slipping back into those old habits is hard to do (I know, cuz I've "been there and done that" many times...) I know you can and will maintain your goal weight, though, because you have all of us.

Zoe, I am so happy that your sister came thru her ordeal successfully. that must be just a huge load off your mind.

Phyllis, 4#s and an inch - it doesn't get much better than that, huh? Congratulations, and keep up the great work.

Karen31 - don't you just love the Walk Away The Pounds DVDs? Anyone who can walk, no matter how clutzy (that would be me!) can do them - and really feel like you're getting a good workout. After having "done" the same DVD a few times, I really get tired of the chatter and the repetitive music, so I just mute them and put on my own music, doing the WATP steps. Works for me.

YoYo, you are an inspiration to me with your commitment to writing down every shred of food. I know that journaling your food is a really good weightloss tool. I know I should do that. I want to, I really really do... But maybe not so much cuz I just can't seem to bring myself there. On the other hand, I've been on my new and improved eating and exercise plan for over a week now, and I seem to be doing well without making additional changes right now. I haven't weighed myself, cuz I'm afraid of becoming obsessive about the scale (I can do that so EASILY...), but I'm feeling great and my clothes are definitely looser. So maybe I should just relax and not stress out about the things I'm NOT doing.

I've had a revelation this morning, as I was walking to work. When I left the office yesterday, I made the decision not to take my laptop home cuz it's kinda heavy. While walking this morning, I was really enjoying how light my backpack was without the laptop in it. Get this, kids - the thing weighs less than 5#s! I am carrying around 70 extra pounds on my body right now, every single day - everywhere I go! That's the equivalent of 14 laptops!!! Now there's an image, huh? If that doesn't inspire me to loose a few laptops, I don't know what will.

Be well, everyone, and keep on pluggin'...
Birgit

Back from Maui :beach: -- sick as a dog :shrug:. I will try to catch up with everyone on the weekend -- I have a small photoshare I will post at the same time. Very few pics of me -- felt very fluffy on this trip LOL. But I did get a great workout in the water every day.

More later -- gotta get some meds.

HI and welcome back Joanne.....I'm so sorry your sick! Can't wait to see pictures of the vacation and I hope you had a wonderful time.

Lyn, where are you going in Florida? I live in So. Florida....been nice and warm here. Hope it stays thatway for you.

Birgit, I love the L. Sansone walking DVD's. I did a mile this a.m.....trying to build back up to the 2 miles. It's good exercise for the whole body.

YoYo, the soap under the sheets is really suppose to work for most people so give it a try. It's in a Dr.'s column in the newspaper all the time. Let us know how it works. Lynn wouldn't send you in the wrong direction!

Bobbi, how is the diet are you back on it yet? I have seen you on-line there
and I'll have to invite you for a buddy. I'm enjoying the foods so far.

Way to go Freda, go buy those smaller pant!!!! Congrats.

Linda, glad the sun is shinning in your part of the world.....Stay warm.

Hi to everyone else, catch you later.

Phyllis

HI and welcome back Joanne.....I'm so sorry your sick! Can't wait to see pictures of the vacation and I hope you had a wonderful time.

Lyn, where are you going in Florida? I live in So. Florida....been nice and warm here. Hope it stays thatway for you.

Birgit, I love the L. Sansone walking DVD's. I did a mile this a.m.....trying to build back up to the 2 miles. It's good exercise for the whole body.

YoYo, the soap under the sheets is really suppose to work for most people so give it a try. It's in a Dr.'s column in the newspaper all the time. Let us know how it works. Lynn wouldn't send you in the wrong direction!

Bobbi, how is the diet are you back on it yet? I have seen you on-line there
and I'll have to invite you for a buddy. I'm enjoying the foods so far.

Way to go Freda, go buy those smaller pant!!!! Congrats.

Linda, glad the sun is shinning in your part of the world.....Stay warm.

Hi to everyone else, catch you later.

Phyllis

Hi Phyllis,

I tried to register for the Flat Belly diet program. They wouldn't let me. I got a message that said their program is not designed for those with Type 2 diabetes.

I was planning on beginning this on Friday - day I get my new Elliptical. I'm going to the Diabetes Association website & see if they have some kind of a weight program that they support.

Lynn

Goodness Birgit, I never thought of myself as being inspiring to anyone :o
In fact I've been a little concerned that was leaning toward being just a tad O/C about it. And, I certainly didn't start out with "every shred". Took me a couple of months of forgetfulness and selective memory before I decided I needed to be brutally honest with myself.

Hi you all...well tried the soap between the sheets and didn't have any cramps, BUT my dreams were full of lovely half naked young Irish Lads........did I say it was Irish Spring soap!

Got thru day 4th without cheating and my cravings are disappearing. Tomorrow is a hard day since I don't play bridge on Thurs. Have to keep on the move or I will "just taste" something. karen3

Lynn....see you are in Bucks County....old stumping grounds for me. Went to high school outside Easton and later we used to go down to Chalfont trap shooting.....many many years ago. karen3

Godd Morning G G's, The snow has finally stopped here, but it's still white outside, and COLD. I never understood why people would want to move to Florida (I hate hot weather) but now I'm beginning to get it. It takes me forever to get warm. I mentioned it to my sister and she said it was the weight loss. I suppose she's right. I was always the one that was too warm all the time, never wore long sleeves. Still getting used to this new me.

YoYo, so good that your husband is trying to be supportive. Mine says he is, and them brings home butter pecan ice cream. I'm the only one here that eats that. He never touches it. I've gotten used to it and it's something I just have to deal with. If it's something the kids will eat, I send it home with them. If it's not, I just throw it away. And that is very hard for me. Throwing good food out is something you just don't do. jTook me a long time to be able to do that. I use flax seed too. I buy it in bulk and grind it as i need it. I throw it in everything. Muffins, cereal... I read somewhere, hungry girl I think, that they were selling it in those containers that store and grind. That would make it so much easier to use. I haven't found it here yet, but i'm looking. How was the weigh in?

meowee, enjoy the good weather while you have it. Hope it stays around for awhile.

Birgit, You did get a revelation! Sometimes, 5 lb. loss doesn't seem like much. But pick up a 5 lb. bag of sugar and carry it around for awhile! In your case a laptop! Just think about how much lighter you'll feel when you lose a couple of laptops! It is easy to get obcessed with the scale, and set our mood on what it says. Hide it somewhere so it won't tempt you every day, and only dig it out once a week. Don't let a silly scale determine how you feel.

Lynn, I'm sure that the Diabetic association will have a diet that you can follow. What have you been using?

Hi Joann, Sorry to hear that you're sick. Feel better! I hope you didn't get sick untill AFTER you got home. Looking forward to seeing the vacation pictures and hearing about your trip.

Karen3, I seldom have leg cramps since I started taking the magnesium, but i'm going to run right out and buy some of that irish spring soap! The cravings do get easier to handle. I know you will do will at the games. Just decide before hand what you are going to eat. And stay away from the rest of the food. Remember, there are always going to be things that tempt us. And it's not like you're never going to see this food again!

Phyllis, I am trying to get back to walking again too. It's a slow process. I've never used to tapes but I know they have them at the local library. I'm going to check one out and try it.

Everyone take care, and to all the GG's that haven't posted in awhile, hurry back, we miss you. Freda

Good Morning . . . :wave:

SSDD around here -- although there has been a slight change to the long-range weather forecast -- they are still calling for partly sunny through the weekend bu now are admitting that the temps are on the way back down to that nasty, nasty -30C (-20F) range that we had at the beginning of this week. :brr:

Already did a little time on the Gazelle this morning and my main exercise today will be coming from the weekly 'mall-crawl' that I do with my buddy LouLou on Thursday afternoons. How's it going for the rest of you?

BTW, LYNN I think you will find that the ADA (like the CDA) are still favouring the exchange system they've been pushing for years and years. However, you can change it up a little by cutting back on the starch exchanges and increasing the protein exchanges a bit.

So sorry to hear you came home sick, JOANNE. Hope it passes soon.

Big :grouphug: for everybody. Keep things moving and shaking today, gang -- see you soon . . . :carrot:

Lynn, I'm sorry they wouldn't let you do the diet but it's nice to know they are being careful. How is the shoulder? Don't you think with what your cal. intake is and starting to exercise again you will lose? They have me on 1200 cal. a day but if I can't save something for an afternoon snack from the meal, like yesterday, I have to add one....I added a tiny apple/1 wedge laughing cow cheese at 4 p.m. and a 50 cal. unsweetened applesauce around 9 p.m. and that put me up a little over 1300 cal. and I still lost a lb. I did walk a mile also.

The main thing with the diet is the good fats with every meal which I don't see why you couldn't add those in and try to keep your calories under 1600 and eat your proper foods and times of the day with your exercise.

Email me if you want any more info.

Phyllis

Good morning, Ladies--

YoYo, I can't say whether you're being obsessive about the food journaling or not. But I do know that if you are anything like me (and most of us who are significantly overweight are fairly similar in this way) then you have certainly been pretty obsessive about eating in the past. So now you may be substituting one obsession (eating) with another (food journaling). On the one hand, unhealthy - on the other, healthy. Put in balance, I'd go with the obsessive food journaling. It works for you, Girl - so keep it up! And yes, you absolutely are an inspiration to me!

Joann, I don't know you yet cuz I'm new here. But welcome back - I'm looking forward to getting to know you. Hope you feel better soon.

I'm facing a weekend trip to Boston, leaving here tomorrow afternoon. The drive is about 230 miles each way. Being in the car alone is always a challenge for me because many years ago I developed this weird habit of stopping at a convenience store along the way, loading up on crap, and mindlessly scarfing it down while driving. Also, I'll be spending the weekend with a very old and much beloved friend who, unfortunately, has been a willing eating accomplice in the past. It will be a challenge, keeping myself on the straight and narrow for the weekend. But I will bring my laptop with me, and will check in occasionally over the weekend. Thank you, All, for being "out there" to help me keep myself accountable.

Hope you're all having a good day...
Birgit

Hi you all...well tried the soap between the sheets and didn't have any cramps, BUT my dreams were full of lovely half naked young Irish Lads........did I say it was Irish Spring soap!

Got thru day 4th without cheating and my cravings are disappearing. Tomorrow is a hard day since I don't play bridge on Thurs. Have to keep on the move or I will "just taste" something. karen3

OK, Karen3,

I'm running out to buy some Irish Spring soap right now!

Lynn

Good morning, good morning :grouphug:

Welcome back Joann sorry you came back sick but I bet the vaca was worth the airplane germs :D I love Maui - when I win the lottery that's where I'm going to retire.

How's the shoulder doing Lynn? Did you have any luck with your other on line resources about a diet similar to flat belly? I bet if you were to take as much info as you do have on it and review with your doc, he/she would be able to help you tailor a version that would work for you.

Good for you Freda for not letting your hubby's shopping habits interfere with your plan - especially now that you reached goal and might be vulnerable to that little voice that says "you can relax now and eat some ice cream". You know the one that ends up putting us right back here? (I'm picturing you covering your ears and doing the "la-la-la, I can't heeer you" thing to it :D ) I'm sure he just doesn't realize what he's doing. If he's never been concerned with his weight then he just doesn't get why not having trigger foods around is so important - especially since he loves you what ever size your are. And :bravo: for learning to throw away food!!! That was half my problem too and since DH doesn't like leftovers it was easier for me just to make sure there weren't any by eating it all.

OK Birgit here's my little O/C (inspirational :rofl: ) self with positive thoughts to get you through your challenging weekend. Here's where that plan, plan, plan mentality can really come in to play! You still have some time before you leave and you've already identified a couple of weak spots so try and think of some alternatives. Before you leave, stock up the car with bottled water and some healthy munchies that you know you like - raw nuts? apples? grapes? couple of hard boiled eggs? (already peeled and in baggies please - we can't have you running off the road because you were trying to peel an egg!!) And take enough of them to keep you satisfied for the drive. Even if you have a little more than is on your meal plan it's better than a bag of chips. If you have to stop for gas on the way, pay at the pump with a debit (or credit) card or try to find one of those stations that have a bill accepter at the pump - Don't go in if you can possibly help it. Waaay to much nasty, chemical laden, empty calorie, impossibly tempting stuff in there. The much beloved friend can be a little tougher. Unless they are carrying around some extra pounds as well they aren't going to understand and will use the "one weekend won't hurt you" thing that we all fall for every time (then hate ourselves for on Monday). Maybe don't mention that you are trying to lose weight but just say you have some health concerns so you'd prefer to pass on the dessert. Or, if they do have a few they want to lose too you can sway them from being an eating accomplice to being a healthy eating accomplice :carrot: If you do slip, we'll be here for you when you get back but I'll be thinking of you and I know you can come back with some strong moments to be proud of. :cheer::cheer2:

OK, me. Two things I am happy about today. Last night DH really, really wanted to have some frozen taquitos he had picked up. Package of 20. Usual procedure: Cook them all, DH has maybe 5, the rest? I think you can guess. New procedure: Cook DH his 5, put the rest in the freezer. I have some soup and frozen blackberries (whole - no syrup) for dessert. Owww, I just hurt myself patting my own back :lol: Second, I got the upper hand on that irritating entity called a scale for the second week in a row! I am only half a pound away from being down a whole laptop :broc:

Healthy, happy thoughts to you all!

Lynn, I'm sorry they wouldn't let you do the diet but it's nice to know they are being careful. How is the shoulder? Don't you think with what your cal. intake is and starting to exercise again you will lose? They have me on 1200 cal. a day but if I can't save something for an afternoon snack from the meal, like yesterday, I have to add one....I added a tiny apple/1 wedge laughing cow cheese at 4 p.m. and a 50 cal. unsweetened applesauce around 9 p.m. and that put me up a little over 1300 cal. and I still lost a lb. I did walk a mile also.

The main thing with the diet is the good fats with every meal which I don't see why you couldn't add those in and try to keep your calories under 1600 and eat your proper foods and times of the day with your exercise.

Email me if you want any more info.

Phyllis

Hi Phyllis,

I've been sticking to around 1,300 calories/day for the last couple of weeks & maintaining. I think that if I up my exercise by 30 min/day (my Elliptical gets delivered tomorrow), and stick to the same number of calories, I should start losing again.

I think I'll just keep on doing what I've been doing - 1,300 calories + low-carb + good fats + daily exercise.

Lynn

Hi Everyone,

Shoulder still hurts - I got a prescription for physical therapy from my doctor. I went to my class this morning. I like the teacher very much - a kind of pleasant hippy from the 60's. He's also a folk singer.

My online class is almost over. It ends a week from next Monday.

Hope everyone is doing well. Joanne, I hope you're feeling better.

Lynn

Some of you who've been here a while may have already heard this one but another poster on another thread used a quote this morning that I am adopting as my mantra. I just love it!!

"Being fat is hard, exercise is hard, dieting is hard. Pick your hard"

I told her I fully expect people in the grocery store to think I need to be committed when they see me in the aisles reading labels and muttering "pick your hard" :rofl:

Hi Everyone! Happy Thursday!

Good grief it's easy to get VERY behind if I miss a few days here. Busy busy thread!

Still grinding forward over here trying to ramp up the running so I don't look like a duck the next time there's a public race & so DH dosent 'outdo' me. I guess we do have a competetive streak in us at times. Goaling for a marathon in April. We'll see how that plays out.

Welcome Karen3 & Bonnie! Wonderful to have you here & look forward to your posts!

Joanne welcome home & what do you mean you went to Hawaii & came home sick? I'm so sorry! I'd be outside braving chilly winds & cold rain thinking that you were basking in warmth & having the time of your life. Okay, here's an idea. Get well & GO BACK! If I had any sense I'd go too.

Lynn I'm sorry to hear that the flat belly people don't want to work w/ type 2 diabetics (there's so many, you'd think that they would rethink this decision). From a medical perspective I'm not understanding their logic. Interesting about the soap on the bed thing, it can't hurt. How's that shoulder?

FREDA! Goal!!! Go you! Congratulations! Now that you've hit your goal, what's your new nonweight goal? It's been so long since I've been at goal I thought I would live vicariously through you for a while. So very happy for you!

Yoyo & Birgit I like your logic. The real science that I keep coming across in weight loss tells me that losing anywhere from a half pound to a pound a week is almost the max amount of FAT that a body can shed in that time span. It's healthy to look at how much fat that comes up to. You're right. The next time I'm in the grocery store I'll swing by the meat department & find some high fat thing over there that weighs a couple of pounds so I can say that much has come off this frame. It's not how fast we go, it's the direction we're headed. Congratulations!

Birget, just being mindful of our old habits makes it a lot easier to develop new ones. I have trigger foods that can wreck my day, apparently you have trigger convenience stores. Any way you can change up the way you refuel & have your own healthy happy sack in the car? Good luck & whatever happens, looking forward to hearing from you when you get back home.

Zoe, so glad to hear of your sister's successful surgery. Those kind would be spiritually jarring to me to stand by while someone I loved was in progress. May she have years & years of perfect health! How are you anyway?

Lyn, Florida? Have a great time! The thing with my homemade washing detergent stems from last year I was looking for constructive ways to cut costs & put the difference in the bank. One of those quests resulted in making my own laundry detergent from washing soda, borax powder & Fels Naptha soap then using vinegar in the rinse. The result is no dyes or fragrences added & four gallons of the stuff costs me about $2.00 to make leaving me with about 26 a month into the bank. Odd how the closer I get to retirement the more interested I'm becoming in tightening up the money leaks. My in laws think I'm crazy but that's okay.

Phyllis I agree, I don't understand why this diet (which is insanely sensible) is off limits to a diabetic. Hope all is well for you. Enjoy the warmth, I'm starting to wish I were there, or in Hawaii.

Gayle! I wish your manager had thought out her review a little more carefully. In your profession she has a choice, does she want something done fast or without errors? Personally I understand an environment that constantly threatens your license if you fall below the perfect line. She sounds like she's torn between good nursing and an accountant somewhere. I suspect your work is very thoughtful & hope if I'm ever in a position of needing a nurse that I have someone just like you.

Work to do around here. Contemplating learning how to build a privacy fence my ownself for the backyard. That might keep me occupied for a while. Still planning our nightclub style Christmas Eve party. This weekend will be testing some finger foods on the family then filing away the results. Still running, still playing with Zumba in the living room.... life is short I'm busy.

If I missed you it wasn't intentional. Warm hugs to all the GG's everywhere!

Marylynn

OK - got so focused on the last phrase I messed it up. This is a copy/paste version of the quote:

"Being fat is hard. Losing weight is hard. Maintenance is hard. Pick your hard"

Afternoon you all...Thursday my day of errand running and ducking tempation. So far so good. Made big salad for lunch. Have this wonderful dressing. Sounds weird but is outstanding. Use the "4 Season" mixing jar. Fill bottom with vinegar, next line instead of water use sugarfree maple syrup(Smuckers) and the last area use cannola oil. Add package of "4 Season" powdered dressing...........shake and pour on salad or vegies so good tempted to eat by the spoonful!

Well figured out how/why the soap trick works. Spent the night with toe cramps. Everytime I woke up with one I automatically reached foot out for soap bar. That Stretched out the muscle and cramp subsided. That plus staying horizonally made a difference. Guess me Irish Lads disappeared.

After making a complete fool of myself last year. I have problem raising my right knee/leg high enough to swing over the U part of a girl's bike I found a German design and made one that the U is like 2" off the ground. So with weather cooling off have been biking around the neighborhood. With old bike I fell off 6 times with people watching when trying to dismount. Last time had an 18 wheel trucker blowing his horn in laughter. It wasn't pretty.
Time to bike.....Stay warm. karen3

Hi Again, just jumping in here for a min., in between things.

Birgit, Those road trips can be dangerous. I know, we visit my family a couple of times a year and it's 13 hours down and then back. Long time in the car with nothing to do. I have found that it helps to have a book on tape (casset) in the car. I usually get several from the library so I know that I am going to have one that I really like. It keeps me interested and takes my mind of the time. And the snacks too, like YoYo said, make sure you pack some fairly low cal things. maybe some popcorn that you make before you leave? The Fiber One bars are really good and fill me up. Lots of fiber, like 9 grams in one bar. And they have a new one out now, caramel. Haven't tried it yet but the other 2 are really good. But if it's mindless eating to kill time, the popcorn might be your best bet.

have a good trip, and remember, it's not all about the food. AND I will never again think of 5 lb. as anything other than 1laptop!

Hi Gang!
Lots of interesting subjects on this thread. I tried to scanned them all but once you get behind you can just forget it.
Phyllis, I lost a whole week of Flat Belly program after 's MIL flood, don't know If I mentioned it here but she flooded out her whole apartment and part of the next door neighbors. What a mess, she was washing out some underwear, left the water running and went back to bed. I do have the Flat Belly book but wouldn't bother getting it if I were you. You have access to all the information on-line except for the recipes.
I did get back on the program last Monday, started the 4 Day Anti-Bloat again. I'm on day 4 today, haven't seen my weight drop off like the first time (6 pounds lost). My weigh in day will be Monday so we'll see what happens. Are you registered under the same name? Bet you get confused when you see me registered as Bugsy. But that's my nickname that I've had for 58 years, Geeeeeeeez I'm getting old! :eek:I tried to register under that name here but they already had all kinds of versions of that name. I just registered under what my grandkids call me, Bobbi. I'll look for you, where do you hang out?
Lynn........I missed where you hurt your shoulder, were you skate boarding or something? I haven't check your challenges, how are they going and who's been the big winners?
I'm going to check into the recipe section now and see what's new and tasty.
See ya girls , Bobbi

Hi everyone.. ive been reading posts but not posting :?:have been in a kinda after xmas slump..happens to me every year..so im hybernating with agood book..i admire all who are so committed to their programs and esp the exercise part..i swear im allergic to exercise..i need motivation (sigh) my wt's staying the same tho so thats a good thing..weathers been cold again.. my mom is now at my sisters,they have her all set up with hospice.. what a wonderful organization..shes got all the euipment she needs and caring people to help her with daily needs..im greatful..congrats to all those loosing,((((hugs))) rosey :wave:

Hi Gang!
Lynn........I missed where you hurt your shoulder, were you skate boarding or something? I haven't check your challenges, how are they going and who's been the big winners?[/COLOR]

See ya girls , Bobbi

Hi Bobbi,

Nothing so interesting. I was lowering myself down into the bathtub! Those pre-20th century folks were right - bathing can be dangerous to one's health!

The Challenge thread is up in the Sticky area. There is also a sticky with previous Challenge winners up there.

Lynn

[B]Lynn I'm sorry to hear that the flat belly people don't want to work w/ type 2 diabetics (there's so many, you'd think that they would rethink this decision). From a medical perspective I'm not understanding their logic. Interesting about the soap on the bed thing, it can't hurt. How's that shoulder?
Marylynn

Hi Marylynn,

Flat Belly folks are probably right - I don't need to fool around with other ways of eating - I'm just looking for something "new" that will get me losing again. I think I might do South Beach - that's diabetes-friendly.

Shoulder is hurting less - by the time I get to the physical therapist - I have appt. on Monday, it will probably be healed!

Lynn

I was going to ask what you did to your shoulder as well. Mine is getting better after two years - I had a frozen shoulder - apparently very common <ahem> at this age and among hypothyroids and diabetics.

I was going to ask what you did to your shoulder as well. Mine is getting better after two years - I had a frozen shoulder - apparently very common <ahem> at this age and among hypothyroids and diabetics.

Did you ever get a cortisone shot to help it? I've have problems with my shoulder before - the other one - and the shot has always taken care of it.

Lynn

Good Morning Everyone,

My Elliptical gets delivered today - hopefully. I never trust that I'll get what I ordered when I'm supposed to get it.

If it gets here, I'm going to start the increase of my exercise & do something to change how I'm eating. Will still be low-carb, but I want to do something different to shake things up.

I'll let you know what I decide - maybe South Beach, maybe Weight Watchers...
Anyone have any ideas?

Lynn

Good morning, Everyone -

Don't have much time today cuz I'm planning on leaving the office early to get down to Boston. But YoYo, Marylynn and others - thank you for your suggestions on keeping myself "safe" on my long drive. I will definitely use some or all of your suggestions. Mostly, though, my plan is simply to hold true to my commitment: no eating while driving. It just seems to make sense on several different levels. Certainly eating while driving is unsafe as it distracts me from paying attention to the road. It's also unsafe as driving distracts my attention from the food. So one thing at a time. Either I'm eating (bringing hardboiled eggs, water and almonds along is a great suggestion - thanks!), or I'm driving. No doing it at the same time.

Assuming I can find a working internet connection at my friend's house, I will check in with you all over the weekend. Be well, Everyone...

Birgit

PS - Lynn, glad to hear your shoulder is on the mend. Let this be a lesson to you: Cleanliness is next to painfulness:p

B.

I had (have?) low cortisol anyway. Cortisone made it hurt a bit less, but it was only short term. Physical therapy made it worse. It's just a condition that has to work it's way through. One of those ones that doctors shrug their shoulders over. (at least they*can* shrug)

I just lost my reply to this - but for cramps of any kind, try magnesium (citrate is what most people take, but everyone is different..) Magnesium relaxes muscles, (calcium does the opposite, and many suppliments do not have the best ratio of cal/mag)

Deficiency is very common these days - it's depleted by many everyday things - and as estrogen levels decrease, magnesium needs increase. it's needed for proper heart function, energy, insulin regulation, etc.

Hi everybody . . . :grouphug:

Sorry I'm late getting here today but I had to take my friend LouLou for some early morning tests at the hospital and it sort of turned into an all-day event. At least we succeeded in taking her mind of the reasons for the tests for a little while (lumps in both breasts and a discharge from the right one). Hope she gets the results fairly soon. No matter what the outcome (and I certainly have my :crossed: for good news); the waiting always seems to be the worst part of things like this.

At least it was another :sunny: day -- but boy was it ever cold -- and the bad news is that tomorrow is supposed to be even colder. Everywhere you go, you hear people grumbling about the cold (of course) but even more so about the level of the home heating costs so far this season. :mad:

Here's an interesting little thing that was in my e:mail today -- again, aimed mainly at those with Diabetes because vision problems are so common for us -- but kind of interesting for anyone "of a certain age" -- a set of three little "vision simulators" that you can try. I can definitely vouch for the effect in the one that simulates cataracts. :D . . . http://www.dlife.com/dLife/do/ShowContent/dlife_media/simulator.html

Have a good evening, gang . . . see you tomorrow . . . :wave:

Lynn...please get South Beach Diet book. I have been on the beach for a year and have lost a good 50lbs. I don't take any meds and my BP and chlorestrol have always been perfect. But have a husband who is diabetic. Since the only thing he knows how to cook are hard boiled eggs (cover with water and boil until water disappears!), he is totally dependant on what I serve. So he is south beaching it too. His blood sugar have stablized and he has had decrease in oral meds. Plus his high BP is normal now. karen3