Age 50+ - Active Folks Over 50 -- #22

Hey! :welcome3:

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Active Folks Over 50 is a place to talk about fitness and healthy eating information as it relates to weight loss and/or maintenance--and also about any work, fun, hobby, or volunteer activites you're engaged in. In other words, the active part of your life!

Just a few guidelines for this thread:

- Raves about grandkids or ranting about your kids is out of bounds.

- Lengthy discussion of your illnesses, conditions, treatments, and medical procedures in general is also out of bounds on this thread. So is whining about old age! ;)

- Positive stories of vacations taken, volunteer work, or achievements at work or elsewhere are highly encouraged! As are recommendations for books, movies, discussions of weight related issues, etc.

Join in!
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Hey Jada, good move with that change of direction! No one "needs" a whole Marie Callendar pie. You "done good" to realize it! Sometimes hunger can be satisfied with better choices.

As for me, it's just another work day... We have a cold front coming through, and it's rainy and windy out there. Brrrr. :lol:

I'm down another pound today. Ridiculous. But I'll take it!

Hope you're all having a good Sunday.

Jay

:wave:

Well, so far a few flurries is all we've seen today -- definitely nothing lion-like yet, although can't say it looks very lamby either. :lol:

BTW . . . have any of you been reading the Twilight series? If so, what do you think? I loved the Harry Potter books and this now seems to be the latest craze. The comparison has been made but I can't see it. Guess I just like witches and wizards better than vampires and werewolves. :lol:

Jada :congrat: One choice at a time - and you made a GREAT one :D

Jay - I'm so excited for you - I'm doing a happy dance in my living room. That makes 4 lbs down since starting to eat MORE! What a wonderful revelation for you.

The weather is nasty here - very cold and windy. I'm glad I made a big pot of soup last night. It is perfect for a day like today!

We start a new study at church tonight - we do a short 5 week study every Lent. Each week we have a different food focus. Being a vegetarian AND a picky on-plan eater can make these events challenging. But, as usual, I will plan ahead and take emergency food with me.

Hope you all are having a good weekend!

Jay: Congratulations on the weight you lost. It's so comforting to know you don't have to be miserable to lose weight.
I have walked a lot yesterday and today. Great weather here. Yesterday I had to stop off at home and change into a sleeveless blouse and then I hit the road again. I hope your doing well in the storms I'm hearing about on the weather channel. Sounds serious to have freezing rain and then to have snow following it. Makes me glad to be in the desert right now.

Hi all! Sorry no pictures yet. I'm working on it. Man, it feels like I have been away forever, so forgive me for not being up to date with everything, but I need to get back with you all. I know I gained some weight back. At first it was terrible, but in the first week I lost 4 pounds in a snap. (Wish it could always be that way!) My first full week back at work was pretty good. All caught up with what was left waiting for me. I did call back to work about a week after I left and got news that my substitute was having some problems. Needless to say, I didn't call back again, didn't need to think about that, and everything has worked out OK. They missed me, and I did sort of miss them. My work place is also a kind of family.
We started on Oahu, hiked Diamond Head, which was quite a workout, but so worth the view at the top. We were able to walk there, about 40 min., from our hotel. Stayed on Waikikee Beach. The pro-bowl was going on, so a lot of partying was happening.
Next we went to The Big Island and stayed at the most beautiful hotel I've ever been at. In Hawai'i they don't have doors in most of the lobbies of the hotels, it's just always warm. The pool here was wonderful. We were able to watch manta rays come in to the bay at the hotel and eat. So fasinating!
After that we went to Maui where we went whate watching. Humpback whales were everywhere! Seems it was the season to be there. My husband took a picture of a whale in full body breeching, and we saw baby whales too! We also traveled the road to Hanna and back. The shopping was great here too! Our hotel here had a pool and a pond inside with flamingos!
Lastly we went to Kauai. Chickens run all over this island.
We toured each island, saw the pineapple, coffee, and macadamian nut plantations too. We went to the southern most bakery in the United States with all kinds of breads, of course one was pineapple! Free samples of all kinds everywhere! I did not see any sharks, thank goodness, but we did see some green sea turtles. We had the breakfast at each hotel with the sweetest pineapple you could every have. They also had fish for breakfast, which doesn't always sound appitizing, but it was delicious! I did get a tan, no peeling sunburn! It was a great vacation!
Now it is time to get back in the swing of things. I gave myself a week to readjust. And now it is March 1st! Wow, how time flies! School is out in 3 months!
It's almost spring! We're ready!

Hi to all

Jlou Welcome back it sounds like you had a wonderful refreshing break. It brings back some beautiful memories that I have of Hawaii. I've only been there in summer. I need to go back in winter some day. Did you do any snorkeling. That was one of my favorite things. My husband caught a 286 pound blue marlin when we were there. We have some wonderful pictures too!

Jay congrats on your fantastic weight loss. Would you mine sharing your daily calorie range. I've read some conflicting reports on how many calories you should be consuming. I know it's also based on your activity level. Anyone else that wants to share.

I've been trying to stay under 1500. I'm wondering if that's a good number.

I changed my ticker to a mini goal for myself.

Is it just me or has this been one of the coldest winters in memory?

Good Morning . . . :wave:

What can I say . . . guess the lion showed up after all . . . things definitely look all freshly white and pretty out there. Wonder what kind of mess will show up today. :lol:

Good morning everybody. I've been following the weather back east. I hope everybody's doing okay.

Hey everyone! Cold and crazy day here... I went to step class this morning and the inevitable happened. I tripped on the step and went down. Fortunately the only thing hurt was my pride. Yes, you do have to lift your feet! :lol: The instructor said it happens to everyone, so I don't feel too bad.

Way too busy with tax returns... Gotta run! :wave: :stress:

Jay

Jen - glad you had such a good time! I can't wait for more details! I definitely need to add Hawaii to my future vacations list :yes:

Lori - one of the coldest and snowiest winters! It seems that it has gone on forever!

Jay - I've done that with the step many, many times! I swear that that step moves on it's own. You look up to follow the instructor, and that darn step slithers sideways!

A good start to the week here. We did have scrumptious home made soups and breads and desserts last night at class. But, for the most part, I stayed OP and I definitely stayed in my calorie range for the day. I probably didn't need the 2nd cookie, but at least they were flax, oatmeal, raisin cookies ;)

Hi-
Another freezing day here. Spring can't be too far away. I hope.

..... Stayed on Waikikee Beach. The pro-bowl was going on, so a lot of partying was happening.


Yep....that would be my son and his crew ;)

Hello to everyone. I'm still waiting for the gym to open back up that's been under renovation. I miss being able to stretch my shoulder muscles. They tell me that they will open it back up, hopefully, by April 1. Las Vegas is always under renovations. They can't stand to let things get old.
Loved the story about Hawaii. I thought it was a great place too.
Sorry, Jay, about the fall. I'm glad you weren't seriously hurt.

Rain, rain, and more rain. A lot of our current snow cover has washed away and the news is full of flood warnings for lower lying areas. Oh well, tomorrow it is supposed to freeze up and turn the entire Province into a skating rink.

On the good news front . . . I'm working on my third OP eating day in a row. :lol:

Lori - I certainly HOPE so! This is getting really OLD!

Jada - I do a lot of shoulder and upper body work at home with hand weights, though soup cans and water bottles can work too :D

Linda - I think that the forecasters are right if you get what we did. Lots of ice around here - very treacherous trying to walk anywhere!


A good day here - busy and productive. It was -13F this morning - :brr: but the sun is shining and I'm with Lori in hoping that spring is coming soon!

I did 50 minutes of Wii Fit after work, so I am tired! I really enjoy using the Wii to work out. Though, I can't wait to walk outside again!

Have a great evening all!

Laurie

Hey! :wave:

Another smashing day at the gym with the trainer. :faint:

Not much to add, I guess. Cold again here--had a nice fire in the fireplace this morning. :D It IS only early March... Maybe you heard about the football players whose boat capsized in the Gulf. Really sad--this front came in like gangbusters.

meowee, good for you for staying OP in the midst of the "end of the world" up there! Jeez!

Laurie, you really love that Wii Fit!

Hey to everyone... C'mon in and post!

Jay

Hi to everyone!
Congrats on the weight loss Jay...excellent. :dance:

Lauri I really know nothing of this WII thing. Do you only use it to exercise or do you play games on it too? Is it like playstation?

Jada, I think that the weather in Las Vegas must be awesome. Mind you it is cold and rainy here and so the heat would appeal to me but the summers are too hot. :cool:

As for me well my best plans have run astray. I worked so hard last Friday and Saturday. My son moved into a new condo which I had painted. Well we were there doing stuff till 1am Saturday morning and they had not cleaned. So I offered to come back in the AM and clean the place. Now this is the builders responsibility but it had not been done and it needed to be.
So I was back there early and that was a workout in itself.

I had to take a ladder as there is a vaulted ceiling with high windows that were filthy etc. Plus his kitchen cupboards are built for someone way taller than me. I was way up the step ladder cleaning them out. Cleaned out light fixtures, washed down wall tile and washed floors. :censored:

The movers showed up half way through which was tough luck for me. I ended up helping unpack stuff and then had to clean around it. Now I am not complaining. But that was the workout for 3 days.
He and I sat on the couch about 9pm and neither of us could move. I enjoyed being able to help and being apart of a big day for him. This is his very first home!! :woohoo:

So my fabulous plan for the gym will have to wait till tomorrow. I am still tired. Almost made it this morning but felt like I was getting the flu or something. Just too much at one time. I should be great by tomorrow. :crossed:

The little voice in my head is nagging me though. I am trying to put me first. But as the saying goes " life happens while you are making other plans"
Hope fully tomorrow I will be on my feet again. :carrot:
Cheers Jude :comp:

I stayed within my calories today. My life is pretty quiet right now, which is nice. I try to deny that I'm an emotional eater, but I have to admit when my life is peaceful, it sure is easier to eat healthier.
Congratulations to everybody who had a good day of exercising and healthy eating. I started stretching my shoulder muscles with weights (I used cans)

Guess Mother Nature figured ice wasn't enough so she gave us about 1/2 inch of snow on top. Glad I'm not going anywhere. At least we are getting sporadic sunshine to go with the very cold temperatures.

Working on day four . . . weighed myself and I'm done 3 pounds in 3 days . . . oh yah, right -- guess I'm dropping some water weight. Knowing me this nice downward bounce will probably go up again. As long as the total for the month is down, that's okay with me. :yes:

Have a great day, gang . . . :carrot:

I like how this thread doesn't put down women. I guess it's a big joke, but I don't find it humorous to make fun of how women's body's changes as they get older. My mother was almost seventy and she said she felt prettier than she ever did. I'm 56 and I still have men whistling at me, even at my weight. I hear things about how unfair it is, that men look more distinguished as they get older, and women look older. I think women look prettier and more intelligent as they get older, just like men.:D

Oh Jada I so agree with you. I remember the first time I heard the expression that women become invisible at 50. Well to some people maybe.
:hug:

I have never felt invisible. But I can say that the weight has made me want to be invisible sometime. :?:
Sounds like you and your mom are a couple of good looking gals!! :cheer:

Cheers....Jude

Hi folks. Today was my day off from the gym. Mostly I've just wanted to take a nap!

I agree--bodies just change with age, and so what? I suppose we want to leave a beautiful corpse? :lol:

This Saturday I have a trip down to the town we used to live in further south. I have a few tax clients there to visit. We'll also go out for a tasty lunch with some friends. :hungry: I'll have to plan, plan, plan in advance.

Maybe I'll try to drop in on my old YMCA--or at least go for a walk. It's a two-hour drive each way, so lots of sitting in the car. :p

Hope you're all getting through Wednesday...

Jay

Late night at church meetings. Just enough time to read everyone's post and say hi. I think I look BETTER now than I did 10 years ago - I am aging gracefully. (of course the fact that my eyesight is failing has NOTHING to do with that observation) ;)

Have a great trip Jay!

I will catch up more tomorrow.

Hi Everyone, I just joined and this is a bit confusing. I like the idea of communicating in my age group because losing weight is a lot different when you are younger. That hormone thing... It looks like you all have been losing a lot of weight, how have you done it. I am just starting to look for a diet that I can use to try to lose this weight. Any suggestions?
Carolmac007:?

Carolmac007, :welcome2:

Hope you are finding your way around! It's a big site with lots of forums.

I'd say the best program is one that you can make work for you. I'm a calorie counter because that's easy for me to do, but Weight Watchers is appealing to some people, and then there are all the "name diets" like South Beach, Atkins, NutriSystem, and so on.

Ask yourself things like--do you have to cook for others, and if so, would you have to cook separate foods for yourself on one diet or another? How much time can you devote to preparation? Do you like cooking, or would you rather have already-prepared foods? At your job, can you bring your own food for lunch and snacks? Are you vegetarian? Do you have health issues like diabetes or high blood pressure? All of these can help you decide on an approach.

hijude, wow, what a lot of work! I guess you must have really enjoyed helping out with it. How old is your son?

Gotta keep working now... :stress:

Jay

Hi all - hope you had a good day!

Carol :welcome: Glad you found us! I didn't start losing weight until I was 50, so it can definitely be done! Like Jay, I count calories. I wanted something that I could do for the rest of my life. I needed a plan that was flexible enough to do while I travel. I don't do well with deprivation diets. Tell me I can't have it, and I want it all the more. I'm a stubborn soul :lol:

Check out the different forums and read about the different plans. The main page of 3FC has diet reviews as well.

If you have questions about any of the plans, just post on the specific plan thread - the folk are friendly and helpful!

The best advice I can give you is to pick something that you think fits for you and then, if it doesn't work - try something else. I've tweaked my program along the way many, many times. Trial and error seems to be the common thread for everyone that has lost weight at 3FC.

Laurie

I am having a really hard time getting back with my diet. I seem to be hungry all the time!
Work has been a little stressful lately too, not sleeping well. It seems they had a survey of where the employees would want to cut back, supposedly totally private, but whoops, NOT! I am not sorry for my suggestions, and many people think the same things, but don't say it. I am sorry that I hurt some peoples feelings though. It isn't the people, it is their jobs I don't agree with. Why does it seem like it is always me who opens up a can of worms? I hate politics! Next week will hopefully be better. Tomorrow is Friday!
Sorry for the complaining...
It actually got up in the 50s today!
Happy Thursday night!

:welcome:
Carol
Hey Jude- It sounds like you had quite a workout helping your son. Good for you. You probably used so many muscles, it certainly was a great workout.

Jada-living in the Detroit Metropolitan area, I know just what you're talking about-stress-stress-stress. So many people are worried and trying to find ways to cut back. We loose thousands of jobs each month. Most people I know have lost a job or have a spouse who lost a job. I hope things get better for you at work.

Hi everybody!! Jen, it's always you who opens a can of worms because your intelligent. People think I'm nice because I go with the flow. I'm not intelligent enough to know how messed up things are. I just know I want to start looking for another job.
Welcome Carol!!! Joining this thread was a good start in meeting your health goals. Good luck and welcome aboard.
My day went well.

Hi everyone.
Well I can tell you I used to be the one that was head and shoulders above the crowd at work and I thought in my own rightous way that it was a good thing. Not now. I love to see the younger women fight the battles and slay the dragon. Let them be out front and center. :smoking:
It never served me well. I am so grateful that I learned to keep quiet. Well to me I am quiet but funny enough I am still considered quite outspoken. I have just given up the do or die battles. :boxing:
And you know it was just another thing to eat about.:hun:

Saying that, yes I did get quite the workout helping my son. But the control freak in my was out there front and center too. As the days went by I was wondering why I was feeling low and the food was a real problem. :(

Well back to square one. I had to look at my motives and let go a bit. My good friend George is doing all the painting for me. We have known each other for 30 years luckily. He does a fabulous job and I am the perfectionist. What a team. I think he is still talking to me. :rofl:

So I guess what I am trying to say is that I am trying to recoqnize the things in life that trigger my food addiction. It is a huge job and I really do not have time to run anyone else's life but my own. Now my weight loss is up and down depending on how I am doing in my head. :spin:
But I truly believe I am going in the right direction. For me it is not really about any particular food. It is about just wanting to eat to numb out my feelings. When I find another solution it is easier.
Sugar wheat and flour are all things that I am trying to eliminate. But like Laurie said that can just make it harder sometimes. So for now I am following that plan but one day at a time.

I like the OA program as it is a spiritual recovery from a mental obsession. I seem to be a slow learner, at more than one thing. :rollpin:

So each day I get up and watch out for where I am being selfish/dishonest/resentful/fearful. For all those things take me right back to the food. It is a full time job right now as there seems to be a lot of housecleaning to do.

Whew long winded as always......Jude :blah:

Hijude: I have and still am grappling with the same emotions of feeling selfish, dishonest, resentful and fearful. With selfishness, I have become a lot stronger at setting boundaries in how much I'll give of myself. I have found people don't appreciate what you do for them anyway. They just start to take advantage of you and walk all over you because your "nice." I've also learned that doing things for others is a way of controlling them. I have to give up control, even in my eating. I just haven't figured out how to do it yet with my eating. With being dishonest, I've learned that being dishonest can be okay when I'm using it to protect my privacy. In work, family and friends, neighbors it seems like everybody wants to cross my boundaries. People tell me I'm mysterious. I just want my privacy and I have a right to privacy. As for resentful, I resent people making me feel bad about myself and I'm gradually getting people out of my life who try to make me feel bad about myself. It's been a very hard thing for me to do, but I find a lot of stress taken off me by saying good bye to quite a few people. I only socialize with people who make me feel good about myself. With being fearful, I was terrified being a single mother and still am, but my sons are grown now and I have to let them go and trust them to make it on their own. Good night everyone.

:wave:

Hi all! Another quick post tonight! Stay strong this weekend! You CAN do this!

Laurie

Hey everybody!

hijude, Jada1, I'm an old 12-stepper myself, but not with regard to food. I had a different "drug of choice." :lol:

Yes, it's harder with food because you can't stop eating entirely. But, you can stop the out-of-control or impulsive eating, or the eating of trigger foods.

I'll be out of town tomorrow--business meeting 90 miles south. I'm taking my own food although there will be a lunch out with some clients. My partner may or may not be going with me--she's feeling kind of sick tonight. :(

Have a good weekend and rely on your higher power!

Jay

Thanks for the encouragement all. :hug:
Jada I was the single mom too and it is a tough job no matter how you look at it. Mine are out on their own too. Trying to find my place in the world now. :cb:
Hey Jay enjoy your time away. Hope your partner makes it. It is more fun with company along.
Laurie have a great weekend always appreciate your support. We will get through this eventually. You are a great example. Keep doing what you do.

I am having surgery in June and of course the doctor told me to lose some weight by then. Not the thing to say. :rolleyes:
Now I have a deadline!!! yikes. :fr: I still have time.
Have a good Friday night everyone.

Cheers Jude and thanks for being there. Some days it means more than others and this was one of them.......:write:

Jay - hope you had a good trip! And, I hope your partner is feeling better!

Jude :hug: You CAN lose a significant amount of weight by June! Slow and steady! Once choice at a time. You have all the tools in your arsenal - and only you can decide if you will use them. Yet, somehow I KNOW that you will do this! :cheer:

Jada :grouphug: I know some of your feelings well! All I can say is that it IS a journey - and you have taken some remarkably intelligent steps in the right direction. Keep at it! Once choice at a time. I have found that success in one area of my life leads to another. Which is how I finally succeeded in my weight loss. I changed some other things first. Once they were accomplished, I was able to tackle weight loss.

"Nice" is a word that I hear often when others describe me. My Christian faith calls me to be a humble servant - however there is a line between servant and doormat. When it comes to my health and fitness, I had to move ME up the priority list. My servant mentality had to learn priorities, balance, and boundaries. It has been a journey, but I must say that I am happier, healthier, and far less stressed than I was before I made the change. Some folk weren't thrilled with me, but - as you have found - sometimes you need to leave unhealthy relationships behind you.

I hope you all have a balanced weekend planned with some fun included! Today' is MIL's birthday, so we are taking her out to lunch and then to "The Mousetrap" (Agatha Christie play) put on by our local thespians. It should be a fun afternoon :D

Jay: Thanks for being specific about impulsive eating and trigger foods. I try to manage this by keeping a meal plan on my fridge.
Hijude: Good luck in losing by June. You can do it!!! I can totally relate to "trying to find your place in the world.":hug:
Countingdown: I hope you enjoyed the birthday party with your MIL. Seeing "The Mousetrap" sounds like so much fun.
I've stuck to my 1600 calories and my weight is going back down. I've slowed down my eating so my food lasts longer. I'm sitting here with a plate next to me with some food left over. That's a first. It drove me nuts when my husband would leave food on his plate. As the days pass, I find my emotions coming to the surface. I face them now instead of numbing them with food.:hug:

CountingDown: Thanks for the support. It's nice to know someone else has succeeded, especially when you said one success leads to another. It doesn't happen fast enough. I thought I would have everything figured out by the time I was my age. I guess I'll keep growing and changing until I'm 90.:hug:

Another quick :wave:

:carrot:My official weigh in was today. I'm finally below 230!!!! I weighed in at 229. What a beautiful number. Lost 8 pounds. I owe it to everybody on this board. Thanks. I will not celebrate with food.:hug:

Jada :congrat: You GO girl! A nice non-food reward is in order :)

Hi all - hope your Sunday is going well! We have a quiet day planned with church this morning, grocery shopping and then getting some things done around the house. We have a potluck at church tonight with our Lenten study :yikes: Potlucks still scare me!

:yay: JADA :high: Hitting those new decades make everything sooooo worthwhile.

Okay, I won't bother spitting and hissing in my usual tirade about the joys of daylight savings time. Why would I want to branch out like that when I can still complain about the weather. :lol: It snowed most of the day and it's looking so fresh and pretty out there. :s:

Hey Jada! :cp: :cp: :cp:

Good going!

The trip went OK. My partner felt well enough to go along and got to see some friends. Food was going OK, but I let myself get too hungry a couple of times. That's a big problem for me. I didn't overeat during the traveling, but after we got back home I did end up over my calorie target for the day. But, it's just one day out of three weeks, and I'll probably get it evened out quickly. I've been on-plan today.

Went to the gym today, too! That was the other thing--I had thought I'd go for a walk or some such yesterday, but time got too tight for that.

So the time change makes me feel even more behind than I had been. The alarm went off sooooo early! And every time I look at the clock today it's a shock... So, meowee, did I get in the hissing and spitting for you? :lol:

See ya...

Jay

Hi, may I join your group? I used to belong to 3FC but got busy with life and work and drifted away...now I feel like I would like to support that I used to get here...

Intro-I'm 66, retired from my desk job last year after getting certified as a personal trainer, and started doing training focusing on seniors...now do training at a number of retirement centers plus taking on private clients. espec those with problems with arthritis, parkinsons, ms, etc. I am also an artist and trying to get back into my art.

Even with all the exercise I do, I am about 20 lbs overweight, and with a family history of diabetes and heart problems, i need to drop that weight. I've started following a plan that I read about in a diet book by Beck; forget her first name, based on cognitive theory, where I use all kinds of written aids to help me build up my resistence "muscle". So far (1 week) it's working, but she also suggests finding a diet "buddy". I thought perhaps checking in here would be helpful.

Guess that's about it...

Welcome LivingandThriving: I'm new too. I'm very happy I joined this thread.
I was very impressed that you made a career change to a personal trainer. Good for you!!
Jay: I'm glad your trip went well. I was looking forward to hearing how it went. It's tough to stay on a meal plan when you walk out your front door.
Meowee: The fresh snow sounds beautiful. It's been cold and windy here. It was so warm I had to turn on the air conditioner, and then yesterday I had to turn the heat back on.
Thanks everybody for the applause. I'm pretty happy with myself. Shocked, but happy.

Morning all! I find it interesting how now that I've started keeping a log of my eating, I conveniently "forget" to write down my cheats. Yesterday I had lunch out with a friend and that night wrote down all I ate of the meal....but totally forgot to write down the slice of bread with butter I also ate...wasn't until this morning when I woke that I remembered it. Gotta fight that forgetting.

Susan

Hey Susan! :welcome2:

There's a Beck's thread going on 3FC, in case you'd like to check that out. It's over in General Diet Plans. Here's a link:

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=165708

But I hope you'll post with us also! :D BillBlueEyes of the Beck's thread drops in here from time to time.

Jay

Yesterday, I noticed a positive change in my attitude. I feel good about myself that I'm finally losing weight. Last night, I realized that my past year of letting go of my sons is paying off. I was able to laugh at myself. I was able to sit and enjoy being with my son because I wasn't worrying about him and wondering how to fix him. Last night I noticed he wasn't in a hurry to get away from me. We talked and laughed. I listen now instead of lecturing and focusing on what he wants instead of what I want. So much easier. I made mistakes and he will too.
It's still cold and windy.

:welcome: SUSAN . . . we are the same age, but definitely not the same weight and not the same activity level either. :lol:

Happy to say I have managed to string 8 (almost 9) days of good eating together and have seen that elusive 210 appear on the scale. Hope I can continue to hold things together because I so want to see that nice new decade again that I glimpsed momentarily last September. :crossed:

Oh . . . it's cold (just below freezing) and :sunny: -- supposed to continue like this tomorrow.

Have a good day, gang . . . :carrot:

Jay - I have the same problem when I go too long without eating. I keep snacks in my car and purse and I've been known to eat a protein bar in the strangest places - in fact, I was munching on one during the sermon yesterday. It wouldn't have been so bad - except I sit in the front because of my hearing :o I was about 3 feet from the pastor.

Susan :welcome: Glad you joined us! I found logging my eating was a real eye-opener. And, it really did keep me from eating those extras on more than one occasion. Just knowing I had to log it, and the day would forever show that I went over my calories ...

Jada - how wonderful that you had a good visit with your son. What a great way to start the week!

Linda - AWESOME! Keep at it! You will be in that decade for real!!!! And Onederland is next :D

A busy but good day here. Work was intense, but I did work out when I got home. I did well at the potluck last night :D And the dog devoured the plate of brownies that a neighbor brought over. How he climbed as high as he did, I will never know. 11 years old and he is still a pup! Thankfully, chocolate doesn't seem to phase him. This was not his first sneak treat :(

Hope you are having a good start to the week!

Jay, thanks for the info on the Beck thread. It's the first program that's ever worked for me....well, all of two weeks worth. I don't do the eating plan but do the cognitive stuff....the cards and the food/mood logging in.

Meowee, congrats on the weight change. even numbers are so much more satisfying.

Jada, great about your time with your son....hard to accept them where they're at and whatever situation without worrying or wanting to make better.

Well, it's heading into the bewitching hour beyond which I cannot eat 8 pm. Am going to have some raw veggies and brush my teeth so i'm not tempted by anything.

Have a nice evening all.

Susan

Congratulations Meowee on reaching the "elusive" 210. That's so exciting!!!:carrot:
CountingDown: Good idea about keeping a protein bar in purse. I'm going to start doing that when I know I won't be home for over three hours. :hug:
Susan: I'm glad for you the Beck food plan is working for you!!!!:hug:
Hugs to you Jay for your success in 12 step programs:hug:

Good Morning all,

Lovely day, if you like rain. We did get a nice day yesterday, lots of sunshine.

Susan, Journaling is a great idea. It helps you think things through and it helps you realize your mistakes. i know I found it very helpful. I didn't realize how many calories I was really eating!

Jada, It's hard to let kids go and make their own mistakes. We want to save them from all that. But they have to grow on their own. I carry protein bars in my purse and in the car all the time also. It's saved me a lot of trips through fast food drive in's. If you're going to be out for awhile you might even want to throw some fruit in there too, something you can eat quickly.

Linda, congratulations!!! All that hard work does pay off!

Hi Laurie, nothing like a plate of brownies to bring back the pup in and old dog!!

Freda

Morning all! Overcast but still pretty mild here in MD. Looks like we'll be getting rain as well, Freda.

Made a meatloaf this am...turkey/blackrice curried meatloaf, with mango chutney on top. delish and 320 cal a portion. Have been looking for a great meatloaf recipe for years and think this one is it for me. Had some ground turkey left over so added to Trader Joe's Bombay simmer sauce along with kale, fresh minced ginger and onion, and white beans. Also really good. First time used the TJ sauce.

I find that v-8 juice cans and string cheese work for me as snacks when I'm on the go...protein bars just make me crave more crunch and carbs.

Off to teach.

Susan

I keep hearing about V-8 juice. I haven't tried any for over 20 years because of the salt content. I guess I'll have to check it out again to see if they make low salt now. Susan, your meatloaf sounded so good.
I keep apples/bananas in my car when traveling out of town to visit family. I never thought about doing the same thing when I'm in town.
This week I'm going to focus on "really" listening to people. I've been so focused on my writing and eating, I haven't reached out to others except to do fun stuff with my grandkids. They appreciate me.

Jada, you are so lucky to have grandkids in town, I have to fly to Arkansas to visit them. I'm totally envious.

Total amazement at lunch time. I have the unfortunate habit of craving some sort of "finale" to my meals....think it comes from growing up with a family that always had desserts for lunch and dinner. Usually it's a fruit or yogurt and fruit. Today, I just ate lunch and am so stuffed I couldn't even consider dessert, nor even crave it. And it's not like it was such a huge lunch. Had a 1 1/2 cup's worth of steamed vegetables and two tuna/cheese mini quiches (238 cals for both). And I am sooo full. It's a true miracle!!!!
Hope it continues.

Great picture Susan!!! I found low-sodium V-8 juice. Tastes pretty good.

Another sunny day for northeastern Nova Scotia and I spent most of it out and about.

Thanks for the congratulations gang and I'm happy to report that I did NOT bounce upward this morning and I'm also happy to say I did NOT buy any thing off plan during my travels -- chocolate bunnies were calling to me though. :yikes: I came home and ate yogurt instead. :lol:

Hi all, hope you are having a good day!
A busy one here. My car developed a "clunk" so I spent part of it at the dealer getting it fixed. Thankfully they had the part it needed in stock. :)

Eating has been back on track after eating out 4 times last week. I'm up a lb., but restaurant food and potlucks usually do that to me. I'm betting I'll be back down by the weekend :crossed:

We are supposed to get 50-60 mph winds tonight, so I hoping we don't lose power. Usually those storms mean power outages around here. I'm getting things in order - just in case.

I'm ready for spring. I need to mix up my workouts a bit - I'm getting in a rut. I can't wait to walk outside again! Speaking of which - DH has worn out his Yak Trax. Does anyone have a different brand that they like better for walking in the snow and ice?

Have a good evening all! I've got another church meeting tonight, so I won't be back.

Susan, when you talk about forgetting dessert, I did the same thing when I first signed up at 3FC. I went to my favorite mexican restaurant specifically to get their fried ice cream, and I totally forgot about it until I got out in the parking lot.
Having a good day. No ice or snow. I'm worried about the 60 mile winds in Michigan. That's pretty scary. I hope everything goes okay.
Car problems are a pain in the pocket book.
Chocolate and peanut butter bunnies are my downfall every Easter and Christmas. Only Reese's. I can pass up everything else.

Hi all, I love the snack discussion. It sure is my downfall. Any favorite protein bars?

I've been very busy and looking forward to spring. Have a great day.

Meowee and Jada congrats on the weight loss.
Susan welcome
Lori

Hey Freda and Lori! :wave:

I had taken foods with me on our trip--but sometimes you're sitting in someone's kitchen and realize you forgot to have your snack right before the appointment, and they have taken a phone call and it's taking them 20 minutes, and you're flat-out starving! And the thing is, that's not when I go off plan. Hours later is when I end up with the munchies. :(

One of my current favorite protein bar brands is South Beach Living High-Protein Bars. Decent amount of protein compared to others, and quite tasty. Some might find them too sweet tasting, though. I think they may use sugar alcohols for the sweet taste--haven't checked--but they aren't high carb. They have twice as much protein as a Kashi bar, and lower carbs.

Yesterday was my last trainer session, so now I'm on my own for awhile. :faint: It's about time, too!

See ya!
Jay

I'm having a hungry day today, but so far I'm resisting. The evening is only just beginning though.

How did I know there was a full moon last night? I woke up to a full double roll of TP unfurled throughout the house; every cabinet door and drawer in the bathroom standing open and stuff scattered all over the room; and just so the rest of the house wasn't ignored--the garbage under the kitchen counter (yes inside the cabinet) was upset and a couple of artificial plants in the sunroom had been dragged around a bit; guess the cats thought they needed to be relocated. Glad they had fun. Did you know that having pets has been proven to lower your blood pressure? :s:

We did have a sunny start to the day, but it has clouded over this afternoon and there is more wet snow in the forecast. :mad:

Beautiful day today. There was a thin woman next to me, who was older than I at the grocery store today. She had about six large family packs of steaks and potato chips and other goodies. I wonder how people buy so much food and stay thin. They must not eat it all at one sitting like I do. Now I only buy what I can carry in my own two hands.
I was thinking today (dangerous) that when I was young I was thin because I didn't have as much money to buy food ( and I was a lot more active). Now that I have money for food, I can't enjoy it, because I have to worry about my weight. The good thing I'm learning is that I can eat what I want, I just have to keep it at 1600 calories.

Like Jay, I like the South Beach High Protein bars. The peanut butter are my favorite.

I also like the Kashi fruit and grain bars - 120 cals, but less protein than the 140 cal. SB bars.

DH likes the Balance 100 calorie snack bars. They remind me of a candy bar - particularly the chocolate caramel ones. They are satisfying for 100 calories if they don't trigger a binge.

I have also made my own using Nessa's oatmeal bar (http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=111624)recipe as a base and adding some of my own touches. I make a big batch and freeze them :)

I do NOT like the meal replacement bars - my rule for a snack bar is under 150 cals.

Jay - you will do great on your own - you are one of the most tenacious exercisers I've met online :yes:

Linda :lol: We have a cat that adores TP as well. One time he got it so wrapped up around the dog that we thought that the cat had surely kidnapped him and tied him up with TP.

Jada - I have found that I actually enjoy food MORE now than I ever did when I was 200+ lbs. I enjoy what I eat, and even the act of eating far more than ever :)

A good day here. I did end up working a 10 hour shift, but I cleared a couple projects off my plate - which is always satisfying. And that pesky lb. did disappear today :D
The weather is still frightful, but I pulled all the shades, and I'm enjoying some tea. Something about a cup of tea that always makes the winter chills more tolerable.

We finally have a quiet night at home planned - of course it includes a couple hours of wii ;)

Hope you had a good hump day!

Good evening all. Hard at work here. :comp:
Everyone seems to be doing so great. Maybe it was the full moon but I have been in a funk. Seems to be lifting. Phew. I am trying to stay OP and am not doing too badly. :hun:
It is sunny here but very cold. The gym seems to be eluding me. Well to be honest I have this ongoing eye injury that has really left me on the side lines. My one eye has a cornea abrasion so to speak and is constantly watering. I am walking around half the time with it closed. The cornea specialist has run out of ideas and is sending me back to the doctor I came from to start all over. It makes me really tired and grumpy. :?:
Seems like I spend more time sitting in a doctors office than anywhere else. I am going to go to the gym this weekend and see how that goes.
I ran my food plan through fitday and it is coming up at 1600 calories. It is the calories that get added on by mistake that are the killers.

Glad to see Linda and Jada losing congrats. Jay are you going to keep up the workout from the trainer? How about the food plan?
Thanks to everyone for the encouragement. It can be done and you are all doing fantastic. I want to get to the 220's by the end of the month so better get moving. Was going to go do some aquasize but now am nervous about this eye in the pool so will stick to the gym for now.
Was watching Biggest Loser this week and they recommended Fiber One bars. Said they had almost half your recommended fiber for the day.
Myself I tend to stay away from them as they are all pretty sweet. Too much like a chocolate bar.

Seems like winter is having a tough time letting go.
Cheers.....Jude.

Great Linda on losing the "pesky" pound.:)
Sorry Jude about your eye. I hope, somehow, it heals itself.:hug:

Jude, sorry to hear about your eye....hope the doctors find something to help.
Meowee, your cats are definitely individuals with personalities! Worse then kids, or maybe equally as bad.

Yesterday I was able to get into a pair of dress pants....and button the waist...first time in I can't remember. Felt good, tho' am still half a pound from dropping into 155. I've been holding steady for almost a week. Today's my day to really push the exercise and maintain the mouth control.

Hi folks!

hijude, I had a "corneal abrasion" once that turned out to be a viral infection. Sort of like having shingles in the eye. Once I got the right drops to treat that, it cleared up. I did have to wear an eyepatch for awhile, though. In fact, I did my admissions interview for grad school wearing the eyepatch. "Arrrrr! I likes yer program, matey!"

Here it is time for me to renew my Florida Orchestra seats for the next season--and because of the schedule I chose for this season, I've only been to one concert so far! The rest are later this month, April, and May. But they have some good programs coming up. I imagine like everything else they are strapped for cash.

The trainer didn't really give me any kind of handouts for the exercises he had me doing--I guess it isn't really part of it. One is supposed to learn by doing... :dunno: But I do remember most of it. Also I have as a handout his interval training regimen. Because I've been going to the gym for years, I pretty much know things to do while I'm there--mostly he gave me some new alternative type things: core exercises, different kinds of lifts and squats, and so on. I may hire him again in a few months.

My food program is a constant--why, my plan is better than what he gave me! Even with the Lean Cuisines. So there. :lol:

I'm tired today. I think tomorrow has to be a rest day from the gym. I could hardly make it 30 minutes in step class. :faint:

But, I did treat myself to a whole-body massage this afternoon. :D

See ya,
Jay

Susan, congratulations on being able to button your dress pants. It is a wonderful feeling.
Jay, I'm the same way by remembering exercises and how to use the machines. I've been doing it all since I was 18, not to mention doing the exercises with my mom when I was younger. I've had instructors tell me they can tell I already know how to do everything by my skill level. I just don't stick to it. I ran five miles when I was in the Army!!! I've let myself go and now I have to start over. I'm ready. I doubt if I'll run anymore though, except for a very, very short distance, if any.

:woohoo: some great successes on this thread this week! A late work day, and I'm gonna turn in early tonight. I did get in 45 minutes of exercise when I got home :)

Hope you all have a GREAT Friday!

I had a great day. Stayed OP. I heard on a financial show that we need to run weight loss the same way we approach financial budgeting. Stay focused. So I have made healthy eating/lifestyle my priority. Yesterday I did the final goodbyes to my old life and I'm better for it. Today I'm thinking and doing, instead of thinking and eating. I've always felt good about myself, but now I feel like I've stopped being a people pleaser, which helps to get things done so much faster and helps me to feel better about myself. My "to do" list is empty and I can concentrate. I'm amazed I have been with 3FC for over a month. In the past, I was lucky to make it for one day. I had given up. I hope this makes sense. I know what I want to say, but I'm not sure how to put it in words.

Busy day yesterday . . . but, once again, I managed to avoid the nasty foods that were calling to me and I am proud. :D

Today will be a hibernation day for me -- not that I'm superstitious of course :o -- just a believer in that old saw about it being better to be safe than sorry.

This is also the second day in a row of sunny, but extremely cold and windy weather -- know you couldn't exist without my daily weather reports. :p

New low! 155.5. Love the new digital scale I bought...it shows partial pounds, which is encouraging in both directions, whether you lose or gain. I'm nervous, afraid I'll get complacent. Got to keep going!

I woke up this morning, read a good book on changing eating behaviors, hope it puts me up in a positive mind set for the rest of the day. Realized part of why I eat is that it's just plain easier than making an effort to change. Habits set up by a lifetime of poor eating have to be broken and that takes work. This time I'm going to do it!

Meowee, happy hibernating. Jada, never thought about eating and finances in the same way but you're right. Have always been lax about both. Keeping a daily diary seems to be helpful. I write down how I want my day to go activity wise as well as food wise. I also am keeping a strict accounting of what I spend now that I'm retired from my desk job and only have social security and my teaching earnings to depend on. I don't always stick with the plan, but it helps alot.

Counting down, just viewed your pictures, you look absolutely fabulous! Don't have time to read your story, hope to catch up on it later. Have a great day everyone.

Jada - good for you! And I agree, I approach weight loss very much the same as finances - it is sooo much easier to overspend than to budget in a way that compensates for prior "frivolity". I keep reminding myself that staying on track is key!

Linda - I didn't even think about the date today until I read your post :lol:


Susan - thanks for your kind words! :congrat: on your weight loss - you are doing spectacularly! And, you are right - old habits are hard to break. Journaling really helped me - that and being here every day. I used the accountability thread here in 50+ and did some of the BL contests in addition to posting here :)

A good day here - very balanced. The sun is shining, and it might actually get into the 50s next week :D

My ebay jeans came today, and they fit perfectly! I LOVE being able to buy clothes online. Last fall when I was in TN when my step-father died, I found a pair of DKNY jeans on the sale rack at TJ Maxx. They fit perfectly - I've never had a pair of jeans that fit so well and were so comfortable. While Dillards and Macy's sell them, I've not been able to convince myself that I need a pair of jeans that are over $50. So, I've beeen scouring ebay for them. I found 3 pair in my size and took a chance.
:woohoo:

Hope you are all having a good start to the weekend! I've got church activities planned for most of it.

Hope you have a perfectly OP Saturday!

Hi everyone. What a group.:grouphug:
Everyone is exercising and losing and stay OP. I have had a good week as well. Down a couple of pounds so happy about that.

I am a bit like Linda though. I always wonder if I am going to stay down. I am battleing the Easter candy here at work and am winning. So happy about that.:D
Jay sounds like I have a similar eye problem. They have said viral infection as well but it started with an actual tiny tear that does not want to heal. Actually today it is about the best it has been for a long time and I am in a much better mood. My moods sure affect my food plan. Or should I say wipe out the FP.:(
Next week I am going to get in some exercise no matter what. Maybe start on Sunday. It is supposed to be a rainy day so a good day to go work out.
Good work to Laurie and Linda and Susan for the weight loss.
Jada I am right behind you on that scale. Well you passed me!! So now I want to be in the 220's as well. If I can stay OP this weekend and get in a walk that will be great.
I did some cooking last night to pre plan. Nothing worse for me on the weekend is not planning. I will eat a good breakfast then all of a sudden it is 4pm and I have not eaten all day and then I am grabbing all the wrong things.
I think that timing your food is huge. It has been a big downfall of mine. I actually think it is just lazy weekend habits and an excuse to eat the wrong things. I like no structure on the weekend and so that may be my first clue. But this weekend I want to hang onto that loss and add to it.
Hope everyone has a great weekend.
Cheers....Jude:hat:

I'm so happy for everybody who lost weight. There's no greater happiness than to see the scale go down (and to hear chocolate is good for you).
I love hearing weather reports from everyone. It's so interesting to read about what's happening in other parts of the world.
It makes me nervous to buy things without trying them on. I do it, but it makes me nervous. Nice when they fit, especially to have perfect fitting jeans. Always fun to try out a new scale too.
It's beautiful in Las Vegas. Turned on the air conditioner today. I also set up my calories today like I set up my check book as I love budgeting and making lists. I have two columns with calories used and the balance. I also wrote down the times I will eat and what, or I will eat everything in one sitting.

Well still at work same day. I am working hard to stay OP. Just thought I would take a look at the BMI scale. Now that is a scary thing. I would have to be 16o to be out of obseity and into just overweight. Now that would be nice. Either that or I have to start to grow.:D
Always nice to come back and see a post from some else.....
Jude

Oh, Jude, it would be great to weigh 160!! We will do it!! It's 9:30PM here, and I'm not hungry. Looks like I'll make it to bedtime without cravings.

I don't understand my not losing weight, but I've enjoyed "budgeting" my calories. I have my daily eating plan on my fridge and I have a weeks worth of daily menu sheets so I can check off what I eat, so I don't conveniently forget to write something down. Better get walking. It's great weather today. Have a good day everybody.

Hi everyone!

Jada, just keep going! You'll get results. Every day you stay with your plan is a day closer to a loss. Things go up and down, and we can't control those fluctuations. All we can control is our eating and our exercise.

Today I got out my handy pressure washer and washed the carport and entryway to the house. I have to do these things in sections or it's just too much. But I love my pressure washer. In Florida, algae grows on things because of the damp climate (we're having a drought at the moment, but it's still humid). So, from time to time it has to get cleaned. I used to use a long-handled brush and a bucket and hose, but one day I saw that small pressure washers could be had for less than $100. Well! No more brushwork for me!

Anyway, it took a couple of hours of physical work, and my lower back is complaining... it may be time for a nap. We went out for a late lunch--I had a waffle and two eggs and some bacon--but I'm still at only 1000 cals for the day.

Jude, just keep taking care of that eye--it's really hard because we use our eyes so much, but it must be done. Warm packs are good. Glad to hear you are down a couple pounds!

CountingDown, I'm in the market for jeans these days, too. I need a smaller size--my old ones are falling off. :D

See ya!
Jay

Hi all.
Well, I ripped a pair of jeans last week, were they too tight? I guess not because the next day at school, a tiny little 3rd grade girl came down in the morning with a rip in her jeans in the same place! Not too tight on her, so just wear. It was quite a coincidence!
I am back down to almost where I was before Hawai'i. Finally!! I am still hungry, but I can handle it.
Things at work are better for me. I talked to my boss about it. He seems to be coming down on some other people though. He is stressed! I guess it is his turn. He's been eating chocolate at 9:30a! That's his way to deal with it. He's in good shape though, and most the time he watches what he eats. He talks about being on a diet a lot. I don't really talk about it with anyone at work; not many people at all.
My son is getting out of the Army! He is back in the states, going to be up here soon! It will be so nice to see him, and be able to keep in contact better. He plans on living in Georgia. He really liked it there when he was stationed at Fort Gordon.
It's a beautiful day here! Getting Springy!
Everyone, have a great day!

Hi all - busy day and another quick post. I read everyone's posts today and it looks like everyone is busy too!

My victory for the day was brownies. I ADORE brownies fresh out of the oven. I made them for "coffee hour" tomorrow at church. Well, it took me until 50+ to be smart about it, but I made them in my mini muffin pans. Bite size little brownies. AND - I was able to eat only one of them and not scarf down the whole pan :woohoo:

It worked so well that I'm thinking I can make mini brownies and freeze them every so often. Perfect little chocolate treats :)

I found more jeans this weekend at Fashion Bug. Their entire sale rack is marked $5.98 - so if you are needing jeans ...

I can't get over how good I feel, emotionally and physically. I feel like my old self before my husband got sick. It's a wonderful/happy feeling to be back to my old self. It's been fourteen years. Eating too much sure affects you in more ways than one. I haven't had any trouble with my stomach since I started 3FC. I can enjoy lots of onions again without having to use Pepcid.
I organized lots of paperwork today and threw out lots of junk. Found my old pedometer I thought I threw out. I must have been holding on to hope. I'll have relearn how to use it. Now I can start counting mileage instead of time.
Jay: That was quite an accomplishment to clean the carport.
Jen: I'm so happy for you that things are getting better at work. How wonderful to have your son out of the Army. I would have been worried sick. I was in the Army too for three years (many years ago).
CountingDown: $5.98 for jeans!!! Unbelievable. Sounds like you had a fun day shopping. It's hard to believe you stuck to eating only one mini brownie. I'm not sure I could do it.
I'm going to watch a DVD, Stephen Kings "Rose Red." I'm done eating for the day. Going to play with trying to figure out my pedometer while I'm watching it.

Hi . . . :wave:

Still holding the eating together although I did sneak up a few notches on the carb allotment for a couple of days, but the calories stayed good. No more scale movement though. Hey, I have faith in all of us. We will succeed as long as we keep on doing our best. :yes:

We've got sunshine today and the temperature is supposed to sneak up just slightly above the freezing mark. Not exactly spring-like yet, but I have faith in that, too. It will arrive.

Hope the rest of the weekend is good to everybody.

Meowee, I'm glad for you that your eating going well. Your weather must be improving since you didn't say anything about it.
My official weigh in today was 229 lbs, the same as last Sunday. I'm pretty happy about that since it kept going up to 230 or a few pounds more. Making broccoli a part of every meal is helping me to stay on track. What works best for me is to mix frozen chopped broccoli, onions and applesauce together.
I'll be busy today with family and preparing my meals. At 1200, there's not much to fix. I love not having so much cooking to do, and less dishes to wash, and less grocery shopping. Love it, Love it, Love it.

A quiet Sunday here in northern MI.
It so 50 outside - so I'm going to get some raking done. The dog certainly isn't a blessing after a winter full of "activity" residing in the yard :(

We have a dessert smorgasbord for our Lenten Study tonigh. So LOTS of veggies, protein and water today for me. DH and I discussed our sharing strategy - hopfully we can hold each other accountable.

Gotta fly - that sunshine is calling!

Hi! I see you've all been busy this weekend.

Jada, did I see you say you keep yourself to 1200 calories per day?

JLouBug, I'm glad to hear you've almost lost that Hawaii weight! Will we ever get a photo or two? Glad to hear your son is getting out of the Army.

A dessert smorgasbord, CD? What about people who have given up desserts for Lent? :yikes: Well, good luck!

I hope your eye is still getting better, Jude. By the way, did you ever make it to the symphony?

meowee, you did mention the weather--it was just that it sounded good for a change! :lol: I hope you've been enjoying that sun.

I went to the gym today. I rode 7-1/2 miles on the exercycle. I thought about how my friend who is doing the AIDS ride is doing a 53-mile training ride today... Let's see, that's 7 times farther than I went... and she's only a year younger. I think I'm underestimating what I can do! :chin:

Have a good evening,
Jay

Jay - that is a LOT farther than I could ride. My backside doesn't like the bike much. Now walking on the other hand ...

And, I'm betting that you could go a lot further if you wanted to. You are a very disciplined person that can do pretty much anything you set your mind to. The question is - do you WANT to go further? Or, are you liking the variety of your workouts that challenge your entire body - not just your legs and glutes?

The smorgasbord went well. They did have some veggies, crackers, chips, and cheese for the diabetics in the crowd. Methodists aren't big on giving up things for Lent - though some do. Very few give up foods. Most of us use Lent as a time to practice spiritual disciplines and be more intentional in areas of spiritual growth.

I sampled 9 different desserts. DH and I split "halves" of things, so I really only had a bit or two of each. I did make sure that I had lots of veggies and protein earlier in the day.

I wore my new jeans with a belt - it really helped ;) I guess - bottom line - I planned for the event, and stuck to my plan.

It was actually a cathartic experience. I ate several different items - choosing only the very best and "worth it" desserts. I enjoyed every bite and had no desire to binge or overeat, even though there were 5 different kinds of cheesecake alone.

It made me realize just how far I have come, and how much I have changed over the last 2 years. And, that maybe - just maybe - I can eat eat all things in moderation.

:)
Oh, and we took the scooters to church - it was glorious to actually be out riding again!

Hope you all have a great start to the week!

Laurie

I did well today.
Jay: Yes, I'm on 1200 calories I started on Friday, I think. I'ts only psychological. I figure if I keep my menu at 1200 calories, then the extras I eat won't mess me up, like the the sour cream I sneak on my omelette in the morning, the V8's (one or two) and the broccoli salad I eat when I'm hungry. I figure I actually eat about 1560 calories, not counting the broccoli. I read where broccoli is digested well in the stomach, so does not add any calories in the long run, so I don't even count it. I figure if I set my calories at 1600 and did the little sneaky things, than my calories would go up to 1800 or more.
laurie: It was wonderful to hear that you were able to enjoy yourself and your food while eating in moderation and to see how you've changed. Must have felt good to eat healthy and have fun too.

Hi . . . :wave:

I'm still on track . . . and definitely hoping to stay that way.

Today, I'm ready to complain about the weather . . . :lol: . . . It is sunny again and that's a good thing, but the temperature is getting colder instead of warmer. Oh well, I have to go out anyway.

Nothing too much going on around here. It's School March Break this week and I imagine all the stores will be bust, busy, busy. Of course, in the years when we've still got this much snow a lot of families go on a ski trip.

Hope everybody has a great Monday on the go . . . :carrot:

Meowee: It is interesting how things change during children's school breaks and when it's warmer. The noise and crowds. I think I'm ready for a 55+ community.
My psychology is working. I lost another pound. I stayed under 230 at 228. I'm very happy.

Hi all! just a quick post. I have a school meeting tonight. A good start to the week! I was able to take the scooter to work after lunch - too much ice when I left for work this morning - plus it was still dark :(
I got in 30 minutes of "My Fitness Coach" with the Wii and I will walk to school tonight.

My weight stayed down this morning, so it looks like I survived the desserts :)

DH has decided he wants to drop another 10, so I will probably go a bit stricter with my plan to support him. I can always add a few calories at work if I need to.

The perfectionist in my wants to drop a few more with him, but the sane part of me knows that I need to stay right where I am.

Hope you all had a good start to the week!

Laurie :scooter:

Good Afternoon!!
Well I was doing so great until the weekend. I really have to do something about weekends. On Saturday had a good breakfast but then went to my son's to finish up all the stuff there. I even took a lunch from home so I would eat. Well when I get busy I just do not eat. So along comes 6:30pm and I have not eaten. :hungry:

My son got home from work and we were all finished. He made me supper and it was healthy enought but it seems that when you throw off the timing everything crashes. Then on Sunday same thing. Took a friend out shopping. Had only had breakfast. So by 430pm I was starving and this friend is a lap band person and does not eat. So was starving and went through drive thru for fries. The lap band had a shake. Then had more junk in the evening. Grrr.:tape:
Go figure.
So back OP today at work. Did not weigh this morning. I do not need the scale to beat me up too!
I remember thinking that a protien bar would be a good idea. I am going to get some and just put them in the trunk. Maybe remember to bring a fruit along. Need to plan better. :eek:
The eye is slowly recovering. Still feels like a bit of sand in there but not watering all day long. Still am waiting to go back to the specialist.

Have not made it to the symphony yet. Need to find a friend that would like to go. Everyone seems to be short on cash these days. I am lucky to have a recession proof job but living is pricier I have noticed. When they ring in the groceries I often do a double take at the cashier. " those 3 bags are HOW MUCH?? " I have seen some price gouging going on too. Nothing like the word recession to drive up yesterdays goods to todays prices. :fr:
No stopping it though no matter what you say. I bought yogurt one day the store's brand and 5 days later it was up $1 a container. So 4 yogurt an extra $4. I asked the cashier why but she just works there. :dizzy:

You guys are all a great incentive. Everyone is doing so great. Not sure how you managed a dessert smorgosbord. Yikes I would think I was in heaven!!:cloud9:

Hey Jen awesome that your son is back. I would be holding my breath the whole time I think.
Laurie ....what's a belt? :rofl:
Jay I have a pressure washer too. A day of pressure washing and you feel like you have been a round with Ali! Mine is something like 2100psi. It is hard to kill the algae. This is a rain forest here and we get it too. Bleach works but not great for the environment.
Jada congrats on the 228. I was there a few months back but slid back up. I am going to have to smarten up or you will leave me in the dust. Good work. :broc::broc:
Linda where is the spring?? it is cold here too.

Gotta get back to work......Jude :easter:

Where do you buy the South Beach Living protien bars?? Not sure they are available in Canada. Can you tell me the protien amount??

Hey! :wave:

I woke up around 2:30 a.m., and couldn't get back to sleep. Got up around 3:30 a.m. and worked. Might as well! But it's been a hard day. :tired: Step class at 10:30 was very hard...

hijude, that is some pressure washer! Mine is only 1500psi, and that's plenty! I can do anything I need to with that. And, I don't feel like I've gone 10 rounds with Ali! :lol: Plus it's electric--just plugs into a socket. It says absolutely never to use any bleach in it--it will void the warranty and damage the machine. I use a cleaning fluid made for these machines--a little goes a long way, and it's not toxic like bleach.

Nothing kills algae forever. This cleaner does just as well as bleach. But, eventually you have to clean it off again.

CountingDown, I know nothing about Methodists--I thought you might have been Catholic. :o

Jada1, congratulations on that pound! :cb: :cb: :cb:

Well, being consistent with food is really important for me. I try never to go without eating because I pay for it later. Jude, you need a watch alarm! ;)And a plan...

meowee! You keep on going, girl!

Oh, CD--I'm so glad that I'm not a fan of cheesecake. Well, there have to be a few foods that aren't dangerous for me! :lol: I'd have no trouble passing that up, thank goodness.

Time to do some more work here... Only one more month of this craziness...

Jay

South Beach Bars (http://brands.kraftfoods.com/SouthBeachLiving//CMS_Templates/IFrame_Template.aspx)

Jay - I'm glad you are getting through tax season - but, I'm afraid that there is more craziness coming before you are done!

Jada - I absolutely HAVE to eat every few hours. Not eating regularly is what caused my weight gain over a ten year period. Seriously. Crucial for me to eat regularly!

I get the SB bars at Wal-mart or Meijer. They are usually in the cereal aisle - with the granola bars.

Absolutely LOVE having them as an emergency snack. They are perfect to carry around and are tasty too :)

Gotta get some sleep! Take care all!

Laurie: I think you meant Jude when talking about not going without eating. It's okay, just wanted you to know;). My problem has never been going without eating. Lots of other problems, but not that. I'm impressed with your commitment to the Wii and walking.
Jude: Eating is such a strong social activity, it's tough to stay OP on weekends when we usually get together with family and friends. I feel silly picking at my food, when I weigh more than anybody else in the room. Too bad the project with your son is done. It's so enjoyable to work on projects with people you get along with. Hate to see them end. But another project always comes along.
Jay: Very good going 7 1/2 mi on the exercycle. I think the farthest I've gone is a mile.
I stayed OP today. It's nice to go to bed not hungry, and yet still lose weight. It's also nice to not feel too full and to not have stomach problems making it difficult to sleep. I think it was Laurie who said that when you get your weight down, you will enjoy your food more. I'm beginning to see a glimpse of it already, in that I can enjoy onions in my omelette now, which I had stopped doing to stop the heartburn.

:luck2you: Top o' the mornin' to ye . . . :drinkup: Apparently the green beer is already flowing around here -- the bars in Halifax opened at 7 am and people were already lined up to get in.

At least we've got sunny and cold weather again today and I just might have to don some green clothing and go off to town for a few things I forgot yesterday.

Beautiful trip across the Causeway yesterday . . . the ice is breaking up in the harbour and three gorgeous bald eagles were cruising along the open water looking for a little snack. Yes, I think Spring will actually arrive. :D

Happy St. Patricks Day everybody :cupgold:
Meowee: Your community sounds so beautiful:goodvibes. What a great way to live. I've never tried green beer. Sounds fun.

Jada - you are correct of course!

Linda - LOL, Don't tell Gary about the beer, he will be coming for a visit ;) I think you are right - is sure feels like spring! We are sending some warm weather your direction - it is 63F here today! It feels heavenly!

So, obviously - I gotta get outside and enjoy this weather. More yard work is just the ticket!

:luck2you: Enjoy the day!

Happy St Patricks day!!:drinkup:
Jada interesting how you picked up on my feelings. It was fun working on my son's place. But the best part was watching him enjoy the work we had done for him. :D
I was OP yesterday but not so great today. I have a friend at work and she brought me cake to my desk. Funny she figures I can use a little treat!!
Not. :drool:
All in all things are ok here today. The battle with the food makes me a little testy at times. Today is one of them. But I am a believer that a better day can start any moment. I have OP food with me here at work.
It is a learning curve and I seem to be a slow learner but as long as we are still going forward instead of giving up. :woohoo:

Hope everyone is having a great day and enjoying the sunshine. It was sunny here this morning but has since clouded over. I have some flowers growing in my back garden and birds lined up at the bird bath. They are a riot. They sit in the trees waiting their turn. Same breeds will bath together which is too cute. :flow2:
Have a good one and yes in Canada they do serve green beer!
Cheers.....Jude :egg:

hi to all, I can't believe how busy I'ver been the last too weeks. The stress is getting to me. We had a great day yesterday and I went for a three mile bike ride. It sure felt great. Today , it was 65 here. It weas absolutely beautiful. I spring has come to stay. I've lost a couple pounds this month and hope to lose more. Talk to you soon. Happy St. Patrick's day.

Do you know why the Irish can only put 239 beans in their soup?

Because one more would be too farty. HA HA

Flowingair: That was a funny joke :lol:
I stuffed myself tonight. I knew it was going to happen eventually, but I was hoping it wouldn't be until I was under 200 lbs :o The good thing is that I stuffed myself with broccoli before I started on the unhealthy food. It didn't upset my stomach, but I sure feel tired now. Another good thing is that it takes a smaller amount to stuff me now.

Flowingair: Congratulations of the loss of a couple of pounds. Yeah!!!!:carrot:

Well, it looks like I'm getting a cold. :mad: Maybe I can fight it off, because just going to bed is out of the question. Figures, doesn't it? Worst timing.

flowingair, sounds like you have been way too busy! :stress: I like the idea of that bike ride. :wave:

Jada, you were doing so well! What do you think set you off? Maybe tracking your actual calories eaten might help... I find that if I aim too low, I can't sustain it.

There are lots of Irish in San Francisco, and St. Patrick's Day is a big event. When I lived there in my drinking days I used to love it--one of those public-drunkeness-is-OK holidays. And yes, I've drunk the green beer. I have to say, I don't miss those days or their aftermath.

Is anyone thinking ahead to any fun trips or excursions?

Jay

Good Morning . . . :grouphug:

Another sunny day and we may work up to above freezing temperatures, too.

Nothing too exciting in my plans. Still recovering from my major chocolate meltdown (darned bunnies) yesterday. Just worked out my averages for the month so far and happy to say my 2286 total calories yesterday did NOT screw things up too badly. I'm still in good shape for the month. Average total calories are 1444 and percentages are running right on 40% carbs and 30% each for fat and protein. Sometimes you just get lucky I guess. Don't plan to rest on my laurels though. I'm stuck on 210 and I definitely want to be able to move that ticker into the new decade by the end of the month. ;)

I do believe in the 'cycling' philosophy whatever you are tracking. I just don't think it needs to be all pre-planned. For me, it just seems to happen and that's probably true for us all. :lol:

Have a great day . . . :carrot:

I was shocked I weighed 228 lbs this morning :dance: I thought for sure I shot back up to 240. Have to have more confidence in myself.
I'll read up on "cycling" and get back to counting actual calories eaten though.
I don't have any trips planned this year, but I am moving to a quiet suburb in Vegas closer to the mountains and a man made lake. It has beautiful grass lined walking paths, and a beautiful library full of culture that will be just across the street from me.
Maybe I'll set a goal that when I get under 200 lbs, I'll stay at an ocean front hotel in La Jolla, California.

Just a quick post tonight.

We are planning a trip to Kalamazoo next month, and one to Chicago yet this spring.
There are some plays we want to see :)

Have a good day all!

Well I am going to meet Jada at the hotel on the beach in California when I get below 200 lbs. :beach: Could be a bit of a wait though.
Doing well today. Not so great yesterday but moving ahead today.
Weather is blah!

I am booking holidays for the year. Need to make some plans to travel a bit. Think a trip to Cuba in the fall with a friend. We will see. Am expecting company in the summer and may go to Toronto in July to see my brother. :hug: I will be off 6 weeks from surgery so may travel at the end of it.
Hope everyone is having a great day.... :celebrate:
Jude

Hi there . . . :wave:

Today has dawned with very overcast skies, but it is fairly mild. The good news is that I finally realized what day it is. :lol: I spent most of yesterday thinking that Friday which is the first day of Spring was going to be the 22nd. It's like somebody just gave me an extra two days this month. :dizzy: Sometimes the 'senior moments' just seem to get closer and closer together.

I've got plans for a little trip this Fall and unfortunately may have to hit the Toronto (Barrie actually) area before that. Sadly, my cousin (who is more like a brother to me) has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. It's tough being so far away.

Nothing exciting for me today . . . lunch out and a bit of shopping, I guess. Ate well yesterday and will try to string another good one on there today.

See you later . . . :carrot:

The day is starting out great. Yesterday I walked after lunch and after dinner. I was happy to weigh in under 230:grouphug: Have a great day.

I went through the Pyramid guidelines today, and for once they made sense. I guess my thinking is clear now that I'm eating better. It's all food I like. I just eat too much of it. I'll keep the guidelines on my fridge to make sure I don't go overboard. I tend to start adding stuff as the days go by.

A quick post again tonight. Another LONNNNGGG day at work (14 hr shift). Great to see so many travel plans! The kids and my Mom are coming some time this summer. We are changing to a new student information system this summer as well - so summer travel (which we usually do) is out. I'm thinking a nice trip this fall would be great! Maybe Niagara wine county - so beautiful in the fall!

I hope to get caught up this weekend! Have a great Friday!

I'll never get caught up. I'm sick. :( And I'm bloated as a result. :(

That's it for tonight! Tomorrow is another day...

Jay

Hi Jada congratulations on your milestone. I'm looking to get into onederland by next month.

We all seem to be hanging in here, not letting the bleeps get to us. St. Patty's Day was not my best eating day, but I'm back OP now.

It's cold again here, but spring can't be that far away. Have a great day everyone.

Happy SPRING . . . :yay:

Well, it is officially SPRING and, the sun is trying to shine in northeastern Nova Scotia. Needless to say it is a bit colder that we might like around here though and there is **** in the forecast for Monday/Tuesday. A lot can happen between now and then, of course, so maybe "they" will be wrong. :crossed:

I celebrated the start of this glorious new season by removing the 'blankie' I tack over my westerly facing, and very drafty, sunroom door. As I sit here in front of it, I fear I may have jumped the gun a little; but it definitely looks more spring-like in here. May trot off to town later on just because I can but other than that I honestly have no plans for the day.

How about you . . . any exciting 'vernal equinox' celebration plans?

I feel like running today. I'm curious how far I'll get. Last night I ran a short distance down my hallway because my muscles called out for running.

I could only run a quarter of a long block. It felt good to run, but my body isn't quite ready for it yet. I walked very fast instead and walked a further distance, to the park. I usually only drive to the park because it's so far away or it seems so far away. But it's within walking distance in reality.:running:
Jay & Jude: I hope your feeling better!!!:bunny2:

I went to the gym today even though I'm still stuffy. I did 40 minutes on the treadmill, worked up a good sweat. And that was about it.

It was also the day we go get our hair cut and then go out to lunch after. I had herb-crusted salmon on a bed of spring greens with some sliced roma tomatoes, a sprinking of blue cheese and some crushed walnuts, and a ginger dressing on the side. Delicious! and probably only about 400 cals.

Good for you for trying running, Jada. Only now can I do any running at all--and it still bothers my knees a little, but I'm getting better at it.

meowee, I hope that you don't get that **** ;)

:wave:

Jay

Hi all! Wow - such an active group!
Jay - glad you are feeling better - sounds like you are solidly OP - even with being sick!

Jada - RUNNING! Awesome! Fast walking is good too. My walks are definitely an important part of my exercise routine!

Lori - the weather is supposed to be better next week. And, you are getting close to Onederland! I can't wait until you get there - we need a virtual http://forums.site5.com/images/smilies/dancingparty.gif

I'm hoping to get some cleaning done this weekend. I'm so far behind! Working a 60+ hour week has left me zapped! But - tomorrow is another day :)

Enjoy your first spring weekend all!

Laurie

Hi there! congrats to everyone doing so well OP!!:carrot:
I am still bringing up the rear but am working with a positive attitude.
Hope you get well soon Jay. :wave:
Laurie I picture you with this huge house with endless housework. I so hate housework. I try and split it up so it is not so bothersome.
Linda glad you are enjoying a bit of spring. I have some flowers up in my garden but they are some hardy plant the comes up really early.
Jada you will be flying down the scale with all the new exercise your body seems to be loving. :cb::cb::cb:
Lori how is the bike riding going. I so loved to ride my bike and then it got stolen. Have not replaced it and am now afraid my balance is off. The traffic makes me nervous. Think I will stick to the stationary bike. :ebike:
I am at work and just finishing up my Friday.... I went to see the surgeon today and got bumped to a different surgeon. So have to start again with someone new. Hope it is all in place by June. We have great coverage in Canada but endless waits. :sp: Be glad when this is over.
Will be nice to have the weekend off. Going to fit in some exercise and some meal planning.
Hope you all have a great relaxing weekend. :balloons:
cheers.....jude

Good morning everyone! I'm getting over my cold pretty quickly. :broc:

And, I've dropped 2 pounds in the last week. :cheer2: :cheer3: I expect to bounce up a little, though. Weight loss due to being sick is often fleeting...

I'm trying to think of trips for this year. It might be nice to go to San Francisco to see my cyclist friend. Or, maybe Cape Cod. We used to go there every summer, just before the tourist season really, and stay for a couple of weeks. And, I could always visit Utah again--that's where I grew up.

Anyone being hit by the financial downturn? Some of my tax clients are having problems, but most are OK so far.

Jay

:wave:

Oh boy, yes -- being a retired person with investment income is not fun right now. I'm just trying to ignore things for the time being. What goes down, eventually tends to go up again. Not much can be done about it so there's not much sense in getting excited. :shrug:

Not much can be done about our weather either -- sunny and cold today -- at least it isn't snowing. :lol:

Jada - it is a turn of the century house which requires a bit more TLC than the average. I just hate to clean, so I complain about it more than the average person. ;) With 3 pets and 3 people living here - it isn't too bad.

Jay - Yes and no to the economy question. Both our jobs are fairly secure since we work for non-profs that provide needed services to the community. We both have enough seniority to ride out any downsizing that might occur.

That being said, the 403b and 457 accounts have taken a major hit. The State of MI is suffering some SERIOUS economic woes - so my healthcare and retirement may not be what I have been planning for and counting on when the time comes.

We WERE planning on early retirement (and some type of part-time second career) in 4-5 years. Now we are looking at me retiring, and DH going part time. And it may be 5-8 years instead.

We discuss it frequently, but are taking a que sera, sera attitude about it. While we would love to retire early, spend more time traveling and with the kids - it might not happen as soon as we would have liked.

One more reason to stay active and fit and healthy and on-plan. :yes:

In the scheme of things, we are most blessed - and we will make the best of whatever this economic uncertainty brings.

On the travel plans question - an update. The hotel we usually stay at in Kalamazoo is booked for the April trip. There are only 2 hotels within walking distance of all of our planned events that weekend. So - I found a wonderful Victorian B&B and booked it. We've never stayed in a B&B - I've poo-poo'd the idea in fact. The idea of having to be "social" during my stay is something that I wasn't sure I would want. Working with people every day, I kind of enjoy not interacting with folk when I travel. But then again, when I do - I seem to enjoy it. I tend to be outgoing in familiar settings, and shy in new ones.

I am a strange duck! http://www.comicguide.net/images/smilies/duck.gif

So, a new adventure awaits :D

I can still afford to buy too much food, so the economy has not hurt me.:cookie:

Jada, it's not the buying, it's the eating... :chin:

Jay

Jay: That made me laugh.:lol:

Jay - LOL! How true!

I ate very strangely today - not one meal - just lots of snacks.

I spent the day de-cluttering and cleaning the laundry, entry room. 9 hours later and it looks GREAT! It is amazing how much stuff accumulates in those spaces! I was actually able to make room for the recycle bins, which have been sitting in the middle of the room for as long as I can remember.
And now DH's beer making supplies are organized and labeled. The home brews are also easily accessible
And every cupboard is organized and labeled with its contents so I can actually find things like winter mittens and canning supplies.

I ate every hour or so - a small snack - to fuel my body and keep me going. It worked really well. It reminds me how sedentary my lifestyle is most of the time. It actually felt good to spend the day doing more physical stuff.

Hope you all had a good day as well!

Laurie

Jay: Good going on the 2 pound loss :carrot:. Losing weight is the only good thing about being sick, unless your like me. I never lose weight. Staying on the treadmill for long after being sick is quite an accomplishment in stamina. I'm glad your doing better :hug:. The salmon sounded good, so I ordered some from my grocer. I'm not much on eating fish, but that's going to change. It was interesting when you said you might visit Utah and you were from there, because I plan to move there when I'm 60. I already have the place picked out where I will live until I buy house, if I buy a house. The only thing that will hold me back is worrying about slipping in the ice and snow.

Jude: I'm thinking about buying a bike. The last time I used one, I was so sore, I never got on one again. But I think I'm ready to try it again for shorter distances until I get used to it.

Meowee: Sorry about your investment income. I have a lot of family who lost money on it, but they're surviving somehow, but still nervous. They have other income to fall back on, but it sure is disappointing all around.

CountingDown: The B & B sounds wonderful. I agree with you about the forced social thing. I worked in social work, and the last thing I wanted was to feel forced to socialize on my vacation. I just wanted to enjoy my family. But my husband was very outgoing and loved talking to everybody, so I just let him take the reigns.
Organizing your house sounds like a great release of energy. It feels so good to finally get things the way you want them.

Have a good night everybody!!:grouphug:

I was 229 this morning for my official weigh in. I stayed the same, but I was very happy. I'm averaging a weight loss of 1.3 lbs a week. Seems like I should have lost 20 lbs by now, but I'm happy. I need to stop putting the food in my mouth. I'm sticking to following the guidelines in the food pyramid, since it seems to be working :whoo:

:high: to the losers among us.

Not too great a day around here -- beginning to look like the promised snow may develop. :mad:

For some reason I cannot seem to get enough sleep at the moment and I'm thinking about a second nap for today . . . waking up at before 4 am may have had something to do with it, of course. :lol:

Hope the rest of you are having a great and fun Sunday.

Hi all! Still cold here, and we have an 18 year old cat that has been missing for two days. I'm getting worried. :(

Jada - the rate of loss may be frustrating at times, but - in the scheme of things - doesn't matter much. In fact, I think the slower loss can help with maintenance. It is a journey, and the length of it isn't what is important.

It took me a lot longer to lose weight this time around. But, I am actually far more confident that I will keep it off. :D

Gotta fly - gotta make the Sunday family phone calls, and then off to church for our Lenten study and a baked potato bar :)

Hope you are enjoying the day!

Wow, CountingDown, sorry about your cat. I hope he shows up soon:(
Meowee: Too bad about the snow after having it warm up.
I'm having a quiet day at home. I was going to visit family, but they're sick, and it's cold, windy and raining, so I'm watching movies. Staying OP.

Oh, CD! I hope you find that cat... 18 is pretty old to be wandering about. Is there any place it could have gotten shut in by accident? A car, a bin, a shed? Sometimes they dash in and no one even sees them.

Jada, where would you move in Utah? I'm curious...

Keep going on your plan!

I did a tiny amount of office straightening today, and it cheered me up a lot. Sometimes it doesn't take much...

We're off to the symphony tonight--a couple of my favorites and one piece I don't know at all.

meowee, not ****! Please!!! Tell me, are you safe from that by... um... June?

See ya!

:wave:
Jay

Hi to everyone,
The economy is hurting us. DH lost his job to downsizing (an example of where downsizing is a bad thing) a few years ago. He's looked and looked,but hasn't found anything. My job is secure for the moment, but I teach at a small private school. When people lose their jobs. Private school is the first to go. DH and I just budget and hope things will get better, I don't think it's going to be any time soon. Our 401 K has taken a horrible hit. We have our health, great kids, and grandkids. Life is good!!!!!!!!!!!

On a positive note (Good downsizing) I lost another 2 lbs. Onederland here I come!!!!!!!!!

Flowingair: What a shame your DH lost his job. I have relatives in your geographic area (I have relatives everywhere, except New York and Florida). Three of them moved back to Las Vegas. I hope things pick up soon. I worry sick about my sons being sent to war or losing their jobs.

Jay: I plan to move to West Jordan, a suburb of Salt Lake City. I like the new community, Jordan Landing. It's close to relatives and friends, but not too close. I like my space.

flowingair, always good to have you drop in! :hug: I'm sorry to hear that your DH hasn't been able to find more work. I know what you mean about hits to the retirement plan... I thought I would be all set by retirement age, but I guess not. Now isn't the time to change anything, though. :dunno:

Jada, West Jordan, eh? Interesting. I looked it up--I haven't been out there in many years. Have you visited there in the winter?

I'm a believer in visiting a place a few times at different times of year and staying for awhile before up-and-moving there. I moved from California to Massachusetts in 1990 without doing enough research... turned out I was allergic to everything that grew and came from a rather different culture in many ways... And by the time I figured this out, there was no going back! So I lived there 11 years.

I'm still on track here, but much more must be done today. I guess I'll get started with it!

Cheers, everyone! :wave:

Jay

Okay . . . weather whine . . . it's snowing and the infamous "they" are predicting 10 to 12 inches of the stuff. Oh how I love this Spring weather. :dizzy:

Actually, we will soon :crossed: be out the bottom of this -- since I moved down here in 1994, I haven't seen snow after mid-April -- hopefully this will not be the year that pattern changes. :lol:

Have to go to the doctor this afternoon and to the dentist first thing tomorrow morning -- so, naturally, the weather is being uncooperative. At least I don't have to drive too far. This kind of wet snow can make for really nasty driving.

Hope things are good in your area . . . :carrot:

My weight is going back down. It's nice to not count calories. I just follow the food pyramid and I'm good to go.
I'm retired and single, so I can get up and move if a place doesn't work out. I just wish I could afford to be like the snow birds in Las Vegas. They have a home in Las Vegas for the winter, and a home elsewhere for the summer. I have relatives everywhere, and I want to live by all of them. It's hard to decide. I can only afford one place. I remember coughing when I would visit my grandmother in Utah, so I worry about my allergies. In Vegas I don't have to take allergy medicine.

Good morning all.:coffee:
I am just back from the gym and wanted to say hi. :carrot::carrot:
Lori congrats on the weight loss. Sorry to hear about your DH job loss. It seemed like not that long ago every where you looked there were jobs. Hopefully it will come back soon. We are not quite as hard hit here in Canada.

Laurie your house sounds fabulous. A place for everything. I am like that too but only have myself to organize so everything seems to stay put.:cp:
Jay glad that you seem to be feeling better and the weight loss. Sounds like things are coming together. Hope work lightens up for you. Or maybe not?? :comp:
Linda too bad about the snow. We are good on this coast but it is not warming up fast enough for me.

As for me I made it to the gym yesterday and today. Food has been OP. I have been keeping my hands busy with some leftover knitting that I am finishing off. :stars:
It is a poncho done with big needles and a sort of lumpy yarn. It will be nice if I finish it. Not sure I would ever wear it but someone will.
I decided Sunday that the only thing that I coould change for sure was that I could do my program of healthy eating and exercise.
I struggle with anxiety and I am so tired of it. But that is like saying you are tired of having allergies and trying to wish them away. So the exercise helps and weight loss will help with sleeping etc. So I have made a commitment to myself to do that no matter what. The food plan is more difficult. The gym is just a matter of putting one foot in front of the other and going. :coach:
Had a beautiful sunny day yesterday. Spring is coming and I want to be able to enjoy it.
Jada do you like the winters? I am from the prairies and hate the cold and the allergies. I too would love to have a place to go to for the winter. Like Palm Springs. I have a friend and she may be keen on sharing with me. You can rent in Palm Springs for a few months in the winter. I am still working so that is a ways off. Actually it is October 1, 2013!! :celebrate:
But who is counting.
Jada tell me more about the Food Pyramind. I gather that is the Food Guide. Is it easy to follow? Are you counting calories?

Jay your meals out always sound fabulous. You are great at ordering just the right thing.
Hope everyone is having a great day. I will pop back later tonight.
Ciao...Jude :running:

Flowingair: Congratulations on losing 2 lbs!!!:bravo:

Great Jude on getting to the gym :cp:

I read and am following information on: mypyramid.gov
I counted calories at first to make sure I understood what I was doing. But, like everything, once you figure it out, it's simple. I don't count calories now, unless it's to see if a certain food fits in the calorie range I've set for myself, which is 1600. On the day I ran, I allowed myself 2000.
I eat a bowl of broccoli before lunch and dinner. I would like to do it for breakfast too, but it sounds too unappetizing :p

Hi all - a quick post tonight. Dinner is just about ready. Sounds like everyone is doing well! Great start to the week!

Still no kitty - all the neighbors have checked their sheds and garages and the like. I'm suspecting that he just went off to die. We may never find him. We are a block from a wooded area, and about 2 blocks from a large dairy farm (weird to have a dairy farm right in the middle of the city - but there it is!)

Gotta fly - the jasmine rice is smelling wonderful! I need to get the asparagus grilling :)

Hope you have a fabulous Tuesday - and Linda - I'm gonna try to send warmer weather your way!

Laurie

Oh please CD I soooooo need some better weather -- it is still snowing and blowing out there -- ugly, ugly, ugly. I definitely cancelled my dentist appointment this morning and will be going nowhere. Yuck.

Hope everybody else has a good day . . . :grouphug:

Hi Everyone,

It's still cold here, I think the high today was 45. And windy, which makes it feel even colder. Tomorrow is DS's birthday and I made cupcakes and the grands and i will decorate them tonight. They like to add food coloring to the white icing and come up with some pretty weird colors, but it tastes the same.

Flo, Michigan has really been hit hard with the job layoff's. My husband is still working, but usually gets sent home at least once a week for lack of work. and it has finally trickled down to my son too. His hours are cut. i am still working, the medical field is one place that there doesn't seem to be a problem.

Jada, if it works for you, it works!!! I think most of have different diet plan. You just have to find soemthing you can live with. I lovve broccoli but i'm not sure i could eat it twice a day, every day. I do have it often though, roasted, broccoli salad, in casseroles...

Laurie, I hope you kitty find his way home. Not knowing is nerve recking!

Linda, I would share some good weather if I had any,, sorry. It's got to stop soon, right?

Freda

I walked today in memory of Laurie's kitty. I will get down to 227 lb in his memory too. After having him for eighteen years, it must feel like a devastating loss. :hug:

Jude: Las Vegas winters are great as far as snow and ice goes. It depends on what elevation you live. The biggest problem in Vegas is floods, but you learn where the flood areas are and you stay away from them when it rains.

Linda: Too bad about the bad weather, especially when you have plans like going to the dentist. It's nice to go to the dentist and get it over with.

Freda: I know what you mean about the vegs, or other food, for that matter. I get tired of eating the same thing, and I have to change it or recreate it. Broccoli helped me to get down to where I am, and then today I bought a different vegetable for my sanity. I'm not much on vegs, anyway, except salad. :snooty:

Jada maybe try roasting your veggeis. It is something that Laurie does and I have tried it and it is wonderful.
Made it to the gym today. Happy about that. And am at work now. The food plan is coming along but not 100% yet.
Hope everyone is having a great OP day!!

Oh dear . . . not a good day for me . . . I've been on a starch binge. Tomorrow WILL be a good day. :yes:

Linda - windy today - but warmer - definitely some warmth heading east :) Step away from the starches! Get some protein in you - quick!

Jada - aw - thank you! You touched my heart!

And yes - try roasted veggies - they are WONDERFUL! I put spinach and grape tomatoes and broccoli slaw in my pitas too - with a bit of feta and walnuts and strawberries and a bit of low-cal dressing - scrumptious way to get in your veggies :D

Jude - congrats on the gym and getting your food plan closer to where you want it. You are coming along so well! Stick with it! It will make a difference!

A good - balanced day. I exercised after work - taking it easy on the upper body. I see to have gone overboard with Wii bowling and tennis and have developed tennis elbow - Jay, stop laughing - you saw it coming, didn't you? ;)

I made yogurt tonight - we are going through so much of it! Fresh fruit with home-made yogurt is just the BEST!

Gotta fly - I hear the dryer buzzing!

Have a GREAT hump day all!

Morning all,

It's raining here, again. Yeah I know, spring showers.....

Jada, I recomend the roasted veggies too. Even my sister, who eats no vegetables, likes them. It actually gives them a slightly sweet taste.

Jude, Good for you!! keep up that exercising. the more i exercise the less i want to eat bad. I don't want to mess up my good work.

Laurie, too bad about the tennis elbow! it will keep you out of the game for awhile.

Freda

Hi, folks! :wave: Way too busy here...

Jada--yeah, nice to be able and pick up and move, but unfortunately by the time I figured things out, I was broke. :lol: And the amount of stuff I have now doesn't just fit in the back of my car, sad to say. Oh well! The other part of it is that I really don't like moving any more. The last time I moved was about a year and a half ago, and it was way too stressful! :stress:

Hey Freda! Good to see you checking in!

CD, I guess no word on the cat, huh? :(

meowee, what the heck, eh? Get away from those carbs! Don't worry--the snow will be gone eventually--

The concert we went to was great. There was one modern piece, and you never know what you're going to get with those. But this one turned out to be very interesting. Modern music is like abstract painting--you have to let it wash over you and see what sort of feelings and responses you have. It's not always a pretty picture, but it's often quite novel. At once point, the cellos and basses seemed to "come in for a landing" like a B52 bomber! Heh!

The other two pieces were quite lovely. One was Ravel's Mother Goose Suite, and the other was Franck's Symphony in D minor, one of my all-time favorites.

OK, time to get back to it!
Jay

:wave:

I yearn for some rain . . . :lol: . . . the people officially in charge of measuring snowfall have issued their declaration -- we did not get 12" of snow yesterday as forecast, we got 16" (that's right sixteen inches). It was (and still is) so very windy that I don't know how they could possibly have measured it. In fact, as I look at my yard, I can still see spots where the grass is showing and others (up against my six foot high fence, for example) where it is well over 60" (yep, five feet).

I'm on track today in the eating world and definitely planning to stay that way.

See you all soon . . . :grouphug:

Jay - I hate moving too! The last time we did it was 20 years ago, and I still shudder at the thought of having to do it again!

The concert sounds like it was great! I'm not a fan of a lot of the more modern pieces, but the two classical ones are right up my alley!

Linda - more wind coming your way, I'm afraid - but the weather is much warmer today!

A busy day here - and - no - still no luck on finding the cat. None of the neighbors have seen or heard anything, and everyone has checked their sheds and garages and the like.

I had a very productive day at work, and then raked the dog "presents" for an hour afterward. NOT my favorite task, but it needs to be done every spring :(

At least it is done, and I got to spend an hour in the sunshine and almost 45 degree weather :)

Hope you all had a productive and OP day!

Did you check the local animal shelters, CD? Sometimes people pick up a "stray" and drop them off...

Jay

Jay - we called the shelter first thing, just in case. They do have some cute kittens up for adoption, though ;)

Good Evening all. :love:
Sounds like you had a great night out Jay. I have that on my plan of things to do sometime this year.
Laurie I am so sorry about your cat. I am a huge animal lover and miss the ones that I had for years. :hug:

Thanks for the encouragement Freda. I am still going to the gym every day. Something seems to have clicked with that. Not sure what but am enjoying how it makes me feel. :bubbles:
Food is not too bad but the interesting thing is that there are things that I craved that seem to be gone now. That is a big thing for me. I see that as part of a better big picture.
I would love the weight to drop off like it did one time. But now I am just trying to change my ways. :snail:

Had a busy morning. Drove down across the border for some shopping. Picked up some South Beach protien bars for in the car. They were on sale so that is a bonus. They certainly did have the best protien hit. Just going to leave a box in the car.

Laurie tell me about making yogurt? I have never tried home made. Do you use a machine? And how much can you make at one time. I only eat plain so is that do able? I find that yogurt is one pricey item these days.
So I guess I am asking can you make 2% that is plain that is not too runny?

Oh and my surgery that was for June has been moved to either August or September. Well gives me more time to lose some pounds. :D

Gotta get back to work.......Jude :mag:

:wave:

Jude: That is so great you are going to the gym everyday. I could relate to it making you feel good. When I stretch the muscles in my shoulder with the machines, it feels so good. What a shame they put off your operation.

Jay: Your symphony sounds like so much fun. I haven't been to one since I was a little girl. I'm a red neck who only goes where dancing goes along with the music, and I haven't even done that since the year 2000. Seems like my life has become rather boring since I became a grandma. I plan on changing that.
I can't afford to move, but I do it anyway, and then I suffer for half a year until I get back on my feet again. I'm getting tired of moving too. I keep thinking of just traveling more. I'd still like to be a snow bird, but can't figure out how to do it. I guess I'll have to talk to one of the Vegas snow birds to figure out how they maintain two residences. I would love to live in Utah for the summer, and then Las Vegas for the winter. Actually, I want to live in San Diego, California, but I can't afford to live there. :dizzy:

Slim me: My sister likes roasted veggies too. She makes them soooo good, but when I make them, they don't taste so good. My sister's veggies are so good, I eat them like ice cream. I follow the same recipe she uses. I just wait and eat them when I visit her.

Laurie: Tennis elbow sounds painful!! I hope it's something that goes away eventually. I do a lot of writing (typing), so I exercise my hands so I don't mess them up. An aerobics instructor showed me what to do. I also worry about hurting my knees when I run, but sometimes I just feel like running off the stored up energy from sitting at the computer. I'll have to start walking a further distance instead of running.

I'm happy to say I stayed on OP today. It wasn't easy. Yes, it was easy. An old boyfriend came back into my life, and instead of problem solving it with food, I drank a glass of ice water. I'm still problem solving it. I'll sleep on it, and figure out what I want to do tomorrow. Right now I don't want him back in my life, but I'll sleep on it, before I say something I'm sorry for.

There be sunshine in my world this morning . . . :yay:

:sunny:
Good morning everybody. It's nice here too. No wind. No excuses. Have to get out and walk today.

Good Afternoon!
Just starting work. Had a busy morning actually. It was sunny but has turned to cloud. I was out in the yard cleaning the bird bath. Birds everywhere this morning even a woodpecker. :bat:
Made it to the gym and so was happy with that. Still working on getting my food on track. I am just trying to find a happy balance and eat what is healthy and not too much of it. Sounds simple. :eek:

Jay I hope that work is giving you some time off. I am sure the weather is lovely where you are.
Jada I would love to be a snow bird as well. I am not retired yet but I would like to rent a place for a couple of months in the winter. I was thinking Palm Springs. I have been to San Diego and thought it was a wonderful place. Gather it is expensive. Good for you on all the exercise you are getting. :carrot::carrot:
Keep us posted on the new/old beau.
Hope everyone is having a great day.
Cheers.....Jude :write:

Hi all! The sun is shining here today as well :D
It is cold (39) but I did ride the :scooter: to work. It felt good, though the wind was cold.

DH had the day off, so he took me out to lunch :woohoo: Thus, dinner needs to be on the light side. Maybe a nice salad with nuts and fresh fruit - hmm ...

I did get in 45 minutes of Wii Fit after work. Quite a bit of yoga today - trying to stretch out that elbow.

I'm looking forward to the weekend. DH has to work, so I hope to get some serious cleaning done!

Sounds like everyone is working hard at staying OP - let's keep it up!

Laurie

Hi everyone, I've been sick with a sinus infection. Luckily, I finished my report card grades earlier this week, so I didn't have that hanging over my painful head. I went to the doctor today instead of working and she feels I need to rest tomorrow, too. Hopefully, my fifth graders won't tie up the sub.

Jude-You sure are doing great going to the gym everyday. That's very inspirational.

Freda- I hope your family stays employed. I worry about my kids losing their jobs, too. My future son-in-law had a job offer from GM, but the rules of the loan are no new employees, so he's looking for a job. My daughter and son are in good shape right now. We'll make it through these tough times, somehow.

On a happy note, things are moving along for my daughter's wedding in June. I hope to lose more weight by then.

I've been OP by counting calories. I hope to have another weight lose this week.

I had a good day. Staying focused on healthier lifestyle. Tomorrow I'm buying a hat for walking outside, since it looks like my gym isn't going to open up anytime soon. Found out there was a fire, and that's why they closed.
I'm feeling safe walking in my neighborhood. No animals walking around. There's always two or three police cars around. Somebody tried to stop me to talk to me (I wouldn't stop. I kept walking and turned away from them), and a police officer came out from nowhere and pulled them aside and had them show their ID. I haven't had any problems since. So, I feel like the police are keeping an eye out to protect the men and women who are walking. It's amazing how fast that cop was there. People complain about the cops in Las Vegas, but I sure love them.

I'm sure you'll find it hard to believe it's crunch time here... :lol: But here's a cheering story. Yesterday what I wanted to do was: Drink a lot lot lot of coffee, eat nothing more than a protein bar, and work like a draft animal for hours on end. But this is what I did do: Drank 2 cups of coffee, ate a Boca Burger and some granola with fresh fruit and 1% milk, and went to step class. Funny, I don't think I got any less work done! It's that tricky thing with "having enough time"...

meowee, the SUN?? :sunny: You must have been ecstatic!

Jude, you're doing great with the gym! Good for you! Isn't it nice when spring finally arrives? We had some rain the other day--very welcome--we're in a drought here.

Jada, sounds like you are determined! I'm glad that you feel safe walking.

Flowingair, sorry to hear about the sinuses. I hope it clears up soon.

CD, I think I forgot to tell you I'm sorry about the tennis elbow! What a drag! :( And it wasn't even a real racket! ;)

My partner has found out that she is going to have to have dental implants. They will cost as much as our last car! :fr: The alternative is to have all her teeth pulled and get dentures, but the dentists don't recommend that in her case. And she does not want them. Well--I guess traveling in the next year will be rather severely curtailed by lack of cash...

OK, my tax clients call... Must get with it...

Jay

Hi Everyone,

The April Accountabiltiy Thread has been started. Come join. Make a commitment for April and keep track of your progress.

See you there,

Lynn

:wave:

No sun today . . . in fact we got a bit of new white dust overnight and this morning was very foggy. Now it is just dull.

Spring is on the way though -- I saw a robin -- he really stood out well against the pure white background. :lol:

:yawn: Good morning everybody,
I'm headed out shopping for my new hat.

What an inspiring thread! And nobody raving about grandkids etc. :) I have just started the Nutrisystem diet and am very pleased with it. I DID research first on this forum, and so my choices were things that tasted good. This is my first week, but I have decided to become active in this forum so I can get some help if I need it. Or help if I can help

Hey ggg! :welcome2: Yeah, join on in! Tell us about your hobbies, trips, sports, reading... all that good stuff!

Good luck on your weight loss plan!

Jay

Welcome GGG!!:celebrate:
Wow it is Friday already. I have gotten this exercise thing down great for some strange reason. I have clued into how much better it makes me feel and that is working for me. :carrot::broc:

The food not so good. I was doing one plan and then not so interested in that. Too rigid. Thinking of calorie counting like you all do. Did take a look at the pyramid.com and that was interesting.
I am off to see a dietician on the 22nd so that may be inspiriing.
What a battle this food is. :?:
Maybe something will inspire me. I know how much better I will feel just need to get some good days in.
Jay I have just gotten 2 implants. Better than a bridge so that was my choice. I worked a ton of overtime this winter and that is where it all went. Which is a drag. Hope I am done for a while. But they are great just like new teeth. :D
Jada so what kind of hat are we talking here? Your neighborhood sounds a little scary. Glad they have the police out. Maybe you need a walking buddy. Too bad about the fire at the gym. When it is done though it will be all brand new and that will be nice. :trampo:

Did housework this morning in lieu of the gym but will go tomorrow. Hopefully food will be better tomorrow as well.
Have a good weekend everyone and enjoy.
Cheers.....Jude :book2:

:grouphug: Welcome GGG. I'm fairly new too. I wish you a healthy and happy weight loss.

I have just started eating too much again. I lost 18 pounds and the day I hit that 171 mark I started celebrating and haven't quit yet. That was about 4 days ago. I always do pretty well in the mornings but this afternoon I lost it and have about every day. I will weigh in the morning and see what the scale reads but I sure want to start practicing my less food deal tomorow again. It's difficult.
http://www.3fatchicks.net/img/bar-plaid/slider-but7/lb/1/135/175/.png (http://www.3fatchicks.com/)

ggg: When you raise kids, you crave adult conversation, but it becomes a habit that's hard to break (for me), and then you start talking about grandkids which drive people nuts. Being on this thread helps to break that habit. I love being able to start talking just about adult stuff, and start getting that adult self back.

Jude: I think it's tough trying to change more than one thing at a time, like exercising and changing food routine. One seems to affect the other though. When I exercise, it tires me out so I sleep better at night, so I'm not up eating. And then eating less, helps me to sleep better because my stomach isn't bothering me.
It's a good idea to find a walking buddy.
I'm buying a grass hat for walking only.

Grabec: It is difficult to stop the eating. People say to "just stop eating." If only it was that easy. If I had not gained weight, I'd probably be one of those people who would say it. It does sound easy. But food is so good, and the hunger pains don't go away. But it's like Laurie said, food tastes even better when you get it under control. You probably find that you don't even like the taste of most foods you eat. I wasn't even enjoying myself because my stomach felt miserable. I had to use pepcid, and sometimes even that didn't work. I haven't had to take any Pepcid since I started 3FC.

grabec--an important "rule" that I think you just learned is that you don't celebrate weight loss by eating. That's like celebrating being drug-free by shooting up. :eek:

Jay

Today -- lots of sunshine and the temperature is going to get up to around the 50 mark. Tomorrow supposed to be more of the same and then things will get warmer and become rainy for a few days. I think Spring is finally, finally going to appear. :yes:

My internet connection was being uncooperative first thing this morning. Just when I was about to call the cable company and register a bitter complaint, I decided I'd better take a look at the main computer upstairs first. Sure enough, some wonderful little nocturnal beastie had managed to disconnect me. :dizzy: I love them all dearly but they can be challenging at times.

Have a great day, gang . . . :wave:

Hi all - my router was misbehavin' yesterday :( I miss all of you!

Lori - hope you are feeling better soon. Glad you got your grades done! We had several teachers get their's in before break started. I think I would be the same -want it DONE before I left town ;)

ggg :welcome: Glad you found us! I can't imagine this weight loss journey without the folk around here. They have been sooooo helpful and encouraging!

grabec - some things that help me keep from those food binges:
Keep lots of raw veggies and low-cal dips/dressings around
100 calorie popcorn bags
hot tea
keep "trigger" foods out of the house, or at least in a very, very inconvenient place
Put some common sense rules in place and post them prominently. Posting your weight loss chart, pictures of goal outfits or rewards also helps!
Make a list of rewards that you CAN indulge in - and substitute those for food. Some of my favorites are - a pedicure, bubble bath, concert tickets, a new fragrance or lotion, new music, a new book, a new accessory or clothing (new means new to me - second hand stores are fun)
Distraction - instead of eating, take a walk, call a friend, take a bath, weed the garden, anything that gets you out of the kitchen


Jude - calorie counting works for me. I'm not into deprivation and I seem to be able to stop after a reasonable portion of most foods. I found out a couple weeks ago that I still can't bake brownies at home - I have little self control around warm brownies. Warm home made bread is also problematic, but a bit more controllable. The cool thing is that I can still indulge in my "problem" foods - I just eat them in places where my portions are pre-set (church, friend's house, parties, dining out, etc.)

Jada :hug: More details when you find your hat, please! I'm in a clothes horse mood and would love to know what others are buying ;)

Linda - no sun here, and snow in the forecast :( I'm growly about that!

Jay - I'm betting the implants will be worth the cost in the long run. How about planning some "local" trips - do some out of the ordinary things that are lower in cost but still get you out of your usual routine?

We are traveling a lot more in MI this year, and we are enjoying our getaways quite a bit! There are places fairly close that we have never taken the time to explore. Our hiking trips in the state parks have been very enjoyable. We have found local "mom & pop" motels for CHEAP and most of them have a microwave and fridge. We bring our own food and dine out only once or twice on the trip.

Hi to everyone else! Hope you are having a good start to the weekend!

I'm doing well - I'm doing my Wii workouts and Wii Sports exclusively with my left arm (letting the elbow rest) which has been a hoot! Tennis has been :rofl:

I did have a NSV this week. SierraTradingPost had a great % off coupon and free shipping this week. I ordered some activewear including some wicking tees and really cute tops and jeans for 80-90% off. When the order came - every single thing fit beautifully. Gone are the days when I had to try on 15 tops to get one that looked half-way decent.

So the moral of this story is - stay on plan this weekend. It really, really, really is worth it. Of course this is advice to myself, first and foremost! Weekends can be more challenging with being in close proximity to the kitchen much of the day. Thankfully, this is the last Lenten study weekend - pizza and desserts, I gotta formulate a plan NOW to make it through that one!

Have a great, fun, and balanced weekend all!

Laurie

:dancer: Good morning everybody!!

A few minutes ago I heard a sonic boom. Here in Fla. we know that means the Space Shuttle coming in!

Sure enough--I got on MSNBC.com and watched it land live, over on the other coast.

I've been told that if it's clear, we can see it take off, too, even though it's 200 miles across the peninsula.

Has anyone been to Kennedy Space Center? It's on my list of tours I want to take.

Jay

Jay - I haven't been there, but I would love to go! BIL worked on the space program for about 20 years, so we have seen several aspects of the program, but never Kennedy.

A busy day here - I spent the day spring cleaning and doing laundry. I got a LOT of little projects done. I also got train tickets and booked the hotel for the Chicago trip over Memorial Weekend! Now, to research what plays we want to see :)

We are supposed to get a winter storm tonight. :( But, given what Fargo and the south are going through, I'm not gonna complain about sleet and 8 inches of snow (well not TOO much, anyway) ;)


Laurie

The Kennedy Space Center does sound like the place to put on a "to see" list. I've never been there. It must have been exciting to hear the sonic boom.
I bought my new walking hat today made of straw with a wide brim, so I can walk a further distance without worrying about getting too much sun.:exercise:

Happy Earth Day! Anyone still reading as at 830pm we are all to turn out the lights for an hour. :cool:

This morning I got myself over to the gym and went to an hour yoga class and then did 20 mins cardio. Talked to the yoga instructor a bit about a trainer. I will have to see. Pricey.
:yoga:

I am going to follow all your suggestions and try and calorie count and have some healthy snacks around. I know what to eat so it is just about keeping my eye on what I want in the end not what I feel like today.
There is nothing I would love more Laurie than to be out buying new clothes. Love all your food ideas thanks. And what is a NSV??
Jay have not seen the space center. Have not seen Florida!! Except on Miami Vice. Love your weight loss rule.:rofl:

Jada it seems like every friend I have now has grandchildren. I do not and it will be years off I think. I feel like I have lost all my friends to these granbabies. Seems to change your life as much as having your own kids. Not sure it is my thing.
How is the walking coming? Walking outside seems to have a lot of benefits that you don't find in the gym.

Well I am off for the evening to visit a friend and watch a movie. I think it is Beverley Hills Chihuahua. Her granddaughter is over. :D

Cheers....Jude :dust:

Hi,
I'm new in here. I started walking about 3 months ago and it is great. I live in the Northwest, so it can be a challenge to find sunny days, but, I still walk in the bad weather unless it's too cold.
I have found that if I eat breakfast and a good lunch, I don't get the cravings in the evenings. I try to stick with lean meat, veggies, fruit and tea. I have not lost any pounds, but my clothes are sure getting baggy. :smug:
Please all of you out there, do not walk alone. If you have no choice, go to a high school track and walk around that. On the weekends especially there are always kids and parents around for softball, soccer, baseball, football practices, etc.
Any those are my words of encouragement.
I have found that on days when I do not walk I feel awful.
I am a widow and get really down sometimes, but walking is such a boost for me.
And as one of you said, it really helps me sleep at night. Do you know that people who sleep well tend to weigh less.
But, remember this, we all want to lose weight, but it's not just the weight. It is how if makes you feel.
Oh yea, I am 5'7 and I weigh 205. All my life I was around 130. Then when my late husband became ill, I started eating to make myself feel better. And then after he passed away, I never did anything. My friend at work got me walking. She moved away, but I have just kept on walking. I have 30 minutes for lunch, so I use that to walk 2 to 2-1/2 miles each day.
Keep your chin up and keep going. It will work and it will make you feel better.
Love and success to you all :)

Hi loveswalking,

Welcome to the Active over 50 thread, and in honor of your first post, :wel3fc:

Kudos to you for grabbing your thirty minute lunch time for a brisk "2 to 2-1/2 miles each day." Yep, that's certainly the stuff that can get your clothes to feeling baggy.

Hi there ladies and Bill . . . :grouphug:

:welcome: to you LOVESWALKING . . . glad to have you joining us.

Another sunny day for us . . . :yay: . . . and the mountains of snow are melting quickly.

I really want to go out to play in the sunshine again today but I do have mountains of laundry and other housey duties calling my name -- oh gee, what to do . . . :lol: Bet going out wins. :lol:

Opps, right now I'm having difficulty typing (cat walking on the keyboard) so guess I'll :wave: goodbye for now.

Hi all - hope you are having a nice day!

Jude - NSV - non-scale victory

You go girl! Sounds like you are committed to this journey!

loveswalking :welcome2: Glad you joined us! Hope you will come back and post often so that we get to know you!

Well, I got my exercise shoveling today. We got 8 inches of heavy, wet snow. :( The streets aren't plowed and we barely made it to church in my 4 wheel drive Tracker. There were only about 20 folk that made it out. If DH didn't have to run the sound system and me the media presentation - I don't think we would have ventured out.

But, we did to to the grocery store afterward (to make the most of our trip out) and picked up some wonderful vegetables. Grilled veggies for lunch (the asparagus was especially wonderful).

Lenten study tonight with pizza and dessert. I'm glad these Sunday night food fests are done tonight. They have been a challenge!

Stay warm and dry all. :brr:

Hi BillBlueEyes: Congratulations on maintaining.:wave:
Welcome LovesWalking: :cp:

I went down another pound. I'm doing something right :broc:

I read in the newspaper yesterday that there were a lot of police in my neighborhood because they were on a "sting" to ticket cars who didn't stop for pedestrians. Because of these "stings" throughout Las Vegas, no pedestrians have died. I have always felt safe, but now that I'm getting older, I'm becoming more vulnerable, so I have to be aware of that in my choices. Luckily, I know the police around me (my husband was in the police dept) and they watch out for me.

Welcome to loveswalking. I live in the north west too. Only in Canada.:hug:
It is a beautiful sunny day here. I just washed my car. Sorry Laurie to hear you are shoveling. That would be getting to me too. :brr:
I spent part of the morning on Fitday looking at my food and I can see where some things are not so great. I have to cut back on some things. Not too way out of line but just enough to keep me from losing. :eek:
I am off to get some groceries for the new plan for the week. Taking a break from the gym today. Was going to go but did the car and enjoyed some sun instead. :sunny:
I hope everyone is having a great Sunday. This week I am going to work on not letting any "becauses" (excuses) get in my way. I just need to get them out of the way. This is going to be my challenge for the week. :faint:

Talk to you all tomorrow.... :gossip:

Jude: That was great going through your food. Good byes are such sweet sorrow.
I was busy all day with family, and with lots of food. I did very well. I was surprised I only ate one slice of pizza. I'm losing taste for my old foods, so it was easy. I gave away all the left overs and other foods I've stopped eating. My DIL said she felt like she had just gone shopping with all the food they had. Once again I'm going to bed worn out and no hunger pains.

Hey everyone! :wave:

Jude, yeah, FitDay is often a wake-up, isn't it? "It is what it is..." Keep going, don't trip and fall over those becauses. ;)

Last night's pops concert was all John Williams! It was just great! It included Superman, Juriassic Park, Indiana Jones, Jaws, E.T., Star Wars of course, and some other pieces that are lesser known, such as the Liberty Fanfare, written for the bicentennial.

Wow, and the orchestra works soooo hard! The trumpeters could have used some resuscitation afterward. :faint: The conductor gave some program notes, and before the encore he said that playing John Williams required musicians to "throw their bodies on the tracks." It is not easy to play, that's for sure.

The encore piece was Williams's march from "1941," a piece I didn't know at all and a movie I didn't see. Has anyone seen it?

Today is taxes and more taxes and even more taxes... oh, and I went to step class. I got a kick out of the younger women who were there for the first time and were panting after the first 20 minutes. heh!

See ya!
Jay

Good Afternoon all.
Yes I have my Fitday for the day all figured out and written down to follow. I am at ABOUT 1800 for today. A little higher than I want but ok for today.
:carrot::carrot::carrot:

I did not make it to the gym this morning. I was on an online meeting and did not plan my time. It would have been tight. Liked the meeting so will try and incorporate both next week. It means being ready to go right after the meeting. :crossed:
Jay the concert sounds wonderful. Sounds like something that I would like.
Hey Jada congrats on losing another pound that must feel awesom. You are doing something right.
Gotta run.....Jude :running:

Jude - keep at it! Journaling in Fitday is one of the keys that really made a difference for me. I honestly don't think I would have been nearly as successful without it!

Jada :congrats: on your eating. Once piece of pizza is better than I did! I ended up with two :o

Jay - I haven't seen 1941. The concert sounds like it was wonderful! I gotta get tickets for Interlochen (http://www.interlochen.org/arts_festival/) this year. We haven't gone the last couple years and I am missing it! Summer tickets go on sale next month. :D

Hello to everyone else! Hope you had a good Monday!

My trip downstate (for work) was a good one. The sun was out, and it was about 20 degrees warmer in Lansing than here (and the snow disappeared when I got 15 miles south of town). I like to drive by myself every now and again. I put on some of my favorite music and sing at the top of my lungs - very therapeutic :yes:

I also did a grocery run at Sam's Club, so it was a very good day all around!

Hello to everyone!!

Jude: I heard on the radio today that Canadians are moving to Las Vegas because of the low housing prices.

Jay: Congratulations on maintaining your weight. I've been reading some maintainers, and it doesn't sound like it's all that easy. It's quite impressive you take the time to attend concert. I love the sound of an orchestra, especially classical. It was pretty cool that you outdid the younger women. Makes it all worthwhile.

Laurie: I also like singing when I drive. I remember when I was a little girl I wanted to grow up to be an opera singer. Funny.

I'm having a good day, except for feeling yuck from all the salt I consumed yesterday. I didn't even enjoy it. I could hit myself over the head, when I waste calories eating stuff I don't even enjoy.:shrug:

Wet, wild, and WHITE outside. :mad:

Looks like more housework in my cards for today since it is supposed to continue snowing all day. Mother nature seems to have rewritten the old adage around northern Nova Scotia -- it's now "in like a lion; out like the whole pride". :lol:

Other things are good though . . . looks like a 5 pound weight loss for this month (will wait for tomorrow to change my ticker however, just in case a miracle occurs over the course of today and I get to register 6) and my blood sugar levels have been behaving much better this past week.

Now . . . if one of you sweet things would just send me some SPRING . . . :s:

Laurie: Congratulations on maintaining your weight!! It sounds like it takes a lot of work.:bravo:

Linda: Congratulations on losing five pounds. I wish you spring weather soon. You must be getting cabin fever.:woohoo:

I'll have my official weigh in once a month too, instead of weekly.

Well yesterday turned into a bad day. DONUTS! They had them sitting all day 10 feet from my desk. I was good until about 630pm. Then caved. :dunno:
Was mad at myself and so the rest of the night did not go so well either.

But back on board today. Went to the gym this morning. Did my fitday and my calories are about 1700 for today. As long as I stick to it. :crossed:

Not sure why my willpower disappears. I wish I knew the answer. This is the reason that I yo yo up and down the scale. I guess there is nothing magic about it. Just have to have some self control.
I think I get feeling lonely and food was always a comfort. :(

Congratulations Linda on that 5 pounds. Good for you. Everyone is losing and getting to classes. What a group. :carrot:

The Fitday is certainly helping. And thanks Jada for the info on pyramid.com as that made me realize I was eating too much as well. Did not see a catagory for donuts there at all. hahahaha!

Why do I make this so hard on myself. Here is to a better day. :cheer2:

Any suggestions welcome.......Jude :running:

Linda :congrat: on the loss! That is AWESOME! You are doing well given the lovely weather this month! I find it harder to lose when I can't get outside and putter!

Jada - I love to sing, but being hearing impaired, I really can't sing in public. I can't carry a tune to save my life. In fact, I'm the only person I know that people at church kindly and politely asked me not to sing. I do sign, so I sing with my hands. Thus, my private concerts are abominable - but I am the only one that can hear them, and since I can't hear very well ... ;)

Jude - willpower for me is often related to my hunger level. If I get too hungry, it goes out the window. I need a plan that includes healthy options at my fingertips when that office food calls my name. I finally had to make a rule - absolutely no free food at work unless it is plain fruits or vegetables. You weren't here when I shared my office food stories last year, but one of the memorable ones culminated in donuts going into the dishwasher while I ate my lunch in the break room :lol:

A productive day here. The office was quiet with only one phone call. I got so much done! Well, it is car repair month in my household. First my car, then DH, now DS2 needs about $300 of work done on his. That is $1200 in all :( Good thing I got my tax refund!!!
Hope everyone is having a good day!

Laurie :scooter:

Laurie: That was funny about your singing. Too bad they don't recognize a great singer when they hear one :encore:

Jude: I'm not in any position to be giving advice, but....it might help your will power to cut all caffeine out of your diet. Also, figure out how much money you need to buy enough food to meet your basic calorie needs, and then put the rest of your money in savings so it's not readily available for food. I was able to put an extra $300. into my savings this month, with all the money I saved in not eating out, cutting down on gas (I'm not constantly running to the store for food), and cutting my food budget. I was able to save extra money, and still buy extras for family (only once a month).

I also agree with Laurie in spreading out calories throughout the day, so that your snacking every two to three hours, so your not going hungry. I've had to get the bad habit out of my head of eating "meals," or eating everything at once.

I've read on 3FC that it's best to give in to our cravings, and then get back OP as soon as possible within a day or so. That was funny about not finding donuts on the food pyramid. :D

:rofl: Well . . . how do you explain me. I'm not hearing impaired (well other than getting old) and I've never been able to sing a note. Got my terrible voice from my Mother. The difference -- I've always known how bad I sound; she always thought she sounded just fine. :yikes:

Hey folks! Come on over to the new thread! See you there! :wave:

Jay