Age 50+ - Active Folks Over 50 -- #26

Hey! Welcome to the latest thread! First the disclaimer:

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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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Now, let's continue congratulating CD on her 1 year of maintenance!

(I really should have edited more carefully before I closed the thread... :o)

Laurie, you are truly an inspiration, and I remember when you reached your goal. I just can hardly believe it's been a year!!! Wow! :woohoo:

Jay

Congratulations
Laurie (CountingDown)
for a year of maintenance.

I do like your story of feeling confident in your choice of clothes. Yep, "no food is worth going back."

Thanks Bill! and Jay! :)

Everyone here has been such an enormous part of my making goal and maintaining! I really do think my 3FC friends are the BEST!

The new glasses have arrived.
As promised, here is the pic
http://img44.imageshack.us/img44/7489/glassesi.jpg (http://img44.imageshack.us/i/glassesi.jpg/)

Cool! They look great! Thanks for the pic! Now I'm wanting new glasses...

Anyone got any events coming up this week?

Jay

My up-coming event is a tomato eating marathon. We have the most gorgeous, tasty tomatoes - mostly all ripening at once. I am so grateful that something so good is also good for me!

Also, yesterday the event was getting 20 lbs of peaches. They aren't quite ripe yet.

My motto is that "I didn't get fat eating peaches or tomatoes"

Hi everyone!

Hey congratulations Laurie. I did not know that you lost all your weigh in such a short time and now have had it off for a year. Fabulous
The glasses look great too.

Well I made it to the yoga class on Saturday and to the gym this morning. I was happy to get there this morning as I slept in. But not many like to exercise and I just reminded myself of that. We do it for the benefits.

I look forward to the day when I can just be happy with anything in the closet.

Cheers.....Jude:hug:

Thanks Jay :)

Gail - I agree - I love tomatoes. Peaches will be in season pretty soon up here too :)

Jude - :hug: You made my day! I laugh now, taking 53 weeks to lose 85 lbs didn't seem like it was fast. I participated in the BL competitions along the way, and I was always the tortoise. I lost every week, but never very much. It is amazing how a lb here and 2 lbs there add up! Slow and steady now seems like it happened in so very quickly.

And to think that for YEARS I lamented that I might as well not even start a weight loss plan. It would take at least a year and I knew I didn't have the discipline to "diet" for a year.

Height: 5'4"


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Karen prayers continuing for you and your family!

Gary - congrats on the chili - may your rememberance of "grandma Judi" be one of special times and special feelings! I'm sure the party was AWESOME!

Bev - so glad that you are able to turn the whole situation with Dennis into a joy! Prayers continue for you and your family!

Well, it was a good day here! The last medical test at 7 this morning (mammogram), then 9 hours of work, and the whole gang (nieces, nephews, SIL and all the kids) was visiting when I got home. I was able to spend several hours with folk I haven't seen for a couple years.

A wonderfully balanced day!

Hope your week started out well too!

Oh, and Jay, not much planned for this week - lots of "family" time and of course the Wine Tasting tomorrow night and a Jazz concert on Thursday.

Pretty typical week here.

Laurie

Hi, folks! Gail, good to see you!

We have had peaches here for weeks... we buy them from a truck stand along the main road--they come down from Georgia. Great heavenly days, what you hear about Georgia peaches is true! :drool:

I didn't get fat eating peaches, either... back in the old days of weight gain, it was the half & half I insisted the peaches had to swim in... :lol: Not any more!

Hey Jude! :wave: Hey Bill!

One of my favorite clothes experiences is being able to actually button shirts, instead of having to wear them as "overshirts" with a tank underneath because I outgrew them. It is such a thrill!

Last Sunday I put up the remaining roller blind on our screen porch. I had been thinking it would be a hard job, but I decided that I would make it easy instead. And so I did. Done is good!

We got our concert tickets for the upcoming season. It was hard to decide on the selections, but we have some Mozart, some Gershwin, some Broadway, and the Tampa Bay Steel Orchestra just for fun.

http://www.tampabaysteelorchestra.com/

Jay

:woohoo: Jay - I can't tell you how happy I have been to retire the "overshirt". In fact, I still routinely reach for one - this old habit is dying hard!

I wish we had more arts opportunities here. They do exist, but we have to drive 1-2 hours to get to them. The trials and tribulations of living in a small town!

Oh well - there are other blessings to living here!

Day two of my certification training at work. So far, so good. Putting in 12 hour days (training starts at 10:00 a.m. since my trainer is on the west coast), but I'm hanging in there!

Hope everyone is having a productive and fun-filled week!

Laurie :scooter:

Hi guys.

Just a quick hello. Busy at work. Made it to the gym again today. So the week is starting out great. On for tomorrow too.
Sounds like you are all busy people. I have to get a life. Working on my weight loss is a full time job for me right now.

Talk to you all tomorrow.......Jude

Jude - I relate! I couldn't believe how much time I spent exercising, shopping, chopping, cooking, logging, posting!

But - it IS time well spent!

Hang in there!

Laurie

Hi folks,

Jude, yeah, it seems to take up a lot of time at first--but strategizing helps. I knew I would have to plan for almost daily exercise, so--I did! Made it just one of the things on my list. In other words, not an add-on, not an "if I have time," not something I could blow off if something else came up. I also planned the food part of it so I had the right things around at home and knew what I was getting into at restaurants.

But I also think I'm really lucky in that (a) I didn't ever get into the habit of eating to feel better, and (b) I already have had the experience of giving up alcohol, so I know that I won't literally die if I don't have any particular substance... ;) :lol:

We are starting to think about our trip to the SF Bay Area in the fall. We might make a side trip up the coast--somewhere like Mendocino or vicinity. I also have to try to remember what the weather is like then... CD, any thoughts?

Jay

Thanks for the encouragement everyone!! I made it to the gym everyday but today. Had a doctors appt today.
But for the last two days not a thing that wasn't OP entered my mouth. Not one bit of sugar. Wheew that was a huge challenge. I realized that I was waking up in the morning mad at myself for what I had had the day before. Even if it was just a small something. I am trying to give up sugar for now.

Jay it would be like you saying well I only had a sip. So I am proud of myself . I thought it would never happen.

Thanks for all the support. Housecleaning tomorrow so that takes the place of the gym. PLenty of work there.

Cheers......Jude

Just popped in this morning to say I am down another 2 pounds.
When I read 225 on the scale I thought wow this has been a long time and 200 is not that far away. Need all the encouragement I can get to get through this pot luck today.

I don't really like food that I do not know where it came from so I will just keep that foremost in my mind.

Heres to a good OP day for everyone and it is FRIDAY!!!
We are having beautiful weather here. Sunny but not too hot.

Cheers....Jude

:cb: :broc: :carrot: :cb: :broc: :carrot:

You go, Jude! rock on, girlfriend!

:cheer2: :cheer3: :cheer2: :cheer3:

Took the cat to the vet for his annual checkup and rabies shot. He is fine and healthy. He is also big... He weighs 18 pounds. :yikes: It's a good thing I lift weights or I'd never be able to carry him (in his carrier)! :lol: But the vet says it's not that he's obese--he's mostly just big! Still, I'd like to see him get down a couple of pounds.

Jay

Jude - :congrat: Keep that thought! It really does help. It is amazing how much stuff we eat that really doesn't satisfy us!

Jay :yikes: that is one big cat! We had a 23 lb. cat once - same thing - he was just BIG! He also had "thumbs" which he used - a very strange cat indeed.

Well, the two weeks of training is complete - it was very tiring, but I am done and certified. :)

Now on to the real work of converting all the schools to the new system.

Hope everyone has a great weekend! I hope the weather improves so we can take mom to the Arts Fair in the park tomorrow.

Laurie

May I join this group? I'm 53, and would like to lose 40 lbs. I've been on my quest for better health/fitness since July 1st. At one point I was down 5 lbs, but I'm down just 3.5 now. It's very frustrating. I am counting calories and working out for the first time in my life. I do strength training three days a week, cardio (treadmill) three days a week, and rest one day. Although I am not seeing results, I have to admit that I am doing less grunting and groaning when I bend over or have to squat! I guess that's a start!

COUNTING DOWN ` Your story is such an inspiration!

Late to the game :welcome: We LOVE new folk around here!

Thank you for your kind words! You CAN do this! Congrats on the exercise - that was the hardest part for me. With that much exercise, you may be retaining water and/or building muscle - both of which will slow down the scale. But, it will eventually reflect your efforts, I promise.

Calorie counting is a GREAT plan! For me, logging those calories and weighing/measuring were important steps in the process. Otherwise, my eye tended to extend my portion size a bit. Also, I had a bad habit of grabbing a nibble of this and a bite of that - all of which can add up to a few hundred calories a day if I'm not careful. And, unfortunately for me, that is the difference between losing and maintaining.

Feel free to post a sample menu or more info on your plan - the calorie counters here may have some advice.

The only other thought I have is that I also had to make sure that I was getting enough protein (and I wasn't at first). Boosting my protein helped me lose more steadily.

Hi to everyone else! Hope you are having a great weekend! We are off to the arts fair, even though the weather is dismal. This is Mom's last weekend here, so I feel like I should do SOMETHING!

Laurie

A neighbor gave us a year old German Shepherd dog. He is big and looks like the dogs on the crime shows, but he doesn't have a serious bone in his body. He doesn't seem to have any "mean" bones either - the FedEx guy just laughs at the dog . I am hoping having him around will help me to move more.

I have been slacking off lately, but I am back to parking far out and walking around our property again. It is over 110 degrees today, so I am not going outside until dark. It was 85 degrees this morning when I got up at 5am.

I always get caught up in all the stuff about doing 90 minutes of exercise a day and feel like a failure because I don't do it. I'm a sort of "all or nothing" person. LOL. Need to do 9 minutes before 90 minutes!

Hey gailr42! Glad to see you. That sounds like a nice dog!

Yeah, it's easy to find things to feel like a failure about--like the 90 minutes of exercise. Of course, there's an upside, which is that one gets to give up since one can't be perfect... :lol: I think it's great that you get some physical activity, whether it's 10 minutes, 30 minutes, 90 minutes, or 3 hours! ;) I'd be in trouble if I didn't have a gym membership. :faint:

Late to the game, :welcome3: I found that I needed a day off after 3 or 4 days, rather than only after 6. I was just wearing myself out when I first started with 6 days a week... Good luck! You will see results!

I'm glad to hear your training is over, CD. (Speaking of Chickies who run themselves ragged... ;)) How was the arts fair? Did mom get away OK?

Greetings to all the lurkers... you can hide, but we know you're there! :lol:

Jay

Yes, I'm here. Today I will get out the power washer and do the decks. Does that count? When I use it, I always think of you, Jayell. :)

Gail, one of the reasons I don't post in maintainers is that I don't feel like I belong with that group of folk. Most of them are avid exercisers, post their daily menus, etc.

I'm more of an "all things in moderation" kinda gal. I prefer to enjoy what I am doing - including exercise. Thus, my approach is pretty laid back compared to most chickies around here - but it definitely works for me.

So - my advice - start with what you can do, find things you LIKE to do, and then go from there.

Jay - the weather was dismal for the arts fair, but we had a good time. Neither of us bought anything. Several items were tempting, but I'm trying to honor my commitment to only buy things for the house that I NEED - otherwise my declutter efforts will have been in vane ;)

Mom is still here until Wed. We will take her out for dinner tomorrow night - to a really nice Bavarian restaurant in town :)

Ruth - :lol: I think of Jay every time I get out the power washer too (which isn't often :o)

A good day here, church went well this morning (It was my week to be liturgist) and our parish assistant gave the message - she is an awesome speaker, and I just love it when she preaches!

I spent much of the day cooking, I had way too much prepared/processed stuff last week. Between that and entertaining all the relatives and meals out :yikes: While my weight held steady, I just feel different, and not in a good way.
So today was devoted to making rosemary whole wheat focaccia bread, aquinoa/mushroom/feta dish, and wonderful lentil/chick pea burgers.

The house smells WONDERFUL! :D

Hope everyone had a GREAT weekend! I LOVE seeing all of the activity here :yes:

Hello everyone, thought I'd pop in here today. Countingdown you look so nice, what an inspiration you are! I am still hanging in there, losing a little every now and then. As long as I'm losing I guess it's ok. :) Just feel like it is taking me a long time but then I'm not restricting myself very much I guess.

Have been getting more involved in our yard..usually leave it mostly to my dh but getting my interested. I planted a bunch of flowers in pots and my dh made a really pretty area in one corner of our yard. We have a bird bath there and he encirculed it with bricks and planted flowers inside. I added a few of my pots here and there on the bricks too. Also put some in the front yard along the driveway and a few other plays front and back. It was fun.

We are trying to do something interesting and fun each week. Yesterday we went to a lilac garden. We have a shrub that has grown quite tall and we were told it was a lilac but the blooms are very slight and are more gray and white. We hoped they could tell us what it was so I took a branch in to show them. She wasn't sure but showed us one that is similiar. Then we went to a large nursery in the same area (this is about 25-30 mi from where we live), and found some that she recommened. Only had the small car but may go back and get one this week. We are going to look around our own area first though. While we were at the nursery, we bought another blueberry plant. We love blueberries and our own seem to taste much better!

I have recently joined a great prayer group at our church...mosly ladies and they are very sweet. I am really enjoying my time with them. Other than that we have just been going to the gym and to appointments. Our doctor was pleased that we had both lost 4 lbs since our last visit and our A1C were good...both the same..but my dh is now on med and I did it with diet. So I'm proud of myself! :D

We had several very hot days then it dropped down into the 80s but tomorrow it is to start back up again. So guess we finally are having summer and we are enjoying it.

Maryea, the garden spot sounds lovely!

The last few days have been too hot to go outside. Tonight it clouded up and rained a bit. This is still not a really good thing because we don't need humid on top of hot. It was supposed to be 113 today and 110 for the next four days.

At least I am mentally active - counting those calories keeps me sharp! LOL

Hi to everyone. Nice to meet you all...Gail Maryea and Late to the Game. Everyone is working hard!!! But I can not imagine living somewhere that it is that HOT!! Oh my goodness. It was 85 here on Saturday but cools back off at night. I would perish I am sure. We are having a fabulous summer.

I have lost another 3 pounds. This last week has been phenomenal. I have not been this weight in years. Not sure what is going on but I am doing my 30 minutes a day cardio for now and have stopped putting all those extras in my mouth.

Just like you mentiond Laurie. An Jay I have now lost one cat in weight. Funny when you think of it that way.

So I am sticking to no sugar/wheat/flour and for some reason this seems to be my time. The better it gets the better I get at it.
Chat to you all later I am off to the gym......Jude

Thanks Mary! Your garden sounds wonderful! Working outside is such good exercise too. I just love it when I can get some exercise AND have something to show for it when I am done :D

gail - don't send that heat my way - I would be an absolute slug if it got that hot!

Jude :congrat: Way to go!!! Keep it up - you CAN do this! Just remember how good it feels!

Hi to everyone else. Gotta run - it is bedtime. I will try to catch up more later. The last few days with Mom here have been so busy!

Laurie

Jude! A real whoosh! :cheer2: I like that--losing one cat in weight! You keep it up--this is terrific!

Hey Laurie, I guess you posted moments before me!

We had rain last night and this morning, and it actually cooled off a few degrees...

Ruthie! :hug: I pressure-washed just a couple weeks ago, and it was everything I had hoped. :D But some unknown neighbor turned me in to the condo president because with the water rationing, no one is supposed to use a pressure washer. EXCEPT of course the pressure washing companies! In other words, I can pay someone to do it, but I can't do it myself. Is this a gimmick or what? :mad: Anyway, the condo president came by to tell me about the complaint. I was polite but I don't care one whit. And if they turn me in to the City, I'll pay the fine. The front of the house hadn't been washed in a year and a half, and I'll be doggoned if I'm gonna do it with a brush and a bucket.

maryea, it sounds nice to have a spiritual group to be with. Also, I LOVE lilacs--but they don't grow here.

Gail, do you have A/C? Maybe there are some exercise shows on the TV or on DVDs you could do when it's too hot out.

OK, I'm done for the night!

Jay

Hi everyone, I'm trying to play catch-up after being on vacation for a couple of weeks. I got back a week ago, but last week was crazy-busy, trying to get everything done!

The trip to the mountains was incredible, and I did an insane amount of hiking - 100.6 miles! Plus another 17.5 miles of cool, hilly running. I didn't gain any weight, because of all of the activity. I loved the "play hard until you drop then eat everything you want" diet! It was soooo much fun. I wish I could retire right now and do it every day .... but we have one in college and one in high school and retirement is still a few years away!

MBN :woohoo: sounds like a GREAT vacation to me! I love hiking! And, I'm with you on the retirement wishes. I can't draw my pension for another 3+ years :( Otherwise ...

Hope everyone is having a great day! I actually got out of work on time tonight - we are taking Mom out for her last night here to her favorite restaurant, and then to the park to hear a band (bluegrass/gospel) that she enjoys.

She flies out tomorrow. This month sure has flown!

Laurie

Hi there MBN. Wow that is a lot of hiking. I wonder if I will ever be in shape enough to think hiking was fun. You and Laurie are really into the outdoors. I am afraid the gym is the thing for me. I have to admit that though I do have a small garden it is not really my thing either.

Jay are you there. Help me out here. Maybe you are a hiker as well. I used to walk miles but the extra weight has made my back hurt. Once I get into onederland it should come back I hope. Lots of walking to do out here. And hiking as well. I live at the base of the mountains. If you are watching the winter olympics this February that is my back yard.

Missed the gym this morning. Was all dressed to go and the time just slipped away. At some point I have to re focus and get ready for work.

I will go tomorrow.....

Laurie you will miss your mom. Such a nice visit. Sounds like lots of good memories.....Jude

I am LOL at loosing "one cat". I am gonna have to figure out how many cats I need to find homes for.

I'm liking the "losing a cat" measurement! I've lost 4+ Diggers :D

Jude, hiking is my biggest NSV. DS1 and his wife are very "outdoorsy" (probably was all that hiking and camping we did when I was his scout leader). They love hiking the mountains in California. It became very apparent to me 2-3 years ago that I could not particpate in family outings when I visited them. DH and the kids had a lot of fun, while I waited at the bottom/top/parking lot etc. It was my wake-up call. I finally had to admit that my weight WAS interfering with my quality of life. Up to that point, I was blissfully denying that I was anything more than "pleasingly plump" - a few lbs overweight - which comes with age and menopause anyway.

Seriously, I was in major denial.

So, hiking puts a huge smile on my face every single time I do it.

All this was a long way of saying - absolutely - you CAN do it again. If you look at my progress pics (linked below) you will see a picture of me hiking in Yosemite in January 08 (which was around 165 lbs)

Before I started this journey, the stairs to my office were a major exercise routine for me. I had trouble doing dishes without leaning on the sink. My back and my knees and my hips were causing me a lot of problems. My solution was to move less. And less. And less.

I actually enjoy physical activity more now than I did in my 30s and 40s. While I still need to baby the knees a bit (hiking poles are a blessing), I can walk/hike all day without any back pain at all.

Keep at it, losing the weight really does make that much of a difference.

:o Off :soap:

Sorry about that chickies, sometimes I get on a roll!

Thanks Laurie that is what I need to hear. Sometimes it seem like to big a job but when I remember the benefits it helps. We have a climb here up Grouse mountain called the Grouse grind that lots of people do in the summer. Then you take the tram back down. My son does it and I am looking forward to the day when I can call him and invite him to come with me. Would blow his socks off!!

Jude ;)

Hey!

MBN! Glad to see you here, and nice to read your report! I always like looking at your pictures, btw. I'd like retirement too--but there is a little problem called my retirement savings... :p

Hey gailr42! :wave: Has it cooled off at all?

Well, on the topic of hiking--I did lots when I was younger and slimmer, and now that I'm somewhat slimmer again, I take walks a lot. My back used to hurt from being overweight too, Jude. Everything was hard. I found out that working on strengthening my abs and stretching out my hamstrings and lower back (which get tight from sitting) helped. So did core exercises. But mainly, not carrying those extra pounds is what made a big difference! I put most of my fat on my belly, and so weight gain stressed my lower back.

Making sure I have good shoes is also really important.

Now my back is bothering me again, but it's a different issue. It doesn't affect walking, though! In fact, walking helps.

I guess I'd better get with it here...

Jay

I actually enjoy physical activity more now than I did in my 30s and 40s. While I still need to baby the knees a bit (hiking poles are a blessing), I can walk/hike all day without any back pain at all.

Keep at it, losing the weight really does make that much of a difference.


I totally agree!! I was reasonably active in my younger years, but never really "athletic", it just wasn't something that was encouraged or modeled for girls in my family. When my children were younger, I was so wrapped up work, parenting, etc - I didn't do much that was "physical". Unless you count laundry and vacuuming, I did a lot of that! ;)

It wasn't until I hit my 40's that I realized that I needed to change. I started an exercise routine, gradually built on it over time, started running, branched into distance event racing .. and discovered this "inner athlete" that I never knew existed before!

Being lighter makes a HUGE difference, I couldn't run when I was heavier and doing any kind of uphill hiking was a significant effort. It was just hard! A few years ago, I couldn't have imagined doing the kind of hiking we just did. I simply couldn't have physically done it. Now, being lighter AND stronger makes it SO much easier and more enjoyable. Being able to be out there hiking on the trails .. or kayaking .. or running -- for me is the ultimate payoff for all of the effort. So yes, it is possible! It just takes time.

CountingDown -- I've thought about getting hiking poles, especially for slippery stream crossings and the steep downhill sections, but wondered if they weren't more of a hassle than they're worth - just something else to have to hold onto and get in your way. It sounds as though you do like them? What has your experience been?

MBN - I fly in the face of conventional wisdom on poles. I like the collapsible ones! I bought very light women's poles (Sierra Trading Post has really good prices). That way, if I choose not to use them, I can put them in my day pack, which I always carry when we hike. They stick out the top a bit, but are very stable. You can also strap them to a pack if needed.

The adjustable poles are GREAT for hills because you can make them longer and shorter with just a twist. I prefer double pole walking, it is a much more natural process.

Honestly, once you get used to using them (and there are some really good tutorials on youtube), they just become part of the hike. We use our poles even on flat ground if we are doing trail hiking. They have saved me from a fall (tripping over a root and the like) on more than one occasion.

For mountain/hill climbing they take a lot of pressure off the knees (particularly on the downs which are harder than the ups on my knees).

In Yosemite, we laughed because the kids didn't take their poles. Yet, in several slippery spots loaned the poles to the kids.

We have rubber tips for the bottoms and we even use them when we do urban hiking in San Francisco and Oakland. We have had a lot of folk comment on what a great idea that is (as they are huffing and puffing up the hills).

Nordic walking (with poles) is very common here in northern MI. On any given day, you will see people of all ages walking with poles on the trails/paths around here (even the paved ones).

I think places like REI and Cabellas sell poles, so you can always give them a whirl at the store. Nordic walkers around here use a cross country ski pole, and you can often find those at second hand stores.

Hi all, I've been so busy with the wedding and everything job related. I plan on getting back on program. I've been off for a while. I regained some pounds, how disappointing.:(
The wedding was absolutely beautiful. My daughter was a stunning bride. We had a young tenor sing 4 of Josh Groban's songs during the ceremony, he was amazing. We have many wonderful memories.
I'm still without a job, but there is an outside chance I will be called back, I can't apply for unemployment until I receive my last paycheck, which will be soon. I'm still hopeful. I promise to be back soon. (

Laurie do your poles have the rubber tips for walking in the city? and is the tip sort of slanted on the bottom. What brand are yours?

Yes, I have both the slanted and the plain rubber tips for my poles. I ordered them separately so that I would have them for paved surfaces.
http://image.basspro.com/images/images2/600-000/614-001-44b-t.jpg http://media.rei.com/media/z/1157283.jpg
Here (http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/,97060_Komperdell-Titanal-Trekking-Poles-Standard-Compact-Pair-For-Women.html) is a link to my poles.

I also found a great pair for about $30 on ebay which I started with and now use as "spares".

Do you use the wrist sling. I notice some poles come without it.

Yes, I like the wrist strap.

Like cross country skiing, it supports your hand/wrist so that you don't have to grip the pole so hard. In fact, like skiing - you can actually release the pole for a bit during the movement. The strap keeps it "attached" and allows you to reconnect with the hand grip as you complete the stroke.

If you walk on level ground, several pros recommend the two-fingered swing (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKTufkzpo8E&feature=channel_page) method of holding the grip. You pivot the pole while holding the grip with only two fingers - very lightly. Then, if you suddenly need more support the pole is right there in your hand (because the strap keeps it from straying) and you can grip as hard as you need to stabilize yourself.

flowingair! :wave: :hug: :hug:

I'm glad to hear the wedding was fantastic! And I'm keeping fingers crossed about your job... Hope you get called back or find something even better!

If you get back on your plan now, those few extra pounds will melt away!

Jay

I am new to 3FC..well a week. I love life, and want to encourage others to do the same. I would like advice on how to "behave" when in this forum. Sometimes my exuberance may be frownd on :(
About a month ago I began a blog, which I am very proud of. it's called weight wise man. I would love your comments

Hey Alan! :wave: Welcome!

You might read this post from one of the admins--it should tell you the ground rules for 3FC in general.

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/weight-loss-support/111599-support-policy-agree-disagree.html

Tell us more about your weight loss journey--and also, your active life! We're big on that in this thread.

Jay

Hi all, hope you had a fantastic Thursday!

Alan :welcome: Jay is right, we love new active folk here.

A good day here in MI - beautiful weather, and we finished the evening off with a WONDERFUL jazz concert in the park. This year's series has been outstanding! We are so blessed to have so many wonderful musicians from Chicago, NY, etc. come to our little town :D

My contract negotiations went very well today. Given the fact that we still need to cut over a mil from the school district budget, I'm just happy to be able to continue in my position. Education is a field where seniority still reigns, so I am glad that I have chosen to stay in the same district for the last 17 years (13 different jobs during that time though).

Lori - I'm hoping that your district is able to bring you back, or that something else opens up for you! Everybody is still holding their breath to see which version of the budget passes. Education is going to take a hit, but no one is sure exactly how much. I think a lot of districts are in a holding pattern until they know for sure.

Have a fun Friday!

Laurie

When I visited my son and family in Italy we went to Corsica. We did quite a bit of walking around on hilly terrain. They have those walking sticks and showed me how to use them. I thought they were really cool. I felt safer climbing up a rocky area with the pole. Corsica is just beautiful. There are lots of places to walk. I guess it is very crowded during the summer season, but spring was great.

Hi ladies,

I had a physical yesterday, and learned the results of my lab work. Ug. My cholesterol is a bit high, as is my glucose. I was told to eat bread, which includes tortillas, bagels. etc. not more that once per week (for the blood sugar). Does anyone else have this issue? I'm not sure what I am going to do for lunches. Any ideas? I am going to try to get the cholesterol down through diet and exercise. I am trying to limit fat, at the same time as limiting carbs. When I was on Atkins, years ago, it was either/or. You ate fat or carbs. Now I don't know what to eat! Any ideas would be appreciated! Thanks!

Welcome Alan to the active folks thread and :wel3fc: Wanted to be sure that you got a welcome from another guy - there are indeed a few around.

Your "exuberance" is welcome also; folks are a bit thick skinned around here so just be yourself.

On the trekking pole topic: Last month when we went to T I B E T, our final destination was to the base came of Mount Everest. The last 4 km was hiked over a loose rock path going, duh, upwards. We were happy to be using our trekking poles for the slight extra security they gave on the rocky terrain. At 17,000 feet the oxygen is about 50% as at sea level which seemed to me to reduce my brain's natural ability to balance.

I had a physical yesterday, and learned the results of my lab work. Ug. My cholesterol is a bit high, as is my glucose. I was told to eat bread, which includes tortillas, bagels. etc. not more that once per week (for the blood sugar). Does anyone else have this issue?

I'm in a bit of the same boat. I had my health screening a few days after returning from vacation, and my cholesterol had bounced up again after being under control for a couple of years. It was TOTALLY diet-related, because I exercised like crazy and didn't gain any weight during my trip. But I ate everything that I don't usually eat - breads, ice cream, etc. I thought that maybe just keeping my weight down would keep my cholesterol in check, but nope, I have to watch that dietary fat forever. Dang!

I don't have blood sugar problem, but I don't eat a lot of refined carbs as a general rule. For lunches I tend to go for salads and soups with lean protein added. Basically veggies and lean protein. How about lower-carb, whole grain breads? I would think they wouldn't have as much effect on blood sugar as refined white breads? I like Nature's Own whole grain 40 cal/slice bread. I keep it in the freezer and just take out a slice or two to have occasionally.

Hey there!

'Late to the game' and others--some evidence shows that overeating carbohydrates leads to high LDL and cholesterol, contrary to the typical things you hear. If you google 'carbohydrates cholesterol' you'll find all sorts of information. I learned about this connection years ago from a book by Dr. Diana Schwarzbein, an endocrinologist.

Also, stress is a contributor to high cholesterol. All these things are related through certain hormones--insulin, glucagon, cortisol, adrenalin.

I don't really understand the "bread once a week" thing--that doesn't sound like blood sugar management to me. Maybe talk to a dietitian or nutritionist?

My blood glucose went from 109 at my high weight to 87 at my goal weight. I tested it this morning out of curiosity and it was 75. Although I try not to overeat carbohydrates, I just counted calories to lose weight and wasn't particularly paying attention to carbs.

I think exercise was the main part of the blood glucose drop. I stopped being sedentary.

Gotta go--BillBlueEyes, you gotta tell us more about TIBET!!!!

Jay

Late to the game - I don't restrict carbs, but there are lots of alternatives to sandwiches for lunch. I take dinner leftovers, soup, raw vegetables, MSF, Boca, Gardenburgers (no bun - just a great sauce to dip them in), salads, etc.

Joseph's makes a "heart healthy" pita (Walmart carries them) that is low carb, high protein and high fiber. Flatout has a similar bread.

Jay - good advice as usual! And, I'm with you - the once a week thing sounds "old school".

Bill, I'm with Jay - more Tibet info! Sounds awesome!

A good Friday here - glad the week is over! No big plans this weekend, I really need to get caught up. All the extra events with Mom kept me from getting a lot of summer chores done!

Have a good weekend all!

Laurie :scooter:

Hi to all, I like all this hiking chat. i cross country ski and use poles for that, but I'm very curious about trying hiking poles. I haven't done a lot of hiking of late and maybe that will help me get back in the swing of things. Thanks for all the great ideas.

Laurie- I work for a private school not a district, so I don't have the benefits that a district has.

I'm back to exercising and using FitDay again.

Wow, thanks for all of the feedback!

MBN Yes, I found a low carb tortilla. I don't eat a lot of bread, but I recently created a wonderful wrap, Tortilla, hummus, tomato, spinach, a little fat free pepper jack, a slice of turkey, YUM!

JAYELL I don't eat a lot of carbs, and my doctor told me about the stress link. Unfortunately, I am VERY stressed. I need to work on that.

COUNTING ~ I too usually take leftovers for lunch. I don't eat a lot of sandwiches. Thanks for the info on the pitas!

Late to the game - stress was my middle name before I started this journey. Keep up the exercise, it really does help! Meditation, yoga, cardio, balance ball, pilates - all really helped me with my stress levels. Which helped me with my eating. Which helped ...


Lori - :crossed: on your job or at least A JOB being available in the fall!

OK, so what did y'all do for the weekend? Anything fun?

We went to dinner with a new friend Saturday. We went to Carrabba's Italian Grill, and I made a very good choice. Salmon, yummmm! I saved half of the entree for lunch Sunday.

Today the most exciting thing was when I went to the grocery store at the wrong time and got totally soaked by an afternoon thunderstorm. I was going to wait it out, but I had frozen foods... so when it looked like maybe it was letting up a little, I made a dash. Wrong move. Got totally soaked. Whee! Oh well, it's only water...

Oh, I also watched the last two days of the Tour de France. Really pretty good this year!

Jay

Hi everyone and welcome to Alan.

So did not make it to the gym today. It is way too hot here. Funny I know it is a lot cooler than a lot of your places but it is hot to us. Supposed to be 90 degrees till who knows when.

I think I will try and get up early tomorrow and get there while it is still cool.

This weekend went to the beach Jay. A place on the ocean that is a bay and the water is lovely. Found lots of sand dollars. It was a great day but got burnt. Will have to move from 30 to 45 suntan lotion.

I am sitting in airconditioning and it is cool but not sure what it will feel like when I get out there.
Went out to dinner at a friends last night and food was good till they got to the ice cream cake.
Today they are serving ice cream sundaes in the lunchroom. Can you believe that. I have not had one. So that is good.

Gotta fly......cheers...Jude

Hi I am Alan and have only been here for a couple of weeks. This thread caught my eye, and I wonder if people can tell me just how active they are? :carrot:

What is the criteria for "being active"?

Tell me what you think, I am curious.

Hi, Alan,

Well, I think of "active" as meaning getting out and doing things, like travel, hobbies, art/music activities (shows, concerts), getting into nature, and so forth. For those who may not be able to get out a lot, it might mean hobbies like painting, woodworking, sewing, other needle arts, or book clubs, playing a musical instrument... things like that. And, many of us over-50s are still working, so we talk about job challenges and such, or volunteer positions.

Basically, keeping moving to the extent one can!

Most of us here also engage in some sort of regular exercise or sports--again, to the extent we can. And we like to post about these activities as well as about our weight loss strategies.

Feel free to join in.

Jay

so are naps allowed or not?

Hi All
Thank you for your welcome, and many of you seem very active. I wonder what those who are not active do in their spare time :?:

I guess I qualify under the rules. :D
I play trombone in a concert band, and walk, and have just begun a blogsite with my ideas on weight loss. I also play a little pool with mates, and attack my veggie garden on a regular basis (nothing like a home grown carrot!) :carrot:

Anyway although I am three-quarters retired I still dont have much time in the day that isnt spoken for...especially the blog is taking up my time - I have never attempted a website before and it is taxing my brain something spectacular!
To see my blog, (it's about a month old), send me a note (is it permitted to post the URL - its not a business?), I would welcome any comments.
Best wishes for all your efforts,
Alan

Hi again, Alan,

Because you're relatively new, you won't be allowed to post links or receive private messages. You'll need 20 posts and 20 days. Sorry! It's the 3FC rules to help weed out spammers. But you're almost there.

EZMONEY, if your naps are the most active thing you do, and you want to talk about them, go right ahead... :yawn: ;)

Jude, maybe take a beach umbrella? Summer isn't the time for the beach here... except early morning, maybe. Glad you had a fun time!

Where I used to live was near a beach that's the sharks' teeth capital of the world. You could find sharks' teeth just by looking down at the sand. These are fossilized teeth and are black. Most are small, but occasionally someone will find a really big one. One does wonder how they all got there.

Jay

Hi Jayell,
I hope I am not a spammer...I always wonder where you draw the line between spamming and information?
I guess you might say I am over enthusiastic!:dizzy:

Anyway, this morning (7.00am Adelaide time), I want you to know I do enjoy a nap in the afternoon ...I set the clock for 25 minutes and I sleep about 15-20 of them. Any more than that I begin to get "dopey". Anything less is fine...very refreshing and keps me going for hours.
Anyone else do the same?
Alan :hug:

Hi all, happy Tuesday!

A quick post tonight. We walked downtown and took in a wine tasting event at our favorite coffee house and wine bar. They serve "samples" of three of their menu items - perfect size for staying OP :D

The weather is glorious, so we also had a fire outside and just relaxed and enjoyed the evening. A nice balance for a crazy work day :yes:

We are starting to get prepped for our next excursion (next weekend), planning our stops throughout Michigan's Upper Peninsula. I'm really looking forward to all the hiking and waterfalls :D

Good Evening all!!

Jay I have seen those sharks teeth for sale but I did not think they were real. Why are they black?
Yes my friend tried to find a beach umbrella as mine seems to have disappeared but they were all gone by now.

There is no break in the weather in sight so we are off to the beach again on Saturday. To a different one though and they may have some shade trees.
This one is right downtown Vancouver and is a beautiful spot.
It is too hot to do anything. We are not used to this much sun for so long. No one here has airconditioning as it is usually not needed.

Tell us more about Tibet..... was it a tour??

Cheers.... Jude :hug:

I'm not going to complain about our cool weather, I like the 70s :D Jude and Jay, you can keep yours :lol:

School is calming down a bit (only a bit) and hopefully, my schedule will be "normal" for the next few days. Then chaos breaks loose again when all the staff come back.

With so many budget cuts and layoffs, lots of folk will be moving around and taking on more responsibilities. On top of training 170 teachers a new grading and attendance system, I get to train those folk too. It should make for a very interesting fall!

But, I'm not complaining - just happy that I still have my job!

I gotta fly, my turn to make dinner tonight. I'm thinking a nice ww pasta dish with grilled vegetables, but I'm not sure on the sauce. Maybe something from scratch ...

Have a fun evening all!

Laurie

Down Ynder we are into winter, so our maximum is around 16C and down to zero sometime buty not often. The crunch comes in summer sometimes with days on end into the high 30s...ie 100F...but isnt life what you make it? :)
Hot is hot and cold is cold, and most of the time it's in between.

Hi all - just a quick fly by. I just finished my workout, and we are off to the jazz concert :)

Hope everyone has a fun evening!


Laurie

Hi all!
More about me.
I have been playing the trombone for more than 50 years, and I hope I have another 10years in me at least - but as our muscles weaken, then so does the embouchure, thats the "kissing" muscles you need for blowing in the mouthpiece.
As you can imagine there are several exercises you can do to add strength to your embouchure! :carrot::carrot:

Anyway... we have a band contest coming up soon... to test ourselves against other bands. That happens in about 3 weeks I think...so have been practising hard.
Also I play occasionally in church, and this Sunday am play a short solo...the Panis Angelicus by whatsisname?.... lets have a look...Cesar Franck.
It's really a boy soprano solo I think, but sounds great on anything if played well. (I hope :o)
Have a great week end everyone :smug:

Alan - trombone players are near and dear to my heart. DS1 played trombone before switching to tuba - then he played bass trombone again in college (since most of the pieces they played didn't have tuba parts).

I played French horn in high school and college, but haven't played since.

DS2 also plays tuba. I do believe there is a special spot in heaven for parents that suffer through tuba players in the family ;)

Hello to everyone else. Happy Friday. DH and I took the scooters out to a favorite restaurant/brewery. The weather is glorious and we had a delightful evening on the patio. Time to get some weeding done before we have a fire on the patio. I wish I could invite all of you over. Northern MI has the BEST weather this time of year :D

Hope you all have a great , on - plan, weekend!

Laurie

Good evening all.

We are having a long weekend here in BC. Don't know about you guys though. It is so hot that I decided to do some overtime. Not a lot. A few hours on Saturday and then 5 hours on Monday. I have holidays later in August so the extra money will come in handy.

I only made it to the gym one day this week. Just too hot even early in the morning.
Going to take the rest of the weekend easy. Might go see my son on Sunday night but will see how it goes.
Laurie for a small town you certainly have no shortage of things to go to. I bet you are looking forward to your holidays...

Well have a great weekend everyone......Jude

Hi! :wave:

No trombones in my family. Instruments we played included, variously, piano, guitar, clarinet, violin, flute. But not all at once. ;) Are you a native Aussie, Alan?

Jude, isn't your gym air conditioned? That's a big draw for me, living here in Fla. The sharks' teeth are black (actually, the colors vary, but are usually dark) because they are fossilized--minerals have replaced the original material. Here is a page that tells a lot about them:

http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/sharks/fossils/fossil_modernsharkteeth.html#colors

It sounds great on your patio, Laurie! So, you're going to be taking a trip to the UP? Or is that this weekend?

We have lots of Georgia peaches coming through... yummmm. And of course blueberries. So good together, with a bit of yogurt, or half cup of milk, and some granola. :drool:

Not much going on--this time of year, one often stays in because of the heat and the torrential thunderstorms.

See ya!
Jay

Jude - no air at the gym? No way I would make it. I turn on the fans/portable air at home if I am going to work out. I sweat enough from the exercise - I would pass out if it was hot besides :lol:

Actually, that is one reason I like yoga in the summer. I do my routine first thing in the morning with the windows open. The cool breeze comes in, and the birds are singing so beautifully. It really is a nice way to start the day!

Jay - next weekend is the Rochester (MI) trip for a Trader Joe's run, some hiking, and some shopping (Birch Run Outlet Mall).

The first week in October will be the UP trip. We try to go to the UP every couple years, and we haven't been there for more than a day since 2005. We are long overdue.

The UP has such wonderful waterfalls - which DH loves. They are stress relievers unlike anything else for him. And, the added advantage is that you have to hike in to most of them - lost of exercise involved :)

This weekend is pretty routine around here - not much exciting going on. I do need to make more protein bars though. We seem to like my bars better than the processed ones, and they use up the okara (soy bean sludge left over from making soy milk) that is taking over my freezer.

Hope you all have a fun weekend! Enjoy!

Laurie

Hi ;)

Hi Jay
I have lived in Australia for 53 years but originally from Manchester UK. So I have no aboriginal blood in my family that I am aware of.
Incidentally, I have a book writen in 1938 the year of my birth, written by US dentist Weston A Price. The book is a fantastic classic health book, and I believe is still available on the net.
It's entitled Nutrition and Physical Degeneration...my point being that in it Dr Price states that the Australian aborigine was the most perfct specimen of humankind that he came across in his world wide travels and investigations. Now the Australian aboriginal health is abysmal since they have adopted, or rather "encouraged" to eat "white man's" food and other bad health habits. I find it very sad. :( It is a lesson for us all.
Anyway, on a brighter note, I hope everyone continues to enjoy their Northern Hemisphere summer, while we Down Under cohabit in the gloom (not really that bad actually! :carrot:)

It's our turn for the sun soon :-)

Alan

Hi, I don't know where the time has gone since my last entry. I've been biking, swimming, and kayaking. This is such a great time of the year to be outside.

Alan- Welcome, it sure is fun finding out about Australia. I've always wanted to go there. Maybe someday.

Laurie- I love the UP and all those waterfalls. I haven't been there in years. I guess it's time to revisit.

Jude- you seem to be having a great time in the out of doors.

I've been busy with I'm not sure what. We're picking up the grandkids and bringing them up north to our cottage this week. I can hardly wait. It's such fun seeing life through the eyes of a child. Talk to everyone soon.

Gosh, a new week already... :yikes:

Nice to see you posting, Flow! Sounds like you've been having a great time.

Hey Alan, I guess I didn't really mean "aboriginal" by "native." I just meant were you born there. :lol: In the U.S. we talk about "native Floridians," "California natives," and so on in that way--even though "native American" would mean American Indian... :dunno:

I think it is terrible what has happened to the Australian aboriginal people, especially after alcohol had been introduced. Same thing with native American people.

I'm looking into getting a new computer system. Mine is 8 years old and is finally getting too slow... and too small... for what I need to do. I like laptops. I was looking at switching to a Mac--I love Macs--but I've been working on a Windows machine all this time, and it seems like I can get a new ThinkPad with the fastest everything on it for significantly less money and less hassle. So, I'm probably going to stay with Windows.

I guess that's all I have to report. Oh, some of you remember I was going to the doctor to see about some health issues. Well, I did, and now of course I have to have tests. That will take more time... Sigh... It's a good thing there is really nothing wrong with me! :lol:

See ya!
Jay

Alan - we definitely have some pretty bad eating habits here in the states. I grew up in the first "junk food" generation, first fast food restaurants, etc.

I have had a lot of bad habits to unlearn over the years!

Lori - Sounds like you are having a wonderful summer!

Jay - I had a Thinkpad that I really liked. And I definitely prefer a laptop. If you have wireless at home, they are awesome.

We are considering a netbook for travel. My laptop is only 4 lbs, but we are into ultra-light traveling these days ;)

I totally understand about the tests. I had my last one for the year last week! Keep us posted on your results!

A busy start to the week here. Work is indeed heating up again, and I took my lunch time to go give blood. I did a yoga workout after work, and now I need to get some dinner together.

I'm glad we have a mini-vacation scheduled for the weekend! I'm already wishing Friday was here :lol:

Hope your day was terrific and ON PLAN!

How do people lose weight?

I am interested in writing a story about the many ways people lose weight.

Eating nothing but protein, or fruit, or vegetables?
Running the marathon (I wish!)
Water diet? No fat diet? There must be hundreds...there are thousands of books that's for sure. :)
How did you do it?
Are you still looking for the Holy Grail? :cool:

How do people lose weight?

I am interested in writing a story about the many ways people lose weight.

Eating nothing but protein, or fruit, or vegetables?
Running the marathon (I wish!)
Water diet? No fat diet? There must be hundreds...there are thousands of books that's for sure. :)
How did you do it?
Are you still looking for the Holy Grail? :cool:
You can click on my goal story for more info, but in a nutshell:
Calorie counting (all things in moderation)
Eating mostly whole foods (30/40/40 split) - modifies Sonoma, Mediterranean, Flat Belly diet (incorporating MUFAs)
moderate daily exercise
Accountability - journaling my food, weight and exercise, posting here at 3fc, weighing daily, etc.
Vegetarian diet (though that is the norm - I was a fat vegetarian for years)


Really, just a lifestyle change that incorporated eating less, eating wisely, and moving more. Nothing dramatic, nothing exciting, tried and true strategies.

How do people lose weight?

I am interested in writing a story about the many ways people lose weight.

Eating nothing but protein, or fruit, or vegetables?
Running the marathon (I wish!)
Water diet? No fat diet? There must be hundreds...there are thousands of books that's for sure. :)
How did you do it?
Are you still looking for the Holy Grail? :cool:
You can click on my goal story for more info, but in a nutshell:
`Calorie counting (all things in moderation)
`Eating mostly whole foods (30/40/40 split) - modified Sonoma, Mediterranean, Flat Belly diet (incorporating MUFAs)
`Moderate daily exercise
`Accountability - journaling my food, weight and exercise, posting here at 3fc, weighing daily, etc.
`Vegetarian diet (though that is the norm - I was a fat vegetarian for years)


Really, just a lifestyle change that incorporated eating less, eating wisely, and moving more. Nothing dramatic, nothing exciting, tried and true strategies.

How do people lose weight?

I am interested in writing a story about the many ways people lose weight.

Eating nothing but protein, or fruit, or vegetables?
Running the marathon (I wish!)
Water diet? No fat diet? There must be hundreds...there are thousands of books that's for sure. :)
How did you do it?
Are you still looking for the Holy Grail? :cool:

I just eat real food in moderation -- emphasizing lean proteins, veggies, nonfat dairy, and whole grain carbs -- and work out as much as I can. Yes, I do run marathons! ;) Well, half marathons anyway. I aim to do an hour or more of vigorous activity almost every day - hiking, swimming, running, kayaking, strength training or other exercise class. Working out makes me feel good and lets me eat more. But I have to keep my diet in line, because I can out-eat any amount of exercise, if I try!

I find it is very important to self-monitor, because if I just ate whatever I wanted I'd gain a lot of weight in a big hurry! I monitor my weight and how my clothes fit, write down what I eat, and count calories. I have a calorie "budget", and if I go way over on one day, then I have to compensate by either burning more calories or eating less other days. For me, it's all about understanding that "calories in vs. calories out" equation. Right now, I'm in maintenance mode, so I just need to keep the equation balanced.

Well, Alan, I hope you're not just here to collect data. ;) :lol:

I counted calories and tried to keep my proteins/fats/carbs in the Zone diet percentages. I got a gym membership, had some trainer sessions, and went to the gym 5-6 times a week. I do both aerobic/cardio and resistance work. Also some core exercises.

In short, I stopped eating whatever struck my fancy, whenever it was available--and got off my butt. :)

I'm not looking for any Holy Grail... not sure what that would be. If you mean, the magic secret that will allow me to go back to my sedentary, overeating ways and not gain weight... that would be just a scam.

Can't believe it's Wednesday already. Summer is slipping by!

We have Carolina wrens here--I love to hear them singing in the mornings. I had one that sat in the bushes outside my office window one day--such a little bundle of energy! It was taking a bath in the dew on the leaves of the bush. And you would not believe that that loud song comes out of that tiny body!

OK, I've been for my morning walk and have to get down to work. :book2:

Jay

Hi all, a quick fly by. I worked an 11 hour day, then went straight to a church meeting, and just now got home. Thankfully, I had a protein bar in my purse :D

And, I walked, so I did get in about 4 miles today - but no other exercise.

I'm SO looking forward to the weekend vacation!

Laurie

I have enjoyed reading the replies that tell me what people are doing to either lose or maintain weight. Nice one MBN...the runner. I envy you.:hug:

I had to give up jogging at 67 because my illiac band (or something like that) on my left knee was causing bother. Walking it is for me now. I walk around 20 miles plus a week with various "partners" that I have gathered over the years.

What has been here said all makes sense.

Here is something that doesnt make sense to me.:(

This week I saw a program on TV that showed a lady who lost weight through surgery. I made me sad to think that for her, it was the only way.

What made me even sadder was to see her hubby and child. They were both seriously overweight - unless my aging eyes :-) deceived me!

What now happens to them I wonder? Surgery all round? (Pardon the pun!:p)

The cost of the procedures, including removing unwanted loose skin (filled with remaining fat) was $22,000...and yet more surgery to come on her "arm flaps" which were hanging from her upper arms.

The family lifestyle presumably will not change, and you all know what that means.


I remain perplexed.

Alan, you bring up a valid point, and one that kept me from considering surgery (which I most likely would have qualified for).

IF, I need to change my lifestyle to maintain a loss (and previous diet attempts have proved this to be a key factor on long term maintenance), and IF making healthy lifestyle changes is a prerequisite of surgery (and it is), then WHY couldn't I just make those lifestyle changes to lose weight?

It would certainly be a slower loss, but it would definitely be a healthier one. While I have only had dental surgery in my lifetime, even that was a trauma to my body that took weeks to heal.

I think that is one of the blessings to starting a lifestyle change journey at this age. We tend to put the "urgency" of our desire into perspective. We are more likely to take a moderate approach.

And, the folks here have heard me say it so many, many times before, but it bears repeating: I very much enjoy/enjoyed my weight loss journey. I learned so much along the way. The journey itself has been very valuable. Without the time it took, the lessons I learned, I don't think I would be a successful maintainer.

Laurie I always love what you have to say. You are always so encouraging.

I have had a busy week. I am going away next week to the prairies to visit a friend. I am a little concerned about my food as holidays are always a celebration.
She has two dogs so we will get lots of walking in. This is a trip to the town I grew up in and she is an old friend.

It will be quite a walk down memory lane. I have not been there for 30+ years. I have a dear uncle there and a sister to visit. It will be fun.

I have told myself that it is only a week and to enjoy the company and just watch the food.

Will not be checking in cause my friends computer sounds like it is on it last legs. But we will see.

Hope you all have a great week next week and will look forward to seeing you when I get back....
Cheers Jude

Alan can I ask.... are you here on a weight loss journey of your own?? You have never said if you were or not. Maybe you could share what that looks like for you?

Thanks Jude

Jude - have a GREAT time!
One word of advice (OK, more than one - you know me)
First, this is a lifestyle change, so you need to be able to incorporate "life" into your plan. And life includes all kinds of trips and events that involve food - at least mine does :lol:
So -
Instead of "watching" the food, log the food.
Watching is good, making wise choices does help. But, I find that having to log it as well, really helps me with portion control as well as food selection.

Also - don't be afraid to take some "go to" foods with you - protein bars, LF string cheese, etc. Or, if comfortable - do a quick shopping trip when you get there. I do this when I visit relatives. Something about starting my day with an ON PLAN breakfast helps me make better choices throughout the day.

Take pictures while you are gone. We want to hear about your trip when you get back! :)

I'm off for our weekend trip shortly. I will catch up with everyone Sunday or Monday.
Hope you have a fun weekend all!

Laurie

Have a fabulous weekend Laurie!!!

Hi All, and in particular Jude
I am not on a weight loss journey, so much as a weight loss "mission". I was overweight when in my early forties and lost about 14 pounds (that's all I needed to lose, so I wasn't BIG). Since then I have maintained my weight through a change in lifestyle, and a study of eating and exercise habits/information/books.
When I see overweight young people struggling with their lives it makes me want to reach out and somehow help....Life isn't meant to be under a black cloud, but out in the sunshine, and a black cloud is what the burden of obesity is for most people.
I guess I dont have to tell you that.
I will relate more to you soon when the time is right.
Good health and happiness to everyone.
Alan
PS Once again I remind you, I have nothing to sell. My support is entirely free, for anyone who wants it.

Hey Alan! :wave:

Thanks for wanting to lend your support! It is appreciated. Sorry that you had to give up running, though. I went and read about iliotibial band syndrome--yeah, running is out, and some other things as well. :(

Some people become so desperate to lose weight, and are so obese, they will try surgery. There are many different kinds--and some work better than others. Some are also more dangerous than others. It's not a choice I care to make, but I've never been in the "super obese" category.

Jude, your trip sounds like it will be a lot of fun. The main thing is to have backup, as Laurie suggested, and to remember the basics. You know--those basics? Staying aware of what you are eating, exercising portion control, saving 1/2 for later, and drinking plenty of water! Just for starters--but those would probably get you through! And like Laurie suggested, log what you eat. That way you don't "forget" what you ate in the morning by the time afternoon rolls around. But, have a great time!

I got the general results from my X-rays and bone scan. Seems I have arthritis, and also moderate to severe osteoporosis, in my lumbar spine. :chin: Haven't had the blood tests yet--those come on Monday. This thread isn't for medical procedures, generally--but I had mentioned I was going to the doctor for some tests, so this is just a follow up on that.

Raining here again, what a surprise.

See ya!
Jay

Hi all, we are back and now comes the fun of unpacking, laundry and "catch-up".

The weekend was great, we got in about 20 miles of walking/hiking in all. About 5 miles of hiking in the pouring rain. Thankfully, we had our rain gear with us.

I did a little shopping in Birch Run, but I didn't find near the sales I did last year at this time, which surprised me.

Thankfully, I've built most of a wardrobe in this size, so I just needed a few tops and some work pants, which I did find at Petite Sophisticate and Liz Claiborne (75% - 85%off) :)

DH bought a small extension electric chain saw for trimming the tree branches in the yard.

Alan, I'm with you on young folk that are very obese. Our youngest falls in that category. It is very difficult to watch.

Jay - we asked you to post your results (at least I did). Let us know what happens tomorrow, too.

OK, I'm off to get some work done.

Laurie

A day of ridiculous things. I had an appointment for blood to be drawn. Everything was set up just fine. Got to the facility, and the power was out in the entire building, with no idea when it would come back on. So, scratch that. Had to reschedule when I got home, since they couldn't reschedule at the office--computers were dead!

Got in the car to drive home--having been fasting for 12 hours, no coffee, splitting headache--and went the wrong way on the main road. Finally realized this when I noticed I was driving toward the sun rather than away from it...

Then when I got home, went into the bathroom and sat down, and the toilet seat broke. The two flanges where it screws onto the bowl just cracked right through! I think it must have been cracked already and just finally let go. Well, that entailed a search for a new toilet seat... in the right color... extended, not round... and installing it.

Not the best Monday I've had. :faint:

Jay

Jay :hug:

I hope tomorrow is better! Some days are just like that!

While we had a lot of wet hiking this weekend, Saturday afternoon was awesome. Here is one of the pictures from the trail :)
http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/2646/fawn.jpg (http://img41.imageshack.us/i/fawn.jpg/)

Hi Jay,
Support is a word that means different things to different people, and sometimes a different meaning with each different occasion.

In the contex here in this forum, I guess it is more about making people think well of themselves (if that is possible in a forum, - I hope so).

I have asked myself many times why people put on weight.
I know it is nothing to do with intelligence, but I do suspect it is to do wth "feelings" - or "happiness" or Stress.
Once again I suppose it's different for each individual.
Has anyone any thoughts on this?
Keep smiling
Alan:^:

CD, I loooove that deer photo! :love: Thanks for posting it! How neat that you saw it!

Today is a better day... at least I have no headache...

Well, Alan, yes, support means different things for different people. All overweight people are not alike, any more than all people with brown hair are. ;) Just as one distinction, some folks have been overweight all their lives, while others became overweight in adulthood. These two types tend to think differently about themselves and about their weight. Also, those with less than 20 pounds to lose have a different challenge from those with 50 to 100 pounds to lose, or 100 to 200 pounds. The numbers are somewhat arbitrary, but I think you see what I mean.

Also, metabolism does play a role. This isn't an excuse, and my own opinion is that someone who is very obese has been eating too much--even if it's true that they also have low metabolism.

So, my point is, what would be supportive for one person may not be for another. I would say, though, that one has to be very careful about telling other people how to lose weight--especially if one has never been truly overweight or obese. Most overweight/obese people have a long history of struggle, and it's not as though they have never heard of weight loss... One size definitely does not fit all, when it comes to how to lose weight.

OK, stepping down now. :soap: And back to work.

Jay

Jay, I share your :soap: and you plucked the words from my brain.


MANY things led to my obesity. Those that know me, know that I am a confident, intelligent, successful chickie. In fact, my weight is the only area of my life where I have really struggled - long term.

Why?
It is a complicated equation.
1. heredity (physiological and lifestyle)
2. physiological reaction to eating food - food makes me happy. It releases chemicals in my body that make me feel good. Particularly carbs. Thus, eating became a way to reward myself at the end of a long day.
3. Mindless eating - eating was a hobby. I ate socially. I ate when I was bored. I ate when it was time to eat. I ate for many reasons beyond hunger and fuel.
4. Portion control and clean plate syndrome. I am a vegetarian and have been one for 27 years. I ate very high quality, healthy foods. Just way too much of them.
5. Disdain for exercise - really - I never met a form of exercise that I really enjoyed.
6. Time - did you know that an extra 100 calories a day can add up to 10+ lbs per year? Just that extra nibble here and there - the extra muffin in the break room, the extra Halloween candy, the extra butter on the popcorn can make all the difference!!!
7. Complacency and fat acceptance - honestly, until I began to realize that my health might be in danger in the relatively near future, and that my quality of life WAS being impacted by my weight - I really didn't care that I was a few (OK - 75) lbs. overweight. I was happy, healthy, and totally unconcerned about my weight.

Until I was ready, absolutely no one could have convinced me that I needed to lose weight. Weight loss is a very individual thing. The journey is unique for each of us. As Meg often says, "we are laboratories of one".

Each of us must travel this road by ourselves. While it is great to share our joys and sorrows and struggles with others, no one can travel with us. There is no right path or plan or answer to this problem. Every single one of us will discover what works for us. There will be some common elements, but no two chickies/roosters will travel the same road.

Hi all - a quick flyby tonight. Today is DH's b-day. We went to a favorite restaurant for dessert and beverages (free raspberry cheesecake which we split) and then had a fire on the patio.

I did get in 4 miles of walking today, but work has been so crazy that I haven't done much else, exercisewise.

Hope you are having a great week!

Laurie

I have read all your posts with interest, and you have all put great thought into what is happening with your weight, and I sense that is the key to winning the war!

You have inspired me to write an article on what is behind "weight gain" in general terms of course - I am sure you are 100% correct in saying, that in specific terms, everyone is a different case.

Thank you for your inspiration.:carrot:

Alan

Hi all - hope you are having a good day! Same old here - too much work. DH is working tonight, so I used the time to get bills paid and catching up on some chores (since I was gone last weekend).

My new WATERPROOF hiking jacket came today. It is AWESOME! I almost want to go stand out in the sprinkler to try it out ;)

Seriously, after last weekend - DH was completely dry in his Gore-tex coat. My "raincoat" kept me dry for about 30 minutes, and finally soaked through. I was a drowned rat by the time we were done hiking. So, an early birthday present to me was a new coat jacket for inclement weather. I love the deals at Sierra Trading Post - 80% off and a beautiful sky blue color. I need to scout out a fleece shell for it now, so it can truly be an "all weather" jacket.

I'm all set for our next hiking trip in October :D

Have fun all!

Laurie

CD, I'm sure you will LOVE the Gore-tex. Yay!

I finally got my blood drawn this morning, second time around. The tech had to draw NINE tubes! :fr: She explained it was a lot of tubes but not that much blood... but still... However, she was an excellent tech! I have no bruising at all.

OK, Come on over to the new thread! :kickcan:

Jay