[frannymae]

Okay, before we talk about stocking our arsenal in the war for health, I want to share what I found out about carbonated drinks.

It was at one point thought that the carbonation in drinks blocked calcium absorption and thereby reduced bone density. A large study was done recently that showed that the carbonation was not a problem but the caffeine might be. But further study showed that the amount of calcium not absorbed when drinking beverages with caffeine was negligible and not anything to be concerned about.

So, why is it that people who drink a lot of carbonated beverages have lower bone density than people who don't? This alarming trend has been noted even in the teenaged population. Scientists now believe it is because milk is being REPLACED with carbonated beverages so calcium INTAKE is lower than it should be. So, carbonated drinks are not damaging to your bone density, but if they are pushing healthy food and drink from your diet that can cause problems. And of course the sugar in regular soda is a huge problem, but we already knew that!


Okay, troops! On to today's topic "Stock Your Arsenal!" We all know that we are in a war...a war against excess weight and unhealthy habits! So we need to arm ourselves to most effectively wage this war.

Yesterday I asked for you to reflect on September and what worked for you, what didn't, what special challenges you are facing, etc. The response was really good!

I am going to recap what I see as the biggest problems facing us as a group:

Getting enough water.
Problem times of the day
Emotional eating..mostly stress related it seems
Habit eating..."mouth hunger!"
Lack of structure
Unrealistic expectations/goal setting

Any others? This list will become our "play book" for October, so if you can think of any other problem areas speak up! Once we know the problems that plague us we can decide what weapons we can use to combat them!

Group Activity for Week of 9/28-1843! Remember, our goal for this week is 2200, and we are ALMOST THERE!

So, the challenge for today is to continue thinking about what worked for you in September...and what didn't! If you come up with other problem areas we can add them to "THE LIST!" And start brainstorming ideas to combat what is already listed, even if you don't have this particular problem. I suspect that by putting our heads together we can come up with some great strategies!

Have a wonderful day, troops! And that's an order!

[Ruthxxx]

Well, having my pedometer helped keep me walking on most days in September but I do know that stress caused me to eat the wrong stuff.

Would you believe I have lost my pedometer? In Ottawa yesterday, I must have visited five washrooms and the darn thing is now gone for good. (Yes, I checked there!) I will buy another one this weekend if I get a chance.

Unrealistic expectations? One thing that helped me "get real" was this website.
http://www.halls.md/ideal-weight/body.htm

There is no way I will ever weigh the WW recommendation of 105 pounds! My boobs weigh 50! And that's without the metal bra!

[sflake]

How about adding exercise to our play book...it seems I do real good for a while then just drop off... then do real good again etc...etc... I know just do it! it should be as automatic as brushing your teeth but for some reason I go in spirts... Can't seem to set a time, the same time every day.

[Deets]

Morning Sarge!

Please add to that list......"eating away from home." For example, anywhere that you don't have control over the cooking.
DH and I eat out a couple of times a week, and I'm faced with luncheons, dinner at someone's home, etc. I know that this is
under the "control" category, but if there are some ideas for tactics in these situations, it would help. I do have to say, I am getting stronger, however.

Ruth...I was going to ask you if you checked your undies for the pedometer, but I thought "no." WW does have some unrealistic standards for weight. I went to my doctor, and had her help me set a realistic goal for my age and size. It was about 6 pounds different than WW. However, I know that is more realistic for me to stay at for life.

Sflake.....you're right. Exercise is a good topic. It has to be as automatic as turning on this computer each day!

Have a good one, everyone. My walking goal for today is
1 hour! Going to try a new route.
~Sharon

[Lizziepie]

Pvt. Lizzie reporting. Thank you Sgt. for the info on carbonation. So I know that I am okay. I still get all my calcium, eat healthy, etc.

I think you hit all the trouble spots I have. About exercise-One of the reasons, among several, that I'm not going to pay per month to exercise, and then not go. So Curves keeps me going. At home it is too easy for me to say "I don't feel like it today" So I do get in the 3xs a week at Curves.

Of course, I know that being retired makes it easier to do exercise. I no longer have to work, ride herd on kids, etc. so I think all of you gals who do, and still exercise are doing great.

My numbers for today are 30Min. Curves. Will have 1hr. at line dancing. don't know if I will get in a walk or not.

Hope everyone has a great weekend on the Beach, with all sorts of self control of our choices. Lizzie

[lmaxin]

Ruth, that site about healthy target weight is really interesting! I bookmarked it for future reference.

I'm afraid I haven't turned in ANY of my minutes this week. According to my journal:

9/29 - 35 minutes elliptical, 15 minutes weights
9/30 - 35 minute brisk walk
10/1 - 40 minute brisk walk
10/2 - 60 minute step/mix aerobic class

[Lizziepie]

Did the hour at line dancing, but no walk today. Getting lazy. Lizzie

[Jennifer 3FC]

Thanks for that link, Ruth! That page is much more realistic! It says 135-170, depending on which table. That is much more like me. I had actually made my goal to be 175, and then would re-evaluate then. I have a lot of muscle, and I am medium-large framed, with big boobs as well! Hopefully I'll keep them!