Well is everyone on vacation? Not me until friday then off to camp. On the healthier life style I have some good news my new insurance through work is giving us a choice to have 300.00 a yr. towards a gym membership or the new eye surgery. I would like the eye surgery but in the end I hear its around 2,000. So I think having my gym membership will be the best choice. I currently have a membership which is only 15 a month but the trouble is the gym got closed in my areas so its not convient. I am going to ck out a few different ones and see what they have to offer. I woke up pretty sore this morning with the back pain. And it isn't nice. I know I have to do something with that. I have been walking more within the last few days and I feel good about that. Well hope you all come back soon kind of lonely here all by my lonesome self. Had a good start to my day with grapenuts and fresh wild berries, flaxseed toast.
No, I'm still here! Monday was actually the opposite of vacation, and I scrambled around from one thing to the other like a ball in a pinball machine. I try to work out most mornings, but looking at my calendar I see that Monday AMs are the hardest, so unless I know that I will have other time challenges during the week, I'm going to forgive myself if I don't manage a workout on Monday mornings!
Marie, you can only keep up a stiff upper lip for so long! You have been phenomenal trooper with surgeries and accidents (your own and canines). I've admired how you've embraced walking, even running, swimming, biking, skiing...you even whine in a disciplined way . Be kind to yourself now and this rash of ailments will pass, and you'll be good as new.
Carol, most of my soups used chicken broth. I used the lower sodium canned stuff, but when I roast a turkey over the holidays (which is kinda nutty for a single woman, I know!), I make up a big vat of turkey broth and freeze it. These particular soups don't have much of a recipe, but I usually throw in diced tomatoes, yellow and/or zucchini squash and some kind of protein. This week's protein: tofu. Stop making faces, it actually turned out really well.
And just a reminder: we've been asked not to post in big unbroken chunks of text, but to use punctuation and paragraphs. It is easier for us all to read and to follow each other's train of thoughts this way.
Emma, I know you feel good about your weight loss! I'm usually in the opposite position, weighing less at home than in an office. Good luck on following that up with another big loss.
I did a cardio/weight workout this morning. We're having a field trip this afternoon, to see the new Leonardo DeCaprio movie (it's in line with my job). It's a matinee, so I should be full from my lunch meeting (I will have a big salad). But I packed some sliced sweet bell peppers, grape tomatoes and almonds, just so I can munch along with everybody else
I've been solidly on program, and really, really, REALLY wanting to lose a couple more pounds this week.
Emma - Congrats on the weight loss . You're doing fantastic! I'd definitely go with your dietician's scale - usually it's the other way around. I have two digital scales and use the one which always shows 1 lb. lower . Have you changed anything major in your eating habits?
Carol - I've been eating more flax lately too. I grind some up and chug it down every morning mixed with milk or water. I also bought some flax/raisin/sunflower seed cereal but only have a tiny portion because it's high in calories. It's yummy though and I'd rather have that than a piece of cake (much healthier too). My 20 grain bread also has flax in it. Flax is supposed to be a good cancer preventive (especially breast cancer) and it's also great for keeping me regular .
Sorry to hear your back is still acting up. Take it a bit easy with the exercise till it gets better. I was overdoing some of my yoga poses and messed up my hip and so I took a few days off from yoga and it's much better. Now I'm skipping the poses that hurt my hip.
Judy - Let us know if you liked the movie. I'm not a big fan of Leo but I'd go see it if it's a good film. Good for you packing some healthy snacks to take along. It sounds like you're eating very healthy with all those good veggies and soups.
I'm still on track food-wise but should be doing more exercise. I'm afraid of overdoing it and wrecking my hip, foot or back before my trip to England in in a couple of weeks. I'm still working out 3 times a week at Curves and doing a bit of gentle yoga at home.
I've been eating a few Lean Cuisine meals, which I haven't done for years. They've improved a lot with healthier ingredients and they taste better with lots more choices. I like it that I don't have to do any figuring out of calories and I always add an extra veggie.
I feel thinner, so I'm hoping to report a loss on Friday. My new pants are too loose - not sure if they've stretched out or if I'm getting slimmer in the waist. I need to take my measurements as I haven't done that in months.
Marie, Nikki and Jennelle - I hope you're doing ok.
Boo, no movie today! One of my co-workers has to deal with an illness in her family, so we'll try again next month. The movie is a documentary called the 11th Hour, which DeCaprio helped bankroll and narrate.
I'm also a flaxseed fan. I grind it in a coffee mill and use it in smoothies or atop cottage cheese. I have been making salad dressing with half virgin olive oil and half flaxseed oil.
Penny, hooray for loose waistbands . you are figuring out a fitness program that works around your challenges. I just picked up my sneakers from Curves . I just haven't been motivated to go, and it doesn't make sense to spend money on something I can't talk myself into using regularly. I hope that the folks at the physical therapy place can recommend a personal trainer who will help me with a routine using the weight machines in my apartment building. The other guy was nice, but he gave me his standard routine, which only used two of the machines.
Carol, I've heard that for chiropractic, it's all about who you go to. So it helps most to get a recommendation from someone you know.
Hi all, definitely no vacation. The start of school is next week and the teachers returned to work yesterday and today. The tech's phones are ringing off the hook - luckily mine is a bit quieter. But busy, busy, busy.
I think Penny was right on with the PMS making the pain worse this weekend. The TOM came and PMS left and I feel better. Not great but better. Thanks for letting me whine the other day.
Today I have to bring Bliizie back to the vet. Her foot is getting worse again. It's so frustrating. And because it's open again I didn't take the doggies out for a walk this morning. I slept in. Oh lazy me.
Emma, way to go on the weight loss. You're doing great!!! Maybe inspiration will come my way. I can hope right???
Penny, loose waistbands are divine. Excellent job. Definitely don't push it with exercise before your trip. I do think I'm going to start the yoga idea soon as my balance is getting worse and I should get at it before ski season.
My new bike helmet should be here soon. I bought a pretty pink one. I hated my gray one and sort of avoided wearing it biking (alwasy wore it rollerblading) and I didn't have it on when I went over the handle bars. So I bought a pretty in pink one.
Carol, I had the lasik eye surgery done 7 years ago. Best $4500 I ever spent. Defnintely, without a doubt. I know my vision for close-up is starting to change from age and that's not fixable but distance is so nice.
Carol, I agree with Judy on the chiropractor - a recommendation is the only way to go. I did try on last year and it was a bust but I know others that swear by it.
Judy, you go chickie. You are doing so great. Motivate me too!!!! Good luck finding a personal trainer. It's probably like the chiropractor idea - recommendations.
Marie
Carol ~ I agree with Marie, lasik eye surgery is definitely worth it! I was scared to death of the idea, I kept imagining my self walking out of the clinic blind! but omg, I can't imagine myself still wearing those ugly thick glasses! I say go for the lasik surgery if you are a candidate.
Judy ~ Hope you get the motivation to work out! Sorry you didn't make it to the movie Hope the personal trainer thing works out for you. sometimes we do need some one to push us through workouts.
Penny ~ yay for the loose pants! we're waiting to hear about the losses on Friday. Go easy on the exercise, wouldn't want to miss that trip to England. Sounds exciting!
Marie ~ I'm glad you're feeling better today. Yay for the new helmet!, pink, sounds cute. Hope your doggy gets better
I've been doing alright on food. Been slacking on exercise for the past 3 days but got on the treadmill yesterday and did 30 minutes, and 10 minutes on elliptical. Will try to do 60 minutes today
Morning all, just a quick note since I have 3 inservices to teach today and I'm not quite prepared (nothing new). Food yesterday was bad. Yep, just plain bad but I do admit I really enjoyed the strawberry shortcake. DH picked the strawberries right before dinner and they were so yummy. Today I will be better. Actually that shouldn't be hard to beat...
I used the treadmill this morning for 1.5 miles. Blizzie is ok, but the walks on the dirt roads are over till her paw heals. So Kody just gave me the sad doggie face this morning as I walked and he didn't. Poor doggie.
Emma, I think if we shook you and me in a box, we'd come out with one of us being a losing success. You've go the food under control and I've got the exercise. Hmm, how do we get both of us consistently good on both????
Marie
Nikki and Jennelle, I hope that you are both doing well.
Re lasik: I was told a few years ago that I wasn't a great candidate, but the technology has improved so much, maybe that's changed. I know several happy lasik folks. I've worn glasses and contacts for so long I can't imagine not needing them. The idea of the surgery is creepy, tho.
I slept a little late this AM, so I pulled out my rowing machine and puffed away for 15 minutes. I will either row more tonight or go by the fitness center for more cardio (I need at least 45 minutes at least 4 days/week). The eating's still on program, and I've stuck with it long enough that I'm not always needing my planned snacks . Me and the Coach are hanging in there--this is the longest I've been able to force myself to track my food in some time, so I am pleased to have gotten over that hump.
Anyone up for supporting each other in a new short-range challenge? I'd love to discover 215 by October 8 (Columbus Day). That might help me through a wedding and other events, mega-stress at work, and at least two trips out of town.
Judy I need a challenge also so I will be with you on this one. I am still checking into a new gym or the YMCA.
Marie the helmet sounds wonderful in pink and people will beable to spot you.
Sometimes we fall off our foods a bit I think its normal to slip just don't slip to far is the main thing. Good luck with making healthy choices today.
Penny Congrats on the loose pants thats great. Lots of hard work and I also have a hip problem which is causing my back issue. I am also going to try and sleep in the other room on a firmer bed and see how that goes. Maybe I will have to get a new mattress. Time will tell. Hope your feeling better soon and I am going to give yoga a try as well just with a video for now.
Emma thanks for the info. And we all have a day or so off being off track the thing as I said is not to stay off. Your doing so well overall remember that to.
I am off camping this weekend and hope I feel okay for it all. The doc said kayaking is great exercise just watch lifting for right now. I liked the chiropractor he seems very knowledgeable. Some of the things he said I knew were true such as one leg a bit shorter etc. cause I had been told that years ago. I guess for me its more that I twisted myself lifting pellets last August and now need to get things back where they belong. We'll see how it goes. Work is good very busy one girl is leaving and not the one I would personally of liked to go. But for this young lady its going to be a good move for her more income etc. So I am happy for her sad for the dept she knows her stuff.
Last night I ate clams not sure how good they are for me but really tasty. I did them in the microwave they were better than steamed flavor wise.
Well take care everyone and I will have to decide what my goal will be for October Judy but I will think of it.
Judy - I hope you find a good PT. They can really help with good form and also giving you a personalized program. I'll join you on your challenge! I'll go for 3 lbs. Doesn't sound like much, but I want to be realistic, especially as I'm going to England next month and it will be harder to keep track of my calories. Especially with Mum force-feeding me cream puffs!
Marie - I'm glad your pain eased up a little. It's not whining - I prefer to call it "venting". I like how I can share my ups and downs here - I find that my other friends expect me to be "up" all the time and not put a damper on our get-togethers. When I vent to my husband it seems to fall on deaf ears - I just think a lot of guys just don't have the empathy gene!
I have one friend I can really confide in but she often suffers from severe depression and I'm afraid to make her feel worse. Somehow there is a different atmosphere here on this thread and we all understand how important it is to "vent". So vent away whenever you feel the need!
Carol - I went to a chiropractor for a while for a back problem. It helped a bit but even more so when he sent me to a very good masseuse who did deep tissue massage.
I also have one leg which is a tad shorter and this is also what caused my problem. I got orthopedic inserts for my shoes, but don't wear them because I found them uncomfortable.
A new mattress really helped my hip. Our old mattress was very firm. We got a new one with a puffy top layer and it made a big difference.
Jennelle - Good for you keeping on track!
Nikki & Emma - I hope you are doing well.
I'm feeling a bit down and haven't been sleeping - got 2 hours last night . I've been worrying about our son, who found he has borderline lead levels on a blood test. What's normal is 0-25 and he is at 25. It's probably due to his competition shooting which he loves doing and will never give up. He's going to try out for National competition next year and may even get a sponsor as he's very good at it.
It's just a fluke that he got tested as his architechtural firm is doing renovation work on the old State Capitol building which has leaded paint in it and they wanted anyone who will visit the building pre tested for lead. It's so frustrating knowing that there's nothing I can do or say to make him give it up. All he can do is take precautions, but the levels may continue to go up anyway. I did a web search about lead poisoning and it's very scary. Thanks for letting me "vent". I'll just have to accept what I can't change.
Penny, that's very scary with your son. Perhaps when he practices he could load with gloves and use a mask? Gee, I don't know but thought I'd throw it in. I know whatyou mean about venting with the depressed. I don't do it either. BTW, did you get your orthotics from a podiatrist? I literally couldn't walk without mine and it might be cood with the short leg problem to revisit the issue with a good podiatrist.
Carol, eeks a harder bed. DH and I tried that once and we were both miserable. We went back to water and I love it. I guess we've been friends a while, I remember the pellet incident. I'm glad the dr. was good.
Judy, you're just cruisin' and I'll join you on your goal. I will weigh in tomorrow and then by Columbus Day I will lose 5 pounds. You're on, chickie!!!!
I made a orthopedist appt today for my knee. My friend who recommended the dr. said it takes a month to get in. But apparently a cancellation and I will go next Thursday. Since my wrist will still be in a splint, I'm waging that'll be x-rayed too.
I treadmilled again this morning and I need to start logging everything again. So I will put my morning's food in and be on top of that.
Yikes, I'm being taken over by a demon who wants to eat junk! I did a cardio/weights workout this morning, and have been eating as planned, but I just had some potato chips and now I'm obsessing over carbs. I splashed some OJ into a liter of water (it looks and tastes like Tang ) but that's not doing it. I had the same problem yesterday afternoon. I guess my body is stepping up its revolt against losing weight, so I need to change my tactics accordingly.
Carol, it's good that you found a chiropractor so soon! It's great that you aren't letting this issue keep you from having fun in a kayak. I love steamed clams (and all other seafood) but I never thought of nuking them.
Penny, you will have so much fun when you go back home! My mum's version of stuffing me is heading directly to the grocery store as soon as I get into town, and figuring out which restaurants we'll go to for which meals. Re your son: lead poisoning is scary, but I am glad that it's been discovered before it's popped up as a problem.
Marie, I'm glad that you have a dr's appointment next week. Your doggies will be happy to be back in their normal routines! It sounds like several of us are dealing with our aches and pains lately.
Okay, so I think it's safe to step away from my desk now! Thanks for being here.
Marie ~ I'm glad that you are feeling better. Its great that you are getting someone to look at your wrist! Hope the doggies are doing okay, you'll soon be back on track with your exercise, just hang in there and take it easy. I'm planning to log as well, it worked for me before and helped me balance out things
Judy ~ Yay for the exercise. OMG that demon visits me sometimes and unfortunately I give in, specially afternoons and evenings! Did you try to eat less but more frequently, like six mini meals a day? might help. I'm in for the challenge btw, just need to think about my goal for then, will post later.
Carol ~ camping sounds fun, love the outdoors! your dr sounds good, hope your back feels better soon. hate losing good people at work, its been happening where I work a lot. I hate the part where you have to get to know the new person coming in and training etc.
Penny ~ that scary, its good that he got tested and diagnosed. I think all you can do now is get him to take precautions and get more frequent tests. you are always welcome to vent here, I usually don't vent with my friends who are down or have depression issues too. But we're all ears here
Nikke & Jennelle ~ hope you get the chance to post updates on your progress etc.
Yesterday was a completely 'off' day for me, I binged & didn't exercise ugh! I've decided to start logging like Marie and will log any binging or off track meals in a different color.
I'm off work today so will do some exercise in the morning and probably later in the evening too, will keep me away from the fridge.
Penny sorry to hear the news about your son. I am not familiar with that too much either. Never a dull moment. Hopefully they can give him something to reduce it. Or prevent it from increasing. Is it from his building or his hobby? Or I guess a mixture of both. Sometimes its hard to give up something we love and for him it sounds very important and who knows if he stops is it really going to make a huge difference if not he should do what makes him happy. I will say a prayer for him. Thinking of you! Your goal is realistic.
Marie he seems really good and I can already lift my legs in the a.m. higer than I could for awhile and I have only had two visits. He said that I have had progress so far and I think he's right. I can only hope to even feel better and its worth every cent so far. My brother says most people have a shorter leg? Who knows? Anyone else here got one they know of? At any rate all my siblings seem to have a bit of a hip issue. Marie good choice for a goal!
Judy I am telling you that nuking those clams is wonderful and for a quick nice dinner why not? Salad on the side etc. I only wish I had saved the juice from their little shells to make clam chowder next time I will. If you do them do not add any water to the batch when you cook them. Just rinse them super good put them on a lipped plate and do about a doz. for 7min. or til they open. Good with nothing on them. We all get taken over sometimes its not easy trying to make a health difference for ourselves.
Emma camping is fun and I love the outdoors and taking walks, kayaking, sitting by the campfire etc. I think our weather is to be beautiful and it will be a lovely weekend. The kayak is already on top of the car all I need to do is get ready this a.m. go pay a few bills and we are off. Feel free to vent here at times we all need to. Sometimes I just need to get on here and touch base it helps me from over eating.
I am cutting up some veggies and taking a little lite dip, baked chips and salsa and some fruit etc. so when everyone else is having something great so can I. This weekend I will burn off calories but at the same time I could really burn off some wt. if I am a good girl. I will try and my goal is 4lbs. for Columbus Day challenge. Lets go girls!!!! We can Do it!!! Have a super weekend Nikki hope your doing well too!!
Marie - I hope the orthopedist has some good ideas for your knee. Good thing you could get in fairly soon with the cancellation. Also, it's a good idea to get your wrist checked out - just in case you have a small fracture.
Judy - Tell that junk food demon to get lost . When your body rebels against your new plan, eat some healthy low cal snack. So long as you keep track it won't do any damage. Also, if you're cutting back very drastically you may get more cravings. I've found that just cutting back a couple of hundred calories a day on a regular basis will get things moving in the right direction
Emma - Sorry you've had an "off" day, but there are 365 days in a year and a few "off" days won't make a big difference as long as you jump right back on the wagon! Logging is a great idea - even just jotting down a running total of calories helps.
Carol - You are so creative with your food! Clams are great and low call too!
I hope your back is feeling better.
Jennelle - Hope everything is fine with you.
Nikki - We're all thinking of you and hoping you're ok.
Thanks, everyone, for your good wishes for my son. I've decided to just accept the fact that he is ultimately the one to decide - if I nag him that will only drive a wedge between us and I sure wouldn't want that. He has promised to take some precautions, although he'd never wear a mask while practicing (a macho thing you know).
There's no possible way he'd give up his shooting competitions which involves a lot of practicing. I'll leave it up to God. Thanks for your prayers Carol. He's always lived life to the fullest and is a bit of a risk-taker, having got his scuba certification when he was 12 and always takes the double black diamond ski runs! He's also full of fun and laughter - a wonderful son. I need to live in the moment (as in the great book by Ekhard Tolle) and not waste my life worrying.
. Be kind to yourself now and this rash of ailments will pass, and you'll be good as new.
I'm usually in the opposite position, weighing less at home than in an office. Good luck on following that up with another big loss.
. You're doing fantastic! I'd definitely go with your dietician's scale - usually it's the other way around. I have two digital scales and use the one which always shows 1 lb. lower 
. Have you changed anything major in your eating habits?
.
. you are figuring out a fitness program that works around your challenges. I just picked up my sneakers from Curves 
. I just haven't been motivated to go, and it doesn't make sense to spend money on something I can't talk myself into using regularly. I hope that the folks at the physical therapy place can recommend a personal trainer who will help me with a routine using the weight machines in my apartment building. The other guy was nice, but he gave me his standard routine, which only used two of the machines.
. Me and the Coach are hanging in there--this is the longest I've been able to force myself to track my food in some time, so I am pleased to have gotten over that hump.
. I've been worrying about our son, who found he has borderline lead levels on a blood test. What's normal is 0-25 and he is at 25. It's probably due to his competition shooting which he loves doing and will never give up. He's going to try out for National competition next year and may even get a sponsor as he's very good at it. 
. When your body rebels against your new plan, eat some healthy low cal snack. So long as you keep track it won't do any damage. Also, if you're cutting back very drastically you may get more cravings. I've found that just cutting back a couple of hundred calories a day on a regular basis will get things moving in the right direction