calling out to women 50+

I'd like to start this thread specifically for women who are 50 or over.

As a 53 year-old woman, myself, I am finding new challenges, unexpected difficulties and wonderful insights on my path to getting to and maintaining my health, weight and body shape.

What seemed to work for me as little as five years ago doesn't work quite the same anymore. My body doesn't seem to respond to what I consider healthy eating habits and good workout schedules as it even in my middle to late 40s'.

SO, I am would to hear from those out there who are finding themselves in situations. OR NOT, maybe you can enlighten the rest of us as to how you keep your shape, or how you're getting into better shape and a healthier overall lifestyle.

Hopefully this will be the start of something wonderful, educational, funny-offer up jokes anecdotes, whatever!

LET'S GET STARTED!

Trivia Egyptians used onions to alleviate over 8,000 ailments  Last night in the newspaper I read some army was feeding it's soldiers more garlic and onions to ward off H1N1 though of that I AM skeptical of it working LOL Handwashing is the best defense!

Getting my Thanksgiving groceries tonight after school then out to dinner - I never cook on Fridays LOL Planning to go shopping Sat to get xmas shopping done then meeting DD's for late lunch early dinner. Taking a break from exercise today... class last night - well gliding was done with your feet on these little pads about 8"around - it wasn't as hard as someone told me it was - we glided for 30min then did some body sculpting. My shoulder is pinging today ...it did not like one of the exercises - next time I'll improvise that exercise

I have found that I do better in the evening since I increased my calories since coming on here AND having more calories earlier in the day - I used to eat veeeery little thru the day then couldn't quit snacking at night. Now I don't do that and if my sweet tooth is calling a Skinny cow Ice cream sandwich does the trick - 140 cal 3g fiber. Plus my reflux now will not allow me to eat late in the evening or I will pay dearly in the amprobably a good thing overall

I love garlic and onions and eat them all the time, didn't stop me from getting sick :/

My girl, or my boy, or the kid, these are references to my children BEB.

Yay!  I went to yoga, although I didn't ride my bike because I think that might have been a bit too exhausting.  Afterwards I stopped at the produce market and got some celery, carrots, cucumber, red pepper, and jalapeno.  Then I came home and made my own fresh v-8 juice in the juicer.  I had parsley, garlic, and beetroot at home already.  Anyway it's very nutritious and if anyone has a juicer tucked back in their cupboard this is a great way to enjoy it.

Finally had a good sleep last night so I've got lots of energy this morning.  It's a nice sunny day too, although still a bit chilly in the house.  Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Bonnie: Onions eh...hmm interesting...I also believe garlic has like alot of medicinal purposes too oh and remember when we did that herbs topic last year basil and parsley are really good for us too!....keep your trivia coming!

Coon cats you say Nancy I have a picture from one of them a white one it weighed an astonishing amount something like 60lbs or so aren't they.....woohoo

Margaret: Don't you believe in keeping strictly( indoor cats) at all with a litter box, here I would never let my cats out well 1st I am on the 3rd floor and 2nd the only cat I ever let out was Bandit and of course then I lived in Mississauga (20 miles just west of Toronto) but he was 7 yrs old then and only stayed in the open backyard as I too was near a busy road, he was exceptionally trained by me though never wandered off except for the one time for 4 days.....

Chris: Angel has long hair but Buttons is like a labrador really short hair no mess or fuss at all...right now they are going bezerk I have left the patio door open to air out my home from cooking a big batch of meatloaf for the weekend and the fresh air has drove them to fly!!!!!!!lol It is to bad your DH allergies prevent you from enjoying gods creatures in the future.I heard of a case here that totally had me going crazy there was a family not sure from where they were torturing cats and dogs and raising their children to do it too, now no matter how much you pray these people are just plain sick and need to be locked up for a veryyyyyy long time!  It was in the news too!

I told you girls my mood would pass, if you all know me it all this happens to me every season change SAD they call it seasonal depression....and now I feel better no need to panic...just let me ride it like a surf wave and then I will be fine..at least this is what I have figured out finally.....

The house smells nice from the pinewood air wicks I bought for the stinky boys or should I say kitten and of course my meatloaf I haven't cooked one in a long while...lotsw of green pepper, red pepper, green onion, garlic etc....yummy.........

NIGHT EATING : As to this eating at night problem I have figured I am going to try a new test and if it works i will pass it on, but for now it is only in the testing phase!

Laura: How is your biking coming along?, doing any interesting trails at all!??Your v8 sounds inticing! Yummy and 0 sodium to eh? Glad you enjoyed yoga! For years i have wanted one a juicer or food processor never got one!  Always seems to be something else that takes priority....ahh

Today is sunny and I went out and did some errands picked up meds, groceries etc and did a little brisk walking, came home and did my batch cooking...I hope everyone has a beautiful weekend..Alice are you hiking this weekend or not quite ready yet for that with your knee!  My mountain here is not quite like your mountains there eh..I am talking maybe 5-6000ft up not miles eh, but it is beautiful the views with all the blue lakes all around, jumping fish and chipmunks, squirrels, many many wild birds and animals that I guess you don't see to much of there being more desert like eh? We are so similar to New England, Conneticut in its appealing calling of loons, and brooks whisking throughout the countryside ah I can hardly wait for spring again...lol

Now have a nice weekend girls, watch what you eat, and reach for veggies or fruits not cakes girls!!!!!!!!!I still like my low-cal brownie mixed with my homemade 20 cal jello no sugar in any of it..0 sodium and low fat and cholesterol it gets a B+ rating that takes care of my sweet tooth and has for weeks so I don't know what kooky Bex is talking about!lol

BEBWho needs a new camera...anyone know much about USB port digitals what to buy, any good brands you recommend, do they zoom??

Chris  Oh,don't get me started on the cat hair. My cat is somewhat a long haired cat and the hair is everywhere. Big clumps of it. Then I have 2 dogs also. So my vac gets used everyday. My nite time eating I think is mostly boredom and then there is the stress. Right now my oldest son is living with me and he has not had a job for about 7 months. So I am paying his car insurance and cell phone bill and his gas for his car to look for jobs and it is really stressing me out. What happens when my savings are gone. I'm on disability and there will be no more savings. This recession is just terrible.

I agree, Nancy, this recession is very difficult for many people.  My frickin condo has gone down since I bought it, but I suppose if I wait long enough it will at least come back to even and I'm living in it so that's better than rent.

Our state, California, had over 12% unemployment when they reported the figures today!  That is huge.  So many people out of a job, and the poor college graduates don't stand a chance to get anything decent -- they'll be lucky to get a job at MickyDs -- plus so many have student loans to pay back.  

My kids are still young so dependent on me.  I had them later rather than sooner :)  Anyway I'm not one to worry too much about money for old age, I mean how long does one really want to live anyway?  Specially in bad health.  Well, that's just me.  

No cats here, just a dog, she's 12, her name is Penny, and she's my dearest companion.  Our entire family dotes on her.  Cats are fine, but only if they poop outside, litter boxes are not for me.  Oh I also have an anti social hamster named Eclair, and my girl has a snake named Lola.  And I haven't been bike riding since I was sick last week BEB.  It took a lot out of me -- I want to believe it was the dreaded H1N1, so I can say "been there, done that."  

Laura - The CDC recommendation for our kids was even if they thought they had the H1N1 flu they were still supposed to get the vaccine

off to finsih up my xmas shopping ...oh my aching feet LOL I'll try to post trivia later today

You wonder why I miss the 70's!....everything was better!, cheaper, affordable, purer, reachable, attainable, even the music made us smile!.............now it's depression, recession after recession does it ever end....wars.... one stops another starts, more floods, hurricanes, tornados, distruction, mudslides, global warming, ozone layer problems, and on and on, I am sure there is always something to bitxx about....and wars does anyone even know why they are fighting? With all this going on we should also be thankful for a few things, in our thirst for knowledge and the never ending progress we strive for I am a little concerned we are just fighting a lost cause I mean really they build cars-pollution, cell phones-cancer, send things into outer space-cut holes in the ozone, raised prices has made 2 working people in every family just to survive and now I see 2 or 3 families living in one home just to make ends meat.....income is going down, produce, rent and taxes are going up, we worry about weight, pollution, weapons control, there are more drugs, perscriptions to treat the so many new and different diseases now and you wonder why people are DEPRESSED!  There are more types of flus you can shake a stick at and they still don't have a cure for the common cold.......despite the overwhelming things I try and avoid listening to on the news because I am so sensitive to the alarming stories I hear, I can only bare to watch the news maybe once a week, but despite all this I manage to make it through everyday and make at least one person happy, short of that at least my kitties, find one good thing about this planet, whether it be a good deed, a smile, a slice of my usual bubbly personality, or a kind gesture, when all else fails at least I haven't killed anyone, robbed any bank, started any war, or hurt anyone....so ladies keep smiling, be thankful for our health (without that we have nothing, right?)be good to your family, pet your animal, take out your garbage, don't litter, and help your neighbour next time you see them!

I think you ALL are a wonderful group of people!, and despite my odd seasonally crazy moment enjoy being on here with you all everyday!

Laura: Yes unfortunately unemployment is everywhere even in Canada....they cut back hours, close companies and all i hear is the P.M. belching we are going to have more jobs..more jobs...what can you do......as to my cats and litter boxes, what is so bad about that, poop and scoop..they poop I scoop that's all there is takes 2 minutes you don't have to empty the whole box just the poop into a bag that I put down the chute, don't you have to clean up after your dog....? we have very strict laws here about people who don't clean up after there pets and because so many people let their cats out they have to have licenses now, if people don't pick up after there animals there is a hefty fine, well I don't have a license cuz my cats are indoors but if they were to get out and roam into someones garden well it wouldn't be pretty$$

Now NIGHT TIME EATING: I tried an experiment last night I didn't eat all day til around 4:30pm thinking that if I started late and ate my normal day would take me through the difficult evening hours and I would be content in the evening and wouldn't be caloried out and be able to snack lightly.......didn't work I have come to the conclusion that the darkness/tv not being busy is just plain and simply boredom eating, not to mention the 20 food/diet commercials I counted...I know the solution would be simple but since that is not about to happen I am needing to find a filling substitute that is low calorie and doesn't leave me empty and always looking for something to eat!  IS THERE SUCH A FILLING FOOD?......I think my problem is I always use to eat till full...now I eat often but not alot at anyone time, so training my body to eat 6-7 times a day may NOT have been such a good idea...it seems I am always looking for something to eat, maybe the 2 meals and 2 snacks should have been enough! but bottom line on 1200 I am always hungry so I am going to raise it a little but since i am not exercising much will not be burning as much...at least I am going to try this for a week or so and see what happens maybe for the extra calories I eat I can get onto my SB...poor Buttons though everytime I ride it he runs into the bedroom under the bed?  He got hit by a pedal accidentally along time ago and now he's scared of it even from a distance!

Another bla bla cloudy wet kinda day but doesn't bother me, I am going to be calling Kyle today woohoo! it's not summer so I could care less about the weather, the workmen came yesterday and carted away all the leaves so the green grass looks nice again...we haven't had any snow yet this must be a record and still fairly warm 7C* temps....but for you out there who can still do things outside have a wonderful day.!..hiking, golfing, shopping, biking, walking or whatever turns your crank!lol

BEB.....hmm stay out of the fridge...maybe a pad lock...lol 'Fit and Healthy"

BEB - I don't think 1200 cal is enough for your ht and wt even if you want to lose and no eating until late evening - remember the furnace analogy...your fire went out then you shoved all that wood (food) in there with no way to burn it. I would think 1500 - 1600 is more reasonable for you and you should try to space it out thru the day beginning with breakfast. And make sure you are getting a little protein at each meal - it will ward off hunger - try to plan 3 meals and 2 snacks into your calories that way you will feel satisfied and not be searching for food all the time

Trivia Bananas are the  most popular fruit in America with Americans eating an average of 33 pounds per person each year and the inner temperature of a cucumber can be up to 20 degrees cooler than the outer air temperature hence the saying"cool as a cucumber!"

bonnie, interesting about cucumbers and the old saying.  I love bananas but limit them.  My dau doesn't like them for some weird reason so I never get to make bananna pudding.

Banana pudding or banana bread I use to make it all the time, but not now, there are other fruits with less calories I can eat but for the sake of potassium i do try to eat them monthly! 

Bonnie: Cool as a cucumber yeah that's a good saying.....so on a hot day cut open a cucumber and slap it on your neck to cool off, or your eyes to rejuvenate, or in a salad to perk it up!..lol? Hey Bonnie how did your shopping trip go did you get lots of goodies for xmas......?????

Ohio: How has your 179 been going down at all!

Kyle and Brian are going to go to the legion for there xmas this year for turkey dinner, and Nicole and Rob are going to her parents....wish I had more $$ this xmas seems silly me staying home alone, if I could only trust not to fight with Brian I may almost invite them here!  He probably can't afford the Via rail for 2?Have to give it some thought!..Any thoughts????

Well it's a nice day today sunny and again 7*C so I am going for a walk around the lake....I have showered taken my back pils so I am off to get some real exercise...in fact I think I wil walk down which is 1.75 miles and walk around and take the bus back cuz by then my back will be crying....have a nice day all!.............BEB

By the way what happen to our saying game did everyone forget or just give up?

Saying: Good things come in small packages......hehehe

Edit: I came back from a gorgeous walk around the lake, you wouldn't believe how many people are fishing for perch down there, there are hundreds of people....where they pull out the big sail and motor boats with there fishing lines in, it is so very nice to see..it makes my day to see people together enjoying one of my favorite sports...I think tomorrow I may go down and join in the fun...my license is paid up till Dec i always get a 3-year just haven't had the URGE and now that I have I bet I do it for days........lol  I know why I have been avoiding going out..Kyle and memories of all the times together...I think I have to start to make NEW memories for myself...I stopped and had a lite beer in a restaurant and joined this older man for conversation and it dawned on me that life does go on even when the child moves out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I just have to find new hobbies and things to do with myself that I enjoy!  RIGHT girls this is what you all have been telling me!

Bonnie: I will eat so I can still have a -500 deficit from my burn but bare in mind I am not nearly as active as you in the exercise dept......but am trying thanks!  for the incentive!!!!!!!!!!!

Off for yet another walk..........in the sun which is almost gone!ahhh maybe just sit on the patio!...Back is bitcxxxxxing!!!

bonnie, I can't believe you are finishing up your Christmas shopping this soon.  You are really on top of things.

Ohio: On the xmas early shopping last year it was me, this year it is Bonnie...........whos is next year????

Ohio - I try  to be done with my shopping before Thanksgiving and I try to get everything wrapped over our break. Today I wrapped almost everything I bought. Still need a few little things but really close to being done. I hate crowds so I never do the black Friday thing and can't take all the ppl at the Malls in December - that's why I get done!

DH is at camp for the next 3 days...I might go try out boot camp at the Y tomorrow night. No cooking for the next 2 days YEAH!!!! Best thing about hunting season LOL

Bonnie, I hate crowds too!  That's why I do most of my shopping on-line. 

BEB, I'm glad you enjoyed your day!  I hope you can meet some people to invite over when the weather doesn't allow outside activities.  As much as you like games, you could invite folks over to play a game of something -- do you play cards or board games?  I like cribbage and most board games, although I haven't played any in a long time.

Yes I hiked yesterday.   Only 7 miles or so, but much of it was up a very steep slope with no trail, following a creek drainage to the top of a mountain, with some boulder scrambling thrown in.  And then of course we had to come back down the same steep hill.  My knee was complaining on the downhill and not very happy when we got back to the cars, but another ibuprofen and ice helped quite a bit.  It is feeling okay today, just a bit stiff, but it is definitely happy to have a rest!  My appointment with the knee specialist is Dec 14. It is very noticeable that the muscles in my left quadricep are larger than the ones in my right.

Nancy, I hope your son gets squared away soon and can start contributing to the household.  I know what a worry that must be.

Margaret, do you have your eating back under control?   At least try smaller portions!  I have a working sheep dog calendar from Wales.  The Welsh word for November is Tachwedd.

Alice

Alice, which knee is the bad one then, the right one, with less muscle?  

I also do as much online as possible when it comes to shopping.  Amazon has just about everything I could want, and more!  All the pressies ship to the office so no one at home knows what's going on :)  

Suddenly realised today that I'd better get the turkey for Thanksgiving if I want it to thaw out by Thursday!  And luckily they had the one I wanted at Henry's:  frozen, but raised humanely as possible and without antibiotics.  Eh, now I need to see if I have poultry seasoning for the stuffing!

Had a good weekend, the weather was nice and I felt much better.  Did a few hours of wood stacking up in the high desert which was good for the back and leg muscles -- I can really feel it already.  Looking forward to an extra short week! Yay!