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!

Hi Everyone,

Hey Bonton, It is slow this weekend isn't it? I loved your grandson story! He sounds so cute. I'm sure he will stay interested in the golf. It's really nice that so many in your family enjoy the same sport. But even if he chooses something unique, I'm sure everyone will love whatever he does.

My youngest daughter has the kids who are into sports. But she has one in soccer and one in t-ball plus a daughter in ballet. Her fourth one is only two but I'm sure he will choose something,too. They really keep her going.

My son's five kids have various interests which include swimming, music and art. As for my oldest daughter's children, her oldest is really involved in scouts and her two girls do ballet and art.

I just love seeing all the talent in the little ones especially when they learn something I could never do well. That makes me so proud.

I feel like my weight loss is going through a change point, if that makes any sense. I'm almost to the smallest I have weighed in years and I can feel myself almost slowing down in loosing. I think I need to get past this last mental hurdle. My water aerobics came to an end. I'm still walking twice a day and trying to learn to run but all I can do is about 5 minutes (in one minute bursts). I think I need to look into finding a class or something of interest. I fear boredom becoming a problem.

As the weight comes off, my burn meter goes down and my exercise doesn't burn as many calories as it used to. So it's easy to see why loosing the last of your weight is harder than loosing the first of your weight. But I am determined to go all the way and reach my goal and then successfully maintain.

My daughter asked me yesterday how much I wanted to weigh. When I told her 150, I could tell she wasn't sure that I should go that low although she didn't say so. I hope I don't start having problems with my family not being as supportive as they have been so far.

I chose 150 based on what I weighed when I was 30 and healthy. I don't have much else to go on. But I even weighed less than 150 in my early 20s and looked great, not too thin. But I don't really know if150 is too little for me or not now that I am in my 50s. My natural build is long and lean but even when I was "thin" I still had plenty of curves (mostly the good kind). But I haven't been lean in a long time. And no one, including myself, has seen me below 177 in a long time. 

I could weigh as little as 148 and still be within a healthy BMI. Anything below that and I would be "underweight" according to the BMI tool on this site. What do you guys think, is shooting for 150 too low for me? Should I just take the wait and see approach? I was aiming for 150 but of course I would be willing to stop before then if I start looking too thin. But how will I know? My body has changed so much since passing menopause. I think deep inside I still want that 30 year old body to be in there somewhere. But I know in reality it isn't. So, I don't really know what to expect.

I would really like some feedback. Other information to consider: I'm 6 foot tall and 53 years old. I tend to carry my excess weight mostly in my hips. I remember weighing 145 when I was in my early 20's but I even had "love handles" at that weight.

~ Beth

Beth:

I'm no expert, but I do know that BMI, like weight, is only one measure of health. My husband reads overweight on the BMI (as do Arnold Schwarzenegger and many other athletes) because as you know, muscle weighs more than fat. Also, I think your percentage of body fat is more significant than the amount you weigh. I weighed 10 pounds more in my 40's than my 30's, but my clothes still fit because I was in good shape. As a nurse. I know you know all this, but sometimes it's hard to turn the mirror on ourselves. I think you should keep 150 as a goal, but if you start feeling or looking unhealthy, just adjust. Keep an eye on measurements, blood pressure and body fat, and play it by ear. Does that make sense?

Boy, you are so right that the more you lose, the harder it is to lose, except for Snow, who somehow makes it work.

Original Post by robbie615:

... As a nurse. I know you know all this, but sometimes it's hard to turn the mirror on ourselves. I think you should keep 150 as a goal, but if you start feeling or looking unhealthy, just adjust. Keep an eye on measurements, blood pressure and body fat, and play it by ear. Does that make sense? ...

Robbie - What you have said does make sense. I guess I just needed some confirmation. BTW, I'm not actually a nurse. That's a common misconception about midwives. Some midwives are nurses (Certified Nurse Midwives) but I am a direct entry midwife and not a nurse (Certified Professional Midwife). But even so, I am familiar with the principles you spoke of. Thank you for the reminder.

I was never particularly athletic when I was younger. It's actually one of my goals to build some muscle for the first time in my life. I hope I can do it. I always wanted to be more athletically inclined and I guess I just decided it isn't too late to try. I do need to keep in mind that building muscle may mean that I see a heavier number on the scale. I don't really care about the numbers other than they are one of the tools to help me figure it out. But I do care about being lean and strong and that is my goal.

~ Beth

Original Post by southern_midwife:

BTW, I'm not actually a nurse. That's a common misconception about midwives. Some midwives are nurses (Certified Nurse Midwives) but I am a direct entry midwife and not a nurse (Certified Professional Midwife).

***

But I do care about being lean and strong and that is my goal.

~ Beth

Oops, my bad. I'm pretty removed from the baby birthing scene as I am too old to have one myself and have no current prospects for grandkids. I don't know if that's a happy face or a sad face remark.  From the way you and bonnie talk, I think sad.

Lean and strong, now you're talking!

Beth - I'm thinking you might find 150 a bit on the low side seeing as you are so tall. I would think 160 would look pretty skinny on you. As for boredom I can see what you mean. With all the golf talk around here I'm surprised you haven't jumped on the wagon! I play a bit myself when I have time and since you are a walker, you might like the cross country trek. I usually never take a cart unless they make me. Golf seems like a natural for you. You could make great friends in the ladies league and since you live where you can play year round it could be a great adventure! Also, I always think of you as kind of an earth child. Showing my 70's roots there But how about some yoga? I wonder if they have a cardio/yoga combo class anywhere. Get sweaty then get cool and all stretched out. Seems like an ideal mix. Whatever you do though, you will do well at it because you gave a dedication that very few people have. 

Robbie - I'm nowhere near to grandchildren either but considering I'm still trying to get rid of my KIDS I figure I can wait!! 

I just had to share this.

While Larry and I were walking this evening I decided to tell him about a crazy idea I had. I wasn't sure how he would respond. But a few days ago I started thinking about running in the "Beach to Bay Relay Marathon" here in Corpus Christi next May.

I wasn't sure how he would respond because it's such a crazy idea when you consider that I can't even run a full 5 minutes yet. (Beach to Bay is a 6 person team relay, each person running 4.4 miles from Padre Island Gulf of Mexico to the Corpus Christi Bay right down at the park where I walk every day). He didn't look too thrilled initially until I mentioned that I could get a team together for my midwifery practice and that it might be good advertising. Then he started talking like he liked the idea! He suggested both my daughters might like to join me and I'm sure they would love the idea because they are both so interested in fitness.

So, it's ambitious of me to think about it but I'm looking into it. If I decide to do it, I've got 9 1/2 months to get myself ready and to put a team together. Next year's race will be almost a full year from when I made my lifestyle change. I started on May 23rd of this year and the race is May 16th of next year. Now wouldn't that be a cool way to celebrate?

~ Beth

Beth  I would think that if below 148 is underweight on the BMI scale then 150 is a little too low. I would try to pick a weight that is more in the middle of the BMI scale although like robbie said it is only one measure of health. Weight lifters always register higher on the BMI scale because of muscle weighing more. I tend to think that 160-165 is more realistic and you want a weight that you can maintain without always denying yourself a treat here and there. I weighed around 108 most of my adult life but I don't think I could get there now even if I wanted to. Your marathon idea sounds great - with  training you could do that easily! My knees just won't take the running but if you can train and it doesn't bother your knees I say go for it! And you know at 6' tall you'd probably have a great golf swing! It burns a ton of calories especially if you walk - which I try to do about half of the time - but 18 holes even riding burns lots of calories! I wish I lived somewhere that I could play year round! I so hate the cold weather.

robbie -Ouch... reading about your fingers made me cringe. Hope you're doing alright and glad to hear that Tom is progressing in his rehab. Grandkids are wonderful but your boys have lots of time yet!

Subbing in an interclub golf league tournament today.  It' s always a good time but it's supposed to be chilly today 56-68 for a high Planning to go shopping a little afterwards - there is a BonTon there and I love their clothes...need to look for a few new things for school. My grandson is coming Tues and Wed! Always look forward to his visits! He's so much fun.

Everyone - have a great day!! snow - where are you?? do we have a baby??

bonton, when are you gonna hit that 119?  lol  it's gotta be soon, huh?  i love how you can go without logging or weighing for a few days.  even your grandson can golf?  :D

southern, that must've been fun watching them kids yet awesome to be done.  they are all such awesome ages.  congrats again on being at a healthy weight.  that's awesome!  you are doing great & don't get scared.  just keep it up!

that race sounds awesome & you have alot of time to prepare for it.  that'd be so cool!   celebrating your 1 year since you started too!

joanna, i love it!  opening your mouth to change feet...  LOL

robbie, that's cool that tom is doing good & back to grocery shopping. 

yeah, i gotta show the doc that i mean business now.  he probably sees people lose weight & gain it back all the time.  i'm up again, but i was really bad yesterday.  lol  hey, it's lifetime...  i'm not worried.  i might actually eat less for a few days and/or exercise a little more.  maybe this is working so well for me because i was always pretty sedentary & now i'm active.  :D  well, that AND eating healthier.

nope...  no baby yet  :(  LOL  i put that sad face & wondered, am i sad about this?  i think i'm happy that i'm still home!  :D  oh geez, though.  it's the 11th already.

it's only 55 here & thundering.  it's probably nicer in NC!

Beth - what a fantastic idea to run in the relay marathon! And it would be wonderful advertising. Your community TV and print media could do a special interest piece on you, and your team. I think 4.4 miles is definitely do-able. Get your self a personal trainer to teach you the basics of distance running so you don't injure yourself, and you will make it by next spring! Maybe we could see you on You Tube just like Alice! 

Robbie - I hit enter on my last post before I had time to commiserate about your poor fingers! Stitches? Wow! I did that to a girfiend's fiance the night before their wedding when we were coming back from the rehearsal dinner. Slammed his fingers in the car door. And is was his wedding ring hand!  Mortified!

Snow - sorry to hear the scale is up a bit but it will settle out soon once you find your rhythm. There has to be trial and error first. We are all on pins and needles about the baby, not just you! Good luck!

Bon - LOL I never knew there was actually a store called Bon Ton! I wonder why they are only in the northern states? I live close to Montana but never shop there. I usually shop in California, but will be hitting Vegas in a couple of weeks to do some damage there too. Up here Bon Ton is a fantastic meat pie. Also, if you are ever in Vancouver try this: 3150 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC

Burnt out from summer midterm blues, I sought refuge at my favourite French - Italian bakery.

Notte's Bon Ton Pastry and Confectionery, dating back from 1926, have been my sole provider

of the finest butter cream cakes since the beginning of time. The sweet smell of real butter cream

and fresh pastries, along with the comforting sounds of the pleasant employees chatting in the

background instantly brightened my mood. The hot chocolate ($1.65), made with real chunks of

rich chocolate and steamed milk, soothed my brain cells with each sip. Topped with fresh whipped

cream, Bon Ton definitely deserves to be known as having one of the best, and inexpensively

priced hot chocolates in the city.

Smile everybody, and have a great day. "Instant human: just add coffee". I'm off to

make mine!

_Bex

Hi Everyone

I've been bad, bad, bad this past weekend, but it was oh so good!  We decided on the spur of the moment to go up to Dahlonega where there was a Literary Festival going on.  My husband's business partner and his wife are both illustrators of childrens books and they were doing some signing.  We ate and drank way too much but it was great fun and I don't feel the slightest bit guilty!  Well, may just a tiny bit guilty because they had a fabulous chocolate shop and also a fudge shop - dark chocolate and fudge are my only sweet vices and I only indulge about once a year!  I've climbed back on the wagon last evening and although I didn't climb on the scale, I don't feel to blobish so maybe I didn't do much damage.  Will forgo climbing on the scales again until the weekend.

Hope everyone is doing well and Robbie, hope your wingtip mends quickly.  Welcome NCQuilter.

Joanna 

joanna - You might be pleasantly surprised when you decide to brave the scale - I know myself after I thought I overindulged ...got on scale a few days later no gain or only a small one and at times actually a small loss! Don't feel like you were "bad" we all have to enjoy life while attempting to get heatlhier

Bex  You're such a great writer ... I could actually smell that bakery!      &n bsp;  Instant human: just add coffee  LOL just ask my husband he would definitely say that is the TRUTH about me!  Didn't get to shop yesterday - women I golfed with ...SLOW.. oh my it took 5hr and 45 min to play 18 holes - I was going nuts! That is waaaaaaaaay to long but I couldn't seem to speed them up - we were the last group in. I was exhausted when I was done and no longer in the mood to shop. My girlfriend went with me - the girls she golfed with bought her a mudslide while they waited LOL she was half in the bag by the time I got in! Her speech was all goofy - I took her to get something to eat! It was funny! Will try to go a day next week. Grandson is coming today and tomorrow.

Beth Bex had a great idea about them doing a special interest piece on you for the relay marathon and it would be great advertising!  

snow Haven't been the best at logging or watching my foods either last few days so I'm sure I'm not to 119 yet! Might brave the scale tomorrow will really watch today and then we'll see. What's with this weather that you and I have? feels like October... I had to use a hand warmer yesterday at golf!!!! in the middle of August???? WHAT? LOL

robbie How are your fingers? I still cringe when I think about that.

Alice  Where have you been - out hiking??

Frost - Long time no hear from you... where are you?

Played ok yesterday but wasn't hitting the ball sweet??/ not sure why - hope that leaves before our club championship this Sat and Sun! Grass needs cut today so when my grandson takes his nap I'll be racing around with  the mower!

Everyone - have a great day - think lean and strong!

Hey Bon, I didn't write the piece about the Bon Ton bakery. I lifted it from the internet and put it in italics which somehow didn't translate when it was posted here.  Ah, technology......

rebbex, lol  yep!  it's pins & needles waiting for this baby.  still no news.  yum!  a french - italian bakery?  geez...  that sounds so good!  :D  i don't drink coffee.  never did.  so for me it's "instant human:  just add pop".

joanna, that sounds awesome!  eating & drinking way too much, and a chocolate shop & fudge shop.  :D  i'd weigh in anyway.  lol  just to see.  that's me though.

bonton, wow!  that's a long time to golf!  lol  that's too funny about that girl drinking.  was she the only one?  i was good yesterday, i think.  but i had no loss.  maybe tomorrow.  i know this weather really sucks!  at least it's not raining today.  :D

lean & strong...  lean & strong...

i'm meeting hubby for lunch.  i sure hope he wants to go to subway & NOT that chinese buffet.

Bonton - Wow, over 5 hours of golf! That's a long time for anything. I bet you were tired.

And what's with the cool weather that you and Snow are having? I'm jealous! It's still in the high 90's here with no sign of relief in store. We probably won't get our first cool front before the middle of September. But they do say that Corpus Christi only has two seasons: Summer and January!

joanna - I agree with Bonton, don't be afraid to get on the scale. Sometimes a splurge is just the right thing to boost your metabolism. Of course, you can't continue to overeat or it will add some pounds back. But a little splurge every now and then isn't a bad thing as long as you get back to eating right afterwards.

Bex That bakery description was too good. I'm not sure I should have read that. Thanks for the idea about advertising. I've had a couple of articles done about my business and been quoted a time or two in the paper. I even delivered the first baby of the year in 2003. It does help bring awareness about midwifery care when I get "publicity" like that.

snow We're on pins and needles with you waiting for that baby. Can't wait to hear the good news. Hey at a Chinese buffet, try filling up on egg drop soup. It works for me.

robbie Hope your hand is feeling much better.

Alice Do you walk in between hikes? Just curious. I've been doing a lot of walking and it makes me think about what you do to train for a hike.

Frost - We miss you. How are you doing?

Everyone - I've decided to research running. There is an article in the news today that Snow told me about. (Thanks Snow!) It's really good. So, I'm encouraged. But someone else told me about another article written by this trainer and her thoughts on the subject are that no one should start running before they first get in shape with weight training.

I haven't done any weight training but I have been walking up a storm for 3 months. My thoughts right now are that I can still start running but that I should take it very slow and also make sure I'm doing it right. So, I'm going to continue reading what I can on the subject to learn more. I sure don't want to hurt myself. But I did 4 miles this morning of mostly walking. I ran 16 minutes (in 3 - 5 minute runs with one that was 1.5 minutes before I reached my limit). My "running" is more like a slow jog. I'm so slow! I can feel it in my thighs since this morning but I don't think I over did it at all. But maybe I will just walk tonight and tomorrow just to be on the safe side.

Have a great day, today!

~ Beth

Beth - I was absolutely exhausted! LOL Tournament golf is exhausting in itself and then add that long ..I came home and plopped on the couch! Right now I am waiting for my grandson to fall asleep so I can go out to mow! LOL I'd take 90 over 50's any day! I actually really did use a hand warmer yesterday my hand was so cold! Good idea to read up on proper training for running - I would think you might want to incorporate some leg strengthening exercises - more muscle in the thighs and calves - less stress on the knees and stretch stretch stretch!! You don't want to get shin splints

snow - No she wasn't the only one others were drinking beer etc after they came in from playing - she finished an hour and 45 minutes before me so they all had a drink and we were riding together - but she didn't eat all day except crackers (DUMB) and so that 1 drink which was huge really affected her! LOL It was funny - she said she went to bed early last night - LOL I guess! Got on the scale today 121 .. I seem to be stuck at 120.4 - 121.2 maybe soon it will move down again.

yeah, i don't know what the heck is going on here.  it should be hot.  it's august!  i guess it's nice now.  it's about 70 & pretty nice for walking.  it's nice not having to use the a/c, too.

i ended up not going for lunch.  ash was home with 2 boys so i figured i better not leave.  hubby was kind of mad i didn't just tell them to leave, but we are constantly telling her that she needs to be home more often.

how could i tell them to leave anyway?!  LOL  they would've just came back in when i left.

he went to subway without me then & i had a couple of sandwiches.  i walked for 1 3/4 hours today!  :D  i would've walked more, but my son called & said he was coming over so i hurried home.

i got my A today, too.  i still have more calories, but i'm logging 1st today & then eating.  i'm eating less too.  if i'm not careful, i'll be 140 tomorrow.  :(

yeah southern,  that's funny because running was just on tv this morning.  i usually have the news on & i don't even watch it.  that caught my eye though!  i'm sure it's good to take it slow & be careful.  you don't want to hurt yourself.

running is awesome though!  hey, more power to ya!

bonton, LOL  you used a hand warmer yesterday?  i was wishing i had one.

oh geez!  she didn't eat anything but crackers?  no wonder...

i can't wait for you to hit 119.  :D  maybe the next time you mow.

Good Morning Ladies!

I noticed, too, this past weekend was a bit slower than usual here.  Having said that, it's still such a interesting thread.  We have such a  eclectic group of ladies here, and, yet, we have strong bonds.

On days I don't go to the gym and work out, I don't even bother to log my calories, and I  haven't been to the gym since last Thursday.  Ya, I did some stuf at home, just to do something.  The weather has been so wet here in Toronto, and since I don't drive and have to wait for transit on days it's been pouring and there were many I tend to stay close to home. AND, then I don't come here to see what is going on. Also, I have a lot of gastro problems, which bloat me to the point I look pregnant I don't go.  These times are also painful.  It is all trapped gas-and is a result of NOT treating my body like the temple it is for most of my adult life.  Even today as I go to the gym I am grabbing a top which is loose so my tummy won't look to obvious.  Yes, much of it is vanity-and part of it is pure pain.

I  have to ask straight out Bon Ton what was it with 8/8/8 and your daughter?  I read the posts and by the time I am finished and it comes to posting I have forgotten who said what.  Also, Bon Ton, I tried a version-mine of the chicken recipe and it was yummy.  I agree since I don't put the marindade over the cooking chicken, as we all know we should not be doing, I don't think it makes a huge difference.  I don't even add those calories to my log, because it's  hard to figure out how much is really left on each piece.   I figure out in my head approximates, and make sure my daily count takes the unknown into consideration. 

To our newest member   NCQuilter ,welcome.  Keep coming back and you'll see, too, this is THE place to be

For Wednesday August 13th-I wish all of you another healthy, happy, 24!

hi one  :D 

it's my daughter who wanted the baby on 8/8/08.  she thought it would be cute. 

she's starting to get really frustrated now.  the doc just told her today that she won't induce unless it's over 2 weeks late.  the hospital is just too busy right now.

geez...  and here i'm living out of a suitcase waiting to leave with little notice!  it serves her right.  LOL  she was 2 weeks late & hubby had taken off, so he had to go right back to work.

Snow - That's good they won't induce yet. Way too many c-sections happen because inductions are tried too early and then don't work.

Has she considered trying caster oil? It will work but only if that baby is really ready. It's not a very fun way to go, though. Lots of cramps and diarrhea. But if her cervix is ripe and the baby is engaged and especially if she is already dilated any, it should work. (2 oz 2 times with an hour in between and lots of walking, and nipple stimulation too.) When caster oil doesn't work, the baby just isn't ready. I usually don't recommend caster oil until after someone passes their due date because it's a drag to go through all the cramping and diarrhea and not get a baby out of it. But at least when you try caster oil there is no risk of an unnecessary c-section just because you tried to induce. The medical approach usually includes rupturing the bag of water which means if it doesn't work, you get a c-section.

One - I'm sorry to hear that you aren't feeling that well. I wish I had some tips for how to get some relief for you.

I just ate out with my husband. We had Mexican food and I feel miserable now. I wanted to eat more calories today to see if I can make the scale start moving. I ate a little under yesterday and today I decided to eat a little over my usual. But I've already had 1300 calories today and still have to think about supper but I don't even want to eat again because I'm SO full.  But I guess that I will be able to eat again by supper time. All I had was a child's plate, too. I'm glad that I can't eat like I used to. I wouldn't have done it today except to experiment to see if I can break this plateau my body is trying to have.

~ Beth

Original Post by snowfence:

hi one  :D 

it's my daughter who wanted the baby on 8/8/08.  she thought it would be cute. 

she's starting to get really frustrated now.  the doc just told her today that she won't induce unless it's over 2 weeks late.  the hospital is just too busy right now.

geez...  and here i'm living out of a suitcase waiting to leave with little notice!  it serves her right.  LOL  she was 2 weeks late & hubby had taken off, so he had to go right back to work.

So, what happened?  It's now August 13th, has anything  happened?  When was she due?  I mean due, due!  Maybe it'll be 9/9/9?  Who  knows,  healthy, happy, and the jazz.  I wish you and your daughter and families all the best!

Just got back from w/o.  Wasn't particuarly good, though.  My focus wasn' there, my 'chee' wasn't there, and I was all around tired.  HOWEVER, I did get there and was there for 1 1/2 hours.  I don't feel like I've done anything! 

Some days I like that,  I know!

L8R M8R