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 All

Well... the protein thing didn't do much - way less than the first time I ever tried it which was about 4-5 years ago. LOL that time I lost 5 pounds and kept off 3 ...this time I only lost .6 pounds GO figure!  So for BEB's weigh in - last weeks wt 124.8 this week 124.2

Peg - I'm glad you're back. The loss of a pet can be just as devastating with mourning and all. When I was pregnant our dog ran away (she somehow came home 3 days later) anyways it caused me to have Braxton Hicks sp??  contractions all night long like clock work - went to work next day - saw Dr, he made me leave and go home and that was the end of work - that was December - my girls BD 1/26 !! You've had a lot to deal with - glad Max is feeling better - not sure how to advise on the sleep issue. My hubby doesn't sleep well either and occ takes Advil pm. Sometimes a low dose antidepressant will help with sleep issues. We're here to support you!!! and we're glad you're back! Truly exercising does help if you can just force yourself to go!

My screen name - nickname from one of my "other Life" friends - you know the ones who ditched me during the divorce in favor of the ex!! But the nickname I do still use and 71 - uh when I graduated from HS LOL Way to long ago ... I should have said yr I was born!! But no one would believe me

So day before and yesterday I was feeling kind of yuck about my weight and not losing - only to have everything  brought into perspective today. My dear friend just found out that her liver disease is progressing and she needs another biopsy to see where she is at AND a lovely lady I golf with - feeling tired and no energy - Dr Appt , blood work - they called and told her to get right to hospital , cancer... All this I found out this morning so it was a bad start but made me realize I NEED to quit moaning about my wt and LOVE the fact that I am healthy and fit!

Peg: I'm glad you feel you can turn to us your online buddies, we all are here to support each other.  I am so sorry to hear about Frost my heart cries for you.  Poor little fellow in a new house i guess he didn't get a chance to learn his boundaries.  I a cat lover myself know the hardship of losing a feline and what i can say is time will help, and perhaps down the road the love for a new kitty may help get over him, not to be forgotten however.  The night munchies has always been my weakness so i just make sure i have alot of fruits in the house and leave enough calories so i can have an early evening snack.  Keep up the good work, and enjoy your run!!

Thank you Chris, Bonnie and Blueyed. I know agitation can be a side effect of a sleeper medication and if he had been one of my patients I would have probably figured it out right away. Sleep has been a problem for him all of his life. He is tired but he is his old fun self again.

Frost loved it here. I was hoping with all of the fields behind the house he would explore that direction. The street isn't a busy one at all. I have always struggled with keeping a cat in the house. It has never seemed natural to me. He loved to explore and climb trees. I miss him. I hate mice. Funny but the day after he died a red fox took up residence in the pasture. I have named her Vixen. They are great mousers. I watch her from the house with my binoculars as she is shy. I feel like I have a new friend.

My run was HARD. 28 minutes and the beginning of it was uphill. But I got through it. I have gone almost 3 days with no sugar except the tablespoon of molasses that I put in my oatmeal this morning. My body is still asking for the sugar and wants fat calories. I had the "Bonnie and Robbie lunch" yesterday. Cottage cheese with a few almonds and an apple. Maybe the same today. For dinner tonight I have salmon to broil and a salad. Max will want rice but I probably will stick with the fish and salad. Sugar is addicting I think. Wonder how long it takes to detox.

I really can't thank you enough for the outpouring of support.

Bonnie, I am sorry to hear about your friend. It does put things into perspective. We are all so blessed.

Peg

Weekly stats:

Fat - 33.8% (169 grams)
Protein - 22.1% (248 grams)
Carbohydrates - 41.5% (466 grams)
Alcohol - 0.0%
Other - 2.6%

Daily Calorie Intake - 761 cals
Daily Sodium Intake - 1,008 mg
Daily Sugar Intake - 20 grams
Daily Cholesterol Intake - 221 mg
Daily Saturated Fat Intake - 10 grams
Daily Fiber Intake - 7 grams

Weight last Friday: 124

Weight today:  125

Body fat 27% (same as last week)

This is my analysis for the last week, except for Wed and Thurs when I was out of town and did not log. The daily calorie intake is goofy; it must have averaged in the 2 days I didn't log. Anyway, I think I'm pretty good about salt and sugar, need to be better about more protein and fewer carbs. My weight went up, but that I expected. Because of travelling, I got no exercise. I couldn't sleep well and had trouble making sleep deprivation and the time change  (2 hours) merge with my exercise intentions.

The program went well, but it was lots of work, and I am exhausted today. Just a few comments until I get more time:

Peg: I'm so glad you leaned on us, and sorry I didn't get encouraging words to you sooner. I was a wreck last year when Bear (our autistic Great Pyrenees) died. And when your significant other is in pain (in my case, Tom before his hip surgery), it can wear you out. Sounds like you're totally back on track now, so here's a cyberspace hug. Hugs to you, too, One, because when you're in pain (physical or mental), it's hard to see that it will end, but it will! Bon: I may have told you this already. My best friend in FL says when she feels bad about how she looks, she imagines herself in line at Disneyworld. Relative to what she pictures, she starts thinking she looks pretty darn good. We ain't perfect, but we're both pretty darn good! Snow: 137, WooHoo is right! Is your daughter coming home for Christmas? Beth: One weak out of so many, you have to gain. Otherwise we're all too intimidated by you! Can you use Splenda? I bet you could make some pecan pie with it and your DH might not notice? Chris: My SIL did the type diet. I thought it was crap, but she did well, and then gained it all back. I am making the same choice as you: the usual T-day foods, and just manage my own portions. Oh, I do use reduced fat butter in preparation, but put the real stuff out on the table. I also use chicken broth, low fat cream cheese and parmesean to flavor the mashed potatoes. Good taste without all the fat. And I use fat free half and half to make gravy, which no one has ever noticed. So, if I can keep flavor and make substitutions without detection, I try. Ohio: Being in the kitchen, you'll be too busy to eat. I bet you do fine. You never give yourself enough credit. BEB: Congrats on weight loss and keep those male options open. Helene: I hope you're feeling better by now. Did you know not to take your thyroid with your multivitamin or any calcium. The calcium (by itself or in the multi) negates the effect of the thyroid. Try spreading them apart, if that's what you've been doing. Thyroid also impacts your sleeping, so I hope you take in the a.m. Vagabond: Welcome! It sounds like you're taking lots of healthy steps, so keep it up and be patient!

Bex: Where are you?

OMG let me get this right. We are weighing in on Fridays? I think I better start next Friday

Original Post by frostslave:

OMG let me get this right. We are weighing in on Fridays? I think I better start next Friday

OK, Scarlette!

I've been trying to plan my Thanksgiving Dinner and I decided to run it by CC. Oh My!!!! 2500 calories for ONE meal! I'm going to have to rethink this. I don't mind splurging for Thanksgiving but it's shocking to see the numbers and I thought I was being reasonable. Has anyone else checked the calories for your Thanksgiving plans yet? Just curious.

Beth

Frost:  I'm so sorry for your kitty.  I lost one the same way and even tho it was 8 yrs ago, often think of her antics.  I told my adult daughter that I thought she was catnapped as I didn't want to upset her.  When a cat wants out of the house, sometimes theres no peace until you let them out. 

Some ladies at work were talking about pizzela (sp) Italian cookies, made in some kind of hot press, like a waffle iron.  I was given a bag and need to be on my guard now that holidays are approaching and ppl are wanting to share.

beth: We need to encourage each other to taste the holiday dishes, but to have restraint.  My plan, (don't laugh) is to fill up on vegetables and turkey with just a tiny serving of the carbs.  I don't want the rest of my family to be denied.

robbie:  your fiber was low this time, but I know you normally keep it higher.  I do too as I worry about diverticulitis when I get older.

bonton:  what can I say?  That's the worst thing about getting older.  We see more friends suffer and we lose more friends.  It's frightening. 

LOL Robbie. You crack me up.

The day is over and I am at less than 1300 calories for the day. And it isn't really easy. Part of it is my body still craving junk. Silly body. What does it know?

Thank you Ohio for your kind words.

I appreciate all of the support here. From my terrible backslide to the loss of my pet.

And Robbie, I am so sorry you lost your dog. So hard to tell a friend goodbye. Be it human or not.

Beth, you have done so much this year. I can't begin to tell you how proud all of us are of you. You are amazing.

I am Scarlett tonight and I have decided to worry about Thanksgiving tomorrow.

Beth, mine came to 978. Turkey, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, cranberry relish, and pumpkin pie. oops, forgot gravy. Well, guess I'll just skip it. LOL. I think the portions are what I would normally have...maybe more turkey than I might but that's not really a bad idea. Fat - 30.0% (33 grams), Protein - 21.7% (53 grams), Carbohydrates - 48.4% (118 grams)  I didn't enter a salad but hey, lets be realistic...that won't be a problem area! lol! The weirdest thing about Thanksgiving is that I'm ALWAYS ready for a turkey sandwich, etc. in the evening. I think my stomach gets stretched and likes it that way!

Robbie, do you take a fiber supplement? I do & I entered it into CC so I can see how much I'm getting. I'm a much happier camper if it's over 35/day.

Frost, surprise weigh-ins are just no fair. Don't worry about it...but do you really want to start the day AFTER Thanksgiving??? (of course it really makes it easy to improve the next week! LOL)

Morning Girls, wow i am impressed at the weigh ins, excellent effort you all!!  This was Helene's idea at the beginning i just got you all motiated, thats me miss motivater..lol

Robbie, cals low, fiber low, cholesterol high, that's how i read it, but as you said 2 days not counting will screw up the totals, but your doing good.

Beth: You looking so good.....i guess your thankgiving is just like my xmas, all the same things although i don't know much about sweet potato pie (what is this exactly), but i did the calorie count last xmas so this is what i came up with:  6 oz turkey, 1 cup squash, 1 cup (homemade stuffing of bread, onion, butter, celery), 1/2 cup gravy, 1 cup whipped potatoes, 1 roll, 1 small piece pumpkin pie and whipped cream (dreamwhip) not coolwhip, 4 glasses of dry white wine.  Now with all the preparation you are burning calories, i skipped breakfast and lunch just nibbled on things and the total is............drum roll please................................1480 calories not this will change depending on becel or butter, what you add to your gravy, put in stuffing, what you use to whip potatoes and squash but this is my xmas recipe simple, healthy, wholesome home country cooking i was raised on with my mom, dad, grandparents, relatives, and someday i hope to pass on to any future grandaughters....i hope.  Of course there are chocolates, and cheese i nibble on while preparing this the backdoor calories i try and write off as burned whilst preparing, now this year i wil be logging everything at xmas i don't want to cheat, and since it's only 1lb a week i lose i don't want to spend 2 weeks losing the 5-7lbs i COULD possible gain ove the holidays.

You know once we get to our goals we will be able to eat more calories to maintain our weight the harder thing is now we have to deficit TO LOSE.  I'ts so hard at xmas cause once i sart eating chocolates, and every year i get some in a box from Kyle, i can't seem to STOP......whaaaa

What one household unusual dish is everyone making....what's this sweet potato pie??? and how is it made.....i know there are probably a million recipes online but how would i know a good from a bad not ever having it.....i am a canadian i don't think this is a cdn dish but am intrigued.

Well i have to go finish my xmas music downloading, feed Angel who is crawling up my leg now.................have a good one and keep up the good effort TEAM!!!!...............BEB

Good Morning all,

I'm back on track with my body pump class. I just finished and my muscles are still vibrating! Ahhh, but it feels good! I think I'll go soak in a hot Epsom salts bath just in case I'm inclined to get sore.

Frost - Thanks for the kind words of encouragement! I'm sorry to hear about your kitty but I had to laugh when you told us the meaning of your screen name because I had just assumed it had something to do with loving cold weather. I can relate to being a slave to a favorite kitty though. My husband and I each have a cat. I love mine enough but Larry and his kitty, Rocky, are very close and constantly together. It's so funny because if Rocky falls asleep and doesn't notice Larry leaving a room and then wakes up, he will cry out for him in the most awful mournful cry. Larry just responds by clicking his tongue and then Rocky comes running to him and jumps in his lap. It's sweet but kind of pathetic too. Rocky is a 12 year old small gray tabby with extra digits. He has 7 toes on one paw and 6 on another. Plus he has extra claws between his toes. So he clicks when he walks because he can't retract them. He got named Rocky because he looks like he's wearing boxing mitts.BTW, he adopted Larry on Thanksgiving 12 years ago. My son found him abandoned and brought him home. Larry wanted to find him another home because we had 3 other cats at the time. But Rocky just crawled up in his lab and snuggled under his beard and won his heart immediately. Larry's always said that Rocky just thinks he's another gray tabby, since he has a long gray beard.

BEB - I think sweet potato pie is a pie kind of like pumpkin pie. I made a carrot pie last year that was yummy. It tasted a lot like pumpkin but was much prettier because of the brighter color. The only way I like sweet potatoes is baked. I don't like them with sugar added which is good because of the calories.

I made an error on my addition for my meal. I'm not sure how I managed that. I used a calculator. But the total should have been about 1200. I've figured out how to cut that down some more without missing my favorite things. I LOVE cornbread dressing and gravy. And I LOVE green bean casserole, too.

Chris - I think you are right about the left overs after Thanksgiving. We always love to pig out on the left overs too. My favorite is creamed turkey over toast. I'll have to plan the left overs more carefully this year.

Robbie - I'm sorry about your loss. I hate to have to ask but what's a "Great Pyrenees"? I'm assuming a pet but "autistic", too??? We use Splenda occasionally but it causes mood swings and gives us both gas! So we don't use much.

Bonton - I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. I hope the news improves for her. But those of us who are healthy do need to be thankful for our good health, don't we? Sometimes I think it's just too easy to forget how blessed we are.  We all have struggles but it always helps to think of others who might need encouragement more than we do ourselves.

Off to the tub,

Beth

I thought good behavior yesterday might tickle the scale down today, but that was too optimistic. Oh, well, I'm still glad to be home and back to normal routine.

Beth: go to my gallery and check out my picture of Bear, our Pyrenees. They're herding dogs originally from the Pyrenees mountains in Spain. We suspected Bear of "autism" because he was socially backwards, but he wasn't really diagnosed.

BEB: You should get Snow to teach you her secret about chocolate; she insists a little goes a long way if you savor it SLOWLY. Also, I think dark is easier to savor and better for you.

Chris: What exactly is your fiber supplement? I'm interested because I don't think I get enough. And, I agree: nothing beats a leftover turkey sandwich.

Peg: I'm starting my T-giving prep tomorrow, too. Just found out  the list is down to 10, so prep should be a snap, and we can all fit at one table. A few years back, Tom made me a table expansion (it drops down on top of my table for eight and makes it much bigger) just for that reason. I'll post a picture from '06 when we had 14.

Ohio: I think the pizelles are lower in sugar than some snacks you could elect. So is there a way you could "hide" them and only pull out a few at a time?

Gotta go. Tom and I are trying to replace a broken kitchen faucet before I start the holidays.

Happy Saturday, all.

Hi Everyone - So far it is almost 2pm and I've been very lazy today - I haven't gotten anything done except 2 loads of laundry! LOL I am getting a cold and just don't feel 100% Still thinking about going shopping and getting xmas shopping done but if I don't do that I will go get everything I need for T-giving dinner.

Fat - 27.2% (670 grams)
Protein - 21.8% (1,212 grams)
Carbohydrates - 49.7% (2,758 grams)
Alcohol - 1.4% (43 grams)
Other - 0.0%

Daily Calorie Intake - 1,283 cals
Daily Sodium Intake - 1,679 mg
Daily Sugar Intake - 77 grams
Daily Cholesterol Intake - 116 mg
Daily Saturated Fat Intake - 13 grams
Daily Fiber Intake - 19 grams

Wt yesterday 124.2  Wt today 123.8!!! Can't seem to break out of this range...oh well... fit and healthy will do! My stats for this month so far - I also take a daily fiber supplement but didn't enter it so fiber would be higher. Finally have carbs under 50% ... just barely but under LOL

robbie - I'll bet it feels good to be home! And that time change - you wouldn't think it bother you but when we went to Vegas it was the return time change that bothered me, actually it was the same when we went to Hawaii - the return trip caused the most problem with jet lag. It actually took me about a week to feel normal! Glad your program went well. Yep , you're right we aren't;t perfect but we ain't too bad!

Peg - so glad you're back and hard at work with the rest of us!! My daughter still needs a boyfriend!!

Beth - I think you need a new calculator! LOL.  I had a gray tabby for 22 years before she died. When she was young she did not like to be petted or touched - she would run away form you. When she got old she decided that she liked only my hubby! LOL and he was not a previous cat lover - well every night she was in his lap! Vet said she was hyperthyroid and it might cause personality changes LOL well it did but she only like my hubby!

OK girls I HAVE to do something today. I hope everyone is having a good day Cyber hugs to all!

phox and bex - where are you???

chris - I just took the pumpkin raisin bread pudding out of the oven - can't wait to taste it, I only had 956 calories today so I have plenty left to sample a piece!

And , don't everyone faint - I am roasting chick peas - a recipe from clairelane - they sounded good too. I'll let you know if I like them, I thought I could add them to my salads

I did manage to get all my groceries for Thanksgiving - I went when the Penn State game had started thinking it would be less crowded. Now we'll see what I forgot - my poor hubby will be the gofer!

Ready to crash - heading to the couch to read  the paper and rest. Still not feeling that great

Hello girls!

Just wanted to say hi and tell you, to motivate all of you since you are going to read this as you wake up, that my Sunday morning started at 5:30am and that we (DH and I) were already walking by 6:00. It's now 7:45 and we just came home. That was a good work out...

But the main news I wanted to crow about was that I went to see my chiropractor yesterday with my X-rays, trembling inside and hoping NOT to hear anything about arthritis... And you know what? He said that if he didn't know whose X-rays they were, he would have thought they were a much younger woman's! No bone loss, bone decay or even signs of cartilage damage. Everything is ship-shape and fine. So he thinks the pain is from the nerve being compressed at spine level, and that it should be fixed easily and quickly (the X-rays of my spine, taken 6 months ago, show no problem there, it's just bad posture). He says the insoles he ordered should rectify the problem in no time. My weight is the culprit, because the added strain on my feet has caused them to flatten a bit, which puts pressure on the whole spine... Makes sense to me. I walked with the insoles this morning, and I feel neither my back nor my knee, so I guess he is right!!! Woooh-hooh! I feel younger already!!! And more than ever determined to lose that dratted weight.

I finished organizing my son's air ticket: he'll be with us on the 17th of December!!!!!!!! Now his father has decided he would like to have both his sons for Christmas, so we are going to see if it is possible to have Marc come see us too. Marie-Laure has a very demanding job, so it won't be possible to have her, but we'll see her when we go to Switzerland for Tet (Vietnamese New Year, at the end of January). I miss my children. I miss chatting with them, making them happy and comfortable, and seeing them having a great time with each other. They are great friends, always happy to be together, and very funny, so it is always a joy to have them around. We are blessed.

Time to go for my shower. Frost, I am sorry about your cat. I am facing the difficult decision of having my old dog be put to sleep and I just can't bring myself to it, even if I know it would be a humane thing to do. Can't stand the strain of being master of life and death for another creature. But I am glad you decided to come back to us and proud we can give you the support you need. We are never alone, but sometimes we do feel like we are...

Didn't Phox say she would be traveling to Thailand in November? Maybe that's why she has been silent? And I guess Rebbex is busy with her new job.

Have a great day everyone!

Helene, in Saigon, where the rainy season doesn't seem to want to stop... Oh, and my screen name is just the first half of my family name. Means "shovel" in German, not so dainty, ain't it? LOL

Yikes, me again... I logged in my exercise and since I have been stagnating - to say the least - I decided to see where I could improve. I therefore pulled my food analysis for the past month and almost fell off my chair when I got a B+ I have never seen anything but A's before, so maybe that's why I have not been doing so well. Too many restaurant meals... No more. I was supposed to go to a Swiss ladies luncheon on Wednesday, but I think I won't. I never enjoyed the social gatherings anyway, where a bunch of people meet just because, and engage in superficial small talk. Not me at all. And since our society seems unable to meet anywhere but around plates or drinks, it's not even healthy... I think I'll stay home and quilt ("Better than chocolate" as one fabric company says...).

DH went to play tennis as he is traveling to Bangkok again tonight, so won't be able to have his lesson tomorrow night. I'll go shopping (more walking) and prepare brunch (for him) and some tea (for me) in the meantime...

Have a nice day everyone!

A very sheepish Helene in Saigon

Helene - I'm so glad your xray showed everything was in good shape! Osteoarthritis is no fun. Both my hubby and I have it in our knees, he has it elsewhere too and I think i have it in my L elbow. I could do so much more cardio if it weren't for that but if I stay on any of the cardio machines longer than 30 min I pay dearly the next day. I have neuromas on the nerves in both feet- got insoles made by orthopedic Dr so I would be able to exercise without pain - they do work! It will be nice for you to have your family - if only part of them - for the holiday! I'm very fortunate - both of my daughters live only an hour away. And you're right - phox was traveling to Thailand - hope she's having a great time. So far this month I too only have a B+ - too many B days - I've been slacking on veggies ( I just don't really like any of them that much! LOL) and CC did not like that all protein day I did I only got a C+ that day LOL! I believe I'll stick to plan old healthy eating in the future.

chris- OHHHhh that pumpkin bread pudding was fabulous - I had trouble limiting myself to one piece. Hubby kind of turned up his nose then decided to try it - LOL he liked it too!  Thanks for sharing your recipe. Wow egg beaters are expensive - I never bought them before because I really don't like eggs - was kind of surprised at the price. The chick peas I roasted - uh - the jury is still out on those - will have to wait until I can put them in the salad to decide - right now the verdict is no after tasting them plain LOL.

Today the plan is church, then finish the xmas shopping (did get all the laundry done yesterday!) and then I have choir practice for our cantata. Also need to make hubby cookies for bear camp - he's off the next 2 weeks for hunting - YEA I don't have to cook! LOL Although... yesterday he says to me that if everyone leaves camp by Wed, he and his brother are going to come in and hunt from the house - WHAT??? - he says that is if you don't mind - uh, oh no I don't mind???!!!! I don't mind that they're here but that means I have to cook  and be on a schedule - I look forward to 2 weeks of not having to cook and just doing as I please! LOL 

I'm thinking about that bread pudding as I type - wonder how it would be for breakfast with a nice hot cup of coffee.... It pushed my carbs over 50% yesterday but it was worth it! LOL

Bonton - Can you share the recipe for the pumpkin bread pudding with us? I'd love to try it.

We just found out that our youngest daughter and her husband are going to be moving to San Antonio next summer! SA is only 2 1/2 hours away but I'm still really bummed about them moving, especially since it means 4 more of my grandchildren living away from me. But my daughter's husband works for Whataburger Corp as an accountant and Whataburger is going national and moving their main office to SA. It's a big advancement for our son-in-law and for Whataburger. But it still makes me so sad. Besides, Whataburger started in CC! It seems a shame for them to move their headquarters now. But it's probably a wise thing for them to do since they are growing so much and SA is more of a central location.

I had a great workout yesterday but then just felt lazy the rest of the day. Now I have to catch up and get this house clean for Thanksgiving week. But I'll have to start later today or Monday. Gee, I hope the babies cooperate this week.

Have a good day everyone,

Beth

My greatest envy are women who have their children close.  Mine are 400 + 950 miles away.  Both are too busy to come home, but instead like me to visit them.  "visit".  Eventually I plan to move near one of them.  I quit waiting for an invitation to move closer and will just do it when I retire!

Weight up a little but slept and ate extra yesterday and now feel totally refreshed.  Today will try eating more vegs and counting calories.  I treated yesterday as a 'free' day since I had some success this week.

enjoy the rest of your weekend.

the sun is out, my favorite type of day, but it's only 10 degrees.