Motivation

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!

Rebbex -  Welcome to the group!! I can't believe you read all the posts from the start! Congrats on the 20 pound loss! Stay with us and you'll lose the rest! It is hard to get it off after 50 and it sure does jump on quickly but I know you can do it.

moon I couldn't get your link to the pics to work - sounds like it was a great hike. When we went to that dude ranch ( the vacation from h**l) and rode up into the mountains for a few days i had terrible headaches the whole time from the altitude. Glad you didn't have any symptoms. My grilfriend and her husband hiked in Yosemite - they loved it.

snow Get out in your yard and work LOL they won't think you're exercising! Hope you get 139!! Yesterday I was the same 122.4 but hey I'll take it, at least it didn't jump right back up! I would love to get under 120 by the end of the month...

The repairman came yesterday about my brand new washer... it was missing a clamp on the water intake line so it leaked water all down over the computer motherboard. Getting another brand new one this morning! I hope they get here soon - my laundry is 4 feet high! LOL

Yesterday I edged the landscaping but didn't get to cleaning the car as I was a little worn out from all the yardwork the day before LOL I never feel like I'm overdoing it till the next day LOL So I did take it easy yesterday and I was trapped at the house waiting for the repairman. Had a bad leg cramp in the night so today I will drink Gatorade.

We are having a big party at our camp,with a  band and all - it is the 10th anniversary of the guys building it! There are 10 members.  Should be a great time - expecting about 100 ppl! The "girls" have to make desserts for the party ( oh boy) I'm making peanutbutter meltaway cake and "Monster cookies" - a version of large choc chip/oatmeal. AND I'm gald I'll be taking them to a party!! Otherwise I'd be tempted to eat too many!

Everyone - have a great day!!! Carol - hope you're enjoying yourself at the wedding today! And robbie - I'm still jealous that you're at Torrey Pines!!

frost -Where are you??

Happy Saturday morning all, and thanks for the warm welcome. *hugs*

I couldn't get Moon's picture links to work either Beth but I got a good mental image nonetheless from her excellent description. I live in a mountain climate, have adapted, and sometimes forget that people who are not used to altitude often find it difficult to breathe. Interesting Beth that you are a midwife but not a nurse in the regular sense. That's not possible in the Canadian system. I applaud you for your work. I was delivered by a midwife at home on a stormy snowy Scottish night in January. The doctor was out celebrating Robbie Burns birthday and had a few too many I think. Never made it to the birth. Now I'm not saying that the midwife dropped me on my 10+ lb head or anything but there has always been some speculation and whispers about my cracked sense of humor.... and my technological impairments, as well as spatial handicaps. I can't seem to get my cell phone pics out and into my computer either. Thank goodness I have kids.

You know it's hot when...

... you come home in the middle of the afternoon to find out your central heater that is in the attic has turned it's blower on because the attic is SO hot that it thinks the heater is overheating.

The poor a/c was trying to keep up with the hot air that the central heater was blowing into my house from the attic! Ohhhhh, what will that do to my electric bill???? I forgot to turn off the power to the heater to shut it down for the summer and this is what I get. It's off now!

Rebbex: It was my understanding that the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) certification of Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) was accepted in Canada (or at least parts of Canada) as well as many other parts of the world. Here in the states CPMs are accepted and regulated in about 38 states and more are being added all the time. Texas is one of the best places to be a midwife in the US. But we aren't main stream -- at least not yet.

Stay cool everyone,

~Beth

PS I posted some pictures of this morning's sunrise to my latest journal entry.

Nice photos, Beth!  Very peaceful and I wouldn't even guess it was hot.  We got over 100 today too.

Sorry about those bad links - I have trouble when I post from home and sometimes I can't get my posted links to work.  It's the dialup speed, I'm afraid.

Here they are again:

http://snownymph.smugmug.com/gallery/5180659_ gBR4q#314134346_x7jKi

http://tomcat-rc.smugmug.com/gallery/5189713_ Hk7aa#314750223_kxqrC

I'll be out of touch until sometime Tuesday.  Everyone - keep eating like a thin person and exercising like an athlete!!

Moon, thank you so much for fixing the links to your photos. I was enthralled, and I am astounded by your bravery, courage and energy. Truly. You are an inspiration for all women over 50. And your gang looks like such fun too. Keep enjoying your life.

Beth, thanks so much for the comment about the midwives association. I was living under the false impression that Canada still required midwives to take their nurses training first. I found a couple of links. Was not that surprised to see Canada was pretty much the last civilized country in the world to recognize your profession. So many people in the world admire the Canadian health care system, but obviously it's not always what it's cracked up to be.

Summer has finally arrived in my region after several weeks of continual spring rain that made outdoor activities difficult. I finished the flower planting and am enjoying taking my dog to the riverbank pathway for walks daily. I am struggling with hormonal issues, the return of ttom after a 6 month absence, the associated return of water retention which thwarts my weight loss, the horrible discomfort of lugging around the melons, as I call them. Those are the 40DD's that become like DDD's for a couple of weeks. I just went through that about 3 weeks ago, had a break for a week, and now the melons are back again. Consequently my weight stayed stagnant this week. Frustrating. Does anyone know of any good herbal remedy that prevents the engorgement?

-Bex

http://cmrc-ccosf.ca/node/18

http://www.bcmidwives.com/storyb.htm

 

 

Moon, WOW! I am so amazed at those photos. You are such an inspiration to the rest of us. I doubt I will ever climb a mountain but I now know that I better not ever say "I can't do _____ " just because I"m over 50 years old! Thank you so much for sharing your life with us. You motivate me.

"I can get rid of my flabby underarms... I can get rid of my flabby underarms... I will get rid of my flabby underarms! "

Rebbex, Thank you for the links to those Canadian websites on midwifery. I knew midwives worked in Canada but I didn't now that much about the status of midwifery in Canada. It was nice to read and learn more.

Have a restful and blessed Sunday everyone! Mine has been good so far. I'm going to a surprise birthday party today for my son and two of his children who all have birthdays this month. It should be fun.

~ Beth

Hi everyone***

Sorry I haven't kept in touch, have had way too much drama in the past 10 days!!! My 23 yr old daughter ended up in the hospital for 6 days, she ended having to have her gallbladder removed, after previos diagnosis of Lupus and Hepatitis, the surgery was a relief. My 20 yr old son also had to spend 7hrs in an emergency room, he was severely dehydrated do to a stomach virus. I don't want to see a hospital for a long time!

Friday my daughter and I helped decorate for a friends wedding, we did all the flowers and all the last minute errands and go-fors. Hectic put fun!

At least I didn't feel like eating, my scale doesn't show much of a loss but I can fit into my favorite capris for the first time in 3yrs.

Beth, loved the pictures of the Bay, I seldom stop to realize how beautiful our city can be. Thanks.

Good luck to all, hope everyone has a wonderful week. Mine has to be a little calmer.

Marianne

I'm new to this thread and need all the help I can get. I've fought my weight all my life but this is something else. I can't seem to get ahead. My body is slowing down. And am having an even harder time in the last 5 or 6 years, since I turned 50, more or less.  I saw a picture of myself a few months ago and I was astonished and ashamed to see what I've done to myself.  So this is the beginning of the turnaround for me.

I'd like to know what things you've done differently this time to lose weight. I'm reluctant to get on the scales because I don't think my weight is what I need to concentrate on right now as much as how my clothes fit. I know my weight within 5 lbs/a couple of Ks and don't want to be reminded. Or should I get on the scales?   Help!!

Marta

 

Marriane - Welcome back! We've missed you. I'm so sorry to hear about both your daughter and son's ordeals. I pray that they get well soon and your life can have a little less drama.

That bay is georgous isn't it? I counted 4 dolphins this morning. I'm sure it was at least 4 of them finning out there. The bay was like glass too.

Wordygirl - Welcome to our forum! I'm sure it's an individual thing what works for everyone whose trying to get on the right track. But I can tell you what works for me and maybe it will help.

For me, I had to face the truth head on, no matter how ugly it was. I need to get on that scale because my problem is letting weight sneak back because I don't want to pay attention when I'm not disciplined. So for me, knowing the truth is accountability and it only helps. I realized that everyone else sees me all the time. I might as well see myself and then do something about it.

As for pictures, I intentionally found every picture I could of myself in the past several years and looked at them real good. I studied them and made myself face what weight does to me. I know that there is no reason I have to let myself be that overweight. It takes work to turn things around but I know I can do it and it is so worth it!

Then I asked my husband to take "before" pictures of me in some snug clothes. Ouch, that hurt! A day later I got even braver and stood in front of the mirror in my underwear and took pictures of just my body (left my head off intentionally).

Honestly those pictures were embarrassing enough that I haven't even shown them to my husband. Which is kind of funny when you think about it. But those pictures are just for me because I want to document for myself my improvements as I loose weight. I WILL lose weight and I want the pleasure of looking back to see how far I've come. Actually, I'm getting eager to take another picture but I made a rule for myself that I have to loose 10 lbs between each picture.

When I took the underwear picture, I weighed 199 (6 lbs less than when I actually started this journey). I now weigh 193. But I'm much toner now because I have been working out. I can really see a difference in the mirror. But I won't take the next picture until I drop below 190. But that just motivates me more to get below 190.

Again, these pictures are just for me. But they do help keep me on target. I never want to look like that again. And some day, I'll be able to look back at them and say to myself, "I don't look like that anymore. Look how good I look now!"

Learn to use the CC website. It really is a helpful tool. Hope to see you more on the forums.

~ Beth

Hi Wordy Girl - Wecome!

I agree with Southern Midwife in the sense that you have to know where you've been to figure out where you're going. 

I have very few pictures of myself the last few years because I avoided the camera like the plague. My sisters and my mom are horribly judgmental. But the scale I can't avoid. And it doesn't have to be public. I've never admitted to my kids or my family how much I weigh. Just get on it. Find your start point, set a short term goal for a month or less, and begin. I only weigh once a week. The daily fluctuations that women have to endure as part of life would drive me nuts to have to see.

Think positive. Think thin. Find a picture of yourself from years ago where you thought you looked good and stick it in your bedside table. Look at it each night before you go to sleep and resolve that tomorrow is going to be a good day on your weight loss journey. There are some great visualization exercises on the web, the kind that athletes use to win. Might come in handy? 

-Bex

Marianne - sorry to hear about your daughter's illness/surgery and your son's illness - dehydration is no fun. Hope both are on the mend!

Beth - beautiful pics of the bay - wish I had somewhere like that to walk! Sounds like you're on the right track and still losing!! Congrats

Moon - Holy COW!!!! Those pics were awesome - but you guys don't use any ropes etc for safety??? That cross you made across that crack - oh my if you fell what was below you?? I was amazed but don't think I could do it - I'd be too afraid of falling. You've got to be in great shape to do those kinds of climbs!! The scenery was beautiful but how dangerous is it?? Anyways kudos to you.. I'll stick to golf!! LOL

wordygirl - Welcome! I've never really battled a lot of extra weight - always 5-10 pounds - but what has helped me with even that small amount is tracking everything I eat and logging it on this site - for me it is more about the % of carbs, protein and fat. I have reflux so I never overeat and had a tendency to actually undereat which can lead to starvation mode. So you really do have to experiment with the right amount of calories and %'s. I like sweets but when you're logging  every bite I found I didn't want to have to put all those "bad" calories in and so I avoided eating it! I try not to weigh everyday because the daily fluctuations play mind games and make it easy to say what the heck so I weigh about 2x a week. I do think getting on the scales keeps you accountable like Beth said.

Camp party was a blast! I was so proud of myself too - I did not overeat and only had a small piece of the peanutbutter meltaway cake that I made - that from a table 12ft long loaded with sweets!! Let me tell you that was an accomplishment for  me who would have normally taken at least 3 things!! LOL We had a band and  danced all night - my poor hubby could barely walk because his knees hurt so bad the next day!

Played 9 holes this am as a practice for a member guest golf tournament that I am in tomorrow. Have to mow the grass yet today and figure out dinner

Everyone - have a great day!!!

 

Hey there all:

I took my camera to Torrey Pines but left it in the room the whole time; the only bright side for that brilliant move is that at least I didn't lose it. Other people in my group did take pictures, so I'll share later. My husband had a fabulous time: he went kayaking in La Jolla, and he saw leopard sharks, guitar fish, sea lions, etc. I was not so lucky, but I did enjoy two excellent group dinners at firm expense. The second night was my favorite--imagine if you can 20 retired judges and their spouses (at 55, I'm second youngest!) dressed in beach gear and sing karaoke Beach Boys tunes. Saturday night my brother drove down from Sunset Beach and we all (me, his wife, my husband, and my brother) ate on the beach in Del Mar. Pretty cool. The golf course was closed, Bonnie, as they were packing up from the Open. So no need to feel one drop of envy. I did run along the course overlooking the bluffs and the ocean and enjoyed my own moment of envy of Alice who gets to live in Paradise, but Colorado feels more like home.

Marianne: I just learned my younger son's girlfriend has lupus, and I'm so glad your daughter's correct diagnosis ruled that out. It's worrisome.

Rebbex and wordygirl: Welcome. You are among friends.

As for my weight, I just don't do that well when I travel, but I got right back on the horse today. I will delay weighing until tomorrow so as not to be too discouraged.

My older son thinks his interview went well, but he did not get a job offer on the spot, so we're still crossing fingers. If not, I'll have two boomerangs home this summer. I forgot how loud they are and how much they eat! Son number two did drills with Milo in our absence, and I think it helped. He hasn't growled at me once since we got back. I WILL BE THE ALPHA MOM!

Great to be back and see how well everyone's doing.

Robbie

robbie - Glad you're back!! It sounds like you had  a great time even if you did have to work. And yes - definitely delay that weigh in till you have a chance to get back on track and lose the fluid that those dinners can make you retain! Will continue to say a prayer that your son gets his job!

I'm playing in a member guest golf tournament today - should be fun - hope I have my A game LOL!!!! But either way we'll have fun , it's supposed to be 77 and sunny ...so a great day!

 

Bonnie: I found the recipe:

12 oz. turkey breakfast sausage

2 c 1% low fat milk

2 c egg substitute

1 tsp dry mustard

3/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp ground red pepper

3 large eggs

16 (1 oz.) slices white bread

1 c (4 oz.) finely shredded reduced fat extra sharp cheddar cheese

1/4 tsp paprika

Heat non-stick skillet over medium heat. Coat pan w/ cooking spray. Cook sausage 5 minutes or until brown, stirring and breaking to crumble. Remove from heat to cool.

Combine milk and next 6 ingredients (through eggs), stirring with a whisk.

Trim crusts from bread. Cut into 1 inch cubes. Add cubes, sausage annd cheddar to milk mixture, stirring. Pour into 13X9 baking or 3 qt. casserole coated with cooking spray. Cover and refrigerate 8 hours or overnight.

Remove from refrigerator and let sit 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350*. Sprinkle with paprika and bake 45 minutes or until set and lightly browned. Let stand 10 minutes. Serves 12 (about 1 c each).

184 calories, 6.8 g fat, 15.9 protein, 14 g carb.

It's from the April 08 Cooking Light magazine, and it enjoyed good reader reviews. I haven't tried it yet, but if I do, I'll probably substitute whole wheat bread.

Hope you have a great game.

 

Ohio, did you end up taking the lateral move?

 

Lordie !!! Take a few days off and I can't keep up.

Welcome Rebbex and WordyGirl. Hello to all my weight loss friends. You were ladies I connected with and still are but in my heart you are also my friends.

It is getting warm here. I was finding when I woke up to go to work it was too hot to exercise (night worker here) so now I am getting off work and run for 40 minutes before I go home. At least its cool. Still weighing in at 136 but its mostly caloric. I need to run everyday and be diligent with my food intake. For me that's the hard part. I am like Robbie...I can meet my caloric intake without any trouble. That's a good recipe Robbie...thank you for sharing it.

I am getting company next week (actually Friday) my sweethearts daughter, son-in-law and new grandaughter that he has never met. She is 7 months now. They live in NC. I may not be around much during the visit but I will return.

Makes me smile when Bonnie asks where I am....so your saying you miss me? ....lol...oh Bonton..in answer to your wondering...I am 5'7". At least I think I am...many pages ago Robbie and Moonduster were talking about shrinking...geeze I may be shorter now. Take care everyone.

Keep going Snow...you are awesome. Great weight loss Southern !!! WOOOOO HOOOOO. I want all of you to be at goal weight. I wish strength and health to you all.

rebbex, yeah!  that's alot of posts!  :D  i'm sure even i missed some here & there.  it's hard to keep up sometimes.  cracked sense of humor...  i love it!!!  did you know you can send them cellphone pics to your email?  it's better to just put them all on the computer, i guess, but in a pinch, if you want just a few & the kids aren't around to help, just send 'em to your email.

by the way,  LOL  i lost my boobs!  i like 'em better this way anyway.  it was hard lugging them around everywhere with me.

moon, i wish i could go hiking.  the last time we went, everyone was all cranky, so it sucked.  maybe we can try again someday.  or i can just go with hubby.  hmmm...  eat like a thin person & exercise like an athlete?  cool!

bonton, yardwork?  me?!  LOL  nope.  not me.  i don't do yardwork.  i'm sure it would burn alot of calories though!  i'm sure you'll be under 120 in no time.  :D  them cookies sound delicious though, and that big party.

that's bad enough about the brand new washer missing a clamp, but it ruined your motherboard too?!  that really sucks!  i should wash my car sometime.  i always just let the rain do it, but it's not doing a very good job.  :(

southern, i got that underarm flab too.  i'll work on it.  i guess since it's not gone by now, it ain't leaving on it's own.  :(

my last 2 kids were born in the same month too!  august.  they're less than a year apart.  8/28 & 8/8.  this year is kind of exciting because i'm expecting another grandkid in august too.  8/16 but we think he's coming early.

imb,  wow!  gallbladder?  man, at least they finally found out what the problem was & took care of it!  and dehydration?  i hate hospitals too.  :(

you sure have been busy!  that's pretty cool that you fit into them capris again!!!  :D

hi wordy!  don't worry.  you'll be able to lose that weight.  :D  if i were you, i'd weigh myself just to see how much you've lost.  you are gonna be really proud once you start losing.  it'll be nice to know how much you've lost, i think.  i mostly just eat less, eat better & walk.

robbie, that party sounds awesome!!!  glad to see you back!!!

hey frost!  :D  i didn't even see you there!  LOL  it took me so long to write all that stuff...  i tried before twice, but i got interrupted.  i know!  it's been busy in here!

your company will keep you busy, i'm sure.  :D  have fun!

my daughter & her family are coming friday too!  for over a week!  i'm not sure how long yet.  i have one daughter graduating on friday & another one coming up from NC with her hubby for her baby shower on 7/5.

yeah, i thought i was 5'8" but hubby says i'm 5'7", so i guess i'm shrinking too.  :(  anyways, we all missed you!  :D

robbie - Thanks for the recipe! I copied and printed it so the next time I make that I will make the lower calorie version - will see if hubby can tell the difference! LOL If I don't tell him maybe he won't be able to tell. Let me know when you have pics of Torrey pines !! Can't wait to see them.

frost - Yes  I miss you when you don't check in!! Even though we only know each other thru this site I feel like we are all friends too!! Enjoy your visit with your granddaughter and her parents!! Grandkids are so much fun! We're getting our grandson Thur for the weekend!!

snow - LOL when you lose weight it's too bad you can't dictate where it will come off!! I lose there too and don't really have any to start with! I need it to come off my hips and thighs LOL Enjoy your visit with your daughter and her hubby! Still hoping my daughter meets someone...she gave up on eHarmony - they were all losers.

imb - how are both your kids feeling???

Played well yesterday - we placed third in our flight so that wasn't too bad! I pared the hardest hole on the course and shot a 48 for 9 holes! so I was pleased with my game - the back 9 was a scramble. Have golf league and Dr appt today...not enough hours in the day!! LOL Got a B on my nutrition grade yesterday but did not go over calories - tournament food is not the best! LOL Will need to do better today

why, why, why?

Played golf yesterday and decided to hit a bucket of balls first to warm up.  Hit all great shots, even my partner watched me for awhile.  Loft, direction, distance.

I laughed and said, hope I didn't use up my good shots on practice and that's about what I did.  Altho I did get 4 pts off my score from to last week.  Rome wasn't built in a day and maybe someday I'll get better.

I can only concentrate on one thing at a time.   Right now getting ready for the upcoming visit from my daughter, in 10 days and making out menus and huge grocery lists and lists of what prep work I can do early, and I just am not concentrating on counting calories like I should. 

Good morning ladies!

I missed a day because of work. I did manage to get my morning walk in yesterday but that was all.

Frost - Welcome back! I hope you enjoy the visit from your sweetheart's daughter, son-in-law and baby. He must be excited about meeting that new grandbaby.

I walk at night with my  husband. He prefers walking at night. I prefer the mornings. I used to try and talk him into walking in the morning but now I just do both, once by myself and once with him. It's better for me anyway. But I have to walk early to beat the heat here.

Robbie - Thanks for the recipe. I think I might try that for a Sunday morning breakfast. I could mix it up the night before and then have it ready the next morning. Sounds yummy.

Bonton - Congratulations on doing well at the tournament. And a B isn't so bad. At least you are keeping a watch on what you ate. That's the biggest challenge for me when I'm away from home. As long as I at least try, I do okay but when I ignore what I'm eating, I can really mess up.

I'm still loosing weight this week. Right now I think that I am dropping fast because I've never plateaued at this weight before. I honestly think that when my body reaches a weight where I previously stayed once before that's when it's hard to get past that point. (Does any of this make sense?) If my theory holds true, I should plateau after I loose about 4 or 5 more lbs because stayed in the mid 180's for several months last winter.  But I weighed in at 191.8 this morning and that's already another couple of pounds from last weeks "official" weigh in. When I drop into the 180's, I will take some new pictures of myself and get to compare them to my "before" pics.

I tried carrying some 2.5 lb weights with me on my walk the other day. I did okay with them but couldn't do anything but carry them. I like to work out with my weights while I walk and I can do that with the 1 lb weights. I think I could handle 1.5 or 2 lb weights now though. So I'm going to try and find some at the store today.

I have to drive to the Rio Grande Valley this afternoon (3 hours south). My husband is going with me because we plan to walk across the border into Mexico to do a little shopping. We will be going in the middle of the afternoon. I bet it's going to be really hot down there today. It's funny on the Mexico side of the bridge, they have nice covered walkways. On the US side, they don't have any covering. So, I need to remember my sun visor. You'd think the wealthier country would pay for better walkways. But I guess it isn't as important to the US as it is to Mexico because more people walk in Mexico and they also want to appeal to the tourists who walk over.

Well, I'm going to get ready for my morning water aerobics now. Ya'll have a great day.

~ Beth