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!

Robbie, woo-hoo for you!!  Down to 128.  I need to resurrect my goal of under 140 and start weighing myself again.  This week I seem to be eating like it is my last week on earth, when in truth it is just my last week at this job.  I did 25 minutes of elliptical yesterday and today.  Sure hope I can get my home workout in tonight before "tired" hits.

I had someone comment on my hair yesterday, because it is going from several shades of light brown/blond to gray very slowly.  She said it looked very pretty because I have a young face.  I guess that's the key.  On the days when my face doesn't look so young, I think about having it cut and colored, but so far I haven't found the time.  Maybe when I retire.

Alice

 

 

Thank you Robbie for the words of support. You have motivated me! I won't stay at 136. My body will move on when its ready. I just need to stay consistant.

Alice you have a very young face!!!

Everyone stay well.

Strong and lean. Standing up straight.

 

Robbie - Mary Kay Ash was the founder of the wildly successful Mary Kay cosmetics company. Who among us has not been invited to a Mary Kay home party? This was her philosophy, although it was deemed an unconventional approach to business: Allow the women in her company to advance by helping others to succeed. She advocated praising people to success. And insisted that her employees retained balance in their lives by subscribing to, God first, family second, career third. I understand she was a hugely positive influence on those around her, perpetually, each and every day of her life. Not unlike the wonderful women who read this blog, eh? (is that too Canadian?)

Here is another one of her gems: "We treat our people like royalty. If you honor and serve the people who work for you, they will honor and serve you"

SEND THAT TO TEE!

Hey Everyone ~

I'm Baaack! We got in late last night from our vacation. It sure is nice to be back home. We had a lot of fun seeing our family that is scattered across the Lone Star state (Texas). I managed to walk almost every day and even twice on one day. But I know I didn't get as good a work out every day that we were gone.

After the first two days, I gave up on counting calories. But I did my best to eat clean. It wasn't easy all the time. Everyone wanted to feed us. But for the most part, I think I did okay. But it's good to be back in complete control of my meals again. I went shopping this morning and spent over $80 on healthy food. My frig was empty.

I drug myself out of bed this morning to go walk. I almost didn't go but then reminded myself that I've never regretted going when I didn't feel like it. But I've almost always regretted not going no matter how good the excuse. I felt better after walking but I was more tired than usual. I skipped my water aerobics because it was very cloudy and starting to rain. So I assumed they were going to cancel. I've got a ton of stuff to do today to catch up after vacation. Tomorrow is a prenatal day. So, I have to be ready to go back to work.

Last night I read the forum to catch up a little. It's good to see new people.

Welcome Kyashiis!

One: It's nice to see you back. I'm sorry to hear about the stress in your life. I've been there. I understand and it isn't easy, I know. But hang in there! There WILL be better days ahead and if you will start loosing again (especially if you can just maintain for now).

Bonton: I always enjoy reading about your golf. I wish I understood more of it but it's still fun to read your enthusiasm.

Ohio: I don't have skin tags myself but I do have this strange lump on my knee that totally freaked me out until I found out it's no big deal. It floats around under the surface of my skin and feels really weird, like it isn't anchored to anything. It turns out to be just a cyst and unless it grows, it shouldn't be a problem. Oh, the things that happen to us as we age, huh? At least I don't have hair growing out of the tops of my ears like my husband does.

Moon: You always inspire me because of your mountain climbing. It's encouraging to know that cellulite doesn't have to be with me forever. I've noticed some improvement with my walking but I'm going to work with those weights some more.

I hope your new position at work works out well for you. Isn't it sad how one person in the work environment can make life miserable for everyone they work with?

Everyone - Have a great day!

~ Beth

southern - Nice to see you back! Glad you had a good vacation. Some days after school I have to drag myself into the gym but always feel better after going - your walking sounds like that too.

Bex - I wondered who she was too! LOL But I have heard of Mary Kay cosmetics! She has some good sayings - she sounds very philosophical in a good way.

frost - Keep up the battle... I never thought my weight would budge but it finally did - still not back to last years weight but hope to get there soon.      &nbs p;  At 5'7" I think 136 is a good weight!

robbie - Congrats on 128!!!! WOOOHOOOO You're slowly taking it off! Way to go. You're catching me.. I better get on the stick and get to 118!! LOL

Tonight we planted half of the plants and shrubs I bought for alongside the driveway! What a job but it's looking really nice. Lots of rocks in that soil thank heavens my hubby was digging the holes! OK off to the shower

Hope everyone had a great day! I played golfLOL it was my ladies league day. Didn't play too bad today - had a 94...now I like to get in the high 80's LOL never satisfied! Maybe we're all a little bit that way about our weight!

I just found this site, and the reason I decided to join was because there was a thread for people over 50. It seems to be a lot harder to lose weight after a certain age, doesn't it? Anyway, I'm doing this alone and hope to find support here. It seems like whenever I diet and exercise, I start out great, then either eat something I shouldn't, and feel all is lost. Maybe that's because I do it alone and have no one but the voice in my head to listen to for advice.

Anyway, I'm 53, and walking with my dog is the exercise I like best, although I also have walking dvds that I enjoy. According to the calorie counter analysis, I should lose 18 lbs. I think I can do it if I know there are others out there like myself. Oh, and I'm a knitter in case you haven't guessed.

knitthruit

Welcome knitthruit

This is a very supportive group. So stick around. I'm sure you will love it. The CC website is also very helpful.

I don't knit except on those little round looms. I make baby hats on those. But I love to crochet. I'm a midwife and having needlework to do is very helpful at long births.

~ Beth

Hey, all:

I just write to say that I think this thread is like a free support group, and you are all responsible and share credit for the  progress I have made since May. Thanks all, and welcome knitthruit.

We're going to Grand Lake (no internet) today to celebrate 4th of July. Wish me luck resisting temptation, and have a great 4th!

yeah, you guys are right.  i should at least try a class instead of being so scared.  i gotta get back to the gym 1st though!  LOL  at least i've been walking at least 4 miles a day.  i started a july challenge in my journal to walk at least 4 miles.

it's working pretty good AND it keeps ME going.  :D

Welcome knitthruit!! We have a delightful and supportive group so join right in!

southern - I used to crochet when my girls were small - I made all their hats! and tons of afghans but now I never seem to find the time - I've taken up scrapbooking and I do that in the winter as I cannot sit in front of the tv idle! LOL

robbie - Have a nice 4th away - I'm sure you'll do just fine - everytime temptation takes over say to yourself " I'm not gaining back what I lost! "

snow - LOL I can't seem to get to the gym either! LOL but we are both exercising anyways so whatever works! my gym doesn't have any classes so yours sounds a little better than mine although both sound like they are less than they should be! LOL Way to go walking 4 miles a day!!

ohio - How is your golf game going??

I have to go to work this afternoon - spent my morning downloading and editing pics to my computer LOL - a lazy day for me who usually never stops moving   A new low today 121.4!!!! WOOOHOOO Slowly but surely I seem to be inching downwards! Bought 2 skorts a while back went to put one on today -too big!! Putting a pic of my landscaping project in my gallery.

Everyone have a great day - stay stong and lean!!

Bonnie: Good for you. I'm going to have to chase you down that scale! The landscaping looks very professional. My "gardening" this summer is now limited to not looking out the window anymore!

Snow: I just got some new lifting DVDs, and I'll let you know if they're any good. It's like a class without the hassle of the gym!

yeah, my gym is good for having classes at least.  :D  i can't wait to hear how them lifting dvds are.  i really need to start toning.  i still use my weights, but not much.  i just use 'em for a few minutes now & then...  when i think of it.

OR when i'm walking.  i used them 3 lb wrist weights again & they didn't bother me at all!  i just didn't try swinging my arms much & just considered them extra weight.

happy 4th everyone!  i walked 3 miles so far.  time to get that 4th in!  i ate good yesterday & am planning on being good today.  not sure how that will turn out, but i really am planning on being good.

Welcome Knit!!!

I love to knit. It is my winter passion. I am terrible. I can knit and pearl but when its time to yarn over, decrease or increase, I start messing up. But its fun and I love trying.

This is a wonderful support group here. Some need to lose a few pounds and others are going for bigger numbers but we all help each other. These ladies keep me going. When I began in March I weighed 145. Probably a pound or two more but I refused to type it. lol. Now I am 136 and stuck on a plateau. My primary exercise is running. I try to run at least 5 times a week. The ladies here have taught me SOOOOOO MUCH.

Happy 4th!

 

Thanks for the welcome. I can see that everyone here is friendly and supportive. I was a little worried on my first day, which was yesterday. What have I gotten myself into? Usually when I start a diet, I'm really positive for a few days, then slip a little and give up. Yesterday it seemed different, and I think it was because I knew you ladies were here. Strange, I don't know any of you yet, but I felt accountable, and like I was part of something. So I did okay and didn't overeat or snack on the wrong foods.
This morning I decided to burn some calories, so I mowed one of our smaller lawns with the push mower. I'm planning to do more this evening. It's great exercise.


southern - Although I've been knitting since I was a little girl, I only learned to crochet a few years ago. I like it because you get quicker results than knitting. But knitting will always be my first love!

frostslave - I think if you can knit & purl, and are passionate, that's all you need to be a knitter. If I had a dollar for every mistake I made...

knitthruit

Happy Fourth of July to all of you! (I know some of you don't live in the states but hey, it's still the fourth of July everywhere, right? ).

Bonnie: You've done a great job landscaping. My yard desperately needs my attention. But it's just too darn hot. (At least that's my excuse.)

Snow: Good to see that you are making those 4 miles a day. I don't know how you can do the 3 lb weights. I'm only using 1.5. But I am about to graduate to 2 lbs. My arms are looking much better but they still jiggle underneath . I wonder how long and how much weight lifting it will take to get them totally firm again? That's my goal. 

Frost: That's funny that you didn't want to write down your weight. But I can sure relate. It took me a while to admit to my own weight. But I have found it helps keep me determined to loose it when I go ahead and admit where I am. I'm also stuck again. I'm at 190.8. I've been here for almost a full week. I SO want to say good bye to the 190's forever! Maybe tomorrow. I've noticed that Saturday has been a good day for dropping over the past few weeks. So I'm hoping that it will happen tomorrow.

It's raining here and gloomy outside. We need the rain though. But I had to walk at the mall today. It was SO boring! I only saw one other person and he was just the vending machine guy. But I did go there at about 7 am. I'm trying to talk myself into doing some pilates today. The rain is here to stay for a few days. *SIGH*

kniutthruit - Are you talking about a gas powered push mower or the plain reel mower that has no engine? We have a reel mower and a gas powered push mower. Surpisingly the reel mower is actually easier to use when the grass isn't very tall as long as you stay on level ground. But we tend to let the grass get too tall. Then it's a REAL workout! My husband still likes to use it because it gives him such a good workout. But it takes him several hours to do the yard that way. I can't even get it to move in our front yard because the grass is so thick and the ground is so uneven.

Oh, I see the sun peeking out. Ya'll have a great day.

~ Beth

We have both kinds of mowers, too, but I'm afraid of the gas one. The reel mower is pretty easy going on a flat surface, but the lawn I did is hilly and the grass is "free range", whatever kind of grass wants to, grows there. You could say it's not a golf course kind of lawn. It took me a while to build up the stamina to push that thing. My heart used to race a lot, but now I can mow longer. (My husband & son think I'm nuts not to use the other mower, but that's okay).

Have a great holiday!

knitthruit

 

 

knitI mow all of our grass, because I like the exercise.  It takes me an hour and a half and I have to mow 2-3x a week..self propelled gas mower - it goes as fast as you walk ... I swear that's what is helping me lose weight! If you read the earlier posts we decided I could write a book "Mowing off the pounds" LOL well that and golfing! I'm just not sure what to replace that with this winter LOL I hate the cold!

southern - Thanks! My husband was amazed that I went to buy the stuff, did not measure and somehow came home with the exact number of plants we needed! I do seem to have an eye for it and I like different things so that's what I look for! I have the ability to visualize it.

We played in a red, white and blue golf tournament yesterday - I won 1st place net in my flight! If you pared you played from red, if you bogied you got to move forward to around the 200 yard marker and if you birdie you had to play form the men's tees! It was fun to change things up. I birdie a par 5 only to have to hit from the men's tee on the next hole - where you have to hit out over this big long gorge to get to the fairway - I was like I will never get over that! My hubbie said just take your regular swing I know you can get over and to my surprise I did! Got a 6 on that hole from the men's tee - I was excited! LOL cause  on that hole I can get a 6 from the ladies tee! LOL

Had a 4th party at our camp last night - fireworks, food- we had  a nice time - BUT someone brought the best choc chip cookies (soft and chewy and full of chips !) and somehow I did not resist having 2 of them. Probably did not go  over calories yesterday but had a few things that were not the best choices... did not eat enough thru the day - oh well I will get back on track today and stay off the scales for a few days! LOL I have found that when I don't eat enough thru the day I don't make the best choices in the evening. I need to remember that and do better thru the day!! We are golfing today with my friend and then she is coming for to our house to cook steaks tonight. My girls had plans with their friends this weekend.

When I went to get groceries on Friday,  I was standing waiting in the checkout line looking at the magazine covers - oh my - everyone had something about weight issues on the cover! "walk off the pounds, eat this not that, drop a dress size in 2 weeks," etc.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

I made a list of the last few days before my company :)  arrives and have checked off what food prep and baking to do each day.  I'm on schedule but my big problem is that I'm not used to all this food in the house and I'm eating everything.  I could never manage like the rest of you do with having to cook every day for a hubby.  Altho many yrs ago I did it. 

warning, food talk to follow.

My strawberry ice cream is so good, if i do say so myself.  A bright pink from the berries, creamy and full of flavor.  I kept getting tiny bowls (many many tiny bowls).  This is how little I bake now.........I was almost out of sugar and my soda expired.  The cho chip cookies are in the freezer, but no they aren't even safe there as they taste even better all crunchy from the freezer.  It smells like pineapple and strawberries in here from fruit for a fruit salad tomorrow, so I can't get away from the smells.  I have to start my overnight, buttermilk cinnamon rolls today, and know I'll sample them tomorrow.

It's been rainy and no time to exercise.  Keeping fingers crossed that next weekend the food will be gone when company leaves and I can go back to my meager meals.

That will give me 1.5 months of summer to try to take off a few more pounds.  Last winter I didn't lose, but ended up at spring the same weight as in November, before holidays, so expect the same thing this yr.

enjoy your weekend

Happy Saturday morning everyone. Hope the sun is shining where you are and that all is well with the world. Our igloos are finally melting up here. It's way too hot, and the cowboys are in town, so the temperature just went even higher, at least in the bars.

I'm down on hormones today, I'm against them, and I want them banned. I have a preliminary report from my cardiogram and blood tests and it seems that everything came back 'normal'. In one respect I am glad to know I don't have high cholesterol, diabetes, hypothyroidism, anemia, ebola, or an STD. On the other hand, there might not be a cure other than 'wait it out' for what ails me.

I had about a thousand PVC's yesterday, I swear, so I did a bunch of reading and it turns out there are all kinds of menopausal women on the internet complaining about the same mysterious condition. Hearts of 50-something women are flip flopping around all over the world. And it's all because of hormones. I detest them. I have been stuck in idle on weight loss this week because I had difficulty leaving home, far less exercising, having spent much of my time in the john taking care of Auntie Flo who should have died long ago as far as I am concerned. I may be referred on for more consultations and may eventually obtain something  that minimizes the symptoms of all this but in the meantime, the verdict is, grin and bear it.

Bon - your decorative landscape looks fab. And I see you are indeed mowing off the pounds. Awesome. Your girls are so pretty. Their eyes are stunning.

Ohio - I could smell your kitchen all the way from here, about 2000 miles away. I let loose this week and went out for pizza and beer when my son returned from his travels. It felt good. I had been in deprivation mode for so long. Have a cookie, eat some ice cream, it's back to the old grind once the company leaves. Enjoy every minute of their visit.

Beth and Snow - congrats on sticking to your plans, weights and all. You give me courage, but so far I haven't been able to get up at the crack of dawn and head out the door to walk and pump. As soon as my visiting relative 'leaves' I am going to give it a try and see if it invigorates the rest of my day. I usually go with Harry the Wonder Dog in the late afternoon but I bet I could go twice as far if I went in the early morning. I need to turn up the afterburners on the weight loss! Too slow!

Welcome Knit - I grew up in the wilds of Scotland and back in the early 14th century when I went to school, it was a requirement that we could knit the basics before we entered 1st grade. Our first project was a pot holder. In 2nd grade we did embroidery. And in 3rd grade we knitted a tea cozy. I knitted for my kids when they were babies and my ex mother-in-law, who is Polish, taught me to crochet. I made many an afghan and gave them all away. This winter I imagine I will be on my own a lot more so I expect to drag the needles out and knit something for myself. There are some great patterns out there. Good luck with your weight loss. If only they discovered a way to knit while walking it would be over in half the time, hmm?

"The key is not to prioritize what's on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities" - Stephen Covey

Hello all, I haven't written in a while. I've been ignoring CC and not paying attention to what I've been eating, with predictable results.

A few weeks of being busy, careless, a weekend of baking and entertaining and bam—the scale is back where it was in December, when I joined CC. I didn’t say I was back where I was, because I am stronger, more educated, and maybe smarter. But the scale!!!

I made another change lately—I decided to work out with heavy weights. It exhausts me and maybe makes me hungry and probably builds muscle, which moves the scale up. However, the muscle gain-weight gain link is messed up by the chocolate-chip cookies I baked and devoured.

This week, I’ll log and continue my exercise plan including 2 half hour sessions with weights. If the scale goes down and I’m feeling good, great. If not, I need to reevaluate.

This is what I get for forgetting CC and the wonderful, supportive friends here. Hope everyone is enjoying the weekend.