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!

Original Post by clharr:

Hi Alice!  Its been a while.  That job would destroy me.  Good luck.  It is hard to eat healthy when you are going out and everyone is eating sweets.  You are showing a lot of restraint so far.  Keep it up and you will be my hero! 

You know Carol, I just love that pic you have of the cat - I've always wanted a Siamese and I'm a serious cat person.  My current furball (Macs) is just a plain old tabby who chose us at the Cat Shelter in Perth Western Australia.  He is a very chatty soul, and loves to have his tummy scratched - like a dog.  He's an outside and inside cat and supplements his diet with squirrels, rabbits, birds and the odd chipmunk - and he eats them, just leaving the odd bit of fur, ears and claws.  Sometimes he even tries to give these trophies to us.  No thanks.  His air fare over here was more expensive than ours, but at least he didn't have to be in quarantine at all because Australia, being an island, doesn't have rabies.

Original Post by clharr:

Hi Alice!  Its been a while.  That job would destroy me.  Good luck.  It is hard to eat healthy when you are going out and everyone is eating sweets.  You are showing a lot of restraint so far.  Keep it up and you will be my hero! 

You know Carol, I just love that pic you have of the cat - I've always wanted a Siamese and I'm a serious cat person.  My current furball (Macs) is just a plain old tabby who chose us at the Cat Shelter in Perth Western Australia.  He is a very chatty soul, and loves to have his tummy scratched - like a dog.  He's an outside and inside cat and supplements his diet with squirrels, rabbits, birds and the odd chipmunk - and he eats them, just leaving the odd bit of fur, ears and claws.  Sometimes he even tries to give these trophies to us.  No thanks.  His air fare over here was more expensive than ours, but at least he didn't have to be in quarantine at all because Australia, being an island, doesn't have rabies.

I am a cat person too (obviously).  The picture is not my cat, but a persian kitten I found on the internet.  My cat is a siamese mix that looks like this, or at least did until we had to shave her.  I have a picture of her in my gallery.  She now looks like a wierd combination of cat and rat.  Everyone laughs at her, but she feels a lot better so I don't think she cares.

"Dogs have masters, cats have staff"

-Carol

"Dogs have masters, cats have staff"

-Carol

 

Well it's been years since I've had either a dog or a cat, and yet that wee statement rings so true.  Seeing it in writing just makes me laugh-and I needed one, so thank you!

Do you know the difference between Dog Religion and Cat Religion?

Dog Religion says "You feed me; you love me; you care for me; YOU must be God!"

Cat Religion says "You feed me; you love me; you care for me; I must be God!"

I just caught up reading and could not resist sharing that one after the cute quote Carol gave us. We have two cats and one dog. My husband is more a "cat" person and I'm more a "dog" person. Although we both love both. 

You guys are sure chatty today . I enjoyed reading everyone's posts.

Welcome to the newcomers. I'm getting ready for my daughter's birthday party. So I'll have to check back later when I can "talk" more.

~ Beth

How would I go about getting one of those'rulers' that measure my weight loss and overall health.  I got on to one website back in the fall, and didn't know how to transfer it to this website.  So, if anyone will give me directions/how to  I'd really appreciate it.

 

Original Post by rebbex:

 I always liked this little saying..."Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body but rather to skid in sideways, champagne in one hand, chocolate cake in the other, body thoroughly used up, worn out, and yelling WOO HOO! what a ride!".

 

 

totally agree with bonton, this is SHOULD BE the way we all go.  Really, when you think about it what good is a healthy corpse.

And bonton Helene-how're doing?  Such a busy busy lady.  HOpe all is s(well).

Hello to uukaylerice!  Do you have a shorter name I can call you?

You mentioned knee and hip pain with exercise, so I just wanted to be sure you know about glucosamine.  It worked wonders for my knees, hips and elbows.  I take it faithfully - 3 pills a day.  It took a couple of months before I noticed a difference, but it's a BIG difference.  My elbows used to hurt all the time, and now they are fine.  I'm sure I wouldn't be hiking nearly as much if I didn't take it.  And I don't take any pain or anti-inflammatories except for the rare headache I may get.  My knees still get stiff after a long hard hike/climb, but they recover in a day or two.

Anyway, welcome to this great group!!  The women here are charming, witty, motivated, and we look great for our age!  Keep it up with the exercise!

Alice

 

Here's update #2 (and Kayle, I finally spotted your name)

My latest hike included Hengst Peak, which I have been eyeing on the map for years because my last name is Hengst!  Here are photos:

http://natedeb.com/krv/displayimage.php?album =lastup&cat=43&pos=0

This Sunday I may be doing Mt. Whitney if the weather isn't too bad.  I did it last year and suffered greatly on the downhill part because my legs were SO sore.  Every time I had to step down more than a few inches it was painful.  The hike took about 18 hours.  This year I think I'm in better shape with much stronger legs - we shall see!  I'm hoping for 14-15 hours max and much less pain.

Yesterday I got my 3 minutes of fame on a local TV station as a live guest on the noon news show, talking about the hiking club.  I'll be getting a copy of my appearance on Monday, and if possible I'll have it put on youtube so you can all have a good laugh!  Knowing I would be on TV was a terrific motivation to not each much the week before.  It was very scary, but I think I did okay for my first time.

We have six cats and really enjoy them.  A woman with cats once told me that cats are the same as dogs, just autistic.

Oh, about the office workers - two women are obese, one is heading that way.  One said she was at her ideal weight when she started working here 6 years ago.  I think she might have gained 50 -70 pounds.  The supervisor is quite tall, so his weight doesn't show as much, but he definitely has excess AND he is diabetic.  I am not worried.  I don't like junk food that much.  As long as I bring my own stuff to munch on, I'll be fine.  Plus, some of the clients are fieldworkers and bring in fresh fruit.  We've gotten some absolutely delicious red grapes and some watermelon.

In case I haven't explained it well enough, I am working at Employer's Training Resource.  It is a county department and its goal is to put unemployed people back to work through different training programs and placement services.

Alice

 

 

 

Alice- Nice to have you back! I always enjoy your hiking photos - if I lived close to you that is something that I would enjoy!! The scenery looks breath taking! Good for you with resisting the goodies at work - I do the same at work - there's always something around but I simply don't indulge. If you don't take that first bite you're good to go! at least that's what I've found. Will be waiting for your post to youtube! I had a cat - Francis - she was a stray tabby we adopted - she lived 22 years! But no more for me as my daughter is allergic and is also allergic to dogs. I agree with you about the Glucosamine - if you can take it it does help - sadly it gave me worse reflux and I had to stop.

Tonight at our couples league - I missed a hole in one by 1 inch!!! That's as close as I''ve ever been! Where was the wind blowing when I needed it!

Everyone - Hope you're enjoying your Friday night. I'll check in tomorrow!

Thank you Alice!  Yes...my name is Kayle (as in Kayle is a whale in a pail).  I have been taking glucosamine for the past couple of years but it's usually 2 pills at nighttime.  Should I be spreading it out through the day and adding an extra one? 

Yes, I think I'll enjoy this forum!  Thanks so much!

And now for a big challenge...tomorrow I HAVE to eat pizza (pity poor me, eh?), but I see a slice of mushroom pizza is about 240 calories.  So perhaps I'll have a slice, then a second "slice" but scraping off and eating the toppings only.  Advice anyone?  And then I'm headed to a girls night out but it'll be chicken franks and watermelon and salad 'round a campfire...the good stuff, eh? 

Have a great weekend, all! 

Kayle.......watching a gorgeous pink sunset from my lounger and waiting for it to cool down to go on an "amble"

kayle- I'd eat something before you go that way you won't be as hungry and 1 slice will do it or eat a salad with your pizza if they have them. Funny, I used to love pizza but really anymore I don't really care for it. If I have it at all I get white pizza.

snow  I know you're out walking getting down to that goal! I need you here to push me below 120! I exercise plenty just haven't been quite as disciplined with eating as I need to be to get below that number (SIGH) and it's not the amount of calories because I'm finding that I revert to old habits and "forget" to eat  - it's not the right percentages of carbs, fats and protein.

Beth Has the storm let up? I haven't watched any news yet today.

Today my hubby is playing golf at a bachelor party so 3 of my girlfriends and I are going golfing. Got all my yardwork done yesterday and finally got the inside of my car cleaned! LOL I've been trying to do that for weeks.

Our county fair is next week - my daughters and I are going to see Chris Daughtry! - for any of you American Idol fans like me! LOL  His songs are great work-out music!

Everyone - Have a great weekend - stand tall, think lean and exercise like an athlete!

bonton, you can refuse to get weighed at the doc office.  :D  i did that before.  well, actually i grumped about it & the nurse said that's fine, but i got on anyway.  i actually told her that i almost cancelled because i didn't want the doc to yell at me for gaining.  LOL  i hope she didn't write that on my chart...  but who cares now anyway.  i love seeing all that weight gone.  OMG!!!  you missed the hole by one inch?!  that sucks...

try to keep your sodium low & your fiber high, even if you need to eat extra to do it.  when you forget to eat, at least have something really small, because it really does boost your metabolism.  :D  you want to keep that metabolism working hard & if it doesn't get food more often, it'll slow down.  you need to give it something to do to keep it busy.

yeah, 135 today & only 1 pound to go!  :D  you'll get out of that slump.  don't worry.  it's hard for me to get enough protein too.

moon, a spreadsheet?  LOL   it IS hard to keep track of everyone on here though.  your job sounds awesome!  a junk food fest everyday?!  :D  i wonder if anyone will have the veggies you bring.  they ate them at my parties.  i was all worried that i'd be the only one eating them.  i'm sure that them stairs are alot more effective than walking!  i still can't believe you are such an awesome hiker!!!  OMG!  that would be awesome to see you on the news!!!

joanna, that's really cool how they give you all them tests at work!  yep!  LOL  cats are something else, aren't they?  and trying to give you the stuff they caught...  :D

clharr, i love it!  dogs have masters, cats have staff.  :D

southern, that was a cool quote too.  it's so true!

uukay, just have the 2 slices if you want.  :D  maybe you can eat less before the pizza, like only good food, and get some extra exercise in to cover it.

 

thanks for the welcome! I've gone with the Anais Anais, a bottle of something (not perfume, but some spray...) Anyway if she doesn't like it she can "regift" I think. The suggestions were nice, but I just wanted to keep it simple. Eh, I don't know the people at this party as my bf invited me...

Good morning all,

One - Here is the link to get that graphic ruler for weight loss.

Alice - I love the pictures. You look great and congratulations on reaching the top of that mountain. That's awesome. I have a few questions. What is around everyone's ankles? Is that for ankle support? And how hot was it when you hiked that day? How long did the whole trip take?

Kayle - I also recommend the salad with pizza if it's available. But the idea of eating before you go is also a good one. I'd just get one piece and eat it REAL slow.

Bonton - The storm is gone. The frogs are out everywhere. Where do they come from?  Fortunately there haven't been too many mesquites this time. The city workers have spent nearly 3 days cleaning up the storm debris in the park where I walk. It's sad how much trash washes up from the bay during a storm.  It's a shame people aren't more respectful when they get rid of their garbage. Absolutely no damage here. Oh I think someone's trailer got turned over by a tornado but no one was in it. I don't even think there was any serious damage where the eye made landfall about 250 miles south of us.

Congratulations on the "almost hole in one". That must have been one of those extremely exciting and frustrating moments all at the same time. I think I would have tried to blow the ball in the hole myself.

Hey, I resisted chocolate cake at the birthday party yesterday AND my weight is back down this morning to 183.6. That means I officially lost 2.8 lbs this week! I'm starting to think about what it will be like to be 170 something again. It's so close I can almost touch it.

Everyone - Have a GREAT weekend!

~ Beth

Thanks, Bonton and Beth for the salad suggestion...or at least eating before I eat pizza...It's a unique situation where I'm bringing the pizza home!  I'll report on how it goes. 

I'm still chuckling at refusing to get weighed at the doc's.  It made the nurse grumpy...she stabbed at my notes and said "Today you get a complete px" but I whined (literally!) and she gave up.  Somehow I felt like a naughty little girl but hey...we have patient rights, right? 

This calorie counter is working!  I've dropped 2 pounds since I started four days ago.  It really does help to keep tabs of everything that goes into the mouth.  I made a choco cherry dump cake for my neighbors...and of course I kept a small bowl for myself and a bigger bowl for my hubby. (Really, it was tooooo rich!)  I counted my portion as 300 calories just to allow for anything extra.  That made me watch very, very carefully what I ate the rest of the evening!  And I did an extra walk last night.

Onward and forward!  Wish I was hiking Mt. Whitney!  A goal perhaps?

Will report later........

Best and blest,

Kayle

 

 

Happy, Happy, Happy

the scale said 156 again today so I can actually believe that it wasn't some glitch yesterday - that means that my plateau has finally broken - down 1.5lbs this week.  Not a huge loss, but at least its down!

Kayle - I'm all for the salad suggestion made by Bonton and Beth - I'm a huge salad fan anyway but it'll take the edge off your hunger whilst being really good for you.

Beth - glad things are starting to get back to normal in your neck of the woods.

Figure - hope the birthday goes well and that the recipient of the Anais Anais likes it.  Both my mother and grandmother were big fans of it.

Alice - you do hike in some beautiful places.  I cannot imagine hiking anywhere around here during the summer because of the humidity - I think I'd die!  Autumn and Spring might be nice in the north Georgia mountains though. 

Bex - I'm going to have to use your quote as my motto from now on.  Its brilliant! 

Carol - your comment "Dogs have masters, cats have staff" is so true - anyone with a cat knows this and Beth, I would make one alteration to the Cat Religion and that would be "You feed me; you love me; you care for me; I AM GOD!"

OK folks, I've got to get back to all those chores I don't get done during the week.  Have a great Saturday and I'll check in again tomorrow.

Joanna

"Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body but rather to skid in sideways, champagne in one hand, chocolate cake in the other, body thoroughly used up, worn out, and yelling WOO HOO! what a ride!"

 

 

 

It is getting harder to say hello to everyone, so I hope I won't offend if I don't give individualized responses.

I lost my favorite RayBans Friday night--left them at restaurant, but they say not so. Someone got lucky. They were special because my kids picked them out and bought them. And, they were small. The style  now is bigger, but I fear I look buggy in the new ones, and they aren't as classic as my old ones. Sigh. They sure cost more than they should!

After being at 124.5 for two days in a row, I went to happy hour last night and threw caution to the wind. Chicken wings (I love spicy fried food--Texas upbringing, I guess), fries and lots of wine. It showed up immediately this a.m., so I refused to write down my weight until after I ran 40 minutes. How's that for stealing Snow's technique of eat what you want but exercise it off right away?

I've been thinking that I would actually like to get back down to 118, which is what I weighed right before I turned 50. I am 5'2" so I don't think that's too unrealistic theoretically (I weighed 110 most of my adult life, then 118 after 40), but I'm worried setting my goal that low will have the effect of discouraging me, since it's another 6.5 pounds, and it took me a year to lose 10.

Alice, at my job every day there are pastries, bagels, donuts and other, uh, crap. I decided from day one not to even have one bite--the Lay's potato chip theory (Bet you can't eat just one). So far, so good. Can't wait to see your you-tube video.

Joanna: my last density scan was good, too, but it was before I hit menopause. I think that's why we have to include weight lifting in our regimen, no? Congrats on 1.5 lbs.--nothing wrong with that, eh?

Beth: I think your dog and cat religion sounds a little like men and women; you can guess which is which! Keep up the good work, weight wise. I wish I could lose as quickly as you are. I have height envy.

Kayle: what are you protesting in your picture?

Bonnie: How was the concert. I went to see Momma Mia by myself yesterday (no way Tom would go-he hates musicals and soft pop) I agree with Bex--definitely worth the money.

Ohio: you feeling better?

Laura: you look very trim. How was the party?

 

All: Hope the rest of your weekend is special!

 

robbie Daughtry concert is not until this coming Saturday - it should be great - our grandstand has box seats and that's where we're sitting! OHHH 124.5 you're definitely catching me! I seem to be stuck at 121.8 our weights re similar and also our gain - most of my life I weighed 108, after 40 114 after 50 it crept up to 124 (with my highest being this past Jan at 128).  I would love to get to 115 and stay there but I don't know if I can. Even with all the exercise I do and eating right most of the time the scale seems stuck - would settle for 118 but it sure seems slow to get there too. We started lifting weights about 4 years ago so I know I've probably gained some muscle weight as my arms actually have some definition LOL but I still really want to get below 120. Don't know why it has to be so hard!!! Snow seems to be able to do it! I don't know why I can't.

Yesterday my hubby went to play golf at a bachelor party outing so 3 of my friends and I went golfing out of town - course was short but challenging! I had an 89 so I was pleased. We ate an early dinner there - food was fantastic - now I wonder why I don't lose those last 5 pounds - well I threw caution to the wind because they had homemade blackberry pie and of course I had to get a piece! But overall with my exercise and calorie intake I did ok - just seems for me to lose I cannot eat sweets at all.

Today I am having a brunch - my daughters are coming with my grandson and my nephew, wife and their 2 boys are coming - they live in Baltimore and are here for the weekend. I made egg casserole and a huge fresh fruit salad (which I will fill up on!) making blueberry muffins too (although they don't entice me! LOL). Our county fair starts today - my grandson is staying over and we are taking him to see the animals tonight! Should be great fun!!! and then to the annual fair parade tomorrow night.

Everyone Hope you're all having a great weekend. Snow is almost at goal, robbie is running. joanna broke a plateau!, kayle - how was the party?, beth- I actually did walk up to the ball and put my shadow over it sometimes it will make it fall in the hole LOL but alas it did not drop so close yet so far away!! LOL and you're on a roll with losing!! keep it up, ohio has good bones! moon is probably out hiking, Peg working on her new house?? Helene  where are you???bex - waiting for a new quote form you! I love them one Thanks for staring this thread and to anyone I missed  we're all glad you're here maybe I'll need to start taking notes like moon so I don't miss anyone!!! LOL