In 2004, due to numerous medical conditions, I lost a lot of weight and have stayed within 20 pound of that weight since then. But about 15 lbs lighter than I am would be better. And more exercise would be very good. My problems are serious back problems which affect the sciatic nerve and too much exercise sets me back way more than I want to go. Ok. Now where do I go from here. Well, I have been working a part time job that requires way more exercise than my normal amount. Next step is to start walking even if it is only a few yards a day. My goal is to be really able to enjoy the Houston Quilt Fest in 2011 and not have to use a mobility cart as much. So here goes. My goals are small but for a almost 70 year old, old broad, I don't think they are bad. Hugs and love to all the rest of you. Ann

All, no need to go to bed hungry. WW has quite a few interesting and filling zero or close to zero point foods. My sister in law, who used to be a WW rep, makes an awesome zero point vegetable soup. I'll see if I can get the recipe. It's nice for me to remember these things..thanks for reminding me. Cheers.

Franceslovesfabric wrote:
AWESOME!!!!!!

eyeonquilts wrote: Kaylynn....I hear you about not being able to throw out what isn't good for us to eat and I am doing what Margo suggested....He can eat that stuff and I am going to do my own thing. All his goodies are now residing in his office space...on the other side of the house.
I discovered the wonder of sweet potatoes several years ago and like to prepare them like this: wash them, wrap them in foil (very tightly so they can't possible leak all over your oven) bake at 350 degrees for 45 - 60 mins. I bake them right along with DH's white potatoes. When you unwrap them the skin just comes off really easy. I don't add a thing to them...they are so sweet just like they are and taste great. I drink ice tea and like it sweetened so I use 1 pack of Splenda...it makes it very palatable and not too sweet. I sometimes get tired of chicken and crave meat so I plan for it and get a really great steak and eat just a small amount...slowly enjoying every bite. That seems to take care of the craving and I don't over do it...and I don't eat it that often...maybe just once a month. I use a lot of ground turkey also....get familiar with what spices you like and use them in the turkey to change it up to one of your favorite things to eat. How about a great turkey burger with lots of mushrooms chopped up in it and a low fat slice of cheese, lettuce tomato and onions, mustard and a plate for the bun replacement?
I guess my mind has been in overdrive lately remembering all the good things there are to eat when you want to eat healthier. 1 more day until I really begin in earnest. Today we all go bowling??? Not me with my arm but I am a good scorekeeper!

I had 3 glasses of water yesterday. Once I started drinking it, the thirstier I got. I measured today and found that each glass was 11 ounces. Gonna try to do at least 3 today also.

eyeonquilts wrote:
Kalynn, you may need to feed the stuff you shouldn't eat to your husband if he won't let you throw them away, but YOU DON'T NEED TO EAT THEM!! Yes, it will be a pain to fix and eat separate meals, but every mouthful that you know you shouldn't eat will have to be worked off later, or carried around on your body! You deserve to take care of YOU!
I also see a mind set that needs to be adjusted! Are you willing to TRY some new fruits and veggies to see if you can find some that you didn't know you like? Maybe start with substituting sweet potatoes for white? And try to cut the sugar in half with your tea if you can't live without it. Small steps will be more permanent than trying a whole new diet.

As for the shoulder issues. I've had surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff, and it's NOT FUN!! I avoided surgery on the other shoulder by doing some specific physical therapy at home. Maybe that would help with your pain?

Started on WW yesterday and it was a lot harder than I thought. I went over my alloted points and was still starving when I went to bed. I think that I can do better after the next trip to the grocery store. DH won't let me throw anything out so there are things I will be eating still that I shouldn't, at least till they're gone.
This is my first ever diet and I'll take all the advice I can get. I do realize this needs to be a permanent change in lifestyle habbits. My biggest problems are 1. I'm a meat and potatos person - don't care for most veggies and few fruits and 2. I love my sweet iced tea.
I did enjoy Curves when I went a few years back but my work schedule made that impossible to continue. So for the immediate future all I plan to do is walk on a treadmill. I also have been having shoulder issues for about 6 months now so I'm not sure what to try. Haven't been to the doctor with that for several reasons. One is that somedays it seems to be better, another is that I can't afford an MRI rignt now and I know that's what he'll recommend and another is that it doesn't hurt badly enough to do surgery and I don't know what else they could do.
Sorry, I'm rambling again. I seem to have a talent for that!

Talk about "hand holding"....

We would make quite a sight, don't you think, all 44 of us (as of today!) linked together taking a walk!!

I found the old pedometer and got a new battery for it. DH and I walked 1-1/2 miles at the mall yesterday. That's one in a row for this year! Walking with him is a good way for me to start, because he can't walk fast. When the weather gets nice, I will take a second walk each day on the Greenway and build up my speed and distance.

Several years ago I had to go on a strict calorie diet (Dr. supervised) because of a higher than normal blood sugar. That tablespoon of peanut butter was a life saver and it REALLY does satisfy the hunger! I lost 30 lbs. and my doctor did a happy dance! I still need to lose more, so I want to try for another 20 lbs. this year. For me, smaller portions and less sugar seem to work well--so here goes!!! I'm presently suffering through Shingles and my visit to the Dr. on Monday revealed I have osteoarthritis in my knees and could need knee replacement in the left knee Anyway, I'm unable to exercise right now, but I can at least control the portions. I've thought of picking up a quilting project everytime I'm tempted to eat more than I should--maybe that will help me break the munchie habit and get more quilting done! Judy in Torrance

I would love to say that I took my first step on my loosing some weight today, but alas it won't really begin for me until Sunday night after all my company leaves to go home. I still think about what I am cooking for the family and strive for less fat, sugar and salt, but when they are here they always have requests for favorites. I am somewhat successful cutting out the worst stuff as I modify recipes....I just have to try harder for the every day meals from Sunday on. I am going to request a group walk tomorrow...every step helps....As for tonight I made sure the group finished off the majority of the goodies that have been lurking in one refrigerator or the other one in the garage. I am not sure I can completely clean out my pantry in one fell swoop...my frugal DH would freak. But I have done it before and can do it again....just ignore the goodies while he finishes them off. I will buy only the healthy stuff from now on and maybe suggest that DH keep his favorites in the garage fridge! That will work..it's too cold to go out there anyway...just for a bit of not good for you stuff! Curves on Monday when they are open up for business again. I have always been good with drinking lots of water...it's dry here in Nevada and you need it so you don't dry up and blow away and at my weight (not telling either) that would be some wind!!! I get at least 75 oz. a day as a normal habit. I gave up cokes at home years ago....now to order water or un-sweetened tea when out. Salads are something I love....more simple recipes are on my menu again. I use Splenda when I need sweetener on cereals or iced tea....I drink hot, decaffeinated tea in the mornings...no sweetener or milk ever. I have never been able to go without something or other before going to bed at night...I am going to try a baby step...nothing after 8 pm.....and what I am going to have is 5 pretzels with one tablespoon of peanut butter....in a week or two when my cravings die down I will stop after dinner and go to celery with PB. the PB helps me so very much with my morning blood glucose numbers. I have been on diabetes meds for 10 years....they make you gain and hinder loosing weight, but my doctor is pleased with my 6 month numbers because they are always in a good range. My goal is to get them way down and be able to get off meds altogether.
For the most part I feel wonderful and happy....don't like what I see in the mirror right now and want my clothes to fit better. 2 goals that may be reached with this change I have signed up to do...and I look forward to that first day I feel a bit more room in the old jeans!
Hand holding needed and given here...thanks to all who have started this journey together....WE CAN DO THIS!!!

oK..... I'm in too....thanks Margo for organizing this. I have been on a weight loss journey to better health for 2 1/2 years and have lost about 65 pounds...but in the past year, I only lost about 8 pounds of that. So I need to kick myself back into all my great habits that got me this far....drinking about 75 oz. of water per day, starting the day with a high fiber breakfast, usually a salad for lunch, and then a normal dinner...and no food after dinner. Eating at night was one of my biggest obstacles to overcome and it made such a difference when I stopped. One of the keys for me is to not have too many rules to think about everyday. That's why I can't follow a certain diet with certain foods. I just have to make better choices.

I am so excited to share in this year of getting healthier. We will all feel and look so much better.

Dana

I'm in also! I must start eating better and watching portion sizes. My goal is to get in the gym 3-5 times a week. I must get my blood work numbers down and my vitamin d up. At the beginning of December, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and a vit d deficiency. I’ve started taking an arthritis pool class which is easier on the joints and helps the pain. I’ve been doing this 3-4 times a week. Plus, I’ve been getting out of my chair and walking across the hospital several times a day for a little burst of quick exercise.
About the weight, I weigh the most that I’ve ever weighed! This is very discouraging , but I must lose weight. I’m starting with a 10% goal. I’m basically following Weight Watchers guidelines. I’m drinking more water and taking vitamins!
Wanda

My first priority on this journey is better numbers on lab reports. I need to lower the usual (cholesterol, sugars) and raise vit. D.

A great added benefit is weight loss (about 7-10 lbs since Oct.).

With the training I am getting stronger muscles and more flexibility. I think my waist measurement is going down.

I have a new measuring tape so I can accurately measure my waist and anywhere else I want to measure and keep track of.

I have new bathroom scales which will be accurate and consistent with weight measurement. They also give more body information than I know what to do with, but I'm going to track it just for the fun of watching the changes.

I intend to buy a food scale and a pedometer in the near future.

This week I am getting back to watching what I eat and how much. I will also get back to going to training two times a week.

I really need encouragement in walking, doing stretching exercises, and drinking water. Those are my hardest areas right now that need the most effort and attention.

I believe Karen said that she needed some hand holding. I like the image in my mind of virtually being able to hold the hand of everyone on this journey with me. I'm praying for all of you and my hand is out whenever you need a little help.

One idea to share - enjoy some caffeine-free tea!

I sure enjoy some green tea in the morning, and have also gotten hooked on mint tea. There are soooo many good flavors out there..... Yummy and will warm you up on a cold day!