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Post by Gail in SC on Feb 3, 2019 5:09:25 GMT
People over 60 have a different metabolism than those who are younger, and weight loss gets harder as one ages. This thread is for us.
Join us! Share your ideas, your successes, your frustrations. Offer support. Get advice from folks who are on a similar journey.
Our challenge is to stay on plan, exercise and keep trying to lose weight while improving our overall health -- and maintaining a positive attitude!
Think about where you were and how you felt when you made the initial decision to join The Senior WW Challenge. Close your eyes and remember when you said to yourself âEnough is enough and Iâm getting in shape!â On a scale of 1 to 10, how serious are you? You really need to be an eight or higher! If not, you should probably reevaluate your thoughts and feelings about regaining great health in your life.
If the thread has not been started for a day, and you are ready to post, feel free to get us started.
Questions of the day: Monday: Karen E; Tuesday: Ann; Wednesday: Sharon; Thursday: Ruth; Friday: Recipe Sharing; Saturday: Karen C: Sunday: Gail.
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Post by Gail in SC on Feb 3, 2019 5:16:41 GMT
I am going to post an article I read in the NY Times by Jane Brody that I have been mulling over. I have been following her articles about health for years. In this article she talks about how she lost the extra 40 pounds she was carrying around and has kept them off. Basically her secrets are portion control, exercise, and eating good food.
Read the article if you wish. It makes a lot of sense to me. But we have different bodies and minds and lifestyles. My question for today is:
QOTD: What is it that really works for you to stay healthy and maintain or achieve the weight with which you are most comfortable? Getting it down to its essence, when it is working for you, what are you doing?
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Post by Gail in SC on Feb 3, 2019 5:18:52 GMT
Jane Brodyâs Personal Secrets to Lasting Weight Loss
When The New York Times hired me to write about science and health 52 years ago, I was 40 pounds overweight. Iâd spent the previous three years watching my weight rise as I hopped from one diet to the next in a futile attempt to shed the pounds most recently gained.
No amount of exercise, and I did plenty of it, could compensate for how much I ate when I abandoned the latest weight loss scheme. I had become a living example of the adage: A diet is something one goes on to go off.
Even daylong fasting failed me. When I finally ate supper, I couldnât stop eating until I fell asleep, and sometimes awoke the next morning with partly chewed food in my mouth. I had dieted myself into a binge-eating disorder, and that really scared me. Clearly, something had to change.
I finally regained control when I stopped dieting. I decided that if I was going to be fat, at least I could be healthy. I made a plan to eat three nutritious, satisfying meals every day with one small snack, which helped me overcome the temptation to binge in response to deprivation.
Much to my surprise, a month later I had lost 10 pounds â eating! Eating good food, that is, and plenty of it. I continued the regimen without difficulty because it was not a diet. It was a way to live and a healthy one at that. And I continued to lose, about two pounds a month.
Two years later, all the excess weight was gone. I never gained it back and never again went on a diet. (Even with a twin pregnancy, I gained only 36 pounds and lost them all when my sons were born at 6 pounds 13 ounces each.)
The greatest challenge to lasting weight loss, especially for someone like me with a food addiction, is the fact that no one can give up eating. Rather, one has to learn a better â and permanent â way to handle food.
I eat everything I want, in moderation. My meals â mostly homemade â are heavily loaded with vegetables, and I choose calorie-controlled snacks like popcorn at 35 calories a cup, a graham cracker at 59 calories for two squares, and ice cream (really ice milk) at 100 to 150 calories a half cup. No seconds!
My weight maintenance secrets are simple: I read nutrition labels before I buy anything in a package, I practice portion control, and I exercise and weigh myself every day to stay within a two-pound range appropriate for my height. If the number on the scale begins to creep up, I may walk, bike or swim a little more and eat a little less for a few days.
In a recent issue of JAMA, Dr. Eve Guth, internist at the Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Chicago, basically endorsed my approach. She wrote: âSuccessful long-term calorie reduction is most likely to result when patients decide for themselves which dietary changes to make and when. Essential to any effort is a clear understanding that dietary change is a slow process that requires ongoing vigilanceâ which, she admitted, âis not a popular concept in a world now accustomed to immediate results.â
Perhaps no one knows this better than Angelica Divinagracia, a fitness specialist in Los Angeles who at 53 still looks as good or better than she did as head cheerleader at U.C.L.A. (Full disclosure: Ms. Divinagracia is my daughter-in-law.) In a posting mid-January on Facebook, she wrote, âThe diet and nutrition business is a billion dollar industry because itâs designed for failure. When the diet ends, which ultimately it will, you go right back to where you were. Then you start anotherâŠ.â
Ms. Divinagracia said, âI donât believe in diets or any particular products. I believe in learning how to create a healthy lifestyle, and the formula is simple.â The most salient points of her well-practiced advice are these: 1) Stop eating crap, 2) Eat good food that is real, not processed, 3) Avoid drinking your calories, 4) Know what one serving is and do not eat more than that in a sitting, 5) Move your butt every day â even just walking is better than being a couch potato, and 6) Stop making excuses.
Dr. Guth warns against numerous pitfalls, like being swayed by package claims of âlow fatâ or âlow carbohydrateâ instead of reading the facts on the nutrition label. âThese foods do not necessarily have fewer total calories than the original version of the food,â she wrote, because sugar is often used to compensate for flavor lost, for example, when fat is reduced. Fruit juice may be fat-free but it is not low in calories because it contains large amounts of sugar, she noted.
She also urges closer attention to add-ons and condiments. âA beef patty has definite food value but after adding a large bun, dressing and extra cheese, the total calories (535) will far exceed the caloric content of the meat, pickle and tomato (240),â she wrote, adding that using butter, margarine or mayonnaise on a sandwich adds far more calories than mustard.
I donât count calories, but I have a working knowledge of the approximate calories in nearly everything I eat. If you need to lose weight, I urge you to download a comprehensive calorie chart of common foods to help you make substitutions that will cut about 500 calories from your daily diet. You can do the same with an exercise chart, keeping in mind that the caloric cost of any activity depends on how strenuously you do it and how much you weigh.
Although most of the Jan. 16 issue of JAMA is devoted to studies of bariatric surgery, which offers the best route to permanent weight loss for some people, Dr. Guth pointed out that surgery is likely to fail too âif a patient is unwilling to make appropriate changes in food choices.â
She, like me, endorses Michael Pollanâs diet mantra: âEat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.â And like me, she notes that slow, steady weight loss suggests that youâve made sustainable changes in your diet and exercise habits that can become second nature and last a lifetime.
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Post by carey3 on Feb 3, 2019 12:03:49 GMT
Good morning.
Thanks for posting this article Gail. Good information and so true. Whatever you do it has to be a lifestyle, not a diet to go on and off especially when we get older. I have lost around 2 lbs a month since September, for a total of 10 lbs. I am a very slow loser. Still have around 20 lbs to lose and will try to do this by the end of the year. What helps me is to limit sugar and watch portions. I want to start back with Silver Sneakers which my insurance pays for.
Yesterday we went to our DGS's flag football game. He is 5 and loves football. Then went to lunch with DD and our two other grandkids, the 12 year old had a birthday last week.
Sharon your paintings are so pretty. Karen, your quilt is very pretty also. You are both so talented. The only thing I can do is knit, but it keeps my hands busy and helps not putting food in my mouth.
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Post by dinkous on Feb 3, 2019 13:23:17 GMT
Good morning friends.
Jane Iâm laughing as I envision you waving and running by.
Marlo itâs always nice to see your posts. Iâm sorry youâve had car trouble.
Joanne, posting in MFP will allow you to see what foods have carbs and how much. Itâs a learning process. I do not believe in giving up fruit and usually have one or two each day. DH is eating low carb and has a serving of fruit several times a week. I try to keep carbs at about 90 g per day and almost always fail.
Carey that is a great accomplishment, to lose 2 lbs a month. Good for you.
Gail I agreed with all the comments in that wonderful article. Itâs a lifestyle.
AOTD: âWhen itâs working for meâ Iâm getting at least 20 g of fiber daily. That translates into lots of fruits and vegetables and some whole grains.
I scrubbed the front patio and grout yesterday. By this afternoon it should be dry I should be able to seal the grout.
Whoâs watching the Super Bowl? We plan to. Don will eat his Atkins pizza and I will have a portion of the dairy free Daiya pizza I bought. Not real yummy and I could have made my own, but this is easier.
Sharon
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Post by vicki1953 on Feb 3, 2019 13:46:35 GMT
Good morning!
Gail, thanks for posting that article. It made a lot of sense.
I find that I do best when I don't tell myself I'm on a "diet". I try to follow a healthy eating plan and I use the point system to guide my choices. Before I joined WW, I took off a lot of weight just watching what I was eating, making better choices, eating 3 healthy meals and limiting my snacking.....so in other words...using common sense.
Nothing too exciting is happening here today. We'll go to church this morning and then plan on coming home and relaxing. Jerry will watch the Super Bowl tonight but I don't have much interest in it so I'll probably read or watch some TV shows I've recorded.
Sharon, you're a very talented painter and I really liked both pictures you posted the other day. What a wonderful hobby.
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Post by Joanne on Feb 3, 2019 15:26:42 GMT
Good morning
Woke up at 7:30, had breakfast and read my paper. My gr.niece got dropped off by her mom this morning so I didn't have to go pick her up. We've already played a board game and I'm sure we'll do something else before she goes home this afternoon.
Sharon...yes I do track on MFP so that I can see how many carbs are in what I eat. I too don't consider being on a diet, it's a lifestyle change and I have stopped getting any Fat Free or low carb etc products. I believe in getting fresh fruits and frozen veggies. Very hardly do I get process foods except cheese.
GailâŠ..thanks for the article, very interesting.
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Post by Gail in SC on Feb 3, 2019 18:39:25 GMT
Great to see your post, Marlo. I am sorry about that car trouble. Stupid state trooper! Carolyn, 2 pounds a month is an excellent loss. I wish my insurance paid for Silver Sneakers. From everything I have read, unless you are a diabetic and have to watch even your natural sugar, avoiding added sugar is what is needed. Fruits and veggies are important! Here is one link that may be helpful: www.webmd.com/diet/ss/slideshow-your-guide-to-eating-healthy-carbsAOTD: It is all about healthy lifestyle. What really works for me is portion control, tracking, going to WW meetings, moderate exercise, and avoiding added sugar, salt, unhealthy fats, and starchy carbs. I weighed in today. I lost over 4 pounds. I know some of that was from the colonoscopy, but I have been eating regularly since late morning Thursday. In addition, this is after going out to dinner last night, so I am feeling good. I have a bit over 7 pounds to get back to goal. It will be difficult after surgery but I will work on it. A member said something very funny at our WW meeting today. We were talking about how to get past those who could sabotage us regarding what we put in our mouths. When someone tries to force something on her she says, "It looks really good but I have a condition: pha-ton-mi-thai (accent on the second syllable)." It is "fat on my thigh" if you say it slowly. I love it! Just don't tell too many people. I have a lot to do today: paperwork to renew my license, my passport, and make sure I have a will in order. I also have to send food and litter for my cat to DD's while he is residing there after my surgery. Just one week to go... I will watch part of the Super Bowl. I am not a huge sports fan, but I will want to cheer Tom Brady and the Patriots on. Have a great Sunday, all. Gail
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Post by janelinedancer on Feb 3, 2019 18:58:09 GMT
I had paid for the brunch at the clubhouse and just decided not to go. I just wasn't feeling comfortable about it.
I have read a lot when I am home and books that are due Mon. and Tues. are finished. I have one due on Wed. that I will finish and one due on Fri. that I may not because I have 5 due on the next Tues and I prefer to read them. I have 2 books in and 2 pending and must pick up 2 on Monday or they get reshelved. And I just added more to my reserve list so I have 40 on those 2 lists. So that is what I have been doing with any spare minutes I have. The TV has only been on for a bit of news.
Sharon Your art work is lovely. Karen E--love the quilt.
My keyboard is really getting worn and I can certainly see what letters I type the most. The e and r are not showing and the c is almost there with the t, h, and d looking very worn. I am surprised I have used the c, h, and d more than the n and the s. This computer is very slow and I need to get that new modem and hope that helps.
Back to my current book which I hope to finish today.
Tomorrow I plan to be out the door early to get the car washed and go to the library before I teach the line dance class--which I have to plan yet.
My schedule for this week is a bit less than it has been so I am hoping to fill that time with a bit of work in the garage and making phone calls. No looking forward to any of that.
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Post by twoshoes43 on Feb 3, 2019 19:50:50 GMT
Don't think we will be watching the Super Bowl as we are not sport minded people. DH never turns on a sports show anymore. IF I were to cheer it would be for the Rams as I tend to go for the under dog, nothing against the other team just think they have won the most. But what do I know as I don't watch any of them.
Carolyn, thanks for the comment on my quilt. Please don't discredit yourself by saying you just knit. I very much admire those who knit. Another craft I have never achieved. Can crochet a bit but don't do often plus needs to be a simple pattern. Congrats on the weight loss. 2# per month is a very good achievement.
Interesting article Gail. WW latest change concentrates more on less sugar. And yes, it is to be more a lifestyle change and basically is but some old childhood things creep in and spoil my eating at times. Then again there are days DH has me upset to point of eating. I am not going to tell anyone I have everything under control as it is a daily struggle. I need a certain amount of exercise along with a steady eating plan in order to stay at a steady weight. Last week was tough.
I tried to wash all the salt and gunk off the sidewalk to outer garage. Does look better.
Jane, you are an avid reader. Glad that you enjoy the books do much. Dad was a great reader also, always a book in hand when setting in his favorite chair.
Joanne, love your dedication with your tracking. I am very hit and miss with that. That is one thing on my February goal list, along with a better exercise program.
One more week Gail, hurray. Will be thinking of you with the surgery and recovery but believe you will do great.
Very sloppy weather here now, a lot of the snow has melted, I doubted it would but has. Never fear more coming this week. DH washed the car today, not sure he got home with it clean but at least got rid of a lot of road salt splattered all over it.
Jane, I do know Mother got Social Security along with her IPER,s state retirement, she was a 25 year teacher. Can't say how much as I never asked but was more than Dad as she didn't take his after he passed. All states likely are not the same. I do know some gentleman that worked with the Railroad and could not draw social security as well as my Postmaster, but she could get her husband's after he passed, his was not much. Definitely one rule does not fit all.
Don't remember if I mentioned your great weight loss Karen and Ruth. Congrats, those children will help keep you young.
Marlo, sorry about your car troubles, that can be very frustrating. Always good to hear from you and your little DGD.
Everyone have a great evening.
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Post by twoshoes43 on Feb 3, 2019 20:29:04 GMT
KC, did you send me a Facebook friend request? I just received one an will gladly be your friend but am leary of any and all requests anymore. I deleted the request but will accept if you resend. Just making sure, I receive so many from people and do delete them. Thanks
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Post by geritru on Feb 4, 2019 2:52:12 GMT
Don't know what happened to my post from this morning. Perhaps I forgot to hit "create post".
Gail, Great article by Jane Brody. Thanks for sharing it. Much of what she says rings true for me, too. Healthy eating and exercise must be a lifestyle change for you to maintain your weight and stay healthy. Fabulous weight loss for you!
AOTD: Tracking my food, watching my portions and getting my exercise.
Today we went to a Shabby Chic Artisan Vintage Sale. It was misting outside so we went through it rather quickly and then went out to breakfast. We got wings and vegetables to eat while watching the Super Bowl. Kathy and I made Avocado chips. They were very interesting.
Carolyn, Congrats on your consistent weight loss.
Karen E, Your quilts are always so beautiful. You do good work.
Jane, It sounds like you finally have a calmer week coming up.
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Post by janelinedancer on Feb 4, 2019 2:58:00 GMT
Don't know what my problem was but today has been a can't get enough to eat kind of day. I did carry in 2 arm loads full of line dance books from the garage and have worked on them. I have about 20 notebooks full of dances and I went thru and pitched a few and filed a few and I must have spent about 2 hours on that. There are still more of them in the garage. That is only 1 box. I try to keep things organized but this is a lot of stuff. I have been saving them for 25 years.
I have read half a book today Tomorrow I will be on the go from 8 to 5 so a very busy day. At least I won't be eating constantly.
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kcurry
Transcendent Member
Posts: 861
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Post by kcurry on Feb 4, 2019 3:18:33 GMT
I did not send out any friend requests. I will change my FB password.
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