Funny, just today I was organizing all the books on my night stand shelf. I can't believe how many books I had down there! I believe these have been the culprit to my yo-yoing weight:

I don't think it's a coincidence that my weight is very slowly and consistently going down since I stopped reading these books and decided to start eating and behaving mindfully.

I'm also really happy with my fitness level. I've got a really diverse routine. I'm walking outside, I do classes at the gym like Body Combat & Hip Hop (we twerk!), I go to a yoga studio and do Pilates there as well. Then, I lift weights in a group once a week and power-lift with a trainer once a week as well. I'm not getting as much cardio as I used to but I'm okay with that.

Overall, I'm much more at peace with my health than I ever have been before.

Thanks for starting this thread. I was actually thinking about it. I am doing well. I had my annual physical and everything is within normal or better than normal ranges. I had my sonogram for my thyroid and that came out fine. Nothing has changed. i still have to see the endocrinologist for a face to face visit. Not sure why this is necessary as the sonogram came back fine.

I am really concentrating on losing weight. I am a life time Weight Watcher member so I go once a month to check in. It has kept me stable, but I find I that as I have aged, I have lost at least an inch in height. This makes a big difference for a short person. I'm now 5' 1''.

I am also trying to increase my exercise. I really enjoy the Body Works plus Abs class. We work out with free weights. But, unfortunately I only like one instructors style. For a while she filled in for another instructor so I was lucky to have her two times a week. Now I have to see if I can find something else to get me there twice a week!

Thanks for starting the thread! I laughed at Magdalena's photo...I've read several of those books. :) Last year I lost 15 pounds. I found them all and then after I broke my elbow I gained 10 more. I am SO mad at myself, and honestly, am not really sure how it happened.

About 3 weeks ago I joined a gym near work and have been going faithfully. I had a free session with a trainer I liked and immediately signed up for 3 more short sessions. They're fairly inexpensive, so i think I will keep up with it maybe every other week or something. So far I've been happy. I hate cardio, but all of the equipment is new, so I really can't complain. I'm trying to get 5-6 gym days in, even if the "off' days are just cardio and my PT for my arm. Soon I will be able to bike on a nearby bike path on those days and I can't wait!

Doing well with food for the most part too. I've hopped off the candy train. I'm just trying to make good decisions at every juncture. My Physical was really good, my numbers have improved, so I really can't complain. (Except the 200ish squats the trainer had me do yesterday are making it hard to move)

DH's company is offering free testing, and a small bonus for a " know your numbers" promotion, and I am actually going to do it!

I start April down 13 lbs. Still no gluten, and the only sugar is in a little chocolate that I have. My exercise is up, but only because it is Spring, and we are riding more, and taking the horses in in the morning, and out at night. This process takes a LOT of steps. I do some squats while I watch the weather.

I have peas, carrots, and potatoes planted in the garden, cauliflower, broccoli, tomatoes, onions, and peppers started in the greenhouse, along with spinach, salad greens, basil, and some Dianthus seeds I saved .

Glad you're here, Hhireno!

I'm down about 12 pounds since January. I had a checkup, and all my numbers are good. My Dr changed a medication, and it eliminated a side effect of fatigue, which has helped me be much more active.

I haven't been to the gym much, but I've been doing lots of heavy housework and projects, which is great exercise with the bonus of getting things accomplished.

I still need to cut back on caffeine, eat more vegetables, go to the gym more often, and stop eating these d@mn Cadbury Mini Eggs! So glad Easter is almost here and my nemesis will disappear from stores soon!

I have been losing and gaining the same 3 pounds forever. I made some kind of breakthrough in the early fall and lost 6-7 lbs., and they all piled back on over the winter. In the past couple of weeks, I have lost 1-2 lbs. I hope to keep the momentum going thru spring and summer. I get frustrated and feel deprived when I follow a strict regime where I have to count calories or points, and I find that just eating healthy -- no empty carbs, very little processed, and smaller portions -- works best for me (when I actually follow my own guidelines and don't get derailed by a fun cocktail or a piece of cake).

I have consistently been exercising thanks to a program I joined where I have scheduled sessions 3x/week -- so I HAVE to show up. I feel guilty when I call to cancel. The sessions are 1/2 weight training and 1/2 cardio, so even though I haven't lost much weight overall, I know I'm stronger than I was 7 months ago. The trainer is kicking my butt.

In non-weight-related health... I recently had genetic testing done for several things. BRCA1 and 2, as well as some others that link ovarian and colon cancer. My mother died at 55 of ovarian cancer, and my paternal grandmother also died of ovarian cancer. My maternal grandmother died of colon cancer and my mother had a history of colon polyps, and there is a genetic syndrome that links colon and ovarian cancer. Depending on the results, I may have ovaries removed or a complete hysterectomy. If I have the syndrome that includes colon cancer, I will also need annual colonoscopies -- UGH! I think that's worse than the surgery! And my kids will also be affected in terms of early/extra screenings. So, I may have an interesting summer ahead.

Oh goody, I'm so pleased to see responses. I needed some positive feedback and you didn't let me down. Good for all of us for focusing on our health and fitness. It's not something that you can outsource.

I've been to the gym but I'm also going to walk outside since it's sunny and warm today. I'll tie it in to my trip to the library, I park blocks away and extend the stroll by walking around our charming downtown area, lugging a full book bag.

My husband was a little rattled after seeing his Dad on Sunday since his Dad is really declining in health and ability. I've noticed it before, since I only see him a few times a year the decline is obvious to me, but I think those that see him daily/weekly didn't notice the change until very recently.

His dad can't get up from a sitting position without using his arms to push off and it still takes 4-5 tries. A fitness test is the ability to stand up without using your arms for support.

I used Sunday's episode to my favor by saying you don't want to end up like him. There is so much we can't control so we have to do what we can to build strength and endurance. I hope he was rattled enough to decide to take better care of himself. I can only encourage him, he has to decide on his own that it's time to act.

Nothing like spring (and swim suit weather) to shame us into working out more, huh?! Just kidding around a bit, but I too slacked off between Christmas and sometime in Feb when all the snow and ice hit us. I think I tend to hibernate during those months. I did go, and am still going, to Pilates but didn't run as much. But once DST hits, Bam, I'm back. I'm training again for a 10k at the end of May, so increasing mileage once more and trying to get my speed back, such as it is at 66. I'll never be fast again but slow and steady gets me to the finish line. I am also running with a training group twice a week which keeps me much more motivated than if I was running by myself.

I also took a self-defense course in Feb-March, something I've wanted to do for quite a while. My Pilates studio offered it for women and I signed up. Really enjoyed it, the instructor was great, not a macho guy who was out to prove himself to the class but really taught the skills and ensured we learned them.

I just noticed the green "say thank you" at the bottom of each post. What happens if I click that? Does it mark something on the post? Or does each click send a thank you email to the poster? Does anyone really want an email like that? Just a heads up- I don't so don't feel obligated to click say thank you on any of my posts in your threads.

What I don't like about the change of seasons, particularly fall to winter or winter to spring, is I tend to get more headaches (I think it's a barometric pressure thing). Like today. And yesterday. In a situation like this (2 days in a row) or when I get hiccups (rarely), I think what if it never goes away? What if this is my new default setting? I tend to be a bit dramatic when headachey or hiccuppey, if that isn't obvious. Thank goodness I don't think I've ever been both at the same time.

hhireno, if you originate a post and someone responds, you can 'say thank you' for advice received, a compliment, condolences, etc. An e-mail message goes to the person you've thanked, that's all. It's nice, but not necessary, for instance, on a post like this where you're just generating a good conversation flow. Welcome back!

SueB, wishing you the best possible tests results.

Magdalena, I've always thought a way of life - not a diet - is key. I have been trying to eat more plant based after some results a friend and her husband had following a (strict) plant based diet after he had a heart attach. His 6 month results were short of miraculous! He has avoided by-pass surgery. I try to limit bad carbs, eat lean meats and eat lots of veggies and fruit. I am looking forward (as usual) to all the fresh produce!! I've also cut out alot of sweets (and candy was one for me too) as I have a terrible sweet tooth.

Good luck with your test results Sue. I have a friend who has a 20ish year old daughter whose father died at a young age from colon cancer. She has had to have annual or bi-annual (can't remember) colonoscopies since a young age. Imagine preparing a child for that! Hubby and I are both having one in the next few months. I've had a couple before due to problems, so this will be my first screening one and the first where I'll do the split prep.

I think I posted back in the fall about suggestions for cooking for a friend undergoing chemo. A friend of mine from our old neighborhood went for a colonoscopy just before she was turning 50, which I think is when most people are instructed to get their first one. She is very fit and eats right, and felt fine. She had colon cancer. I don't think they ever officially agreed on a stage but unofficially it was 2 or 3 iirc.

Anyway, fabulous news. After chemo and then radiation, the tumor is basically gone and they cancelled the third phase, which was supposed to be surgery. I am so thankful for her! She reminds me to tell everyone to get their colonoscopy, so consider yourself reminded if you read this!

Glad to hear everyone is doing well, apart from some typical winter backsliding. I got focused a little early since we went on a beach vacation in March. Now that it's over I feel less motivated. I did hire a swim coach a few months ago and that is working out well. We have a lovely indoor pool as many of you have seen and when we bought this house I always imagined I would do laps every day, of course. It is literally through a door on the far side of my shower stall, I mean it could not be easier to go for a swim.

I just never got into laps. I felt like a hamster. So I found a trainer to come to my house 3x a week and she is great. We work on swimming form and speed, but also water fitness. I used to think that was for like rehab., but she does great stuff, a lot of it with weights and I am surprised how good the work out is. I really like it. I'm also doing a spin class once a week. I still miss the spin class where we used to live. It's tough when you really like an instructor and then they leave or you do.

SueB, I hope all the tests go your way. Thank goodness you have such good care and are totally on top of it.

Sue....I hope everything checks out for you with your tests. Please keep us informed.

Re having a colonoscopy. Because I think it is the most embarrassing procedure, I never had one in my 50's, even though a good friend died of cc in 2013 at 59 and another friend's neighbor died last year, also in her 50's.

My primary care dr would of course always urge me to get it done, as well as DH. It wasn't until I was pretty much backed into a corner that I finally had no choice.

Well, I had it done two weeks ago. Thankfully, no cancer! Dr removed two small non-cancerous polyps and I don't have to have it again for ten years. The whole thing wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be. I ate lightly for a few days before prep day and I think that helped. I also did the split prep (MoviPrep) and it wasn't that bad. It was a bit comical because I have a bad knee (surgery in a few weeks) so once things " got rolling" I had to stay put since there was no way I would have been able to make a run for it...lol.

I had it done at the hospital....the nurses were great. The dr who performed it was very kind and put me at ease.

No, it wasn't enjoyable but I got through it and you will too. Not only do I now have peace of mind, but I am also now over being embarrassed by any medical procedure!

Forgot to add re this thread....I've lost some weight since the fall but haven't been able to exercise in awhile because of the knee. Hopefully, once I recover from surgery, I can get on the bandwagon. When I retired in December my # 1 priority was to try to cook more, eat better, and exercise. A bit of progress though....I ate some frozen pizza tonight that I was obsessed with at one point, but haven't had in awhile. It tastes gross to me now. if only that would happen with ice cream, chocolate, cookies...!

I'm not too physically fit, but, I just started using the step counter on my iPhone about two weeks ago and I find it very motivating! I use it with the jawbone up app (even though I don't have an Up band, just the phone) and have increased my daily average steps by 2000 in two weeks. The goal is 10,000 steps a day and even the 45 minute walks my husband and I take after work only add 3000-4000 so it is a little challenging for me.

If you have a newer phone, it's fun and it's free.

robo-- so, do you hold/have in pocket the phone all day?? I don't know if I could do that... I am very psyched that it is starting to feel more springlike-- am loving getting outside more! really need to increase my strength-- I am definitely noticing a difference as I get older- such a bummer! easiest way will be to join a gym--- soon! but, I have been wondering about getting a fitbit just to keep track, but they seem gimmicky--- I just need to make sure I'm up and about moving! and, I already know I toss and turn a lot when I sleep--!

Busybee,

I have used a pedometer since 2002 and a Fitbit for the past 2-3 years. I did track my sleep in the beginning but I don't any more.

I find wearing a device encouraging. I check it throughout the day and it does make me move more if my numbers are low. My sister says "I don't get why anyone uses those, I know if I've walked." Yes, I know if I've walked also but I like to see how far and if it was more steps than yesterday. It's easy to think you've been more active than you really are, this way there is no doubt.

Is it 100% accurate? No but it does give me an idea about how active I've been or how active I need to be to end the day with a decent count.

Joanie, best of luck with your surgery. I remember you saying you had been having problems with your knee since your retirement. A minor setback I hope, and then you'll be ready to roll. Will it be arthroscopic surgery? If so, you can probably use a stationary bike within a couple of days.

Sueb, I do hope you get positive news from your tests, but if you must have surgery, consider it a proactive move for better health. Bravo for being on top of things.

Mtn, so glad you are enjoying your pool for exercise. I kwym about having a favorite instructor or coach. No one else seems to measure up. I do remember your friend who was going thru chemo, and so glad you posted about her. I was thinking about that not long ago.

Colonoscopies! I forgot to mention I had one back around the first of Feb. It was my 10-year anniversary and I had no problems, so I was surprised when the doctor told me I had a small area of diverticulosis in the sigmoid section. It's quite common, but an area to watch in case it develops in to diverticulitis which can be very painful and does require attention. So now I go back and in 5 years.

I'd been finding excuses to put off my already postponed-way-too-long colonoscopy until my 40 y.o. physical therapist told me she had colon ca three years ago! Half of her colon was removed and she underwent 6 mos of chemo. She was dx'd at stage II and only because the tumor was affecting her appendix which caused appendicitis and emergency appendectomy at which point the tumor was detected. Needless to say, I came right home and made that appointment!

I had an aunt who died of colon cancer, rather young. If you think a colonoscopy is embarrassing, try wearing a colostomy bag. That is embarrassing. Just sayin'.

I use a pedometer on my phone also Robo. I like it. It makes me more aware. I do a lot of walking but it helps to track it and try to best oneself.

I have been moving more and more toward vegetarianism, or like Mark Bittman says, IIRC, vegan before dinner. It is funny how you can really change your food preferences.

My doctor has not recommended a colonoscopy yet but I'm not sure I will do it. I actually know someone who died for a colonoscopy and other who ended up wearing a colostomy bag the rest of their life because of one. Both my husbands family members. In the death, it was a routine procedure in a healthy person. They accidently "nic'd" him inside. Infection set in and he was dead in three days. In the other case, different facility, they "nic'd" him inside, infection set in and complications resulted him in still wearing a colostomy bag today. To be honest I am very scared to get one.

On a more positive note, I do Tai Chi. Taoist form and now learning 24 form. I walk in good weather. Just had a physical and all is well. Want to increase my muscle mass and tone up. That is my goal for this year.

sounds like a fitbit might be worth giving a try... I might find myself trying to better my pr!!

I think it's very unusual to have any negative consequences from colonoscopies. colon ca is slow growing and very treatable if found early enough-- it would be a shame to let fear prevent you from screening. I chose to be awake for mine-- I tend to be wary of anesthesia. find a good gi doc and talk to him/her about your concerns!!

I had my first colonoscopy at 50 with no symptoms and I had only one polyp but it was very large and precancerous. I had to go back this past summer to have a repeat to check that it was all gone. The doctor said had I left this unchecked I would likely have cancer by my mid-50's. So, everything was clear and I go back in 3 years.

Had dizziness/lightheadness earlier this year which has resolved,but it took about a month. I even wound up going to for cardiac tests consisting of an echo and a nuclear stress test which were all normal.

I've lost about 4 lbs, but had hoped to lose about 10 by the time of my conference this past week. I'll need to post more on that from the keynote speakers and other sessions. Two weeks ago I got a treadmill desk, so I am using it pretty much daily to get my 10,000 steps on top of my workout. Hope it can help me meet my goals, I am regular with exercise such as cardio and weights but the rest of my day is too sedentary. I am using it now! Just hit 10,000!

I read this today and it really struck me so I wanted to share it.

From Prevention magazine, March 2015, Elizabeth Mattis-Namgyel, Buddhist practitioner and author of The Poeer of an Open Question:

"I value the freedom that comes from moving through life without being fixated on how others see me. I don't look just one way; I am human and dynamic - let it be! Unself-conscious beauty is the most attractive quality a woman can have. Beauty is not as much about outer appearances as it is about feeling at ease in your body."

hhireno, I love that!

DH recently retired and just before the holidays he decided it was time to lose weight. He had been working long, long hours and was beginning to feel burned out and decided it was time to leave.

Today he told me hit his goal - he has lost 50 pounds. He didn't join a program or read a single book or even follow any of the popular diets. He counted calories, reduced carbs and sweets and carefully watched portions.

In the same amount of time I've only lost 17 pounds. I'm not as careful as he has been at watching what I eat. Granted he needed to lose more than I did but what's a little disappointing is that no one has even noticed that I've lost weight. His weight loss is so dramatic that when people see us together they're amazed at his transformation. I'm not complaining about that - he worked hard and deserves praise. I admire his will power.

I went for my colonoscopy in July and had 3 benign polyps. However my GI wants a repeat in 18 months because of the type of polyp and location. I wasn't thrilled with the news but DH is an oncologist and he had the same opinion.

Our hospital built a beautiful Wellness Center less than 5 miles from my home and I go at least 3 times a week for water exercise classes. We use weights and noodles and it's a great workout.

Seventeen pounds is impressive Maire-cate! How lucky to have a nice facility so close to your house. It does make a difference when it's convenient and fun.

Thank you hhireno. I am lucky that it's so close. It's bright and airy and motivating! I used to go to our local Y which is much less expensive. But the Y is older, the gym area is crowded and when you walk into the lobby you can smell the chlorine.

You mentioned that your DH might get a gym membership - I hope that happens. My DH belonged to the Y years ago and he didn't mind the aesthetics. But after he dropped enough weight that he felt more comfortable donning workout sweats he joined mine and he now goes 3 times a week.

This retirement is an odd transition for both of us. When the weather warms I'm hoping he'll agree to driving to some of the local parks that have hiking trails.

I agree, WTG, Maire_cate! Your new WO facility sounds great. Many of the hospital-based centers I've seen are gorgeous, and they hire excellent staff.

The gym I investigated for my husband is a facility run by a hospital. Not only does it have a lot of great equipment and options, it has exercise physiologists on staff. I think having someone there to assist and encourage my husband is important. He'll be outside his comfort zone, at least at first.

I bought him 2 pairs of gym shorts, as further inspiration/encouragement. He seemed as excited as he ever gets about new clothes. Meh. But he did try them on and say they fit so we're baby steps closer to getting him into the gym.

maire_cate, 17 pounds is terrific! Congratulations! I am hoping to have time to concentrate on getting back into shape and losing a little weight once school is out. Now that the nice weather is starting, I am trying to convince myself to walk the dogs every day when I get home, no matter how tired I am. We'll see. Having always been very thin, this weight gain is hard on me. I am used to eating whatever and not putting on an ounce. New meds for thyroid has helped the energy level slightly, but I know I just have to do the work now. Hmmm, time to go downstairs to do my weights before getting out in the yard for a bit-knees and all don't work so well anymore either. No more all day gardening at this point. Sheesh.

Oh, and do have those colonoscopies everyone. Colon cancer is not something anyone should die from anymore (except in the very rare, early case maybe). I was going to have my last one done in our town rather than going into Georgetown University Hospital where our doctor is located and where we usually. Have everything taken care of healthwise. I decided to go ahead and go into town. I know they are good there and they do so many of these procedures that they are quite proficient. Debrak, I don't know where you live, but it might be a good idea to share your concerns with your doctor now, so you and he can find you a doctor and hospital you trust. This is not something to ignore.

It is interesting how men can lose weight quicker. Although it does look like your DH was very diligent, mine can simply skip the junk food for a week and the pounds drop off.

Again, yes to the colonoscopies!! I just learned this a.m. that my cousin's son (in his 30's) has been dx'd with colon ca. It is occurring more often in younger people (GMO's, etc.?).