So I had an awakening this morning as I prepared my weekly grocery order -- normally I have switched to "warm weather" eating by now. Not sure why I haven't but it's time to bring on the switch... of course it's been colder and we've seen snow a few times in the last week. No matter. I am ready!

I also need to get outside more-- I need fresh air! I need to jump rope, start yard cleanup, cleanup the grill! It's time! I have a large number of meetings this week so I just need to plan some reasons to get up and active at intervals through the day.

Hope everyone has a great week! What do you have planned for the week?

We had such nice warm weather for a couple of weeks that I switched to my lighter spring/summer fare. Go for it Funky! However....

The current weather (same as gsciencechick) is making me hungry! We did a lot of yard work yesterday and hope that the colder temps will not bother the few things we transplanted. I am anxious to go garden shopping but will wait for my spring break...the first week of April. I'm always getting a lot of exercise, but I struggle with the snacking especially when I'm stuck inside with the cold+rain. Good thing I'm working and otherwise very busy this week!

I hope you like the mat Pilates Gscience...for me, it is the hardest! But you can really see your strengths and weaknesses without equipment to help you. Report back!

I survived the mat Pilates, lol! Some things were easier but others were harder. Wow, I haven't done some of these moves in so long. I also have Zumba at 4:30.

We will need to cover the grapevine and the figs with bed sheets tonight since there is a freeze warning and they already have leaves and buds.

it was was a good week, healthy eating and a bit more excercise. Lost a tad even with a couple of nights out. Yesterday I had an off day, we had an unexpected event with no healthy food options followed by a birthday party. Today is going well so far.

It's been cold here lately, but daylight savings means more evening light. That always means spring is around the corner! I've been walking a lot and trying to get the weights in... per usual. I'd like some more muscle tone when warmer weather finally arrives. I have amped up yoga in the past month or so, and I really enjoy the added flexibility.

I'm getting more protein, finally. Overall, my eating is fine, although I can use more water. There's always something, isn't there?

I’ve been traveling. Eating a lot, but walking a ton. i had 28,000 steps one day and at least 15,000 all other days. Some squats getting in and out of the little car I rented😀 I’ve made some good choices, but I've also had bread, risotto, tacos and desserts! I‘m hoping to fast when I get back. It does feel good to be in better shape for all this activity.

I did not gain any weight while I was gone - yay me! I was surprised given how much I seemed to eat. We ate 3 meals every day and all at restaurants. It seemed like a lot of food. And way more carbs then I normally eat - and not the best choices either. Bagels, pasta, tacos. We did do a ton of walking. I think all of our meals were followed by a walk home or back to the car, which was ideal.

It's (kind of) good to be home and back to a routine. I am reading more healthy aging books, and fighting disease books, so I just continue to try to eat the healthiest ingredients I can. I'm going to focus on fiber. It does get a lot of good press, no controversy, and sometimes I lose track of it when I am worried about meeting a protein goal. I can't seem to do both!

I'm looking for a new recipe with protein and lots of fiber. Big batch cooking works well for me when I find something I love. I'm not sure I'm ready for spring food, that just seems like salad to me, and for some reason that hasn't been hitting the spot at home. I am thrilled for someone to make me a good one when I'm out to eat though.

My blood work came back fine, good - no real changes honestly, although there wasn't really anything wrong with my bloodwork 30 pounds ago. Not sure what I was expecting:)

My thyroid numbers are creeping though, and I'm considering what to do about that. I don't have a lot of symptoms, but I do have a couple that I would be happy if thyroid meds worked for- mainly super dry skin and hair, thinning hair, possibly an artificially low heartrate. I think my resting heart rate is lower than my cardio fitness level:) I'm interested to hear what my nutritionist says about it, and my Doctor. While I am still technically within the ranges, I don't think my numbers are optimal. If I were being treated, I don't think these are the levels we would settle on.

WTG, Legomom! Yes, do follow up on the potential thyroid issues.

I had the session with the RD today at the weight management clinic. They advised not to cancel even though I have the bloodwork next week. He said it’s possible that I could see some improvement in A1C because I’ve lost over 5% of my weight though not quite 10%, so that would be good news.

We talked about the fiber grams, and it is OK for women over 50 to have 21 g per day so I am closer to my targets than I think. We compared the nutrition labels between whole wheat pasta and the bean/legume based pasta, and they are similar in carbs and fiber, but the bean pasta is higher in protein. It could also add variety and obviously for anyone who needs gluten free this is an option. , I was going to Earth Fare to pick up uncured corned beef and I bought some bean pastas. I am impressed! It wasn’t as chewy as whole wheat pasta and tasted really good, I’m a little over my carbs for today, but that’s OK. He was otherwise very happy with how I am hitting my targets and said not to focus as much on the slower weight loss but that I don’t want to gain any more weight. And the long game, the little things add up. Right now I’ll stick with the same targets unless something changes in my blood work.

And I had a fabulous Pilates workout today, too. I was just really ”on” today.

Funky I can get very corny but I'm much appreciate your starting this thread.

Funny you mentioned about warm weather foods. I went out and bought all kinds of fresh greens and we gobbled them up so fast. It's funny how the shift just happens. Now that's all I want to eat but I still have to go through some of my winter veggies.

Gscience is it worth the scheduling and physical pain you must have been feeling with doing the mat Pilates? Is it something you plan to add into your repertoire? I don't have great flexibility and always looking for ways to make myself improve it.. sounds like a spa day would have been perfect after it :-).

Jill I think our bodies are flexible enough to handle a few higher calorie things like birthdays and besides Cake. :-).

Feathers both you and me with the water.

I also don't lift weights really but I use weight-bearing exercises and always wonder if that's enough. My gym isn't set up all that well so that is something I'd have to work on.

Apparently boredom is good for you. It is when you can come up with fantastic or fantastical ideas. :-).

Or at least that is what I tell myself when I am doing a boring exercise routine which I know will yield results anyway. Sometimes I wonder why I am afraid to be alone with my own thoughts anyway. :-).

I need to take my own advice about with regards to yoga. I find it boring and didn't reincorporate it into my exercise routine. Except for a few minutes here and there. Especially when people remind me that it is great for increasing flexibility..

I wear a headset when on my equipment. I'm not sure if you could do that in the water though..

Things are going okay for me. Did not do enough treadmilling and only did five push-ups so owe quite a few more to the cosmos.

I also have avoided the scales like the plague. I did not step on the scales on Sunday. I just am not ready to face them right now. Shrug. The last weigh in was perfectly fine. Don't know why I am avoiding it. Probably so I can eat lots of pierogies. As explained below.

I also do not want to step on the scales this coming Sunday. I will be eating pierogies on Saint Patty's Day and then on my anniversary I will be eating pierogies again. I know that I weigh more for a few days during that time. I should really face it but not sure I will this time.

I primarily eat whole wheat or sweet potato starch pasta but I find myself eating less and less of it. I am mainly using coconut tortillas which are for three tortillas 135 calories. I usually only eat one or two. That is way fewer calories than what is in my pasta.

I'm not very good at counting fiber etc but do have great admiration for those who do. I could definitely use some fiber management for regularity..

Black beans is something I do consume but probably not it often enough to make a difference.

Morning all.. hope everyone is doing well this week.

I haven't been feeling all that great-- have been very tired and am pretty sure I am in the midst of a diverticulitis flare up. Will be cutting way back on fiber for the next few days and sticking with a bland and mostly liquid diet to calm my system down. It shouldn't be hard to keep calories in check especially since my appetite is way down but mostly I just want to get back to good health and good energy.

I had a number of projects planned but will be keeping it low key at least for the next day.

I think I'll check out the anti-inflammatory diet -- I know Feathers incorporates a number of anti-inflammatory foods into her regular diet. I'd like to be more mindful of the same-- so many benefits to the body as a whole.

It is going to be a good spring weekend here-- sunny and decent temps. Hope you all will have the same!

@Funkyart - I hope you feel better. A flare up doesn't sound fun at all.

I made these cookies this week - subbed chocolate chips for the raisins, because, chocolate:) But they have a lot of plant products if anyone is looking to add those. My first batch needs some tweaks, so I am trying again today.

Seedy Oatmeal cookies

I went back to my trainer yesterday - could tell I was off for awhile. I do really like getting stronger though. I can tell the difference walking even. It just feels good. I need to get back on the pushups at home though. I don't have the equipment to do chest exercises at home.

I just loved being able to walk everywhere while we were traveling. I wish my natural lifestyle was naturally more active like that. It really makes a difference when you don't have to work it in. I know people use those treadmill desks, but I don't think I could concentrate. I do spend a lot of time reading for fun though. I should try audiobooks again and see if those get me up and moving at least when I am reading.

I got yellow peppers and avocados in my misfits box this week - so I think I'm going to try something like these today

- Sweet pepper nachos

Funky sorry you are sick I hope the treatment works well. My brother-in-law who has diverticulitis does find it is quite helpful. He also drinks mushroom tea. It seems to help my migraines a bit so I partake when I am at his place. I will have to make it a habit. I'm not sure what mushroom he uses. I hope everybody has a great weekend.

I will probably try the mat Pilates classes again when the semester is over (6 more weeks!) and I can go to the Y on a more flexible basis. The Y is still coming back from COVID. They lost half their membership and millions of dollars. People bought Pelotons, made home gyms, joined virtual sessions., and they are not coming back. They are still doing well in kids programming. There used to be spin classes at least 4-5 per day and now there are 1-2 per day at the Y I visited. My favorite instructor got laid off, but she also retired. I will still do the Reformer sessions once school lets out but those are only once a week, but she is looking at expanding. We also use the stability chair and the springboard, so I do more than Reformer. I do some standing work on the Reformer for balance, too.

Unfortunately, the spa treatments did not work out with availability on a short term notice. I will also work to book after school lets out or around my birthday. I’m turning 60 so I think I deserve a big day!

Funky, I am sorry you are having digestive issues this week.