Just short update from me -- everyone seems to be doing so well right now! I hope we all continue down good paths and healthy changes!

I did pretty well this week ... until the end. Grrr. I revisited salads again this week and have really been enjoying them again. I wasn't in a position to cook this week so it was a lifesaver also. Unfortunately, I totally sabotaged myself at the end of the week when I had chinese food. I rarely get chinese food. I generally prefer thai or vietnamese foods which tend to be healthier but this week I had chinese and I am seeing the results on the scale today. I am up a full 3lb. Arrrrggg. I am certain that it is the sodium but even still, it is so disappointing to see the scale go backwards-- especially now when I am focused on taking strides forward instead of maintaining or, worse, slipping backwards.

The coming week will be focused on clean eating. I am not going to let myself slip backwards two weeks in a row.

Hope you all are doing well... I look forward to hearing about someone/everyone else's successes lol.

Hi, Funky, and everyone, I mostly lurked last week. Very busy with student advising and Halloween.

It is OK to have Chinese food! We don't have it often, but once in awhile I really want some pho or some Sechuan chicken. But yeah, between the sodium and the carbs, I am usually up a bit. We grilled yesterday so having brioche buns means more carbs than normal. I also enjoyed steel cut oats a couple times this week, but I feel good about those carbs.

I eat a lot of salads, so this week I had chicken thighs, shrimp, and leftover sirloin steak over my salads which are good.

DH and I are doing well with tracking. My weight is the same but I think he's lost about 1.5 lbs. I will need to post photos from this year and last year's Halloween as progress photos.

This week it was just nuts with weather. Monday after work I did Zumba on the deck and it was 83 degrees and I wore a tank top and capris. Yesterday morning for Zumba step it was 33 degrees! I had to find my fleece vests and my quarter zips with the thumb cut out long sleeves and my longer leggings.

We will rake leaves this afternoon after it warms up a bit. Our NFL teams play at 4 and 8 p.m. today.

Wow, GS .. really great progress! I think these views over time are so much more impactful than the week to week weigh ins/measuring. Great work!

I don't worry a lot about carbs because I tend to stick to complex carbs which have high fiber and good nutrients (and sometimes protein) ... but I do need to keep an eye on the simple carbs this time of year.

Something has been on my mind lately regarding increasing protein -- I recognize I need to increase my protein but I struggle to increase protein without increasing calories too. I'll keep trying to work on this!

GS- Way to go! Those types of progress pics are very rewarding :) Funky - sounds like you had a great week. The scale will be back down in no time - that's just the sodium and carbs - no fat gain. I'd like to have some good Chinese. That is something we do not have in my town for sure.

The weight training went really well this week. I am adding a few things to my home gym setup that are really working for me. And DH and I worked out together one evening this week when neither of us really wanted to. That was helpful. We are going on a couple ski trips this winter. I haven't skied in 30 years probably. So, I'm still deciding if that's a possibility. Bit it has been motivational for my workout plan. Trying to get my legs and core in better shape in case I feel brave. Usually I'm a book in the lodge, find me when you're finished type skier :) But, having a goal like that is great.

I'm still up a few pounds, averaging 2 more than I was. Maybe it is the muscle, maybe not. It did come on slowly and hasn't gone away. But the muscle will only help in the end, so I am sticking with it. I feel so much stronger already.

I'm doing the 800 gram challenge again, but not as strict this time. I am focusing on getting as many as I can, but not eating an apple before bed just to meet my goal. It's helpful to keep in mind and plan meals around them. That and the PHFF - protein, healthy fats and fiber are great mentally. Sometimes, though, I'm just not in the mood. Like this morning, when I had a bagel. I desperately need a grocery store run!

Waiting on my 6 month bloodwork results. I'm curious, because I haven't been nearly as strict as I was before, but I feel like I've changed up things that I can stick with. So, will be interesting to see how that plays out in my results.

Funky- I find protein so satiating, that in the end it doesn't add total calories for me, but I get what you're saying. Shrimp, chicken breast, turkey are all high protein for the calories. I read somewhere that if you multiply the protein grams by 10 and it's still less than the calories in the food, it is a protein source. Otherwise it's a carb (beans) with protein or a fat (nuts) with protein. This was helpful to me. Adding beans and nuts as protein really can add a lot of calories. But, I'd say mostly animal protein sources would end up qualifying under the times 10 guideline, and some people really don't want to do that.

Thanks, Funky You could look at fish/seafood like shrimp. Also maybe adding protein powders, Eggs, cheese sticks are some of my go-to. I have some frozen edamame I need to make this week.

I think it is more that when I think of adding protein to my diet, I think of adding meat meals ... which is a whole other way of eating (the way I grew up). It is more a mental shift than anything.

I do eat plenty of eggs, beans and nuts but still don't begin to approach my protein targets. Turkey meatloaf has helped ... as has pre-cooked chicken breasts. I will add lean steaks to my salads on occasion too.

Oh.. and I forgot until I went to track today. It wasn't just chinese food-- I had bacon on Friday night too. Both things are so out of the norm for me. I don't know what I was thinking... well, clearly I wasn't thinking.

Yes, to protein. I attribute my lack of snacking and feeling full to increasing my protein the past few months. And Funky, the few extra lbs are from the sodium. They'll come off soon.

Gscienchick, congratulations! What a difference, and you look wonderful. This is clearly now a lifestyle for you, not just a phase. Your future self will be so grateful you're doing this.

Legomom, keep up the weight training! I recently got lab work done, and my LDL and triglycerides are both down, even though I have increased my protein intake to include animal and dairy. I thought this was interesting. My doctor has never been concerned with my LDL, but she said whatever I'm doing, keep doing it.

I'm in a good place right now. I'm down a few lbs, and I'm feeling really strong. Going to keep up this pace heading into the holidays and colder weather.

Have a great week, beautiful people! Thanks for continuing these threads, Funky.

I found a short wool black peacoat by Anne Klein that zips up the front. Then another pair of light weight athletic pants with the dart at the knee, but stretchy. That takes being out in the cold to "doable". :0) I'll lay in a few more cold weather pieces over time. If I dress a little nicer...it's motivation to do a few more sit ups. Run a few miles, instead of walking. Eat a 90 calorie yogurt, instead of ice cream. I peeled-diced-cooked 5lbs of potatoes and made a Shepherds pie that gave us left-overs for meals all week. That helps too. Not looking for something to eat, having it ready to go...saves calories and helps with portions. Potatoes are filling! I'm not losing weight, but as long as Winter food cravings aren't putting weight on me...I can coast for awhile.

Keep on smiling! Take care everyone! and GS...you've got your curves back...

You all are doing GREAT!!

When those lbs come on all at once, it is annoying, but they usually come off just as fast!! If you did not eat close to 10,000 calories, they are not real weight.....abd if you did, your body would protect itself, and you would probably never see it!! Bodies are so strange.

I love the pictures!! Pilates witch...that is so cute!!!

While not actually losing weight (I am not getting on the scale until next week.....scale sabbatical), I am finally seeing some changes in the mirror. They will go away if I get depressed or too stressed beacuse of my body dysmorphia. I have NEVER been able to see weightloss or weight gain.

Since we added higher level classes to the Pilates schedule (our studio was brand new in late June, so everyone started at the lower level together), I can really tell in my obliques that the sideplanking is working. I am box-shaped, with broad shoulders and back, large ribs, a dent for a waist, and then my measurement comes from my rear, not my actual hips.

When I was doing WW, YEARS ago, I wanted to stop at 140. The highest goal for my (1/2 cheated) height was 135, so I went to my Dr. for a note. I should not have had a Hispanic Dr. who was only 5'1".... He said he went by the "100 lbs for 5', then 5 lbs for each additional inch" rule.

I stood up in my size 4 shorts and said, "So, you are telling me I need to lose 35 MORE lbs????" He wanted to check my cholesterol to make the decision. No, thanks.

You all have a great week!!!

Love all the positive vibes, motivation and successes!

I am not seeing improvements in the mirror-- but I am not always the best judge. I suspect we ALL suffer from some level of body dysmorphia and for me it tends to come in waves. What I will share is that more and more, I am wearing normal size ranges -- upper limits but still normal size ranges. Given my body type, I will likely always hang in the upper ranges due to my broad shoulders and large bones but it's great to feel like Im dipping my toes in with the skinny girls lol.

I still find that I am tending towards buying things too big... but it isn't completely my tendency to see myself bigger. There is SUCH a range of sizing! Sometimes even in the same store!

Nicole, you are so right about feeling better in nicer looking clothes. I feel like a lump today-- but I am also wearing an oversized sweatshirt and bike shorts. Not really a look I can expect to look great in! I am committed to "dressing" tomorrow-- and the rest of the week!

Love it Gscience! I was a spider bone witch whatever that is. Totally made up of course. Spider web pants bone feet socks spider web dress and top. And of course a headband witch's hat.

Going well here exercise-wise. Continuing along with increasing my exercise as much as possible I intend to increase till I can't increase anymore my exercise routine. It helps to quell the boredom and use my time constructively. I hope everyone is enjoying what you're doing as well and finding ways to enjoy the journey.

Dancing helps me immeasurably. We go every week or every other week depending. Love dancing!

I don't know if Annie Deighnaugh (sp) ever comes here but she mentioned that she could no longer do line dancing. I thought of this later as my sister did this. You can do line dancing while sitting as well. My sister did it at a senior Center but I'm sure you could find something online as well. Good for the gray matter they say and annie mentioned.

A fun way to keep track

Hi all. I took a break for a few weeks and ate at a higher carb level. Carefully watched daily calories so only up 3 lbs, hopefully just water. Back to below 20 tomorrow.

My senior dog and I have increased our walks from 15 minutes to 30 and sometimes 45 minutes twice a day. Neither one of us has died. I believe I might have lost inches, especially in the legs.

Funky - I'm still wearing my big clothes even after loosing 70 lbs. They are just more comfortable. Since I gained about 40 lbs during Covid and never went back to the office I am now back to the some of the casual clothes pre-Covid. So they are not too big.

The new obesity medication Zepbound (also sold as Mounjaro) was just approved by the FDA. It is supposedly superior to Wegovy/Ozempic. There may be discount coupons available. If obesity meds are covered by insurance it can be as little as $25 per month (not covered by Medicare, tri-care, etc) or else ~$500 a month with other insurance plans.

gscience......ugh. All of those meds have such rebound effects. Like the bariatric surgeries, which, IME, rarely "work", and seem to have frequent complications (I just learned that a dance friend had it, and spent six MONTHS in the hospital from the many serious ones, and has false teeth from the horrible acid reflux rotting hers, and she is still not anywhere near normal weight).

I suppose I am just such a natural old girl, LOL, who cannot imagine putting drugs in my body to do anything but cure an immediate and urgent illness.

I am also reticent to look to pharmaceuticals (and surgery is a flat no for me). Sure, the prospect of quick and easy weight loss is tempting but for me, the best strategy for lasting weight loss and improved health includes the healthy lifestyle changes we are all making. I am impatient and sometimes lazy but I KNOW this is the best path for me.

Still, I will follow along with the news of these new drugs. Thanks, Gscience!

I happened to be looking back (way back) at my medical online portal earlier this week and long story short, realized I have gained 20 lbs in 20 years. I don’t suppose it’s that unusual, especially for women at this stage of life (so from age 39 to 59). I am kinda horrified, though, and have decided my new goal is to lose 10-15 lbs before I turn 60. I have 10 months, seems doable. I lost 10-13 lbs in 2021 and most of it has crept back on. There’s no mystery as to why…I know what to do, I just need to Do. It.

Meanwhile, an ”asymmetry” was noted on my routine mammogram this week and I have to go back next week for another mammo plus ultrasound and I am scared to death, so while I suppose this should make me more focused on health and taking care of my body by eating right, I really just want to sit on the sofa and eat ice cream until I get this appt taken care of. I am really annoyed that I have to wait 8 days for the appt. — I have made a couple calls to try to get appts elsewhere and waiting to hear back.

Argh, SueB, so sorry to hear of this. I totally get it. And I have my yearly mammo coming up so I hold my breath until the results come in. I don't have a GYN right now since she retired (and my primary care doc retired too but I'm still in the same practice) but I'm trying to get in with a new practice, and good luck if you are a new patient somewhere trying to get in. But yes, in general many people have gradual weight gain of 1-2 lbs. per year that creeps up on them, often holiday weight that doesn't get lost.

Oh Sue.. those 8 days will feel like an eternity. Hopefully they can get you in sooner. It is very likely not a big deal but the 8 days of waiting and thinking about the what if's would make me want to eat ice cream and cookies and do all the other things that bring my some comfort too!

I am hoping for the best news and with you in spirit!

Sue, many of us have been in your spot before. People will say callbacks are routine, but it is nerve racking! My recent mammogram results took 10 days. I couldn’t count how many times I checked the portal. Good luck.

Ah Sue- that wait is long. I hope you can get in earlier and results quickly to ease your mind!

My bloodwork results took 7 long days which seemed like forever. There were a couple weird trends and one concerning number that has me pretty worked up as well:) But that is my nature. My health anxiety is real :) It has re motivated me to clean up my act in a couple areas and switch things around. As much as I like to put my head in the sand, I think it is better to know than not know, so I can address it.

Sue, any time I get called back for an ultrasound following a mammogram it’s unnerving. I’m sure they told you it’s pretty common but also know that doesn’t help your state of mind. I’ll be thinking about you this week.

I’m trying to pick up the pace of my walks because a newer study says the cadence of one’s stride as well as the number of steps taken each day are positively correllated with better cardiovascular health and lower mortality.

Continuing to eat healthfully and mindfully… my evening snack is now either a yoghurt or six almonds and six dried tart cherries. I went shopping with my mother yesterday and bought a sweater in a size small and was so pleased until I remembered I recently bought a down coat in size XL from Uniqlo to allow a heavy sweater underneath. Sizing really is ALL over the place! (Funky, i bought this coat because it’s more flat than puffy and one of the reviewers said it was the only coat she tried on that didn’t make her feel like she was wearing a duvet 😁 And I finally figured out why I don’t like down coats with the quilting baffles on the diagonal—- it looks like the underside of a turtle! )

Sorry for the aside!

"the underside of a turtle" bwahahah!

I will never unsee that now!

Ugh, I fell yesterday walking back to my car after class. Just tripped on the sidewalk. Luckily landed on my lunch bag and laptop bag so my face/head did not hit, but I have a small wrist fracture on my radius. It is barely there, but there. It could have been much worse. Of course I drove the Mustang yesterday since it was a nice day, so I had to drive home shifting then putting an ice pack on my wrist. DH took me to urgent care for x-rays and today I had an orthopedic follow up which they suggested. I also got a better splint. So, I am off Pilates for the remainder of the month most likely. I can walk and do other things. So I guess I can do some bridges and other balance/stability moves. Also, when I fell on the bags I really bruised my right br**st. So, lots of cold packs and Tylenol. We also had basketball tickets last night so we were able to go after the urgent care which wasn't far from the arena.

Gscience you were lucky to walk away from that with relatively minor injuries but I know how painful a fall can be. Getting banged up like that often hurts more the second or third day ☹️ So sorry you fell and I hope you are able to just relax and heal. 🙏

Thanks, Kswl, you are so right. It could have been so much worse. I was worried I might have injured my shoulder/collarbone immediately afterwards, but that is OK. And I was so greatful my head/face did not hit. Like you said, I feel a little more sore/banged up now than in the immediate post fall period where it was just acute pain. The orthopedic PA said I was the 4th woman falling she’d seen this week.

Oh no, GScience! So sorry to hear! I can't believe you had drove home with a stick shift!

Hope you heal quickly .. and kswl is right, the next few days you are likely going to be sore all over. Take it easy, relax and keep the tylenol close.

Oh, no!! gscience, I am so sorry!

Watch for falling women......

I fell off the Pilates chair last week. We were doing teaser prep, with our hands behind us on the pedal, and I tipped off backwards, thank goodness there was a good mat there!!!

Just like this:

Springroz, hope youare okay, too! The Barbie Pilates is super cute.

Still in need of Tylenol and cold packs, today. Took little girl kitty for her 6 month senior appontment and to get her thyroid levels rechecked. She did lose a little bit of weight so she probably needs a slight adjustment to her prescription.

Just wanted to follow up and report that all was A-OK at my mammo/ultrasound today! So relieved!

Such great news!! You must be so relieved!

Thank you for sharing with us 🥰