I am still holding my own-- weigh exactly what I did last Sunday. I am ok with that -- it has been an incredibly busy and stressful week so i am happy to maintain. I have been keeping calories down (though I am not tracking so i guess that is questionable lol) but I have been very dependent on carbs ... toast, sandwiches, oatmeal. I have been sleeping a little better so that is good.

My focus this week is to severely reduce the carbs-- my approach to healthy eating has never required that I eliminate carbs completely but i recognize my tendency to depend on them too much when i am busy/stressed. It is laziness. I am ordering a few things to be delivered on Tues (when they restock after the weekend) for healthy quick meals without bread .. a premade arugula salad kit, fresh grilled chicken breast, eggs and veggies. Tonight I will make a turkey meatloaf with roasted carrots and broccoli which should cover 3 days. Later this week, I will make split pea soup. This is a much better lineup of meals than I had last week.

I am also focused on maintaining good mental health-- I have an unexpected special project to work on this week as well as a lot of work to prepare to be out of the office for 3 weeks. I am making time to read ... and i spent this morning watching a delightful documentary (Hello, Bookstore) instead of working/cleaning. I have really appreciated these small breaks and I suspect they are helping not only with my mood/attitude but also my sleep!

How are you doing? Are you feeling the pressures of the holiday -- if so, what are you doing to maintain balance and a holiday spirit?

As usual, challenges keep me going. The 800 gram challenge is keeping fruits, vegetables and beans at the top of mind and keeping some of the snackiness away.

I’m trying to complete my 1000 hour outside challenge before year end. The weather cooperated this weekend so I did two long dog walks, a two hour walk on my own, and played about 2 1/2 hours of pickleball. All that exercise and outside time really helps my mood, mental health, and sleep!

I need to find some new challenges to keep me motivated in 2025!

Oh Sue, that really stinks! Coffee/caffeine? But the good news is that you should feel better ... and maybe sleep better too. I think your approach to first go to half-caf is wise -- sending you support and empathy!!

I am still finishing final grading--ugh! But at least I am on the treadmill, and I've done Pilates twice this week. The other day I had no time to eat lunch, so it was good I had some Core Power protein drinks in the cabinet.

I did finally go down about a half pound in weight into a new "decade" which I haven't seen in about 15 years!

SueB, I am sorry! I dread the day that I would be unable to have the foods I really enjoy. Though I barely drink at all anyways, but I still like it.

We had a few super rainy days, and now it's back to cold, so, no, not good outdoor time at all this week. I can WFH tomorrow and then maybe hit the Y at lunch for either mat Pilates or Upbeat Barre and weights.

Still need to do Christmas stuff but that'll be next week.

I'm up a few lbs from Thanksgiving... carbs, leftovers, eggnog. And more eggnog. I'm getting back to basics this week, with a focus on vegetables and protein. I feel much better, and have been back to the gym a few times. Evenings walks to view holiday lights around my neighborhood are helping, too.

I listened to a podcast:

https://dhrupurohit.com/dp-ep557/ 

and picked up their book at the library:

https://www.amazon.com/Built-Move-Essential-Habits-Freely/dp/0593534808

I especially liked their concept of durability--being healthy to withstand life challenges that we experience.

Legomom, they referenced the 800 g challenge, and I'm looking into that further. Great job on your activity!

Funky, I craved a lot of carbs around Thanksgiving, but I did make several soups in the 2 weeks since that have been filling. I'm glad you're making time for rest and stepping away from your workload, which always seems to be so much.

Sue, I'm sorry about your diagnosis. That must be uncomfortable, but I can't imagine life without coffee. Is tea acceptable? I'm assuming not, because of the caffeine.

Gscience, congratulations on the new decade! Good luck with the grading.

Morning all -- it is gray and blaak here this morning and we are expecting a wintery mix tomorrow so I am hunkering in and plan to get lots done! I was supposed to be off half of next week but that isnt going to work out so will be great if I can get my housework, wrapping and packing mostly done!

" durability--being healthy to withstand life challenges that we experience. " - wow, this is it in a nutshell, isnt it! Thanks for the recommendations, Feathers!

Feathers, I have not made as many pots of soup as I did in past years -- not sure why. I love soup but I just havent enjoyed cooking and more accurately the chopping etc. I think i may need to look into better task lighting in the kitchen. My vision continues to decline and lighting makes a big difference. Also, I just ordered a new knife ... so maybe that will help spark more joy in cooking!

GScience, LOVE when I hit a new decade! I have a ways to go to my next one but they really are great marks of progress!

Funky, I was at a gift swap the other night and a knitting friend received a light that you wear around your neck (cordless) to help illuminate your knitting. I wonder if something like that would be helpful for you?

Feathers, I have been looking up ”low acid” coffees and will maybe start there. We use a Nespresso machine and their coffees online have acidity ratings, so that’s helpful. I hate to give it up entirely but we’ll see. Apparently cold brew coffee is better for reflux but…in winter? I’d rather go without.

Checking in after a long ansence from health and wellness with good news—the last tiny bit of my incision from July has finally healed, about a week and a half ago. I am now back in the gym and can go into the pool again— indoor pool of couse as between our trip to Scotland and the surgeries I lost the entire outdoor pool season :(

I feel good and am also getting better sleep since I started taking a new full spectrum CBD gummy about 30 min before I want to fall asleep. I had already been taking one with my low dose melatonin that tbh did not seem to do anything. I changed brands and—holy toledo— I am asleep and stay asleep for about 7 hours which to me is a gift!

We have been eating a lot of party food and restaurant food and while my weight has stayed in the same 3 to 4 lb range I know that won’t last forever; I’m looking forward to the new year of soups and salads! I dropped a pant size somewhere over the past year which is giving me reason to wear all my belts 😎

Off to google the 800 gm challenge and make a gym stop before yet another holiday party tonight.

Adding … That was easy to find! I def already eat more than 800 grams of fruit and veg daily and have for the past almost three years, when DH and I decided to lose that pandemic weight and keep it lost. That is an excellent goal for anyone looking to optimize their nutrition.

Sue, i have seen that light! i thought about it for gifts but didnt think about myself-- thanks for the suggestion!

Also, I drink low acid coffee exclusively-- i like a rich/robust blend but can't take the acidity. Indian Monsoon is one of my favorites but there are many. I hope that is a good option for you!

Kswl, SO glad to hear that you are finally healed! it must feel great to be back to your routines!

Ks, would you share the brand of your cbd gummies? I tried some but they also had some THC and although they did help me sleep most nights, a couple of times I experienced a weird paranoia/anxiety from them, so I am not doing that any more!

Thanks Funky, right now we only use the Nespresso/pods so my options are limited. I was thinking of trying an Aeropress with some low acid coffee if in fact I decide to stubbornly keep trying to drink it, so thanks for the recommendation.

SueB, my new batch is from CBDfx and this is the product

https://cbdfx.com/products/full-spectrum-mixed-berry-cbd-gummies/

The 1500 mg printed on the label is for the whole bottle. The mg per gummy are 25; the bottle says one dose is two gummies, but I only take one and it does the job. The gummies themselves are not overly processed, as there are little lumps which were not blended or milled or whatever is the terminology. It’s not unpleasant but not the kind of smoothly textured gummy you may have had previously.

I'm feeling great about my healthy lifestyle journey so far! I've been staying active, focusing on balance, and embracing small victories like better energy and mood. This week, I'm honing in on consistency and hydration. By the way, if you're looking for reliable and affordable medications, I recommend checking out Canadian Pharmacy. They offer a wide selection, great prices, and excellent customer service, making it a fantastic option for your health needs!