<p>Ugh- jowls (alumother)! I’m not generally very looks-conscious, but I hate those dam* things! I don’t notice much until I see myself in a photo. Is that person really me?! Bleh.</p>
<p>The not-being-able-to-fasten-pants issue is typical of middle, age, I’m afraid. Even my (annoyingly) thin friends, who hover around 100lbs are compalining about it. When I was younger, I’d gain weight in my thighs or rear end, now it’s moved upward to my stomach, which I find way more aggravating! It’s def. harder to lose weight in my mid-late 40’s, so I have to be more vigilant about keeping it off in the first place. It’s not easy.</p>
<p>The fresh fruits and veggies do help right now. I have been nibbling on great blackberries and cherries all week. I dread when there is nothing in season that is both healthy and naturally sweet to satisfy that mid afternoon craving.</p>
<p>We were on Atkins–I dropped 18 pounds from January 10 to May 25–but was serene about not worrying about dieting while in Europe picking up our D from a semester abroad and having a 25th Anniversary trip. So not worried that TheMom suggested that I write a book titled “Europe on 10,000 Calories A Day.” I came back at +8 pounds, am now back down to +5. After hitting zero, I need to lose another 30-40. I estimate my current BMI to be 154.9.</p>
<p>My BMI is between 20 and 21. I think that is pretty good. All throughout high school I wasn’t even on the chart, but now I’ve made my way on throughout college and my two years of working.</p>
<p>I lost about 4 lbs. last week. Still have plenty to go. Some clothes in the closet i ahven’t warn for awhile now fit. I’m continuing to bike almost everyday.</p>
<p>The best exercise that has worked for me is walking my dog. We often go with my neighbor and her dog and we yak the whole time; it doesn’t even seem like exercise, tho we may go for miles.</p>
<p>Getting involved in running races is also good motivation. I don’t really do that myself tho, other than our school district’s run/walk event every May. So starting in March or so, I start preparing for the 5K by alternating some running with our walking. Doggie loves our ‘training’ and the event really fun.</p>
<p>BMI 23. Ditto the walking. H and I got pedometers and are trying the 10,000 steps a day method. I don’t wear the pedometer every day or all day now, but about a month ago I did, just to see what I was doing with normal activity. Alas, sedentary at 6,000 steps. Our block is huge, so once around adds 2,000 steps (roughly one mile). I’m working up to two times around every day. It doesn’t have to be all at once either. By using the pedometer you can add lots of stuff like just parking farther from the office or movie theater to add steps. We’re combining this with whole grains, fruits and vegetables, low fat yougurt, skim milk etc. Basically a heart healthy diet yada yada. Lost 6 pounds in one month.</p>
<p>mercymom, I just bought a pedometer today. Think I’m in sedentary category also! Didn’t put it on until mid afternoon–but only have 3500 steps so far today. Hope it motivates me.</p>
<p>Alumother & lspf, I was hoping my middle age spread issues would somehow go away … which they did for a couple weeks when I got quite ill … then they returned … I am still pretty thin, but buttoning the pants is the problem these days. Thank heavens for lower rise pants. I just worry about the day when my stomach actually hangs down over the waistband, though. Not a pleasant thought! Time to find a new kind of exercise to combat what I do not want happening to my figure … if only I could stand to sweat on top of my hot flashes!!</p>
<p>I run two miles a day. Today I ran four because we had a bag of Doritos and I ended up eating some. Put chips and crackers in front of me and I can’t STAND it, I have to have it!!!
I am definitely a carb addict. I have steadily put pounds on in the past year in spite of relatively low calories and I can’t understand it. I am 5-7/8 and weight about 145-148. A year ago I was 135. Two years ago and beyond 125 (really, too skinny). I would love to be 135-140. I’m tallish but I’m really delicate boned.
There’s something wrong with my metabolism. I tried a cleanse program from health food store and I feel a little better. This is so exasperating!!!</p>