Wednesday, August 17, 2016

The "battle of the bulge"...a group effort.

"Women of a certain age" frequently find themselves at a crossroads when it comes to their changing figures.

Many of my over 60 friends have been commiserating about their thicker mid sections and those persnickety "wobbly bits." Several of my friends who work out regularly at the gym have complained about their "muffin tops" and "back fat."

It would appear that these areas become problematic as we advance in age...


Our bodies change...
we must graciously accept these changes and press on.

Making the best of what we have
accepting our limitations
working at maintaining our health
mindful of the foods that we eat to fuel our bodies
enjoying meals that are attractive, colourful and full of nutritious elements.
I guess what I am trying to say is that we need to opt for a happy balance.

While we are focusing on slimming down...
we might need to reassess our clothing choices.

Dressing in flattering clothes definitely makes us feel better about ourselves.

Consider looking at "camouflage dressing" to disguise our figure flaws.
We may wear a bright scarf at the neck to draw the eye upward...
or wear the same colour separates on both the top and bottom for a longer line.

It is important to choose clothing that is not too sheer, too tight and does not cling. Opting for heavier fabrics with more "body."

I prefer denim, bamboo and crisp cottons and linens in styles that follow the curves of my figure but are not too tight or too baggy.

Light cottons, sheer knits and some silks are not that forgiving as they tend to be on the clingy side
Make sure to buy the size that fits and flatters...
ignore the tag...
if you get all hung up on whether you think that you should be wearing a certain size you might be choosing a garment that is going to reveal more of those wobbly bits than you would like.
Check in the mirror...and do not forget to look at the front and the back views.

We cannot expect that our bodies will stay the same as they were when we were in our youth and we need to gracefully embrace the changes that come with age...

Keeping active is important for many reasons...
maintaining flexibility
bone density and heart health,
lower blood pressure and warding off adult onset diabetes.


Weight gain is inevitable when our metabolism slows if we keep eating as we did prior to menopause we will naturally put on weight.

I read somewhere that estrogen is stored in fat cells
and that is why nature adds the fat to protect our hearts...
I cannot remember what publication this was or even if it is backed by scientific evidence...perhaps one of your readers knows more about this and can comment.

We must be proactive if we want to keep those extra pounds from piling up.
Mother who is 89, eats smaller portions and avoids cakes and pastries and walks for 20 minutes each afternoon.

My hypothyroid condition that results in a sluggish metabolism is an issue that affects my weight and a constant reminder that I need to take charge of my eating and exercise habits.

Weight has crept up on me while I was turning a blind eye...

I was much more successful when I was actively attending Weight Watcher meetings and counting my points.

So I am back to tracking my daily WW point allowance and amping up the walking. Many of you are joining me on this journey and I hope that you are starting this process with a positive realistic and optimistic attitude.
We can succeed if we put the effort into the project.
My goal is to lose about 1 pound each week...the first week we may see more weight loss but it usually slows a bit after the initial phase.


My morning indulgence is a cafe creme.
Espresso coffee and foamed skimmed milk.

Breakfast 


1/2 cup 1% cottage cheese and a cup of berries


Lunch is a salad with about 3 ounces of protein and a light dressing.

Dinner
3 ounces of lean protein and lots and lots of vegetables.


Daily brisk walks of about 45 minutes to an hour along the seafront
provide me with plenty of fresh air and movement.
The scenery is quite lovely 
so while I walk I soak in all the beauty and as a result I feel joyful.

If you are following along on this journey to improved health please feel free to leave a comment and share your thoughts.

How is your week going?
Have you had cravings?
Are you walking or working out?
Do you have any tips for the group?


My journey may be very different from yours...
happiness and contentment within each of us is very personal 
what works for one may not work for another.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

32 comments:

rebecca said...

"Opting for a happy balanace...." I like that phrase! I'm curious about clothes made of bamboo. That's a whole new subject for me! I've had a successful week of healthy eating so far. I need to add some exercise. My excuse is it's just too hot and humid. Even first thing in the morning. Sigh.

Jean Shaw said...

Yes, endogenous estrogen (that which naturally occurs in the body) is there for a reason.... and, of course, like so much in life, it has its pros and cons.

Anna of Mutton Style and Years said...

Well my first day alongside you had me eating a lasagna of calorie laden syns. Oh dear. Tomorrow is another day.

Madame Là-bas said...

Yesterday, I visited the doctor for my bp prescription refill and my bp was in the zone first time. I walked for 1 hour, ate salad at a lovely restaurant. I was visiting with a friend from Australia so I probably had one glass of wine too many. You are absolutely right about clothing. The fit that follows one's curves without clinging to them is a womanly look. Monsieur is away so I will take Tilde (little dog) out in addition to my walk. I've got to go buy more Perrier. Walking to the store for my Perrier and the extra dog walk will help to create
a healthier me today. Positive self-talk is a good strategy. Have a healthy day.

Dana said...

Hi Hostess- glad you are doing well. You are so inspirational! My week is off to a good start. Thankfully I don't need to lose weight but I do need to tone up. I have 5 pound weights that I use for arm exercises every night for a half hour. I am starting to see a differences- yay!! It is very hot and humid here so my walks are shorter than I would like but I have kept them up. Eating well- lots more vegetables and fruits. I am curious about your delicious-looking café crème with skimmed milk- how do you make it- do you have a specialized machine?

Anonymous said...

Wonderful post. At this time, I am trying to gain 5 pounds - per my PCP's recommendation. That said, I am a believer in small portions and healthy eating. This being the growing season, I love all the fresh veggies and berries. Your bkfst berries and salad look fantastic. Planning meals like this make healthy eating easy. I also agree, fully - buy clothes that fit and flatter. Tight is not attractive on anyone. Like you, I don't go by the size on the tag - if it fits and flatters, I purchase. Regarding coffee preferences, I love my French Press coffee maker and have them in various sizes. Currently, I make French roast coffee, fill my cup half way, and add either heated or cold (depending on preferences at the moment) vanilla almond milk. I also like Italian roast coffee. Susan

christy said...

I don't need to lose weight but am following along with the healthy eating and exercise. Always enjoy your tips about food and am doing reasonably well with that given all the lovely fresh produce around at the moment. For a variety of reasons exercise has been on the back burner for a while so that I do need to work on. Thanks for instigating this getting and keeping healthy regime.

Poppy B. said...

This is exactly what I'm doing--fruit and protein and breakfast, salad and protein at lunch. If I eat a refined carb or drink a glass of wine, it's at dinner, and it feels festive and joyous.

For exercise I switch around from working with a trainer, walking, running, and yoga. I love my Fitbit! I wear it all the time, and it's amazing how many steps household puttering involves. I also adore the feeling that I'm keeping up my regimen even when I travel, because I'll walk all over Prague and Vienna (and OK, Oklahoma City!)

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Bamboo clothing made by the Vancouver company Gilmour is soft and cozy and drapes well...I quite love the fabric.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Oh and I was eating chips and dip the previous week!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Positive self talk is a very empowering tool...think you know what it takes to be successful.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I have a DeLonghi machine that brews my coffee and foams the milk....
I brew it in a bowl and then take a few minutes to sip and savour the flavours.
France memories are close to my heart and this habit keeps those thoughts not too far from Paris

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Wish that I could send you 5 pounds!
I am more than happy to share!!!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Good to have you here sharing your perspective and thoughts...

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Poppy I see so many women wearing their FitBits...
and I love that it keeps them on track.
It must make tracking so much easier...

Patricia said...

Oh, I do agree about clothing which skims, and am a lover of linen too. Our clothing sizes vary from brand to brand, so a try-on and good look in the mirror essential. I am interested to see you do not appear to have grains in your diet; I find I need a carb fix during the morning or I am irritable and light-headed. I also find I need to be zealous in the portion size of it!

Julia said...

Your posts have been so timely! I used to live in a cold climate and weight crept up during the winter; now I live in a hotter climate and summer is the worst for me, this year especially. Much too hot to walk our little dog; too much socialising; and definitely too much cool white wine! (I was horrified to find out the number of calories in white wine)

However, armed with your inspiring posts I am embarking on an eat better and keep fitter campaign. Thank you.

Maude Ciardi said...

Thank you for sharing your journey ! I am 75 yrs old and have always fought the weight problem. I am always trying to improve myself. You have given me much encouragement . Keep up the good daily dose of encouragement. I love your good byes " to be kind." That is so important in life. Kindness even makes us look healthier and happier. Have a blessed day

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

In the cooler weather I will have an ancient grain porridge with fruit for breakfasts and the bread that I mentioned has sprouted grains in it. At the beginning of my plan I usually stay away from rice and pastas...I will have corn tortillas on occasion.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I walked this morning for an hour and it was HOT! I took water with me and wore my sunhat...we are having a heat wave so I know what you mean about the heat deterring you from walking!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

We can make small changes that improve our health...try not to do too much all at once...baby steps and when you master one thing try another and soon it will become a habit.

thepoutingpensioner said...

Well, Leslie, I'm still on holiday in France but so far I think the extra walking and swimming I'm doing may just be holding the holiday pounds at bay. Though I may be fooling myself and the scales will not lie when I get home next week. In the meantime, I'm waiting excitedly to hear how your will power is paying off. I'm sure you'll achieve great results.

thepoutingpensioner said...

Well, Leslie, I'm still on holiday in France but so far I think the extra walking and swimming I'm doing may just be holding the holiday pounds at bay. Though I may be fooling myself and the scales will not lie when I get home next week. In the meantime, I'm waiting excitedly to hear how your will power is paying off. I'm sure you'll achieve great results.

Kristien62 said...

I am making a good effort, but it was a difficult week for me to start. I ended up having to babysit each day, well into the evening which threw our dinner plans off. I am so much better when I have a regular schedule and can control my meals. That said, I am back to swimming and managed to keep my points within the week's allowance. And I am soooo motivated.

Susan said...

You are such an inspiration Hostess!

Deborah Montgomery said...

Such a good post. I needed to read this today. I think remembering that I really can't eat as much as I used to is key. And your advice about the clothing is spot on. Back fat and rolls are evident on even thinner women of a certain age who wear clingy knits. I love my knit cardies and tees, so am going to have to re-evaluate, and perhaps start wearing some of those crisp blouses instead. I'll be following your progress with interest.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

You are probably right I never gained weight in France either...I attribute it to all the walking and sight seeing!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I am having a slow start...lots of lunches out but still trying to stay within my points allowance and yet not beating myself up either!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Thank you Susan...I am impressed by your results too...congratulations!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

A friend of mine purchased a bra cami combination and this items smoothes and controls the wobbly bits...if you love your knits and they feel clingy perhaps this might help?

Sandra Sallin said...

I'll be joining you in about a week. Going out of town. So you'll be on my radar when I return. Would love to lose 10 lbs. Lotsa luck.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Look forward to you joining in when you get back...