I would have trouble fasting. Half of my eating is mindless.

I finally had a steroid shot in my hip. The doctor confirmed its bursitis, which I suspected.

It has helped a lot. Its amazing how a nagging pain like that can affect your mood and activity. I am more active now that my hip doesnt hurt and two pounds fell off just from moving around a lot more.

I started a simple walking in place exercise on youtube. Its been so windy here that walking outside isnt much fun.

Ded, I just started PT for my hip but I have an appt with the dr in a month and I assume I’ll get a shot if the PT isn’t doing the trick.

My new routine is doing PT stretches every day, and adding PT strengthening exercises 3x a week. Since I’m already in the zone, I’m making myself do upper body weights after the PT strengthening moves.

Dedtired, I'm glad your hip is feeling better. I had chronic pain for a few years from frozen shoulders, and it altered my life greatly. I hope you continue to feel better.

Funky, I'm back to tracking and some IF, too. If I'd bother to look back at our weekly threads, I think one theme of my posts the past few months is the desire to lose a few lbs before the holidays. It hasn't happened... and here we are! I need to shift. I listened to a podcast this week that, in part, reiterated the longevity benefits of fasting, so I'm ready to resume.

On a positive note, I now have a dedicated yoga and meditation room, and I have incorporated more of both into my routine. Not daily yet, but enough that I like the difference they're making. Yoga, in particular, has felt good this past week, so I'll continue to keep it up.

I had a couple of nice, long walks this week, too. With the shorter days, it's helped my mood to get out for a morning walk. The time change hit me harder this fall than previously, and walking through the winter has helped me in the past. As long as the sidewalks are not icy, and it's not raining, I can bundle up and walk.

@Feathers11 I held you in my thoughts as we sat today. The late afternoon sun in our West aspect window felt so warming on this windy day. I was going to ask if your room was complete and here you are. 🙏

It is affirming to read each person’s journey to wellness and comfort in their bodies.

@Sueb20 I hope your PT includes the adductor/ abductor exercise . May you get relief. 🙏

Thank you, Trail! There are a few things I want to add/do to it, but that can wait. It's calm and feels like a really good space. I appreciate your inspiration.

We had the super cold weather last Monday and Tuesday but it is back to being very nice. We opened the windows this weekend and the cats were happy for sure. I did Zumba step yesterday and raked a few leaves. I also went to see one of my students run the marathon,. He is a non traditional student with a family so super impressive. He had a very respectable time-3:15:30. Weather was perfect.

I did weights today. Friday I got to work from home and go to barre at the Y and do weights. This week is super jam packed with meetings and other commitments. I know I can do Pilates Friday and maybe Wednesday. But at this point of the semester I am just running on fumes.

i don’t even think I posted last week. I think I started a post and it got eaten. I have a Fitbit which I’ve had forever, and overall I’m happy with it. The battery stays charged several days which is nice unlike the Apple Watch. Only negative is Fitbit was sold to Google a few years back and they are really not doing any new models and are promoting their own watch. I know a few people who have the Oura rings and are happy with them. So, once the Fitbit dies would I get another or would I look to Oura I’m not sure. Maybe the Apple Watch since I use IPhone and iPad.

I ordered a bbq smoked turkey for Thanksgiving so we are all set with that. I make sides of Guy Fieri green bean casserole and then Dutch apple pie which I posted in the pie thread. It is super easy and comes out good.

I would love a yoga and meditation room or just a workout room. We have talked forever about turning the guest room into a workout room, maybe getting a Murphy bed in there in the off chance we actually have an overnight guest. One of the previous cats used to sleep on that bed a lot but these two don’t really go in there much. But this is a huge project because that room ends up getting full of junk. But maybe one step at a time to declutter and especially donate old or unwanted clothing.

We watched football today and are waiting a livestream of the Warped Tour from Orlando. Yes, there is a festival this weekend which seems crazy but I guess having it in Florida is a pretty safe bet weather wise this time of year.

Funky, I see things are looking good for your surgery.

Have a good week everyone.

I get a big smile on my face when i read everyone’s progress here. I know some of you feel as if you’ve hit a plateau or can’t seem to move the number on the scale, but I enjoy reading about what you're doing about it. Why this makes sense I have no idea, but it lets me know that I’m not by myself out here.

I’m within a pound or 2 the same weight I’ve been for several weeks and realky don’t think i need to lose anymore pounds. So I’m really looking at what i can do to improve nutrition. I’ve been doing good most days but other days it seems as if I don’t always get enough protein, or another day not enough veggies. Trying to hit that balance has sometimes been hard. I’m concentrating on salads, soups, and every now and then a bit of a protein drink supplement. As always, a work in progress.

Weight training and Pilates wall work is going very well. I’m finally feeling less and less pain and loss of strength with my hip pin situation and am able to do some jumps and other specific exercises with that side that have bothered me for over a year now. I have to give props to my Pilates instructor for the help she’s given me. She is 57 and a serious athlete. On Nov 7-8, she ran a 100-miler (her first)! She has now completed her own ’trifecta’, by doing a 100-mile horse ride, a 100-mile bike race, and now a 100-mile run.

Outside, I too struggle to get the protein they say i should AND the veggies in the same meal. The thing is, I feel much better with mostly veggies. I let myself fall off on the protein. It is a constant struggle. I am going to start leaning into eggs again-- easy to digest, quick to prepare and I love them best with a load of veggies (asparagus, spinach, broccoli, etc).

Feathers, one of the things that has always helped me when I have been stalled is to "mix it up". I get it -- what I see as a rut or a plateau is "homeostasis" to my body. Sometimes, intermittent fasting helps me break through. Other times it is adding calories (*not* my issue right now lol). I think I may try a few extended fasts here soon.

I’m another one who struggles with protein intake. I could happily exist on veggies alone. But I am so much stronger and healthier if I have ample protein daily. Plus my mild anemia has disappeared.

It’s a huge challenge for me and I use workarounds. I’m on my way to nyc right now so breakfast was an oikos yogurt (20 grams of protein) and 10 ounces of water with a scoop of whey protein powder. All in about 300 calories total and 45 grams of protein. I’m half way there for the day. (Though unlikely to hit 90 grams tbh).

Other than going to the gym 3x last week, I can't think of anything special I did for my health.

I have been watching Liam on the Plant Slant and started adding more beans to dishes. Most Americans don't have a lot of beans in their diets so it takes some convincing.

Just love Liam

https://www.google.com/search?q=the+plant+slant+liam+youtube&rlz=1C5CHFA_enUS1006US1006&oq=the+plant+slant+yout&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqCAgCEAAYFhgeMgcIABAAGIAEMgYIARBFGDkyCAgCEAAYFhgeMg0IAxAAGIYDGIAEGIoFMgoIBBAAGIAEGKIEMgcIBRAAGO8FMgYIBhBFGDwyBggHEEUYPNIBCDQ4NDRqMGo3qAIAsAIA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:4aecd670,vid:HeJMV5tXK64,st:0 

PS LOL, I'm on my way to NYC today too, from another direction.

The Oikos pro yogurt is pretty much my morning breakfast on weekdays. I try to spread protein throughout the day and maybe have a snack of low-fat cheese sticks. Edamame adds a little protein, nuts a little protein but can't have too many. Yogurt also good as a snack.

@Still trailing, it appears you don’t have email so I’ll place this here.

Do you know about Cycling without Age (⬅️)? It’s a worldwide movement that aims to provide joy and vitality to older adults through the magic of the bicycle.

There are groups in Virginia, maybe one near you (I think you’re in VA?).

I was just in Boston to attend a viewing of Cycling without age the movie (⬅️) and a ride around UMass campus with a few of the trishaw bikes.

It seems this is something that might be of interest to you. And I hope others, even non bikers, click on the links to learn more about wonderful program, too. 🚴🚴🚴🚴

I see so many using yogurt and cottage cheese for a protein boost-- neither works for me due to my lactose intolerance. I do love beans and nuts .. I add nuts generously to salads and oatmeal etc (walnuts my least fav nut but they are a great source of magnesium which is otherwise hard to get). To GS's point, we need to be mindful of how many nuts but still they pack a big nutrient punch.

Something I gave a try last week are meat sticks-- not the nasty slim jims but low fat sticks. Honestly, I don't care for them that much but the chicken versions go down a little better for me than the beef. I dont imagine they will ever be a frequent snack/lunch but they have helped me when I am jumping into a meeting and need to eat. This is the one I have tried .. only 9 g of protein so not the punch of yogurt

perhaps a better option would be bone broth that looks like it comes in around 20 g. I havent tried it .. any you all recommend?

@hhireno thank you for the link. I had read about the trishaws a few years ago . I think they are a great idea where there is an area that they would be able to ride without serious hills and it is paved.

Our area of VA doesn’t have any chapters. They have them in Lynchburg and Norfolk and Williamsburg. All far from me.

I think it is a wonderful idea. We don’t even have a bicycle shop here anymore .

@OutsidePlaying your trainer has outstanding stamina. At 46 I did my first ultra marathon . I did 24 of them in 4 years including 2 100 milers. Then at 60 in 2010 I started the bicycle touring with my trailer pulled behind.

Endurance exercise was always my most favorite sport . You are lucky to have such a wonderful source of inspiration. I am so glad your pain and strength is are both improving.

For those eating yogurt . I make my own a 1/2 gallon a week. I add powdered milk to it to increase the protein. It makes it a lot thicker and creamier. Just a thought if you are interested in trying it.

I started eating an egg for lunch to try and get some protein. I've never tracked but I'm quite sure I do not get enough. As I said to DH last night, vegetables are my favorite food group after chocolate! Anyway, I think it is helping to slowly lose weight.

The thing I find just so darn annoying is one or two days cause me to gain weight. We had 2 dinners on Thursday (a gathering arranged by an out of town friend that was in town) and Friday (birthday dinner for my son and his friend since kindergarten (and his family) that have the same birthday). Oh and took DMIL out to lunch on Thursday (she lives in NYC). In those 2 days I gained 2 lbs. I thought I was being thoughtful about what I ate both days, but did have some wine on Thursday night. And Thursday's dinner was in NYC so we went to a museum before and I walked a lot.

2 days, 2 lbs gained. 2 days of being back on my routine and lost 1 lb. That math isn't mathing for me! Grrrrr.

Re: the Oura ring. I did not realize there was a monthly subscription for that. That's annoying! One more positive of the Garmin watch.

@jsk water intake, salt content , change in exercise and sleep and alcohol are the usual suspects in weight change. It is never anything long term.

As an RN all our CHF patients weighed daily looking for 2# fluctuations as a key indicator of fluid build up due to salt intake.

Eating out is the biggest factor as restaurants use salt as a flavor enhancer .

Throwing this out there so you won’t think it is significant. The math does math haha. 🙏

19 grams of protein - going to try them

sold at WF amongst other store

Thanks, trail! Yep, it's not long term. It just annoys me that 2 days to gain 2 lbs, and 2 days to lose 1 lb. Come on. Lose it at the same rate I gained it!

I was just a few ounces from the 2nd number in my weight going down 1. That's always an exciting moment. Now I'm a little further away again. Really not a big deal except that next week is Thanksgiving and that's the worst time for me. The week after TG is my favorite eating week. I am not usually a leftover fan, but I love leftover TG. I don't eat the turkey on TG. I don't like it hot. But I love a cold turkey sandwich with russian dressing. In fact, I eat it every day for lunch and dinner until it's all gone. And then I'm sad it's all gone. I will be better this year. Perhaps 1/2 sandwich for lunch. And none of the sides at lunch other than vegetables!

I can weigh a difference of two pounds from morning to evening and back again so I think a gain or loss of 1-2 is insignificant unless it persists over a week or is a trend in one direction or the other.

@ jsk that’s why I never weigh. If my clothes fit then I am gold 😊. I have so many clothes from the 90’s , my running tights and pants . I know the second ” stuff” isn’t tucked in like it is supposed to be lol. I almost never eat out unless traveling which helps.

We are stick in the muds with our eating and food choices but it does keep us from getting too far off the beam.

Good luck with all that turkey ! 😂🙏

Thanks for the good laugh. ❤️

Thought you all would enjoy this meme that my daughter sent me a while ago. I’m definitely in the fourth house, but a frequent visitor to number two and three. But never number one.

House 1 for me! I love it and all the friends and fun it brings along.

I do support my local house #2 people who sell sourdough though😀

@jojoco depends on the time of year. I am 3/4 Spring and Summer because I do so much lifting and loading and wheeling and cycling I don’t get to the gym as regularly but the outdoors definitely makes up for it and Fall / Winter I bake bake bake so 2 for sure and 4 is a must lol. I would never do 1 😳😂 an uncoordinated lefty.

Fun meme.

@jojoco, that is funny, and I’ll send it to DD for sure. She is definitely a #1/3. I’m a #4/3. Although sometimes i think i spend more $$ on plants than food.

When I am at my goal weight, 1-2 lbs up/down doesn't matter. I know it's temporary and I just adjust if needed. But when trying to lose, it just frustrates me. Not a big deal. I'm not willing to give up eating out (DH and I went out to lunch today; retired life is good!). Most people think I'm crazy for even wanting to lose weight. One cannot tell in clothes that I'm a little over what I should be. But I know and I know I feel best when at the right weight.

Good news is the 2lbs were gone this morning.

Yes, weight fluctuates throughout the day. I weigh myself at the same time every day. First thing in the morning. I wouldn't dare get on the scale at night!

Thanks for listening to my silly venting!

I love beans! This is a good recipe with beans and chicken. I tried to find the original link, but I can’t.

Found the link - Ckicken in creamy beans

I don't concentrate too much on protein because it's not a particular issue for me - I feel like I eat a decent amount of chicken and beef so I concentrate more on adding fiber and plant products. I can't stand yogurt or cottage cheese and don't do protein powders any more. I do think it's important though, and I definitely should do more weight lifting!

I was going to say I’ve never had butter beans but wait, are they really the same as lima beans? Also, it never occurred to me that lima beans have protein because I always thought of them as vegetables. Mind blown.

The butter beans I get are white, where the lima beans I know are usually green. But they are shaped the same and big and fleshy so I assume they're the same?

All beans have a decent amount of protein, not as much per calorie as animal sources, so maybe that's why they don't get talked about that way and people tend to count them more as a fiber and carb source.

True Southern Butter Beans are small not big fleshy beans and are pale green. They are tender and sweet and cooked just til tender not stewed like most beans. Served only when freshly shelled and you only get one crop in late Summer because it takes a long time for them to be ready to harvest. A New Orleans delicacy. c

Well, those I haven't had unfortunately, but they sound delicious!

Lego, I got that lima bean info from the link you shared.

I do not like beans. Or red meat. Or chicken. Or cottage cheese. Yogurt is OK but not something I really want. And I prefer it with a lot of granola which adds a lot of calories, so I tend to avoid. I do eat (and love) fish, so I'm guessing that's the only source of protein for me. I'm sure it's a problem. Oh wait, I like eggs and have been having an egg for lunch. Hopefully that's helping.

I will be very busy from now until Thanksgiving. I am still doing walking classes in the morning. after TG I am going to try and do weights a few days a week too. We have a Tonal machine. We got it because I wanted it, yet I hardly use it. DH does it use it all the time so at least it wasn't a waste of $$. I think I haven't found any instructors I like and that keeps me from wanting to do it. I always find Peloton instructors that I like a lot.

I feel like I have really been dragging for a few months, just not feeling peppy at all. Worse since the time/weather change. I have had this sense of feeling low on something — like, did someone switch my coffee to decaf? If that makes sense. For a while I blamed my few minor medical procedures earlier this fall. And my wonky hip.

Finally I was thinking I’ll ask my dr to do some tests. Well. We have a small selection of vitamins in a basket on our kitchen counter. Usually I take a fish oil/omega, a B12 (bc I tend to run low/borderline), magnesium…oh, and vitamin D. Wait. Somehow I have been skipping the D. Like, at least since the summer. I think I figured I was outside enough in the summer so I didn’t need it. Then basically forgot all about it. I just looked at my online med record and aha, every time I have been tested for vit D for the past ten years (not every year but 4-5 times) I have been low, or borderline. DUH. (Symptoms of low D include fatigue and depression.)

Back on the vitamin D!

PS this has happened before. Will I ever learn?

In other news, my PT exercises are really helping me to be more religious about lifting weights. I have stretches to do every day, but 3 times a week I have additional strengthening exercises. While I am at it, I do 5 or 6 upper body weight exercises (3 sets of each). I am also doing the hip exercises on both sides bc it seems odd to just do the right side.

Sue, do you feel like the pt is helping your hip?

Too soon to tell, I think? I’ve had only 2 sessions (3rd today). I will say that I haven’t had the *worst* pain that I had felt before I started. On the other hand, I have been following orders and trying not to walk up hills, etc…so who knows.

I can walk for miles and feel zero — or maybe a little at the end — pain, but as soon as I walk up the steps to my door afterwards? OWWWW.

Oh wow, you sound the same as me. I could stand and walk without pain but getting in or out of a chair or car ( the worst) or crossing my right leg over my left were painful.

Very little of that now after the steroid shot and I dont want it to come back!

Thanks for noting your low Vitamin D, Sue .. I have also been dragging and my mood has been cr*p. I also have a history of low Vitamin D but I am not taking the supplement anymore. It is a simple thing to try .. and I should have been on top of it already!

I have been pretty vigilant with magnesium -- I add walnuts wherever I can tolerate them. I even have a few recipes that use them (pasta and meatloaf - but i havent made either in a long time)

Ded — exactly. Did you try PT before the shot, or no?

Mine is on the right too!

No pt but my doc said I would probably benefit from it. My pain had been going on for a few months and I think he could tell I was pretty unhappy, so we went directly for the shot.

I too have low vitamin D. That and a probiotic are the only supplements I take. I'm almost out of the probiotic and considering not reordering. Not sure it actually does/helps anything.

If anyone else is considering the oura ring, it is on sale at all vendors for 30% off. Mine will arrive Sat.

I ran into Target after a Pilates class last week and a sweet lady was handing out samples of a protein drink. called Owyn. I don’t usually take any of the offerings but she was so sweet, probably around 80+, and did I say how nice she was? And she told me it tasted like a fudgesickle. Sold! It actually was very good, so I bought a 4-pack. I don’t drink the whole container at once, just half in the morning and the rest at lunch. I’m really impressed with the ingredients, or lack of many things actually, and the 32 grams of protein, helps me a lot. I don’t care much for powders but can handle this.

And then my Pilates/weight training instructor snapped a photo of me during our Wednesday session.

No way! I saw that photo on Instagram and it was YOU!

Outside, your real name (I assume) is displayed on that pic; you okay with that? Just thinking you may not have noticed.

@Funkyart please report back on how you like the Oura ring. I keep going back and forth. If wearing on thumb is a viable option, it might be the right thing for me.

Will do, Jsk.. but either way, I suggest picking up a sizing kit (Az, Bestbuy, etc) and wearing one of their tester rings. I have been wearing mine 24/7 for the last week .. just to be sure. Also, wearing the tester let me know that I would absolutely NOT wear one on my ring finger or middle finger.

Yes, I think I will order a sizing kit. I believe Target has them too.

Do you count steps? Will you use the Oura ring for that? I worry it will be wildly off and count arm movements as steps.

I don't count steps ... mostly because i have navigational and balance issues due to my vision disability. From what I have read, the Oura isnt good for that level of activity tracking... but it excels at tracking sleep and other biometrics.