I was looking up equivalencies in activity and found this info. This is really interesting! For those unable to get out to do 10,000 steps .

squats aren't directly equal to 30 minutes of walking in overall caloric burn, but studies show that doing 10 squats every 45-60 minutes during a workday can be more effective for controlling blood sugar and improving metabolic health than a single 30-minute walk, due to intense muscle activation. While walking is great for general cardio, these short "exercise snacks" with squats significantly reduce the negative impact of prolonged sitting by engaging large leg muscles

10 squats every 45 minutes is equal to 10, 000 steps per dayand new scientific study found ( Trailrunner)

Funky, it's amazing what you have accomplished! Bad habits are so difficult to break, and replacing them with positive ones is even more challenging. You've done both--you and SO are doing great! I'm glad you enjoyed your trip. Good luck with the surgery this week!

RN, congratulations on your losses! That's wonderful.

All is good here, and I'm getting back on track after the holidays, following the formula that has worked for me in the past (at least 100g protein and at least 5 different vegetables every day). My new workout routine at the gym must be effective because I'm sore. My SO, who joins me at the gym about once a week and has become my ad hoc personal trainer, has me using machines and weights that I would not otherwise be using. It's new and challenging, and that's what I need.

I'm getting used to my new Garmin watch, although I've still not identified how it will most help me. For now, I ordered new watch straps in different colors. :-)

I love the raw broccoli strategy! Have a good week, everyone.

Thank you, Feathers-- you all know how to make me feel good! 💕

And how cool to have SO as a trainer too! Adding new machines and weights can only help your routine. I think switching it up makes such a difference!

My SO and I were talking about protein -- more specifically that we are both far below what we should target. I already started adding protein while on vac .. and now that I am home, in the short-term I plan to add more chicken and eggs and also order some bone broth. Once my surgeries are done/healed, I'll branch out more and start grilling again.

<< I have noticed some of my hips have left. DH actually mentioned it today. What a surprise and a boost! >>

Congratulations on your progress, Rnmom! And what a boost and a treat to have DH notice! When those who see us regularly notice, it is big reinforcement that your changes are significant!

Jsk, you are losing weight consistently and at a healthy pace! You're doing great work! Have a wonderful trip!

Green lentil curry with vegetables,Basmati rice , homemade yogurt and tomato cilantro salsa.

I had a class tonight from 5:30 to 8:30 so my dinner was a protein bar at 5, then an orange at 8:45! Not too impressive.

I tend to have odd meals a few times a week - if I eat a larger lunch, I'll just grab odd things for dinner. Last night I had a rare frozen lean cuisine.

Unfortunately, I also found a bag of mini pb cups (came with a christmas gift). I am not much of a candy eater but I am pretty anxious this week and I didnt pull it together to stop myself. I am beating myself up a bit this morning. I am on such a good track -- I refuse to let stress derail me.

I am hoping surgery goes forward as planned tomorrow. My BP is down after a few weeks on meds but it still higher than normal. My A1C is up also. No meds for now but I am going back in a month to retest and discuss. I asked about ozempic --I am still not sure I want to go that path but I'd like to discuss.

Sue, what protein bars do you like?

Funky, I forget exactly what your eye issue is that causes your depth perception problem. Just make sure with your specialist that they are ok with you using a GLP1. I would hate for you to have more complications.

Thanks for the head's up, RNmom. I wouldnt have thought of that. What is the relationship of GLP-1 and vision issues?

My eye issues all stem from my extreme astigmatism and my age. My eye muscles are shot after trying to focus for 60+ yr. My vision/astigmatism couldnt be fully corrected. In my early 50s, my brain just gave up and shut down the image from my left eye because it couldnt resolve combining the images from both eyes. I am now seeing from my left eye again with the help of surgeries and prisms but apparently once you lose depth perception, it doesnt return. I also have double vision that is partially to fully addressed by the prisms. Fully addressed after surgery .. then partially as the muscle continues to strain. I will be eligible for another surgery in a few years.

Funky,

I think there is a concern about anesthesia and the slower emptying of stomach contents on those drugs.

My attendance qualified me for a free tee from my gym. I said no thanks. I don’t wear tees with words, and I don’t advertise for anyone. 😆 I should have ordered it in my husband’s size and let him, who wasn’t anywhere close to qualifying, wear it. 😆

Yes, thanks and I am aware of the issue with slow emptying of stomach contents, Hhireno. I believe Rnmom is noting potential complications that would impact my vision issues. My surgery is tomorrow and then the 29th -- and I am not on a GLP-1 currently.

@Funkyart wishing you an excellent outcome tomorrow. My thoughts will be with you tomorrow sending strength and a steady recovery. 🙏 ( Trailrunner)

❤️ Thank you, Carol.

Being diabetic and on a GLP1, puts one at a higher risk for a NAION ( stroke in optic nerve). Sudden changes in bs can also effect the progression of retinopathy. I know my sister in law has some vision loss issues and her MD said she could not be on a GLP1.

It doesn't sound like it would effect your eyes but always better to be safe. I'll send good vibes tomorrow, Funky.

Good luck, Funky!

Best wishes for a successful surgery.

Thank you, Sue and NJMomma! ❤️

I'll be thinking of you, Funky! Yes, quitting smoking is amazing, too.

As you know, I've had my success with GLP-1 and would recommend it to anyone who qualifies, and especially if your insurance might actually cover it. Fortunately, there are no age restrictions. But yes, important to consider the visual side effects potential and discuss with your doctors.

I got Pilates in Monday and today. Weights scheduled for Friday. Supposed to get super cold again.

School's back in session, so it's been a super busy week.

I may be late, but wanted to wish you well tomorrow, @Funkyart!

Funky, you'll be in my thoughts tomorrow. 🙏

Thinking of you today too, Funky! ❤️

@Funkyart ( trailrunner ) thinking of you and sending healing thoughts. 🙏

🩷 thanks for taking the time to update us!

Awesome! Way to go Funky!

Such good news! So happy for you, Funky.

Hopefully you will have minimal discomfort today. Glad you are home.

Funkyart - I hope that everything went well and that you aren't in too much pain. Please let everyone know when you have a chance. 💕

So happy to hear all went well. Wishing you a speedy recovery

Sueb , Im a little behind on everyone’s updates. Have you had your steroid injection in your hip yet? How is that going?

Funky, glad your procedure went well and you’re home recovering. What a relief to have that behind you.

Had my semi annual visit to my GP today. Honestly its just a treat to sit and chat with her. She is so nice and caring and also very attractive. All is well. My blood pressure is so low I am surprised my heart is beating at all! Not worrisome low. One thing we talked about was the importance of social engagement. Its one thing Ive been working on, since left to my own devices Id stay inside and do nothing but read and household projects. Ive been making an effort to reconnect with old friends. Most are also glad to get out and catch up. Im also taking adult education courses which I am enjoying. The last one was a presentation on the Madoff investigation given by an FBI agent who was closely involved in the case. Fascinating.

As for exercise, Ive been walking on the local nature trail as the weather allows, which isnt often enough.

Ded, my appt is Jan 26. I have never been so excited to see a big needle come at me.

@dedtired ” behind on the updates ” 😂😳 sorry @Sueb20 its your behind 🙏.

Haha C, actually it’s the front of my hip!

Haha @Sueb20 ooops… ❤️ i sure hope it helps. 🙏

All the well wishes are so sweet! Thank you! 💕

I had mild discomfort this morning but all is good now. No pain ever.

Not sure what will adjust with healing. Tonight I can see myself in the mirror without any effort -- first time in many years and first time ever without glasses. I am really struggling to read with the surgical eye .. i fear he took my nearsightedness away.. but maybe it just needs some time. Of course that is manageable with lenses/

All is good... thanks again for your wishes and check ins!

. Tonight I can see myself in the mirror without any effort -- first time in many years and first time ever without glasses.

Wow! I am so excited for you and so hopeful!!!

Great news!

Yay!

Thanks for the update, Funky, and continued healing.

I had a GYN appointment yesterday morning and she was thrilled with my weight loss and said I had super strong abs LOL. Said she is a big supporter of GLP-1 medications in her patients. Remember when I fell and had that huge bruise and hematoma on my right br**st? There is still a little residual there so she wants me to get better imaging on it just as a precaution so I will do that in a few weeks. She’s not super concerned but surprised I didn’t get callbacks for more imaging when i had my annual mammograms because I told them about it and it wasn’t even noted in the reports.

Super cold. I can probably work from home today and I might have to do some weights at home. I have a few zooms this afternoon and I need to prepare for the one meeting so not sure I can actually get to the Y.

Oh my! I’m so happy for you, Funky. 👀

I wish i had a little behind.

@Funkyart I believe in these kinds of eye surgeries you typically get excellent distance vision and need reading glasses for close. Most people who have cataract surgery choose this set up.

When I had mine I had been wearing one near and one far contact for decades. With a lot of convincing from me and my eye dr the surgeon was willing to give me that arrangement so I don’t wear any glasses. I hope all is well today. 🙏

That IS what most people choose … but most people do not have my numerous issues (eye and brain) and most drive. i do not and will not.

i am doing very well today, thanks!! Some lasting weirdness from being super dilated yesterday and then dilated again this morning. ill share more when i can see the screen better but really, all is going well! i have rediscovered color (in one eye lol} but the biggest improvement is the astigmatism!

Wonderful, Funky, and what a quality-of-life improvement for you. Thanks for keeping us posted--this is such great news.

Gscience, congrats on the appt., and you certainly earned her praise. Just another confirmation that you're doing everything the right way.

Ded, I'm an introvert, and understand your tendencies. I'm quite happy to stay home and putz around the house on my own. But social engagement is so important, and so I'm working on getting out more this year. Your adult education course sounds like a win-win--get out and be around others and learn something new.

I've set some intentions about how I want to spend my time this year, and I'm calling them the 5 C's:

Care--self-care, keeping up with my physical and mental health.

Connection--working on close relationships.

Community--being more engaged in my community.

Creativity--I've let this slide the past few years.

Career--I'm "stuck" in my work, and want to branch out to see what else is out there.

I made a similar list 6 years ago at the start of 2020, and I ran across the notebook that I used to arrive at the list. Looking back, I can see how I changed my habits and adapted my life, slowly but consistently, and met most of the objectives on the list. Most are still works in progress, and that's fine. I just finished a podcast about setting and achieving goals, and it noted Bill Gates' quote: "Most people overestimate what they can do in a year and underestimate what they can achieve in ten years." I thought of this thread, and how we keep returning to it week after week. Consistency is key.

@Funkyart I am sorry if I misspoke. My sincere wish is for you to achieve the best sight possible. 🙏

Huh? misspoke how? sorry i think i missed something — you have been very supportive, trail.

@Funkyart I misinterpreted your response. All on me not you. I am so glad you are making progress. 🙏 c

@Funkyart I am so glad that your surgery went well!

Somehow chipped a tooth this morning. No idea what happened. Of course Monday is probably a holiday at my dentist. I am not in pain but it is a front tooth. I left a message for them and they will probably not call me back until Tuesday because on their message they don’t consider a chipped tooth a true emergency. I don’t really feel I need to go to a walk in emergency dental, and I’d rather see my own dentists, so I guess I’m stuck waiting it out. Of course we have a concert to go to tonight, so that’s lovely. I will try not to talk to anyone. DH says it’s not super noticeable. Tooth #7 so next to the front teeth on top.

Hopefully they can just file it down and there is no damage to the tooth. Crossing fingers for you

Oh no, GS .. that stinks. Hopefully it is a quick and easy fix. So glad you dont have pain with it!