Oh darn, my laptop is misbehaving and I lost my whole post. I need to step away for a bit but I will come back and post a little later.

Good morning! How are you all doing today?

Every time I go for a mammo, they ask if I have lost or gained 10 or more lbs in the past year. Now I know why!

This last week just whizzed by ... in part because of how much is going on. It has been an emotional and hectic couple of weeks and it is going to continue for a bit. My focus for the near future is to just keep it all together. That sounds like a low bar, huh? What I am saying is that I will be focused on staying on track with both my mental and physical health as I support those around me and my work obligations. It is a shifting balance and I will need to be agile and maintain my own good health.

Stress and ozempic have taken care of keeping my calories/eating in check -- perhaps too much so. This week I will be more mindful of eating more consistently and being more focused on good nutrition. You all shared some great salad recipes in last week's thread and I will give some of them a go!

Work is not my only stress but there are some big things going on at work and they are demanding a lot of my time and focus. In many ways, it has been good -- I am not able to control a number of the things going on around me so it is good to have tasks that I can actually influence the outcome!

Picking up from the tail end of last week's thread, I want to pay more attention to my skincare. Obviously, I am aging lol .. but I am also getting more wrinkles as I lose weight and I am noticing more spots and blotches. Going without any makeup for 2 months after my eye surgeries forced me to actually look at the quality of my skin and complexion. I won't pretend that I will implement a full skincare program -- but I am looking to add a few products and steps to improve the general quality, health and appearance of my face.

Is there one product that you think has made a big difference your skincare routine and appearance?

Yes, as a yo-yo-er, I get scary calls about my mammograms all the time it seems!

Slowly chugging along here. I am 0.2lb from a new decade. May have to get a haircut.

I have a new fave breakfast. Found this yummy yogurt - Painterland Sisters. I add 2 tsp of fig jam and a T of roasted pine nuts to the plain skyr. I learned this combo from Pret A Manger (they had one w blueberry jam, in a mini-pot) but I don't see it there anymore. So satisfying.

DH and I are getting more and more into resistance training. Trying to create a 3x a week habit, once w our trainer and the other two on our own. I really like our gym, it is very quiet and caters to people like us. I am contemplating how to get more cardio in too, but may just start beach walking now that it has warmed up.

My favorite breakfast is still frozen raspberries, thawed, mixed into plain greek yogurt. It is like a dessert! I have been adding a sprinkle of chopped walnuts and a bit of granola. (I buy the lowest-sugar granola I can find, or make my own, but I really only add a small amount.)

We had a huge lunch with all the kids here today, so no dinner tonight. It is our oldest’s birthday tomorrow so I got cupcakes from a local bakery that offers ”mini” cupcakes that are a little bigger than a grocery store mini, but not as big as a normal bakery cupcake. So I had one mini, and it was delicious! I cannot believe MY kid is 34 years old. Shocking.

This week I need to get back to normal eating after having several ice cream encounters in the days after my MOHS procedure.

I had a much better week. I tracked my meals and made some changes. I played pickleball several times, and on the days I didn’t play I took long walks. I’m not weighing myself yet, but I feel a lot better and that’s always a win.

I listened to two good podcasts on my walks. No real new information but it keeps me motivated to know the food and exercise choices I’m making could help me in the future.

On the skincare routine- I’m not good at lots of steps either, and from what I’ve read there are really three main products that are proven to make a difference to aging skin- vitamin c, sunscreen and a retinal. Morning is vitamin c, sunscreen and a moisturizer. Night is a retinol and a moisturizer.

My sunscreen and moisturizer are Korean brands so maybe I’m getting a little extra bonus there😀

I did not know that about mammograms so that is helpful information.

I wish I liked yogurt! DH eats it as part of his breakfast and I still cant stand the smell.

@funky- sorry you have so much stress right now. Keeping it together is certainly enough!

If anyone is looking for a new sunscreen I love this one.

And this moisturizer is great.

You can get both on the big A.

I do have dry skin though- so YMMV.

I can't eat yogurt either .. the smell turns me also but it would make me sick even if I could get past it. I do use yogurt in baking though-- it is a key ingredient for my whole wheat banana bread.

I don't often eat breakfast but when I do, raspberries in oatmeal is a fav.

Glad to hear you all feel like you're getting on track and firming up good routines.

Rnmom-- such great news to hear you can add another clear year-- and thanks for the PSA!

Morning is vitamin c, sunscreen and a moisturizer. Night is a retinol and a moisturizer

Can you share the exact products? Thanks

I think the products are more of a personal choice. I use the sunscreen and moisturizer I have pictures of below. The sunscreen works for me because it is pretty thick for my dry skin and it doesn't bother my eyes when I sweat. It took several trials for the eyes. The other one is really thick but not so expensive that I can't use it on my body and my face. I have really dry skin so I also use vaseline and/or a face oil at night.

I use timeless Vitamin C serum - Vitamin C serum It is reviewed by many dermatoligists and chemists to be similar to skinceuticals at a fraction of the price which is good enough for me.

I was using Curology to get my Retin A, then I got a prescription from my dermatologist which was a lot cheaper. But I never could get my skin to truly tolerate it so I didn't use it consistently. So I switched to a retinol product for my overall face and then the prescription Retin A for around my eyes and forehead where I have less sensitivity.

This is the Retinol I'm using now - Retinol. It's not nearly as strong as a Retin A product, but it's better than not using any at all which is what I was doing a lot of the time due to the peeling that never seemed to improve.

A lot of other products can make your skin look better, plumper. These just seem to be the types that actually have evidence that they work.

I recently switched to Nida skincare. It's a Korean skin care company. The first product I tried was this one and it made a huge difference in my forehead lines and my RBF lines. It cost about $10. I didn't think it would a thing. I mean, how could it for $10!? I was shocked.

Link: Nida Eye Cream

They call it eye cream. I use it on my whole face and neck.

I recently read there's a difference between retinol (with an O) and retinal (with an A). I have no idea if that's true or total BS, but I do know that this product has worked wonders for me.

I was away for 2 weeks - 2 days in Ft Lauderdale and 12 day cruise. Gained 3 lbs. Not great, but not terrible either. Have to force myself back on the treadmill. Always so hard for me after getting home. Tomorrow...

Forgot to say -- I've tried other retinol (with an O) products and they did absolutely nothing. Not a thing. And they cost a heck of a lot more than $10.

Thanks for the PSA, RNmom! That's helpful to know.

Ahhhh... Funky, I wish I could take on some of your stress. I hope you're taking care of yourself first. You seem to do so much for your colleagues and your family. Hang in there, and please feel free to vent any time you need to.

Mtn, great to read you and DH are getting into a routine with resistance training! There are so many benefits to maintaining muscle mass, and having a partner to motivate and hold each other accountable is a good thing.

I'm still tracking and doing well. The scale is slowly going down (really slowly), but my waistline is down 0.5 inch.

One of my favorite breakfast hacks is egg whites. I usually scramble 2 eggs with 3-4 vegetables added. I've recently been removing an egg and adding egg whites. So:

2 large eggs, scrambled = 12.6 g protein, 10.6 g fat, 155 calories

1 large egg + 1/2 cup egg whites = 19.6 g protein, 5.5 g fat, 144 calories

Substituting egg whites for 1 of the eggs adds more protein, and less fat and calories.

Yes, I would have rolled my eyes at myself a few months ago, but this tracking has been enlightening.

My understanding is Retinol, retinal and retin A(prescription strength tretinoin) are all different but all vitamin A derivatives. Very simplified they bind differently - so OL least effective and least irritating, AL more effective and more irritating, tretinoin strongest and most effective and possibly most irritating. My understanding is if you can’t tolerate Retin A, it‘s better to step back and use the AL more consistently. Retin A would give the best results if you can tolerate it. And with a prescription it could also be the least expensive.

I have Rx tretinoin from my derm, and it is definitely a relatively inexpensive product. My insurance doesn’t cover it, and I think I paid $60 last time? Something like that. I use a small amount and not every day, so one tube lasts me at least 6 months. I got a higher % last time, and it is definitely drying. Made my skin flakey. So I stopped using it, but then I saw a dr on social media saying it helps to apply moisturizer before applying tretinoin, then a second application of moisturizer. I never realized you could use moisturizer under the tretinoin…so I am trying that now.

My black eye and swelling are gone; now just a lovely shade of yellow where the bruising was. Eager to get stitches out Thurs., even tho I almost passed out during that process last time!

@Feathers11 - I've been experimenting with egg whites too. I've been trying to find a new high protein pancake and using chat to help refine it. It keeps adding egg whites and yogurt. I like them ok, and I definitely have less cravings if I eat more protein at breakfast.

It is eye opening to track again. I have a couple pitfalls, really. I just need to avoid having certain foods in my house.

Nothing new here - still faithfully doing my cardio yoga routine about four times a week and golf about four to five times a week which includes around 5000 steps even using a cart. I also do regular PT exercises for previous torn meniscus and a variety of shoulder injuries which prevents any pain from resurfacing. It's now been three and a half months of regular exercise (after years of neglect) and I'm amazed at the improvement in strength and stamina. Lots of planks, lunges, bridges, etc. so a pretty full body workout. After experiencing aging muscle loss first hand, I will NOT be lapsing in my exercise routine again unless I'm physically unable to do it for some reason.

I can't track. I have WW PTSD. But I agree it is a good thing.

I've been adding cottage cheese to things to up my protein. My current focus is more lean protein, more beans and more veggies. I am finalllllllly in a new decade, hooray.

@jsk, I ordered the Nida. I think the gentleness of retinol is best for me.

New recipe I am trying today: https://www.spendwithpennies.com/egg-roll-in-a-bowl/#wprm-recipe-container-174626

I have never experienced drying/irritation with any of the retinols I tried, or the Nida retinal. I do moisturize after. Have never had prescription strength. I don't think I'm at that point...yet.

@mtnrdredux_gw - look forward to hearing your results with Nida. I can't be the only one that has had drastic results!

Love eggroll in a bowl. Buy the bags of preshredded cabbage umless you want your kitchen to look like someone threw cabbage everywhere. I shrredded the cabbage the first time and will never do that again.

I liked this recipe. It is very flexible. I think the basic concept is a pound of ground meat and a bag of cole slaw mix. Easy, fast, yummy and very easy to riff

I made it just as per the recipe below except with turkey. I can see adding more veggies, more spices, hot sauce, duck sauce .. very customizable. I had it in lettuce wraps, DH had it over rice. Will make again.

Egg Roll in a Bowl

Prep Time10minutes minutesCook Time20minutes minutesTotal Time30minutes minutesServings4

Egg Roll in a Bowl is a quick and delicious meal with the flavors of our favorite egg rolls in a simplified bowl.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground chicken or ground pork
• 4 green onions thinly sliced, whites and greens separated
• 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 16 ounces coleslaw mix or shredded cabbage
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil or to taste
• chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
• sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

• In a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground chicken or pork, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Drain any fat.
• Stir in the whites of the green onions, ginger, garlic, and coleslaw mix. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the coleslaw becomes tender, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in soy sauce and sesame oil and cook for 1 minute more.
• Divide into bowls and garnish with cilantro, greens of green onions, and sesame seeds.

Notes

Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. Optional additions:

• Chopped mushrooms, bean sprouts, chopped water chestnuts
• Sriracha or red pepper flakes to taste
• Nuts like cashews or crushed peanuts

Nutrition Information

Calories: 219, Carbohydrates: 10g, Protein: 23g, Fat: 11g, Saturated Fat: 3g

Egg Roll in a Bowl https://www.spendwithpennies.com/egg-roll-in-a-bowl

Some interesting skincare info here.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWfOv_fAP-e/?igsh=YjR4MGt2dDFvMGl5

A friend told me about the eggroll recipe a few years ago. I finally tried it recently and something about it was ”off” for me, like it was too salty? I should try it again, maybe with a little less soy sauce.

I have seen several recipes. Some I knew would be too spicy. This one, as written, was a tad bland. I added just a bit of thai sweet chili sauce, DH added some soy sauce. If I were to make it for the family I would put out several condiments with it, including sriracha and gochujang.

Red pepper on top-just the right amount of spice for me

They have really great skin! The Avene retinoid they recommended is what I just started and linked below. Hopefully it works like that for me😂

I did eggroll in a bowl last winter a few times. Thanks for the reminder!

Wow.. I agree their skin looks amazing! I ordered the Avene and the Dermalogica vitamin c (and also the Nida above). Not sure I will be consistent with it all but the quality of their skin is motivation to get consistent!

I have seen the eggroll bowls all over the internet but was never motivated to try one .. I think I'll try one of the spicier recipes! I looooove sweet chili sauce but open to chiles without sugar too!

The NI is pretty favorable, I felt ok using a lil' splash of this.

I get homemade sweet chili sauce from the family that owns my fav local thai restaurant. Still appreciate having a recommendation in the event that source ever dries up!

ETA .. but it occurs to me. I don't *know* that it is homemade lol.. she tells me it is but she could just dump it from a restaurant container into a canning jar ;)

Thanks for that link Sue. I ordered the vitamin C and retinal shot. We're all gonna look like we're in our 30s again, right!?

Jumping back in; I used to frequent this thread but stopped when I felt I just did not have much to offer. At that point calories were my main concern, with exercise trailing behind. Well life has changed; food choice, supplements and exercise are a bigger priority. I hope to learn from everyone here, share what works for me, as well as what does not. While my weight has remained fairly stable, I have recently been diagnosed with Osteoporosis and have had high LDL results the last year. Also, despite my stable weight, my extra pounds all seem to be shifting to my waistline. Not good from a health or appearance perspective, so I need to double down on some changes.

A couple of months ago I started a group resistance training program with a personal trainer. There are six of us ladies, all retired, early to mid 60's. Most days there are only four in attendance, so lots of personal attention. Our trainer provides a group of exercises for all and then adjusts/substitutes weights and exercises, as appropriate for each individual. The class is offered four days a week, I usually make two to three of the classes. I am enjoying this class and already feel stronger. My next step is to add more cardio, I used to walk 3 miles several times a week with a close friend. Unfortunately, my friend's work schedule changed, and she had to move to walking very early in the morning. Not my cup of tea. I do have a treadmill, I need to use it or find someone else for walking.

As far as my diet, I have upped my protein, most days I eat 70 grams or more. My goal is to continue focusing on protein and reduce my carbs while adding in more healthy fats and insoluble fiber. All this while keeping an eye on my calories. At the moment, this seems like a lofty goal but hopefully baby steps will make it doable.

Skincare - I love Timeless Vitamin C. I also use Tretinoin but do not really see that it has done much for me, I am thinking that I may need to up the strength. For sunscreen I either use CeraVe or Ilia Serum. I love the serum; it helps blur my spots a bit. Not enough to replace foundation when I want to look my best but for works great for quick errands. The Ilia does have a tiny bit of a medicinal scent; it goes away quickly so it does not really bother me. Use the CeraVe when I am planning on staying home, we have lots of big windows so I need daily coverage. Just ordered the Nida Eye Cream, looking forward to trying it.

I need a re-set in all areas! I have been eating poorly during the past week of feeling sorry for myself (I bought two large containers of ice cream at TJ’s the day before my MOHS procedure….not to mention the lasagna situation, don’t ask). No exercise — well, that was doctor’s orders but I assume that restriction will be lifted after tomorrow.

DH and I finished the last of the beans-and-brown-rice stuffed peppers last night and now I am looking for more recipes with beans and veggies. I am thinking there’s a lot we can do with various beans, brown rice (or quinoa, or farro), and veggies. Of course he wants to then add meat, but I am trying to cut back on meat, at least a couple days a week.

I am ready to give up on acupuncture, which I started after my first cortisone shot (for hip/trochanter bursitis) failed. So now I have an appt on May 1 for a radiation-guided cortisone shot. It had better work! We have a short trip to Maine in late May with DD, her BF, and his parents, and I don’t want to be the one who’s limping around. Then we have a trip to Norway in June and by then I want to be in top(ish) form.

Now, if I can stop having my face carved up, I can also get back into my normal skincare routine. jsk, maybe we’ll start to both look like children, since I also bought the Nida eye cream and moisturizer!

One more healthy recipe to share for this week. I wasn’t sure about this much cabbage, as I don’t eat much of it generally, but I liked it! I added a can of chickpeas in addition to the other beans (I used a ”bean trio” mix from WF).

https://katiecouric.com/lifestyle/julia-turshen-minestrone-soup-recipe/

This makes a LOT of soup.

I am the opposite, Sue .. I am trying to add meat into my often no-meat meals. I really want to try the brown rice and beans stuffed peppers though.

I received a pack of Aloha protein bars as part of a birthday gift from SO (LOL!). I am not really a protein bar kind of girl but these may turn me around. They arent too sweet and they are filling. I still have 1/2 the bar sitting here with me this morning so it isnt like I will eat them like candy. We'll see. It may be the perfect thing for a busy day .. which is exactly what he was thinking.

I got another birthday present this morning -- my BFFs DH's surgery went very well yesterday! There were a lot of good signs this morning that his recovery should be smooth. Long but smooth.

Hey Sue.. how did the stitch removal go yesterday? Are you doing well today?

Happy bday, Funky! a day late. 🎂🎈🎂

Stitches are out, soooo much easier than last time when I almost fainted. It looks very ugly, dr says it will look much better when swelling goes down. Fortunately for everyone around me, I still need to keep it covered for another week. I go back in 3 weeks and she will see if anything else needs to be done; she mentioned possible laser?

I can do some normal exercise now, just no ”heavy lifting”…as if. So I have been having a lazy morning but I’m off to do a short Peloton ride. I have lunch with a few friends today and might walk there if the rain holds off.

I have another friend who also mentioned Aloha bars a while back. I need to check them out!

Glad the stitches are out and that it was easier this time.

I will be curious to hear what you think about the Aloha bars ... I am not a sweets eater and I don't like chocolate so I am curious to see what others think.

Was yesterday your birthday, Funky?!? Hope it was a wonderful day! And glad you received good news, too.

Sue, sounds like the worst of it is past you. Now, the healing, and getting ready for your upcoming adventures.

Thanks for sharing all these recipes. I made the egg roll in a bowl yesterday, and it was very good.

Thank you, Feathers ... yes, yesterday. It was a good enough day for a Thursday lol. Celebrations will be delayed but I DID receive my fancy pance scrabble game ... and I am pretty sure there will be online shopping happening this weekend ;)

Happy birthday Funky. Im sorry we will miss you this weekend.

Sue, glad things went well. MIL needs to have a MOHS on her forehead. She had one near the corner of her eye a few years back so that was super tricky.

TR, enjoy Greenville! The trail is so awesome and downtown.

Super busy week but at least I got 2 Pilates sessions in but only one of weights so far. Was looking for a Y near here but I slept in which I also needed very much.

@Funkyart So sorry I missed your birthday. Love that you got the Scrabble set. I'm sure you will have many fun times around it. Pick out some fun items doing your online retail therapy!