Life is still pretty busy -- I thought when some of my deadlines passed that I'd be able to chill a bit but I have a month+ of things to catch up on. This week was the anniversary of my dad's death and for some reason, it hit me harder this year. I found it hard to focus which made everything feel like a chore this week.

I am up a few pounds this morning-- I have been eating less but a number of my meals were out this week. I have had more protein than normal and i suspect more salt. I am hoping this is just a temporary swing on the scale.

My focus this week will be on increasing my activity/exercise ... I walked twice last week and will focus on adding 1-2 more days a week and increasing duration.

Also health related but not related to food or weight ... I have noticed my vision is on the decline again. I suspect that is at least somewhat the cause for my increased need for sleep and definitely responsible for an increase in headaches. My primary goal tomorrow is to schedule an appt and hope we can address the issues with a new prescription vs another surgery. It is almost exactly a year since my last prescription change but I have been doing a LOT more screen work the last three months. The additional work/strain hastened the need to increase the prism.

How are you doing with your goals? What are your plans for the week?

I'm sorry you are having more eye challenges Funky, and I sincerely hope your dr can help you get that figured out. I hope you are enjoying your walking! It will probably be good for your stress too.

I had an OK week - but I feel like I should mix it up some, so I joined a 90 day no alcohol challenge. With all the traveling and events I was drinking more often than I wanted to - which for me leads to less healthy food choices and not great sleep. So this seemed like a good way to improve, hopefully, several things at once. They also suggest you do an exercise challenge along with it to kind of switch your attention and intention, so I am considering a couch to 5k program. I somewhat regularly walk 4-5 miles, but I am not a good runner, so maybe? I ran years ago and really did enjoy it and find a good bit of satisfaction in it. I should increase my strength training instead of my cardio, especially with pickleball ramping up, but I can't find a similar plan/outcome/time frame that is motivating. I was already planning to walk in a 5k in June, so the timing of running it instead works. I could do a pushup and plank challenge too maybe?

Other than that, I'm just trying to eat at home, concentrate on whole foods, protein and fiber.

Funky, I'm sorry you are having more vision issues. I hope you can get some relief soon.

Still super frustrated with no Zepbound availability. My weight loss has stalled, and my appetite and food noise have increased. There is just no info on when availability will ramp up. It just keeps getting pushed back. First it was May 1, then May 15, then May 31, now maybe end of June. Oh well, all I can do is continue with my tracking and workouts. DH is tracking, too. I am trying to pursue the compounded, but that hasn't been easy either. I may end up off it for a bit of a time since we are supposed to go to a music festival next week and I do not want to be dealing with nausea or other GI issues while out in a stadium for 4 long days. I might just need to start over again with the lowest dose at this point.

I've done couch to 5K! It was probably about 10 years ago and we had a program from the Y. We had to do our workouts on our own and then meet with the coach on Saturdays for some running drills. I did it, but it wasn't a blistering time. So many people dropped out but I was committed to the goal of doing the 5K. Since that time I realized that there are other activities I enjoy much more so my running days are over. Really, I'd rather do almost anything other than run.

I did not get a chance to put my skeleton dress back on, but the other day at our picnic I got a photo of me at a super unflattering angle that the student posted on his LinkedIn. I have to remember, it's not about me, right. But geez, as soon as you are feeling good, some photo can bring you right back down.

Thanks Lego and GS .. I guess it isn't "more" problems but the continuation that I was told to expect and that I knew was coming. It is very possible that I can manage it for the time being with a new lens rx so I am hopeful.

GS, sheesh, that really stinks that you can't get your zepbound and will have to start over. I totally get your unwillingness to start over while away for 4 days.. Travel is stress and no fun when suffering GI issues.

Lego-- wow 90 days alcohol free! I rarely drink these days but if I didnt have my vision issues. I would have drinks every week. I enjoy my cocktails/wine. I am very impressed ... and even more impressed that you are considering couch to 5K. A niece did it a few years ago (I think she was 25ish at the time) with great results! She really toned up and felt so good about herself ... it was inspiring but not inspiring enough for me to run 5K lol! I am with GS, I think my running days are in my past but I used to run every day for about 3 yr in my 40s and it DID feel great-- physically and mentally. I hope you enjoy it and feel great too!

Oh... and pictures. Man. I have had similar experiences this last year or 2 while I have been losing weight. Whatever. Just remember that we ALL get caught in bad angles or slumpy moments-- it isn't you! Also remember WE are our own worst critics. Your student may have thought you looked great :)

Hi - newbie here. I don’t have a weight problem but I’ve let my once healthy eating and exercise habits sink to rock bottom. The decline started years ago when DH quit traveling for work and my time was no longer my own. I thought I’d be stellar when I retired and had all the time in the world but I sunk even lower.

So last week I had my annual lipid panel - all within normal range (with medication) but I clicked on the button to show trends. OMG - my HDL has plummeted and my triglycerides have skyrocketed in the last two years. So I looked up the cause of that - too many refined carbs and lack of exercise. Well that describes what I have become to a tee. For some reason this revelation has been a real wake up call when knowing I was getting out of shape didn’t do it.

So I’m back at my cardio yoga routine every other day and walking regularly. All I was doing was golf and that isn’t real exercise if you don’t walk (though supposedly you burn about 650 calories playing 18). No more junky carb snacks or sweets around and I’ve replaced rice/pasta side dishes with more veggies. I quit alcohol last fall so I already have that going for me.

So that’s my story - thanks for reading. 😊

I just keep losing and gaining the same two pounds, LOL. Going through the house buying process with DS and DDIL was just a whirlwind, first stressful and then celebratory, and I used food and wine to deal with it all. And this leads up to our Europe trip, where I had all intentions to not be a Fat American but now it’s too late…we leave in 3 days. I am certainly not going to ”diet” in the lands of pasta and fondue, but we will be walking a lot every day so that will help a bit.

I am now doing acupunture for my foot issues. I have been going 2x/week and this is week three. It might be helping a bit, hard to tell, but our trip will be a test. I can walk without a problem, but the aftermath of walking — especially the morning after — can be painful. I am trying everything else before my last resort: custom orthotics. 😖👵🏻

I sound like a broken record, but all is well here. I'm holding steady. I have lost a few pounds, and because I've gained muscle the past 6 months or so, I feel like I can say those few pounds were fat. It's a lesson on patience, though. It takes forever, it seems. I'm preaching to the choir here, because this group models patience and persistence.

My sleep has greatly improved. I can't believe what a difference magnesium glycinate has made. I've never had problems falling asleep, but I feel like the quality of my sleep has improved. And I didn't get up in the middle of the night last night to use the bathroom like I usually do. So, I'm either sleeping more deeply--or I'm dehydrated!

Congratulations on all the successes above, welcome 3katz, and Sue--have a great trip!

Sueb, I don't recall what your foot issue is.

When I tore an ankle tendon, I did this

I believe it helped in healing.

I have secured a 2.5 mg dose of Zepbound! By some miracle CVS got it in. It is the lowest/starter dose, but i will take it since i basically have to start over. I think i will stick to my regular Sunday schedule and then I should be OK for the music festival. I’d be afraid of moving to anything higher. The shortage is still supposed to persist through June. My weight at least has maintained. DH has lost about 5 lbs. He wanted to lose 10. LOL he’s saying he could drop weight so easily in the past, but I reminded him he is older.

It has been such a busy week. We are moving our lab equipment back from the off campus space back to our building. the lease in the off campus space is expensive and they don’t want to renew it. I get it, and they are renovating the space in our building to accommodate us. So, I’ve had to guide the movers where we wanted the equipment. They were very good and I got their card should DH ever need office movers. I have a lot to wrap up before we leave for the music festival. We’ll know more on the weather earlly next week, but at the one in Florida this weekend it is already very hot. Ohio should not be as bad, but, yeah, it could rain/thunder. That is always a risk, but moreso for Florida.

Today I will do Pilates small group and tomorrow step aerobics.

Hang in there everyone.

Good news, Gscience! And the fact that you maintained without is telling. (Tell DH welcome to the crowd!)

Glad to have you join us, 3Katz! I think you have a great plan-- just replacing simple carbs with more veggies is such a positive step! Also clearing the house of the junky snacks. I still enjoy the junky snacks but I have to keep them out of the house!

GS glad that you are able to get a dose but I echo Feathers, it is great that you have been able to maintain without it!

And speaking of holding steady -- great work, Feathers! I think one of the hardest things for me lately is keeping to a routine and holding steady. You are inspiring and I love hearing that you are feeling stronger! Also love hearing that you are sleeping better. This past week my sleep has taken a steep decline and I feel it. I am waking up multiple times in the night-- not for the bathroom or any known reason. Just waking up. I may check out the magnesium glycinate. I read somewhere years ago that most people dont get enough magnesium -- since it has so many health benefits, I started adding walnuts (a great source of magnesium) to a lot of my meals (salad, pasta, etc) .. i may try adjusting my diet first. Green leafy vegetables, nuts and black beans are all good sources that I remember off the top of my head.

Speaking of black beans, I have been enjoying a chicken taco salad this week-- with seasoned ground chicken, black beans, campari tomatoes, shallots. It is quick and easy and pretty satisfying. I have had a hard time getting into salads ever since I got very sick after eating a salad a year ago. I think any variation that isnt the typical cucumber, tomato, onion in vinaigrette is the key. It is crazy it is still turning me off a year later-- but I am glad to find other variations of salad that I can enjoy.

I haven't lost any weight but I have been better about increasing my protein. When I do increase protein though, I dont eat as many vegetables. I need to get a better balance. I know protein is so important but I feel better when I eat more veggies than protein.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!