[Debbie L.]

Mary Jo, I'm right there with you (except no broken toe). As the years go by, that priority that seemed so clear (take decent care of the body) has slipped a little and gets shoved closer to the bottom of the list, often not getting done at all (as my waistline proves).

I've been listening to some audiobooks by Geneen Roth. Having struggled with weight gain (and eating) all my life, I'm finding much of what she has to say to be very interesting. She does not talk diet, in fact she notes that for every diet there is an binge-in-waiting. But she encourages exploration of what we're doing, what we're nurturing (or trying to nurture), when we eat more than we need or really want. Several of her books have "God" in the titles but the books are not religious in any particular sense (in case anyone's put off by that). Anyway, she doesn't have anything to say that would change us instantly, or even tomorrow (smile). But the cumulative effect is, somewhat to my surprise, giving me pause on occasion -- when I reach for just one more nice salty chip, or somesuch. I'm on my 3rd book by her, just choosing them at random, and each one is a little different focus, but with some overlap. I'd advise reading or listening to several before making any judgment.

I am also totally with you as regards indoor machine exercise. I can tolerate a short weight machine routine, if I have a book to listen to, but any kind of treadmill or bike makes me feel . . . well, trapped. I love outside walking, hiking, or biking however and am thinking that if you can ride the exercise bike (and your toe isn't bothered), then why not get on a real bike and "power"bike! At our little town park we have some amazing single track trails -- just right for my old-lady speed, and it's so much fun, so much more fun than just riding down the road. The dog likes it better, too.

Love,
Debbie Laxague