warrenwinter's Journal, 05 January 2017

Isn't it logical, with all the Trump's team contact with Russia, that it was communicated some way, "You help me get elected, and I will have your back!" I don't believe, that is any kind of a reach. 

Well,I am a guest in this country and I feel that if I voice my opinion some may say,"If you don't like it, go back home!" (and the first reaction of my friends was,"are you coming home now?"). But my life is here now. Very difficult to keep this special status always in the foreground. 

Josette, welcome to our country and FS. I live in very liberal California, and many here DO NOT like politics on this DIET site, and have voiced that. I really don't care what others think about any of this. I like debate, and enjoy adverse opinions to mine. Welcome to our VERY POLITICALLY, DIVIDED country. I would ordinarily go on FB and do it, but I finally got tired of the threats to my life, and left FB. 

Well, politics is a difficult topic and I understand that some people oppose it being discussed on this site simply for the reason that it could go out of hand. On the other side, what we are doing here is discussing ways of life, not "just" dieting because it all interacts. 

I'm not adding to the political dialogue but Warren for food choices at Cheesecake Factory, you can always choose a high protein option such as the steak salad? You can ask the chef to add extra spinach, put the dressing to the side and no croutons. I've been following IIFYM = If It Fits Your Macros plan. I'm trying to maintain my muscle mass, hence snacks and meals higher in protein and healthier carbs like brown rice, sweet potato, etc. At every meal, I seek to incorporate something with protein, whether it's animal or plant-based. I also try to slide in some green leafy vegetables like kale and spinach or any veggie! Thus far, I've been able to maintain and not lose muscle along with fat. I hope this helps. 

Also, I was raised in a very conservative, right wing family. I feel like I was the Ronald Reagan Jr. of my family, but toward the end of my father's life, he started listening to his son about a lot of things politically. I stay on top of it, as does my wife. 

Nice loss today. buddy. How are you feeling - post surgery - making a good recovery? 

HCB, so far, so good. I have my days. I am beginning to believe, as I soon will be 66, that my next battle will be with pain and arthritis. I am a battler. It will be interesting to see how my exercise goes forward. With each day, it is another challenge, more pain, and more trips to the doctor. It is tough to put this battle in words. LOL I just need to keep my chin up. lol 

Verse, thanks for the suggestions. I feel, I really have fallen off the diet wagon, lately. I wish now, I had taken a picture of my meal there at Cheesecake Factory, as I had their avocado salad with blue cheese dressing. It was fabulous! I love that place. I need to IF it for a bit, and get back on track. We have too much food laying around. I did like how they voiced protein alternatives for the salad, and they are very diet conscious. It is a class act there. Funny, the guy I had lunch with is a big Trump fan, as a Mormon. We kept it cool, as one time we got in an angry discussion about it all, and we didn't want to go there ever again. Naturally, I bought our lunch, as usual. He has a huge family. LOL 

Verse, I can tell you are into this healthy diet thing. I am guessing you are younger. I am interested in your diet ideas. 

I hear ya! I will be 62 in May...but feel really good at the gym most of the time (aside form the foot surgery) and accomplish things I never could when younger. It is the weight training that strengthen me. 

HCB, I need to get back to consistent gym shape. I listen to my body, and lately it has told me to rest. Yesterday, my walk in the mall helped me keep my weight down today, so I am celebrating, that small success.