Thanks for the information and experiences!

I've done no research on this, but I believe there are scales that also measure body fat percentage. Are they any good? Years ago I read that the only accurate way to measure body fat was by being weighed in a huge tub of water. Has that changed? Any reommendations?

Usually when I work out at the gym I use the elliptical trainers that don't have the "arm exercise" features. At the gym at my hotel this week I used an elliptical stepper with arm exercise. Maybe it was the nice view from the hotel windows, but it seemed like I burned more calories with the same amount of effort. Any thoughts? Are your arms actually getting a workout? My arms weren't tired, but my legs were.

Healthy and Sexy at 100

Excellent! Thanks for sharing!

I have been reading a book recommended to me by my brother, who is well-versed in health, diet, and exercise. It's called "Younger Next Year". I think the name is misleading and would normally cause me to dismiss it were it not for my brother's recommendation. It's turning out to be a good book, and I think the science behind it is solid. The basic idea is that by exercising vigorously (6X per week), eating properly, maintaining good interpersonal relationships, and keeping a passion for something you can avoid the steady decline in health that most people experience between the ages of 50 and 80. The decline in health is a decline in the quality of life, and is tremendously expensive. The idea is that you can have the health and quality of life of a 50 year old until you're 80. I recommend the book. The only negative I find is that it seems to be written for 50 year old men. (Just for the record I am not quite there yet!) But I think it applies to anyone. If you have read it I'd be interested in hearing what you think about it and if you're incorporating any of the ideas into your life.

That's interesting to hear because it mirrors my own experience. I lose weight when I limit the amount of food I eat at night. As for daily weigh-ins, I'm a believer in that too.

Very cool! Thanks!

The South Beach Diet book has a good menu plan for all the phases. I would follow that.

Perfect! It sounds like we're both shooting to hit our goals at about the same time (Aug/Sept). And it will be great to get some phase II tips from you. --David The pic is of my owl and me when I was in 4th grade. I should probably update my photo with something more current.

I think this is a question you should ask your physician. I think it's going to depend on your specific situation. I don't think there's one rule for this. But truthfully I don't know, which is why I think you should ask your physician. Sorry for the lame answer...

Tonight I'm meeting my bookclub for dinner and drinks. Social situations are where I'm most likely to fail, and more so when I have something to drink. So if I resolve not to drink I'm most likely to succeed. Any tips on how to avoid the appetisers, etc stay on the diet and eat healthy while dining out with friends?

Just started the South Beach Diet (again). I have my 30th (!) high school reunion in September and I want to look better than I do now. I'd like to check in with a buddy once a day to compare notes and for encouragement. Ideally someone in the same phase would be ideal (I'm starting in phase I), but really anyone who's committed would be fine. Thanks! --David