Healthy Weight Loss

[PinkieLee]

Good morning & happy Wednesday healthy peeps!

WELCOME untangle and midwest chick! We are very glad to have you here, sharing your journey with us! Lots of encouraging words, recipe ideas, workout tips & all around support!

sylvie... honey you go sistah! 71 pounds is AMAZING! You have done such amazing work on yourself ~ mind, body, soul & spirit! You are truly an inspiration to me and to others here! Your journey has not been an easy one, but you are proof that with determination & confidence your goals can be met! THANK YOU for being you and for sharing it all with us!

Well, things have been hit or miss for me for awhile. I do pretty good at eating healthy breakfast, lunch and snacks. Dinner isn't always the best... but I know that it is my fault. I really need to figure out a way to make more time for healthy meal planning. I do so much better when I have healthier options in the cabinet/fridge... which keeps us from just ordering out which happens much more than it should.

My biggest thing has been my lack of motivation to work out. I just don't understand why I allow myself to self-sabotage by NOT going to the gym. The only person I am hurting is myself. I know once I get going, I do great. So why the hell, don't I just get in the car and GO?! At any given time, I can name at least 5 excuses for me to just stay home.

After feeling guilt for not being on track as best as I should, I was laying in bed last night and got a text from Candace. Most of y'all know how much success she has had on her journey... she is kicking ass & taking names I tell ya! She asked how my journey was going, and I told her about some of the bumps in the road. She said, "do me a favor... look in the mirror every day and say out load ~ I AM STRONG AND CAPABLE OF ACHIEVING ANTHING I DESIRE. I CONTROL MY DESTINY"

WOW, just the reality check and motivational boost I needed. I woke up this morning, stared in the bathroom mirror and repeated those words at least 3 times. I CONTROL MY DESTINY! Thank you Candace for knowing just when I need an extra little motivation.

I hope that everyone has a fabulous day!

[PinkieLee]

Also y'all... I've been wanting so bad to do some holiday baking. But, we all know what that means ~ lots of crap that may taste good but NOT what we need. I was talking to LaDivina awhile back and we were trying to find some cookie recipes, that folks have tried, using WHEAT flour instead of white.

Even if y'all have any healthier, tasty options for baking, please let us know.

[starryeyes]

Also y'all... I've been wanting so bad to do some holiday baking. But, we all know what that means ~ lots of crap that may taste good but NOT what we need. I was talking to LaDivina awhile back and we were trying to find some cookie recipes, that folks have tried, using WHEAT flour instead of white.

Even if y'all have any healthier, tasty options for baking, please let us know.

I made the WW pumpkin cookies, 3 PP each. They were yummy! They have a lot of yummy recipes. I can post a few for people who do not subscribe if you want. :-)

[PinkieLee]

I made the WW pumpkin cookies, 3 PP each. They were yummy! They have a lot of yummy recipes. I can post a few for people who do not subscribe if you want. :-)

That would be awesome! THANK YOU!

[JustJo]

Also y'all... I've been wanting so bad to do some holiday baking. But, we all know what that means ~ lots of crap that may taste good but NOT what we need. I was talking to LaDivina awhile back and we were trying to find some cookie recipes, that folks have tried, using WHEAT flour instead of white.

Even if y'all have any healthier, tasty options for baking, please let us know.

King Arthur makes a "white whole wheat" flour that I often use....it's soft winter wheat rather than hard red wheat....but it's still whole wheat (with more of the taste and texture of white). It's still carbs...but at least it's a whole grain...

[sylvie]

Tonya, thank you for your sweet words..And always being so kind and encouraging for me.. i remember the day i first messaged you, which feels so long ago now but not too terribly long ago realistically... And telling you how inspiring your posts always are to me.. You are one of the people i consider so inspirational, and who set me on my way to seeking a more positive, happier me.. Know that? ♥ And you continue to be, today.

i have a list of people who are so encouraging, supportive and have been an inspiration for me to be a better 'self'.. And that's why this thread is so important and motivational to me, because most of you post in here!

Can i pretty please borrow this?
"I AM STRONG AND CAPABLE OF ACHIEVING ANTHING I DESIRE. I CONTROL MY DESTINY"

i know i could really use some mirror talking each morning!

ps, i know all about self sabotaging.. i still do it today & something i keep working on... Whats important is we get up and try, try again! You got this!

[PinkieLee]

King Arthur makes a "white whole wheat" flour that I often use....it's soft winter wheat rather than hard red wheat....but it's still whole wheat (with more of the taste and texture of white). It's still carbs...but at least it's a whole grain...

I did look into the King Arthur flour... and there are actually a few recipes that I might try. THANK YOU!

[PinkieLee]

I am just bumping this up. Candace is gonna start posting some of her workouts with her trainer soon.... so we can all see how she gets her fitness on!


Hey Beautiful People!

Man, Life is CRAZY busy. I love coming on here after a long day and reading how amazing you all are doing. I'm a lurker! Tee heeee....

Anyway, I wanted to come on here and give you guys the link to my new YouTube channel. It's titled "My New Definition." I am sort of video blogging my progress, things that are working things that aren't. I'm so excited to share this with everyone!

WHoooottt TODAY IS OUR DAY, Y'ALL!!!

http://www.youtube.com/user/mynewdefinition?feature=mhee

Feel free to Subscribe, Like, Share.....:)

I really hope this inspires all of you to start VLOG's and we can all feed off of each other that way, too!

[sylvie]

There is a whole recipe website off of SparkPeople which is fantastic..
You dont have to be a member to see their recipes, but i am a member and if you are you can make a lil recipe book by adding the recipes you like into it for quick reference..

There are lots of holiday recipes, & baking on there =)
http://www.sparkrecipes.com/

[Sparkle]

Hi Healthy People!

I don't know how many of you watch 'The Biggest Loser'.
I have, it is quite compelling; I often get caught up in it and watch in wonder at the unbelievably speedy weight loss of the contestants.

I've spoken to a couple of trainers who absolutely despise the show because it is unrealistic, because the trainers treat the contestants horribly and because the show fails to demonstrate the importance of nutrition. The trainers I've talked to also say the techniques they (the producers & trainers) use appear to be dangerous.

It would seem (according to a former contestant interviewed for this story) that 'The Biggest Loser' is the opposite of healthy weight loss or healthy lifestyle changes.

The whistleblower is taking a huge risk by telling her story because of the stacks of waivers and legal documents each contestant signs off on.

We (here) spend a lot of time talking about making changes and choices that are healthy and sustainable.
What do you think about the show? And this article?

Part 1
http://www.bodylovewellness.com/2010/06/09/kai-hibbard-biggest-loser-finalist-part-1-of-3/

Part 2
http://www.bodylovewellness.com/2010/06/16/kai-hibbard-biggest-loser-finalist-part-2-of-3/

Part 3
http://www.bodylovewellness.com/2010/06/23/kai-hibbard-biggest-loser-finalist-part-3-of-3/

[JustJo]

Thank you for posting Sparkle...I have watched the show and always found it amazing to watch the transformation of so many people...but am not surprised to hear that her experience was so damaging.

I think it's tempting for all of us to look for that magic solution...when living healthy takes prolonged effort...and slow results....and a lot of self-acceptance, self-love and patience.

I'm inspired by Kelt...and sylvie...and everyone else in this thread that keeps sticking to it...through good days and bad days...and works to take good care of themselves and to achieve better health.

[Sparkle]

Thank you for posting Sparkle...I have watched the show and always found it amazing to watch the transformation of so many people...but am not surprised to hear that her experience was so damaging.

I think it's tempting for all of us to look for that magic solution...when living healthy takes prolonged effort...and slow results....and a lot of self-acceptance, self-love and patience.

I'm inspired by Kelt...and sylvie...and everyone else in this thread that keeps sticking to it...through good days and bad days...and works to take good care of themselves and to achieve better health.

Agreed on all points!

I think that loving our bodies and believing in our value - at any weight - is an incredibly important part of making healthy choices & changes.

[Zimmeh]

Good Evening Everyone,

I am slowly eating semi solid foods. I have been able to enjoy a peanut butter and jelly sandwich on the sandwich round bread. I am still losing weight and I have to go buy more work pants on Friday. I have no cravings for candy and I have drank one cup of coffee this week :) I haven't weighed myself in almost two weeks, so I will do that tomorow...

Have a great night,

Zimmeh

[sylvie]

♫ Little Parody to Blue Christmas for us .. ♫
i thought it was cute, lol. Got it off SparkPeople =)

We'll Have A Blue Christmas With Less Food.
We're Learning: "No, Thank You", Is Not Rude.
Just Say No To The Bread; Keep It Lite And Fat Free.
Won't Taste The Same Dear, But It's Got Less Calories

And When Those Big Numbers Start Falling
That's When Those Smaller Sizes Start Calling
We Will Know We Did Right, With Our Christmas So Lite
And We'll Have Our Good And Healthy Cute New Figures

We'll Have A Blue Christmas With Less Food.
But We'll Have Slim Bodies When We're Viewed.
We Will Know We Did Right, With Our Christmas So Lite
And We'll Have Our Good And Healthy Cute New Figures

♫

[Rockinonahigh]

I will be doing some bakeing for the weekend as I have a couple of partyies to go to,im bakeing a peanut butter pie then a big bunch of home made party mix,my son says to make him one small pie and dont forget to leave him some party mix.I gess I can get it done without to much of a crash on calories or carbs,so far so good this time with the hollidays,I havent gained any nor lost any so being on a holding pattern is ok for now.I said I wouldnt do the party thing this year cause of the over rich food I may or may not can stay away from.In reality I dont have much appetite lately cause im on so much meds and antibiotics its quirking up my tummy,since I now am diabetic I dont get away with just not eating cause it has a price in how I feel or get thrue the day.My numbers have been good so I must be doing something right.U all take care and contenue the possitive incouragements we all share.

[Mtn]

♫ Little Parody to Blue Christmas for us .. ♫
i thought it was cute, lol. Got it off SparkPeople =)

We'll Have A Blue Christmas With Less Food.
We're Learning: "No, Thank You", Is Not Rude.
Just Say No To The Bread; Keep It Lite And Fat Free.
Won't Taste The Same Dear, But It's Got Less Calories

And When Those Big Numbers Start Falling
That's When Those Smaller Sizes Start Calling
We Will Know We Did Right, With Our Christmas So Lite
And We'll Have Our Good And Healthy Cute New Figures

We'll Have A Blue Christmas With Less Food.
But We'll Have Slim Bodies When We're Viewed.
We Will Know We Did Right, With Our Christmas So Lite
And We'll Have Our Good And Healthy Cute New Figures

♫

Okay I actually sang it that way baby, THANKS!,lol

[Rockinonahigh]

Hi Healthy People!

I don't know how many of you watch 'The Biggest Loser'.
I have, it is quite compelling; I often get caught up in it and watch in wonder at the unbelievably speedy weight loss of the contestants.

I've spoken to a couple of trainers who absolutely despise the show because it is unrealistic, because the trainers treat the contestants horribly and because the show fails to demonstrate the importance of nutrition. The trainers I've talked to also say the techniques they (the producers & trainers) use appear to be dangerous.

It would seem (according to a former contestant interviewed for this story) that 'The Biggest Loser' is the opposite of healthy weight loss or healthy lifestyle changes.

The whistleblower is taking a huge risk by telling her story because of the stacks of waivers and legal documents each contestant signs off on.

We (here) spend a lot of time talking about making changes and choices that are healthy and sustainable.
What do you think about the show? And this article?

Part 1
http://www.bodylovewellness.com/2010/06/09/kai-hibbard-biggest-loser-finalist-part-1-of-3/

Part 2
http://www.bodylovewellness.com/2010/06/16/kai-hibbard-biggest-loser-finalist-part-2-of-3/

Part 3
http://www.bodylovewellness.com/2010/06/23/kai-hibbard-biggest-loser-finalist-part-3-of-3/


I always thought the show wasnt fair nor giveing out the right way to lose weight but when I joined to gym I was eating a balanced meal 4 times a day plus a veggie snack if I needed it.I sreiously did my best to do the same kind of work outs they do on the show...OH heaven forbid I ever do thay again cause it took me two weeks to get over two days.The gym manager even gave me the riot act over it...I lost a pound a day but it made me one sick person...

[PinkieLee]

Hi Healthy People!

I don't know how many of you watch 'The Biggest Loser'.
I have, it is quite compelling; I often get caught up in it and watch in wonder at the unbelievably speedy weight loss of the contestants.

I've spoken to a couple of trainers who absolutely despise the show because it is unrealistic, because the trainers treat the contestants horribly and because the show fails to demonstrate the importance of nutrition. The trainers I've talked to also say the techniques they (the producers & trainers) use appear to be dangerous.

It would seem (according to a former contestant interviewed for this story) that 'The Biggest Loser' is the opposite of healthy weight loss or healthy lifestyle changes.

The whistleblower is taking a huge risk by telling her story because of the stacks of waivers and legal documents each contestant signs off on.

We (here) spend a lot of time talking about making changes and choices that are healthy and sustainable.
What do you think about the show? And this article?

Part 1
http://www.bodylovewellness.com/2010/06/09/kai-hibbard-biggest-loser-finalist-part-1-of-3/

Part 2
http://www.bodylovewellness.com/2010/06/16/kai-hibbard-biggest-loser-finalist-part-2-of-3/

Part 3
http://www.bodylovewellness.com/2010/06/23/kai-hibbard-biggest-loser-finalist-part-3-of-3/

THANK YOU so much for sharing this with us. I used to be a faithful watcher of the show for years, but somehow stopped watching when they started doing the couple and/or family shows.

I totally agree with the deal about the nutrition information on the show. TO ME, it only seems like they talk about food, when it's about a sponsor's item (Jennie O turkey, 100 calorie stuff, etc). They do have some great cookbooks though... but it's sad that they don't show those kinds of meals on their shows. Gotta love their product placing and strategic infomercials for their sponsors :seeingstars:

I know that Candace's makes a lot of their cookbook recipes.... and she says they are great. I think I've learned more about nutritional meals from WW, other friends that are on their own healthy living journeys, and from people posting food porn pics so I can see portion sizes.

[*Anya*]

Struggling with mental and physical challenges.

Tape is constantly running through my head, thinner, thinner, you need to be thinner.

I have been dealing with health challenges-which will remain nameless- but it has made it very difficult for me to drop down to where I was as recently as August.

I have not been eating anything I "shouldn't" but am just maintaining. I will have surgery in January, about to be scheduled. I should not even post this in a healthy weight loss thread but it is a part of my weight crazy thoughts-I always lose quite a bit of weight following surgery and am hoping it will remind my body it does not have to hold onto weight like I am a starving person.

I really, really hate that I have always felt fat, even when I was really thin. What is the point of being thin, if you still think you are fat anyway?:confused:

Much work to still be done inside my brain. Eating heathfully is much easier for me than changing the tape in my head.

[JustJo]

Struggling with mental and physical challenges.

Tape is constantly running through my head, thinner, thinner, you need to be thinner.

I have been dealing with health challenges-which will remain nameless- but it has made it very difficult for me to drop down to where I was as recently as August.

I have not been eating anything I "shouldn't" but am just maintaining. I will have surgery in January, about to be scheduled. I should not even post this in a healthy weight loss thread but it is a part of my weight crazy thoughts-I always lose quite a bit of weight following surgery and am hoping it will remind my body it does not have to hold onto weight like I am a starving person.

I really, really hate that I have always felt fat, even when I was really thin. What is the point of being thin, if you still think you are fat anyway?:confused:

Much work to still be done inside my brain. Eating heathfully is much easier for me than changing the tape in my head.

((((( Anya )))))....you totally should post this stuff in this thread :)

I think a lot of us struggle with the negative "you're too fat" self-image....I know I do.

Let me give you some snippets of my tapes...

...my mother, telling me about how grossed out she was taking a first aid class in school and being paired with a heavy girl...and having to touch her *shudder, grimace*

...my sister...writing in my middle school annual...on the back of the page signed by all of my dearest friends, some advice for my life...starting with the fact that I should lose at least 35 pounds...and several paragraphs about why....I threw the annual away, and now wish with all my heart I had kept it since the dearest of them committed suicide about 6 months later....ironically, I probably weighed about 145 at the time, and was 5' 6"...losing 35 lbs would have been downright dangerous

...my mother's family...who was the only family I knew growing up...all naturally thin...who would stare at me pointedly anytime I ate and cluck their tongues or shake their heads

...my mother, shopping for clothes with me as I left home for college...once I thought we had patched things up as well as they could be....getting more and more visibly disgusted as we went up in sizes and nothing fit. In part, that was because I had never had new clothes in my life...and had no idea what size I was in. She stomped away when we hit size 20....muttering and gesturing. I bought my own clothes...and we never talked about it.

There is a tape in my head that says "you're fat, you're ugly, no one will ever want you." And, with all the counseling I've done, journaling, soul-searching, and proof to the contrary....there is a part of me that still believes those lies.

It's a constant struggle for me. Even being where I am now, confident and strong in myself, and knowing that those who judge based purely on size aren't worth having....I still fight it.

Life is ironic though....and my mother, struggling with cancer and chemo, is fighting to get enough food in herself to stay alive. Her weight dropped to 96 pounds at one point...now up to 114...and what she needs more than anything is a little more weight...a little more strength.

For the first time, heavy looks good to her...and when she is stumbling and too sick to care for herself, it wasn't her skinny daughter that was there for her....it was her "fat" one.

Hugs to all of you on this journey. :rrose:

[Zimmeh]

This is true for me also. When my ex and I broke up, I texted a friend about how ugly I was. Even though, I am maintaining my weight at 162lbs, I still feel horrible and I don't like the person looking at me in the mirror. This time of year is the hardest for me and on Tuesday, I broke. I started crying and really really hating myself. I went to work, where a co-worker saw me, and asked what was wrong. I told her what was up and that if I had a container of 2 dozen cookies from Publix, I would eat them all. She nearly fell over and said, "It is a good thing you don't have them". When I got home from work on Tuesday, I went to bed and cried some more. I also told her that I cannot wait until my birthday when I can hang out with friends.

Hugs to all of you,

Zimmeh

((((( Anya )))))....you totally should post this stuff in this thread :)

I think a lot of us struggle with the negative "you're too fat" self-image....I know I do.

Let me give you some snippets of my tapes...

...my mother, telling me about how grossed out she was taking a first aid class in school and being paired with a heavy girl...and having to touch her *shudder, grimace*

...my sister...writing in my middle school annual...on the back of the page signed by all of my dearest friends, some advice for my life...starting with the fact that I should lose at least 35 pounds...and several paragraphs about why....I threw the annual away, and now wish with all my heart I had kept it since the dearest of them committed suicide about 6 months later....ironically, I probably weighed about 145 at the time, and was 5' 6"...losing 35 lbs would have been downright dangerous

...my mother's family...who was the only family I knew growing up...all naturally thin...who would stare at me pointedly anytime I ate and cluck their tongues or shake their heads

...my mother, shopping for clothes with me as I left home for college...once I thought we had patched things up as well as they could be....getting more and more visibly disgusted as we went up in sizes and nothing fit. In part, that was because I had never had new clothes in my life...and had no idea what size I was in. She stomped away when we hit size 20....muttering and gesturing. I bought my own clothes...and we never talked about it.

There is a tape in my head that says "you're fat, you're ugly, no one will ever want you." And, with all the counseling I've done, journaling, soul-searching, and proof to the contrary....there is a part of me that still believes those lies.

It's a constant struggle for me. Even being where I am now, confident and strong in myself, and knowing that those who judge based purely on size aren't worth having....I still fight it.

Life is ironic though....and my mother, struggling with cancer and chemo, is fighting to get enough food in herself to stay alive. Her weight dropped to 96 pounds at one point...now up to 114...and what she needs more than anything is a little more weight...a little more strength.

For the first time, heavy looks good to her...and when she is stumbling and too sick to care for herself, it wasn't her skinny daughter that was there for her....it was her "fat" one.

Hugs to all of you on this journey. :rrose:

[PinkieLee]

(((((((((((Anya)))))))))))))

My friend, yes you should be posting here! Like Jo said, negative self talk in our own heads is a freakin' HARD obstacle to hurdle. Honestly for me, it's something that I battle with every. single. day.

We want you to share your journey, the good, bad & the ugly. For me, it's when I say things (or type them here) that it becomes a reality that I have to face. Problem is, I've bottled things up for sooooo long, becoming the Queen of Denial, that things got so out of control. I learned that lovely trick from my mother ~ ignore it till it goes away or if you don't have to face things till you talk about them.

Our journeys, yes even the struggles, have taught me to be thankful for the good days and learn from the hard days. We are all human and will have bumps along the way. Luckily for us, we have an amazing support system here, with people that are always willing to offer words of encouragement, wisdom & support.

[PinkieLee]

((((( Anya )))))....you totally should post this stuff in this thread :)

I think a lot of us struggle with the negative "you're too fat" self-image....I know I do.

Let me give you some snippets of my tapes...

...my mother, telling me about how grossed out she was taking a first aid class in school and being paired with a heavy girl...and having to touch her *shudder, grimace*

...my sister...writing in my middle school annual...on the back of the page signed by all of my dearest friends, some advice for my life...starting with the fact that I should lose at least 35 pounds...and several paragraphs about why....I threw the annual away, and now wish with all my heart I had kept it since the dearest of them committed suicide about 6 months later....ironically, I probably weighed about 145 at the time, and was 5' 6"...losing 35 lbs would have been downright dangerous

...my mother's family...who was the only family I knew growing up...all naturally thin...who would stare at me pointedly anytime I ate and cluck their tongues or shake their heads

...my mother, shopping for clothes with me as I left home for college...once I thought we had patched things up as well as they could be....getting more and more visibly disgusted as we went up in sizes and nothing fit. In part, that was because I had never had new clothes in my life...and had no idea what size I was in. She stomped away when we hit size 20....muttering and gesturing. I bought my own clothes...and we never talked about it.

There is a tape in my head that says "you're fat, you're ugly, no one will ever want you." And, with all the counseling I've done, journaling, soul-searching, and proof to the contrary....there is a part of me that still believes those lies.

It's a constant struggle for me. Even being where I am now, confident and strong in myself, and knowing that those who judge based purely on size aren't worth having....I still fight it.

Life is ironic though....and my mother, struggling with cancer and chemo, is fighting to get enough food in herself to stay alive. Her weight dropped to 96 pounds at one point...now up to 114...and what she needs more than anything is a little more weight...a little more strength.

For the first time, heavy looks good to her...and when she is stumbling and too sick to care for herself, it wasn't her skinny daughter that was there for her....it was her "fat" one.

Hugs to all of you on this journey. :rrose:

((((((((((Jo))))))))))))))

Isn't it amazing that we can't remember what we may have done over the weekend, but can remember WORD FOR WORD an insult that someone has said about our weight 10+ years ago?!

My childhood best friend... telling me, I needed to go on a diet because I couldn't wear a BANDANA as a belt (at the age of 10).

My high school principle... when I reported harrassment by a male student, telling me a "girl of my size" should be thankful for the attention & to take it as a compliment. (yeah, I wore a size 12)

My grandmother... when I was 19, smacking me on the ass and tellling me my ass was bigger than hers. If I kept it up, I'ld never find a husband. (yep, still a size 12)

A former male co-worker last year... "I see you are still putting on weight".

And the list can go on... How do we turn off this crap?!

[PinkieLee]

This is true for me also. When my ex and I broke up, I texted a friend about how ugly I was. Even though, I am maintaining my weight at 162lbs, I still feel horrible and I don't like the person looking at me in the mirror. This time of year is the hardest for me and on Tuesday, I broke. I started crying and really really hating myself. I went to work, where a co-worker saw me, and asked what was wrong. I told her what was up and that if I had a container of 2 dozen cookies from Publix, I would eat them all. She nearly fell over and said, "It is a good thing you don't have them". When I got home from work on Tuesday, I went to bed and cried some more. I also told her that I cannot wait until my birthday when I can hang out with friends.

Hugs to all of you,

Zimmeh

((((((((((((Zimmeh)))))))))))

Sweet girl, I am so very sorry that you had a rough day. I am sure that we have all been there, and felt that pain. This time of year is tough for a lot of people... "holiday cheer" is not universal for everyone.

I don't know about you, but for me, a good cry is cleansing. It's like I'm finally able to let all the pain & negativity out. The next day I usually wake up with a sense of starting over with all the bad stuff gone.

I hope that you are having a better day. You are making amazing strides on your journey... keep your chin up!

[Zimmeh]

I did feel better afterwards and I am not going to stop myself. I am making damn good strides with my life and I am looking forward to turning 38 in two weeks.

Hugs to you and thank you!

Zimmeh


((((((((((((Zimmeh)))))))))))

Sweet girl, I am so very sorry that you had a rough day. I am sure that we have all been there, and felt that pain. This time of year is tough for a lot of people... "holiday cheer" is not universal for everyone.

I don't know about you, but for me, a good cry is cleansing. It's like I'm finally able to let all the pain & negativity out. The next day I usually wake up with a sense of starting over with all the bad stuff gone.

I hope that you are having a better day. You are making amazing strides on your journey... keep your chin up!

[Gemme]

I really, really hate that I have always felt fat, even when I was really thin. What is the point of being thin, if you still think you are fat anyway?:confused:



Riiiight? I found a picture of myself around 11th grade not too long ago. My GAWD! Inside my head, I was HUGE. Ginormous. In that picture? I zeroed in on the single chin, lack of cellulite and my cheeks that actually had some angle to them and thought, "I was SUCH a dumbass then."

:blink:


And the list can go on... How do we turn off this crap?!

I say start with the source but then I'd love the chance to knock someone on their ass and that's probably less productive than actually working on ourselves.

For me, it's less of a tape and more like the static that used to be on the TV. You can't really make it out but you know what it is.

[JustJo]

Riiiight? I found a picture of myself around 11th grade not too long ago. My GAWD! Inside my head, I was HUGE. Ginormous. In that picture? I zeroed in on the single chin, lack of cellulite and my cheeks that actually had some angle to them and thought, "I was SUCH a dumbass then."

:blink:



I had the same experience. When I was in 6th grade, I thought of myself as this huge, monstrous, immensely fat thing....and it made sense given all the messages I was getting from family.

A few years ago, coincidentally in the middle of counseling, I found an old newspaper clipping with a picture of me (and other girls) representing our school's drill team (yes, I was a dork :) ). I had ponytails, and breasts, and I was as tall as the teacher who led us.

There was also nothing at all "fat" about me. I was my full height....and probably weighed 135-140.....and I looked like a perfectly normal developing girl.

I wish I could go back in time and tell myself, at that age, what I really looked like...because frankly, I was cute.

[Zimmeh]

I am having potato casserole for dinner.

It has:

Four baking potatoes
Veggies of your choice
-Frozen veggies are better
EVOO
-Used to coat the veggies
-I add about a tablespoon to the pan and drizzle the tops of the veggies
Seasonings
-I used
-Crushed Red Pepper
-Italian seasonings
-Garlic salt -dash
Shredded cheese :)

Cook in a 350 degree oven for about 1.5 hours

Enjoy! :)

[Rockinonahigh]

Last summer I ran into someone I had dated in high school,he thought he was a real lady killer then,once one of is friends told him I would end up just a fat old italian momma with a passel of kids.I realy tryed hard to not have a good laugh when I saw him cause he weighs nearly 350 if its an ounce,is bald as a que ball and paying allimoney to 3 wives and 4 kids.I wasnt laughing at his weight but the situation and how its backlashed on him.If he only had any idea at all how life has changed for me over the years,I got the best end of it.

[girl_dee]

Thanks for sharing all of this hard stuff about what family and friends can do to sabotage us, even though they don't mean to.

Yes the things that stick in our minds, no matter how much people tell us we are perfect and beautiful, those negative comments linger. I can't ever remember not feeling like I needed to be on a diet, even at a size kids 14. (I was an adult) I felt I should have been in a 12. Now at a size women's 8, I struggle to feel that this acceptable and I should be in a 6. Everyday a struggle to feel right.

I am trying to be so very good because my trip to New Orleans is near and I want to be in a good headspace around all that yummy food. I don't want to have to go through detox like I do after each trip there, the salt alone is a killer.

I weighed in after a month of counting calories and I've lost 6 pounds. 6 pounds on a 5"1 frame is a good amount! My skirt felt a little looser today so I am happy, I am also finding some days I can't even get to 1,000 calories. I am replacing the carbs with more fruit. It sure does keep the hunger pangs away.

The iphone app has been a lifesaver. It's so easy and tracks everything, and it's quite a reality check. It's called My Fitness Pal if anyone is interested. (I call it the "fitness bitch" but that's just me)
Good luck to all, this time of y is a tough one, but it's TOO dang hard to lose it once you find it!

[sylvie]

i get seriously emotional about this stuff... damn tapes...
Took me a bit to be able to respond myself. but here i'll try..

(((((Anya))))) first of all, like they all said, this thread is for the good & bad, and that's what makes this thread so motivating & inspiring.. When we can come in here and shake off the hard & challenging thoughts we have, or share the hurtful & angering things which holds us back sometimes.. That's where our growth comes from - sharing, usually.. So thank you everyone for sharing.. i can certainly relate.. As a child, i began obsessing food and remember thinking how fat i was and hating how people looked at me then.. Being so uncomfortable in my own skin, yet when i look at pictures of me then, i look almost flawless and wonder why on earth i was so hard on myself then...

Oh, i remember... my mother was one of the hardest people on me about my body image.. She consistently reminded me that every bit of food i was putting in my mouth would make me fatter and would pinch skin on certain parts of my body to tell me constantly she was going to put me on a diet.. i can remember this back as far as when i was 7 & 8 years old.. i remember her telling OTHER people she was shameful of my eating habits and weight gain..

i also remember one day (i was about 10 years old), i asked for 50 cents to go to the corner store with my friends, and she threw me on a weight scale demanding me to look at the number on that scale (i cant remember what the number was) and telling me that all the junkfood i was eating would give me a fat ass and high numbers and people would laugh at me.. i remember from that point on, i would sneak change every so often, and i would then hide and eat junkfood away from her sight.. i was devastated, but angry i couldn't fit in with my friends.. (i also remember this was how she taught me about smoking, when i was 8 she stuck a cigarette in my mouth and made me inhale til i coughed myself ill..) i've never touched a cigarette since, which i'm thankful for not smoking but her approach, gawd..

i remember developing some obsessive behaviours back as a child, through my teenage years also because i struggled with bullying from grade 7 on.. i remember trying to fit in, and doing extreme things , even foodwise.. Bringing your own lunch was unheard of, and growing up poor i didn't have money to spend.. So often went without a meal at lunch and then would be starving once the time i was home.. Regardless of what i did to try and fit in, i didn't.. i felt socially challenged, constantly and although i wasn't overweight or obese (yet), i certainly wasn't tiny at that time and girls would always pick at certain things on me or make fun of things i was wearing, or the way things fit me or something about my appearance.. The teasing, the laughing, the lonely feeling always got to me, more & more each day... & with that, i always turned to food. (secretly)

my mother & stepfather, would always get mad when i ate food, snacked ... i wasnt allowed friends over when they were home, everything had to be secret.. They were always out, whether working or at the bars at night.. food comforted me, and i remember binging on foods i craved so much because they wouldnt allow me them through the week.. And the hell i would go through after for having eaten whatever i did..

As an early adult, after having children, my weight of course increased while pregnant.. i gained 79 lbs with my son, & 68 with my daughter, without losing weight in between.. i obsessed the weight loss and it's been an uphill, downhill battle constantly with me, and the negative comments, the teasing, the harsh words from my mother (and ridicule from my constantly drunk father) it ALWAYS stays in my head.. At my heaviest i stopped looking in a mirror at myself fully.. i would focus on one area that needed to be looked at and go on with my day.. i loathed clothes shopping, and eventually got to a point in my life that i stopped even leaving my house until absolutely necessary.. i pushed people out of my life, for fear they would see my fat body at my highest weight and just now i am trying to get some of my friendships and family back in my life.. Just now, after 71 lbs lost, i feel the confidence of being able to show myself ... But at 244 lbs (right now) i still have a way's to go and i look in that mirror today and be damned if i see a 244 lb woman looking back at her..

i see the 315 lb woman, i obsess my problem areas and i hear allllll the negative words said to me by any and every person t hrough life.. The laughing, the pointing, the embarrassing feelings when i couldn't do something someone else could.. While i do get so damn angry that society paints a picture of what is beautiful for a woman, and it's usually something completely unachievable, i still get stuck in the negative tapes in my head and i'm not sure i will ever break out of that.. i have done a tremendous amount of self work over this year and i have gained some self esteem and some confidence and i can say, i am a beautiful woman.. But ask me what's REALLY going on in this head of mine, guaranteed i am looking in that mirror and those words aren't what is in my head as i look at myself..

my body image makes me terribly sad.. i suffer a lot in the way of making friends too, i tend to try and reach out for friendships and i feel i fail that often too, i crave actual girlfriends to laugh with and talk girl talk and all of the ways i try and make friendships, i am so super hard on myself when it doesn't happen and then i go back to all of this undeserving "well look at me" kind of stuff.. It's a vicious circle..

Thank you all for sharing, and thank you for this space once again.. i'm all teared up and boohoo'ing as i type this, and i got super emotional last night with all of this in mind too.. It's a real challenge sharing the hard stuff for me, so i gather it must be for all of you as well and the fact we can step out of ourselves and offer the support & show we know the feelings much, is such a comfort to me... This thread always feels like a huge warm hug to me...

(((((group hugs))))))
This is the stuff that makes us want to do better today for ourselves..
& coincidentally, my mother today is well overweight herself, and is one of my biggest cheerleaders now, or tries to be .. i distance her, a lot...Our relationship has always been strained, i have a lot of anger issues from my past, and things i'm not sure i can forgive.. However, she's my mother and i have allowed her in my life, but have set a lot of rules, and i distance the negativity..When she told my daughter that she had fat rolls on her tummy and that her butt was a bit big and started picking on her eating habits, i made sure i stepped up on that one.. No way! But today she is much more sensitive to how i was feeling back then and how i am feeling today.. Interesting how things change..

[JustJo]

Good morning healthy friends...

Weigh in day and I've lost one pound...in 2 weeks since I didn't weigh last week. My first reaction was noooooo.....and then I reminded myself that...

:rrose: I've been losing at the rate of 2 and 3 lbs a week for the last few weeks

:rrose: I've been under amazing stress and, despite crying a lot and not sleeping as much as I need, I have not resorted to food to get through this...a major achievement

:rrose: I received a gift of delicious chocolate covered peanut brittle...and have been successfully enjoying a small amount periodically...without over-doing it. I'm proud of that

:rrose: My weight is lower right now than it has been in a couple years...and maybe my body is just readjusting to the change

I'm working hard at being gentle with myself about now...and not harassing myself to do "better" is a huge part of it.

Hugs to you all....

[Cowboi]

Made it to the gym this morning. Between being crazy busy at work, and being sick havent been to the gym in a few days. Despite all, I am holding my own though.
Yall have a wonderfull weekend!

[Rockinonahigh]

The pounds u lost I shurly have found,where and how I dont know.This weekend and next thursday I have parties to go to I have fixed dishes for the ones today to take,I have been very careful to not do much eating or tasting while cooking also ive been really watching what I eat at meals..this morning I got on the scales I gained 1 pound.The biggest reason I dont like this season is its so hard for me to not gain weight,in testing every day to keep track of my numbers wich are fine,so I dont see where the weight is comeing from.Gone is the day I could just eat less to shake it off now I need to eat enough to keep my diabetis in check..a lettus leaf and carrot stick wont work any more.

[kannon]

For me, I gave up drinking good dark beers and got back into working out (3 times a week aerobic and weights). I went from 38" to 32" waist in a year and a half.

I didn't feel that heavy until I played catch football with a friend, after 5 minutes I couldn't get enough oxygen in my body to compensate for the amount my body was using. That was a wake up call.

I love to eat so I have to workout.

[tazz]

i'm at 1350 calories daily for now... diet is going to change again soon. my jeans dont fit me anymore... all i wear are sweats...

[Corkey]

I have been remiss in excersizing, and it is due to my hip med wearing off. I can't have another shot for a month, have to wait 4 months in between shots. So I'm eating healthy foods in an attempt to keep my body from having apoplexy over not excersizing.

[midwest chick]

Yay!!!!
Christmas party last night, diet parameters maintained, and I feel good today. No weight loss this week, but somehow, I'm getting into some clothes that had been too tight. How does that work? Are the cells juggling/jiggling themselves around or something? Would love some of the ones on my hips to migrate to the chest area!!!!!

Another party tomorrow afternoon....plan is to wear something I couldn't last week, just as a reminder not to put anything in my mouth that could sabotage what I've accomplished.

Still can't believe how much weight I gained, in such a short period of time! Losing it just isn't as easy as it was when I was younger, and that part really stinks.

[foxyshaman]

I weighed in Friday and am down a pound. I am sooooo close to 50 lbs lost. I am not sure if I am going to make my Jan 6 goal. But, I have to let it go. I won't torture myself for not living up to my own view of perfection. Perfection.... easy to spell but... how do I wear that?

I talked myself out of going to the gym this morning. And I can live with that. I went four out of five days this week and will go tomorrow. If I go out dancing tonite, I will certainly get my exercise. One of the nicest things about going out to a bar at 45 is no one is trying to pick me up. I can dance to my hearts content... and dancing makes my heart content. And sweaty dancing makes my legs and lungs content. One day someone asked me what it was that caused my smile while dancing... I responded (not sure where this came from) "Music is the tongue that licks my soul, and dance is the expression of my ecstasy". And that is true.

I am grateful to the meaningful messages that I read here. I am grateful for the honesty. For the sharing of heartache . For the memories of the beginnings of negative relationships with food. And for our successes. A Jungian analyst I quite admire was anorexic for 25 years. In her healing, and work since, she has come to see food as the Mother. Not a mother, but rather an aspect of the archetype of Mother. The Negative Mother. Food is what comforts us when we are not comforted by our real world mother. Our soul still needs nourishing, so we take it from food. Well, some of us do. I did. If I did not work so hard this year to understand my relationship with the MOTHER I don't think I would have kept up with my journey. I would have given up... like always. But this time.... this time I wanted to heal. Not just lose weight.

So, this time of Christmas is loaded with triggers for me. I am not overeating. I am exercising. But the trauma, the unconscious (unaware) me is still holding onto weight this season. I am not surprised. I am, surprisingly, not worried. I have patience with my process. I have to, what other choice is there?

I was asked earlier this week if I had set a weight loss goal for 2011. I looked quite quizzical and said "No". Then I pondered that. This is the first time in my weight loss journey that I have not set a goal. I decided this time I would be public with my shame and body. First time ever. I decided that my body would do what it would do, and I would NOT beat myself up for it.

So far so good.

Today I am especially grateful. Today I am grateful for the witnesses. Today I am grateful I can read similar stories of triumph, heartbreak and honesty.

You make me feel brave. You make it okay to be vulnerable.

[Rockinonahigh]

Ugh!I just got back from a Christmas party a bit ago,I didnt eat any bread or starches,no candy or sweets(lord there were so many ) just a diet coke then some brisquit with veggies then some roasted nuts to snack on.Would love to have had some pie.

[sylvie]

It's making me crazy not weighing in today...
i really have to wait until Jan 5th? oy! LOL

so, since i can't weigh in today.. i will celebrate other things..
- considerable difference in how my clothes fit today.. love when that happens. Put my work uniform on and it's much looser than usual. i remember when this shirt first started fitting a couple of months ago and it was snug around my belly still, but i was so happy i could get it on, and now, it's actually loose.. *happy dances*
- last night, i sat on my computer chair with my feet on the chair and my knees up in front of me, and thought to myself - 'i've never been able to do this, omg..' ahh the small things *smiles*
- i can also cross my legs comfortably now, and love that i can..my legs are much more comfortable , no pains in them anymore, no swelling & even when i work long work shifts, i don't come home in tears and pain.. that's a great feeling!
- i have ankles now.. (sounds strange) but my ankles at one time seemed so swollen and big all the time, but now, my ankles feel ankle'ish! (laughing at my lack of words)

i just finished working my morning shift & walked home the long way.. i live 10 mins from work but i take another route which gives me a good brisk 30 min walk.. i'll take that way back to work this evening too. Getting ready to do my SparkPeople workouts , just need to get changed and get at it.. May do the Jillian workout DVD a lil after lunch as well! =) feeling energetic like crazy today!

Preplanning my day's meals, if i do, i stick to them! =)

breakfast:
1/2 cup of cheerios & 1/2 cup skim milk
4 orange sections
1/2 cup of red grapes
1 blueberry yogurt
4 glasses of water during my 3 hour shift

morning snack:
2 clementines & 1/8 cup of raisins
2 glasses of water

lunch:
tuna salad (tuna, 1Tbsp light Mayo, chopped celery, dill & onion)
8 whole wheat crackers, unsalted
1 medium apple, sliced

afternoon snack:
1/8 cup almonds
1/2 large banana

supper:
haddock (3oz)
1/2 cup brown basmati rice
steamed asparagus (8 of 'em)

[JustJo]

Part of my mother's cancer/chemo struggle right now is with dehydration...she went from 111 to 106 this morning...in part because the TPN pump didn't flow last night...and in part because she is resisting drinking or eating.

Even when she was younger and healthier, she never really drank water.

So...I know this is the healthy weight loss thread and not the cancer thread...but please...do yourselves a favor and drink your water....every day...a few glasses. It's amazing what a difference it makes.

The nurse is here this morning, trying to do a blood draw on her. Halfway through, the flow simply stopped. He had to switch arms to fill one vial. Her blood pressure is down....she aches all over. It's dehydration....just the lack of fluid to keep things working as they should.

Please....drink your water. Chug it if you don't like it. But drink it.

:end nag: :rrose:

[sylvie]

((((Jo))))
Whether the cancer support thread or here in the Weight Loss thread, you of course have our support here, just as much as anywhere else.. You are going through so much right now, wish we lived closer to one another, i'd soo give you the biggest hug.. Always sending you positive thoughts your way for you, Rooster & your mother everyday♥ .. Mtn and i were just discussing the other day how much we feel for you right now with all you've got going on..He, of course sends positive thoughts your way each day too.. Remember to take care of you, too.. xx Here anytime you need a shoulder.

And such an important message, i soo agree.. All i drink is water now, and the difference i feel is amazing...Sometimes i need to remind myself to get drinking if i get busy with things around the house or at work and i realize i've gone awhile without it.

[starryeyes]

I found this Ebook for my kindle called "Running Sucks! For Busy Women Who Hate Running" and it has some good stuff I'm gonna try. I do hate running, lol, so it caught my eye. I will outline what it says so if you are interested you don't have to buy it.

Run-walk stairs
Run up 1-3 flights or stairs and walk down. Repeat as many time as you an in 5 minutes. Start slow and build yourself up to the full 5 min. This causes you to breathe heavier. More oxygen in your blood releases more fat. She says you will lose 5 lbs in 2 weeks if you do this 5x a week for 2 weeks.

HIIT running
Sprint as fast as you can for 10 seconds. Walk for 50 seconds. Repeat 15 times. Increase to sprinting as fast as you can for as long as our can, and walking until you recover.

Also, she had food tips.

Put a 1/2 tablespoon of cinnamon on every meal.. No matter what. This helps regulate blood sugar and helps with weight loss.

Leucine Powder
5 grams before meals or before working out. Will help with muscle retention and recovery after workouts. Apparently it tastes horrible but just swig it down with some water.

I thought its worth a try! I am going to do it all week while on my cruise (lots of stairs) and see if I don't come back lighter!

Have a great week everyone!!
Starry

[sylvie]

As i sit here munching on some grapes for my morning snack..
i got to wondering why it is i've grown to love grapes so much, & then i realized..

They've seriously become one of my comfort foods lately..
When i crave something crunchy, grapes work well to curb that craving..
i can wash up grapes and keep them in a bowl in my fridge - & when i crave just about ANYthing i shouldn't have, i can open my fridge and grab a handful of grapes.. And then, the craving for whatever i want passes..

i know they say too much fruit isn't good, and most days i do great with that.. But if there is a day i am crazy with cravings, i figure it's better to overeat the grapes a lil than the chips or chocolate or whatever my cravings are that day..

So, i keep a bunch washed up, and in my fridge right on the top shelf at the front, easy access.. and it's my pickin' food, my grazin' food, whatever i need at that moment.. And it's not a fruit that'll turn brown, or go bad or anything which is fab..

yaaaaaaay grapes!

[Zimmeh]

Sylvie,

You are still kicking ass and taking names! I agree with you about overeating grapes instead of junk food. I haven't had more than two cookies in five weeks since I went to the dentist. I have had other soft sweets, but I am doing good. I went to dinner with a friend on Saturday night and had two pieces of my Quesadilla and took the rest home. I really don't have an appetite anymore but I am eating. I am still having yogurt with SoyMilk for breakfast, even though I am not hungry and I have been eating peanut butter sandwiches with about 1.5Tbsp's of peanut butter on the sandwich round bread. Dinner, has been mainly pasta, rice and veggies. I am really enjoying the potato casserole and been making different variations of it. The other night, I added broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, green beans and Southwestern corn. It came out delicious.

Hugs and have a great day,

Zimmeh


As i sit here munching on some grapes for my morning snack..
i got to wondering why it is i've grown to love grapes so much, & then i realized..

They've seriously become one of my comfort foods lately..
When i crave something crunchy, grapes work well to curb that craving..
i can wash up grapes and keep them in a bowl in my fridge - & when i crave just about ANYthing i shouldn't have, i can open my fridge and grab a handful of grapes.. And then, the craving for whatever i want passes..

i know they say too much fruit isn't good, and most days i do great with that.. But if there is a day i am crazy with cravings, i figure it's better to overeat the grapes a lil than the chips or chocolate or whatever my cravings are that day..

So, i keep a bunch washed up, and in my fridge right on the top shelf at the front, easy access.. and it's my pickin' food, my grazin' food, whatever i need at that moment.. And it's not a fruit that'll turn brown, or go bad or anything which is fab..

yaaaaaaay grapes!

[Zimmeh]

Dear Jo,

I am sending you and your family warm hugs and to also let you know, that I am here if you need me. I can tell a difference in my body when I don't drink enough water and I try to have a minimum of eight glasses a day.

I know what it is like to watch a parent struggle to hold onto their life, and almost ten years after I lost my dad, I have my good days and my bad days. I am thankful for my friends who can see that I am having a bad day, and they make me go out and have fun...You have all of us here to support you, Rooster and your mom..

Hugs,

Zimmeh

Part of my mother's cancer/chemo struggle right now is with dehydration...she went from 111 to 106 this morning...in part because the TPN pump didn't flow last night...and in part because she is resisting drinking or eating.

Even when she was younger and healthier, she never really drank water.

So...I know this is the healthy weight loss thread and not the cancer thread...but please...do yourselves a favor and drink your water....every day...a few glasses. It's amazing what a difference it makes.

The nurse is here this morning, trying to do a blood draw on her. Halfway through, the flow simply stopped. He had to switch arms to fill one vial. Her blood pressure is down....she aches all over. It's dehydration....just the lack of fluid to keep things working as they should.

Please....drink your water. Chug it if you don't like it. But drink it.

:end nag: :rrose:

[Gemme]

The 14 Worst Health Trends of 2011

Posted by abornstein | December 20, 2011

Do you know what’s affecting your health?


It might seem like a ridiculous question. After all, you control what you eat, how much you exercise, and all the other behaviors that influence your overall health.

But if you’re like most people, your actions are oftentimes influenced by the information you receive. And a lot of that information—too much, in fact—is diluted with mistruths, inaccuracies, or in some instances, ridiculousness (yeah, it’s a word) and false promises.

How else would you describe these staggering statistics: Right now 35 percent of all adults are obese and 62 percent are overweight. And as I’ve mentioned before, the future doesn’t look so good, either. Recent estimates show that by the year, 2020 80 percent of the country will be obese.

The simple answer: Eat better and exercise more.

The real answer: Remove the misleading ideas and increase awareness about the bad habits that make it harder for you to be healthy. With that in mind, we’ve put together a guide of the worst trends of 2011. Avoiding these mistakes will give you a better chance of improving your health in 2012.


LACK OF SLEEP
When the National Sleep Foundation announced that Americans were sleeping less with each passing year—and spiking in 2011—it ignited an immediate red flag. For one, it made me focus more on my own sleep struggles. (yes, I’m guilty too) But more importantly, it highlighted a strong potential underlying cause of the obesity battle in adults. Sleep isn’t just important for creating mental clarity, reducing the risk of diabetes and heart problems, and fighting off depression. The amount of sleep you get is directly linked to the ease with which you lose weight and build muscle.

Consider the following facts:
Just three consecutive nights of bad sleep can increase insulin resistance, says researchers. Translation: you're more likely to store fat.

People who sleep less than 6 hours per night also eat an ADDITIONAL 220 calories per day.

Sleeping less alters your hormones, forcing you to experience great and more intense feelings of hunger.

See the trend? Sleep might be the most under-rated aspect of living a healthy life. And that’s exactly why we should all make it a bigger priority in the upcoming year. No excuses.


THE "BEST" DIETS
Diets are nothing new. Every year it seems like there’s a new “fat loss” breakthrough that will help everyone finally reach their goals—and 2011 was no exception. But this past year saw a rise in diets that highlighted the most unsuspecting of suggestions. Among the specialty diets: The HCG Diet (which features human placenta), The Cookie Diet (cookies that include meat protein—yes, meat protein), The Dukan Diet (no carbs and a limit on vegetables) and the Donut Diet (scones and croissants sold separately).

All of these diets have two things in common: They claim to help you lose weight, and all of them lack any substantive research to prove that their approach is actually effective. While any super low calorie diet can lead to weight loss (regardless of what foods you eat), and there’s nothing wrong with the occasional snack or indulgence, none of these options are sustainable or a suggested way to eat. If it seems too good to be true (all snacks all the time) or too odd (no veggies) to be healthy it probably is.


PIZZA IS NOW HEALTHY
Everyone should add more vegetables to their diet. They’re healthy, keep you full, and offer micronutrients that offer endless health benefits. And while it’s rare that I’ll ever argue against eating any vegetable (I consider them free foods and eat them in large quantities), The United States Congress tried to declare in November that frozen pizza qualifies as a vegetable. The reason had nothing to do with nutrition: It was a financial decision that related to foods in schools (and an attempt to avoid upsetting large food companies).

Nevertheless, I wanted to take this chance to clarify the subject: Pizza is not a vegetable. It tastes good, but it’s not a vegetable. Let’s move on.


FAT MAKES YOU FAT
I’ve been trying to fight this debate for the last 10 years, but the issue persists. Whether it’s the virtue of eating whole eggs (and not just the yolk) or enjoying the fat in steaks and nut butter, people still have a hard time believing that fat DOESN’T make them fat.

So I’m here to share it again: It doesn’t. In fact, fat is an essential part of your diet and a vital nutrient that helps balance your hormones in your favor. To prove the importance of fat as a weight loss agent, researchers compared a higher fat diet to one higher in carbs (the typical replacement on low-fat diets). The result: Dieters who ate more fat lost 10 pounds in 25 FEWER days than those who used a high-carb approach.

That’s not to say that you should go fat crazy. There still are some fats that are bad (mainly the evil trans-fats), and overeating is still overeating no matter what you’re consuming. But you should keep in mind that the low-fat fad that started in the 1980s was a gross misunderstanding of the foods you need in your diet.


THE ANTI-COFFEE PUSH
There were several initiatives in the early parts of 2011 to have people kick the coffee habit and replace the old cup of Jo with other energy sources. And while I don’t drink coffee (I don’t like the taste and probably don’t need the caffeine), the benefits of coffee are nothing short of amazing. Recent research has linked coffee to reducing fatigue and helping your workout, fighting diabetes, lowering cholesterol, increasing brain activity, and having more antioxidants than most fruits and vegetables. I’d say that’s reason enough to enjoy your morning…or afternoon…or evening cup of coffee, assuming you can handle the buzz. And if you can’t, most the benefits still exist for those who prefer the decaf version.


DROWNING IN CALORIES
I was shocked when I found out that the average American drinks 550 cans of soda per year. That needs to stop. Now.


THE SHAKE WEIGHT
Need I say more? I think this video says enough.


SNACK ATTACK
A recent analysis found that the average snack is 580 calories. While I now prefer eating 3 large meals per day, I have no problem with the grazing method and eating 4 to 6 smaller meals per day. But if you choose that option make sure your snacks are really snacks, and not just well disguised meals. If you’re trying to lose weight, the grazing method won’t work if you’re overeating. No matter how much some people might believe that eating more means constantly boosting metabolism or keeping insulin levels in check, that’s not really an accurate interpretation of how your body works. Choose the eating plan that’s right for YOU, but understand portion sizes and meal profiles (balancing protein, carbs, and fats) to make the most of your eating plan and see the results you want.


POWER BALANCE
These bracelets seemed like a hoax waiting to happen. And sure enough, it was. The makers of the bracelet, which was supposed to help balance and athletic performance, admitted earlier this year that there was no scientific evidence to back their claims. Unfortunately, that didn’t stop more than 2.5 million people from buying the piece of rubber. I guess Shake Weight owners are in good company.


THE SITUATION
Yeah, I’m talking about that Situation. Apparently he has a “fitness” video. Watch at your own risk.


TONING SHOES
If I told you that simply wearing shoes would give you the body you desired, would you believe me? My guess is no. But that didn’t stop millions of people from buying several varieties of “toning” shoes. The situation became so egregious that Reebok had to pay $25 million to settle a FTC lawsuit that the marketing claims didn’t transform people’s bodies as advertised.

If you want to get back in shape (or in better shape), the same principles still apply: Exercise and eat well. There are many ways to achieve these goals, but there’s no use trying to beat the system.


FUNCTIONAL TRAINING
The same functional training that was once popular has become the downfall of current fitness practices. That’s because what is “functional” is now more of a gimmick than a solution to make you move and feel better. Real functional training is designed to improve your movement patterns and fix weakness that are created by sedentary lifestyles and exercise programs that are short-sighted and flawed (they lack a balanced approach, which increases the likelihood of injury). That is not what is practiced in many commerical gyms. Instead it's a mix of hybrid exercises that trick you into thinking you're doing your body a favor.

While it might look cool, standing on balance balls for every exercise does not make your muscles work harder or improve your core strength. Just the opposite. Research in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research found that when you performed exercises on a stable surface you worked your core more than when on a balance board or ball. That’s because the stable surface allows you to use more weight, which forces you to engage more muscles (and stabilizers) and works you harder.

The balance craze is just one example of an industry that now focuses more on creating fun-looking exercises rather than emphasizing what’s really important: RESULTS. The hope is that through continuing education we can spread the word on what really works, and help ensure that the workouts you perform will help you look and feel good, rather than offer a few moves that do little more than provide a cool party trick.


SUPPLEMENT OVERDOSE
The supplement industry brings in about $30 billion per year. I’m not in finance, but that’s a lot of supplements. I’m not saying that supplements are bad. I use them, believe in them, and for many people they can fill nutritional gaps. But, they are called supplements for a reason. Unfortunately, too many people have become over-reliant on supplements and are looking for the next magic pill or powder to answer their health needs.

Here’s what you need to know: The majority of your nutrition should come from real food. Eat more fruits and vegetables and you will be better off. For protein, whole food sources are superior to powders. Again, the problem is not using supplements, but instead developing unrealistic expectations or becoming dependent on them. (of course, unless use is specified by your doctor)


BONUS:

ARE WE STILL CRUNCHING?
At least three studies came out this year that showed doing crunches and situps don’t give you a flat, toned stomach and don’t burn belly fat. In one study, one group performed crunches 5 days a week while another group did nothing. At the end of the study, there was no difference in belly fat between the two groups.

The lesson: You still can’t out-exercise a bad diet, and you can’t spot reduce. So stop crunching away and focus on the bigger picture with your workouts. Do full body exercises, push yourself hard, eat better and you’ll see the type of changes that hundreds of crunches would never provide.


- Adam Bornstein


Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/blog/blog/the-14-worst-health-trends-2011-2/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=122011#ixzz1hEm6pq40

[foxyshaman]

Well I de-freaking-railed on the weight loss train ride this week. For three days. Holy Mackinoli triggers can run deep. The way I stopped... I *noticed* I was unconsciously eating yesterday. I have worked hard on being conscious. Very hard.

So, here I am today; present, aware and working on my "behaviour tables" to recognize the trigger. Abandonment - check. Not feeling safe - check. And then taking ownership of the part I CONSCIOUSLY TOOK in participating in a situation that would trigger me. Silly little fox.

Today, is a good day. As part of my spiritual preparation I am fasting. That is not uncommon in shamanic work. Empty vessel to be filled. Fasting has always been a wonderful event for me. I have been fasting for almost twenty years (not like every day :)).

Now, please do not send me links or articles telling me the downside to fasting... I have read them. Fasting for spiritual reasons is fulfilling. Ironic, but true.

My first ten day fast gave me epiphany after epiphany regarding my addiction to food. Apparently those epiphanies were short lived or I just re-buried the truths. <insert rueful grin here>. However, I feel those realizations deeply within myself and have drawn upon them repeatedly in the last year.

Today my fast is one of ABSOLUTE GRATITUDE. I offer my body as the empty vessel to be filled with spirit, love, grace, compassion, Eros, my song and my drum.

I am safe. I am not abandoned. I am loved. I am okay. (and repeat)

Thanks for listening. :rrose:

[Cowboi]

Well I made it to the gym this morning, 1st time since monday night. Between work and being sick, it has been a hella week.
Couldnt do as much as I wanted, just can't get enough oxygen due to congestion.
Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday weekend!!!

[Hack]

Has anyone used the website www.stickk.com?

I read about it in one of my doctor's offices. It is a website you can join and use to stay committed to a goal (weight loss, debt reduction, etc.) They have a function on there that you can set up so that if you don't make a goal, a "charitable" contribution is made directly from your checking account to a charity you would never give money to. Ever. :|

Just wondering if anyone's tried it, or if you have thoughts on it.

Jake

[JustJo]

I've been meaning to come in and post all day, but we treated today like Christmas Day since Rooster travels to his father tomorrow....

Anyway, after a 3 week plateau I jumped on the scale this morning to see a 3 lb. weight loss. :cheesy:

So...my Christmas gift to myself was the loss of 10% of my total body weight....from 230 lbs on the day I said "enough" to 207 this morning. I'm looking forward to the first big milestone....getting under 200.

Today however...is Christmas for us...and there are no rules about eating. :)

Hope you all have happy holidays!

[girl_dee]

I arrived in New Orleans 5 days ago. I have been on track for the past month and lost a few pounds. I vowed to stay on track until my family reunion Christmas Day.

I lasted 30 minutes. It's so very hard when you are in a place that only serves veggies if they are breaded and fried. :|

I will regroup when i get back to Canada. Thanks for this thread and all of your support.

[Kelt]

I've been meaning to come in and post all day, but we treated today like Christmas Day since Rooster travels to his father tomorrow....

Anyway, after a 3 week plateau I jumped on the scale this morning to see a 3 lb. weight loss. :cheesy:

So...my Christmas gift to myself was the loss of 10% of my total body weight....from 230 lbs on the day I said "enough" to 207 this morning. I'm looking forward to the first big milestone....getting under 200.

Today however...is Christmas for us...and there are no rules about eating. :)

Hope you all have happy holidays!

Congratulations! What a great gift for you. Totally agree on the exemption. :cheesy:

[MsTinkerbelly]

I had someone ask me to post what is working for me, as I have lost 47 lbs in approximately 4 months.

In an effort to get my Diabetes under control and to improve my heart health/life span we are following the same eating plan as discussed in Dr, Sanjay Guptas TV special with President Clinton "The last heart attack" which replays periodically and is worth a view if you get the chance.

I have to work so I'll be back leater to post more.:bunchflowers:

[MsTinkerbelly]

In a nutshell the eating plan is a Vegan, no oils plan that is supposed to clear the fat and build up from your arteries allowing even someone that can no longer be helped surgically to live for many more years.

I have found the by-product of this eating plan to be a pretty steady weight loss, and a decreasing Insulin resistance. I have a lot of body (belly) fat, as do most diabetics, and the fat is melting off because I am not eating any fat. I mean NO fat. This is probably the biggest roadblock for most people, becausde I basically have to cook from scratch everything I eat. What I can eat off the shelf requires every label to be read. You wouldn't think vegatable stock would have oil, but most brands do.

When I say no oil/no fat, I mean no oil, margarine, nuts, avocados, olives, no bread with oil...etc... No added oil. A vegan diet is hard enough, without having no oils....but for *ME*, it is the only way I am going to see 60 without more heart issues.

I had a triple by-pass in 2007 with a heart attack and stent in 2002. My father dropped dead of a heart attack at 59, which was nearly 10 years to the day he had a 4 way by-pass. I will only make it to 57 or so unless I change the way I live my live right now.

We go out to eat occasionally at a Vegan place in Long Beach that let's us special order, but otherwise I cook 3 meals a day, every day. In order to sautee vegatables I have to do it in veggie stock, which takes 3x's as long. Until I found veggie stock without oil I had to make my own and freeze it.

There are several good Vegan blogs out there with some great receipes, some are even fat free vegan blogs. I substitute applesauce where I can for oil in some receipes, I use egg replacer...I have a Lentil Loaf receipe that is to die for it is so good. Getting the right combinations and amounts of protein is a challange, but most Vegans do okay...Tofu, beans, grains...even quite a few vegatables (cauliflower) are a good source of protein. We also supplement with Protein shakes when we feel the day just wasn't balanced well. Neither one of us are getting any younger, and as you age your need for protein increases.

If you have any questions ask, or you can PM me.

[Rockinonahigh]

We have less than a week left in this year,I will be glad the party season is over cause its been a near train wreck trying to watch what I eat and still injoy the party.Except for the last one at the pool hall..I did eat a fue things I shouldnt have as spareingly as possable.Now this morning I should have been thrashed for doing what I did,I ate my useal breakfast but a couple of hours later I got the wanna munch but was out of my kind of munchies..for the last fue days I have had a homemade lemon marangue pie in the fridge..there was a peice left...I ate it...am I sorry??? Nope it was sooooo good,I ate it slow so it wouldnt hit my system like a bomb.For lunch I had a bowl of chicken noodle soup and tonight I am haveing a salad...have to pay the price some how.Im not shure if we are gonna party on new years eve but I will cross that one when I get to it.

[Kelt]

I have a Lentil Loaf receipe that is to die for it is so good. Getting the right combinations and amounts of protein is a challange, but most Vegans do okay...Tofu, beans, grains...even quite a few vegatables (cauliflower) are a good source of protein. We also supplement with Protein shakes when we feel the day just wasn't balanced well. Neither one of us are getting any younger, and as you age your need for protein increases.

If you have any questions ask, or you can PM me.

Hey Ms Tinkerbelly,

I eat lentils everyday as a core carb in my diet, one of my "human rocket fuel" foods. I would really like to get a great lentil loaf recipe as I am always looking for new or better ways to use them.

If it's not too much trouble, could you please post or pm the recipe for me?

Thanks

:theisland:

[MsTinkerbelly]

Lentil Loaf



A moist, delicious and easy to slice lentil loaf.


Nutritional Facts
Servings 6 Serving Size 3/4 Inch Slice
Calories 225
Fat 7.5g
Carbohydrates 30g
Protein 10
Fiber 6.5g
Sugar 8g
Sodium mg

Tomato Topping Mixture


1 6oz Can Tomato Paste
1 Tablespoon Sugar
1/2 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
1 Tablespoon Onion Flakes
1 Teaspoon Garlic Salt

Lentil Loaf


1 Cup Old Fashioned Oats
1/2 Block Extra Firm Tofu
1 Cup Chopped Onion
1/2 Cup Chopped Green Pepper
1/2 Cup Chopped Red Pepper
1 Tablespoon Tomato Topping Mixture
3 Tablespoons Plain Yellow Corn Meal
3/4 Cup Cooked & Drained Lentils
1 Tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar
1 Tablespoon Soy Sauce
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
1/4 Teaspoon Thyme
1/4 Teaspoon Cumin
1 Teaspoon Chili Powder
1 Teaspoon Dried Parsley
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
1 Teaspoon Sugar
1/2 Teaspoon Garlic Salt
1/4 Teaspoon Onion Salt
1/4 Teaspoon Dried Mustard




Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Mix the tomato topping mixture together first because you will need a tablespoon to mix into the lentil loaf. The rest will be set aside to coat the loaf when completed.

Add 1 tablespoon of the olive oil to a skillet on medium heat, add chopped onions, red and green bell pepper and let cook until onions are transparent (about 5 minutes), stirring frequently.

In a food processor chop oats for 5 quick pulses.

Drain tofu well and press with hands until all excess water comes out. In a mixing bowl mash tofu with a fork or use grater to coarsely grate.

In the same mixing bowl combine, cooked onions and peppers, 1 tablespoon of tomato mixture, oats, corn meal, lentils, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, 1 tablespoon olive oil, thyme, cumin, chili powder, parsley, salt, sugar, garlic and onion salt, dried mustard and mix until well combined.

Spray a large sheet of tin foil with cooking spray to form loaf on, place on cookie sheet. On top and in the middle of tin foil form loaf mixture into loaf that is 2 1/2 inches tall and 4 1/2 inches square. Coat top and sides with tomato mixture (you will probably have some left over to spoon on later).

Cook loaf for 20 minutes, then cover with tin foil and cook for another 10 minutes. After cooking let cool for 10 minutes before cutting into it.

[MsTinkerbelly]

I do not use the oil in the receipe. I saute the veggies in veggie stock, and substitute vegggie stock in the loaf. It only calls for 1 TBSP in the loaf as a binder, so if you are not oil restricted it adds very little calories over all.

The receipe also doubles well, and it is very similar in taste and texture to regular meatloaf.

[Kelt]

I do not use the oil in the receipe. I saute the veggies in veggie stock, and substitute vegggie stock in the loaf. It only calls for 1 TBSP in the loaf as a binder, so if you are not oil restricted it adds very little calories over all.

The receipe also doubles well, and it is very similar in taste and texture to regular meatloaf.

Thank you! :cheesy:

[Cowboi]

I am chowing down on a plate of scrambled egg whites with some hot sauce on them for dinner. Had a long crappy day at work. Made to the gym. Did shoulders, calfs, and cardio!!!
Y'all have a wonderful evening!!!

[Rockinonahigh]

Im not shure if I should put this post near or somewhere else but hear it is.On December 22 I ended up in the ER with savier abdominal pain,fever 102,upset stomach,really bad pain in my back to the point even my pain meds werent working.I went to the local hospital not far from my house..a good place with excelent folks there..not the medicaid doc I have been going to for a month with these problems.The medicaid doc took a urine test and gave me amoxicillian 500 mg for two weeks...I didnt get much better so he gave me another round of them.Then I got so sick I had to go to the ER,they did a bunch of test..lot of blood work plus urine culture..the med that gave me untill the results came in was ciprofloxin 500 that I have been takeing till today.I got a call to come back to the ER cause my results said I have an E coli infection,no wonder I have felt so bad..I got an IV drip of fluids cause ive had the craps but I thought it was the meds..I now have the right meds and hope I will get over this with out any more problems cause I hev had it for almost a month and the meds I have taken didnt help..I have no idea where or how I could have gotten this e-coli prob,could have been any where..floks please be very careful cause if I can get this anyone can...I dont have the knick name of Mr.Clean for nothing.

[JustJo]

Yikes Rockin....that's scary!
I'm glad you went to the hospital...please take care of yourself.....e coli is nothing to mess with.
Big hugs to you!

[Rockinonahigh]

Yikes Rockin....that's scary!
I'm glad you went to the hospital...please take care of yourself.....e coli is nothing to mess with.
Big hugs to you!


Hi jo,I know just how bad this can be and am not takeing it litely at all,U can bet me and the medicaid doc will ahve a word or two about it when I have the energi to do it..right now I feel like a wet noodle.What really pissed me off was if he had done even a minimal amount of lab work he well could have caught this,I just hope I dont have any long standing probs cause of this ..he will pay dearly u can bet on it.

[Kelt]

I have spent a little over a year on a weight loss / health journey.

The rules:
No surgery
No drugs
No diet foods
No chemicals
No expensive gear
No gym

Eat whole/recognizable foods
Exercise whole body but gently

It worked fabulously, and still does.

I have been reviewing my behavior in all areas of my life for the last month or so and have now gotten around to looking at my food and exercise habits and behaviors.

Hmmm, there may be something amiss here.

The eating is great. Occasionally I color outside the lines, but I learn from it, and exercise takes care of the rest.

My exercise of choice is Nordic walking in sand. Low impact, burns a truckload of calories, outdoors (moderate climate), have met lots of great people and made new friends, and it's free.

All really great stuff.

Except.

In the last five months I have taken one day off, and it was hard to make myself do that. It was for Thanksgiving. I spent Christmas on the beach.

I know intellectually that I should take off at least one, or better, two days a week. I plan them, mostly around weather. If its raining cats and dogs or really chilly, it's the perfect opportunity; and I know I need to. I obsess on the tide charts, watching when it would be just right, and when the opportunity is starting to slip away. Every time, out comes the rain gear, or woolies, or whatever; and off I go at the last minute. It happened again today, it was supposed to rain. It didn't, I went. For five hours.

Isn't this kind of like the behavior that got me huge in the first place? Compulsively doing something that is likely to be counter productive? I'm turning into an example of "chronic cardio", needing to rebuild and rearrange lean tissue with resistance exercise, but going for the higher calorie burn out of fear.

I'm scared to death of gaining any back.

I know exactly what to do and how to do it. The game plan is in place. It has been for a month, un-acted upon, just waiting for me to get my shit together.

So, here I am back again. Now I will be one of the "resolutioners" (some of you may remember that from last year :) ).

You all in here keep me accountable. You got me through the first phase. I'm not in loss mode anymore, but I hope I am still welcome to continue working toward optimal health in here. You folks are my sounding board, and I thank you for it.

Next Sunday, the 1st, I will commence with resistance work and reduce, at least some, the cardio. I will start slow, as I said, the plan is all worked out. Now I just have to work the plan.

My rules will stay the same, just the workout will be re-oriented for a more balanced outcome.

:theisland:

[midwest chick]

I'm very happy!!!!!

For a lunch date tomorrow, I'm going to be able to wear a skirt and blouse that I haven't worn in almost a year. I checked out the menu, and the salads look great, so does the soup.

Only 10lbs to go, but still a lot of exercise needed,
I really want my hips and legs back!!!!
Next year, is going to be great!

[PinkieLee]

Hey there healthy living folks! I hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday season and is back refreshed & continuing the focus on their journey!

I'm really sorry that I haven't been as active on this thread as I should. Not an excuse, but my life has been pretty consumed with some personal issues. I continue to read every single update & applaud all of your success. This is one of my all time favorite threads on the Planet. Not just for the topic, but because we've all become friends through good times & bad... always there for one another with support & encouragement. Just in case I haven't told y'all lately... THANK YOU!

[PinkieLee]

((((((((((Kelt))))))))))))

My friend, you have made AMAZING strides on your weight loss journey and we are all so proud of you! You are one of my greatest motivators (and probably for many others, too).

I completely understand what you mean about compulsive actions taking over. Awhile back, I remember watching an episode of the Biggest Loser, when Jillian went to visit at contestant at home. They went to lunch where Jillian ordered a glass of wine and Tara looked at her in horror... like that is something that should never been allowed. She admitted that she had gone from one extreme (overindulgement & overweight) to another (nit picking every single thing & extreme 8 hour workouts). Either end of the spectrum, she was all or nothing... and it was because of her compulsive tendancies. Her problem was never knowing there was a happy medium.

I have all the faith in the world in you. I'm sure that you've come up with a great balanced plan for the new year :) GOOD LUCK!

[JustJo]

I second the very wise Pinkie Lee. :)

Kelt, you are a huge inspiration...and I know it will be a challenge to find that balance....and I also have every confidence that you will.

And yes....please keep posting. If you stop, we will come hunt you down. :cheesy:

[Zimmeh]

I am going to the posse!

Zimmeh

I second the very wise Pinkie Lee. :)

Kelt, you are a huge inspiration...and I know it will be a challenge to find that balance....and I also have every confidence that you will.

And yes....please keep posting. If you stop, we will come hunt you down. :cheesy:

[Zimmeh]

Good Morning Everyone,

I to have been super busy at work. I had a great Christmas and allowed myself to indulge. I have been eating until I am content.

I have plateaued at 162lbs and enjoying it. I am going shopping today for jeans and work pants.

We all can and will do our best on journeys :)

Zimmeh

[Zimmeh]

I went shopping today and I am so happy with myself! I now wear a size 11 juniors skinny jeans :)

If you have a Bealls department store near you, go! I bought two new shirts for work and they cost $7.49 each and me jeans cost $14.99. I saved over $38 on these items!

Have a great day! :)

Zimmeh

[Kelt]

I second the very wise Pinkie Lee. :)

Kelt, you are a huge inspiration...and I know it will be a challenge to find that balance....and I also have every confidence that you will.

And yes....please keep posting. If you stop, we will come hunt you down. :cheesy:

I thank you for creating this space. It has given me a non-judgmental place to hold myself accountable, and when there were rough patches, like now, a place to vent.

It's the kind of place we all need to pull this rabbit out of the hat.

:theisland:

[foxyshaman]

I thank you for creating this space. It has given me a non-judgmental place to hold myself accountable, and when there were rough patches, like now, a place to vent.

It's the kind of place we all need to pull this rabbit out of the hat.

:theisland:

Just so you know I was not going to hunt you down. Rather I was gonna use my other foxy talents. Good thing you checked in...otherwise <insert whistling noise to distract unsuspecting victim>

[Cowboi]

Good evening friends!! I hope everyone had a fantastic day!!
My trainer is back from holiday vacation. Had a great workout. My arms are still like noodles!!
For dinner tonight I had a 7oz filet, salad, and grilled asparagus.
Huge glass of water, to wash it all down!!
Its almost friday!!!!

[msW8ing]

Ok holidays are over..time to get back to it seriously. Although I didn't gain..but I didn't lose anymore either. What a great thread!!!!!

[girl_dee]

Thanks for all of the sharing you all do, I am sure I gained the few pounds I managed to lose before New Orleans.

10-15 pounds feels like a million right now. I gotta get motivated.

Thanks again, I will read read read this thread to help me.

[ruffryder]

Good morning everybody and Happy New Year! May we all continue on our own personal journies and continue our quest to healthy eating, dieting, and exercising into 2012. **cheers**

I loooove yogurt! Do you and what is your fav kind / flavor ?
I been eating up peach and mandarin orange. yum yum.

[Zimmeh]

My favorite flavor is Chobani's black cherry and the blueberry one :)

Zimmeh

Good morning everybody and Happy New Year! May we all continue on our own personal journies and continue our quest to healthy eating, dieting, and exercising into 2012. **cheers**

I loooove yogurt! Do you and what is your fav kind / flavor ?
I been eating up peach and mandarin orange. yum yum.

[midwest chick]

Good morning everybody and Happy New Year! May we all continue on our own personal journies and continue our quest to healthy eating, dieting, and exercising into 2012. **cheers**

I loooove yogurt! Do you and what is your fav kind / flavor ?
I been eating up peach and mandarin orange. yum yum.

Yogurt breakfast is a staple!

1/2 cup vanilla low fat yogurt
1/4 cup uncooked oatmeal
1/4 cup any berries
*optional* 1/4 tsp vanilla or almond extract

mix, leave in fridge 1/2 hour, stir and eat.

quick, cheap, easy, healthy!

[sylvie]

i survived Christmas holidays - & am SO celebrating that..
Have not given in to one temptation even - & i've been surrounded by so many Christmas goodies, it's unreal.. SO proud of myself..
i haven't been doing great about exercising through the holidays due to all of the hours i've worked, but........i've at least maintained my weight, so now i can get back at it & continue where i left off..

New Years plans anyone?

After today, i am off for 2 days, and spending them with Mtn , of course..Tonight, He and i have found a new healthy recipe we'll be trying out for White Chicken Chili - and dining together ♥ can't wait!

my Healthy Weight Loss New Year's Goals..
i decided i would do one different from my overall 2012 goals.. One specific for my weight loss journey..

- to lose more weight, of course.. No BIG goal, still doing 10 lb goals at a time =) next weigh in is Jan 5th!
- Work on my portions, and putting my meal on SMALL plates rather than regular size ones..
- Doing at least 30 mins of exercise everyday, & on long workdays, getting up a lil earlier to get that workout in..
- Eat SLOWLY, and enjoy my meal.. in a calm, comfortable setting & being mindful of each bite i'm taking..
- Put my all into the tools i use daily.. - meetings, blogging, food journalling, SparkPeople, meditation & breathing exercises, literature, programs, etc..
- Work on guilt, forgiveness & NOT being so terribly hard on myself.. Because after i fall it's just about getting up and trying again.. and that's what counts..
- Continue finding new healthy recipes & embrace my rekindled love for cooking ♥
- No more isolating myself!
- Compliment myself once a day!
- Always find ways to challenge myself, DAILY..
- Follow through - damnit.. When i start something, follow through! Challenges, goals & plans..
- Always find ways to pay it forward - i've come a long way and can be encouragement or inspiration for someone who is where i once was.. it also helps motivate me and brings me positivity too - win, win!

Happy New Year everyone - Cheers to another year of healthy eating, exercise & positive encouragement.. We got this!

[JustJo]

Good morning everyone and happy New Year's eve! :)

My weigh in showed holding steady from last week....fine with me since that was such a big drop to get through that plateau. I'll be home for NYE so don't have to worry about the temptations of parties that some of you do....but think that the holidays are one of those times to go ahead and enjoy some of the things that make it special for us.

The biggest change (food-wise) for me this year is that I don't think or say that I'm "on a diet." I'm not....I am making permanent changes to the way I eat in general...and that includes building in the foods I love, celebrations and treats.

I'm down 10% of my body weight in 2011 and my lab results were the best in a decade. I'm putting this year in the "massive success" column as far as my health goes....and looking forward to doing the same in 2012.

And yes, I'm another greek yogurt fan....Oikos for me...any flavor but fig or honey. :)

Hope you all have a wonderful (and safe!) New Years weekend!

[*Anya*]

I love Trader Joes mocha and chocolate flavors!

Delicious and only 99 cents each!

[Kelt]

Trader Joe's

Greek with honey

:cheesy:

[Gemme]

I'm iffy with yogurt. It's a cyclical thing. I'll love it for a few weeks and then I won't touch it for months. When I do, it's usually low fat (not no fat, as they add even more sugar to compensate) and has real fruit in it. I'm not super loyal to one brand over the other. However, I can't stand Greek yogurt. It reminds me of white wine....very dry....and I feel as if I need to drink a gallon of water to rehydrate after I've eaten it.

Today is the first day of a new year and I'm about 15 minutes away from my first workout of 2012. Yaaaay! Off I go!

[DapperButch]

I'm iffy with yogurt. It's a cyclical thing. I'll love it for a few weeks and then I won't touch it for months. When I do, it's usually low fat (not no fat, as they add even more sugar to compensate) and has real fruit in it. I'm not super loyal to one brand over the other. However, I can't stand Greek yogurt. It reminds me of white wine....very dry....and I feel as if I need to drink a gallon of water to rehydrate after I've eaten it.

Today is the first day of a new year and I'm about 15 minutes away from my first workout of 2012. Yaaaay! Off I go!

Anti-yogurt here because I am anti-dairy. But, I promise to save my "dairy can fuel cancer cells" position for the cancer thread! ha. I sure do miss dairy, though!

My partner used to make homemade greek yogurt for me. If anyone wants it, I will seek out the recipe. It makes 4-5 cups of plain yogurt, then I would throw in a teaspoon of red raspberry Smuckers...it was delicious! Much cheaper than buying.

Ok, so I came back to the thread and highlighting Gemmes post to say that I too, am back in the game when it comes to consistent exercise!

My goal is 5 eliptical workouts per week. I did hit my goal this week with 6 out of 7. Excellent! The error I made in the past was trying to work out in the morning. The reality is I just am too much of a zombie to do that. Doing it after work keeps me consistent. When I get home from work I eat a large tablespoon of almond butter to satisfy my rumbling stomach, and then I hit the eliptical. The poor dog has now deduced which set of sneakers means he gets a walk versus which set I use on the eliptical. He no longer gets all excited when he sees the black ones come out. Poor guy. But, how smart! :dog:

(don't feel too bad for him. He still gets a walk several times per week and gets a long, long hike in the woods every weekend!).

Ok, so I am off to hit the machine right now!

[Gemme]

35 minutes on the elliptical plus the 5 minute cooldown plus a good stretching and a few minutes of ab work are DONE.

My goal was to burn 200 calories. I know these machines can be up to 25% off base and I was going to take that into consideration but I wound up (according to Life Fitness) burning 359 calories, so even if it is off, I'm still above my goal of 200 calories. I managed to 'ellipt' to 3.19 miles. Yaaaay me!

I wanted to do something significant but not push myself too hard. It's been too long since I was on the exercise wagon to be going balls to the wall just yet.

That will be next week.
:blink:

I understand what Kelt was saying about addictive behavior just switching from food intake to exercise output (paraphrasing, of course). When I was going routinely to the gym, unless I felt poorly that day, I would always try to better my previous performances in some way/s. There was one day that I burned....according to the machine....well over 1500 calories. For a regular person....not an athlete or someone striving for a particular fitness goal that that might be in line with....that was too much. I pushed myself very hard and burned more calories than I ingested that day. Granted, I felt like I achieved something wonderful...and I did....and I still carry pride in myself for being able to do that....but it wasn't necessary. It was my more, more, more button stuck in the 'on' position.

That damn button has gotten me injured and created some pretty annoying frustration too in the past. I'd like to avoid that this time around. 2012 is about reaching manageable goals and maintaining my sanity whilst in the middle of the passing storms of my life. I want to improve, but not at the expense of injury or frustration because I just couldn't seem to eck out another hundred calories or just couldn't make it one more mile or minute. I'm trying to balance listening to my body while gently disciplining it to crave healthier things like exercise and whole foods.

Good luck to everyone!

[AtLast]

Anti-yogurt here because I am anti-dairy. But, I promise to save my "dairy can fuel cancer cells" position for the cancer thread! ha. I sure do miss dairy, though!

My partner used to make homemade greek yogurt for me. If anyone wants it, I will seek out the recipe. It makes 4-5 cups of plain yogurt, then I would throw in a teaspoon of red raspberry Smuckers...it was delicious! Much cheaper than buying.

Ok, so I came back to the thread and highlighting Gemmes post to say that I too, am back in the game when it comes to consistent exercise!

My goal is 5 eliptical workouts per week. I did hit my goal this week with 6 out of 7. Excellent! The error I made in the past was trying to work out in the morning. The reality is I just am too much of a zombie to do that. Doing it after work keeps me consistent. When I get home from work I eat a large tablespoon of almond butter to satisfy my rumbling stomach, and then I hit the eliptical. The poor dog has now deduced which set of sneakers means he gets a walk versus which set I use on the eliptical. He no longer gets all excited when he sees the black ones come out. Poor guy. But, how smart! :dog:

(don't feel too bad for him. He still gets a walk several times per week and gets a long, long hike in the woods every weekend!).

Ok, so I am off to hit the machine right now!

Both dairy and soy cause me far too much trouble with inflammation. I don't know if many have this problem- it seems like many things around foods relate to the individual.

I do love many dairy products including yogurt and many cheezes, but always end up in much more pain in my joints when I eat these. dammit!!! Also, citris is a noo-no for me. UGH! I like citrus fruits and juices.

I'm in a period of turmoil with food because so many cause me problems. Eating well has become a lot of time spent with planning and working in food groups that are needed. GRRRRR...

[DapperButch]

Both dairy and soy cause me far too much trouble with inflammation. I don't know if many have this problem- it seems like many things around foods relate to the individual.

I do love many dairy products including yogurt and many cheezes, but always end up in much more pain in my joints when I eat these. dammit!!! Also, citris is a noo-no for me. UGH! I like citrus fruits and juices.

I'm in a period of turmoil with food because so many cause me problems. Eating well has become a lot of time spent with planning and working in food groups that are needed. GRRRRR...

It isn't just in your head, either. Dairy does cause inflammation in the body...and not just in joints! (haven't heard/read that about soy, though. Interesting.).

[*Anya*]

I realized I really need to get back to cooking again. I love to cook but had gotten away from it as I hated to cook for one-geesh, like I am not worth it or something!

I am a good cook and already have translated many of my old favorites into healthier versions. I just need to break out my recipe cards.

I made a big pot of Cioppino yesterday. Added fresh salmon, red snapper, scallops, shrimp and halibut. Awesome! 317 calories per serving. Even with company(!) enough left over for 3-4 meals.

I need to do more meal planning, cook on the weekends and freeze portions. Weight stable but want to hop back on the losing train. I figure this is a good start:)

PS: Happy New Year healthies!!

[Rockinonahigh]

Last year I joined a wellness center with the hopes of becomeing more fit and lose weght as well.Dureing the initial discusion with the fitness instructor
She said I needed to have a total of five days a week at two hours a day,now this sounds great but with my limitations wich she knows a bout,its was a lot to do off the bat.I did give it my best efforts but forthe most part doing five days a week for two hours wasnt possable unless I did a ton of cardio wich stressed my hip and knee badly..even tho I did manage thiry minits most of the time on the tred mill or recumbant bike.The weight room was something I really like to do but because of arthritis in my joints my ablity to lifr heavy weights isnt possable,not to mention the disk probs I have in various place in my spine.When I lifted I got some pain but lots of pressure in the X spot between my shoulder blades and if I wasnt careful something will pop and my left arem will be restricted for a while till it heals...think shots ,pain pills ect.Im really wanting to rejoing a gym when my madicare kicks in cause they will pay the membersip fee if its a dr.s order for me to join one..no prob on that one.I can see its now that the phisical fitness folks will try the same thing next time I do join a gym,Its not that I cant do most of the expected exersises but the intensity required to reach the goals they set are unrealistic in most places.I want to find a place that dosent expect this old iron horse to be the iron horse (not fullu anyway)at this age and abllity.Im still holding at 248,how and why I have no idea with the hollidays and all.Im game for doinf again but more carefully,I hope.

[Gemme]

Last year I joined a wellness center with the hopes of becomeing more fit and lose weght as well.Dureing the initial discusion with the fitness instructor
She said I needed to have a total of five days a week at two hours a day,now this sounds great but with my limitations wich she knows a bout,its was a lot to do off the bat.I did give it my best efforts but forthe most part doing five days a week for two hours wasnt possable unless I did a ton of cardio wich stressed my hip and knee badly..even tho I did manage thiry minits most of the time on the tred mill or recumbant bike.The weight room was something I really like to do but because of arthritis in my joints my ablity to lifr heavy weights isnt possable,not to mention the disk probs I have in various place in my spine.When I lifted I got some pain but lots of pressure in the X spot between my shoulder blades and if I wasnt careful something will pop and my left arem will be restricted for a while till it heals...think shots ,pain pills ect.Im really wanting to rejoing a gym when my madicare kicks in cause they will pay the membersip fee if its a dr.s order for me to join one..no prob on that one.I can see its now that the phisical fitness folks will try the same thing next time I do join a gym,Its not that I cant do most of the expected exersises but the intensity required to reach the goals they set are unrealistic in most places.I want to find a place that dosent expect this old iron horse to be the iron horse (not fullu anyway)at this age and abllity.Im still holding at 248,how and why I have no idea with the hollidays and all.Im game for doinf again but more carefully,I hope.

Rockin, I'm honestly concerned that someone who is in the position to instruct others on fitness would suggestion that much time. Five days a week, okay, I can see that. Two hours EACH day??? No way. That would stress the body of someone who doesn't have some of the physical adaptations you deal with.

I would not listen to that person any longer. That's ridiculous.

Start slow. Listen to your body. Pain means slow down or stop. Definitely be consistent and work harder when you are able to handle it and adapt and forgive yourself when you can't.

Do NOT listen to that person.

[Rockinonahigh]

Rockin, I'm honestly concerned that someone who is in the position to instruct others on fitness would suggestion that much time. Five days a week, okay, I can see that. Two hours EACH day??? No way. That would stress the body of someone who doesn't have some of the physical adaptations you deal with.

I would not listen to that person any longer. That's ridiculous.

Start slow. Listen to your body. Pain means slow down or stop. Definitely be consistent and work harder when you are able to handle it and adapt and forgive yourself when you can't.

Do NOT listen to that person.

I quit going to the wellness center because of this reason,She was always after me to have acertain reasting pulse and working pluse then recovery pulse then she thought her bp equipment was broken when she took my bp and it was 120/60..her words were something like ..nobody your age can have a bp like this..u takeing meds,wich I dont.I have always been able to recover from a fairly hard work out by controleing my breathing then doing a short meditation program..works everytime.Im going to just do what I do at home only be more dedicated to it,then if I feel the need to join a new place I will but I will ask more questions and run my own program.

[DapperButch]

Ok, so I bought a scale today. I haven't had a working scale for about 4 years. My gf has a scale, but I am only there on weekends (and not every weekend, sometimes we are at my house), and I want to be able to consistently keep track of changes.

I would like to lose about 10-12 pounds, but the biggest thing for me is health (by FAR) and how my body feels/clothes fit.

Anyway, this fancy smancy scale I got at the local pharmacy also does a "body analysis". I am happy to say that although I am on the high end, I am still within target range for body fat and BMI. :)

Also, I am actually in the high range for bone mass (a positive thing), even though sometimes chemotherapy decreases bone mass in people (wish I had a "before test", just out of curiousity.)

I am sure that the scale is not dead on accurate in the above areas (it was not a super expensive scale or anything), but at least it tells me where I am starting from in these areas.

P.S. In case anyone is concerned, I am on the high end of body water/hydration levels. :rolleyes:

[starryeyes]

I gained 10 lbs over the holidays. Ok... Time to get back to business! New year, fresh start, new body.

Let's do this!!
Lisa :-)

[Cowboi]

2012 Time to start phase 2 of my transformation!!!
Great leg workout with my trainer today. Feel like I need to puke...

[PinkieLee]

GOOD MORNING & Happy New Year everyone! Finally, the holidays are over & I can regain my focus on eating healthier. I give mad props to y'all that were able to keep your eating plans in check during the holidays... I caved a few times. Luckily, every day and/or every meal is a fresh start... and I'm ready to go!

I am another big yogurt fan and it's pretty much a daily staple for me. I've tried so many brands, but always go back to Yoplait Light. I've tried all the different store brands of the light... but the after taste was HORRIBLE! Honestly, I've never had the greek yogurt, because I've heard people either love it or hate it.

My goal for this year... is to move my body more! And maybe take a dance class. I've always wanted to learn how to belly dance :)

So, let's make 2012 the year of continued healthy living!

[Cowboi]

Last year I joined a wellness center with the hopes of becomeing more fit and lose weght as well.Dureing the initial discusion with the fitness instructor
She said I needed to have a total of five days a week at two hours a day,now this sounds great but with my limitations wich she knows a bout,its was a lot to do off the bat.I did give it my best efforts but forthe most part doing five days a week for two hours wasnt possable unless I did a ton of cardio wich stressed my hip and knee badly..even tho I did manage thiry minits most of the time on the tred mill or recumbant bike.The weight room was something I really like to do but because of arthritis in my joints my ablity to lifr heavy weights isnt possable,not to mention the disk probs I have in various place in my spine.When I lifted I got some pain but lots of pressure in the X spot between my shoulder blades and if I wasnt careful something will pop and my left arem will be restricted for a while till it heals...think shots ,pain pills ect.Im really wanting to rejoing a gym when my madicare kicks in cause they will pay the membersip fee if its a dr.s order for me to join one..no prob on that one.I can see its now that the phisical fitness folks will try the same thing next time I do join a gym,Its not that I cant do most of the expected exersises but the intensity required to reach the goals they set are unrealistic in most places.I want to find a place that dosent expect this old iron horse to be the iron horse (not fullu anyway)at this age and abllity.Im still holding at 248,how and why I have no idea with the hollidays and all.Im game for doinf again but more carefully,I hope.



You should find a new trainer.... thats just bullshit.

[starryeyes]

Off to the beach to run my stairs. I was in the best shape of my life when I was doing this consistently, and what an amazing venue to do it in!!

Can't wait to get back there, and get my sexy dresses back on!

I am actually going to a WW meeting on Sunday too to face the scale ladies... and get this show on the road.

Hugs to all!
Starry :-D

[Zimmeh]

Good Afternoon Everyone,

I got a bag of Lindt truffles and a box of Godiva truffles for Christmas and my birthday. Instead of leaving them at home, so they can tempt me, I brought them to work where they were enjoyed.

I am still watching how much meat I eat, it hurts my teeth still, so I am having a garden salad with; romaine lettuce, one hard boiled egg, feta cheese, carrots, corn and sunflower seeds with no dressing. I am going to loose my last 20lbs or else. I am enjoying working in retail again and Ruff is right, that is why I'm losing weight. I now have strength in my arms again :)


Have a great day,

Zimmeh

[princessbelle]

Hello everyone (enters shyly)

My name is Belle and i want to loose weight and more importantly gain better energy and be healthier.

We (me and BullDog) have started today on that track. Santa gave me some new kitchen thingies. One of which is a NuWave and it cooks without oils or fats, which is very wonderful. We went to the grocery store just now and spent a long time there. We read every label and tried to keep the fats and carbs and sugars to a minimum. No diet food really, just healthy food. We stuck to the outer parameter of the store buying lots of vegetables, cheeses, fresh meats.

Today we also start a 30 minute workout thanks again to the beloved Santa who also brought us mats, mine of which is pink, and hand weights, pink again, and thanks to On Demand, there are bunches of 30 minute work out shows to watch.

Just wanted to step in and say hi. I will be thread stalking this thread and seeing what everyone is doing and how they are doing it. I am very thankful for this thread.

I am excited and i am proud of all of you. Soon, i will be proud of me too.

Hugs!!!!!!!

[*Anya*]

Welcome Belle and Bully! We are a friendly, supportive bunch:) all of us have had our ups and downs with healthy eating!

Just this morning, I caught myself thinking I wanted to eat because I was bumed about something, until I caught myself. I realized I was not hungry- just wanting to feed a feeling. The insight helped both to pass and I did 60 sit-ups instead. Much better for me.

We share our successes as well as our challenges.

I love this thread because no one is judgmental or critical and always comes from a caring place:) of our shared experience.

(f)

[Elijah]

Hello Everyone...

I have been thinking of doing a juice fast, has anyone tried this?

[PinkieLee]

Welcome Belle & Bully! You have definitely found the right place....lots of words of encouragement & support here!

AWESOME on the scores from Santa... nothing like the big guy giving y'all such great new gadgets to get journey to healthy living going ;)

Thank you for reminding me that I need to go through my cabinets & fridge and start throwing all the bad crap away.

Good luck on your journey my friends and I know that you'll find much success along the way!

[Novelafemme]

Hello Everyone...

I have been thinking of doing a juice fast, has anyone tried this?

Hi ER! I have done many juice fasts. Have you seen the movie Sick, Fat, and Nearly Dead? The movie has a website that breaks down the art of juice fasting so it is manageable for anyone - with any lifestyle...as long as they are dedicated to changing bad habits.

Good luck and please feel free to ask me any questions!

[DapperButch]

Hi ER! I have done many juice fasts. Have you seen the movie Sick, Fat, and Nearly Dead? The movie has a website that breaks down the art of juice fasting so it is manageable for anyone - with any lifestyle...as long as they are dedicated to changing bad habits.

Good luck and please feel free to ask me any questions!

I planned to watch this one, but haven't gotten to it yet on Netflix. Glad to hear it is good.

[Elijah]

That is where I got the idea! It was a great documentary. The title is quite off-putting, I found it much more enjoyable than I imagined.

How long did was your longest fast? Did you have good results?


Hi ER! I have done many juice fasts. Have you seen the movie Sick, Fat, and Nearly Dead? The movie has a website that breaks down the art of juice fasting so it is manageable for anyone - with any lifestyle...as long as they are dedicated to changing bad habits.

Good luck and please feel free to ask me any questions!

[MsTinkerbelly]

Hello everyone! I have been getting healthy for a few months now and have lost 50lbs as of this morning. I am not dieting per se...I was bulimic in my 20's and have sworn off dieting as a result...but because of that I am diabetic and have heart issues.

After watching Dr. Sanjay Guptas' special on CNN with President Clinton called " The Last Heart Attack" we have completely changed the way we eat to Vegan with no oils added. I can have as much to eat as I want, and the pounds are melting off of me. I also walk the dog before I leave for work in the mornings, and park as far from store entrances as I can to give me more movement.

I would like to join you all here for support if that's alright?

[*Anya*]

Everyone is welcome! The focus, however, is in the name of the thread:

Healthy weight loss.

We do not generally talk about fads or unhealthy ways or speedy ways to lose weight. Any healthy diet, whatever it is, helps all of us to learn more about better ways of eating good, wholesome food and making better choices for the good of our health.

Vegan, vegetarian, Weight Watchers, etc., are all excellent ways to gain health and lose weight while doing so.

Congrats on your weight loss Ms. Tinkerbelly and welcome!
(f)

[JustJo]

Hi everyone! :)

So nice to see new people joining the thread this year! :cheer:

Love how Anya summed it up....everyone is welcome...the focus is doing it in a healthy way. Beyond that, we are all finding different things that work (or don't) for us....and are here offering support and encouragement.

I've been adjusting my eating style (I don't do the "diet" thing either....very counterproductive for me) to include more vegetables, lean protein, healthy fats (like avocado, olives and olive oil) and legumes...and fewer carbs and processed anything. It's working well....and I've lost 10% of my body weight so far, and dramatically improved my A1c, triglycerides and cholesterol....which is more of a focus for me than the pounds...although losing the pounds is fantastic too. :cheesy:

I'm diabetic, as are a few others in the thread, and some of us have had the "pre-diabetic" scare as well as other health issues that have made us decide that "now is the time" to make some changes.

I say let's all make this our best, and healthiest, year ever!

[DapperButch]

As I read people having an interest in eating healthy, unprocessed, whole foods, I am thinking that people may also be interested in knowing which companies do not produce foods made with GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms).

I am pasting this link from the Food Info. thread. (posted by Greco)

http://truefoodnow.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/cfs-shoppers-guide.pdf

Evidently, there is an app for it.

[Rockinonahigh]

You should find a new trainer.... thats just bullshit.

Yes I agree,it's bull shit.

[Elijah]

On this subject...Food Inc. was eye opening, as was Forks Over Knives.


As I read people having an interest in eating healthy, unprocessed, whole foods, I am thinking that people may also be interested in knowing which companies do not produce foods made with GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms).

I am pasting this link from the Food Info. thread. (posted by Greco)

http://truefoodnow.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/cfs-shoppers-guide.pdf

Evidently, there is an app for it.

[princessbelle]

Thank you all for the wonderful welcome!!!!!!

I'm learning how to cook healthy. Tonight's dinner was Pork Chops and i substituted some things and it really turned out great. Instead of cream in the glaze i used 2% milk so it consisted of milk, mustard, parsley leaves, salt and pepper and a small amount of margarine. It was so good OMG. It really was.

With that we had green beans and 1/2 of a sweet potato. No bread and i'll tell ya what, i was so full i didn't miss it. I think that was a good start to healthy dinners. Lunch was salad with Zesty Italian dressing.

I am so excited about cooking healthy and eating healthy and am looking at all the healthy recipes i can find and again, substituting things. It's like a game and i've got my own recipe file that is just so fun!!!!

About diabetes, i'll tell ya, the older we *all* get it is pretty much the smart standard to think and eat like a diabetic. I'm cutting out so much sugar in my life. Even, just with tea that we had for dinner, i used sweet n low and it was just as good.

Again, thanks for the welcome. There are so many wonderful tips here and i can't wait to read more!!!!!!

[BullDog]

Thank you everyone for the warm welcome. Belle and I feel really good about our start. Our first workout consisted mostly of laughter :D and we ate great healthy food all day.

I've lurked a bit in this thread before, and I know there's lots of great tips and encouragement. I shall return.

[Rockinonahigh]

Wellcome Bell and Bully,yes u will find tons of ways to shed the pounds from whats in these post,glad to se u two join us.
Now the hollidays are done I have been on a purge of the things in the kitchen thats a big no no and refilled the cubord with healthy things,I got some ocean spray diet cran grape and another flavor its only 5 calories and 2 carbs per 8oz,being its taste a bit strong at regular strength I add 4oz more water and its just right for me.Corse I have tea if I want some but its cran whatever or ice water..but once in a while I have a diet soda.For breakfast I ate my useual cottage chees and some kind of fruit plus a small bowl of capt crunch...capt crunce pnb has an equal ammount of carbs as two slices of whole wheat bread...I checked.I was looking for a safe cereal to eat but all I found was cereal that was way higher than the c.c. for lunch I had a combo salad with my home made dressing(spicy italian) dinner was a grilled pork chop well seasoned and a small baked sweet potato and no bread.Before I go to bed I will have a small snack of some low or no carb something to hold me till I get up in the morning as it keeps my sugar levavals more consistant than if I dont do the snack...besides im takeing meds every 6 hours for the misery im dealing with and will be for the next 4 days.Any how thats how it is for now,oh I did go to the pool hall for a two hour practis session plus a bit of walking around the stripmall its in,its a start.

[DapperButch]

I planned to watch this one, but haven't gotten to it yet on Netflix. Glad to hear it is good.

Ok, so I just watched the film. It was great and reminds me that I need to try using that juice I asked for/got as a gift 6 months ago!

Hello Everyone...

I have been thinking of doing a juice fast, has anyone tried this?

You may want to look up the Vegan/Vegetarian thread. I think that is where I have read about people doing juicing. greco is always juicing and I am sure would be happy to talk with you!

Forks over Knives is my favorite!

Hello everyone! I have been getting healthy for a few months now and have lost 50lbs as of this morning. I am not dieting per se...I was bulimic in my 20's and have sworn off dieting as a result...but because of that I am diabetic and have heart issues.

After watching Dr. Sanjay Guptas' special on CNN with President Clinton called " The Last Heart Attack" we have completely changed the way we eat to Vegan with no oils added. I can have as much to eat as I want, and the pounds are melting off of me. I also walk the dog before I leave for work in the mornings, and park as far from store entrances as I can to give me more movement.

I would like to join you all here for support if that's alright?

Congrats on the loss! That is fantastic!

[Gemme]

I think it was Pinkie Pie that said something about tossing out the 'bad' stuff. Sadly, I would love to do that, but the miser in me just can't. Absolutely can't.

So, I'm using up the old stuff that is less than healthy for me while adapting healthier foods again. It may sound counterproductive, but I see it as less of a starting cold turkey and more of a dipping my soon to be svelte and muscular toe in the pool.

:eyebat:

Welcome, everyone! We celebrate the victories, sympathize the defeats, and offer suggestions for the times in between.

Well, actually, we offer suggestions all the time, no matter the situation.

We're bossy like that.

:eyebat:
:cheesy:

[DapperButch]

Thank you everyone for the warm welcome. Belle and I feel really good about our start. Our first workout consisted mostly of laughter :D and we ate great healthy food all day.

I've lurked a bit in this thread before, and I know there's lots of great tips and encouragement. I shall return.

I really think that this is where all healthy weight loss starts. Healthy food and eating healthy.

[DapperButch]

I think it was Pinkie Pie that said something about tossing out the 'bad' stuff. Sadly, I would love to do that, but the miser in me just can't. Absolutely can't.



I don't blame you. If I hadn't had someone to give my food to I'd have felt it necessary to eat it or drop it off at a food bank. It's a waste thing for me. Also, it is not like I ever have much food in the house, anyway, so it is not like I was out a lot of money.

For me, a lot of it was just food I was no longer eating, not what most people would define as "unhealthy foods". For example, it was stuff like white rice, white pasta, and even frozen chicken. Not unhealthy foods, just foods that I do not believe are a healthy choice for me.

[Rockinonahigh]

There have been times I wondered if there was going to be food in the house at all,for me to throw out food is not something I do easly,What I did throw out were some things I knew I wasnt going to be able eat cause it was past time to pitch it in the trash.By the end of yeaterday my son had eaten all the coconut cream pie that was left but theire was a bag of homemade spicy party mix he took to work and shared with his coworkers,if I have any left overs I usealy can recycle into a soup or stew or if its chicken I can make chicken salad with I do that.The unused part of most veggies( not the peeling on taters) I put in a big covered bowl in the fridge and then make a stock with it then freeze it..my grannie gave me plenty of ideas how to reuse food that was still good...she gave me the "I servived the depressino years" speach many times and it stuck.I was watching the cooking show Miss Lucy one day she said her hubby was diabetic but loved rice so when cooks her white rice as she normaly dose but when its done she rinces it our with warm water to wash out the starch that clings to the rice so its less starchy.I love baked sweet taters as well as baked white pototatos but I use no salt or light salt and molly Mc butter on it and it dose taste really good.

[sylvie]

Hi everyone --

i have had an amazing few days.. 2012 has literally been a new beginning to another chapter in my awesome journey so far.. 2011 was such a great year for me, though lots of challenging days, i still came out with great results..

i started at 315 lbs..
71 lb weight loss..
last weigh in in December was 244lbs..

BMI when i started was 55.9 (wow, i know..)
Currently at last weigh in, my BMI is now 43.3..

From Oct to Dec -
i lost 2" on thighs, hips & arms..
i lost 1" on my waist..

Mtn figured it out for me, and i lost about 22% of my overall body weight..
SO exciting...

my next weigh in is Jan 5th..
i coasted through the holidays without touching no-no foods which felt like such a victory for me.. And the last couple of days, i have been so true to my eating plan, and exercise plan, and i feel FABULOUS, just sayin..

my positivity, energy & gratitude is through the roof!♥

((((Tinkerbelly, Belle, Bully & anyone else i've missed))))) welcome, welcome, welcome!!
You will sooo love this thread, everyone is so super supportive and the motivation and inspiration in here seriously rocks..

[sylvie]

i love that this is the Healthy Weight Loss thread..
i have to say fad diets have never been anything but harmful to my health.. While they felt like they worked at the time, overall i ended up regaining my weight back twice the amount usually - and that simply wasn't good..
(this is 'my' experience, maybe it works for others.. )

Since starting on the Healthy Weight Loss though, i'm eating clean foods, exercising, drinking water, water, water and really learning ways to take such good care of myself - mind, body & soul... Not only do i feel fabulous with my results so far, but i'm building self esteem, getting stronger day by day AND my energy level is ridiculous.. i never felt ANY of these with any of the fad diets..

All i know is this method certainly works for me, taking the lbs off slowly, & learning the best ways to take care of me.. It's a lifetime commitment, and in staying true to eating healthy, exercising and drinking lots of water, i've lost a good deal of weight so far since end of June , 2011.. i've been taken off my high blood pressure medication, i no longer feel aches & pains like i did, no swelling, no belly aches.. Believe me it's not easy, it's difficult & it's challenging & there will be bumps in the road and it's all about getting up, dusting yourself off and trying again..

Just stay true to yourself, you're worthy & CAN do this.. We all can!
Taking our lives back, one day at a time.. One STEP at a time, even.. ♥
love ya'll and your tips and posts and sharing the hard stuff.. We all help one another, and i'm so grateful for all of you!

[Zimmeh]

One thing I am going to try and make is the chile soup from menudo. I loved how the spiciness tasted and I want to put it on chicken as a marinade.

As soon as I can make it, I will pass it on :)

My schedule at the hotel has changed and I will be working two overnight shifts. I will be bringing yogurt and fruit with me. I am also going to completely cut out coffee and limit how much red meat I eat.

Zimmeh

[midwest chick]

Good news for now! I am officially wearing a smaller size in slacks (the bad news is the clothes I bought 2 months ago will have to be replaced)

Might finally be off the plateau, last time I weighed, I was down 2 pounds, but not holding my breath on that. Will check when I wake up, but right now my happiness isn't tied to the number, so that's a relief. With the first 2 goals being met, the scale has lost some of its *power* over my mood, but I don't know exactly when that happened. Must not be important anymore :balloon:

Increased miles this weekend, hiked a total of 12, skipped the Monday hike, due to a stiff hips, and small blister advisory. Need to motivate myself to work my abs more....anyone have any fun ab exercises (or alternative to crunches/sit ups?

Also still looking for more wheat free recipes, feel free to share...

I love this thread, nice to see more people participating!

[DapperButch]

sylvie, you really are an inspiration! Congrats on everything you have done this year! Getting through the holidays without any slips is pretty amazing!

midwestchick, consider planks instead of crunches. Evidently, crunches are no longer believed to strengthen the abdominals in the way once thought (?).

I pulled this up on google: http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/abdominalcorestrength1/qt/plank.htm

Perhaps someone here can give a better suggestion for a link.

[ruffryder]

Good morning everybody. I Hope everybody is off to a great new year!

Zimmeh you can try chili powder or boil whole New Mexico chilis. I'll be happy to show you some time.

My smart phone has great apps for situps, crunches, including planks. It will show you how to do them. If you figure out different ways to work the abs then you will be doing 50 and 100 crunches in no time.

Since I started working a week ago, there is no sitting. I sit maybe an hour out of 8_10 hours. I can already tell this will help with weight loss and I also drink more water and unsweet tea because that's what is available. Now I just need to remember to keep up with arm and shoulder exercises so they aren't sore and need to find some good shoes for standing and walking.

Have a great day everybody!

[*Anya*]

Got on scale for first time since before Christmas this morning and I actually lost a pound. Shocker!

I need to weigh daily. I know this does not work for everyone but for me, it keeps me honest and I can't kid myself when I stare into the cold, hard, reality of the numbers. I can't slip into denial when I do. I also know that when I am afraid to step onto that scale, that I must. I was afraid this morning but had a positive surprise- it is not always bad news to weigh!

This morning, I sautéed fresh spinach leaves in a tiny bit of olive oil and poured in egg whites for a delicious omlette.

Back on track:)

Have a great day everyone!
(f)

[princessbelle]

Good morning all you healthy people!!!!!

I started "eating right" yesterday and exercising 30 minutes. Drinking water too.

So this is my second day and i lost 1.8 pounds!!!! I know it is from drinking the water but that's ok and it sure is a great motivator!!!!

Rock on!!!!!

:hangloose:

[BullDog]

I was also down 1.8 pounds, lol. I expect to be fluctuating for a bit but it was still great to see! Have a healthy and splendid day everyone.

[*Anya*]

Tried to quote plank video post by Kelt did not "take". Link please?

Thanks!

[Kelt]

Trying for the life of me to get this video link in...

Planks can be difficult when just starting; this video demos some ways to progress. It's 5 minutes and shows four variations.

Plank Progression - Primal Blueprint Fitness - YouTube


Well folks, it won't imbed, but the link will take you there. :)

[Gemme]

I have to say that I've had luck with crunches, especial reverse ones. They really work the pooch that I get under my bellybutton.

So, the validity of what does and doesn't work depends more on the person and less on the actual exercise, I'd say.

As long as we're doing something productive, then good for us.

[sylvie]

Good Morning healthies..
Day 3 in the New Year, GO US!!!
i love seeing so many in here participating, you all rock!

i just got home..This morning i worked 7-10, and right from work i went out walking, did an hour and a half, and for about 15 minutes of that, i jogged... WHAT?? Yep, JOGGED lol..


Can you all believe that sh*t ??
hehe.. i'm so excited, that i have the ability to jog, for an added workout..
15 mins and still felt like i could do more, but here's the kicker..
me + jogging = can't be pretty LOL..
So when i see people, or traffic.. i stop.. i'm shy!
And i sooo need better sneakers, soon.. But, YAY that i'm JOGGING..

It's the little things, eh!!
Hope everyone has a Super amazing healthy day!

~~~~~~~~~~~~
Oh by the way:
i was thinking, we should have small challenges here each day , just something or anything that promotes healthy lifestyles, whether eating, exercise or even about building positivity .. That'd be fun, for motivation!
Might be fun to have group motivation of some sort each day.. ♥

[Gemme]

Good Morning healthies..
Day 3 in the New Year, GO US!!!
i love seeing so many in here participating, you all rock!

i just got home..This morning i worked 7-10, and right from work i went out walking, did an hour and a half, and for about 15 minutes of that, i jogged... WHAT?? Yep, JOGGED lol..


Can you all believe that sh*t ??
hehe.. i'm so excited, that i have the ability to jog, for an added workout..
15 mins and still felt like i could do more, but here's the kicker..
me + jogging = can't be pretty LOL..
So when i see people, or traffic.. i stop.. i'm shy!
And i sooo need better sneakers, soon.. But, YAY that i'm JOGGING..

It's the little things, eh!!
Hope everyone has a Super amazing healthy day!

~~~~~~~~~~~~
Oh by the way:
i was thinking, we should have small challenges here each day , just something or anything that promotes healthy lifestyles, whether eating, exercise or even about building positivity .. That'd be fun, for motivation!
Might be fun to have group motivation of some sort each day.. ♥

Congrats to you!

What a good idea! I think that would be fun and we can mix it up, like you mention. Challenges can be as simple as walking an extra 100 steps today or maybe drinking an extra 16 oz of water or writing something positive down about ourselves and repeating it to ourselves throughout the day or even doing a brand new to you exercise and reporting back on the learning experience of it.

That's a fantastic idea, sylvie!

[Gemme]

I'll be off to the gym in a little while.

What would you like the first challenge to be?

[sylvie]

exactly Gemme! & love the suggestions you had already, why don't we do the 100 extra steps today?

And if others are interested would anyone like to be the challenge giver each day ? i don't mind doing it, but i also don't mind if anyone else wanted to! Just thinking it'd be fun for all, and something for us to look forward to, heh..

On SparkPeople we get lots of little challenges and i always found them motivating each day to try something new, or add a lil more to my workout, etc..

[princessbelle]

Good Morning healthies..
Day 3 in the New Year, GO US!!!
i love seeing so many in here participating, you all rock!

i just got home..This morning i worked 7-10, and right from work i went out walking, did an hour and a half, and for about 15 minutes of that, i jogged... WHAT?? Yep, JOGGED lol..


Can you all believe that sh*t ??
hehe.. i'm so excited, that i have the ability to jog, for an added workout..
15 mins and still felt like i could do more, but here's the kicker..
me + jogging = can't be pretty LOL..
So when i see people, or traffic.. i stop.. i'm shy!
And i sooo need better sneakers, soon.. But, YAY that i'm JOGGING..

It's the little things, eh!!
Hope everyone has a Super amazing healthy day!

~~~~~~~~~~~~
Oh by the way:
i was thinking, we should have small challenges here each day , just something or anything that promotes healthy lifestyles, whether eating, exercise or even about building positivity .. That'd be fun, for motivation!
Might be fun to have group motivation of some sort each day.. ♥

Hooray for you Sylvie!!!!!

I LOVE the idea of challenges!!!!! Just remember us newbies and don't go too hard on us lol. I was out of breath after 10 minutes of my 20 minute workout yesterday. But, maybe today i can go 11 minutes before huffing and puffing!!!

*Can't wait for the challenge!!!!!

[midwest chick]

exactly Gemme! & love the suggestions you had already, why don't we do the 100 extra steps today?

And if others are interested would anyone like to be the challenge giver each day ? i don't mind doing it, but i also don't mind if anyone else wanted to! Just thinking it'd be fun for all, and something for us to look forward to, heh..

On SparkPeople we get lots of little challenges and i always found them motivating each day to try something new, or add a lil more to my workout, etc..


Taking turns with the challenges might be fun--this is such a good idea!!!

Maybe the weight loss is contagious around here---it's been WAY easier and faster since I joined you all
:walking-poodle:

[sylvie]

Hooray for you Sylvie!!!!!

I LOVE the idea of challenges!!!!! Just remember us newbies and don't go too hard on us lol. I was out of breath after 10 minutes of my 20 minute workout yesterday. But, maybe today i can go 11 minutes before huffing and puffing!!!

*Can't wait for the challenge!!!!!



Absolutely darlin, heck i still huff and puff, and believe me.. i'll always remember where i started as a newbie .. Every little thing felt like such a challenge, and still can be even.... So the more i progress, the more gentle i am towards where i was when i started.. i'm still a big girl at 244lbs ... You'll find each day it'll get easier and the breathing gets better, and you'll start pushing yourself more because of the energy you have, its a fabulous feeling! SOOO glad the two of you joined us here ♥

The challenge is just for motivation.. *smiles*
i could come in each night before bedtime and post the challenge for the next day - that way the challenge would be here for the times anyone is in, morning, noon or night.. (if ya's want me to do it.... Course ANYone could do it , or we could share responsibility which would be even more fun) maybe take turns doing a week at a time.. i'm game for anything! heh.. i'm easy peasy!

Any ideas anyone?

[PinkieLee]

Ooooooooo I like the idea of a new challenge! It could even involve trying a healthy recipe that someone posts... anything to get us out of our comfort zones & shake things up a bit :)

sylvie... you go sister! Girl, I remember when D & I were walking one evening, and she said, "let's jog to that park bench." I looked at her like she was nuts! Honestly, I couldn't even tell you the last time I had jogged... not gonna lie, probably childhood. Seriously, I didn't know if I even knew how to jog ~ I felt silly at first, but those little sprints actually made me smile. Jogging... I was jogging! Sister, you keep up the great work!!!

Ok, I've seen a lot of y'all posting about Sparks People. Whats the dealio and is this an app that I can use on my phone?

[sylvie]

Taking turns with the challenges might be fun--this is such a good idea!!!

Maybe the weight loss is contagious around here---it's been WAY easier and faster since I joined you all
:walking-poodle:

Did you read my mind? hehe i was just posting that about taking turns LOL!!!

And much agreed, having this thread has been so inspiring & motivating for me.. Especially on days you feel stuck.. Come in here and read about someone's motivation or success and it clicks instantly - and that's why i'm always so grateful for you alll each day!

[sylvie]

Ooooooooo I like the idea of a new challenge! It could even involve trying a healthy recipe that someone posts... anything to get us out of our comfort zones & shake things up a bit :)

sylvie... you go sister! Girl, I remember when D & I were walking one evening, and she said, "let's jog to that park bench." I looked at her like she was nuts! Honestly, I couldn't even tell you the last time I had jogged... not gonna lie, probably childhood. Seriously, I didn't know if I even knew how to jog ~ I felt silly at first, but those little sprints actually made me smile. Jogging... I was jogging! Sister, you keep up the great work!!!

Ok, I've seen a lot of y'all posting about Sparks People. Whats the dealio and is this an app that I can use on my phone?

i'm not sure about if it can be used on your phone, i do know they have a mobile thing going, however i dont use it on my cell..
i'm a Sparker, i love the website.. i find it very motivating as well, and made a promise to myself i would keep up with it daily.. You earn points for everything you do and earn little virtual trophies and such..

they have forums, calorie counter, exercise videos, sparkteams *for challenges & such* , you can log your weight and measurements, there's a blog feature, people can comment on your profile and you can add friends much like the profiles we have here, they have news and so many different things, even a huge recipe section where you can save recipes into your own little recipe books for future use , etc.. (the list goes on and on...) Everyone there is so friendly, i joined a few forums, and love it..

i track all of my fitness there, my calorie intake for each meal, i track my water intake, my weight & measurements, etc.. It's fun to look back and see the previous things.. Reading other's blogs is quite motivating too..

http://www.sparkpeople.com/
Best part is, it's free.. Let me know if you do join and i can add you as a friend.. if you find it overwhelming, i did too.. but i can help you find your way around if you do join.. it's a pretty great site in my opinion!

~~~
As for the jogging, how fab is that feeling, eh?
Seriously, i'm grinning from ear to ear that i "CAN" even..
i'd love to be a runner one day, to be able to run marathons.. a friend of mine does it and i've always been so envious, it just seems fun.. All the friendships and the encouragement and it must feel so great to accomplish it.. Small steps! heh..

i love the healthy recipe idea for a challenge too!

[ruffryder]

Good Morning healthies..
Day 3 in the New Year, GO US!!!
i love seeing so many in here participating, you all rock!

i just got home..This morning i worked 7-10, and right from work i went out walking, did an hour and a half, and for about 15 minutes of that, i jogged... WHAT?? Yep, JOGGED lol..


Can you all believe that sh*t ??
hehe.. i'm so excited, that i have the ability to jog, for an added workout..
15 mins and still felt like i could do more, but here's the kicker..
me + jogging = can't be pretty LOL..
So when i see people, or traffic.. i stop.. i'm shy!
And i sooo need better sneakers, soon.. But, YAY that i'm JOGGING..

It's the little things, eh!!
Hope everyone has a Super amazing healthy day!

~~~~~~~~~~~~
Oh by the way:
i was thinking, we should have small challenges here each day , just something or anything that promotes healthy lifestyles, whether eating, exercise or even about building positivity .. That'd be fun, for motivation!
Might be fun to have group motivation of some sort each day.. ♥

I love this post Syl!! Walking and added jogging leads to running and added minutes and miles. That is recommended when new to running. I'm one that walks/jogs/walks/jogs. Feels great!

I get daily challenges and can share them here also. Anybody feel free to partake to the ones you can and that will benefit you personally. :)
Todays is share a healthy breakfast idea. I actually did this the other day talking about yogurt and fav flavors. Someone said add granola. That sounds great and gives it a crunch. Yesterday I was up at 630 as it was gonna be a long day at work and I wasn't sure when I'd get lunch or if I would so I made coffee and grabbeda special k bar and some yogurt to Munch on on the way to work. I also had bottled water throughout the day. I think one should have snacks like this on hand like breakfast bars, yogurt, apples, raisins, nuts..something fast and healthy on the go. Fav breakfast bar?

[Zimmeh]

Thank you :)

Zimmeh

Good morning everybody. I Hope everybody is off to a great new year!

Zimmeh you can try chili powder or boil whole New Mexico chilis. I'll be happy to show you some time.

My smart phone has great apps for situps, crunches, including planks. It will show you how to do them. If you figure out different ways to work the abs then you will be doing 50 and 100 crunches in no time.

Since I started working a week ago, there is no sitting. I sit maybe an hour out of 8_10 hours. I can already tell this will help with weight loss and I also drink more water and unsweet tea because that's what is available. Now I just need to remember to keep up with arm and shoulder exercises so they aren't sore and need to find some good shoes for standing and walking.

Have a great day everybody!

[Gemme]

Maybe we all could pitch in and compile a list of simple challenges and pull from that daily? That way, everyone contributes and the weight...ba dum BUM...is not on only one person.

I'm home from my workout (and got my challenge completed too!!!) and am having a yummy salad and a honey crisp apple. If you're an apple lover, you HAVE to try one. They. Are. Amazing. I used to be a Granny Smith diehard but now I love the HC ever since I tried one.

[Medusa]

FYI: For those of us who are near a Kroger and are so inclined, Kroger has Lean Cuisines 5/$10 :)

[sylvie]

Gemme, i love the idea that we all compile a list together!
Evenly distributing the weight is ALWAYS good in this thread ..
(still giggling at your ba dum BUM moment LOL)

& i'm sooo loving the HoneyCrisps as well.. That's the kind Mtn & i used to make a baked apple for our Thanksgiving meal too, because i was super craving apple crisp which i cant have soooo.. the baked apple was perfect - heh..

~~~~
LOVE that everyone is liking the daily challenge idea, go US.. Just another way for us to motivate ourselves, how exciting! Loving all your ideas, too..It'll also give us a reason to come check in here each day too, i always love the good kinds of excuses ♥

[Gemme]

So, maybe it might be good too, to mention how we completed our challenges? The super easy ones aren't such a big deal, but I bet that some of us could glean ideas if we are struggling to complete the more difficult tasks.

So, today I did 35 minutes on the sedentary bike, which I planned on anyway. Then I did some sit ups and crunches, though I still ache from the last set I did two days ago. To complete my task, I hopped on the treadmill, though I don't care for the ones that my apartment complex has, and walked for 10 minutes. I also walked to and from my apartment to the gym, which actually is just a hair more than 100 steps each way. So, I got more than the task required but once I started, it was easy to add a little more on.

[sylvie]

Daily Challenge: to walk 100 extra steps today, than planned.
- Today, i walked to & from work for my morning shift.. Then, after my morning shift, i walked all around the lake which is about 75-80 minutes.. For about 15 mins of that 75-80, i jogged...

Since getting home, i have done my video for a Jumpstart Challenge i joined on Sparkpeople, 10 min video...
i leave in 50 minutes to go back to work for my evening shift.. And i will walk to work the 30 minute way, which will give me more than the 100 steps required..

But because of this challenge i made the decision to go the long way, the weather has been so mild and beautiful here, so taking advantage of that until the snow hits at some point..Then i'll resort to my treadmill LOL.

[midwest chick]

Took Poodleboy for a 1 mile walk--but that doesn't count toward the 100.
Have to work tonight, lots of walking, but that won't count, either.

Taking Poodleboy outback to play ball/frisbee--that Will count.

I really am ready to lose the next 10 pounds, and Thank you Gemme, I did reverse crunches, and standing obliques today.

we'll be out for about 20 minutes :)

[foxyshaman]

and standing obliques today.



What is a standing oblique?

Side planks are good for obliques.

I also like reverse crunches.

[PinkieLee]

So I checked out SparkPeople.... and to me it's kinda set up like the WW website. AWESEOME free tool to use!

One thing I liked, was they asked you to look at three lists and pick ONE goal from each list to stick with every day for the next two weeks. Many of them were easy... and I picked the ones I KNEW I could stick with.

I chose:
Drink (8) 8oz glasses of water each day
Exercise for at least 10 minutes per day
Talk to a friend or family member about my goals (yeah, that would be y'all)

It had lots of choices, so you could easy write down multiple small goals for yourself. It was a good way to focus on the mini stuff first, without being completely overwelmed!

THANKS sylvie for the heads up on the website :)

I like Gemme's idea of all of us listing some challenges, and we can pick & choose which one we might wanna do that day!

So right now, we've got....

walk an extra 100 steps today
share a healthy breakfast idea
and I'll suggest adding an extra 5 minutes to your workout routine

[PinkieLee]

Oh and I decided to check to see if there were any bellydancing classes offered in my area. SCORE, big time... less than 5 minutes from my house, offering beginners & intermediate classes, Bollywood classes & starting in February BURLESQUE!

Even better, her prices were pretty cheap, too! $10 for each hour class you take :)

[Novelafemme]

That is where I got the idea! It was a great documentary. The title is quite off-putting, I found it much more enjoyable than I imagined.

How long did was your longest fast? Did you have good results?

Oh goodness, well...the first time i did a cleanse i lasted two days. ;) the second time i did the full ten and then went back to my regular diet, which is pretty darned good but needed some fine tuning. then this year i got whammo'd with cancer/cancer scares/hysterectomy/ruptured appendix/colonoscopy/blablabla...so i returned to the paleo diet since i know from past experience that when i eat paleo i feel a bajillion times better. right now i am juicing carrots for breakfast and lunch and then eating an 80/20 paleo dinner. i don't do it at all for weight issues - solely for digestion and health issues, so the improvement i notice is in my gut, sleeping habits and energy levels.

my partner is doing the primal diet because it includes dairy and she tolerates that much better than i do. i hadn't heard of the primal diet until we met friends for dinner over the holidays. it basically eschews all wheat and gluten and our friend Leah lost 35lbs in just 4 months of being on it. she looks amazing! :)

once you get through the detox phase (days 1-3) and your body gets adjusted to not eating solids, if you can add a little bit of exercise you will see much quicker results. Even just a brisk 30-45 minute walk will do the trick.

the title of that film was horrible but then again so was the state of his health. ack! i wish everyone would watch it!!

[midwest chick]

What is a standing oblique?

Side planks are good for obliques.

I also like reverse crunches.

Not too sure of my ability to describe this, but here goes!

Feet shoulder width apart. Keep shoulders even.
Standing Straight with 5-10 pound weight in left hand, arm straight, lightly rest palm of right hand on right lower abdomen. Tilt/lean to the left, slowly, bringing weight level to the top of knee pause 2 seconds, and raise back up slowly to starting position. Do not bend forward or back, only tilt to the side. Start with lower weights and 3 sets of 15/day on each side.

Work up to 3 sets of 30 each side.

Non working palm on stomach helps draw attention to the muscle group being worked.

[foxyshaman]

Not too sure of my ability to describe this, but here goes!

Feet shoulder width apart. Keep shoulders even.
Standing Straight with 5-10 pound weight in left hand, arm straight, lightly rest palm of right hand on right lower abdomen. Tilt/lean to the left, slowly, bringing weight level to the top of knee pause 2 seconds, and raise back up slowly to starting position. Do not bend forward or back, only tilt to the side. Start with lower weights and 3 sets of 15/day on each side.

Work up to 3 sets of 30 each side.

Non working palm on stomach helps draw attention to the muscle group being worked.

Oh those.... I did not know what they are called. Thank you for clearing up the mystery. :canadian:

[Gemme]

Oh and I decided to check to see if there were any bellydancing classes offered in my area. SCORE, big time... less than 5 minutes from my house, offering beginners & intermediate classes, Bollywood classes & starting in February BURLESQUE!

Even better, her prices were pretty cheap, too! $10 for each hour class you take :)

I'm moving near you.

:blink:

[princessbelle]

Ohhhhhhhhhh that Belly Dancing sounds wonderful!!!!! Have fun with that and let us know what it's like!!!

So, today i did better with carbs, since i ate very few yesterday and this morning woke up with a blood sugar probably close to 30. Not really, but i felt horrible.

We had vegetables and cheeses for lunch. Tonight we had pot roast with potatoes and carrots, mostly carrots and baked apples with cinnamon and just a touch of sugar.

We worked out for about 15 minutes, then remembering what Sylvie's challenge was, did it for another 7, jogging in place was the last of it so i'm sure we did 100 steps.

Not to mention i took down all the Christmas stuff today and super cleaned the house and Bully took everything up and down the steps and did all the laundry (another 100 steps i'm sure). So i feel like we met the challenge and it was fun. It was in the back of my mind to do so.

Can't wait to see what the challenge is tomorrow!!!!!!!!

I'm going to eat a no fat yogurt in a couple of hours to hopefully keep my sugar up better for tomorrow. It's a learning process to see what your body can handle. But, just being on day two, i swear i can already tell a difference in my energy level. Hopefully i'm detoxing with all the water i'm drinking.

[Medusa]

Dinner tonight = baked chicken with BBQ-style spices and steamed asparagus with szechuan sauce.

Win!

[Rockinonahigh]

Dinner was bison chili...no chips but I sprinkled some lo fat chedar cheese and choped sweet onions over mine.

[Cowboi]

I love this post Syl!! Walking and added jogging leads to running and added minutes and miles. That is recommended when new to running. I'm one that walks/jogs/walks/jogs. Feels great!

I get daily challenges and can share them here also. Anybody feel free to partake to the ones you can and that will benefit you personally. :)
Todays is share a healthy breakfast idea. I actually did this the other day talking about yogurt and fav flavors. Someone said add granola. That sounds great and gives it a crunch. Yesterday I was up at 630 as it was gonna be a long day at work and I wasn't sure when I'd get lunch or if I would so I made coffee and grabbeda special k bar and some yogurt to Munch on on the way to work. I also had bottled water throughout the day. I think one should have snacks like this on hand like breakfast bars, yogurt, apples, raisins, nuts..something fast and healthy on the go. Fav breakfast bar?



Qat pancake

I use use 1/2 cup of dry oatmeal (not the microwave kind)
3 egg whites
1 pack of splenda
stir
pour into a hot skillet sprayed with pam
reduce to med heat and put the lid on
cook till it starts to get brown, and flip and repeat.
You can use a small amount of sugar free jam or sugar free syrup.

[Cowboi]

Day 2
Preworkout supplements
Chest and triceps
post workout protein shake
treadmill


Im having grilled tenderloin and some greens for dinner



My legs are so sore from yesterdays workout I could barely walk this AM!!!
Keep up the good work my friends!!

[sylvie]

Good Morning everyone - it's early...
and i'm on my way to work, 12 hour day for me...
Just wanted to check in and post, so i hold myself accountable to this today..

When i work 12 hour shifts, it's an excuse day for me to "not" exercise..
i will either merge my 2 breaks and get my walk in today on break, and if that isn't possible, i will do some up and down the stairs time on my break..

If i can't do either of those for cardio, i will do 30 mins of treadmill when i get home.. 2012 is about 'not' making excuses for me.. & following through on my goals..

Also, this morning, my clothes feel looser today, tomorrow is weigh in..
That loose clothes feeling helps motivate me for another great day today, and being gentle and good to myself, foodwise, exercisewise & mindwise...

i got this..
Happy Hump Day Healthies ♥
Hope you all have an amazing kind of day!
And if anyone posts a challenge, i'll see to it when i am home, unless i can log in from work at some point today.. See ya's tonight, xx

PS - working on some things for challenges to add to the list ya's have started, yaaaaaaaaaaaaaay US!

[JustJo]

Good morning healthies :)

I love the challenge idea....so I'm gonna' be pushy and do one for today...

Today's challenge.... TWICE today...when you normally wouldn't...go drink a glass of water.

Hope you all have a great day!

[Zimmeh]

Good Morning Everyone,

Today is our shipment day at L'Occitane and I am looking forward to it. I come home with my arms hurting from shipment and my arms are becoming more defined. It felt so good wearing my new size 11 junior skinny jeans out to dinner lastnight :)

My favorite breakfast bar are the Odwalla ones, then Fiber One bars.

Breakfast yesterday for me: Chobani Strawberry yogurt and coffee
Lunch: Chik-Fil-A grilled chicken sandwich
Dinner: Two small slices of pizza

Snacks: One Godiva peppermint truffle and two Hershey Kisses.

Breakfast today: Nutella on Flax and Fiber sandwich round with a 6oz cup of coffee

Zimmeh

[princessbelle]

Morning!!!

Oh i love that challenge Jo!!! I for sure need to drink more water so that is right up my alley!!!!

Today's weight i was down another 1.4 pounds. So on day three i'm down right at 3 pounds. It feels wonderful!!! I know the mind has a lot to do with how you feel physically. But, i'm psyched and when i walk i feel lighter and healthier and i have more energy.

I ate a little bit of low fat low carb popcorn last night around 8 and this morning did not wake up with low blood sugar like i did yesterday. This morning i've already had a fat free yogurt and a piece of low fat wheat toast with a tsp of peanut butter. I feel so much better today!!!!!

Thanks for the challenge Jo!!!!!

Hooray for a wonderful Winner Wednesday!!!!!

[PinkieLee]

Belle.... popcorn has always been my saving grace! I get the 94% fat free butter or the 94% fat free kettle corn. Even on WW, I can eat the whole bag. Cause admit it, they are days that I wanna do just that!

[PinkieLee]

Good morning y'all :)

I sure do love coming in here, and seeing so much enthusiasm on this journey! It really helps when your motivation might be a lil' low, to see your friends kicking it into high gear ~ it makes me wanna do MORE!

I haven't gotten much exercise in lately. D's mom has been in the hospital for over a week now, and between working 2 jobs, trips up to the hospital & basically just trying to keep 2 households running smoothly while she's not home, I've been exhausted. But, I have been pretty good at eating healthy.

Yesterday's lunch was a salad from Subway with turkey meat and lots of veggies. Last night's dinner was a 1/4 of a veggie muffalatta, a cup of vegetarian french onion soup and fresh fruit for dessert.

Breakfast today was a breakfast jack from Jack in the Box ~ no worries it's under 300 calories. Lunch will probably be Subway again. And dinner will probably be some kind of soup & salad or fruit. I've got plenty of yogurt, string cheese & apples for snacks, too.

So I emailed the instructor for the belly dancing classes yesterday, and I got a return email first thing this morning. She was happy to see me so excited.... and said I can pop into any class I want. She even sent me a flyer for a show they are doing in a few weeks. The beginners classes will be starting over the first week in February, so I'll be starting then. Until then, I'm buying that DVD that Medusa had suggested to me awhile back, so I can see what I'm getting myself into :) Wish me luck y'all!

[princessbelle]

Belle.... popcorn has always been my saving grace! I get the 94% fat free butter or the 94% fat free kettle corn. Even on WW, I can eat the whole bag. Cause admit it, they are days that I wanna do just that!

Wow you know i glanced at the kettle corn but didn't venture too near it at the store. I'll look into that, thanks for the head's up. What i got was low fat and wasn't bad. The funny part was we could only have 1/3 of the bag each. So Bully had 1/3, i had a 1/3 and the other third is in a plastic container on the counter.

Now THAT was will power.

Oh and this morning my son brought in krispy kreme donuts. We walked right by them and had our low fat peanut butter toast and low fat yogurt. I'm so proud!!!!!!

[PinkieLee]

Wow you know i glanced at the kettle corn but didn't venture too near it at the store. I'll look into that, thanks for the head's up. What i got was low fat and wasn't bad. The funny part was we could only have 1/3 of the bag each. So Bully had 1/3, i had a 1/3 and the other third is in a plastic container on the counter.

Now THAT was will power.

Oh and this morning my son brought in krispy kreme donuts. We walked right by them and had our low fat peanut butter toast and low fat yogurt. I'm so proud!!!!!!



Krispy Kreme.... girl, y'all have some major willpower right there! GOOD FOR YOU!

Yeah, the 94% fat free popcorn (even the kettle corn) is pretty low in calories. Instead of splitting up the big bag, y'all could always get the 100 calorie small bags... that way your portion has already been set up for you.

The kettle corn is my favorite! After I switched to the healthier one, I can barely eat the regular popcorn, because it's too greasy. Same thing with when I switched from regular potato chips to the baked ones.

[Gemme]

I love, love, love the 94% fat free kettle corn. I have some now in the pantry. And Pinkie's right. The 100 calorie bags are awesome; just heat and eat.

I was inspired by Pinkie yesterday and I did some research on belly dancing and burlesque classes. Sadly, burlesque classes are in Dallas. THAT won't be happening. Bummer. But I did find a couple of places not too far away that had belly dancing and the rates were reasonable enough to not break the bank. Also, I found a place called Brass Ovaries Pole Dancing. They are way far south of me, though, so most likely won't do that but I like that the option is there. Also, I'm finding that some of the studios have had classes listed on Groupon.

For those that don't know what Groupon is, it's a site where businesses allow you to buy packages from them at discounted rates. For example, 40% of an 8 week package of belly dancing classes. I wish I'd seen that one earlier. I missed out on it, but I did find a place....again, far south....that offered one and two month packages for really reasonable rates and the times were workable with my schedule, so I may wind up driving down there anyway.

It's good to have options!

I shall endeavor for this morning's challenge! I've been drinking filtered water from a water bottle the past few days and I've definitely consumed more water than normal, but today I will make an effort to log that H2O consumption in order to make sure I comply with the challenge.

[Medusa]

Hey all!

Happy New Year!

I was under my WW points yesterday by about 12 and was very happy about that. Didn't work out last night because my elliptial stint the night before left my quads and calves are still pretty achy. I'll walk on the treadmill tonight for 30 minutes or so.

Breakfast this morning:

Fruit smoothie made with orange juice, banana, and fat free yogurt.

Midmorning snack:
1 tillamook cheddar cheese snack (only 2 points!)
6 reduced fat triscuits
1 snack-size V8

Lunch:
Salad from US Pizza which contains:
lettuce
grilled chicken
olives
mushrooms
onion
green pepper
mozzerella cheese

I leave off the bacon bits and pick off most of the olives and all of the mushrooms. The dressing is TO DIE FOR but I only use half because it's super fat loaded (which is why it's good)

Dinner tonight:
breakfast for dinner!
Eggbeaters omelet with onion, green peppers, shaved ham, fat free cheese, basil, and red peppers
1 slice of wheat toast

Late night snack:
either a 60-calorie pudding cup or carrot sticks with a bit of ranch

As you can see, I don't cut out ALL fats because it usually leaves me feeling deprived. I also load up on water and chew gum from the time I wake up until I go to bed to keep my mouth busy.

I have a double whammy going on because I am also quitting smoking which makes for munchie-time.

Best of luck to all!

[starryeyes]

Hey all!! Day 3 of being back on track with WW. It feels great but wow, I have the headache from h-e-l-l. This always happens to be in the very beginning when my body is screaming for caffeine and sugar. I did give in a little last night and used some weeklies on peanut butter and yogurt. It's all good tho!

This morning I has a light English muffin with a fried egg and 6oz of light n fit vanilla yogurt. 7 points and all filling foods. Yaya!

This afternoon I am running around working, so I will probably get some sushi, or subway if I don't have time between assignments.

Also, I will be kicking ass (well, my ass) and taking names when I run stairs at the beach this afternoon!

Dinner will be brown rice, lean turkey and veggie bowl.

I also bought the snack size WW fudge bar ice cream! 1 point! Ya :-)

Have a good day all!!

[Medusa]

I also have the headache from hell!

My coworker, "Princess" (our BFP hat model), is also wanting to get in better shape and has been complaining of a headache for the last couple of days. We figuredf out that cutting out sodas, tea, and most of our refined sugar was the culprit after reminiscing about our weekly runs to Chili's to share a red velvet molten lava cake. :|

Those once a week runs were costing us $5 a piece and almost 500 calories. EACH. Even though we were sharing!

[princessbelle]

Wow Medusa, 500 calories!!!! Isn't it amazing when we figure out what we were consuming???? My weakness is/was potato chips. Barbeque omg i love them. I found some Special K chip/crackers. They are so yummy and only 19 carbs for 16 and i'm not eating more than 5 or so with my salads. Big difference and nice when i need a crunchy snack. I'm finding pickles are good for the crunchy urge as well. Even though they are full of Na so i'm keeping it to just one per day.

I don't have a headache cause i'm not cutting out my coffee just down sized from about 8 cups a day to about 4. But, wow my tummy is rolling and not a happy camper.

I'm thinking it's all the probiotics in the yogurt i'm eating. My tummy along with my blood sugar are trying to figure out what in the world my head is doing to them.

It's a process, they will adjust....or else!!! :|

[Rockinonahigh]

I also have the headache from hell!

My coworker, "Princess" (our BFP hat model), is also wanting to get in better shape and has been complaining of a headache for the last couple of days. We figuredf out that cutting out sodas, tea, and most of our refined sugar was the culprit after reminiscing about our weekly runs to Chili's to share a red velvet molten lava cake. :|

Those once a week runs were costing us $5 a piece and almost 500 calories. EACH. Even though we were sharing!


Being as I have almost but not quite quit sodas,cause if I totaly quit I crave em bad even after a fue days so I allow myself to drink a samll glass fo soda when I really want one.. the trick is to load the glass up with ice for less soda,getting back to the subject of a headache...drink some water to help increase the fluid in your body.I was told this buy a nurse that when we dont have enough water the vessels constrict wich can cause headaches.Works for me..really.

[Rockinonahigh]

Bell..I wish I could eat yogurt but it has to many carbs in it,cause I dearly love the stuff.

[Medusa]

WATER!

On the subject of water, I keep reusable water bottles in the fridge at home and usually bring 3 of them a day with me to work. They are 16 ouces each so I know that if I get through them, I'm on track with what I will drink at night with dinner.

Water is KEY to weight loss. Especially if you are loading on protein. You need water to flush your body and keep your kidneys healthy. This is one reason I don't do full force Atkin's diets anymore. I did Atkin's about 10 years ago and lost 100 pounds but ended up doing some scary damage to my body that took a while to work out. Your kidneys get really pissed off when they flush continuous protein so make sure you are hydrating your ass off!

Also, it really is true that drinking a huge glass of water before a meal will help you cut down significantly on your food intake. It also aids digestion and makes for happy bowels. We LOVE happy pooping!

[Gemme]

Moreso than loving happy pooping is hating unhappy pooping.

:blink:

[Rockinonahigh]

WATER!

On the subject of water, I keep reusable water bottles in the fridge at home and usually bring 3 of them a day with me to work. They are 16 ouces each so I know that if I get through them, I'm on track with what I will drink at night with dinner.

Water is KEY to weight loss. Especially if you are loading on protein. You need water to flush your body and keep your kidneys healthy. This is one reason I don't do full force Atkin's diets anymore. I did Atkin's about 10 years ago and lost 100 pounds but ended up doing some scary damage to my body that took a while to work out. Your kidneys get really pissed off when they flush continuous protein so make sure you are hydrating your ass off!

Also, it really is true that drinking a huge glass of water before a meal will help you cut down significantly on your food intake. It also aids digestion and makes for happy bowels. We LOVE happy pooping!



For years I was on the bare maintaniance of the Adkins diet,yes I kept my bod down to an unhealthy 112 cause I was big time into barrel raceing and all girl rodeo..my body has always been thick but fit untill the last 12 years.Im shure I did some real damage to my bod in ways the docs havent found yet,ive been haveing some kidney probs on and off for the last couple of years probbly from all the protine I ate with the adkins diet,usely I can drink a beer and that will fix the prob but last time it didnt help as well as it had.I drank at least 60oz of water a day but also was fixed on french market coffee with chickory by the gallon,once and a while I will have a beer or a drink of alcohol but not often,I know I will always need more water no mater how much I drink.I cut coffee to 2 cups a day with a rare exception,what I miss is V8 its a meal in it self and with a salad...cant go wrong.

[princessbelle]

Bell..I wish I could eat yogurt but it has to many carbs in it,cause I dearly love the stuff.

The 98% fat free yogurt only has 22 grams of carbs in it. I'm finding that is my saving grace for my sweet-tooth. But, the way you and i eat may be different. I eat low carbs or at least lower than i did but i don't count them specifically. I just eat things that are around 20-25 or less. I'm sure i'm under 100 per day and what i read, recommends less than 140 per day to loose weight. I'm sure i was eating over 300 per day. I'm loosing weight so i'm happy with it and still getting them in my diet.

But, everyone eats differently on their own paths. I just can't, or actually won't deprived myself of any less than that.

I've always said if there was a miracle and an "all you can eat carb diet" i would be as skinny as a bean pole in two days.

[Medusa]

I've always said if there was a miracle and an "all you can eat carb diet" i would be as skinny as a bean pole in two days.





Me too because it would be pasta and bread for every meal!!!!

[PinkieLee]

That's the one thing I love about our group of folks here... most of us are all on different plans. What works for one person, might not work for another. Whatever direction we take on our healthy living journey is up to us :)

I like seeing what others are doing... and sometimes I try to incorporate their plans with my own. I get so burned out on the same foods and/or exercise routines... it's nice to change it up a bit.

[Zimmeh]

I am having spicy chicken, veggies and rice for lunch today. I picked up the Slim Fast shakes to have as a snack instead of junk food.

Not sure about dinner. Maybe a sandwich?

Zimmeh

[Zimmeh]

As soon as Ruff and I can figure out the chile marinade that hy uses for menudo, I will post the recipe.

I am also going to try and cut my meat consumption in half.

Zimmeh

That's the one thing I love about our group of folks here... most of us are all on different plans. What works for one person, might not work for another. Whatever direction we take on our healthy living journey is up to us :)

I like seeing what others are doing... and sometimes I try to incorporate their plans with my own. I get so burned out on the same foods and/or exercise routines... it's nice to change it up a bit.

[Rockinonahigh]

Me too because it would be pasta and bread for every meal!!!!


Ladies dont get me started on pasta and good french bread...yummo!

[princessbelle]

Ladies dont get me started on pasta and good french bread...yummo!

And baked potatoes and bbq potato chips....

Ahhhhh

So yeah, anyway. Just had a snack of a special K bar and we are going to work out and have left over pot roast and carrots for dinner.

Today is kick boxing!!!!!! Oh for FUN!!!!

Oh and one more thing. We just went by mom's. Mom always has candy around and i never really thought about it when i pick it up and eat it. Today, i almost grabbed some. I stopped and thought about it. I didn't think about it before, i just ate it. Today, I passed.....another milestone!!!!

[Rockinonahigh]

And baked potatoes and bbq potato chips....

Ahhhhh

So yeah, anyway. Just had a snack of a special K bar and we are going to work out and have left over pot roast and carrots for dinner.

Today is kick boxing!!!!!! Oh for FUN!!!!

Oh and one more thing. We just went by mom's. Mom always has candy around and i never really thought about it when i pick it up and eat it. Today, i almost grabbed some. I stopped and thought about it. I didn't think about it before, i just ate it. Today, I passed.....another milestone!!!!






Without a doubt im a foodie,I'll admit it,I do love me some meat and potatoes three times a day if I could.My fave breakfast is tbone steak,two eggs over easy,hash browns and buttermilk bisquits with spicy sausage gravy and lots of french market coffee.My doc(the good one) calls that a heart attack breakfast...prolly is.Tho its been a verrrrry long time since ive had this for breakfast.Gongrats on your new milestone, u will have many of them on this lifelong quest for weight loss.

[Rockinonahigh]

The 98% fat free yogurt only has 22 grams of carbs in it. I'm finding that is my saving grace for my sweet-tooth. But, the way you and i eat may be different. I eat low carbs or at least lower than i did but i don't count them specifically. I just eat things that are around 20-25 or less. I'm sure i'm under 100 per day and what i read, recommends less than 140 per day to loose weight. I'm sure i was eating over 300 per day. I'm loosing weight so i'm happy with it and still getting them in my diet.

But, everyone eats differently on their own paths. I just can't, or actually won't deprived myself of any less than that.

I've always said if there was a miracle and an "all you can eat carb diet" i would be as skinny as a bean pole in two days.




you can eat all u want on a carb free diet,all u have to do is dont eat carbs,Eat eggs,cheese, veggies,any kind of meat or fat...sounds simple...wrong, it isnt.

[*Anya*]

What I appreciate about this thread is the free exchange of information and sharing what is working for us individually.

I also appreciate that no one says: "you should" in this thread. Each of us has to follow our own path to health. If there were a cookie cutter way to thinness and health, the USA would not have the obesity problem that we have and I would once again weigh 110 like I did at age 16. (Yes, I accept that will never, ever happen again).

Thanks everyone and also thanks so much for sticking to science-based, healthy weight loss methods in your posts!

I had another egg white omlette with spinach this AM, soup and an orange for lunch. Have not decided on dinner yet.

(f)

[starryeyes]

I came and I conquered! Ran these babies 25 times! My bootie hurts!

http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad353/romeebear/lisastairs.jpg

[starryeyes]

I said I would post some of the WW recipes for people who are not subscribed. I saw these today, 1pt Mini Choc Chip Cookies

2 Tbsp salted butter, softened
2 tsp canola oil
1/2 cup(s) packed brown sugar, dark-variety
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/8 tsp table salt
1 large egg white(s)
3/4 cup(s) all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp baking soda
3 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips, about 1/2 cup

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375ºF.

In a medium bowl, cream together butter, oil and sugar. Add vanilla, salt and egg white; mix thoroughly to combine.

In a small bowl, mix together flour and baking soda; stir into batter. Add chocolate chips to batter; stir to distribute evenly throughout.

Drop 48 half-teaspoons of dough onto one or two large nonstick baking sheets, leaving a small amount of space between each cookie. Bake cookies until golden around edges, about 4 to 6 minutes; cool on a wire rack. Yields 1 cookie per serving.

Notes
Indulge your craving for an intense chocolate experience. Buy a 3-ounce bar of fine chocolate with a percentage of 75 or higher on the label. The percentage indicates the combined amount of cocoa bean and added cocoa butter in the chocolate. The higher the percentage, the greater the chocolate taste and the less sweet the product. Chop up the bar and use it instead of the chocolate chips (could affect PointsPlus values).

[starryeyes]

Yummy.. makes 12 servings, 6pts per slice!

10 item(s) cream-filled chocolate sandwich cookie(s)
8 Tbsp fat-free cream cheese
8 oz low fat cream cheese, tub-style
1 cup(s) sugar
2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
1 cup(s) fat-free cottage cheese
2 tsp almond extract, or less to taste
6 large egg white(s)
3/4 cup(s) mini chocolate chips
Instructions

Preheat oven to 325ºF.

Lightly coat a 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray. Crush cookies and sprinkle cookie crumbs evenly over bottom of pan.

Using an electric mixer, beat together cream cheeses on lowest speed until well blended.

In a small bowl, combine sugar and flour. Add to cream cheese mixture and beat until smooth.

In a food processor or blender, purée cottage cheese until smooth. Add cottage cheese and almond extract to cream cheese mixture; beat until smooth. Add egg whites and beat until well blended. Stir in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips.

Pour into springform pan; top with remaining chocolate chips and bake until cheesecake puffs and center is almost set, about 60 minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely. Run a knife around sides to loosen and release pan sides. Cover and chill overnight. Cut into 12 slices and serve.

[Hack]

An ice cream substitute that works for me.

A cup or so of fat-free, organic vanilla yogurt with a handful of frozen organic berries. I don't thaw the berries first. But I'm weird like that.

I'm back to no sugar. Have been for a week, with just one fail this weekend. Have my annual physical at the end of the month and I am worried about what my labs will look like. Fall was pretty rough on me. :/

[Lynn]

My wife and I had a lot of success on Weight Watchers last year, but we got off track when they changed the program. After losing close to 30 lbs., I think I've gained back all but five. We both feel lousy and uncomfortable, when a year ago, we felt so proud of ourselves. We decided to go back again, even with the changes, which are healthier, but don't reflect the way we enjoy eating. In other words...less ability to work in the carbs.

I've enjoyed reading all the ideas and recipes, and really appreciate the open attitude toward a variety of approaches. I can't wait to get started. We're joining on the 13th (next payday), but starting to incorporate some changes now.

[starryeyes]

My wife and I had a lot of success on Weight Watchers last year, but we got off track when they changed the program. After losing close to 30 lbs., I think I've gained back all but five. We both feel lousy and uncomfortable, when a year ago, we felt so proud of ourselves. We decided to go back again, even with the changes, which are healthier, but don't reflect the way we enjoy eating. In other words...less ability to work in the carbs.

I've enjoyed reading all the ideas and recipes, and really appreciate the open attitude toward a variety of approaches. I can't wait to get started. We're joining on the 13th (next payday), but starting to incorporate some changes now.

I totally agree... I lost 62 lbs on Momentum and was 15 lbs away from Lifetime. Then, we got Points Plus, and the weight started coming back. I gained 20 lbs back. I just recommitted to the new Points Plus 2012... so we will see how it goes. I wish we had the option to stay with Momentum. I can't remember the point values and such. A friend of mine told me to continue counting fruit in your daily values, regardless of the 0 point option. I might try that.

Good luck, and keep us updated on your progress!!

Smiles

[sylvie]

Morning Healthies ♥

Jo, thank you for the challenge yesterday!
i completed it, i only drink water , but often forget to bring water with me when i go out walking or exercising.. AND i forget to drink, drink, drink through the evening.. i pushed myself on both counts yesterday, & will continue to!

Yesterday i worked all day, i couldn't blend my breaks.. SO, during each half hour break i had, i took the stairs (3 floors)..i coasted up the stairs & back down twice, 3rd time was more of a challenge.. 5th time i was ready to gnaw my arm off LOL. But, doing that a few times a day kept me feeling like i was being active..

Today is my day off.. GYM day, i need to get back into the Gym.. So, i wrote it in my calendar to keep myself accountable... i have a habit of making excuses when it comes to going to the Gym.

Also, Tonya & Gemme have inspired me - about belly dancing.. How exciting! There is a place which is right next door to my work that offers classes for 10 dollars a class, so i called yesterday & will find out today which days i can go..A girl i work with is coming with me (maybe 2) which will make it fun, but even if they back out, i am pushing myself.. i need something fun & different to add to my routine, this would be exactly that.. So thank you girls!

Today is weigh in day - i've an appointment with my Dietician this afternoon, we start an Intuitive Eating program.. That's where i weigh in.. i'm hoping for 5 more lbs lost at least.. *crossing fingers*

[*Anya*]

Great looking recipes Starry! Though they are healthy, I would never be able to make either the cheesecake or the cookies.

My trigger is sweets in any form that looks like, smells like or tastes like cookies, pies, cakes, candy, ice cream, etc.

Remember that old commercial: "Bet you can't eat just one?"

My response? Why no, I really just can't eat just one! I have to totally keep my house and body free of any of it, period.

For me, it is a partly physical reaction to sugar and a very big psychological reaction that triggers cravings of the damned, if I even eat just one.

Good eating day yesterday, have not weighed yet but just seeing those recipes started me thinking about sweets. Have to turn off my brain now & reprogram!

Have a great, healthy eating day everyone!
(f)

[Hack]

I am having issues getting to the gym. I don't enjoy it this time of year with all the "resolutionists" there clogging up the place. Yet, I need to be accountable and go. I know others have mentioned this issue. Can we put our heads together and think of a way to support each other?

Jake

PS....no offense to the resolutionists who have just joined this thread! I totally support you!

[starryeyes]

Anya,

I totally agree. I can't make that stuff and leave it around my house, either. The only time I do make it is for parties (no one knows the difference) and holidays. Other than that, I avoid at all costs. I will post healthier options!

:-D

[*Anya*]

Anya,

I totally agree. I can't make that stuff and leave it around my house, either. The only time I do make it is for parties (no one knows the difference) and holidays. Other than that, I avoid at all costs. I will post healthier options!

:-D

I bought fortune cookies as my contribution to my daughter's Christmas day homemade Chinese food. It was delivered 2 days before Christmas.

The box was sitting on my counter. I started to obssess about them, which is what I do. I knew I should have had them delivered to my daughter's instead but sometimes I kid myself that something will not be a problem for me.

I finally had to rip open the box. I could not stop thinking about them- I had gotten them dipped in dark chocolate. Told myself, "Just one", knowing full-well if I ate it, I would eat 10 (maybe more). Luckily, they were individually wrapped in cellophane or I would have been doomed.

At 10:30PM, I put it back in the box, resealed it and went outside and put it in the trunk of my car, where it stayed until Christmas.

Yeah, that is me. This is my truth.

[princessbelle]

The start of Day 4. I feel great, so does Bully. Kick boxing work out yesterday left us both somewhat sore but it's a good sore.

I'm down exactly 4 pounds since Monday. Bully is down 5.6 since Monday.

We are on a roll and this is really way easier than i thought it would be. We've not done a huge change, just little things so it's easier to keep going i think.

Today's menu at the Bully Belle Villa is: Special K bar for breakfast, boiled egg and salad for lunch and dinner is baked chicken, green beans and 1/2 of a sweet potato. With a snack between lunch and dinner and one around 8pm. Now that i'm eating a snack around 8 and making sure it has some carbs in it, my blood sugars in the morning are stabilizing finally.

I get really excited when i wake up in the mornings running to get on the scales. It is such a wonderful motivator. I know it will slow down after a week or so, but, even when i get down to just shrinking ounces, i'll still be happy.

We both totally met yesterday's challenge and drank extra water. What's today's challenge???????

Keep up that motivation and rock on healthy peeps!!!!!!!

[BullDog]

I know it is still early, but things are going well. :D I do feel the changes we have made to our eating habits are sustainable. I like the food we are eating and we eat when we are hungry. It feels like adding fuel to keep my body going and my metabolism up instead of just adding on more weight or just eating to feed a craving or feeling deprived. We are both carb lovers so that is the main thing we have to watch, but we are still eating some.

As far as exercising I am quite sedentary since I work at my desk all day and haven't been as active with sports and other things for quite a while. It's been baby steps on the exercise and I know I will need to intensify my workouts later on but that's ok. We are having fun and moving and that's what is important right now.

Thanks for the challenge Jo. I drank 4 bottles of water- 16.4 ounces each- yesterday!

[PinkieLee]

Look at all this motivation up in here! Good morning y'all... let's tackle this day head on!

CONGRATS Belle & Bully on the continued weight loss! Y'all are doing so good, staying motivated & moving your bodies. They (I don't know exactly who THEY are) say that once you do something for 20 days, it become routine. Y'all are well on your way!

Yesterday for dinner, I had a piece of grilled fish with broccoli, carrots & califlower. I also sliced up a couple of cucumbers & tomatoes that I will be nibbling on for the next couple of days.

Breakfast this morning was a wheat bagel thin, with reduced fat strawberry cream cheese and a banana. I'm savoring my cup of coffee with a splash of creamer right now. I did however switch to the 1/2 caf coffee... so we shall see. It tastes the same to me! Lunch is gonna be a can of soup (Kroger's had Progresso soups on sale for $1.33 each, so I loaded up), a few unsalted saltine crackers & a piece of fruit. I have to work the 2nd job tonight, so I packed one of those grow up lunchables (ham & swiss on a deli thin, 100 calorie snack and pudding).

Water... some days I love it & crave it, others days I could care less. I do know that my bones & joints feel so much better when I drink it. You think I would take that as a sign ;)

[PinkieLee]

I am having issues getting to the gym. I don't enjoy it this time of year with all the "resolutionists" there clogging up the place. Yet, I need to be accountable and go. I know others have mentioned this issue. Can we put our heads together and think of a way to support each other?

Jake

PS....no offense to the resolutionists who have just joined this thread! I totally support you!

Hey Jake, I totally here you on the gym thing right now! You are right... it's gonna be FULL. Maybe try going at off times (especially if your gym is open super early or super late). I know better than to go right after work, because those damn people are hoggin my favorite machines ;)

[starryeyes]

I am having issues getting to the gym. I don't enjoy it this time of year with all the "resolutionists" there clogging up the place. Yet, I need to be accountable and go. I know others have mentioned this issue. Can we put our heads together and think of a way to support each other?

Jake

PS....no offense to the resolutionists who have just joined this thread! I totally support you!

Yes! We can join myfitnesspal and look at everyones progress and support eachother. Or we can make a Facebook page dedicated to us. I am on a sign language interpreters on weight watchers Facebook page it's really active and we have all become close. It's neat!

[PinkieLee]

Morning Healthies ♥

Jo, thank you for the challenge yesterday!
i completed it, i only drink water , but often forget to bring water with me when i go out walking or exercising.. AND i forget to drink, drink, drink through the evening.. i pushed myself on both counts yesterday, & will continue to!

Yesterday i worked all day, i couldn't blend my breaks.. SO, during each half hour break i had, i took the stairs (3 floors)..i coasted up the stairs & back down twice, 3rd time was more of a challenge.. 5th time i was ready to gnaw my arm off LOL. But, doing that a few times a day kept me feeling like i was being active..

Today is my day off.. GYM day, i need to get back into the Gym.. So, i wrote it in my calendar to keep myself accountable... i have a habit of making excuses when it comes to going to the Gym.

Also, Tonya & Gemme have inspired me - about belly dancing.. How exciting! There is a place which is right next door to my work that offers classes for 10 dollars a class, so i called yesterday & will find out today which days i can go..A girl i work with is coming with me (maybe 2) which will make it fun, but even if they back out, i am pushing myself.. i need something fun & different to add to my routine, this would be exactly that.. So thank you girls!

Today is weigh in day - i've an appointment with my Dietician this afternoon, we start an Intuitive Eating program.. That's where i weigh in.. i'm hoping for 5 more lbs lost at least.. *crossing fingers*

((((((sylvie))))))) without a doubt in my mind, I bet you are gonna have a loss today! WOOOHOOOO for finding a belly dancing class too... even better that you have some friends that want to try it out with you! $10 a class, that's what mine offers, too!

[starryeyes]

I bought fortune cookies as my contribution to my daughter's Christmas day homemade Chinese food. It was delivered 2 days before Christmas.

The box was sitting on my counter. I started to obssess about them, which is what I do. I knew I should have had them delivered to my daughter's instead but sometimes I kid myself that something will not be a problem for me.

I finally had to rip open the box. I could not stop thinking about them- I had gotten them dipped in dark chocolate. Told myself, "Just one", knowing full-well if I ate it, I would eat 10 (maybe more). Luckily, they were individually wrapped in cellophane or I would have been doomed.

At 10:30PM, I put it back in the box, resealed it and went outside and put it in the trunk of my car, where it stayed until Christmas.

Yeah, that is me. This is my truth.

Good for you! I used to pour salt on anything that I wanted to take more than 2 bites of. Lol... I'm gonna start doing that again.

Smiles

[Medusa]

Thursday check in:


Stayed under my points yesterday but didnt work out. I ended up cleaning up the kitchen and cooking dinner and by the time I was done, was exhausted. I have noticed that I am sleeping much better since starting back on my plan and am finding myself WANTING to sleep! (wheras before I never wanted to go to bed before 2am knowing that I had to be up at 6am)

Breakfast this morning was a smoothie and a morning snack of sugar free chocolate pudding (hormonal so I needed me some chocolate!)

Lunch is a lean cuisine and some carrot sticks with fat free ranch.

I've been downing my water all day!

Tonight we are doing 6-inch subway sanwiches. I have a coupon for buy one get one free and I will do the grilled chicken with lettuce, peppers, onion, and mustard!

[sylvie]

omg omg omg omg OMG...
Soooo had to come in with my exciting news!

First of all, i went girl shopping today, and bought some pretties, new bras (one is cheetah print) how CUTE.. And new pants and new shirt and new workout gear......ok ok but that's not what was exciting.. Back in June of 2011 i was a size 26 pants... When i was in Oregon, i was 24... Today?? i am a size 20 !!!!!!!!!!

my shirt went from a 4x in June to a size 1x OR x-large depending on the style of the shirt.. AND...

i weighed in today, 11 more lbs lost since last weigh in almost 4 weeks ago...
for a grand total of................ 82 lbs lost!!

82 frigging lbs... i reached my 75 lb milestone & passed it even, i'm SOOOO happy... next milestone will be 100 lbs lost! So aiming for 10 more lbs in the next 4-5 weeks !!

<-------- bouncing girl!

[sylvie]

Yes! We can join myfitnesspal and look at everyones progress and support eachother. Or we can make a Facebook page dedicated to us. I am on a sign language interpreters on weight watchers Facebook page it's really active and we have all become close. It's neat!

i love this idea, specially facebook if everyone is there..
SparkPeople is also an option, whatever everyone does i'm so there!

[foxyshaman]

omg omg omg omg OMG...
Soooo had to come in with my exciting news!

First of all, i went girl shopping today, and bought some pretties, new bras (one is cheetah print) how CUTE.. And new pants and new shirt and new workout gear......ok ok but that's not what was exciting.. Back in June of 2011 i was a size 26 pants... When i was in Oregon, i was 24... Today?? i am a size 20 !!!!!!!!!!

my shirt went from a 4x in June to a size 1x OR x-large depending on the style of the shirt.. AND...

i weighed in today, 11 more lbs lost since last weigh in almost 4 weeks ago...
for a grand total of................ 82 lbs lost!!

82 frigging lbs... i reached my 75 lb milestone & passed it even, i'm SOOOO happy... next milestone will be 100 lbs lost! So aiming for 10 more lbs in the next 4-5 weeks !!

<-------- bouncing girl!

I have been waiting all day to hear your good news!! I am so happy for you. :happyjump:My :stillheart: is happy and I am grinning from ear to ear!! And proud of you. Sylvie you inspire me. :bowdown::clap:

[sylvie]

I am having issues getting to the gym. I don't enjoy it this time of year with all the "resolutionists" there clogging up the place. Yet, I need to be accountable and go. I know others have mentioned this issue. Can we put our heads together and think of a way to support each other?

Jake

PS....no offense to the resolutionists who have just joined this thread! I totally support you!

Jake, i find it difficult too.. Being accountable is one of the hardest things for me, it's why i put it all out there, i feel like i 'have' to live up to what i've told everyone (though that doesn't work for everyone)..

i like the idea of all supporting each other someplace, along with this thread.. Putting my mind to work to think as well, i do like the suggestions so far..

And once again, am so grateful for all of you here, with motivation, encouragement, support.. We're always thinking together in coming up with ways to lend support..Am i a broken record? Who cares! LOL

How fabulous are WE? :)

[starryeyes]

omg omg omg omg OMG...
Soooo had to come in with my exciting news!

First of all, i went girl shopping today, and bought some pretties, new bras (one is cheetah print) how CUTE.. And new pants and new shirt and new workout gear......ok ok but that's not what was exciting.. Back in June of 2011 i was a size 26 pants... When i was in Oregon, i was 24... Today?? i am a size 20 !!!!!!!!!!

my shirt went from a 4x in June to a size 1x OR x-large depending on the style of the shirt.. AND...

i weighed in today, 11 more lbs lost since last weigh in almost 4 weeks ago...
for a grand total of................ 82 lbs lost!!

82 frigging lbs... i reached my 75 lb milestone & passed it even, i'm SOOOO happy... next milestone will be 100 lbs lost! So aiming for 10 more lbs in the next 4-5 weeks !!

<-------- bouncing girl!

AMAZING!!! You are an inspiration!!! You Go Girl and you will get there in no time!! <3

Huggggssss!!!! Yyayyayaay!

[starryeyes]

i love this idea, specially facebook if everyone is there..
SparkPeople is also an option, whatever everyone does i'm so there!

I am game for whatever too!! Let's do this :-D

[Rockinonahigh]

One of my biggest probs with weight loss is im a habitual nibbler,a grazer in the first degree.I often just need something in my hands and my eveil little mind kept buisey.Today I had a couple of poached eggs and one slice of whole wheat sugar free bread with just a touch o butter on it,I broke up the toast and put it in with my poached eggs...that along with way to much coffee was fine for breakfast.I got to doing some things in the kitchen and caught my self with a handful of unsalted peanuts eating them one at the time..they have only 5 carbs pr 10 so im not worried about that,just that its been oave a year since I quit the smokies and i need amy hands buisey...ahhh desisions are endless.

[turasultana]

getting it together for the new year.

back to counting points this week ... monday will be the first weigh in since before the holidays so who knows!

Everyone is on a bellydancing roll - my class starts on Wed nite. 12 week beginner class. I've done it before but its been awhile so beginner's mind. She's my fave teacher who stopped teaching for a couple years and is back so I was going to take whatever class she offered.

Next tuesday a work friend wants to go to kickboxing at our company gym, if that's good I'll do that each week as well. And other work friend said she'll take the bellydance class too if I take spinning, so there's another class I've somehow committed to. :)

i need to get back into my size 12s by summer dammit.

[Cowboi]

Todays workout was back and biceps...DONE.
Cardio...DONE

[PinkieLee]

omg omg omg omg OMG...
Soooo had to come in with my exciting news!

First of all, i went girl shopping today, and bought some pretties, new bras (one is cheetah print) how CUTE.. And new pants and new shirt and new workout gear......ok ok but that's not what was exciting.. Back in June of 2011 i was a size 26 pants... When i was in Oregon, i was 24... Today?? i am a size 20 !!!!!!!!!!

my shirt went from a 4x in June to a size 1x OR x-large depending on the style of the shirt.. AND...

i weighed in today, 11 more lbs lost since last weigh in almost 4 weeks ago...
for a grand total of................ 82 lbs lost!!

82 frigging lbs... i reached my 75 lb milestone & passed it even, i'm SOOOO happy... next milestone will be 100 lbs lost! So aiming for 10 more lbs in the next 4-5 weeks !!

<-------- bouncing girl!


Happy boucing girl... you have every right to be SUPER proud of yourself!!!! We are so so happy for your and your progress.... it's been a pure joy to watch your journey unfold! You keep up the amazing work honey.... the sky is the limit for you!!

82 pounds gone forever... WOW!

[princessbelle]

You are ALL such wonderful motivators!!!!!!! Thanks again for this thread and the warm welcomes!!!

Tomorrow is a challenge for me. I work in homecare and am on the road Fri Sat and Sun. What i usually do for lunch is pull through a Sonic or Wendy's. Now, my plan is to pack a healthy lunch, something i can nibble on all day without feeling deprived. A sandwich on low fat wheat toast and cheeses, grapes, Special K bar....that sort of thing. Wish me luck!!! There are fast food places everywhere!!!!!

signed,

belle the shrinking woman

[sylvie]

Indeed Belle, it's difficult to break habits..
i pre-plan all my meals for next day the night before, (whether i am working or not) . i will cook it all up and pack it and then if i have the food with me, i am almost always successful at behaving, because i have the food there available for me.. Pack some extra fresh fruit that you can open and pick at, (grapes work best for me).. Because sometimes i want something extra or *different* from what i planned, and having something extra helps me not to get in the "well i could stop and pick something up* mindframe i seem to get stuck in..

You can do it! We're all so proud of you both!♥

[foxyshaman]

I am having issues getting to the gym. I don't enjoy it this time of year with all the "resolutionists" there clogging up the place. Yet, I need to be accountable and go. I know others have mentioned this issue. Can we put our heads together and think of a way to support each other?

Jake

PS....no offense to the resolutionists who have just joined this thread! I totally support you!

Unrelated to your issue Jake ...but related nonetheless. There are a number of us regulars who cringe waiting for the various waves of resolutions. This year, so far, (searching for wood to knock on) there have been very few new people in the gym. We were wondering last night if it is because the kids are still not in school. So, perhaps in my area, people are waiting for 'routine' before they commit to their own routine. However, I may have just jinxed :| myself cause tonite is Zumba... and it may be PACKED.

Just sharing... nothing more really to contribute.

Ok another thing....

I did a Kundalini yoga :praying: class last night. I have only ever done individual kundalini yoga moves in other classes, this was an entire class dedicated to it. Oh my stars what a hard class.:thud: Reminds me of Aikido yoga. Nothing easy about that. But we got to chant and I went to this class for two reasons:

1. The breath work is quite similar to some of the breathwork used in tantra and I wanted to push myself (why o why do I do that:giggle:);
and
2. I wanted to chant. I did some improv vocalizations, but like what are you gonna do?? A fox can't play by ALL THE RULES!! :blink:

Next Wednesday gay yoga is back on. But I may do one Kundalini a month and the other three wednesdays stick to my gay yoga. I love that class. I get to be a smart ass. Shocking, I know, but I do that a streak of that in me. And yoga classes can be so serious. Until someone :fart: that is :canadian:

[princessbelle]

Indeed Belle, it's difficult to break habits..
i pre-plan all my meals for next day the night before, (whether i am working or not) . i will cook it all up and pack it and then if i have the food with me, i am almost always successful at behaving, because i have the food there available for me.. Pack some extra fresh fruit that you can open and pick at, (grapes work best for me).. Because sometimes i want something extra or *different* from what i planned, and having something extra helps me not to get in the "well i could stop and pick something up* mindframe i seem to get stuck in..

You can do it! We're all so proud of you both!♥

GREAT ideas there Sweety!!!!! I'm gonna pack some snackies (healthy ones) to get through the day. Twelve hours driving around is gonna be rough when i pass those yummy caramel frappes at MickeyDs at every turn!!!!

TY for the encouragement and advice!!!!!

[Gemme]

Congrats, sylvie and others!!!!

Keep me in your minds, ya'll. I won't get a day off until the 20th and that makes working out very difficult, as my days begin around 6:30am and I get home about 12 to 12.5 hours later. A very long day. Over and over again, except Sundays, which are....thankfully....half days.

I got my water intake up yesterday but have struggled today. Not enough water, not being able to spread my meals and snacks out evenly, and being very busy not only doing my job but training someone else to do it too have me on edge already and today was my first day back after a couple of days off.

Whoever's good at that witchy woo woo stuff....send something peaceful my way please. My day starts a little after 5am tomorrow and will be slam packed with the 3 p's. People, problems, and someone who is a palaver.

[starryeyes]

I made yummy pizza tonight that I wanted to share with everyone.

1 piece of whole grain Mediterranean flat bread (trader joes) 3PP
1/4 cup of Prego Heart Healthy Chunky Vegetable Sauce 1PP
2 light string cheeses 3PP
Chopped vegetables of your choice, I used mushrooms. 0PP

Put it together however you like! I peeled the string cheese off in strips, put one layer on the bottom, added mushrooms and then added a layer on the top to hold the veggies. I broiled it for 7 minutes, and the cheese came out nice and crispy!

Some other variations you could use would be with a light english muffin, or sandwich thin. Same PP values.

7PP.. yay!

:-)

[*Anya*]

I lost 3 pounds this week. Generally, I feel lucky to lose 1/2 pound as I lose much more slowly than this.

The lightbulb went off in my head. I had gotten away from eating more protein, which was how I lost 50 pounds in the 1st place and due to my need for increased fiber, was eating more carbs instead.

Protein keeps me full, not hungry and is better all the way around. I have learned more creative ways to include the needed fiber so that I can have the best of both worlds.

Happy Friday all and have a great, healthy weekend.

Hugs,
(f)

[PinkieLee]

You are ALL such wonderful motivators!!!!!!! Thanks again for this thread and the warm welcomes!!!

Tomorrow is a challenge for me. I work in homecare and am on the road Fri Sat and Sun. What i usually do for lunch is pull through a Sonic or Wendy's. Now, my plan is to pack a healthy lunch, something i can nibble on all day without feeling deprived. A sandwich on low fat wheat toast and cheeses, grapes, Special K bar....that sort of thing. Wish me luck!!! There are fast food places everywhere!!!!!

signed,

belle the shrinking woman

Belle, I feel your pain. I work a 2nd job a few days a week, so when I work 13 hours days I know just how you feel. What I normally do, is eat Subway. I'll get a footlong sandwich ~ eat 1/2 for lunch & the other 1/2 for dinner. I always keep apples, grapes & string cheese handy for my snacks.

Like you, I LOVE my iced coffee from McD. I switched to the sugar free iced vanilla coffee and honestly I can't taste the difference. For me, it's only 3 WW points, which is pretty much what any 100 calorie snack is. I save a few more calories if I do a small... but some days I want the medium :)

[foxyshaman]

Unrelated to your issue Jake ...but related nonetheless. There are a number of us regulars who cringe waiting for the various waves of resolutions. This year, so far, (searching for wood to knock on) there have been very few new people in the gym. We were wondering last night if it is because the kids are still not in school. So, perhaps in my area, people are waiting for 'routine' before they commit to their own routine. However, I may have just jinxed :| myself cause tonite is Zumba... and it may be PACKED.



So then, as I am inclined to do, I further dug into this thought. As I stood in my zumba class waiting for it to start, I looked around at all of the new faces. As I was dancing (well sweating buckets may be a better way to say it) I started thinking about the regulars, each gym has them, and we change, regulars change over time too. Then I started to reflect on the fact that every class has new faces, all the time. It is the ever changing face of the gym. I expanded on that thought. The new year resolutioners, or close to swimwear season resolutioners, become a part of the face of the gym; the face of the gym just changes more noticeably. It may not be that everyone is brand new, rather they are a more noticable change in the face of the gym.

So, Jake, thanks for posing the question you did. I took it further than intended, however it did open my mind. And it changed how I saw things. I love it when my held views are questioned and reformed.

Just sharin'

[PinkieLee]

I lost 3 pounds this week. Generally, I feel lucky to lose 1/2 pound as I lose much more slowly than this.

The lightbulb went off in my head. I had gotten away from eating more protein, which was how I lost 50 pounds in the 1st place and due to my need for increased fiber, was eating more carbs instead.

Protein keeps me full, not hungry and is better all the way around. I have learned more creative ways to include the needed fiber so that I can have the best of both worlds.

Happy Friday all and have a great, healthy weekend.

Hugs,
(f)

3 pounds..... ANYA that is GREAT! What a great way to kick your weekend off to a great start! Congratulations! Whatever you are doing is working ~ good for you!!!

[starryeyes]

It's been day 5 for me. I didn't workout yesterday, but I did a lot of house cleaning so that had to count for something. I don't see the scale changing, but I feel less bloated and I am wearing my tight jeans comfortably!

Today, another day on track! I am not sure if I will have time to get my hour walk in today, ugh, but at least I am going dancing on Saturday!

Have a good Friday, all!!

Hugs!

[ruffryder]

Back to work and back to losing lbs..
Drinking more water and UN sweet tea.
I have to say I drink more black coffee than anything.


I need a back and shoulder massage. any ideas how to stop shoulder pain? I've been exercising my arms, moving them around, stretching. Used icy hot the past 2 days per my Co workers advice. That helps the pain for sure. Went to a chiropractor in the past, not sure if it helped or not.

Challenge? 3 words that describe your journey to a healthy you this year. Mine would be Determination, Commitment, Focus

Happy weekend everybody! Ill enjoy my day off tomorrow.

[sylvie]

Hi Healthies!

Today, i worked the morning shift, and then my friend picked me up and went went to the Gym to try out a workout class.. We did one called Newbody.. Cardio program geared for lower body and upper body using weight.. FUN..
i'm more co-ordinated than i thought LOL.. We worked out on the exercise bikes for awhile until class was starting.. What a great workout though - she's a runner and has to do a training program of walking/jogging/weights etc until her marathon and asked me to be her workout buddy, will help keep me accountable on going to the Gym (which ive procrastinated now for about 3-4 months) .. i made a deal with myself, however, that if our workout relationship fades off, i will still keep up with going to the Gym.. i'm aiming for twice a week but 3 times a week would be even better..

So far, i went yesterday & today.. yay! Now i'm home, eating a salad for lunch, some fruit too (grapes) and going to do some things i need to, before going back to work at 4..

~~~~~~
Angel, my 3 words i've been pondering since i read it on DC the other day..i wasn't sure then.. Now i will say Strength, Determination, Tools ..

[JustJo]

Challenge? 3 words that describe your journey to a healthy you this year.

Love this ruff....thank you! :)

Mine would be Move, De-Stress, and Enjoy. :rrose:

[starryeyes]

My challenge words: Determined, Sexy and Hot!

[PinkieLee]

GREAT challenge idea Ruff!

My would be.... Motivated, Inspired & Determined!

[Medusa]

Great success, peeps! Love reading about everyone's success - very motivating!

Challenge? 3 words that describe your journey to a healthy you this year.

Insular - Even though I often share my process here and look for input, this feels like a very insular process to me. It's a "getting back to the marrow" feeling where it's just me and my body.

Steady - I'll take a baseline of medium!

Energetic! - I believe I believe I believe!

[foxyshaman]

I need a back and shoulder massage. any ideas how to stop shoulder pain? I've been exercising my arms, moving them around, stretching. Used icy hot the past 2 days per my Co workers advice. That helps the pain for sure. Went to a chiropractor in the past, not sure if it helped or not.

Challenge? 3 words that describe your journey to a healthy you this year. Mine would be Determination, Commitment, Focus



Ruff,

Regarding shoulder pain, not know specifically where you hurt. However, stretching your arms while standing in a doorway really helps to loosen them. Lean forward while your hands are above your head in the doorway. The other thing I do is use a tennis ball, sit against a wall, or on your couch, place the ball where-ever in your shoulder you hurt, and move the ball around the knot. It hurts, but does work. The other exercise I find useful is using resistance bands. Place your hands behind your back, holding both ends of the band, and try to lift your hands up and over your head. Stop where you feel the most discomfort and hang out there for awhile. If you have someone in your life who can help you with the next one... lay face down on a hard surface. Let someone put their fingers on the biggest part of the knot. They have to press HARD. You raise your arm out to the side and do small circles five times....slowly. Next, hands still on the knot, put your arm out like you are flying superman, lift your arm up and down...slowly, five times. It will help to release the knots. Chiropractors do help, but like any other healer, you have to find a good one. I use my pendulum to find healers. That has never failed me.

This may not fit into your lifestyle, but if you can take a rejuvination or restorative yoga class they are designed to slowly work the knots out of your back and shoulders (and hips) using slow moves and props. Also taking a yin yoga class may also be of assistance. Yoga is not for everyone, so I only mention this as an aside.

My three words:

Healing - my weight is a result of internal struggles, the food is the symptom for me

Understanding my internal process and making use my of shortcomings; learning how to identify the "immediate gratification voice" and how to quiet the voice so Reason may step in and be back in control

Compassion - loving myself enough to see this through till the end, derailing accepted and not self criticized (saboteur will not win)

[-Red-Flag-]

Hi from the newb !
First off I'd like to thank someone for being my rock and support and being so understanding and encouraging... Yeah Punkin aka Starryeyes, I'm talking about you. :)

So here I am, I've started weight watchers .. And I'm determined to get there and reach my goal...

So heres to the future !!

Thank you again punkin I <3 you.

[starryeyes]

Hi from the newb !
First off I'd like to thank someone for being my rock and support and being so understanding and encouraging... Yeah Punkin aka Starryeyes, I'm talking about you. :)

So here I am, I've started weight watchers .. And I'm determined to get there and reach my goal...

So heres to the future !!

Thank you again punkin I <3 you.

You can do it! We are going to do it together. Locked and loaded with our WW tracker and Bar Code scanner!

:-D

[*Anya*]

1. Insight: understanding the "whys" of my desire to eat.

2. Recognize: the difference between physical hunger and the psychological need to self-soothe.

3. Acceptance: of self, that I will never be perfect and that I have human frailties and that a slip does not define me as a failure.

[clay]

you are so fabulous and I appluad each and every one of you..when you hit a "blip on the radar" don't see that as a "fail" BUT as a reminder we all are human, after all..and we will have "blips"...a BLIP does not a failure make..
With that said, I have lost 39 lbs....in last 2 months...dang tough way to lose BUT I feel so much better. My appetite waxes & wanes, and I eat several smaller portions instead of one huge meal. My best, and most tolerable are grits, eggs, and bacon..I know NOT exactly a diet BUT it works for me..smiles...
Keep on all you gorgeous people..you are all a success.....hugs..Clay

[Tommi]

Great success, peeps! Love reading about everyone's success - very motivating!

Challenge? 3 words that describe your journey to a healthy you this year.

Insular - Even though I often share my process here and look for input, this feels like a very insular process to me. It's a "getting back to the marrow" feeling where it's just me and my body.

Steady - I'll take a baseline of medium!

Energetic! - I believe I believe I believe!

3 words..Hmm, I'll return with mine, soon as my Birthday cupcakes wear off/are gone. Ughhhhhh

[Cowboi]

Happy Friday peeps!!!! I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend planned.
Shoulders, calves, Abs, and cardio....DONE!!!

Good Job Y'all!!!!

[princessbelle]

Afternoon all of you beautiful healthy peeps!!!!!

I MADE it past three Sonics, two Wendys and scores of other fast food places. I just ate my sandwich, grapes, carrots and cheese and drank my water. I am so proud!!!!!!!

I get so excited coming to this thread daily and reading about success, problems with solutions, questions and personal, very personal stories each of you share. I am so happy to be in this thread and so very proud of everyone!!!!!!

My three words this year are:

Realist....I now see what i really see and not what i thought i saw. Ya know? I know i need to loose weight. I've done it before i can do it again. My system works for me. I know it does, i've done it. So, i'm now a realist...seeing what is truly needed and doing what needs to be done.

Driven....I'm somewhat an over achiever in things i put my mind too, i was in school, i am at work..my body, however, not so much. I'm going to use the "over achiever" that is engrained in my brain and use it to help me for a much needed change.

Positive!!!! I am a positive person, especially with other people. It is time i was positive about me, personally, and being the best i can be. My life couldn't be better right now, i am very much in love, my job is wonderful, my family is healthy. I turn 50 this year. All the more reason to be positive about myself, my body and my everything.

I have lost, at this point, 8.3% of my goal weight-loss for June 1, on week one. I know it will slow down after the initial couple of weeks but, I am on my way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :cheer:

[Kelt]

Hey Healthies!

My three words will be;

1. Moderation - In everything, leveling out the peaks and dips both.

2. Tracking - You all knew I would have that. Tracking changes either way makes it a lot easier to know why and correct on the fly.

3. Understanding - Why I do what I do. This will likely be the toughest challenge for me.

:theisland:

[lillith]

Good evening, everyone! It has been a while since I have been here. I am excited to see that everyone is doing so good! I think the last time I posted I was at 240 or so. I am happy to come back a few months later to say that I am at 210.

My 3:

Peaceful - When life is peaceful, I am more likely to take of my body.

Food - Being mindful of what I eat, and to no over-indulge, and to allow myself the little sweets and bad things when I want them.

Progress - This does not always mean that I cannot allow myself room to take a small step backwards, but when I do, I will allow myself the room to forgive me and keep moving forward.

Hope everyone has a good weekend.

[Zimmeh]

Good Morning Ruff,

Try taking an Aleve. When my back starts to hurt from sitting so long at work, this helps. I am sorry to hear that you are in pain and I have massage oil available if you would like a massage.

My three words that best describe me?

Self acceptance-If I cannot love myself for who I am, than I will never lose that 30lbs.

Persistence-I will lose my last 30lbs...I will do my daily walks again even after working until 7am

Happiness-What better way to loose weight than to giggle everyday? To limit the amount of time negative people can enter my bubble-this includes family!

Get to feeling better,

Zimmeh


Back to work and back to losing lbs..
Drinking more water and UN sweet tea.
I have to say I drink more black coffee than anything.


I need a back and shoulder massage. any ideas how to stop shoulder pain? I've been exercising my arms, moving them around, stretching. Used icy hot the past 2 days per my Co workers advice. That helps the pain for sure. Went to a chiropractor in the past, not sure if it helped or not.

Challenge? 3 words that describe your journey to a healthy you this year. Mine would be Determination, Commitment, Focus

Happy weekend everybody! Ill enjoy my day off tomorrow.

[Zimmeh]

Good Morning Sylvie,

I have noticed that when I don't plan out my meals to, I normally hit *unhealthy* places. My boss at L'Occitane loves to bring cookies and other junk food in and I am slowly not allowing myself to have it. Since I don't have a place at work to put my food, I try to pack a sandwich or bring leftovers that don't need refrigeration. My dinner for yesterday was: potato casserole with green beans and spicy corn with a sprinkle of Pepper Jack cheese and blueberry Chobani yogurt. I am treating coffee like a treat for myself and I am still not drinking as much as I did before last November...This helps with bloating and feeling yucky..

Good Luck and have a wonderful day!

Zimmeh


Indeed Belle, it's difficult to break habits..
i pre-plan all my meals for next day the night before, (whether i am working or not) . i will cook it all up and pack it and then if i have the food with me, i am almost always successful at behaving, because i have the food there available for me.. Pack some extra fresh fruit that you can open and pick at, (grapes work best for me).. Because sometimes i want something extra or *different* from what i planned, and having something extra helps me not to get in the "well i could stop and pick something up* mindframe i seem to get stuck in..

You can do it! We're all so proud of you both!♥