Healthy Weight Loss

[Zimmeh]

Good Morning Everyone,

I bought two new pairs of shoes for work from Skechers. I bough a girl's size 5 Skechers Shape Ups for $12.50. They have their buy one get one 50% off sale and I couldn't pass it up. My goal is to start walking everyone morning, unless I am working at the mall, then I will go walk the mall. I will continue to drink more water to caffeine based beverages and drink plenty of soymilk as well. I will also be limiting how much meat I consume, I am finding that meat hurts my stomach and causes me to bloat up.

Good luck and congrats to everyone who has lost weight! 2012 is going to be our year of SUCCESS...Who has the Aretha Franklin CD's? We need some Respect up in here..

Zimmeh

[JustJo]

Good morning healthies :)

Weigh in today...down only 1/2 a pound, but still moving in the right direction.

It's becoming clear that I really need to incorporate more exercise and....since I don't love that...one of my 3 words was Move. I'm resolving to start walking more, going to the beach more, getting on my Mobia more....and, yes, I'm going to join a gym and go. It's crazy not to since it's free for me, and my company will even give me incentives to go.

I'm 6 pounds from my first really big goal....and 31 from where I would be very comfortable being. I'm probably 55 from where the doctor would like me, but hey....I'm the one I need to make happy, right? :)

In other good news, I went to the opthamologist who specializes in diabetic patients yesterday....who told me my eyes look great. No glaucoma, no cataracts, no inflammation from the diabetes, and no new aneuryisms (sp?). The one spot of damage I do have is holding steady...and, once again, he reiterated that the best thing I can do to keep my eyesight is to control my blood sugars.

So....eating right helps preserve my vision too...and will make it possible for me to watch my son grow up....and enjoy those walks on the beach for a long time to come. :rrose:

[Zimmeh]

Congrats!!!! You can do it and we need to schedule a day when all of us in Florida can get together and have fun!


Hugs,

Zimmeh

Good morning healthies :)

Weigh in today...down only 1/2 a pound, but still moving in the right direction.

It's becoming clear that I really need to incorporate more exercise and....since I don't love that...one of my 3 words was Move. I'm resolving to start walking more, going to the beach more, getting on my Mobia more....and, yes, I'm going to join a gym and go. It's crazy not to since it's free for me, and my company will even give me incentives to go.

I'm 6 pounds from my first really big goal....and 31 from where I would be very comfortable being. I'm probably 55 from where the doctor would like me, but hey....I'm the one I need to make happy, right? :)

In other good news, I went to the opthamologist who specializes in diabetic patients yesterday....who told me my eyes look great. No glaucoma, no cataracts, no inflammation from the diabetes, and no new aneuryisms (sp?). The one spot of damage I do have is holding steady...and, once again, he reiterated that the best thing I can do to keep my eyesight is to control my blood sugars.

So....eating right helps preserve my vision too...and will make it possible for me to watch my son grow up....and enjoy those walks on the beach for a long time to come. :rrose:

[girl_dee]

"Eating right for your blood type"

Has anyone given this any thought. I find the concept to be an interesting one since our blood regulates enzymes etc. in our system.


http://fitnessanddefense.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/blood-type-diet-chart.jpg

I have the book here which I am about to read. But this chart is the basic concept.

[*Anya*]

"Eating right for your blood type"

Has anyone given this any thought. I find the concept to be an interesting one since our blood regulates enzymes etc. in our system.


http://fitnessanddefense.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/blood-type-diet-chart.jpg

I have the book here which I am about to read. But this chart is the basic concept.

As an RN and as one that always looks at proven, legitimate, science, behind any suggested diets, ( learned the hard way for myself) I actually have never heard or seen this one regarding this type of suggested way of eating soley based on blood type. Are there links to any studies for this one? I always appreciate expanding my knowlege

As always, I think it is awesome when we support and and encourage each other in our quest for eating wholesome food, in a healthy, well-balanced diet.

That is why I personally have stuck with this thread since I joined the Planet. Keeping that healthy focus in mind, on a daily basis and supporting each other to do the same.

I have been through years of trying every diet that came across my eyes and I always lost weight but never kept it off until I did it the hard way: decreased my calories to between 1200 to 1500 max per day; keep my fats at a healthy level- use olive oil or canola oil; increase my vegetables and legumes; no sweets other than fruit-in the right amount; ensure I get sufficient protein daily; increase my walking-now up to 30 minutes twice per day, plus 6 flights of stairs 2x per day.

No magic answer for me. One day at a time, one choice at a time.

[shadows papa]

Hello Everyone! Kudos to all for taking their health and well being into their own hands and making the changes to achieve goals!! My three words for this year are easy... 1. HALF 2. IRONMAN 3. TRIATHLON. I have a couple of bike races and several triathlons planned for 2012, culminating with a half Ironman distance event on my 45th birthday in October. If I am going to finish a 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike ride and a 13.1 mile run,the less ass I have to drag along,the better it will be!! Miss Pink is the most supportive partner anyone could ever have. She plans all our meals for the week and makes sure we stay on track. We are using www.loseit.com to track our calories and exercise. It is a great tool and motivator! I am currently at 204 lbs, 21% bodyfat. I want to be at 185 lbs, 15% bodyfat by the end of March. I am currently swimming 3x weekly, running 2x weekly and trying to squeeze in a road bike ride when it is warm enough or a mountain bike ride when it is cold. Our plan is simple; one cheat day a week,then maintaining our eating plan and DRINK WATER! Hydration is such a huge factor! I carry a gallon jug in the car during the workday. By day's end it must be consumed! It's amazing how water makes you feel so much better! This is an awesome thread and I hope to post more! Congrats to all hear who are striving for a healthier New Year and New YOU!

[Cowboi]

Good morning!!
Had my brekkie of 4 egg whites with 1 yolk, oats, and black coffee.
Morning supplements are in and im headed to the gym.
Legs today....damn, feels like I just started walking good again after the last one. LoL
Hope everyone has a great day!!! Stay focused!!

[Random]

"Eating right for your blood type"

Has anyone given this any thought. I find the concept to be an interesting one since our blood regulates enzymes etc. in our system.


http://fitnessanddefense.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/blood-type-diet-chart.jpg

I have the book here which I am about to read. But this chart is the basic concept.


Dee,

I was attracted to this concept as well. I'm type O and the foods that a type O should eat are the foods that are on my plate any way...

But it was debunked as any kind of weight loss tool.

I'm also attracted to the concept of genetic eating.. But truthfully, the concept of eatting haggis and mutton doesn't appeal to me...

[girl_dee]

Dee,

I was attracted to this concept as well. I'm type O and the foods that a type O should eat are the foods that are on my plate any way...

But it was debunked as any kind of weight loss tool.

I'm also attracted to the concept of genetic eating.. But truthfully, the concept of eatting haggis and mutton doesn't appeal to me...

What I found interesting about the Blood Type Diet is that most of the suggested foods are what I like anyway, just coincidence? Maybe, maybe not.

It's not rocket science this weight loss thing and we spend millions of dollars each year trying to conquer it.

I kinda believe that if we stay away from anything processed, we are ahead of the game.

[girl_dee]

Anya,

Like I said I haven't read the book yet so was looking for input. I just find the concept interesting at this point.

I recently found out that my migraine meds can block weight loss efforts, now that I know that I am somewhat relieved, struggling to get this 10 pounds to move from me. I am also being more pro active in preventing the migraines so I don't need to take a pill every time I have one.

[ruffryder]

Happy weekend everybody!

Foxyshaman, thank you, thank you, thank you for the tips.

Dee, I would be type O and I love protein, meat and seafood so that works for me. Not so sure I agree with the salt however. I wouldn't mind trying this and especially avoiding the foods mentioned. I know when i've lost weight in the past I ate shrimp, fish, chicken and lean beef and also fresh fruits and fresh vegetables. Cut out sodium, sugar, breads and pastas and it worked for me also limiting my calories to about 1200 a day.

[ruffryder]

So my TV is on workout infomercials.lol paying little attention since i'm on bfp, however i'm wondering has anyone ever ordered any of these and liked them or they worked? Awhile back I was tempted to try the p90x or insanity . In the past when it first came out I got Chuck Norris' total body and also some videos of taebo and abs and some resistance bands.I feel I got my moneys worth and used them. Right now zumba is on and before that was insanity. I wouldn't mind trying the intense cardio workouts on insanity. My exercise usually consists of walking and running outside preferably and running stairs and then working abs and doing pushups and at the gym I work my arms. I think some cardio would be good!

[Random]

What I found interesting about the Blood Type Diet is that most of the suggested foods are what I like anyway, just coincidence? Maybe, maybe not.

It's not rocket science this weight loss thing and we spend millions of dollars each year trying to conquer it.

I kinda believe that if we stay away from anything processed, we are ahead of the game.

I totaly agree with you...

Processed = poision.. period...

I've tried to install a policy where unless you make it from scratch, it doesn't come in the house...

It doesn't always work, cause I'm a lazy cook and the girl eats totaly different than I do...

But I keep striving for it... cause really... if you sort of want brownies and you have to make them completly from scratch... not a box.. you might not go to all the trouble if you actually have to make the choc syrup...

[Rockinonahigh]

"Eating right for your blood type"

Has anyone given this any thought. I find the concept to be an interesting one since our blood regulates enzymes etc. in our system.


http://fitnessanddefense.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/blood-type-diet-chart.jpg

I have the book here which I am about to read. But this chart is the basic concept.



Dee
This is very intresting cause the things I should like and things not to like are spot on with the list,I never thought of blood type for the kinds of foods we should eat but it seems something to check out..let me know what u find out from the book
Rockin

[JustJo]

In the spirit of Move....we are just back from the beach...3500 steps barefoot in the sand according to my pedometer (well..3497 actually :) )...plus some sunshine and fresh air.

The mini-doxie is already asleep...and we've been home about 3 minutes. :cheesy: That's a lot of walking when your legs are 3 inches long!

[girl_dee]

I totaly agree with you...

Processed = poision.. period...

I've tried to install a policy where unless you make it from scratch, it doesn't come in the house...

It doesn't always work, cause I'm a lazy cook and the girl eats totaly different than I do...

But I keep striving for it... cause really... if you sort of want brownies and you have to make them completly from scratch... not a box.. you might not go to all the trouble if you actually have to make the choc syrup...

I've been a huge believer in the GOD diet! If God (or whomever you believe in) made it, its ok, if it's made by man (processed) ... it's not ok!

[princessbelle]

Afternoon!!!!! I had a pretty great day. Had cheese and grapes and Special K bar for lunch and soup beans with low fat crackers for dinner.

I've leveled off the last couple of days. Not lost anymore but haven't gained either. Working 12 hour days i just don't have the time or energy to work out. So, i've decided on the weekends, which i work, if i stay the same and not gain, it is a winner!!!!

As far as the blood types and enzymes. I don't get it. Blood carries enzymes which are just proteins and these actually come from our organs, like the liver and the heart. To my knowledge and believe me i could be wrong without researching it, has nothing to do with the blood type. The blood types are from antibodies and antigens.

I'm a type A and i love and crave meat. I have to force myself to eat vegies, there is one in every crowd huh. lol.

Well, seeing the glass half full, which i ALWAYS try to do....Let us know what you find out. Makes no sense to me but hey, i learn something every day!!!!!!

Have a wonderful Saturday Evening all!!!!!!!

[Gemme]

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.

Foxy had some really good suggestions about your shoulder. I know when it hurts, you just want it to STOP. I regularly (about 6-8 times a year) pull the same darn muscle and it's in the middle of my back, so I can't get to it. Having someone Icy Hot it does really help stop or dull the pain but it doesn't remedy the problem. Choose a chiro carefully, but I like going to them and have had good experiences with one after I was in a car accident and reversed the curvature of my neck. Trust me, you do NOT want to do that.

Let's see......3 words.....

Patience~ I need to learn it for all facets of my life, but especially towards myself. I'm a very harsh judge and I judge myself far worse than anyone else. I need to be kinder to myself.

Consistency~ No matter what I do, I need to do it regularly.

Motivation~ I need to work on finding new ways to make myself excited about working out and getting healthier, because some days when I'm crabby and snarky, I just don't care.

"Eating right for your blood type"

Has anyone given this any thought. I find the concept to be an interesting one since our blood regulates enzymes etc. in our system.


http://fitnessanddefense.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/blood-type-diet-chart.jpg

I have the book here which I am about to read. But this chart is the basic concept.

I'm okay with the not eating brussels sprouts and cauliflower but they've got to be off their rocker to think I'm giving up legumes and beans.

As an RN and as one that always looks at proven, legitimate, science, behind any suggested diets, ( learned the hard way for myself) I actually have never heard or seen this one regarding this type of suggested way of eating soley based on blood type. Are there links to any studies for this one? I always appreciate expanding my knowlege

As always, I think it is awesome when we support and and encourage each other in our quest for eating wholesome food, in a healthy, well-balanced diet.

That is why I personally have stuck with this thread since I joined the Planet. Keeping that healthy focus in mind, on a daily basis and supporting each other to do the same.

I have been through years of trying every diet that came across my eyes and I always lost weight but never kept it off until I did it the hard way: decreased my calories to between 1200 to 1500 max per day; keep my fats at a healthy level- use olive oil or canola oil; increase my vegetables and legumes; no sweets other than fruit-in the right amount; ensure I get sufficient protein daily; increase my walking-now up to 30 minutes twice per day, plus 6 flights of stairs 2x per day.

No magic answer for me. One day at a time, one choice at a time.

Anya, the book came out years ago. I remember that the cover is/was...as it may have a new one with new printings...shiny metallic and red. Red and metallic = blood. They actually make sense with that connection.

However, I don't think it was found to be any more helpful or hurtful than any of the other fad diets out there.

[Rockinonahigh]

Tomorrow im going to work out,not shure if I should or not but im tired of feeling blah with no energy no to mention my joints feel like they are on fire.As I have begain to get over the e-coli infection ive been dealing with I just seem to lose a lot of enery along with my joints starting to feel crapy..even the muscels in my fore arms hurt,my neck is still stiff but the doc says its not related to the infection(I checked with the ER doc I saw when I got sick).In April I will change to medicare insted of being on medicaid,I dont know if it will be so much diffrent but I hear there are going to be some changes that will allow me to chose my own doc insted of what I have to use now,I shure hope so cause I know I would be in better health if I had a better doc.Im not saying all medicaid docs are bad but I havent had any luck with the ones I have had,either thst dont have the know how or the ablity to do the job or care.Any way tomorow im going to give a light work out a go and see how I feel.I am eating healthfully and my numbers are normal for me.

[Zimmeh]

Good Morning Everyone,

Day one of my going power walking after work! I am done at 7am and should be hitting the sidewalk around 8am. I will be going for 30 minutes and then go home to rest; since I've been awake for almost 24 hours.

Tonight for my lunch break, I walked around and then took a ten minute nap.

Have a great day :)

Zimmeh

[NorCalStud]

I read it 15 years ago and it was lifechanging. I suffered Ibs three times weekly. B types are allergic to chicken rice and corn. Arg. Ouch agony. Only time I have a problem is with these foods that are on the bad list. Rice is nuetral but hurts me bad. One thing I took from the forward is that they regard the diet and info as being 67% accurate because of mixed blood. It also explains cheese is very important to me -b types are nomadic people and herders...and that must be why I have a B type dog...love my bordercollie. Have a healthy day everyone!

[girl_dee]

wow lots of great chat about this Blood Type Diet.


I am not for or against it, just at this point it does make sense to me.

So far I've read that the author is a 2nd generation naturopathic doctor whose father noticed that some of his patients thrived on certain diets, while others did not, and they were eating the same food. What was the difference? They believe it was blood type.

Another thing I found interesting is the orgins of our bloods. THey believe 0 to be the oldest blood type known. A evolved around the time we became gatherers and more domesticated. B came about when the races migrated to Europe in colder climate. AB evolved with the intermingling of the groups.

Again I am not saying this is the truth but I find the concept very interesting.

Dogs for example have all the same blood type. Humans do not, maybe there is something to this. It may be why I for example can thrive on Vegetarian diet and others cannot.

So far that is what I've read. I think they are saying hey, eat whatever you want, but if you are going to eat fruit, why not eat fruit that your body is designed to produce the right amount of enzymes for?

Anyway that is how far I am in this book. THanks for all the input I think I am interested in avoiding the foods they suggest and see how I feel!

[sylvie]

my blood type is AB RH Neg, lol...Not sure what that means, but i'm just joining in the conversation, heh.

Good Morning Healthies ♥
This morning i worked 7-10 and on my way home i walked the long way (30 mins) and will walk back that way at 130 so there's an hour of brisk walking right there.. It's a tad slippery out so i hop out on the road and dodge traffic a little (well not really, it's a back road so no traffic really lol..)

This last week, i have so many amazing changes that i am really grooving since the 82 lbs lost.. i must say though, the best part of all of this is my change in attitude.. i feel like a brand new person, inside & out - already.. and i've still some way to go..

April 2011 something snapped in me to want to lose weight & help myself, i felt horribly... But after this New Year 2012, i felt that "snap" again.. It was like everything changed again, i feel stronger, more tolerant to certain things, less tolerant to negative things and just taking such care of me overall, when i didn't ever feel that was possible ..i feel SO amazing within, i can't even describe..

8 months to reshape my life as much as i have - and i know this is a continual journey of growth, so i'm so excited to find out what's around the corner for me for 2012.. At 233 i still have a ways to go, but i know i 'can' do this, there will be bumps in my road and that's okay..

It just feels so DAMN good to be here, living this, sharing this with all of you as you are all working your journey too... Feels tremendous to know we're all in this together, eh?

♥
Happy Sunday all! xox

[sylvie]

I've leveled off the last couple of days. Not lost anymore but haven't gained either. Working 12 hour days i just don't have the time or energy to work out. So, i've decided on the weekends, which i work, if i stay the same and not gain, it is a winner!!!!



Absolutely!!! Maintaining our weight is equally worth celebrating .. During Christmas holidays, i didnt get the chance to exercise as much because of all of my work hours, but i stayed true to my healthy eating, & knew i was at least maintaining my weight and that in itself felt like such a win for me, even if i wasn't losing at that time..

You got this - ((((huggggs))))

[Sparkle]

I'm not sure what I think about the blood type diet. I am very in favour (in general) of homeopathic and naturopathic remedies and practices. BUT...I think how our bodies absorb and metabolize food is more complex than our blood type, similarly I think how our bodies respond to exercise is also more complex.

My nutritionist does a genetic test that analyzes specific genomes to determine factors that impact weight gain/loss.
/snip/ below from her website

The test isn't covered by my insurance and costs over $100 - so I've not done it. I'm somewhat skeptical BUT I think it is an interesting concept and there have been a number of clinical trials.

"The Weight Management Gene Test:
The weight management genetic test is clinically shown to help you lose over 2 1/2 times more weight by properly matching diet and exercise to your personal genotypes. Whether you are coming to see us to help you lose weight, or you just want another way to help you maintain your weight, this gene test is a great tool! It enables us to tailor our advice based not only on your personal history, lifestyle, and goals, but on your genetics as well. It is solid proof of the best diet for you."

http://www.pioneervalleynutrition.com/p/frequently-asked-questions-about-our.html

[JustJo]

Hello healthies :)

Personally, I run like hell from anything that even remotely smells of a fad, or a promise of fast or easy weight loss. If it was that easy, we'd all be slim.

Reality is that our relationships with food are complex...and, let's face it, those of us who are heavier than is healthy generally eat too much, or eat foods that we KNOW are bad for us, and/or move too little.

It's not genes, or blood type, or special drinks, or shots, or a magic pill....it's eating our veggies, drinking our water, cutting out the processed crap, and moving our asses.

We all know that....and, as tempting as it is to think there's a magic, easy solution....there isn't. We have to re-wire our brains, change our habits, and do the work.

I applaud all of you who are doing just that. :clap:

[Zimmeh]

(((Sylvie)))

Wow! You are such an inspiration to me! It feels so good to get our lives back and to kick negativity to the curb!!! I am feeling 2012 will be my year for everything! I applied for a new job, have windeful friends and I've embraced my roots as this Southern girl who loves listening to bluegrass music. I'm still in awe over the fact that I have people who support me and who will not *shit* on me. I am thankful for a great friend in Ruff. It's like hy knows when I'm getting stressed out and hy will send me a text that says, "breathe and relax". My ex best friend of 24 years couldn't see when I was becoming stressed out. Letting go of that negative and poisonous friendship was the best thing I could have done and learning to accept, that I'm human and yes I will fall down, but I can pick myself up and hold my head high.

Hugs sweetie and I'm looking forward to seeing you in Little Rock :)

Zimmeh

my blood type is AB RH Neg, lol...Not sure what that means, but i'm just joining in the conversation, heh.

Good Morning Healthies ♥
This morning i worked 7-10 and on my way home i walked the long way (30 mins) and will walk back that way at 130 so there's an hour of brisk walking right there.. It's a tad slippery out so i hop out on the road and dodge traffic a little (well not really, it's a back road so no traffic really lol..)

This last week, i have so many amazing changes that i am really grooving since the 82 lbs lost.. i must say though, the best part of all of this is my change in attitude.. i feel like a brand new person, inside & out - already.. and i've still some way to go..

April 2011 something snapped in me to want to lose weight & help myself, i felt horribly... But after this New Year 2012, i felt that "snap" again.. It was like everything changed again, i feel stronger, more tolerant to certain things, less tolerant to negative things and just taking such care of me overall, when i didn't ever feel that was possible ..i feel SO amazing within, i can't even describe..

8 months to reshape my life as much as i have - and i know this is a continual journey of growth, so i'm so excited to find out what's around the corner for me for 2012.. At 233 i still have a ways to go, but i know i 'can' do this, there will be bumps in my road and that's okay..

It just feels so DAMN good to be here, living this, sharing this with all of you as you are all working your journey too... Feels tremendous to know we're all in this together, eh?

♥
Happy Sunday all! xox

[ruffryder]

good morning, good day, and happy sun day everybody!!

Daily Challenge: incorporate fruit into your day. What is it and How will you do this? :)

I will take an apple with me to work today. Feel free to do this challenge all week if you like. Fresh fruit is yummy!

Zimmeh, you have been a great friend and person in my life also. Rest today and no coffee since you been working round the clock. That's an order! lol.

Have a great day peeps!

[Hack]

Just had to share. Just completed an hour of cardio at the gym, burned 649 calories. The first time in a long time I didn't have to dial down resistance on the elliptical the last 15 minutes. Considering I had two huge hotcakes with blueberries for breakfast this morning (not my usual breakfast thing, but I gave in to a craving) and less than four hours of sleep, I think I did ok. I return Tuesday for weights. *flex* lol

[starryeyes]

Actually went to WW today, like I said I was! I am down 1.3 lbs! I am really surprised that it was not more being that I danced and sweated my bootie off last night, was on track all week and exercised. Oh well... better than a 1.3 gain!!

I also bought some weights, resistance bands, a jump rope and a balance ball this afternoon. I am ready to get toned up!

I am going to a run this evening, and then do some Just Dance on my Wii tonight.

Here's to a good week all!!

OH! P.S- A special someone lost 7 pounds their first week on WW!!! Congrats Red-Flag!!!! (((((hugsss)))))

[Rockinonahigh]

"Eating right for your blood type"

Has anyone given this any thought. I find the concept to be an interesting one since our blood regulates enzymes etc. in our system.


http://fitnessanddefense.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/blood-type-diet-chart.jpg

I have the book here which I am about to read. But this chart is the basic concept.


I checked on some medicel records I have hear at home,my blood type is O neg..Rh pos.I also was chreckring out my daily log of food I have kept over the last summer and fall and most of the foods alowable are fine the beans and such arent to good on my digeative system but I can eat a fue without a prob,the not allowed foods of them the cabbage,brussel sprouts and green leafy veggies as well as corn are the oly one I can eat...And the allowable foods I do well on all of them but kelp cause I never have eaten any of it..as for salt I keep it at a minimum barely caues I retain water if im not carefull with it.If I had to I could do well on a veggitarion diet for the most part,I like meat to much to totaly be without it.This is an intresting concept tho.

[Rockinonahigh]

Today I did work out some,I mostly took my fur kid for a mostly brisk walk through the negihborhood,then I came home and rested a bit cause my knees were hot..Ice is wonderful...then I did sone housework,changed the lennin on all the beds,washed doggie beds and stuffed toys,striped down and sanitised my kitchen( a workout in it self).My prob with my back is sciatica right above where the nerve branches to right or left leg so both are effected to some degree ..meds help some but not enough..I have dr,s appointment on march 3rd at LSU but cant do anything but wait till then cause I have no confidence in the medicaid doc I have at the moment,if it gets to bad I will go to the er if I have to but I somehow manage to get by.

[princessbelle]

Good morning healthies!!!!!!!!

Today is my one week point. I was up and down this week and have weighed in for the week with a 3 pound loss. I am thrilled. My goal is 1.5 pounds per week for my June 1 goal. I have found the days i work, not being able to work out, are the most struggle and was up and down the last three days but today is the real deal. I'll take that 3 pounds and run with it.

It's back to working out today and i've missed it. We have decided to bring in walking with our routine of stretching and kickboxing. This winter has not really been a winter (knock on wood) and it's been in the high 50s and low 60s a lot, so we think we can get in a nice brisk walk on days i don't go off to work.

I'm thinking Bella will enjoy the walking as well. Her pink harness and leash are all ready. We are all excited.

Have a wonderful Monday all and keep saying bye bye to unwanted weight and hello to a great fab you!!!!!

[Admin]

Got to work at 6am for a 6-point breakfast:

http://i618.photobucket.com/albums/tt266/butchfemmeplanet/brekkie-1.jpg


My weigh-in yesterday revealed an overwall weight loss of 5 pounds last week. Super happy with that and feel like I'm back on track.

Also, I think most of you know this already but CanMarie is still on her journey and is a HUGE inspiration for anyone needing a little extra kick in the pants. She now has a blog and youtube channel!

http://mynewdefinition.wordpress.com/

[*Anya*]

Good morning all! Glad to hear everyone back on track. It really is one day at a time and we can always have a "do-over" with our eating and exercising to get back on track!

Yesterday, walked 8-long blocks around my neighborhood with my tunes blasting in my ears. It was significant because I had stopped walking in my 'hood since it so painfully reminded me of the loss of my dogs this past year.

Even though they were little things, we would walk for up to 45-minutes each morning 6-7 days a week. It was their routine and even when I did not want to, they would go to the back door at 5:30 AM each morning and stare at the cupboard where the leashes & collars were kept and would start jumping like pogo sticks, in excitement. How could I say no?

Baby, my Bishon Frise, that I dearly loved, died April 19th and Jani, my cock-a-poo, on August 6th. I did not want to walk the routes, which were everywhere, for blocks at a time, that we used to walk. I believe walking kept them healthy and prevented obesity that little dogs also frequently suffer from.

After they died, I did walk sporadically at my job but not consistently. Hence, a 10-pound gain in about 7- months. I also ate more cereal and oatmeal instead of protein.

Now, I am walking at least 6-days a week and I guess that I reclaimed my neighborhood. I believe that the worst of the grief has passed and I did smile remembering each tree and bush that the cock-a-poo liked to "visit"- she kind of thought she was a boi, not a girl!

I lost another pound this past week and am spending time again cooking from scratch. For breakfast today, already prepped ingredients: torn, fresh spinach and tomatoes to put in egg whites for omlette.

I know this is long but wanted to share this because all of us have painful things happen in our life that can derail us but nothing is permanent. We can just start over on our path again and go forward.
(f)

[BullDog]

My weight loss for the week was very good. I think I did good on my eating and great on drinking water (I having been drinking 64 oz a day). I need to do better on exercising and did slack off over the weekend when Belle was at work.

So this week I need to keep up on eating healthy and drinking my water and step it up with exercising!

Happy healthy Monday everyone!

[sylvie]

GOOD morning everyone ♥

LOVE the progress and great news up in here, congratulations all !!
This morning i worked 7-10 and then immediately left for an hour long walk around the lake, i can't get enough of the beautiful scenery...Just got home, and am about to make myself lunch , and get some things done around here..

i also work the evening shift - and once i am off at 7pm, i am heading to the Gym for another workout with a friend of mine..

Daily Challenge: incorporate fruit into your day. What is it and How will you do this?
i got this one down! i eat quite a bit of fresh fruit each day, heh.. i have fruit with breakfast, for morning snack, sometimes at lunch (or veggie) & then for my afternoon snack.. Veggies at Supper..

This week i am working hard on my portions... i am measuring everything carefully, and i am eating my meals on a smaller plate.. i'm also being super careful not to graze (one of my fave naughty things to do lol.)

Happy Healthy Monday everyone ♥

[Hack]

Portions are tough. The one I always try to stick to is visualizing meat as the size of a deck of cards. I also try to make sure my plate is half vegetables. I don't eat a lot of carbs, usually. But if I have pasta, it is whole wheat. And I avoid white rice, and always make myself brown rice.

[ruffryder]

Good morning everybody!

Breakfast: raisin bran with oats, fat free Mandarin yogurt, French roast coffee.
Lunch: turkey breast on whole grain with mustard and tomatoes.
Dinner: salad.apple. Un sweet tea.
Water throughout the day.

I'm off work weds and thurs so I'll go for a walk/run both days and exercise.

Let's all have a great week!

[JustJo]

Hi healthies! :)

Love the challenge sylvie...thank you! I have to be careful not to overdo the fruit, but I'm currently on a roll of making sure that I always eat my "apple a day"....at least one. I find apples are wonderfully filling, satisfyingly crunchy...and I know the natural fiber and pectin are good for me too. I keep one in my purse when I'm out and about...and there's a basket of them on the kitchen counter. Makes it easier to have them handy!

Excellent advice Hack....I've been trying to do the half of the plate vegetables too...and have switched to brown rice. Someone (not sure who) had posted about the boil-in-the-bag brown rice, and it's wonderful. I usually did basmati because brown took so long to cook....but with the boil-in-bag type it's just as fast as (and much healthier than) the white rice.

Have a great day everyone!

[sylvie]

Portions are tough. The one I always try to stick to is visualizing meat as the size of a deck of cards. I also try to make sure my plate is half vegetables. I don't eat a lot of carbs, usually. But if I have pasta, it is whole wheat. And I avoid white rice, and always make myself brown rice.

Yes!!
Exact same for me, Jake.. i like the deck of cards idea.. i remember when i first started eating healthy, i would take a nice size portion of meat and count it as 2 oz.. When i got my lil weight scale to weigh the meat, i was very surprised exactly what 2oz of meat REALLY was..LOL i also fill my plate of vegetables or a tossed salad, i use the small plate to measure out everything except the veggies or salad and then transfer to the big plate. (my plate is tiny, tiny).. i am still measuring everything too, the plate is just to teach me the visual idea of portions for a bit.. What my eye sees and what actually "is" , is quite distorted.. i'm learning though!

i always eat whole wheat, i don't eat anything white flour or white sugars..& certainly nothing processed, in fact i've never eaten so clean as i do now, really.. i'm loving it & how i'm feeling as well!! Brown basmati rice is my absolute fave for rice..

i am pleasantly surprised these days of foods i've never tried but that i crave to try.. Last week, was brussel sprouts.. Delicious!

Jo, the challenge was posted by Angel, hehe!! i was just answering it.. ♥

[JustJo]

Jo, the challenge was posted by Angel, hehe!! i was just answering it.. ♥

Oops! My bad! Thanks Angel! :)

[starryeyes]

Portions are tough. The one I always try to stick to is visualizing meat as the size of a deck of cards. I also try to make sure my plate is half vegetables. I don't eat a lot of carbs, usually. But if I have pasta, it is whole wheat. And I avoid white rice, and always make myself brown rice.

I have a food scale and I measure out everything. I stick to around 4-6oz of protien a meal. Weighing your food might help control your portion sizes.

Smiles!

[Medusa]

I wanted to share one of my favorite quick tips for cheese lovers:


If you LOVE cheese like I do then you know that cheese often packs a lot of fat and calories along with its calcium. I have found that the little Laughing Cow cheese wedges are a GREAT alternative for chedder and higher fat cheeses!

For example, one of my favorite mid-morning snacks is 5 reduced fat Triscuits and a wedge of Laughing Cow garlic and herb cheese. It's only 3 points on WW and is NUMMY!

You can also use the wedges as a cheesy spread on sandwiches, wraps, and even thrown into pasta to make it cheesy!

[starryeyes]

I wanted to share one of my favorite quick tips for cheese lovers:


If you LOVE cheese like I do then you know that cheese often packs a lot of fat and calories along with its calcium. I have found that the little Laughing Cow cheese wedges are a GREAT alternative for chedder and higher fat cheeses!

For example, one of my favorite mid-morning snacks is 5 reduced fat Triscuits and a wedge of Laughing Cow garlic and herb cheese. It's only 3 points on WW and is NUMMY!

You can also use the wedges as a cheesy spread on sandwiches, wraps, and even thrown into pasta to make it cheesy!

I used to use them as sandwich spreads instead of mayo. Yummy! :-D I forgot about those. Thanks!!

[starryeyes]

Breakfast: 6PP

6oz Fage non-fat greek yogurt
1TBS peanut butter
10g honey
1/2tbs cinnamon

and water!!

:-D

[Zimmeh]

Good Afternoon Ruff,

Thank you and I did have half of a cup of coffee yesterday and still went to bed early :)

You are a great person and I am thankful for your friendship. Have fun at work today!

Zimmeh

good morning, good day, and happy sun day everybody!!

Daily Challenge: incorporate fruit into your day. What is it and How will you do this? :)

I will take an apple with me to work today. Feel free to do this challenge all week if you like. Fresh fruit is yummy!

Zimmeh, you have been a great friend and person in my life also. Rest today and no coffee since you been working round the clock. That's an order! lol.

Have a great day peeps!

[Zimmeh]

Good Afternoon everyone,

I went grocery shopping yesterday with my roommate and we normally buy junk food. Instead of buying junk food, we bought Clementines, Greek yogurt and olives. I wore my new Shape Ups to the grocery store and actually loved them. After dinner tonight, I am going to put them on and hit the sidewalk again :) I am going to push myself to lose the rest of my weight!

Have a great day and let's do this!

Zimmeh

[*Anya*]

Study regarding diet, salt, calorie intake and risk of stroke
January 2012 special issue of the Lancet Neurology.

In general, the 2 biggest threats to health and risk of stroke are overeating and excess salt, author Graeme J. Hankey, from Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, writes.

He writes that between 1970 and 2008, the incidence of stroke in high-income countries fell by 42%, probably as a result of increased public awareness about the dangers of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and cigarette smoking.

But in poorer countries, the incidence of stroke increased by more than 100% during this period. This rise coincided with food and lifestyle changes associated with industrialization and urbanization.

In his review, Dr. Hankey examines the evidence linking nutrition and diet to the risk of stroke. He searched PubMed articles published in English from 1970 to October 2011, using a variety of search terms.

Dr. Hankey's review also revealed the following effects of individual foods and beverages on the risk of stroke:

Fish: 3 servings a day associated with a 6% lower risk of stroke
*Fruits and vegetables: >5 servings a day associated with a 26% lower risk of stroke
*Meat: Each daily serving associated with a 24% increased risk of stroke
*Reduced-fat milk: associated with a lower risk of stroke vs full-fat milk
*Chocolate: High consumption associated with a 29% lower risk of stroke
*Coffee: 3 to 4 cups per day associated with a 17% lower risk of stroke
*Tea: ≥3 cups per day associated with a 21% lower risk of stroke
*Sugar-sweetened beverages: high intake associated with increased obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and coronary heart disease
*Whole grains: high intake associated with a 21% lower incidence of cardiovascular events
*Rice: intake not associated with risk of stroke

"In the USA, modest, population-wide reductions in dietary salt of up to 3 g per day…are projected to reduce the annual number of new cases of stroke by 32,000 to 66,000, similar to the benefits of population-wide reductions in tobacco use, obesity, and cholesterol levels," he writes.

The National Stroke Association provides a comprehensive discussion for patients about stroke prevention.

Study Highlights
On the basis of a literature review, the reviewer noted the following findings:

**Although folic acid supplementation does not prevent stroke in populations with high folate intake, deficiency in regions of low folate intake may be a causal and treatable risk factor for stroke.
**Vitamin D deficiency is associated with hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and stroke, but to date, supplementation has not been shown to prevent cardiovascular events. Randomized trials are underway.
**Salt supplementation by 5 g per day is linked to a 23% increase in stroke risk.
Lowering salt consumption by 2 g per day is associated with a 20% decrease in cardiovascular events, and lower salt intake is also linked to blood pressure reduction.
**Calcium supplementation exceeding 0.5 g per day is linked to a 31% increase in the risk for myocardial infarction, does not prevent stroke, and may actually increase stroke risk.
**High intake of plant n-3 polyunsaturated fats is associated with a reduced risk for stroke.
**Marine n-3 polyunsaturated fat supplementation lowers cardiovascular events and death by 8%, but in a randomized trial, it did not reduce stroke risk.
**High intake of carbohydrates with high glycemic index and glycemic load is associated with increased blood glucose levels, body weight, and stroke mortality.
**High fiber intake is linked to lower blood pressure, blood glucose levels, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.
**High protein intake is not associated with stroke risk.
**High intake of an unhealthy diet was linked to an increased risk for stroke and a population-attributable risk for stroke of 19%.
**In women, a prudent diet or Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH)–style diet is associated with a lower risk for stroke, and a Western diet is linked with a higher risk for stroke.
**In women, the Mediterranean diet is associated with lower risks for stroke, cardiovascular disease, cardiovascular mortality, and all-cause mortality.

Lancet Neurology, Volume 11, Issue 1, Pages 66 - 81, January 2012
doi:10.1016/S1474-4422(11)70265-4

[girl_dee]

Regarding portion sizes I can SO relate. When I wanted to follow a Weight Watchers plan I was allowed a baked potato. This was a 3 oz portion. Well after a couple of weeks I got a scale and learned that I was actually eating 3 portions!


I think I remember the rule of thumb;

Thumb = portion of cheese
Palm = portion of meat or fish
Cup = a fist
1/2 cup = half cup

I think that was it.

[starryeyes]

For lunch, I had 4 pieces of Nigiri Salmon, and 4 Pieces of Nigiri Tuna. WW calculates this to 6PP total... I am a little skeptical tho. I guess I have to physically weigh the rice and the fish to figure it out hahah! Maybe I will someday.

:-D
Lisa

[Cowboi]

Ok here's the deal.....Tonight is LSU football. There WILL be BEER, and there WILL be CHICKEN WINGS!!!!!! That is all I have to say about that!!!!!
Hope y'all have a wonderful evening!!! Over and out!

[foxyshaman]

I am not a big fan of rice. When I do cook it I like to add taco seasoning, I use the reduced sodium. When the rice is at the boiling point I pour in my seasoning pack. It tastes good. Cheap and easy spanish rice.

When I am camping I make this rice ahead of time and then use it in my super duper - OH MY- yummy breakfast wrap. I take the rice, add a raw egg, and then green salsa and fry that all up. If I think I will have a light eating day I will add 30 g of soy cheese (3 ww pts) and then it is even more super yummy. I am sure you can add real cheese for those of you who can have that.

I eat fruit every day, whether I like it or not. I have a 1 - 1.5 c of strawberries in my AM protien shake. I used to eat apples every day... but after a few years I became indifferent to them. I buy them occassionally now, but it is a struggle to eat them. I never used to eat bananas because they were so high in WW points. But on the pointsplus system they are free. I regularly eat them between my Wednesday workouts. One ends at 6 and the next one doesn't start until 7:30. And you cannot do yoga on a full tummy. Oh and never ever, did I say never, eat wasabi before yoga... nope don't. Bad idea.

[Medusa]

Just got back from the grocery store and picked up a few things for this week and part of next:

cajun turkey breast (free range!)
very thin wheat bread
romaine lettuce
bananas
sweet potatoes
spicy hot V8
garlic
lemons and limes
broccoli
eggs (free range!)
cabbage
carrots
bok choy
spinach
green and red peppers
onions
celery
greek yogurt

I have some free range chicken that I'll be cooking up this week with a stir fry of cabbage, onion, bok choy, celery, garlic, and carrot with a little sesame oil and the rest, I'll figure out as I go along!

[princessbelle]

Sounds like everyone is having a grand time between the healthy grabs at the store, the talk of rice and the beer and chicken wings!!!!

I made homemade vegetable soup and that was our main meal today. The other two meals were salad and breakfast bar with fruit (yesss we met the challenge, we each had a banana and we don't eat them often). The soup wasn't exactly vegetable soup it was more like Belle soup.

It was:

pinto beans (left overs)
onions
ONE, i repeat ONE potato in the whole soup. I chopped it up little bitty so we at least got some of the potato taste as we ate.
tomato sauce x2
2 cans water
one pound of 97% fat free hamburger
tons of spices to include red hot pepper crushed.
about 1/3 can of corn

I boiled it for about an hour and then let it simmer for three hours.

IT was DA-GONE delicious!!!!!! And bonus...it was so spicy i drank a 16 oz water just with soup!!!! And another bonus, it was so hearty neither of us ate more than a little over half a bowl full.

Oh and third bonus...i heard Bully say the whole time she was eating..."dang honey, this is GOOD"

Party on all!!!!

[Hack]

I've said it before, but I will say it again ...

Steamed edamame is my crack.

[Medusa]

This is what I had today:

Breakfast:
Oatmeal
Banana
V8

Snack:
5 reduced fat Triscuits
wedge of Laughing Cow cheese

Lunch:
Lean Cuisine

Snack:
Carrots
reduced-fat ranch dip

Dinner:
Turkey sandwich on very thin bread with laughing cow wedge and lettuce
sugar free chocolate pudding

What Im snacking on later tonight:
berry smoothie with frozen berries and greek yogurt


TONS of water all day (70 ounces or better)

[Zimmeh]

This is what I had today:

Breakfast: Chobani Greek yogurt, 8oz glass of SoyMilk, and 8oz cup of coffee

Lunch: potato casserole with shredded pepper jack cheese

Snack: Spanish olives, one Triscuit cracker

Dinner: chicken seasoned with Mexican chile powder, Italian seasonings and garlic salt, cooked in EVOO and peas with fresh ground black pepper. Plenty of water and soymilk today :)

Zimmeh

[Medusa]

Zimmeh- I would have never guessed you liked soy milk ;) LOLOLOL!

[starryeyes]

Dinner!

6oz Salmon Filet
Zuchinni
2.5 oz of brown rice

11PP.. I still have 8 points left over.. and I am gonna do my Wii Just Dance. I will probably have peanut butter toast before bed. yum!

:-)

[Medusa]

I just did 15 on the elliptical.

Love,
Jellylegs

[DapperButch]

Breakfast:

Multigrain cheerios, rice milk, blueberries, walnuts

Snack: Almonds

Lunch:

Salad with lots of raw vegetables in it.

Dinner:

Tilapia with crab meat and steamed vegetables.

The above was from Outback. We went there tonight for my stepson's birthday. I am not a fish person, no matter how TF cooks it (and no matter what kind of fish), but this fish at Outback I love. It doesn't taste "fishy". I am trying to like fish, though, as it is the only animal product I eat and it is so good for you.

Oh, and I had two draft beers at dinner (they had Sam Adams seasonal winter...what was I supposed to do, it is only around once a year, ya know!???)

[Zimmeh]

You know it :). Love my soymilk!

Zimmeh

Zimmeh- I would have never guessed you liked soy milk ;) LOLOLOL!

[Zimmeh]

Just got back from my walk and I will say, those Shape Up shoes work! I was able to walk better and at a faster pace :). I am highly recommending them!

I will be having a clementine for a snack :). I also had a banana this morning; two pieces of fruit today!

Zimmeh

[Gemme]

good morning, good day, and happy sun day everybody!!

Daily Challenge: incorporate fruit into your day. What is it and How will you do this? :)

I will take an apple with me to work today. Feel free to do this challenge all week if you like. Fresh fruit is yummy!

Zimmeh, you have been a great friend and person in my life also. Rest today and no coffee since you been working round the clock. That's an order! lol.

Have a great day peeps!

I have at least one banana every day. When I work, I take it with me and eat as a snack and when I'm off, I eat it with breakfast.

I wanted to share one of my favorite quick tips for cheese lovers:


If you LOVE cheese like I do then you know that cheese often packs a lot of fat and calories along with its calcium. I have found that the little Laughing Cow cheese wedges are a GREAT alternative for chedder and higher fat cheeses!

For example, one of my favorite mid-morning snacks is 5 reduced fat Triscuits and a wedge of Laughing Cow garlic and herb cheese. It's only 3 points on WW and is NUMMY!

You can also use the wedges as a cheesy spread on sandwiches, wraps, and even thrown into pasta to make it cheesy!

I :stillheart: the chipotle flavor.

Study regarding diet, salt, calorie intake and risk of stroke
January 2012 special issue of the Lancet Neurology.

In general, the 2 biggest threats to health and risk of stroke are overeating and excess salt, author Graeme J. Hankey, from Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, writes.

He writes that between 1970 and 2008, the incidence of stroke in high-income countries fell by 42%, probably as a result of increased public awareness about the dangers of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and cigarette smoking.

But in poorer countries, the incidence of stroke increased by more than 100% during this period. This rise coincided with food and lifestyle changes associated with industrialization and urbanization.

In his review, Dr. Hankey examines the evidence linking nutrition and diet to the risk of stroke. He searched PubMed articles published in English from 1970 to October 2011, using a variety of search terms.

Dr. Hankey's review also revealed the following effects of individual foods and beverages on the risk of stroke:

Fish: 3 servings a day associated with a 6% lower risk of stroke
*Fruits and vegetables: >5 servings a day associated with a 26% lower risk of stroke
*Meat: Each daily serving associated with a 24% increased risk of stroke
*Reduced-fat milk: associated with a lower risk of stroke vs full-fat milk
*Chocolate: High consumption associated with a 29% lower risk of stroke
*Coffee: 3 to 4 cups per day associated with a 17% lower risk of stroke
*Tea: ≥3 cups per day associated with a 21% lower risk of stroke
*Sugar-sweetened beverages: high intake associated with increased obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and coronary heart disease
*Whole grains: high intake associated with a 21% lower incidence of cardiovascular events
*Rice: intake not associated with risk of stroke

"In the USA, modest, population-wide reductions in dietary salt of up to 3 g per day…are projected to reduce the annual number of new cases of stroke by 32,000 to 66,000, similar to the benefits of population-wide reductions in tobacco use, obesity, and cholesterol levels," he writes.

The National Stroke Association provides a comprehensive discussion for patients about stroke prevention.

Study Highlights
On the basis of a literature review, the reviewer noted the following findings:

**Although folic acid supplementation does not prevent stroke in populations with high folate intake, deficiency in regions of low folate intake may be a causal and treatable risk factor for stroke.
**Vitamin D deficiency is associated with hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and stroke, but to date, supplementation has not been shown to prevent cardiovascular events. Randomized trials are underway.
**Salt supplementation by 5 g per day is linked to a 23% increase in stroke risk.
Lowering salt consumption by 2 g per day is associated with a 20% decrease in cardiovascular events, and lower salt intake is also linked to blood pressure reduction.
**Calcium supplementation exceeding 0.5 g per day is linked to a 31% increase in the risk for myocardial infarction, does not prevent stroke, and may actually increase stroke risk.
**High intake of plant n-3 polyunsaturated fats is associated with a reduced risk for stroke.
**Marine n-3 polyunsaturated fat supplementation lowers cardiovascular events and death by 8%, but in a randomized trial, it did not reduce stroke risk.
**High intake of carbohydrates with high glycemic index and glycemic load is associated with increased blood glucose levels, body weight, and stroke mortality.
**High fiber intake is linked to lower blood pressure, blood glucose levels, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.
**High protein intake is not associated with stroke risk.
**High intake of an unhealthy diet was linked to an increased risk for stroke and a population-attributable risk for stroke of 19%.
**In women, a prudent diet or Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH)–style diet is associated with a lower risk for stroke, and a Western diet is linked with a higher risk for stroke.
**In women, the Mediterranean diet is associated with lower risks for stroke, cardiovascular disease, cardiovascular mortality, and all-cause mortality.

Lancet Neurology, Volume 11, Issue 1, Pages 66 - 81, January 2012
doi:10.1016/S1474-4422(11)70265-4


3 servings of fish a day? Maybe they mean a week.

Breakfast:

Multigrain cheerios, rice milk, blueberries, walnuts

Snack: Almonds

Lunch:

Salad with lots of raw vegetables in it.

Dinner:

Tilapia with crab meat and steamed vegetables.

The above was from Outback. We went there tonight for my stepson's birthday. I am not a fish person, no matter how TF cooks it (and no matter what kind of fish), but this fish at Outback I love. It doesn't taste "fishy". I am trying to like fish, though, as it is the only animal product I eat and it is so good for you.

Oh, and I had two draft beers at dinner (they had Sam Adams seasonal winter...what was I supposed to do, it is only around once a year, ya know!???)

I love tilapia. It's one of the very few fish that don't taste fishy. I totally understand what you mean. I've found that PNW salmon is like that too. But nowhere else have I had it without it being kind of strong. Whitefish is not as fishy too.

HEB has a ginormous bag of individually wrapped tilapia boneless filets. They are fantastic and a good portion size. Super yummy no matter how it's cooked.

[kittygrrl]

May i just interject that while i lovvvvvve this fish most (I hear) of it is farm raised and not very good for your health..kind of the same situation with farmed salmon..it's really sad, why can't they feed these fish a natural diet and raise these beautiful creatures ethically? :(

[Soft*Silver]

for the past month while babying this shoulder and then because of the surgery, I have been eating awful! Just awful! I am not gaining any weight, thanks to the stumach surgery but I am not doing myself any good health wise nutritionally. But I cant prepare nor eat food well now with one hand. However tomorrow my friends are coming over and cooking up a storm for me so i can throw something in the microwave. I bought good food but forgot (silly me) you basically need two hands to use my can opener..lol. so no veggies with my fish sticks...

I am actually hungry for food. Ice cream is nice but its not filling. I had to eat it for the first few days because my throat was so sore from the tubing, I couldnt eat anything else. My sub brought me hersheys choc drops. Oh damn. I love those things and they can melt in your mouth and you dont have to swallow hard!

but now that I am on the easy side of Mend, the menu has to change. I have lots planned for this year now that I am sewn up in several places...lol

my biggest downfall is diet coke. How do I get off this? I crave it and even if I can go a week without one, I end up picking up again...sighing...I bloat then, and can feel my personality alter from it too if I consume too much.

[girl_dee]

for the past month while babying this shoulder and then because of the surgery, I have been eating awful! Just awful! I am not gaining any weight, thanks to the stumach surgery but I am not doing myself any good health wise nutritionally. But I cant prepare nor eat food well now with one hand. However tomorrow my friends are coming over and cooking up a storm for me so i can throw something in the microwave. I bought good food but forgot (silly me) you basically need two hands to use my can opener..lol. so no veggies with my fish sticks...

I am actually hungry for food. Ice cream is nice but its not filling. I had to eat it for the first few days because my throat was so sore from the tubing, I couldnt eat anything else. My sub brought me hersheys choc drops. Oh damn. I love those things and they can melt in your mouth and you dont have to swallow hard!

but now that I am on the easy side of Mend, the menu has to change. I have lots planned for this year now that I am sewn up in several places...lol

my biggest downfall is diet coke. How do I get off this? I crave it and even if I can go a week without one, I end up picking up again...sighing...I bloat then, and can feel my personality alter from it too if I consume too much.


Think of diet coke as POISON that is stripping your bones of calcium (artificial sweetener) and causing your insulin to go haywire which has the opposite effect that we want!



There I hope that helped. :)

[JustJo]

I am sooooo with you on the Diet Coke issue. I used to drink a lot of it, crave it, and use it as a crutch...thinking that it helped me to eat fewer sweets.

In reality, I ate MORE sweets and junk food while I was drinking Diet Coke and using artificial sweeteners. They set up a craving that was unreal.

It was hard to stop using them....but, once I got through the cravings and the headaches, it got easier to resist all the other junk that I shouldn't be eating as well.

Artificial sweeteners are really, really horrible for me. I'm better off eating a little real sugar...which, at least, doesn't set me up for weeks of cravings.

[*Anya*]

It really is fascinating how some things affect us and others do not.

I drink one diet coke a day with my lunch. I do not crave it and it satisfies me. Real sugar for me, turns a switch on in my brain that craves, craves- more sugar.

We all have our triggers we must avoid, don't we?!

Breakfast is my new best friend: spinach, egg white omlette and today, with 2 small slices of avocado and tomatoes. Prep work done-takes about 3 minutes.

Lunch is my homemade Cioppino with shrimp, salmon and cod-yum. Have not decided on dinner yet. Maybe sauté fresh veggies in a little olive oil.

Still walking, still "stairing" twice per day.

Sigh of relief that I have control again.

Have a great, healthy day everyone (f).

[JustJo]

It really is fascinating how some things affect us and others do not.

I drink one diet coke a day with my lunch. I do not crave it and it satisfies me. Real sugar for me, turns a switch on in my brain that craves, craves- more sugar.

We all have our triggers we must avoid, don't we?!


This is so, so true.

I think that's part of what makes this a journey....we all have to figure out the things that work for us as individuals.

Being diagnosed as a diabetic made this so obvious to me. My doctor, who was great, gave me the general guidelines but explained that no two diabetics react exactly the same.....I can drink red wine and it's good for me, others can't touch a sip. Carrots are the same....some diabetics can eat them, some can't. I had to try it, test, try it, test....and figure out through the process of elimination what I could handle and what I couldn't.

I'm glad that the Diet Cokes help you stay on track....and so happy to hear about your successes! :)

[Zimmeh]

Good Morning Everyone,

I am off to have breakfast with a friend this morning and I am going to be good and not order coffee!

Back when I used to drink soda, the cravings for carbs and junk food was unreal, but like Jo said, it got easier to say no! I have been soda free for over five years now, I cannot stand the sight of them. I just don't understand how companies can sell us shit that makes us sick; the same with medicine. I would rather go work my ass off to loose weight than have a celebrity tell me to take some *supplement* that can cause you to have a heart attack.

I am going back to my happy place before breakfast and I am bringing a clementine with me since I have to run errands afterwards.

Hugs and have a great day,

Zimmeh

[Medusa]

I'll echo what Zimmeh said about drinking sodas and it increasing your cravings. Even drinking diet sodas do it for me.

I have cut out ALL carbonated beverages, even diet ones, and have noticed some significant changes. I have read several articles about aspartame poisoning and had several of the symptoms. I stopped drinking diet sodas several months ago with a slip up back in August at Juney's (damn FRESCAS!) and had what I would consider to be "withdrawal" symptoms. Many of which could have been from caffeine: headache, body aches, etc.

I now exclusively drink water, unsweet tea, V8, and the rare Fuze Slenderize.

My skin is happier too!

[sylvie]

i so agree... & that's what makes a thread like this so fabulous, eh? We all share what different things work for us and then we can try new things based on what is shared, and end up building a healthy journey that is tweaked to work for our own selves..

for me, my drink of choice was diet pepsi.. for years.. In fact it's all i drank most days, nothing else.. my last drink of diet pepsi (or any sodapop for that matter) was back in April of 2011.. For me, drinking a bit makes me crave it.. Staying away from it altogether is what works for me, and i don't crave it at all now.. Took me about 3 or 4 weeks of headaches and cravings until i could finally feel some ease without drinking the stuff.. i kept telling myself what it was doing to the insides.. And Diet Pepsi always made me crave MAD cravings for junkfoods and sweets as well, was a vicious circle for me. It all went hand in hand..

Now, i really crave water - it's all i drink mostly.. The odd juice craving i'll have a glass of Crystal light & then right back to water.. i wish i had the control some of you do, i am actually envious of it... But, from the addict/binger point of view (or at least mine anyway) abstinence is what works for me..

i love hearing how you all can make it work too. Keep going with whatever works - our bodies are thanking us for the changes we're making!

♥

[PinkieLee]

Good morning healthy living people! It has been AWESOME to read about all the continued success everyone is having... I am so proud of each & every one of you for all you are doing to make a happier, healthier life!

I'm sorry that I haven't been around much. D's mom has been sick for quite some time, and she has been back in the hospital for about three weeks. We were finally told that her cancer was back, for the 4th time. She was transferred to MD Anderson in Houston, where she is figting every single day. D has been with her 24/7, and I've been doing my best to maintain 2 houses by cleaning, taking care of fur kids, laundry & hospital runs. Any little bit of extra positive thoughts & healing energy you got, her mom sure could use them right now.

New Years Eve, I renewed a promise to myself. I have the ability to live a healthy lifestyle & make smarter food choices, I have the strength to exercise and I have the determination to succeed at anything I put my mind to.

Meals planned for the day:

Breakfast
Special K oats & honey cereal
a banana
and a cup of coffee with a splash of vanilla creamer

Lunch
Tuna salad made olive oil mayo & mustard
fresh fruit

Dinner
Grilled chicken
grilled asparagus
spinach salad with avacado slices, pecans & raspberry vinagerette dressing

Snacks
apples
string cheese
and/or 100 calorie popcorn

[Sparkle]

Fascinating Article

7 Foods You Should Never Eat

/snip

"Food scientists are shedding light on items loaded with toxins and chemicals–and simple swaps for a cleaner diet and supersized health.

Clean eating means choosing fruits, vegetables, and meats that are raised, grown, and sold with minimal processing. Often they’re organic, and rarely (if ever) should they contain additives. But in some cases, the methods of today’s food producers are neither clean nor sustainable. The result is damage to our health, the environment, or both. So we decided to take a fresh look at food through the eyes of the people who spend their lives uncovering what’s safe–or not–to eat. We asked them a simple question: “What foods do you avoid?” Their answers don’t necessarily make up a “banned foods” list. But reaching for the suggested alternatives might bring you better health–and peace of mind."

http://healthfreedoms.org/2011/12/06/7-foods-you-should-never-eat/

1. Endocrinologist: Won't Eat Canned Tomatoes
2. Farmer: Won't Eat Corn-fed Beef
3. Toxicologist: Wont Eat Microwave Popcorn
4. Farm Director: Won't Eat Non-Organic Potatoes
5. Fisheries Expert: Won't Eat Farmed Salmon
6. Cancer Researcher: Won't Drink Milk Produced with Artificial Hormones
7. Organic Foods Expert: Won't Eat Conventional Apples

[starryeyes]

Hi all! Happy Tuesday!!

Breakfast: Not the best choice, but it is what it is.
Grande iced skiny cinnamon dolce latte 3pp and a green triangle
Chicken sausage breakast wrap 7pp

This afternoon I am getting my teeth whitened professionally, yay! And then I am going to Balboa Park and going to walk/run a 5 mile loop. I love this park, I can't wait!

Lunch and dinner are going to be mostly focused on protien!

Last night I did 30 min of my Just Dance Wii game. I really did break a sweat and it was fun! I also was watching the infomercial for Insanity and considering it. My best friend did it a whole program and WOW! Her body was insane! I borrowed one of the CDs and could barely get trough the warm up... Lol!! But, it really is an excellent program and you can modify it to fit what you can do. My cousin is a professional athlete trainer and also uses it for his soccer players like David Beckham!!

I think I'm gonna do it... Why not??

Smiles!! Have a great day all!!

[Zimmeh]

((Tonya)),

I am sending you and D's family my thoughts and prayers.

Hugs,

Zimmeh

Good morning healthy living people! It has been AWESOME to read about all the continued success everyone is having... I am so proud of each & every one of you for all you are doing to make a happier, healthier life!

I'm sorry that I haven't been around much. D's mom has been sick for quite some time, and she has been back in the hospital for about three weeks. We were finally told that her cancer was back, for the 4th time. She was transferred to MD Anderson in Houston, where she is figting every single day. D has been with her 24/7, and I've been doing my best to maintain 2 houses by cleaning, taking care of fur kids, laundry & hospital runs. Any little bit of extra positive thoughts & healing energy you got, her mom sure could use them right now.

New Years Eve, I renewed a promise to myself. I have the ability to live a healthy lifestyle & make smarter food choices, I have the strength to exercise and I have the determination to succeed at anything I put my mind to.

Meals planned for the day:

Breakfast
Special K oats & honey cereal
a banana
and a cup of coffee with a splash of vanilla creamer

Lunch
Tuna salad made olive oil mayo & mustard
fresh fruit

Dinner
Grilled chicken
grilled asparagus
spinach salad with avacado slices, pecans & raspberry vinagerette dressing

Snacks
apples
string cheese
and/or 100 calorie popcorn

[Zimmeh]

I planned and cooked my dinner for tomorrow.

I will be having:

1 one flour tortilla
1/2 cup of black beans
1/2 cup of rice
1 tablespoon of shredded Pepper Jack cheese

Snacks:

About ten olives
Salsa <Medium>
A handful of Triscuits
Two clementines

Breakfast:
Chobani Greek Yogurt
8oz glass of SoyMilk
Coffee - no

Lunch:

Peanut butter on whole wheat and flax seed sandwich round

Zimmeh

[princessbelle]

Evening healthies!!!!!!

Had a busy, busy day. Ate special k bar for breakfast, egg salad (with mustard and no mayo) for lunch and finished off the soup i made yesterday for dinner. Four waters that are 16 oz each.

Tomorrow is our cheat day, well sorta. We are going to a steak house for our mid day meal. We will pass on the bread and actually request not to have it at our table. Steak, salad and a potato with a tiny bit of butter and just salt and pepper.

We are due for a cheat day. We've done good...one day over a week and Bully is down 5 pounds and i'm down 3.

We can live with that as long as we at least loose 1.5 pounds a week, most weeks anyway.

Healing thoughts to Tonya and D and families!!!! (f)

[shadows papa]

Hello healthy folks! It's so good to hear all the success stories, pick up some good info and just be in such a positive thread! My weekly weigh in yesterday wasn't that great. I was up 4 lbs to 208 with 20% bodyfat. I slayed a double cheeseburger meal at Backyard Burgers on Saturday,but that was the extent of my cheat day. Today I re-weighed just to double check and I'm down 4.5 lbs. Then it hit me that I have always given myself a +/- 5 lb variance and don't get too bent out of shape as long as it isn't more or less than that from week to week. That being said, it has been a great week so far! I swam 1.5 miles on Monday and ran 4.25 this morning. I have stayed below my daily allowable calories. If I don't see the changes I want by next week, I'll start playing with my nutrients. Right now I'm at 60% good carbs,30% protein and 10% good fats. I have also cut my water intake to 64 oz a day as opposed to a gallon a day. I had some pretty strong muscle fasciculations in my lats and legs yesterday. That is a sure sign that I am drinking too much plain water and not taking in enough electrolytes and magnesium. Miss Pink continues to plan the most healthy, tasty balanced meals in the world, which makes my life EASY! Here's to an awesome rest of the week! Rock on everyone!

[starryeyes]

Hi All,

I walked/ran 4 miles today, and it was awesome! I was on track all day, and even had a WW cookie sundae with 1 point to spare. It feels good to be back.

Hugs to all

[Medusa]

Plans for today:

Breakfast:
water
spicy hot v8
banana
fiber one bar

Lunch:
chicken and rice with veggies
water
go to bank
go to post office
join gym and meet with trainer

Dinner:
grilled chicken salad
plan meals for the weekend

after dinner:
hit elliptical for 15
treadmill for 15
pack gym bag for tomorrow

[starryeyes]

Hi All! Happy Wednesday!

For breakfast I had

2 eggs with 14g of Mozzerella cheese melted on it 4pp
1 light english muffin 3pp
16g of peanut butter 3pp
16oz of water.

I am working 2 jobs today, off around 3. I am going to pack my walking gear and go hit up a really hard 4.5 mile loop with lots of BIG hills after work! I wish I could bring my dog, but I am still scared to let him in my new car with black interior.. LOL. He is white, fluffy and hair gets into everything and sticks to things permanently!

I bought some tilapia on sale last night.. after the discussion here.. so I am going to cook that up with some veggies for dinner. I also bought some swordfish! I am still on the lookout for shark.. my favorite!

Smiles,
Have a good day all!!

[PinkieLee]

Hey y'all :)

It's a gorgeous day here (crisp & nothing but sunshine), and it has definitely put some spring in my step today.

Meals planned for the day:

Breakfast:
Brown sugar & pecan oatmeal (Active lifestyle brand)
a banana
a cup of coffee with a splash of vanilla creamer

Lunch:
I have a zillion errands to run, so I'm grabbing Subway on my way back to work. Probably ham & turkey sandwich on wheat with lots of veggies!

Snacks:
apple & cheese and/or yogurt

Dinner:
Probably what we had planned for last night. Since D came home for a couple days yesterday, her aunt surprised us and dropped off dinner for us :)

Exercise:
Since the weather is so pretty, we are hitting up the park track for a lil' jogging/walking. I also got my new bellydancing DVD in the mail, so I'm gonna try it out!

[princessbelle]

Howdy all!!!!

That soup i made a couple of days ago is really working well for us as our main meal of the day. Today is grocery store day and i'm gonna get stuff to make it again. Today, i'm down almost 2 pounds from yesterday.

We go out to eat today. I don't want to spoil that so i'll eat light.

Weighing everyday is such a motivator!!!!!

Have an awesome healthy day all!!!!!

[PinkieLee]

Howdy all!!!!

That soup i made a couple of days ago is really working well for us as our main meal of the day. Today is grocery store day and i'm gonna get stuff to make it again. Today, i'm down almost 2 pounds from yesterday.

We go out to eat today. I don't want to spoil that so i'll eat light.

Weighing everyday is such a motivator!!!!!

Have an awesome healthy day all!!!!!



Hey Belle!

If you are eating out, you might wanna try what me & D do. We order one entree (steak and potato) and then just add an extra salad. Portion sizes are usually pretty big, so not only does this save us calories but money, too!

[Medusa]

Is anyone watching "The Biggest Loser" with any regularity?

[princessbelle]

Hey Belle!

If you are eating out, you might wanna try what me & D do. We order one entree (steak and potato) and then just add an extra salad. Portion sizes are usually pretty big, so not only does this save us calories but money, too!



GREAT idea!!!!!!! Thanks Pinkie!!!!!

[PinkieLee]

Is anyone watching "The Biggest Loser" with any regularity?

Girl, I used to be a faithful watcher, but somehow lost interest when they started with all the couple and/or family versions. I think Candace still watches it though...

[Medusa]

Girl, I used to be a faithful watcher, but somehow lost interest when they started with all the couple and/or family versions. I think Candace still watches it though...

Same here - I did watch it last night because I love that new trainer, Dolvett, but am feeling kinda negative around what they did with dividing the age groups last season and have seemed to have done this season.

I like to watch for what exercises they are doing and want me some of those giant floor ropes they have!!

[PinkieLee]

Same here - I did watch it last night because I love that new trainer, Dolvett, but am feeling kinda negative around what they did with dividing the age groups last season and have seemed to have done this season.

I like to watch for what exercises they are doing and want me some of those giant floor ropes they have!!

I used to love to see what kind of exercises they do. That giant rope would be fun & a great workout... but you would have to keep it away from Gracie or she is gonna wanna play ;)

[midwest chick]

Off track a few days, and feeling icky because of it. Skipped hikes because of work schedule changes, and have slipped into lazy mode. I hate when I do that to me!

So, today I'm pushing the 'reset' button

Breakfast
Spinach/pineapple/blueberry smoothie (looks like mud, tastes great)
Spicy V8

Lunch
salad with hummus and vinagrette
raw almonds

Dinner
Soup - Chicken rice and veggie
hope to make enough for a few days
think I'll throw in some cabbage, too


snacks
grapefruit
carrots with peanut butter
celery dipped in mrs dash


working upper body and abs today,
lower body tomorrow,
need to change hike schedule to
Friday and Saturday....
hoping for a minimum of 10 miles this week

[midwest chick]

I used to love to see what kind of exercises they do. That giant rope would be fun & a great workout... but you would have to keep it away from Gracie or she is gonna wanna play ;)

Ok, now I have to watch, just to see what y'all are talking about!

[turasultana]

i always watch the biggest loser. I miss Jillian though!

I tend to watch while eating, which kind of defeats the purpose :)

[Zimmeh]

Good Afternoon Everyone,

I got my exercise in today! The shipment for L'Occitane showed up at 9:45a; I ran up the escalators to the stockroom and had to run down them to open the store by 10a. Needless to say, it felt great :)

Have a great day,

Zimmeh

[foxyshaman]

Is anyone watching "The Biggest Loser" with any regularity?

I don't watch it. It causes me stress to watch people get yelled at. I understand the reasons behind it, but I am way too gentle a person to be yelled at like that. Even when I am at the gym and the instructor raises their voice it sets me on edge.

[Cowboi]

Dang....Today was leg day at the gym. Had to drag myself to the car!!! Gonna hit the shower, as soon as I muster the energy!!
Not sure what Im having for dinner yet.
Looks like evweryone is doing fantastic!!! Keep up the good work!

[shadows papa]

I'm really loving the www.loseit.com app. It makes it so simple to keep up with my food for the day. It scans bar codes on snacks, etc and puts them into a database of foods. It also records exercise and adds the calories burned and adds them to your calorie allowance for the day, then tells you how much over or under you are for the day.

My day:

Pre-Workout snack: Carnation Instant breakfast w/fat free milk
1/2 Clif Peanut Butter Toffee Buzz Bar
Post-Workout snack: 1 scoop whey protein w/amino acid powder
1/2 Clif Bar
Breakfast: Hardee's Double Egg Biscuit

Snack: Hostess 100 calorie snack cake
Jello Fat Free Chocolate Pudding

Lunch: 2 egg salad wraps on whole wheat tortilla

Snack: 1 large banana

Supper: 1 1/2 cup pinto beans
2 cups mashed potatoes
1 1/2 slices turkey meatloaf
8 oz fat free milk

My daily calorie allowance is 1833
I swam 1 hr 50 minutes 1635 cals burned
Gross Cals allowed for day 3468
Calorie Intake 2748
Net Calories 1113
Under Allowance for Day 719


Today was a bit different as we only cheat one day a week. Miss Pink is in the midst of painting our dining room, kitchen and office with the help of one of our best friends. We had Hardee's because she was knee deep in prepping the walls. My Mama supplied our supper because she knew Pinky was too busy to cook. Mama's food is cooked fairly healthy but her portions are a LOT bigger than we normally eat and I'm not about to let good country cookin' go to waste!!

[*Anya*]

Good morning healthies!

Pleased to say my head totally screwed on "straight"-lol, in regards to my eating, that is.

Continuing to lose weight and stay on track.

Breakfast, egg white omlette with fresh spinach & tomatoes and 2 slices of Trader Joes incured turkey bacon (30 cals a slice, 1.5 grams fat, 150 mg.sodium). Delish!

Have a great day(f).

[Zimmeh]

Good Morning Everyone,

I had some dark chocolate lastnight and ended up giving most of my food to my coworker due to not having an appetite.

This is what I will be having today:

Breakfast:
Egg burrito that has:

One egg
Flour tortilla
Pace Medium Salsa - just a dab
Shredded Pepper Jack - Sprinkle
Seasoned with a dash of garlic salt and Mexican Chile Powder
8oz cup of SoyMilk
6oz cup of coffee

Lunch:

Healthy Choice TV Dinner

Dinner:

Black beans and rice

Snacks:

Handful of Triscuit crackers
Medium Salsa
Handful of Olives
Clementine

I got a compliment lastnight from my coworker. She said, you could see how much weight I have lost! I was speechless and thanked her :)

Have a great day,

Zimmeh

[princessbelle]

Good morning!!!!

I LOVE reading all the menus people post on here. It gives me all sorts of ideas.

Yesterday was our cheat day...We didn't do a work out, did drink our water and ate..steak, baked potato, salad, we even went nutz and shared a bloomin onion. But, what i noticed was that this steak house's bloomin onion wasn't greasy like Outbacks is. I'm thinking it may have been baked instead of fried.

The good news is neither of us gained any weight yesterday!!!!! Didn't lose either but after all of that food, i consider us lucky. I'm seeing a cheat day at least once every other week in our futures. HOORAY!!!!!!

It's back to our healthy eating again today. Tonight is either baked chicken or Belle soup. The jury is still out on that one.

Keep up the great work and have a healthy Thursday all!!!!!!!!

[PinkieLee]

Good morning all you healthy folks :)

I see lots of continued success with eating & exercise... that's AWESOME! Way to keep the momentum going!!!

My weigh in was today... lost 2 pounds!

Well, we went out to eat last night, because I just didn't feel like cooking. But, we did good and went to Applebees. They have a list of WW meals and/or meals under 550 calories which is an awesome way to treat yourself to dinner out without going overboard.

I had the sirloin steak with grilled garlic shrimp, with double mixed veggies (no potatoes) so I'm sure I saved a few more calories there, too. Then to cheer her up a bit, we went to the casino for about an hour. It was fun to see her relax a lil' bit & smile.

Meals planned for today:

Breakfast:
Yogurt with strawberries & granola
coffee with a splash of vanilla creamer

Lunch:
a Lean Cuisine meal
sliced cucumber & tomatos

Dinner:
Grabbing a Subway sandwich before I head to the 2nd job.

Snacks:
94% fat free popcorn and/or WW string cheese & an apple

She is leaving to go back to Houston to be with her mom tomorrow, so I have absolutely NO excuse why I can't get my butt to the gym or get some kind of exercise in! I KNOW the only way this weight is gonna come off faster is if I work out. GAME ON!

Make it a great day y'all :)

[starryeyes]

PinkieLee- Wow that's awesome!!

Yesterday went over my points by 2, but I have 12 activities saved and I had not dipped into my weeklies at all... So I'm not too worried.

Today, I was having a bad morning, didn't feel like cooking breakfast so I went to Starbucks for a skinny cinnamon dolce latte and spinach feta wrap (10pp total). But, when I was there I saw my friend Tori who I haven't seen in forever! Sometimes I think things are just meant to be :-)

Now, I am gonna get my butt up and walk! Yesterday I ended up falling asleep in the middle of the day and missed my walk. Not sure why I was so tired.

Lunch, baked fish and vegetables. Dinner, ground turkey vegetables and rice.

I packed an apple and light string cheese for a snack.

I am looking forward to a great day!

Smiles and hugs to all!

[foxyshaman]

I go tomorrow for my first weigh in for the new year. I dead stopped during Christmas. It felt good to stop. But, it was not good for my "OMG have I gained weight" self. I am sure I have lost weight, but more importantly I have changed shape again.

I have been to all of my classes since the 3rd and even thrown in some extra... for fun. Gee do I know how to party or what?? Probably more of the "or what". My clothes are all fitting differently...yeah me.

But... biggest grin like ever... I am getting triceps!!! Ganesha is more than just wiggling/jiggling now. I still have lots of skin left over on those arms, but wwwhoooohhooooo progress. I can even do tricep pushups now and don't lay on the mat thinking "are you f*cking kidding me".

Anyway... PinkieLee 2 more pounds gone forever. That makes this little fox very happy for you. Especially in light of what you and D are working through. You have my admiration.

Have a great day everyone!!

[JustJo]

Hi healthies :)

Two steps for good health today....

Booked my blood draw for Monday....I hate it...I'm phobic...I stress about it...and, being diabetic, I need it. So, I'm getting it done.

Also, went and joined the local Curves. Yep....I did. I decided that part of my hesitation about a gym is that I'm simply not comfortable in the co-ed gym environment without a partner. So....women-only Curves....here I come. Three times a week, on my way home from dropping Rooster at school.

Can I get a Woot Woot? :cheesy:

[foxyshaman]

Hi healthies :)

Two steps for good health today....

Booked my blood draw for Monday....I hate it...I'm phobic...I stress about it...and, being diabetic, I need it. So, I'm getting it done.

Also, went and joined the local Curves. Yep....I did. I decided that part of my hesitation about a gym is that I'm simply not comfortable in the co-ed gym environment without a partner. So....women-only Curves....here I come. Three times a week, on my way home from dropping Rooster at school.

Can I get a Woot Woot? :cheesy:


:hangloose:WOOT WOOT:canadian:

[*Anya*]

I did not have time for an omlette this am, so I tried something different.

I am eating far less carbs and increasing my protein but wanted my favorite hot cereal this am. I took a bowl of Trader Joes organic multigrain cereal, with 4 grams of protein (190 cals, 1.5 gm fat) and as it cooked, stirred in the equivalent of one egg white for more protein.

I couldn't taste the egg white, it made it extra fluffy and it was very good.

I did forget to weigh before I ate and have been weighing daily but have not had any missteps this week.

Hope everyone else is doing well on your own path!
(f)

[Zimmeh]

Woohoo Pinkee!!!!

Keep it up girlie!! :)

Zimmeh

Good morning all you healthy folks :)

I see lots of continued success with eating & exercise... that's AWESOME! Way to keep the momentum going!!!

My weigh in was today... lost 2 pounds!

Well, we went out to eat last night, because I just didn't feel like cooking. But, we did good and went to Applebees. They have a list of WW meals and/or meals under 550 calories which is an awesome way to treat yourself to dinner out without going overboard.

I had the sirloin steak with grilled garlic shrimp, with double mixed veggies (no potatoes) so I'm sure I saved a few more calories there, too. Then to cheer her up a bit, we went to the casino for about an hour. It was fun to see her relax a lil' bit & smile.

Meals planned for today:

Breakfast:
Yogurt with strawberries & granola
coffee with a splash of vanilla creamer

Lunch:
a Lean Cuisine meal
sliced cucumber & tomatos

Dinner:
Grabbing a Subway sandwich before I head to the 2nd job.

Snacks:
94% fat free popcorn and/or WW string cheese & an apple

She is leaving to go back to Houston to be with her mom tomorrow, so I have absolutely NO excuse why I can't get my butt to the gym or get some kind of exercise in! I KNOW the only way this weight is gonna come off faster is if I work out. GAME ON!

Make it a great day y'all :)

[Zimmeh]

Woohoo!

Zimmeh

Hi healthies :)

Two steps for good health today....

Booked my blood draw for Monday....I hate it...I'm phobic...I stress about it...and, being diabetic, I need it. So, I'm getting it done.

Also, went and joined the local Curves. Yep....I did. I decided that part of my hesitation about a gym is that I'm simply not comfortable in the co-ed gym environment without a partner. So....women-only Curves....here I come. Three times a week, on my way home from dropping Rooster at school.

Can I get a Woot Woot? :cheesy:

[PinkieLee]

Good morning y'all :)

I tell you, it sure does start my day off right when I get to come in here and see all the continued success & healthy living y'all are doing! Motivation & inspiration... that' what y'all are!

WOOOT WOOOT Jo for joining Curves! I've had friends that have done that program and really enjoyed it! GOOD LUCK and I know you are gonna rock it!

foxyshaman and your triceps... you go! Seeing results has always been some of the best motivation for me! I am so happy for you and your continued success on your journey!

Meals planned for the day....

Breakfast:
a wheat bagel thin with reduced fat strawberry cream cheese
a banana
I'm on my first cup of coffee right now, but I might have to drink 2 because it's freakin' FREEZING in Texas today!

Lunch date with my mom today:
We are going to McCalisters Deli which has LOTS of low calorie options. I will probably go with a cup of soup and side salad.
Unsweet iced tea

Dinner:
Turkey sausage cut up in chunks
and served with steamed veggies (probably broccoli, califlower & carrots)

Snacks packed:
apple, orange & string cheese

D leaves today to head back to Houston to be with her mom at the hospital. So, I'll be hitting up the gym after work! Gotta get my fitness on :)

Y'all have a great day!

[Zimmeh]

Good Afternoon Everyone,

Congrats Pinkee on your weight loss and keep it up girlie!

I was so good today! I went out to pick up a few things to make chili today and saw that Publix has their chocolate chip cookies on sale. I walked up to the table and looked at them, and then walked away. I found the Kind bars and picked up five of those :)

My meals for today:

Breakfast:

Chobani Greek yogurt
8oz glass of soymilk
6oz cup of coffee

Lunch:

Homemade chili

Dinner:

Chili

Snacks:

Kind bar
Clementine
Sargento low fat string cheese

Have a great day,

Zimmeh

[Rockinonahigh]

For breakfast I had hot oatmeal w/splenda and a splash of low fat milk and a small slice of chedar cheese..then french market coffee.

[turasultana]

belly dance class started last night - haven't done it in ages and I feel it!

Debating going back to Karate as well, but maybe I should wait until Belly dance doesn't hurt me, cause karate may kill me! :)

[Medusa]

EEEEK!

I had several discoveries this week that made me rethink some of the stuff I love to eat.

Some of the Lean Cuisines that I eat are 7 points each. I get a LOT of points a day but I was thinking there might be better ways to spend the 7 points.
Also discovered that my favorite break has 6 points for 2 slices! :|
This week on my turkey sandwich, instead of having my usual bread I traded it out for an Orowheat sandwhich thin. It was just as good and only 3 points! So I saved the other 3 points and will use them for something more yummy this weekend :)

Unfortunately, one of my favorite salad dressings had to go too. I finally got a nutrition listing from the restaurant that makes those amazing salads that they sell at my job and discovered that the little cup of dressing they give us has TEN points. That is more than I eat in an entire dinner sometimes!

Buh-bye house ranch! Hello sundried tomato balsamic for only 3 points for the same amount! WEEEE.

Elliptical 3 times this week. Feeling good!

[starryeyes]

Dang Starbucks got me again with the Feta wrap! It's only 7pp but I hate that it has cheese on it. Oh well :-)

I had been feeling sick the past few days so I didn't walk again, but today I am for sure. My doggie and I are gonna do a kick ass 3 mile loop up a mountain. Haha. Last time we did this, he got a tick.. Ugh. So gotta watch for that.

Lunch will be either a pizza or fish and veggies.

Dinner... Turkey, veggies and rice.

Keep on going everyone! We got this *high five*

Love!!!

[Rockinonahigh]

For lunce I had a slice of chedar cheese with wheat thins,a tomato sliced then a dash of light sea salt and pepper with a splash of red wine vinnager,some greek olives along with a hard boiles egg.
Dinner will be turkey gumbo made light,I bought the cook book John Folse made that shows how to fix cajun foiods with less oil,fats and salts..smells good so I gess its gonna be ok.I have some wild rice to put with it..I only use a very little and dont have any bread or not much anyway...sofar so good.
Mysanck will mostlikely be crunch veggies with local lofat home made dip.

[JustJo]

Hey healthies :)

Had my first morning at Curves...and I'm really happy about it. The ladies are very friendly and welcoming...the workout is good...and the location is uber convenient so I can hit it between dropping Rooster at school and heading back home to work without being late.

I was sweating by the end...and got my heart rate into the target range by the time I was halfway around the first circuit. That means I get some resistance, about 30 minutes of cardio....and we end it all with about 10 minutes of stretching.

It's a good amount for me...and I feel very comfortable in the all women, mostly 40+ environment too. :cheer:

[starryeyes]

Hey healthies :)

Had my first morning at Curves...and I'm really happy about it. The ladies are very friendly and welcoming...the workout is good...and the location is uber convenient so I can hit it between dropping Rooster at school and heading back home to work without being late.

I was sweating by the end...and got my heart rate into the target range by the time I was halfway around the first circuit. That means I get some resistance, about 30 minutes of cardio....and we end it all with about 10 minutes of stretching.

It's a good amount for me...and I feel very comfortable in the all women, mostly 40+ environment too. :cheer:

Awesome! I am so glad you like it. I did Curves like 5 years ago... and I actually fractured my ankle there.. lmao. (not quite sure how, still) I did like it before that time tho! I wish you continued success!! You go!!

:-D
Lisa

[canmarielan]

Hey everyone! I am so proud of all of you!!! My goodness, but this is hard work, isn't it?? I'm so thankful to be inspired by all of you!

Thanks to PinkieLee for keeping y'all updated on my progress as usually I am busyyyyy at the gym and keeping up with my personal pages so I don't have time to post. But, I do read this thread page by page on a weekly basis. You guys keep me going. I hope that you all realize what an inspiration you are!!


So, I wanted to come on and share some of my recent stuff here. I hope y'all don't mind. I know that some of you aren't my facebook friends, yet. (Wish you should be!) Here are some links!!!

I started a facebook page for my weight loss journey. I have entitled the journey "My New Definition" I'm really trying to redefine my life and help others realize they don't have to buy into the negativity.

Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/My-New-Definition/265872713475209

I also started a blog to help get my ideas out there into the world, hoping to spread positivity and inspiration!!

Blog: http://mynewdefinition.wordpress.com

Lastly I also started a You Tube Channel. I think that some of you have seen the video I posted on here last time, but I just uploaded a video of me leg pressing 460lbs!!! That's insane, right?

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/mynewdefinition

[Medusa]

YAAAAY! I had to run in here when I saw that Candace had posted!

Amazing inspiration, you are! I am going to rewatch all your vids this weekend to remotivate! I thought of you when I was on the elliptical this week. Kinda a "What Would Candace Do?" kinda thing.

If y'all see me sporting a WWCD bracelet, you'll know what it's about ;)

[Corkey]

Got my 4 month shot that lasts 2.5 months, so there's a treadmill with my name on it tomorrow. Is too tired and cold to think about it tonight.

[Rockinonahigh]

Im following my food plan and being as active as possable ,but my arthritis is locking me up pretty bad lately,im takeing everything the doc gives me but im not much better..today was way to cold to even take a walk..maybe tomorrow will be better.I feel like the tin man,someone please find my oil can so I can oil my squeeky joints.

[princessbelle]

Holding steady the last 3 days, haven't lost an ounce, which is irritating. But, still down 1.8 since Monday so that's ok. My goal is 1.5 per week.

I know i need to work out more. These exercise tapes are good but i don't feel like i'm getting enough.

I know me though, and if i join a gym, i'm so afraid i won't go. I certainly applaud those of you that get out there and get to the gym. ....Although, it would be a good excuse to buy some new exercise clothes.

This summer won't be a problem, i can walk and swim and work in the yard. It seems that winter time is hard to find the right exercise programs, at least for me.

[Rockinonahigh]

I havent gained nor lost anything recently,I am following my meal plans but not doing much exersise because its cold out and all my workout stuff is on the patio,I do have some samll hand weights and my son brought the exersise bike in so at least I can do that much.My biggest prob is dealing with arthritis that has really messed with my low back sciatica then it runs down my left leg to the knee,it hurts like a bitch no mater what I do.I did ask the doc for some better pain pills but the one he gave me was only the second most addictive pain pill next to oxycontin called hydrocodone...I took a fue before I found out about this so wont be takeing them again,once a very long time ago I got hurt in an accident and was in the hospitial a while back then the doc was handing out pain pills like candy and I got pretty well hooked on pain pills before I knew it..never will I do that again it was hell geting off them.So any how if anyone has any good ideal please let me know on how to deal with this mess.I am being as active as I can then useing icy hot rub as well as cold and hot packs as needed and am takeing meloxicam 7.5 mg that ive taken forever.Thanks folks,u all keep doing what u all r cause I find other ways to fight the fat form ya'lls post,I do hope in some way I return the favor.

[*Anya*]

I weighed this am and have lost 6 pounds in the last two weeks and am very happy about that.

I have again tuned into a couple of reasons for the pound-creepage (as I like to call it).

The biggest (no pun intended) one being: portion control. I am sure it stems from my childhood and bring forced to clean my plate or sit at the kitchen table until 9:00pm until I did but it is extremely difficult for me to leave food on my plate.

If you plunk down enough food for two- I most probably will eat it.

I am back to putting much less than I think I need on my plate, allowing myself to have more if I am still hungry and I find that by the time I am finished, I no longer am hungry!

The other is being around others also living a healthy eating plan. It is very difficult to do if everyone around you is not eating in a healthy manner. It is difficult but certainly not impossible!

Just keeping my eye on the prize(s): one more size downward (not upward) and a much better cholesterol reading with my next labs!

Have a great weekend everyone!
(f)

[Kelt]

Good morning healthies,

I know it is hard to get out when the weather won't cooperate and going to the gym can be inconvenient or just too time consuming.

There is a pretty good exercise that takes no equipment, only a few minutes at most, and virtually no space. (They don't call it the prison workout for nothing).

It works most of the basic muscle groups, and if you do them quickly, you'll be surprised at how aerobic it can be. Add a few crunches and maybe a couple of pull-ups on a door jam bar and you've really covered everything for a basic complete workout.

Did I mention FREE?

Introducing the humble burpee:

N1yWBNgRHrc


It looks harmless but can kill you if you aren't used to this stuff; here is a modified beginner version:

CIQx1FiQt50


:theisland:

[Medusa]

Anya- Loved what you said about portion control and cleaning your plate.

I have some of the same stuff around thinking that I have to eat everything on my plate. My family is a blend of Southern American/Irish/Romany and we thoroughly believe in my family that not eating everything on your plate is a slap in the face to the cook. I can remember my Father piling both of our plates high when we were at family gatherings. He also was the type that if I said "I don't want any turnip greens, I don't like them!" he would pile an extra scoop on my plate and smirk and say "You'll learn to like them".

There was a bit of his own domination issues coming out in that I think but it pretty much meant that I was a plate-cleaner from a very early age.

Later, it became about class issues. When my Mother was a struggling single Mother and there was one can of chicken noodle soup to split between 3 people, it became about being hungry and there not being enough food for everyone. There was also some stuff around feeling deprived, not just because of being poor, but because my Mom had a nasty sweet tooth that often meant she would buy candy for herself and eat it in front of us. When I would ask for some, she would invoke the size issue: "You're already too fat, you don't need any candy."

Multiple intersections about the *value* of food with me.

I've been working on breaking the "cleaning the plate" habit. I cook smaller meals now and don't generally have tons of leftovers. I also am working internally on not feeling bad about "wasting" food if it goes to the dog or the compost bin. That's heavy lifting that we do with ourselves. I salute you!

[Miss Scarlett]

From my weight loss doctor:

"And don't worry if you've had a temporary relapse. It's really no big deal. The experts at the National Weight Control Registry have collected information on the people who have lost more than 100 lbs and kept it off more than 5 years...and the average super-success weight loser went through no fewer than seven relapses. (One person had twenty-one relapses before getting it right.) You're not alone. You can succeed."

[Miss Scarlett]

Also from my weight loss doctor:

Every breakfast needs 3 key ingredients:

1 - Lean Protein for early energy in the morning
2 - Healthy Fats for prolonged energy in the later morning
3 - Veggies or Fruit for vitamins and fiber

If you consume processed cabs at breakfast, your body will NOT go after your fat reserves. WORSE, you will be hungrier at lunch and dinner. AVOID processed carbs for breakfast (cereal, bread/toast, waffles, pancakes, bagels, muffins, grits, etc.) Choose carbs from fruits and vegetables.

Goal protein: 60-00 grams daily. No protein bars/shakes unless they have only 1-2 ingredients.

Never skip breakfast.

Breakfast LARGER than dinner.

Don't drink your calories (sodas, alcohol, juices, cream/sugar, energy drinks).

Lean proteins - all fish (yes, he did say all), filet mignon, 94/6 ground beef, pork tenderloin, chicken/turkey breast, beans, shrimp, clams, lobster, crab, mussels, oysters, scallops, chickpeas, lentils, fat free plain Greek yogurt, fat free cottage cheese

Healthy fats - olive oil, nuts (almonds, brazil nuts, hazelnuts, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, walnuts), avocados

All fruits and veggies except potatoes and corn.

No rice even brown

[JustJo]

Good morning healthies :)

My scale hasn't budged today, and I'm not worried about it. I know what I need to add in now is more movement, and I took a big step towards that yesterday with joining Curves. The other half of the plan is to get on my Mobia the alternate 3 days....so it'll be Curves M, W and F....Mobia T, Th and Sat....and take Sunday off. I have some wonderful moral support....personally and with all of you in the thread....and I know I can do this.

Rockin...when I was under a lot of stress, my sciatica went absolutely insane...so much that I could barely walk or get up out of a chair. I went to a physical therapist, who did me a world of good. He gave me some wonderful stretches to do. He also said that some people with sciatica issues need to stretch one way....and others need to do the opposite.....so I hesitate to tell you what I was doing in case you're the opposite! It would be great if you could get in to see a physical therapist.

But....just for me....I was doing the cobra (yoga style) stretch....laying on the floor face down, palms next to chest, and stretch up and back to arch. He said others need to do the opposite....laying on their back, putting leg over the other so that right ankle sits on left knee and round up with left hand (or elbow) towards the knee....then reverse.

I wish you luck with this....sciatica hurts like heck!

[Miss Scarlett]

JustJo...i hate it when the scale seems to freeze Here's yet another quote from my doctor:

"Weigh yourself daily, if you wish. Notice patterns of food that cause weight gain the next day. Please realize that there can be fluctuations due to menstrual cycles, constipation, bloating and dehydration.

Measure your biceps, waist, thighs and calves weekly. Measure the same spot each time in order to ensure accuracy. If your weight loss hits a plateau, you may be building muscle and burning fat. You'll see it when you lose inches."

[Medusa]

Wanted to drop one of my favorites here for folks who are interested.

It's been cold and sometimes a salad or turkey sandwich just doesn't cut it when you need to warm up or are craving comfort food. I devised a hearty, cheesy dish that really helps me stay on track with my WW points but satisfies the beast.

I added the WW points for anyone on the WW program.

Hearty chicken pasta

Ingredients:
1 cup cooked whole wheat pasta = 4 points
2 - 3 wedges of Laughing Cow light cheeses (I do a mixture of garlic & herb and sundried tomato & basil) = 2 - 3 points depending on how many you use
baked boneless/skinless chicken breast = 4 point portion
splash of fat free chicken broth = 1 point

This entire meal is about 11 points and is a huge portion. You could probably eat half with a salad and save the rest for later. I have also added steamed brocolli and asparagus to this with a squeeze of lemon and it is reallllllly good.

This satisfies my fetuccine alfredo craving once in a while :)

I almost typed "crazing" above instead of "craving" and that has sparred another thought about getting crazed cravings but I'll hit that one in another post. :)

[Rockinonahigh]

I found some old stretching exersises I did in pt before and used some of them to releive the pain,I just need to do them 4 times a day,what helps me the most is massage terapy along with pt.My prob is it will be till march 3,2012 before I can se the doc at LSU about this...I know this is a long wait for an appointment but the er said it wasnt life threatning...wich is a matter of opinion when u r going thrue a sciatia attack.
As for the scale I have just desided to visit the thing twice a month,to depressing to weigh daily.

[starryeyes]

Wanted to drop one of my favorites here for folks who are interested.

It's been cold and sometimes a salad or turkey sandwich just doesn't cut it when you need to warm up or are craving comfort food. I devised a hearty, cheesy dish that really helps me stay on track with my WW points but satisfies the beast.

I added the WW points for anyone on the WW program.

Hearty chicken pasta

Ingredients:
1 cup cooked whole wheat pasta = 4 points
2 - 3 wedges of Laughing Cow light cheeses (I do a mixture of garlic & herb and sundried tomato & basil) = 2 - 3 points depending on how many you use
baked boneless/skinless chicken breast = 4 point portion
splash of fat free chicken broth = 1 point

This entire meal is about 11 points and is a huge portion. You could probably eat half with a salad and save the rest for later. I have also added steamed brocolli and asparagus to this with a squeeze of lemon and it is reallllllly good.

This satisfies my fetuccine alfredo craving once in a while :)

I almost typed "crazing" above instead of "craving" and that has sparred another thought about getting crazed cravings but I'll hit that one in another post. :)

Sounds amazing. I'm gonna cook it this weekend. Thanks for sharing!

[Medusa]

Songs I've added to my workout mix:

Ni**as in Paris - JAY Z and Kanye West
We Found Love - Rihanna
How to Love - Lil Wayne (this is usually my cool-down song)

[Zimmeh]

Good Evening Everyone,

Medusa thank you for the recipe! I'm gonna make it tomorrow for dinner, since I will be working the overnight shift again!

Since I'm working overnight shifts this weekend, I am bringing a lot of healthy food with me!

Meals for today:

Breakfast;
Toast with butter and a 8oz glass of soymilk

Lunch;
Weight Watchers Santa Fe style rice & beans tv dinner
12 oz's of coffee total with two teaspoons of creamer -had to wake up-

Dinner;
Chili
Salad with: honey almond slices, pepper jack cheese and Spanish olives

Snacks;
One pack of grits with olive oil based butter
Kind bar
One Sargento low fat string cheese
Hot tea!

Have a good night,

Zimmeh

[Zimmeh]

I've added:

Adele's: Set Fire To The Rain; Rolling In The Deep; Rumour Has It and Someone Like You
Chevelle's: Face To The Floor and to help me relax,
Elvis Presley's: Amazing Grace
Several bluegrass songs from the movie, "Winters Bone".

Zimmeh

Songs I've added to my workout mix:

Ni**as in Paris - JAY Z and Kanye West
We Found Love - Rihanna
How to Love - Lil Wayne (this is usually my cool-down song)

[Zimmeh]

I also added:

Vince Gill's, "Go Rest High On That Mountain-featuring: Ricki Skaggs and Patti Loveless"

Reba's, "Fancy" and "The Night the Lights Went Out In Georgia"

And

Allison Krause and Union Station's, "When You Say Nothing At All".

Zimmeh

I've added:

Adele's: Set Fire To The Rain; Rolling In The Deep; Rumour Has It and Someone Like You
Chevelle's: Face To The Floor and to help me relax,
Elvis Presley's: Amazing Grace
Several bluegrass songs from the movie, "Winters Bone".

Zimmeh

[canmarielan]

Well I see y'all posting what y'all eat each day and it made me want to do it, too! I'm a copy-cat, you see :)

Click here to see A Day in the Life.... (http://mynewdefinition.wordpress.com/2012/01/15/a-day-in-the-life/)

One day at a time healthies!!! See y'all tomorrow!

[-Red-Flag-]

Well, I just did my second weigh in ...I am proud to say, I am down a total of 14.2 pounds. :)

I am feeling pretty good about it too..

Again, I could not be doing it with my love, my rock ... Starryeyes, thanks babe. -kiss-

And everyone here, you all are in inspiration...

Good luck with your week and make good choices !!

[JustJo]

Hi healthies :)

Sticking to the plan....got on the Mobia yesterday and had a momentary frustration with myself that my limit is back to what it was at the beginning.

But...focus on the important part....I did it, I will continue to do it, and it will get better.

Back to Curves on Monday (a little later in the day since I have a fasting blood sugar test in late morning and can't exercise before that due to the diabetes)...looking for progress, not perfection. :rrose:

[Medusa]

Wow. The changes I made this week really paid off! Just did my weekly weigh-in this week and had a loss of 7 pounds!!

[Medusa]

Edited to add: I'm back in the 280's for the first time in probably 5 years!!

[starryeyes]

Well, I just did my second weigh in ...I am proud to say, I am down a total of 14.2 pounds. :)

I am feeling pretty good about it too..

Again, I could not be doing it with my love, my rock ... Starryeyes, thanks babe. -kiss-

And everyone here, you all are in inspiration...

Good luck with your week and make good choices !!

You are rockin it babe! Next week you will hit your 5%!! How awesome is that!! You are doing so great! I'm glad we are doing to together.

Now time for my weigh in *scary music plays*

smile

[starryeyes]

Wow. The changes I made this week really paid off! Just did my weekly weigh-in this week and had a loss of 7 pounds!!

That is so amazing!!!! Congratulations!! You are an inspiration. Keep up the amazing work.

Hugs!

[Cowboi]

Just got home from the Gym.
Back, biceps, and cardio done!

I hope this week is better than last week.
I seem to be in a funk for some reason.

Y'all keep up the good work!!!
Have a fantastic day!!!

[Miss Scarlett]

Goal protein: 60-00 grams daily. No protein bars/shakes unless they have only 1-2 ingredients.


Correction, this should read 60-100 grams daily

[Zimmeh]

Good Morning Everyone,

Congrats Medusa on your weight loss :) By the time I see you in Little Rock, none of us will recognize you!

Jo Jo, you can do this and have fun at Curves!

I just woke up after getting home at 7am this morning and I'm going to have an egg burrito with medium salsa and a sprinkle of cheese with soymilk for lunch.

Dinner:

Baked chicken with garlic salt and Mexican chile powder
Veggies

Snacks:

Clementine
String cheese
Greek yogurt for work tonight

Hugs and have a good day,

Zimmeh

[starryeyes]

I'm down 3 lbs this morning... ya! Only sucky thing is that my PP values when down too... haha!

This morning I had 2 eggs, 3oz of turkey and 1oz of fat free mozzerella cheese for breakfast. (8pp)

I am letting my phone get a little charge, and then I am taking my doggie out for a nice long walk.

For lunch, I might do fish and veggies, or chicken. I need to go to the store and stock up, as I don't have many options. :( not enough options leads to bad choices... I know this!

Dinner.. I am going to try Medusa's pasta recipe!

Happy Sunday!!

:-)

[Miss Scarlett]

Salad recipes from my doc:

Rich Ranch
Skim milk
Hidden Valley Ranch powder
fat-free sour cream or fat-free plain Greek yogurt

Add powder to sour cream or yogurt. Taste intermittently until enough ranch powder is added. Once mixed thin consistency by stirring in milk until it is dressing.

Vinaigrette
Exra Virgin Olive Oil
Balsamic or rice wine vinegar
Dijon mustard

Combine all ingredients in blender and blend (or in bowl and whisk until blended) When experimenting consider adding dry dill, rosemary or oregano.

Olive Oil and Lemon/Lime
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
One lemon or lime

Drizzle oil on salad. Squeeze either lemon or lime on salad.

Salsa
Use your favourite salsa as salad dressing.

Salad
Field greens or other mixed greens (dark greens are better for you).
grilled chicken or
seared Ahi Tuna or other grilled fish or
grilled lean steak

Toss greens with dressing. Add meat.

Goat Cheese, Sliced Pear and Crunchy Walnut Salad
4 cups chopped Romaine
2 ounces goat cheese
4 TBSP chopped walnuts
1 sliced pear
Vinaigrette dressing (recipe above)

Toss lettuce with 2 TBSP dressing, then top with pear, walnuts and goat cheese.

Comfort Food Chicken Salad
LARGE ingredients:
6 oz cooked chicken breast (may be canned or baked the night before or rotisserie)
2 TBSP chopped green pepper
2 Tbsp chopped red bell pepper
2 TBSP chopped onion
1 TBSP chopped parsley
1 cup dark lettuce
1/2 cup chopped tomatoes

SMALL ingredients:
1/2 cup fat-free plain Greek yogurt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tsp lemon juice
1/8 tsp caraway seeds
pinch cumin
pinch coriander
pinch salt

Combine LARGE ingredients in salad bowl.
Combine SMALL ingredients and mix well.
Use the SMALL ingredients as a topping for LARGE ingredients.
Chill or serve immediately.

[Miss Scarlett]

Breakfast ideas from my doc:

Fresh Veggie Omelet with Egg Beaters

Chose 2-5 favourite vegetables: green pepper, onions, mushrooms, tomatoes, spinach.
Choose a favourite spice: salsa, pepper & sea salt, chives, basil, rosemary, garlic
Choose: Benecol spread or Smary Balance spray

Over medium-low heat "sweat" green peppers and/or onions for 5 minutes. Add mushrooms and cook an additional 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in garlic and/or spinach for 2 more minutes. Increase to medium-high heat and then add egg whites (or Egg Beaters). Use heat-resistent spatula to loosen egg along edges of pan. Draw half of solidified eggs to mid-part of pan, add dry spice. Once top is no longer wet, fold entirety of eggs in halp, making omelet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper if desired. Garnish with salsa if desired.

TimeSavers Egg Bake (for people who have no time)

Once weekly, prepare all of your breakfasts for one week.
Begin with a 6-well muffin pan. Heat oven to 400 degrees.
Prepare vegetables as above and place equal portions in each of the cups of the muffin pan. Pour desired amount of egg whites (or Egg Beaters) into each well and then beak until solid throughout.
The cooktime will depend on how thick you have decided to make the omelettes. Store in fridge and reheat in microwave each day before running out the door.

Creamy Yogurt, Crunchy Nuts & Fruit (for people in a hurry)

Combine small container of fat-free plain Greek yogurt with your favourite fruit (blueberries, strawberries, chopped peaches, etc). Munch on a handful or your favourite seeds or nuts...or combine with the yogurt and fruit. Examples: sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds, cashews. (Do not choose peanuts or soy nuts because they're not really nuts.)

[Miss Scarlett]

More Breakfast ideas from my doc:

Cottage Cheese & Orange/Mandarin/Tangerine

Combine slices of one orange/mandarin/tangerine with 1-2 cups of fat-free cottage cheese.

Turkey Bacon with Grapefruit

1/2 - 1 grapefruit and 2 slices of turkey bacon

2 Hardboiled Eggs & an Apple (for people who really have no time)

Throw away one of the yolks.

[PinkieLee]

Thank you Miss Scarlett for those awesome recipes for salads and/or dressings! Whenever I have left over chicken fajita meat, I get a bag of mixed salad greens, add the fajita meat & add salsa... voila taco salad!

When I go to Subway and order a salad, I usually just have them do a splash of the oil & vinegar with pepper... it never needs the extra calories from the salad dressing!

I make a pretty tasty chicken salad (if I don't say so myself ;)
I boil 1 chicken breast and then shred
Dice up an apple
a handful of pecan pieces
and add enough mayo to mix it all together (the olive oil mayo with 1/2 the calories tastes the best but I have used the lite Miracle Whip)

It makes enough for a few sandwiches for lunches for a couple days. I usually eat it on deli thin sandwich round, with a handful of unsalted saltine crackers or as a wrap with romaine lettuce.

[Miss Scarlett]

You're welcome PinkieLee. i like your chicken salad recipe too. i'll have to try it but with fat-free Greek yogurt or sour cream instead of mayonnaise.

One thing about my doc. He created these recipes and has actually eaten this stuff himself. He has his own weight struggles and practices what he preaches. Following the plan he developed (primarily diet and exercise) he lost weight and kept it off. He's constantly researching and studying.

i love this man. He saved my life.

[Miss Scarlett]

Top 5 Jack LaLanne quotes:

1) Your waistline is your lifeline. (According to my doc this is medically true.)
2) If man makes it, don’t eat it.
3) People don’t die of old age, they die of inactivity.
4) The food you eat today is walking and talking tomorrow.
5) You eat everyday, you sleep everyday, and your body was made to exercise everyday.

[princessbelle]

Monday morning weigh in!!!!!

I lost 3.2 pounds last week. It is so wonderful to weigh and see that weight going down down down. However, slowly, still it is such a motivator!!!!!

SUCCESS!!!!!!!

Today it is back to exercising and planning the weeks food.

We are thinking this soup idea we started a couple of weeks ago is really paying off. Homemade and full of veggies and tomato sauce and oh so yummy. It is now a weekly menu item that lasts a couple of days for the quicky meal.

Tonight is baked chicken, green beans and a sweet potato!!!!

Yum!!!!!

[princessbelle]

Monday morning weigh in!!!!!

I lost 3.2 pounds last week. It is so wonderful to weigh and see that weight going down down down. However, slowly, still it is such a motivator!!!!!

SUCCESS!!!!!!!

Today it is back to exercising and planning the weeks food.

We are thinking this soup idea we started a couple of weeks ago is really paying off. Homemade and full of veggies and tomato sauce and oh so yummy. It is now a weekly menu item that lasts a couple of days for the quicky meal.

Tonight is baked chicken, green beans and a sweet potato!!!!

Yum!!!!!

OH and about the soup. One more thing. I've noticed, at least for us, since we have that in the fridge, already made and easy to just heat up quickly, it has helped that urge to run by a fast food place on the way home or order pizza.

Sometimes, easy is the key.

[Medusa]

I am trying to do some time-saving stuff for my food this week so this weekend I baked up 4 HUGE sweet potatoes and dug out the innards and slapped them in a huge bowl.
I have enough mashed sweet potatoes for all week and can use them a 1/2 cup or a cup at a time for side dishes on meals.

Sweet potatoes are one of the healthiest veggies you can eat from what I've read. They are packed with fiber and tons of vitamins and have the lowest glycemic index of all of the root vegetables.

I like mine mashed or baked with a sprinkle of cinammon (no sugar or honey necessary since these are naturally sweet). If you are on WW, an entire cup of mashed sweet potato (with no sugar, butter, or other stuff) has only 5 points. That's a LOt of potato so I usually do 1/2 cup with dinner or lunch.

I've even had a 1/2c with cinammon for breakfast with a piece of turkey bacon. YUMMY.

[Miss Scarlett]

My personal favourite breakfast or light meal is to take a small container of fat-free plain Greek yogurt, mix in a chopped orange/mandarin/tangerine, 1/4 cup sliced almonds and 1 tablespoon of unsweetened coconut.

Having this right now for my breakfast/lunch...Mmmmmmmm!!!!

[Medusa]

OH and about the soup. One more thing. I've noticed, at least for us, since we have that in the fridge, already made and easy to just heat up quickly, it has helped that urge to run by a fast food place on the way home or order pizza.

Sometimes, easy is the key.




Yes Ma'am to this!

This has been one of my biggest hurdles over the last year. Getting home late at night, sometimes after a 12 hour day, and trying to figure out what to eat usually meant I was ordering something or eating crap in a box (which often equated to super unhealthy and loaded with salt and also not very satisfying).

Some of my go-to dishes when I'm tired and don't want to think about it:

Salads - takes literally 6 minutes to wash and chop veggies and if you keep grilled chicken in the fridge, this can really add to it

Soup or chilli - easy and keeps all week

Wraps or sandwiches - I usually keep shaved cajun turkey or grilled chicken at all times. These can go on a sandwich thin or in a spinach wrap with lettuce, onion, peppers, etc. for a quick wrap. I love to add 1 wedge of Laughing Cow cheese to really make it yummy

Breakfast for dinner - I can do a really good omelet with egg beaters and lots of spinach, peppers, mushrooms, and even fat free cheese in just a few minutes and it usually fills me up to the top!

Another thing that is super easy is when you are making coffee in the morning, grab some chicken breasts or tenderloins and throw them in a shallow dish with some light italian dressing, worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, garlic, and whatever else you like and let it marinate until you get home. As soon as you get home, pop them in the oven at 350 for about 40 minutes (depending on size of chicken) and by the time you get your clothes off, pets walked, and extras done, dinner is ready. Serve with steamed veggies (the steamer bags take like 4 minutes and are WELL worth it!)

[JustJo]

Thank you June...and that pisses me off too.

Deciding to be healthy and lose weight isn't an effort to put anyone else down...it's an effort to have a longer, healthier (and hopefully happier as a result) life.

I hate sizist, "fat is ugly" messaging as much as anyone. I am, and always will be, on the larger size. It's just how I'm built. As a diabetic, with a history of heart disease....losing weight and getting healthy is to save my own life, to live to see my son grow up, to maybe (if I'm lucky enough) be able to snuggle with my grandbabies.

If someone has an issue with that...screw 'em.

[Zimmeh]

Tell her, i said congratulations from me!

I am sorry someone has done this! It actually embarasses me as a person, who has lost 60lbs and I have managed to keep about 50lbs off since 2007. No kne should be made to feel this way and it can be detrimental to her.

I started my journey after my loosing my dad to heart and respiratory failure.

Hugs,

Zimmeh

I'm kind of fired up this morning.

I was emailing with a friend (she can out herself here, or not. Won't be hard to figure out who it is)

And she is actually getting HATE mail shaming her for her "betrayal" of the "Fat Community" because she decided she didn't want to end up with Diabetes and wanted to live longer.

Who the fuck is she betraying? The Major drug companies who make Lipitor and Insulin?

She's not betraying me, a woman of size.

She's not betraying anyone, and if we feel shame because she has the gumption to get up and move and eat healthier foods, that's our problem, not hers.

She's lost over a hundred pounds on her own. No surgery, no magic pill. Hard work -- Not so she can "get laid" SO SHE CAN LIVE LONGER!

Not only should we be encouraging and congratulating her, we should be looking at her as a role model. Not to be thin, to be healthy. She knew at 400lb+, she was NOT healthy.

I cannot believe that people would send her hate mail. In fact, it enrages me.

And no, I am not a self-loathing fat person. I am a 50 year old woman who feels pretty good about herself most days. But I also know that I am NOT as healthy as I could be and I do NOT move as much as I should. I am not diabetic, I do not have high blood pressure, and I don't want to get it, even though there are all kinds of pills out there to combat it.

I have started walking and doing Yoga again, because, this woman, my friend, woke me the fuck up and made me look at my own lifestyle in a different way.

I don't even own a scale. I don't care what the scale says, I care that I don't get up in the morning with stiffness, that I can walk twelve blocks uphill and not stop, that my body stays flexible as I age.

I have said this before, I do believe in size acceptance. I do not believe in Health At Any Size. I do not think it is healthy when someone cannot walk more than 20 feet without resting because they are out of breath. I do think it's possible that people who are obese by the Medical standards are healthy because they move their body and eat well, even if it's more.

I have a really great yoga dvd done by a woman of size that I will send to the first person who PM's me (give me your address). Because of the way I am, I need to actually go to the classes and wasn't so good at following DVD directions. I am a visual learner :)

I think I am done ranting now. For the moment.

[princessbelle]

I agree to the size thing so much!!!!

My goal for loosing weight is of course to live longer. My mother is a diabetic. So, i know i can get it easily.

And more than that, being a nurse, i have to maneuver patients constantly. I have to bend and lift and get in the floor. It would be nice, again, to be able to hop up without embarrassing myself and get up slowly due to this extra weight. I want to be able to hop up steps carting all the medical bags and supplies i have to carry and not stop because i'm out of breath or tired.

Like many of you, my weight loss goals are not about how i will look. It is about how i will feel and move.

A way better reason.

People out there can be jerks no matter what you try and do. Especially if you are trying to make yourself a stronger person. Just shows their jealousy coming through. Sad really.

[Miss Scarlett]

Great post June...hate mail for wanting to lose weight? Betraying the Fat Community? Are you serious? That's crazy!

my decision to lose weight had to do with my health. Mom died from Pancreatic Cancer. She had Type II Diabetes as do Dad and my big brother. i wanted to avoid these things. So far i've dodged the Type II bullet.

A year or so ago i asked my weight loss doc what he set for my goal weight and his response was that his goal for his patients was not a number on a scale rather it was good health.

my journey began in October 2008 at 342.5 lbs. i lost 130, relapsed, lost what i regained, relapsed again, lost what i regained, relapsed yet again and am back on track. (i've managed to keep off 100 of the 130)

If this means i too am betraying the Fat Community so be it...this is for ME. They don't have to live in my body, I DO!!!

[Zimmeh]

Ditto! I was having problems breathing and my heart hurt when I dud to much. If this person wants to chat with me, June can send them in my direction.

Zimmeh

Great post June...hate mail for wanting to lose weight? Betraying the Fat Community? Are you serious? That's crazy!

my decision to lose weight had to do with my health. Mom died from Pancreatic Cancer. She had Type II Diabetes as do Dad and my big brother. i wanted to avoid these things. So far i've dodged the Type II bullet.

A year or so ago i asked my weight loss doc what he set for my goal weight and his response was that his goal for his patients was not a number on a scale rather it was good health.

my journey began in October 2008 at 342.5 lbs. i lost 130, relapsed, lost what i regained, relapsed again, lost what i regained, relapsed yet again and am back on track.

If this means i too am betraying the Fat Community so be it...this is for ME. They don't have to live in my body, I DO!!!

[Medusa]

I'm kind of fired up this morning.

I was emailing with a friend (she can out herself here, or not. Won't be hard to figure out who it is)

And she is actually getting HATE mail shaming her for her "betrayal" of the "Fat Community" because she decided she didn't want to end up with Diabetes and wanted to live longer.

Who the fuck is she betraying? The Major drug companies who make Lipitor and Insulin?

She's not betraying me, a woman of size.

She's not betraying anyone, and if we feel shame because she has the gumption to get up and move and eat healthier foods, that's our problem, not hers.

She's lost over a hundred pounds on her own. No surgery, no magic pill. Hard work -- Not so she can "get laid" SO SHE CAN LIVE LONGER!

Not only should we be encouraging and congratulating her, we should be looking at her as a role model. Not to be thin, to be healthy. She knew at 400lb+, she was NOT healthy.

I cannot believe that people would send her hate mail. In fact, it enrages me.

And no, I am not a self-loathing fat person. I am a 50 year old woman who feels pretty good about herself most days. But I also know that I am NOT as healthy as I could be and I do NOT move as much as I should. I am not diabetic, I do not have high blood pressure, and I don't want to get it, even though there are all kinds of pills out there to combat it.

I have started walking and doing Yoga again, because, this woman, my friend, woke me the fuck up and made me look at my own lifestyle in a different way.

I don't even own a scale. I don't care what the scale says, I care that I don't get up in the morning with stiffness, that I can walk twelve blocks uphill and not stop, that my body stays flexible as I age.

I have said this before, I do believe in size acceptance. I do not believe in Health At Any Size. I do not think it is healthy when someone cannot walk more than 20 feet without resting because they are out of breath. I do think it's possible that people who are obese by the Medical standards are healthy because they move their body and eat well, even if it's more.

I have a really great yoga dvd done by a woman of size that I will send to the first person who PM's me (give me your address). Because of the way I am, I need to actually go to the classes and wasn't so good at following DVD directions. I am a visual learner :)

I think I am done ranting now. For the moment.


That is incredibly fucked up.

Let me say this, I think it is incredibly brave of Superwoman (I'm calling her that until she decides to out herself) to do her journey in a visible, authentic way with unabashed resolve. It's brave not because there are vile haters out there in the world who let their own self esteem issues keep them from celebrating someone's health success, but because she is brave enough to do it with an audience. That, my dear friends, takes giant ovaries and that, to me, makes her a fucking BAD ASS.

On another note:

This is something that June and I have talked about at length. Back on the Dash site, when I was first figuring out I was a Femme at the age of 22, I felt such an enormous sense of affiliation and love with all ofthe fat people there who loved their bodies in ways I had never been witness to before. I was able to shed much of my insecurity about my own size by witnessing a few people I deeply cared about at the time own their size and space and demand the kind of respect for it that I had always been afraid to ask for.
It was and is amazing.
I am a firm believer that sexy comes and any size. I am also a firm believer that love should come at any size (both self-love and love directed). I do not, however, believe that any of us should be fetishizing size in a way that supports food addiction or destructive eating habits. That may look like many different things to all of us but for me, it means that I don't keep telling myself I'm fine the way I am while I shove Twinkies in my face and can't walk up a flight of stairs or am having a stroke due to high blood pressure while still shoveling over 6000 calories a day into my body.

It's hard for me to even type this because it feels like such a betrayal of my fat politics. The politics I have put a LOT of effort into over the years. Don't get me wrong, I am not ever going to dismantle my fat politics or start being negative about fat bodies but this re-examination has definitely churned some muddy waters for me.

There's another thing that I am remiss to talk about but I think it's important. I think that some of the fat politics that were happening in other spaces made a nice soft bed for willing food addicts to become even more unhealthy under the guise of....fuck, I've written and rewritten this sentence 10 times and am trying to say it in a way that won't sound like an attack. Let me just say that I gained a significant amount of weight when I felt that my fat body was more accepted/desired/fetishized/celebritized/etc. That's what happened for me and I own it and it wasn't because anyone else made it happen. I still hear the echos of fatphobia in "I'm not usually attracted to big girls but I'd date Medusa in a heartbeat" or "Medusa dresses so well for someone her size!" or "I wish I had Medusa's confidence!" (as if a confident fat woman was such an anomaly..and maybe it is but it felt like a headpat more often than not like "Oh look at you, with all of your ADORABLE little self-esteem!")

Sometimes I still feel like a traitor for even daring to make my body smaller, for having a goal of a healthier body, for being so self-involved that I'd want to focus on me. I know some of that is just the old stuff talking. But I also know that some of it is because I am coming from a history and a specific Butch-femme culture where there were some people who I idolized who were severely overweight and who helped me to find the love within myself after a lifetime of hating, both by watching and witnessing them and by creating an atmosphere of acceptance and love. That's a hard thing to examine if it means I have to let go of my safety zone, and for me that's exactly what it means.

Sorry for the gush.

<3

[Rockinonahigh]

Screw any one who puts anyone else down for getting healthyer and loseing weight.I didnt gain the weight till about 15years ago when I was in an accident that origanialy hurt my back,between meds and no activity from the injury I went from 120 to 200 so fast I couldnt beleave it,then over time even tho I was some what active I was still on the meds (steroids) wich made it worse so I was ove 300 when I just stoped takeing the meds and told the doc to kiss my fat italian a** cause he was makeing a killing from the inshurance co and drug companys by keeping me on all these meds that were suposed to be helping me.Getting off the meds wasnt easy nor was loseing the weight because I was fighting the effects of steroids for years,I gess I will always be battleing this tho I hope I could be free from its by now.I have lost from 303 to 252( water gain I gess) it was 248 a week ago.The weight goes up and down but mostly down so I know in doing something right,but I swear if I could ever get the $$$ I would have this belly fat cut off cause its the main prob I have with my back holding all this up is like carying another human on my back. Plus now I have diabetis to deal with,it sucks.No im not the mistry person June spoke of.

[Rockinonahigh]

That is incredibly fucked up.

Let me say this, I think it is incredibly brave of Superwoman (I'm calling her that until she decides to out herself) to do her journey in a visible, authentic way with unabashed resolve. It's brave not because there are vile haters out there in the world who let their own self esteem issues keep them from celebrating someone's health success, but because she is brave enough to do it with an audience. That, my dear friends, takes giant ovaries and that, to me, makes her a fucking BAD ASS.

On another note:

This is something that June and I have talked about at length. Back on the Dash site, when I was first figuring out I was a Femme at the age of 22, I felt such an enormous sense of affiliation and love with all ofthe fat people there who loved their bodies in ways I had never been witness to before. I was able to shed much of my insecurity about my own size by witnessing a few people I deeply cared about at the time own their size and space and demand the kind of respect for it that I had always been afraid to ask for.
It was and is amazing.
I am a firm believer that sexy comes and any size. I am also a firm believer that love should come at any size (both self-love and love directed). I do not, however, believe that any of us should be fetishizing size in a way that supports food addiction or destructive eating habits. That may look like many different things to all of us but for me, it means that I don't keep telling myself I'm fine the way I am while I shove Twinkies in my face and can't walk up a flight of stairs or am having a stroke due to high blood pressure while still shoveling over 6000 calories a day into my body.

It's hard for me to even type this because it feels like such a betrayal of my fat politics. The politics I have put a LOT of effort into over the years. Don't get me wrong, I am not ever going to dismantle my fat politics or start being negative about fat bodies but this re-examination has definitely churned some muddy waters for me.

There's another thing that I am remiss to talk about but I think it's important. I think that some of the fat politics that were happening in other spaces made a nice soft bed for willing food addicts to become even more unhealthy under the guise of....fuck, I've written and rewritten this sentence 10 times and am trying to say it in a way that won't sound like an attack. Let me just say that I gained a significant amount of weight when I felt that my fat body was more accepted/desired/fetishized/celebritized/etc. That's what happened for me and I own it and it wasn't because anyone else made it happen. I still hear the echos of fatphobia in "I'm not usually attracted to big girls but I'd date Medusa in a heartbeat" or "Medusa dresses so well for someone her size!" or "I wish I had Medusa's confidence!" (as if a confident fat woman was such an anomaly..and maybe it is but it felt like a headpat more often than not like "Oh look at you, with all of your ADORABLE little self-esteem!")

Sometimes I still feel like a traitor for even daring to make my body smaller, for having a goal of a healthier body, for being so self-involved that I'd want to focus on me. I know some of that is just the old stuff talking. But I also know that some of it is because I am coming from a history and a specific Butch-femme culture where there were some people who I idolized who were severely overweight and who helped me to find the love within myself after a lifetime of hating, both by watching and witnessing them and by creating an atmosphere of acceptance and love. That's a hard thing to examine if it means I have to let go of my safety zone, and for me that's exactly what it means.

Sorry for the gush.

<3


Girl u rock,tell it like it is.

[Miss Scarlett]

...the main prob I have with my back holding all this up is like carying another human on my back...

It really is like carrying around another person. There have been times when carrying heavy things either into the house or office that i've reminded myself (as encouragement) that i used to WEAR at least this much...

[PinkieLee]

WOW, WOW, WOW seem to be the only words that come to my mind after reading June's post! It leaves me dumbfounded, that someone would have the NERVE to try & shame someone for making healthy choices for themselves! As for her betrayal of the "fat community"... I call bullshit! Whomever spewed such crap her way, has a lot to learn about "community".

Like Medusa, the dash site was a home that finally taught me to embrace & love every ounce of my being (heart, mind, body & soul). It was the first time, in my entire life, that I was finally able to be comfortable in my own skin. I thank the people that welcomed & loved me with open hearts & open minds... no matter what the scale said.

But within the last couple of years, when the scale kept climbing, and I noticed every little ache & pain become a daily occurance, I knew I had to do something. Not only was my physical health failing, my self esteem had finally hit an all time low.... no matter how big the fake smile was on my face.

We all started our personal healthy living journey at different times in our lives. Mostly, it was because we had a nice dose of reality (our failing health or a loved one's health) smack us in the face. Getting our bodies heathier, learning to move more & retraining our brain was what our focus was on... the losing weight part was just the added bonus.

[*Anya*]

I have read all the posts. I want to also state that I believe that we all have the right to lose weight for any reason we deem important to us!

Want to lose weigh for health? Terrific!
Want to lose weight to be able to move and navigate more easily through this world of ours? Terrific!
Want to lose weigh to help increase your own self-esteem?
Terrific!
Want to lose weight to get laid? Terrific!

No one has the right but me, to tell me that any reason I so chose for losing weight is wrong!

Why each of us chooses to go on this long and difficult journey is an individual and personal choice. Each of us has the right to select whichever reason best fits us.

My choice may not be yours and vice versa but I do not need to hate anyone to do the very best for me.

[JustJo]

Hello healthies :)

Day two at Curves...achieved. :cheesy:

[Kätzchen]

WOW, WOW, WOW seem to be the only words that come to my mind after reading June's post! It leaves me dumbfounded, that someone would have the NERVE to try & shame someone for making healthy choices for themselves! As for her betrayal of the "fat community"... I call bullshit! Whomever spewed such crap her way, has a lot to learn about "community".

Like Medusa, the dash site was a home that finally taught me to embrace & love every ounce of my being (heart, mind, body & soul). It was the first time, in my entire life, that I was finally able to be comfortable in my own skin. I thank the people that welcomed & loved me with open hearts & open minds... no matter what the scale said.

But within the last couple of years, when the scale kept climbing, and I noticed every little ache & pain become a daily occurance, I knew I had to do something. Not only was my physical health failing, my self esteem had finally hit an all time low.... no matter how big the fake smile was on my face.

We all started our personal healthy living journey at different times in our lives. Mostly, it was because we had a nice dose of reality (our failing health or a loved one's health) smack us in the face. Getting our bodies heathier, learning to move more & retraining our brain was what our focus was on... the losing weight part was just the added bonus.

Hey there Gorgeous!

Like so many of you here, I share in the daily effort to feed my body in healthy ways. I can especially identify with your feelings about low self esteem, no matter how beautiful our smile is.

You know, years ago before my heart condition was discovered, I think I tipped the scales somewhere around 375 lbs (between the age of 33 to 39) at the height of my body not functioning properly. Once my heart condition was finally diagnosed and an operation later, I began to lose weight as a natural consequence to my particular health issues. I've always been sort of a medium build - body wise. I'm about 5'9" now but at one time, I was about 2 inches taller (I have bone density problems now, I think).

Anyway, I probably tip the scales now at about 190-200 lbs. This isn't an optimal weight I'm sure, but my goal is to become as lean as I can for my age. If I'm able to get down to 180 - I'll feel successful because at my age, we seem to have to work harder to stay healthy - diet and exercise wise.

I really like that Medusa brought up sweet potatos because I usually keep a baked supply on hand in the fridge and like she was saying, they're pretty sweet all on their own. I like to sprinkle cinnamon on them too! They're rich in nutrients not readily found in other root vegetables and so dense in fiber - which is really important for me to keep my fiber intake up there.. it's just easier on my body to process foods I eat if I can eat lots of items rich in fiber.

Kudos to all of us! :)

[Cowboi]

Good evening y'all!!!
Home from the gym...today was chest and tricep day.
I can barely move my arms..

Keep up the good work y'all!!!

[Rockinonahigh]

It really is like carrying around another person. There have been times when carrying heavy things either into the house or office that i've reminded myself (as encouragement) that i used to WEAR at least this much...

I do the same thing even theo I have lost over 50 pounds,gald I dont have it any more,but im working on loseing another 50 by the end of 2012.I was told at the wellness canter that I should work out 2 hours a day 5 days a week..well I tryed amd cratered my knee and back wich took three weeks to be close to normal after that,I no longer got there but use the equipment I have at home cause I can workout with out being badgered about it.I must say I have also looked into other weight loss ideas but they just seam to dramatic for me.

[Medusa]

20 minutes of hard lovin' with the elliptical! Twenty minutes! And I can breathe!

And did I mention I still haven't smoked? It's been 2 weeks tomorrow!

I have to give huge props to Candace for being such an inspiration. I had been slacking for almost 3 months and seeing her photos and joy-filled posts made me want to begin again. <3

[Martina]

I do the same thing even theo I have lost over 50 pounds,gald I dont have it any more,but im working on loseing another 50 by the end of 2012.I was told at the wellness canter that I should work out 2 hours a day 5 days a week..well I tryed amd cratered my knee and back wich took three weeks to be close to normal after that,I no longer got there but use the equipment I have at home cause I can workout with out being badgered about it.I must say I have also looked into other weight loss ideas but they just seam to dramatic for me.

That's crazy. Very few people should work out two hours a day. Wow. That was some bad advice.

One hour a day and more daily activity -- as in cooking, cleaning, etc. That's what i hear.

[Rockinonahigh]

That's crazy. Very few people should work out two hours a day. Wow. That was some bad advice.

One hour a day and more daily activity -- as in cooking, cleaning, etc. That's what i hear.


Thats what I think to,this was at a local hospital wellness center and they should know better.Today I did a work out that was ok being its been a while cause of my dam back,I have also been told to workout even tho im in pain cause it will stop with use(this came from my chiro)...a crock imho.I playd bb for 20 minits,then did 50 steps on my stair stepper,played ball with the pooch...I also dod 40 lifts on the weight bench with 30 pounds on the bar.I had dinner a bit ago so after it digest some Im planing on rideing the bike for 15 to 20 minits.I have some hand weights and a bowflex yet to use but tomorrow im going to give them a bit of my time.I could have played bb longer but my crapy left knee hurt every time I put my foot down to stride,I didnt stop when it started but after a while I had to...there is a pop snick thing going on under the knee cap when I stand or play bb...old minjuries are a bitch.I will do some kind of work out tomorrow for shure I am working out 30 to 45 minits as I get in better shape I can use more weights and intensity.

[canmarielan]

You're welcome PinkieLee. i like your chicken salad recipe too. i'll have to try it but with fat-free Greek yogurt or sour cream instead of mayonnaise.

One thing about my doc. He created these recipes and has actually eaten this stuff himself. He has his own weight struggles and practices what he preaches. Following the plan he developed (primarily diet and exercise) he lost weight and kept it off. He's constantly researching and studying.

i love this man. He saved my life.

This made me cry a little. I understand so deeply the "He saved my life" bit. My trainer has no idea about this, but he saved my life. YES i did the work. YES I am eating the right things. YES it is me who sweats and grunts and works until I'm dying. But, HE SHOWED ME THAT I COULD! He brought it out...and I'm forever indebted to this man. For the rest of my life I will be grateful.
I am trying to do some time-saving stuff for my food this week so this weekend I baked up 4 HUGE sweet potatoes and dug out the innards and slapped them in a huge bowl.
I have enough mashed sweet potatoes for all week and can use them a 1/2 cup or a cup at a time for side dishes on meals.

Sweet potatoes are one of the healthiest veggies you can eat from what I've read. They are packed with fiber and tons of vitamins and have the lowest glycemic index of all of the root vegetables.

I like mine mashed or baked with a sprinkle of cinammon (no sugar or honey necessary since these are naturally sweet). If you are on WW, an entire cup of mashed sweet potato (with no sugar, butter, or other stuff) has only 5 points. That's a LOt of potato so I usually do 1/2 cup with dinner or lunch.

I've even had a 1/2c with cinammon for breakfast with a piece of turkey bacon. YUMMY.

YAY!!! I prep ahead of time with my starches as well. I do 2-3 sweet potatoes and a bunch of rice so that I have plenty to split up into my little individual meals. When the hard stuff is already ready, it's much easier to convince yourself to cook that meal instead of going off plan.

I'm kind of fired up this morning.

You know I love it when you get fired up!!! hahaa..

Thank you for your support, June. It means the world to me.

I agree to the size thing so much!!!!

My goal for loosing weight is of course to live longer. My mother is a diabetic. So, i know i can get it easily.

And more than that, being a nurse, i have to maneuver patients constantly. I have to bend and lift and get in the floor. It would be nice, again, to be able to hop up without embarrassing myself and get up slowly due to this extra weight. I want to be able to hop up steps carting all the medical bags and supplies i have to carry and not stop because i'm out of breath or tired.

Like many of you, my weight loss goals are not about how i will look. It is about how i will feel and move.

A way better reason.

People out there can be jerks no matter what you try and do. Especially if you are trying to make yourself a stronger person. Just shows their jealousy coming through. Sad really.

Hey Belle, congrats on your GREAT weight loss this week!! WHoooott!!

Additionally, I am a nurse as well. I have to say last week I did a dressing change on a diabetic stasis ulcer on someone's lower leg. I had to sit on the floor to do so and when I hopped back up without problem, it was one of the proudest moments of my life. KEEP GOING SISTER! THIS is yours to be had!!!!

That is incredibly fucked up.

Let me say this, I think it is incredibly brave of Superwoman (I'm calling her that until she decides to out herself) to do her journey in a visible, authentic way with unabashed resolve. It's brave not because there are vile haters out there in the world who let their own self esteem issues keep them from celebrating someone's health success, but because she is brave enough to do it with an audience. That, my dear friends, takes giant ovaries and that, to me, makes her a fucking BAD ASS. Your'e a bad ass, too sister!! Your belief in me keeps me motivated!

On another note:

This is something that June and I have talked about at length. Back on the Dash site, when I was first figuring out I was a Femme at the age of 22, I felt such an enormous sense of affiliation and love with all ofthe fat people there who loved their bodies in ways I had never been witness to before. I was able to shed much of my insecurity about my own size by witnessing a few people I deeply cared about at the time own their size and space and demand the kind of respect for it that I had always been afraid to ask for.
It was and is amazing.
I am a firm believer that sexy comes and any size. I am also a firm believer that love should come at any size (both self-love and love directed). I do not, however, believe that any of us should be fetishizing size in a way that supports food addiction or destructive eating habits. That may look like many different things to all of us but for me, it means that I don't keep telling myself I'm fine the way I am while I shove Twinkies in my face and can't walk up a flight of stairs or am having a stroke due to high blood pressure while still shoveling over 6000 calories a day into my body. You and I have talked in length about this as well. I think our community is beautiful with ALL of it's variations. Gender, weight, appearance. SO BEAUTIFUL!!!! Healthy? Another question.

It's hard for me to even type this because it feels like such a betrayal of my fat politics. The politics I have put a LOT of effort into over the years. Don't get me wrong, I am not ever going to dismantle my fat politics or start being negative about fat bodies but this re-examination has definitely churned some muddy waters for me.This is so difficult for me as well. I have tried to be so fat positive for so long. But, how do I mingle the two????

There's another thing that I am remiss to talk about but I think it's important. I think that some of the fat politics that were happening in other spaces made a nice soft bed for willing food addicts to become even more unhealthy under the guise of....fuck, I've written and rewritten this sentence 10 times and am trying to say it in a way that won't sound like an attack. Let me just say that I gained a significant amount of weight when I felt that my fat body was more accepted/desired/fetishized/celebritized/etc. That's what happened for me and I own it and it wasn't because anyone else made it happen. I still hear the echos of fatphobia in "I'm not usually attracted to big girls but I'd date Medusa in a heartbeat" or "Medusa dresses so well for someone her size!" or "I wish I had Medusa's confidence!" (as if a confident fat woman was such an anomaly..and maybe it is but it felt like a headpat more often than not like "Oh look at you, with all of your ADORABLE little self-esteem!") I get this. To the core.

Sometimes I still feel like a traitor for even daring to make my body smaller, for having a goal of a healthier body, for being so self-involved that I'd want to focus on me. I know some of that is just the old stuff talking. But I also know that some of it is because I am coming from a history and a specific Butch-femme culture where there were some people who I idolized who were severely overweight and who helped me to find the love within myself after a lifetime of hating, both by watching and witnessing them and by creating an atmosphere of acceptance and love. That's a hard thing to examine if it means I have to let go of my safety zone, and for me that's exactly what it means. You don't need me to tell you that you are not a traitor. If I am not than you are not. We are doing what is best to get our bodies healthy. We only have one body ya know?

Sorry for the gush.

<3

I was going to chop your post as well, but then decided to use it to make my point as well.

Also, in case any of you hadn't figured it out, it was me who has been receiving hate mail. I haven't quite figured out who it was that sent it. Frankly, that doesn't even matter. I deleted that email out of anger, I wish I hadn't. Anyway, thank you all for your kind words of support! If you'd like to read my response, I posted it in a blog post.

Click here to read the rant!... (http://mynewdefinition.wordpress.com/)

[Gentle Tiger]

I walked today; not 5 miles but I walked. That's all I have.

[*Anya*]

Congrats to each of you on your own journey to health.

Mine is going well. Control over my eating feels better than any baked good ever did.

I have been back on track for three weeks now. I went away this weekend, ate delish healthy food and even one breakfast not ordinarily on my plan. I had two poached eggs, one chicken sausage and a slice of toast with one pat of butter. I had several cups over the weekend of non-fat cappuccino (always feels decadent to me but no fat!).

Weighed this AM and I lost another 2 pounds, which is a total of 8 in three weeks. I have not once felt hungry or deprived.

Off to make breakfast now, egg white omlette stuffed with fresh spinach and tomatoes.

Hugs and never give up! Each minute (and each hour) is a fresh start for all of us.

[starryeyes]

I walked today; not 5 miles but I walked. That's all I have.

Ya! :-D :-D

[starryeyes]

Here is my 2 cents about the people who hate on others for making a change..

I experienced the same thing. When I started losing weight, I had tremendous support from some, but not as much as my "bigger" friends. When I look back at my journey, now 52 lbs lighter... Will be 82 when I hit goal, it was a F***king struggle. I can't tell you how many times I fell on my face, gave up, got angry, hated myself, and all that jazz. Our bigger friends might be experiencing the same. They might have that "big and beautiful" attitude, but inside are dying for health. When they see someone becoming successful, they are jealous because they don't have the strength that we have to change our lives and our identity. I was all about BBW... If you don't love me because I am big.. Your loss.. Etc. Losing what you have held on to for SO long is scary!!! There are times now I still go straight for the XXL section, and am shocked when it hangs on me. I do not have a "skinny" attitude yet. No one can change unless they are ready... And when you are, it just clicks! It's very interesting.

When you get that negative feedback from people, maybe try talking to them. Give them your perspective as to why you are changing and how much better you feel. Maybe you can plant a seed and get them on the right track as well. I have inspired at least 5 of my friends to join weight watchers, and they all have had amazing success. It feels good to help other people.

Anyways. I am typing this out on my iPhone, and I tend to ramble when I do. Haha. Don't let anyone get you down. This is YOUR life and YOUR health!! Dont let anyone take that away from you, and make you feel any less because of that. Love you all!!! Here's to health!!

:-D

[LaneyDoll]

I have read all the posts. I want to also state that I believe that we all have the right to lose weight for any reason we deem important to us!

Want to lose weigh for health? Terrific!
Want to lose weight to be able to move and navigate more easily through this world of ours? Terrific!
Want to lose weigh to help increase your own self-esteem?
Terrific!
Want to lose weight to get laid? Terrific!

No one has the right but me, to tell me that any reason I so chose for losing weight is wrong!

Why each of us chooses to go on this long and difficult journey is an individual and personal choice. Each of us has the right to select whichever reason best fits us.

My choice may not be yours and vice versa but I do not need to hate anyone to do the very best for me.

How about this---
Wanting to lose weight because I have a 26 year old partner to keep up with?

;)

Actually, I decide that 2012 would see healthy changes for me. So, my sister and I are joining Weight Watchers and the local gym. We are going to use the buddy system to tackle what needs to be improved.

I want to lose weight & get in shape b/c I can still fool people into thinking I am younger than I am. I won't be able to keep that up forever and I do not want to be the girl who "would be sexy except..."

I am glad I found this thread; I plan to be a more regular visitor.

:sparklyheart:

[princessbelle]

Today is shopping day!!!!!

Thanks to those who put up wonderful ideas for low cal meals and tips to make this way easier.

We are planning on getting a few sweet potatoes and making some up for the week so they will be easy to fix at dinner.

A couple of great recipes acquired including tonight's menu of baked salmon, asparagus and corn on the cob.

Yummmmm...can't wait to try it!!!!!!

Keep up the good work everyone!!! You are all such an inspiration!!!!!

[PinkieLee]

Good morning healthy folks!

You know what I love about our group here.... no matter what hurdles may present themselves (emotionally or physically), each & every day we tackle them head on and MOVE FORWARD! There is nothing or no one that can keep us from our goals! We give eachother courage, strength, motivation, encouragement and support... and I thank y'all for that!

Today, D comes home for a few days, and of course she wants to celebrate out at her favorite mexican food place with friends... for $1 Tecate beers. I will not deny her treat... but I have already made a mental note of what I can and cannot eat or drink. I have limited my choices to either 2 chicken fajita tacos (no beans or rice) or a chicken fajita taco salad with no shell. I will toast her with ONE light beer and drink water or unsweet iced tea afterward.

Meals planned for today were:

Breakfast:
a toasted light english muffin with a lil' butter
a banana
and an iced sugar free vanilla coffee

Lunch:
a big ol' salad with turkey from Subway... loaded with veggies & a splash of oil, vinegar & pepper for the dressing.

Snacks:
yogurt and/or an apple

Make it a great day y'all :)

[starryeyes]

Breakfast: skinny Iced cinnamon dolce latte (2pp)
Spinach feta wrap (7pp)

Ok... I need to stop going to Starbucks so much, but it's hard. And, I am 5 drinks away from hitting my gold member status!!! My favorite drink is only 2pp, so it isn't that bad!

Lunch- Ahi tuna steak and sautéed eggplant and zucchini!

Dinner- ground turkey and vegetables.

I don't stray away from my menus and tend to eat the same thing over and over. This helps me not crave other things.

I did, however, buy some weight watchers carrot cakes at the store yesterday to send to someone.. But wanted to try one. One turned into two... And so I know I can't have those around. Same thing happened with the smart ones cookie sundae. I ate all 4 in one week. I do stay within my point allowance and exersice (I lost 3 lbs regardless of the sundae indulgence) but I know I am not there yet and ready to have them in my freezer. Maybe someday!

:-D

[Medusa]

I think my scales are broken :(

I sneaked a peak this morning knowing that my weigh-in is not until Sunday but I was feeling pretty chipper after my workout last night. The scales say 285 which is a 3-lb loss from Sunday, which means that I have essentially lost 10 pounds in the last 10 days. I don't think that's possible so I'm going to weigh in tomorrow on the "big scales" at my first in-person WW meeting at work.

Our WW session at work is 13 weeks and meets every Wednesday. The coordinator said that several people are also doing the WW online program but found that in-person meetings are great for feeling supported. I dont know that I need the support because I use this thread pretty readily but it will be interesting to see what others are doing to get on track.

Today's menu:

Breakfast was:
snack size spicy hot V8
2 Tillamook cheddar cheese packets (2 points each on WW)
a honeycrisp apple

Midmorning snack:
Fiber 1 bar

Lunch:
lean cuisine
side of mashed sweet potatoes with cinammon

mid-afternoon snack:
grapefruit

Dinner:
homemade chili with lean ground beef, onion, peppers, tomatoes, garlic, beans, and my secret spices
side salad with croutons, carrots, and lite Italian

Late night snack: sugar free double chocolate pudding cup

[Medusa]

Breakfast: skinny Iced cinnamon dolce latte (2pp)
Spinach feta wrap (7pp)

Ok... I need to stop going to Starbucks so much, but it's hard. And, I am 5 drinks away from hitting my gold member status!!! My favorite drink is only 2pp, so it isn't that bad!

Lunch- Ahi tuna steak and sautéed eggplant and zucchini!

Dinner- ground turkey and vegetables.

I don't stray away from my menus and tend to eat the same thing over and over. This helps me not crave other things.

I did, however, buy some weight watchers carrot cakes at the store yesterday to send to someone.. But wanted to try one. One turned into two... And so I know I can't have those around. Same thing happened with the smart ones cookie sundae. I ate all 4 in one week. I do stay within my point allowance and exersice (I lost 3 lbs regardless of the sundae indulgence) but I know I am not there yet and ready to have them in my freezer. Maybe someday!

:-D

I hear you Starry! I usually keep sugar free popsicles or sugar free fudge bars in the freezer for the times when I want a little something. I know there is no way I could keep anything carrot cake-related in the house right without seriously obsessing about them. Carrot cake and pumpkin pie are my 2 most favorite things in the world!

Curiously enough, Jack has had a package of opened Thin Mint cookies on the counter along with 3 opened candy bars that she has been snacking on that haven't tempted me a bit.

[starryeyes]

I think my scales are broken :(

I sneaked a peak this morning knowing that my weigh-in is not until Sunday but I was feeling pretty chipper after my workout last night. The scales say 285 which is a 3-lb loss from Sunday, which means that I have essentially lost 10 pounds in the last 10 days. I don't think that's possible so I'm going to weigh in tomorrow on the "big scales" at my first in-person WW meeting at work.

Our WW session at work is 13 weeks and meets every Wednesday. The coordinator said that several people are also doing the WW online program but found that in-person meetings are great for feeling supported. I dont know that I need the support because I use this thread pretty readily but it will be interesting to see what others are doing to get on track.

Today's menu:

Breakfast was:
snack size spicy hot V8
2 Tillamook cheddar cheese packets (2 points each on WW)
a honeycrisp apple

Midmorning snack:
Fiber 1 bar

Lunch:
lean cuisine
side of mashed sweet potatoes with cinammon

mid-afternoon snack:
grapefruit

Dinner:
homemade chili with lean ground beef, onion, peppers, tomatoes, garlic, beans, and my secret spices
side salad with croutons, carrots, and lite Italian

Late night snack: sugar free double chocolate pudding cup

I HATE my at home scale. It always shows a 2lb loss or a 2lb gain. On Sunday, it showed that I was down 1lb, for the week but up 2 from the day before. At WW, I was down 3. I think I'm gonna chuck it!

If you are down 10 in 10... Go on sista! It's not impossible. Red flag was down over 14 in 2 weeks. I wish I could do that!!

:-D

[Rockinonahigh]

I need a n ew scale too but I can colabrate the one I have by puting it on 0 then putting a 5 pound weight on it to check it out out then set the #...so far that has worked.
Today I did another work out but it was mostly upper body work,I did ride my exersise bike for 12 minits till my knee started twinging at me to take it easy so I quit the bike but went for a short walk to work out the kink in my knee,then I did 52teps on the stair stepper.I did work up a fair sweat and got the old heart pumping good.Then I took anotherwalk to chill down then lunch,wich was a combo salad with a can of tuna on top and some crackers and a bottle of water...sofar im back up to 60oz of water a day.Breakfast was some cottage cheese and frut with two slices of whole wheat shugar free bread..12 grain no less.Dinner will be some pan seared fish with a steamed veggie bag.

[JustJo]

Hello healthies :)

Every once in awhile I realllllllyyyy feel like fried chicken, but know that it's a bad choice for me since it's generally drenched in unhealthy fat.

Here's an alternative that really works for me (and it's almost done right now....yummy! :) )

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large plastic bag, about 3/4 cup of flour and seasonings to taste (I use salt, pepper, garlic powder and poultry seasoning).

In a shallow dish, mix an egg wash....a couple eggs, beaten with just a tiny splash of water.

On a plate, pour a nice layer of Panko breadcrumbs.

In a heavy skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of olive oil to frying temps.

Then....take boneless, skinless chicken breasts....shake in the seasoned flour, dip and roll in the egg wash, then roll in the panko.

Pop them into the hot olive oil until just browned on both sides. Stay right there....with Panko, this takes less than a minute if your oil is hot.

Remove the chicken breasts to a baking dish, with space between each one...and bake at 350 for about 45 minutes. Remember....for food safety reasons, chicken breast should read 170 degrees on a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the breast.

The chicken comes out moist and tender with a nice "fried" crust....but without the fat of the skin or soaking up all that grease. :chef2:

[Kätzchen]

Here's what my diet & exercise day looks like so far, today:

-Got up late

-Helped my son deep clean his room
(I'm sure that burned a few calories today,
I was sweating when we were done)

-Walked quite a bit on my errands earlier

-Meals for today:
Breakfast: once slice of multigrain bread w/ peanut butter, cup of coffee, 2 oranges.

Lunch: two 16 oz jars of water, one apple, two slices of sharp cheddar cheese, 7 rosemary wheat thin like crackers.

Supper: (it's in the oven roasting) Carrots, Parsnips, Beets, Baby Red Potatos w/ a chicken dressed in a scrub of olive oil & spices: white pepper, black pepper corns, minced garlic, nutmeg and a splash of curry. It has a Meditterranean taste of sorts that my son even likes.
I need to up my water intake though before supper.

Might have a cup of tea before bed tonight too (that's my dessert because supper is kind of on the rich side).

ps/ Jo's chicken and Medusa's chili may find it's way on a menu at my house soon.

pps/ one time, quite a few years ago when I had health insurance, a doctor said to me that when I exercise to make sure that once I broke into a sweat to keep that pace up for at least another 15 to 20 minutes, if I could tolerate it. I didn't do it all the time but when ever I want to break a plateau, I do it (within reason).

[sylvie]

i have been seriously bummed since yesterday..
And i will be honest about why i got bummed - though it's always hard to be honest, isn't it? It seems silly...

Fad diets --
i don't believe in them, because i've been a girl who has spent a lifetime trying every fad diet thats come here way, always looking for a magic solution - i know there is no magic solution. And so fad diets make me so angry, sigh...(because of MY history with them and my failures...) A friend has hopped on the fad diet bandwagon, and while i won't say the fad diet (because i don't believe in promoting something like that in any way in this thread because i know what we do here is something completely different..♥ and i love that - and i also know it's terribly hard on me to hear about fad diet successes because deep down i still want to believe in that magic solution as a girl who is a food addict, a girl with an eating disorder AND as a girl who wants to lose weight...period..) But i got seriously angry within..

Why did i get angry? i've lost 82 lbs since April of 2011.. Which IS fabulous, believe me i'm proud of that.. But in my disease, i'm a numbers girl.. i obsess the numbers, whether it's weighing myself, tracking calories, doing exercises, using my pedometer, i start subtracting the amount of calories burned from this and that and i get obsessive trying to figure it all out...And it's not healthy to do, so this is something i am trying to get control on right now and it's difficult... So what did i do yesterday? i start figuring out, okay, i have lost 11 lbs in one month (month of December and beginning of January...thats "x" amount of days, and this person has lost "x" amount of lbs in a DAY, i can't grasp it.. It worries me, AND it of course makes ME want this even though i know what i am doing is healthy for 'me'.. i know, i'm trying to gain control on a food & sugar addiction, and i know i am trying to squash my desire to binge and purge every single day.. And what made me angry, is that every single day, i am working my ass off it feels like, because i do meetings each day, and i meditate, and i exercise and exercise and focus on eating healthy, which is a chore in itself for me it feels like, and i'm researching and i'm blogging daily and by the time allll of this is done between working full time hours at work and balancing a family, and spending time with the love of my life - i'm exhausted at the end of a day that i can barely keep my eyes open and i'm crashing..

i know some of you may understand on terms of fad diets, you've probably done them yourselves through life, and what we do here is a wonderful thing in my opinion, encouraging one another to be active, to eat healthy, offering tips and suggestions of things we have tried, and ALWAYS motivating one another to do it one step at a time..

So, i really need to find a way to separate myself from fad diets - while i don't believe in them because they've been horrible for me, i find a lot of anger within me for when they're successful for others.. i know for me, after i stopped doing what i did - i would gain all my weight back and for 'me' THIS works because i am maintaining and living a healthy lifestyle now, it's a lifetime commitment, this i know.. So while THAT feels good, why am i so ... jealous? or upset ? over people and the diets they choose that gives them such remarkable success..

i will admit, i choose to remain angry within.. Because for me, the anger over fad diets keeps me on track, and not wanting to do what they do, because i know it isn't successful for me to try those things - but what bothers me is how bummed out i got over my own progress.. 82 lbs lost so far is nothing to sneeze at, right? And i took my measurements yesterday, i lost an inch on my waist, an inch on my hips, an inch on my arms AND half an inch on my legs..i didn't even get happy about that, instead i was down on myself because i found myself wanting more, i think i got trapped in that envy of quick weight lost with someone else - and became seriously hard on myself..

But, in saying all of this, i had a successful day despite the being hard on myself, i still ate well, i still exercised... And - actually because of all of this i pushed myself so hard exercisewise, i almost hurt myself, which wasnt good either.. i went for an hour long walk around the lake, but that walk normally takes me almost an hour and a half, and then got home, ate lunch and popped in my DVD and did an hour of a power workout with Jillian, doing moves i can barely do usually and over pushing myself, at one point i was skipping and my ankle started hurting everytime i jumped on it and then on top of that i pulled a muscle in my back, which hurts.. it doesn't prevent me from exercising but everytime i move certain ways i feel that tug of pain and wouldnt take much for me to pull my back out i'm sure.. Did i stop? hell no, i got jogging on the treadmill for as long as i could stand and when that wasn't enough, i would get off, rest and then jump on again.. did this a few times and then some odd exercises in between.. When i realized what i was doing, again i got hard on myself, why are you doing this to yourself? Just seemed like a no win day for me, know what i mean?

Anyway, such a book, i'm so sorry.. Sometimes i just need to vent the frustration within, and i don't usually vent my frustration with anything, i try to keep it positive, always...because positive helps me, but this time i needed to release it in hopes that you all might understand and re-motivate me the healthy way , i need to lose the obsessive thoughts here and get back on the bandwagon - because w hat i am doing here , losing a couple lbs here and there, by living the healthy lifestyle coupled with HEALTHY amounts of exercise, is the right way to do this, just like you all...

Thanks again for this space, this healthy, supportive & motivating space, this post proves how much i need this space..

~~~
And also, Candace ((((huggggz))))
So sorry for the hateful email you received, i'm still blown away by that, but i can relate with some hateful things said to me as well but by family and who i thought were friends, nothing to that extent.. Shake it off, because you are doing SUCH a wonderful thing for yourself, and your improving health and growing self esteem proves that, each and every day!!! Keep doing what you do, and also i got my blog set up finally, and have added you on it, i will message you with my link soon.. ♥ Keep inspiring girl - you got this!!

Happy Hump Day Healthies! xox
So sorry for my vent, seriously.. ♥

[*Anya*]

Sweet sylvie. All of us have tried fad diets. If they actually worked over the long haul, we would all be thin and wouldn't need this thread.

It is difficult and frustrating to just keep putting one foot in front of the other but even if we move 2 steps forward and one step back- we are still moving forward.

I am not discounting your feelings and can't tell you not to feel as you do today but we all know in our hearts that focusing on the numbers, instead of our health and forward movement is a set-up for all of us with eating disorders to somehow let ourselves fail.

You inspire me daily to keep my eye on my own prize and to keep that forward momentum going-regardless of how anyone else does.

I did not lose any weight yesterday but am happy because neither did I gain. I try to measure my success in tiny, little baby steps and just keep on, keeping on.

Hugs,

[sylvie]

Sweet sylvie. All of us have tried fad diets. If they actually worked over the long haul, we would all be thin and wouldn't need this thread.

It is difficult and frustrating to just keep putting one foot in front of the other but even if we move 2 steps forward and one step back- we are still moving forward.

I am not discounting your feelings and can't tell you not to feel as you do today but we all know in our hearts that focusing on the numbers, instead of our health and forward movement is a set-up for all of us with eating disorders to somehow let ourselves fail.

You inspire me daily to keep my eye on my own prize and to keep that forward momentum going-regardless of how anyone else does.

I did not lose any weight yesterday but am happy because neither did I gain. I try to measure my success in tiny, little baby steps and just keep on, keeping on.

Hugs,

Anya (((hugggs)))

i do know that focusing on the numbers is a set up.. It's something i've been working on for some time now, and it's why i haven't been allowed to use certain things because of my obsession with the numbers.. i do feel i am doing much better than i used to...Yesterday, i stumbled and i'm trying to reel myself back in, that's hard to do sometimes..

It really amazes me how something so unrelated, and so different can cause one to stumble on their own journey.. What matters i think is that i 'do' know that what i am doing for myself is healthy for 'me' overall -- and that deep down i am proud of my progress, because i post about that all the time.. Just trying to shake this off, today and get myself back on track..

i do, however, know that maintaining is equally important - that's something i celebrate often as well.. You're doing FABulous hunny, proud of you!

So today, getting back on track... Venting it helped release it some & am getting out of the funk i was in yesterday -- i knew you could all help me get there, thanks for your support & words, and you inspire me as well, that's why we all keep coming back, to inspire one another, ♥

[sylvie]

Challenge Time!!
Thought this might be something good to try here, something i never do & should .. While we weigh ourselves and we take measurements, something we should be taking measurement of is our Resting Heart Rate..

This was a challenge yesterday in a daily challenge i do on a website called Me n' You Health..

Challenge:
Leave yourself a reminder to take your resting heart rate when you wake up tomorrow.

How To Do It:
Because the only time to accurately measure your resting heart rate is before you get out of bed in the morning, leave yourself a reminder tonight. Put a clock or watch with a second hand near your bed. In the morning, place your index and middle fingers directly beneath your ear or on the inside of your opposite wrist, just below the base of your thumb. Once you feel your pulse, count the beats for a full minute. If you count 70 beats, for example, your resting heart rate is 70 beats per minute (bpm).

Why It Matters:
Your resting heart rate is a measure of your basic physical fitness level. For an adult, a normal resting heart rate is between 60 to 100 beats per minute, or bpm. In general, healthy adults who are more physically fit have lower resting heart rates. However, your resting heart rate can be influenced by a variety of things, from stress and medications to body weight (if you're overweight, your heart has to work harder).

i will give this a try tomorrow morning!
Anyone do this regularly? Will be fun to see my progress with this as well, i think. i'd like to know i'm doing my heart good as well.

[PinkieLee]

(((((((((sylvie))))))))))))))

Honey, I and I'm sure most of us here, completely understand where you are coming from about fad diets and the sucess/failure they bring.

I work with a lady at my 2nd job, that started some diet (something like Atkins or South Beach). She came in the other night, gushing that she had lost 12 pounds in a week on this diet. 12 pounds... holy crap! That took me a couple months on WW to do... and she did it in 7 days! Yeah, I found myself jealous and my negative self talk popped in my head, "damn, you suck Tonya. You've been doing this how many months, and you've only lost 30ish pounds!"

As more time went on, the more rational side of my brain started coming back into focus. In the beginning, it's easy to lose quite a bit of water weight... especially if you were never really a big water drinker. While 12 pounds in a week doesn't sound healthy TO ME, I have to be proud for her and hope that maybe just maybe this is the ideal plan for her.

sylvie, you have done so much positive work on yourself, and your journey continues to be motivation for all of us. There is nothing wrong with letting the negative out when it creeps in... releasing it enables us to move forward in a positive direction!

[sylvie]

(((((((((sylvie))))))))))))))

Honey, I and I'm sure most of us here, completely understand where you are coming from about fad diets and the sucess/failure they bring.

I work with a lady at my 2nd job, that started some diet (something like Atkins or South Beach). She came in the other night, gushing that she had lost 12 pounds in a week on this diet. 12 pounds... holy crap! That took me a couple months on WW to do... and she did it in 7 days! Yeah, I found myself jealous and my negative self talk popped in my head, "damn, you suck Tonya. You've been doing this how many months, and you've only lost 30ish pounds!"

As more time went on, the more rational side of my brain started coming back into focus. In the beginning, it's easy to lose quite a bit of water weight... especially if you were never really a big water drinker. While 12 pounds in a week doesn't sound healthy TO ME, I have to be proud for her and hope that maybe just maybe this is the ideal plan for her.

sylvie, you have done so much positive work on yourself, and your journey continues to be motivation for all of us. There is nothing wrong with letting the negative out when it creeps in... releasing it enables us to move forward in a positive direction!

It feels good to have the rational part of me coming back too, i really got stuck on this one, you did exactly w hat i did, with comparing to my own journey.. i think we all have to remember that some weeks we may lack motivation, some weeks we may lose less lbs, sometimes even NO lbs, and some weeks we may have to lean on others for motivation & support to keep at this - but in doing all of that, whether maintaining OR losing - it's the fact we're being good to our bodies and building so much more with our journeys.. Self esteem, positive thinking, we're taking chances and doing things we've never done before -- we're changing our lives, one step at a time.. THAT feels good ...

Definitely releasing that negative amongst you all was necessary for me, because i know you all have been there or could understand on some level - now i can bunch it all up and toss it behind me ..No more being hard on myself , just needed to reassure myself - stumbles can be so difficult sometimes..In saying all of this, i do hope that this person is making healthy choices for themselves, and that it all works.. i do know we're all different and some people can be successful with the different diets out there - i just always worry about what its doing to their bodies, because i remember what so many of them did for mine..For me, clean foods & exercise, it's slow & it's hard work, but i feel good about this.. ♥ (for me)

As i said i'm not sure why i let this make me feel small or that my progress wasn't enough.. i know looking back, i have made sooo many changes in my life and that alone should be something i am proud of.. And girl, 30'ish lbs is fantastic.. i remember when i lost my first 30 lbs, the changes i was already feeling within, was amazing.. You are on your way!! ♥ Congratulations for your progress so far Tonya, i love watching everyone's journey unfold, thats the thing i find most inspiring about you all.. Love it!

[Medusa]

Ai yi yi.

I have a lot brimming today so I'll probably talk a lot. Just skip me if it's irritating.

Just got back from my first in-person WW meeting here at work. The leader is pretty amazing and immediately talked about the messages we are fed as women and how different intersections can affect us. It was very empowering to hear her talk about the food messages she received as a female black child in the South and how she asked each of us to start dismantling our own messages.

Needless to say, I was prepared for some vapid idiot to bounce around and annoy me because the first WW meeting I ever attended was 15 years ago and the leader's name was "BITZI" (not kidding) and she bounced and giggled through her self-congratulating bullshit message of having made her goal and lost 14 pounds. It was gross and erasing as I sat there almost 100 pounds overweight at the time. She even talked about eating ice cubes to "stave off the hunger".

Our leader today is named Janice and she is a no bullshit GAW (grown ass woman) who realllly seems to get that there is a food addiction issue needing to be addressed and not just vanity bullshit. I was immediately in love with her and feel pretty energized.

Weigh in was 288, which is on track with my naked weigh in of 285 at home since she said to allow 2 - 3 pounds for clothing items.

Deep sigh of gratitude here.

[Medusa]

This will possibly be triggery to people who binge so skip this if you are feeling sensitive.


On Binging

I'm a binge eater. I come from a long line of binge eaters. This was something I wanted to really confront when I started this journey last April. I have confronted it and continue to confront it every day.

This morning, I has that dreaded "I binged last night" feeling. The chili I made was really good. I ate a bowl. Then I went back and ate another one even though I was full. Then late last night, I ate another 1/2 cup even though I was full.
On the WW plan, the points didnt put me over for my daily limit or anything and I didnt add cheese and sour cream like I normally do but I ate the chili like I used to eat cheeseburgers...greedily, gulping, and barely tasting it. Anything to get it packed in so that I can feel full as soon as possible.

The fact of the matter is that I've been having some sadness the past week. Last night, when I ate too much chili it was an attempt to get that feeling to go away. Don't get me wrong, I'm not in the "beating myself up" phase because it was chili, it wasnt Twinkies but still, I'd like to get a handle on that urge to stuff it all down.

Over all, I've done great with it. Have had 3 binges in the last 6 months. Have cleaned every closet and drawer in the house. Have caught up everything at work. Am working on getting needs for the Planet caught up. Everything is sliding into place. Hopefully the binging will be a thing of the past as well at some point.

* And this is where I took out a big ass paragraph about being remiss to write about this shit here because of haters out on the internet who do hateful shit with other people's vulberabilities, much like what happened to Candace, and that shit isn't worth my time, or yours.*

The plan is to keep morphing my mind. Overeating is not always a binge and sometimes eating way too much of something IS a binge if you're doing it to stop feeling.

It'll come together. I appreciate all of you.

[Rockinonahigh]

One of my biggest probs in staying on a food plan is there are times dureing the day I just feel like chowing down on about anything,it happends about 4pm or around 8 to 10pm.Im not hungry at all just want soemthing to crunch on or something sweet,I try to keep cllery or anything lo carb or lo cal with some kind of fat free homemade dip.We have some chocklate cream cookies in the kitchen....I bad wanted some not one,if I had started on them I would have eaten a whole bag with out a doubt.Insted I got some cellery and peminto cheese dip from the fridge to chew on...but I still want a cookie.Really its one of the times I want a ciggie,but its been over a year since I had one,I refuse to go there ever again.

[sylvie]

Being a binger myself, i can relate Medusa..
i started this back in April as well, it's a difficult journey, indeed.

i find i struggle with portions, if i make something delicious, having a bowl and then putting the rest away is hard for me.. So i buy the containers i can portion them out - and then i'll freeze most of what's left.. Then i can take out a portion at a time and it seems to help with soups, chilis and that sort of thing ..

Also, i struggle with eating binge-style.. While i haven't binged in awhile, i do still tend to eat that way, when i'm not being mindful of it.. So, i try eating in a calm setting, no television is important for me, and i try and eat slowly, chewing each bite, putting my fork down, enjoying it.. Sounds silly, but just little things that work for me, or are working for me.. Because i am still working on these everyday. i feel like i'm retraining myself to eat, a little embarrassing, but necessary.

Also, as a binger, *for me* i have to keep in mind that while i've had many successful days, of not binging and remaining abstinent from foods i would consider my binge foods - i try and be mindful that stumbles can and do happen, without even realizing something is a trigger .. i know it's a lifetime struggle..

And i agree, the haters just aren't worth our time.. It's why we all come together on a thread like this, and pass that positive energy along to one another - because we're worth it.. i will say this, however.. If i ever get to the size i want to be, or get to a place where i know i am 100% happy within about my accomplishments and know i'm where i need to be - not ever, will i ever *not* encourage someone on their journey, because i know how it felt, and i will always be super sensitive to it..Because on the inside, i'm me, always, and want to be able to inspire someone, because i'm passionate about paying it forward..

Ahh, this thread, always makes me think & learn & find ways to move forward..LOVE that..

Blessings, all!

[Medusa]

EEEEEEK!

I just signed up for bellydance classes!


EEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!

[Cowboi]

Today is leg day....
I'm off to the gym.

[Sparkle]

Hello Healthy People

I love reading the posts in this thread, yay for each and every step that you've all taken!

I fell out of my gym routine and my nutritionist recommended eating plan over the holidays. I wasn't *horrid*, I made it to the gym a few times and I only over-indulged a few times between Thanksgiving and New Years. But I really lost my momentum.

I managed to maintain my weight (with 3lbs fluctuation in either direction) during those 6 weeks. But I've hit a weight loss plateau since my hip injury in November. I feel frustrated and I've been struggling with daily motivation and consistency.

My annual winter inertia has set in, good and proper.

I'm not a new years resolution type person, but I do try to make time to reflect on the year that closes: to consider what I want more of and what I want less of in the year to come.

This year I want to continue making small every day healthy changes and choices. I want to cook more for *myself*. I want to run more, do more pilates and dance more (around the kitchen while i cook, if need be)... and I want to read more, listen to more music, go to the cinema more. I want to go to bed at a more reasonable hour, more often.

And to those ends, today I have made a big change that I believe will help me continue progressing in my healthy lifestyle, I have cut the cable television umbilical core. No more 300-gazillion channels of mostly crap programming. No more on-demand everything. No more HGTV as "company". No more glazed eyed channel flipping. No more staying up too late watching repeats of Project Runway or the same 5 episodes of Criminal Minds.

In reflecting upon how I was spending my (non-work) time I was a little disgusted with how much time I spent on the sofa in front of the telly. For over 15years of my life I didn't have cable television and I thrived. I went out and did things (whatever the weather), I read a few books a month, I tried new things, I walked places, I wrote long emails to far away friends, I discovered new foods and new films and new music... I spent more time with my friends.

So as of today, I've cut my television service back to only the most basic of channels a handful of local stations for the news and PBS.

I think I might experience some withdrawl symptoms, especially this weekend when its cold and dark and snowy...

But ultimately I think eliminating this (mostly) mindless distraction is going to give me the motivation I need to get to the gym more, to cook more, to read more...

/and that is where I'm at!

[Miss Scarlett]

Posting the quotes from Jack LaLanne got me curious to see if there were any videos online of his show from the 60's...found them on his website. They've got 6 weeks of shows. i've started working out with Jack and love it. The first week is awesome, especially if you haven't exercised in a while...
http://www.jacklalanne.com/watch-jack/

[princessbelle]

Oh i would LOVE to do belly dancing!!!!!! I remember, back in my college days, i took a beginners class. It was so freaking fun!!!!

I love the outfits and the jewelry too. Those waist chains are gorgeous.

I ventured into cooking fish today. Now, you have to know, i've never been a real cook. I raised two boys, i know how to cook a mean meatloaf and the basic southern stuff, fried chicken, fried okra, fried fried fried. Not exactly what you would call healthy.

Since we started out healthy eating plan on Jan 1, i've ventured into learning all sorts of recipes. I even have a file of recipes now and i've got a couple of fantastic healthy eating recipe books. Tonight menu was baked Salmon and omg it was so freaking good.

I never really enjoyed cooking until i started getting in to it. Planning new things to try and knowing they are healthy. Also, having the right cooking items helps. I was blessed to receive a NuWave and have really updated my kitchen in the past month.

Who knew .....cooking can be fun!!!!!

[Miss Scarlett]

Tonight's dinner is a 4oz Flounder fillet (Found some individually packaged in the freezer section of my grocery store for $1.39 each!) baked in a foil pouch over 2 cups sliced yellow squash, topped with 2 TBSP hot & spicy salsa, sealed and baked at 450 for 25 minutes...160 calories, 5g of healthy fat and 19g of lean protein...yummy!

[Leigh]

I'm very excited to be able to come into the thread and say that I truly, 100%, joined a gym and I *HAVE* started working out! Saturday, Monday and yesterday I worked out and have three training sessions with a personal trainer to help me get started. She is so thoughtful, helpful and just a great support all around ...... her name is Heather and she's pretty cool, I can't even begin to say how I think she's awesome. I've been doing treadmill and weights, started at 25 lb weights and am upto 40 now ~ not bad huh? When I was weighed last summer I was 374 lbs, but then I weighed myself on saturday I was ............. 354 lbs! I'm pretty excited about all of the changes that I've been making lately and I cant wait for more :-)

[moxie]

I haven't posted in a while. I have been keeping up with reading and have been taking everything in.

I work in a small office and we have started a weight-loss challenge. We weigh in weekly on a doctor's scale and pay $1 each week and whoever loses the highest percentage of body weight wins the pool.

The first week, which ended last Wednesday, I lost 7 pounds. I hadn't really changed anything except less mindless eating and taking a Super B Complex vitamin regularly because the doctor put me on B-12 shots in November. I stepped off and told everyone "This scale is wrong." Everyone was congratulating me and I kept saying it was wrong. How could I lose 7 pounds when I didn't do much of anything? Then I thought of all the new clothes I was going to be able to buy and how much better I was going to look and I started getting excited.

So, today we weighed in again. I gained a pound. Again, I said "This scale is wrong." and I was disappointed. I understand that there is water weight and what clothes I am wearing and stuff but I was a lot more disappointed than I thought I would be.

I need to get motivated and I am hoping that with more regular participation in this thread instead of just lurking will help. :)

[Rockinonahigh]

I had a censable lunch at 1:30pm at 4:00pm I was feelin a bit light headed but as we have dinner somewhere areound 5:30,I flat refused to eat anything till dinner.I felt even worse cause I didnt eat,so it took a while to perk back up.This is the part where I prolly need to eat to keep my shugar up but with dinner being so early I really try not to munch,its a two edged soward to keep balance with being dibetic....some days I do some days I dont.Lunch was a cold bake sweet tater,and some veggies with a fue black olives,should have been enough.

[justkim]

I started the 12 week Challenge at my gym... To start things off they measure you and weigh you, then they send you off to have your picture taken with just your bloomers and bra... ::blink:: I haven't weighed myself since back in November... before I got in my own way and I let taking care of myself take a backseat... NOT ANYMORE! Since that last weigh in I thought for sure I had gain an ungodly amount of weight, imagine my surprise when the scale showed only a 2 lb. gain... ::blink:: I was beyond happy and perhaps a little speechless... and right now my emotions are taking over and I want to share my story... But, the grand one needs me... be back later perhaps tomorrow if time allows... To those of you walking this journey to a healthier you keep your face to the sun and shine on...

[Tawse]

Back in 2006 I lost 100 pounds... counted every calorie - every single one I could think of and basically remained faithful to eating as few "starches" as possible thus giving me more that I could eat throughout the day for the same amount of calories.

Somewhere along the line I decided I didn't need to count - I could gauge it well enough. And here we are 6 years later and I've gained 70 pounds of it back... Or I had as of Jan 3rd.

Both Gillian and I decided enough was enough. We simply can't be left to our own devices when it comes to eating. We have to log and count our food - or we go apeshit. So we started logging our food again on Jan 3rd with the goal of 1200 cal a day - as few starches as possible... drinking plenty of water (min 64oz pure water a day) etc etc...


And as of this morning I'm down 11 pounds and Gillian is down 13!!

At the start our sodium levels were around 3500mg a day and we've gotten them down to between 2000 and 2500 a day... started taking vitamins and supplements...

It always amazes me how much better I feel when I eat right, I honestly feel better. No guilt - no distended stomach - skin is better - moods are more stable... the list goes on and on... and yet I will throw all of that away if unchecked.


hmmmm

[starryeyes]

I'm feeling frustrated this week! I ate two things I know I shouldn't have and I have not been moving my body. If I have a gain this week... I'm gonna die! Well, not really die but you know what I mean. I am getting off my butt and walking today in between jobs. I also am gonna be on track 100% till my weigh in Sunday.

Here's to a good rest of the week!

:-D

[starryeyes]

I had a censable lunch at 1:30pm at 4:00pm I was feelin a bit light headed but as we have dinner somewhere areound 5:30,I flat refused to eat anything till dinner.I felt even worse cause I didnt eat,so it took a while to perk back up.This is the part where I prolly need to eat to keep my shugar up but with dinner being so early I really try not to munch,its a two edged soward to keep balance with being dibetic....some days I do some days I dont.Lunch was a cold bake sweet tater,and some veggies with a fue black olives,should have been enough.

Sometimes your body just needs more. Maybe try to eat a high protien snack like some peanut butter, or nuts to help you get through to dinner. I sometimes eat 2oz of greek yogurt to get me past my "im getting hungry too early". You are doing awesome tho! Keep up the good work. I love reading your posts!

:-D

[Rockinonahigh]

Sometimes your body just needs more. Maybe try to eat a high protien snack like some peanut butter, or nuts to help you get through to dinner. I sometimes eat 2oz of greek yogurt to get me past my "im getting hungry too early". You are doing awesome tho! Keep up the good work. I love reading your posts!

:-D

Thanks,I hope I can pass on some ideas to others who are takeint this trip of getting healthy,its not easy nor is is something that happends over night.I remembr the days I could just go to 500 calories a day and 40 carbs then lose like crazy,I gess I could still do that but I also doubt it would be the right way to be healthy plus balance out my shugar levals.Im fixing to do a mediun work out then have some lunch,im supose to play pool tonight on my league team and shure dont want to be too sore to play.Lunch to day will be a can of progresso potroast soup 180 calories for the whole can and 20 carbs,so far with lunch and breakfast I will have had 40 total carbs and 289 calories no to bad so far.Dinner will be steak and baked potato(sm)with a salad to hole me over till I get home,but I will take some pistashio nuts to snack on while im out.

[Medusa]

I hit the elliptical for 15 minutes last night again. 2 days in a row is a big deal for me. I usually only work out 3 times a week. My goal is to work out 5 times this week for a minimum of 15 minutes each.

Today's menu:

Breakfast:
Smoothie with chocolate almond milk, banana, ice, greek yogurt, and 1 tbs of natural peanut butter = 8 ww points

Snack:
Spicy V8 = 1 ww point
5 reduced fat triscuits and 1 Tillamook cheese snack = 4 ww points

Lunch:
Lean Cuisine Cannelloni = 6 ww points
1/2 cup mashed sweet potato = 3 ww points
grapes = 0 ww points

Afternoon snack:
honeycrisp apple = 0 ww points

Dinner:
Baked chicken breast = 5 ww points (Im eating a big portion!0
steamed veggies = 0 points
glass of wine = 4 ww points

Late night snack:
double chocolate pudding cup = 2 ww points

I get 42 points a day based on my weight. Today I will have a total of 33 points. I have found that I need to eat at LEAST 30 points a day or I wont lose weight so I try to stick as close to 35 as possible. 42 Points is a lot unless you are having a couple of large dinners or a chinese buffet :)

[Medusa]

I am about to explode here at work. Several issues happening: database crashes, people bugging the piss out of me because they won't help themselves, people expecting me to research shit they have access to themselves, and people waiting until the last minute to get their data to me and then being all pissy when I tell them they need to redrop it to our FTP site because they didn't use the right encryption key.

So this is where I would normally go to the vending machine and get a candy bar.

Instead, me and The Princess are heading over to Sonic and getting a Route 44 drink. She gets Diet Coke, I get unsweet tea with a bunch of lemon!

VICTORY!

[Deborah]

.... pumpkin pie are my 2 most favorite things in the world!


Weight Watchers Pumpkin Pie
11 points whole pie
**************************************

1 reg can pumpkin
1 cup 1% milk
2 egg whites
½ cup Bisquick
2 tsp sugar
2 pkts sweet n low
1 tsp honey
2 tsp vanilla
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp cinnamon

**************************************
Spray pie plate with fat free Cooking Spray
Bake in a 350 degree oven for 50-60 minutes or until done (inserted toothpick trick)

I LOVE pumpkin pie! I cant tell you how many of these I have eaten...you can even use sugar free/low fat whipped cream/cool whip whatever :)

[fever]

I am on a strict diet for this month. I am doing a parasite cleanse and have to be off carbs and sugars, no flour etc. I will have to check into WW, but, nearly everything you have listed are high on the glycemic index and I can't have them. Strange how all the diets go by different things, but if we get results, it doesn't matter. Good for you on the ecliptical. I have heard that is the best machine yet. Best of luck to you!! I hope to be in a ball gown at the Reunion. Just need to figure out Ebay lol





I hit the elliptical for 15 minutes last night again. 2 days in a row is a big deal for me. I usually only work out 3 times a week. My goal is to work out 5 times this week for a minimum of 15 minutes each.

Today's menu:

Breakfast:
Smoothie with chocolate almond milk, banana, ice, greek yogurt, and 1 tbs of natural peanut butter = 8 ww points

Snack:
Spicy V8 = 1 ww point
5 reduced fat triscuits and 1 Tillamook cheese snack = 4 ww points

Lunch:
Lean Cuisine Cannelloni = 6 ww points
1/2 cup mashed sweet potato = 3 ww points
grapes = 0 ww points

Afternoon snack:
honeycrisp apple = 0 ww points

Dinner:
Baked chicken breast = 5 ww points (Im eating a big portion!0
steamed veggies = 0 points
glass of wine = 4 ww points

Late night snack:
double chocolate pudding cup = 2 ww points

I get 42 points a day based on my weight. Today I will have a total of 33 points. I have found that I need to eat at LEAST 30 points a day or I wont lose weight so I try to stick as close to 35 as possible. 42 Points is a lot unless you are having a couple of large dinners or a chinese buffet :)

[Rockinonahigh]

I am on a strict diet for this month. I am doing a parasite cleanse and have to be off carbs and sugars, no flour etc. I will have to check into WW, but, nearly everything you have listed are high on the glycemic index and I can't have them. Strange how all the diets go by different things, but if we get results, it doesn't matter. Good for you on the ecliptical. I have heard that is the best machine yet. Best of luck to you!! I hope to be in a ball gown at the Reunion. Just need to figure out Ebay lol

Fever
Look at Davids Bridal shop or a place like it,they have ball gowns/prom dresses on sale after the prom season.When I went the bash I went shoping with a femme friend of mine for hers,to store after store.Then I went tux shoping,most places that rent tuxes will sell them as thay go out of season with all accsessories for $125.00 or so..hear they do any how.

[JustJo]

Hello healthies :)

I'm cleaning off my desk and purging filing cabinets this afternoon...something I've been wanting and needing to do for ages.

It got me thinking about how "stuff" accumulates....and also about how small changes and small, consistent effort adds up.

And then....a lightbulb moment....when I found my lab results from February 2006 (yea, I know....like I said I've been meaning to clean it out for a long time).....
So here's what small, consistent changes over years do.....in six years....

Blood sugar....was 298....now 103

A1c......was 8.3%.....now 5.9%

Triglycerides.....was 369.....now 126

HDL....the good cholesterol....was 40.....now 72

When I was first diagnosed, my doctor said I had the "fatal four".....high cholesterol, high blood pressure, high blood sugar and high triglycerides....and was essentially a heart attack looking for a time and place to happen.

Today, after many years of progressive, small changes.....not even close. :rrose:

[Rockinonahigh]

Yes,they are a wicked bitch from hell,I can use any machine in the gym I went to but the epilitical was one that spazzed my left leg from the small of my back to the bottom of my calf.I did manages to work up to four minits on it without totaly stoping then I had to give it up.One of these days im gonna be able to do it with out pain,I hope.

[Rockinonahigh]

Hello healthies :)

I'm cleaning off my desk and purging filing cabinets this afternoon...something I've been wanting and needing to do for ages.

It got me thinking about how "stuff" accumulates....and also about how small changes and small, consistent effort adds up.

And then....a lightbulb moment....when I found my lab results from February 2006 (yea, I know....like I said I've been meaning to clean it out for a long time).....
So here's what small, consistent changes over years do.....in six years....

Blood sugar....was 298....now 103

A1c......was 8.3%.....now 5.9%

Triglycerides.....was 369.....now 126

HDL....the good cholesterol....was 40.....now 72

When I was first diagnosed, my doctor said I had the "fatal four".....high cholesterol, high blood pressure, high blood sugar and high triglycerides....and was essentially a heart attack looking for a time and place to happen.

Today, after many years of progressive, small changes.....not even close. :rrose:


Way to go,congrats.

[Medusa]

Hello healthies :)

I'm cleaning off my desk and purging filing cabinets this afternoon...something I've been wanting and needing to do for ages.

It got me thinking about how "stuff" accumulates....and also about how small changes and small, consistent effort adds up.

And then....a lightbulb moment....when I found my lab results from February 2006 (yea, I know....like I said I've been meaning to clean it out for a long time).....
So here's what small, consistent changes over years do.....in six years....

Blood sugar....was 298....now 103

A1c......was 8.3%.....now 5.9%

Triglycerides.....was 369.....now 126

HDL....the good cholesterol....was 40.....now 72

When I was first diagnosed, my doctor said I had the "fatal four".....high cholesterol, high blood pressure, high blood sugar and high triglycerides....and was essentially a heart attack looking for a time and place to happen.

Today, after many years of progressive, small changes.....not even close. :rrose:


Hey Jo!

You reminded me of something I took from my WW meeting yesterday.

Our leader talked about the "clutter" in our lives and how getting organized and decluttering can really help spur weight loss. She passed around a photo of her before starting the program.
I think she said she weighed about 400 lbs in the photo. She was standing in the middle of her kitchen in the photo and you could tell that there was complete chaos going on around her.

She talked a lot about how decluttering helped her busy herself instead of sitting in front of the television and how it reduced her stress, which in turn reduced her desire to eat because of the stress.

It really rang true for me. My office used to be really chaotic (ask June who saw it in it's tornado state last year) and I always had a feeling of dread about going in there and found my mind wandering to it several times a week. It was pretty symbolic of my spiritual house as well. Everything else in my life was neat and clean but there was that one room that was completely neglected and embarrassing.

My office is my utopia now. I designed it myself and it is pristine and organized and I am no longer embarrassed for people to see that part of my house. Much like my weight loss process, having finally started to address it I am not feeling the apprehension around it anymore. It feels more accessible because I have started "cleaning it up".

Your results sound amazing! (and very inspiring!)

[Miss Scarlett]

I had a censable lunch at 1:30pm at 4:00pm I was feelin a bit light headed but as we have dinner somewhere areound 5:30,I flat refused to eat anything till dinner.I felt even worse cause I didnt eat,so it took a while to perk back up.This is the part where I prolly need to eat to keep my shugar up but with dinner being so early I really try not to munch,its a two edged soward to keep balance with being dibetic....some days I do some days I dont.Lunch was a cold bake sweet tater,and some veggies with a fue black olives,should have been enough.

Sometimes your body just needs more. Maybe try to eat a high protien snack like some peanut butter, or nuts to help you get through to dinner. I sometimes eat 2oz of greek yogurt to get me past my "im getting hungry too early". You are doing awesome tho! Keep up the good work. I love reading your posts!

:-D

Rockin, i agree with starryeyes...are you getting enough lean protein? My doc has me on 800 - 1200 calories per day. By staying away from processed foods and sticking to lean protein, healthy fat and veggies/fruits with every meal i'm able to average 800 - 900 cal/day...3 meals and no snacks because i don't get hungry.

i understand your frustration but don't be discouraged. Maybe you need to rework your food choices to find what works for you. i found through trial and error that certain things my doc says are ok just don't agree with my metabolism...

[Zimmeh]

Congrats!!

Zimmeh

Hello healthies :)

I'm cleaning off my desk and purging filing cabinets this afternoon...something I've been wanting and needing to do for ages.

It got me thinking about how "stuff" accumulates....and also about how small changes and small, consistent effort adds up.

And then....a lightbulb moment....when I found my lab results from February 2006 (yea, I know....like I said I've been meaning to clean it out for a long time).....
So here's what small, consistent changes over years do.....in six years....

Blood sugar....was 298....now 103

A1c......was 8.3%.....now 5.9%

Triglycerides.....was 369.....now 126

HDL....the good cholesterol....was 40.....now 72

When I was first diagnosed, my doctor said I had the "fatal four".....high cholesterol, high blood pressure, high blood sugar and high triglycerides....and was essentially a heart attack looking for a time and place to happen.

Today, after many years of progressive, small changes.....not even close. :rrose:

[Zimmeh]

Good Evening Everyone,

I went to the dr today to get my thyroid checked. After six vials of blood, I will know in a few days what my results are :)

Zimmeh

[Bard]

I start back at work on the 1st of Feb and I am nervous my duty belt will not fit. I know since the surgery and rehab I have put on 30 pounds. I need to take it off my knees are yelling at me and yes cortozone shots take the edge off but for me I need to be in shape for my job and my family I want to be sure I am around to see Abby grow and I want to spend many years with Desd so now is the time before the wedding to be the best I can be for them and yes for me. Started the Biggest loser challenge game for the Wii and so far so good I guess the first step is the hardest

[sylvie]

Good Morning healthies..

Last few days ive been easy on myself exercisewise..
When i over exercised the other day, my ankle has been bothering me & my lower back..

Always stretch, stretch, stretch & always listen to cues when your body says ENOUGH already.. Isn't worth it when you are out of commission for a few days healing..

Today, back on track for me ♥
Going to have a super healthy breakfast, then get out for my walk by the lake..

shredded wheat
1/2 c. skim milk
1/2 cup blueberries
half a banana
raspberry yogurt..
YUM!

Day off today, & got some deep cleaning to do around this house - & then i've a list of things i need to do for myself today... which will benefit me on my journey here, it's all about motivation today for me.. Just some fun little things to encourage me on!!

Happy Friday!
SO happy to see new faces in here committing, & all the shares in here as well.. i'll be in here later to bug ya's all some more, hehe..

[Miss Scarlett]

When i got my iPhone in October one of the first Apps i added (after Starbucks...lol) was "Calorie Counter" by Arawella Corp. It was free and has some awesome features especially the Food Search where you can search the basic food base, set up your favourites, search by categories, brands, supermarkets and even restaurants and chains. You can even create your own custom food list.

The other features include Activities where you can calculate calories burned; a Diary with Body Tracker - enter your weight and measurements to monitor your journey; and "My Plan" where you can enter your target weight & date and it will calculate how many pounds you will need to lose per week to reach that goal...if you uprade to the purchased subscription (i have not done this yet) you can get a detailed nutrition plan, among other things.

It's a whole lot easier than carrying around one of those calorie/carb/fat books and a whole lot easier to use especially since their database is always being updated.

[Miss Scarlett]

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6099/6218654655_5559484090.jpg

Please remember we are all so much more than the number on our scales...

[Thamca74]

Joined weight watchers for the I don't know how many time:seeingstars:
BUT I am determined to do this. I think that my fat feeds a negativity that I want to let go of. This protective shield is not protecting me from anything. I made it through the first day despite some stress that would have sent me to a binge-- So on to day 2!
Would love to hear from anyone who does WW.
Thamca :chocolate:

[Thamca74]

great job. Baby steps add up!

[Tawse]

I have found for me to lose weight - I react well to praise / constructive criticism. The program that works the best for me is http://www.myfooddiary.com. It costs 9 or 10 bucks a month but to me it's very worth it.

over 75,000 foods in their database.. they track sat and trans fats, calcium, a, c,... etc. and at the end of the day you get smiley faces or frowns depending on your levels of that particular nutrient. This encourages you to not only aim for the calorie count - but to do it in a healthy manner so as to reach the smilies for sat fats, sodium, iron, water... etc.

Works for me - but we're all built differently.

This morning - 12 pounds down total.

[JustJo]

So nice to have new people join the thread....welcome! :)

Minor victory this morning....Rooster had no school, so it would have been easy to set the alarm for 7:30 and just get up for work.

Instead, I set it for 6:45 and headed off to Curves.

I'm finding that if I get it done first thing in the morning, it doesn't get swallowed up by the activities of the day....I don't make excuses....and I feel good about that one thing even if the rest of the day goes to hell in the proverbial handbasket.

Official weigh in tomorrow, but today's sneak peek showed that more movement has nudged me off that plateau. :cheesy:

[ruffryder]

Hello everybody!

Moxie, I did the same weight loss challenge at a previous job and won like $200. I like a good challenge and its even better when you meet that challenge. I loved pizza, tortillas, bread, soda and knew if I was gonna win I had to cut all that out. So I did, also sweets and carbs. That challenge right there was what started me on a healthy journey seeing results and knowing it worked to just eat healthy and make wise choices.

Thanks Miss Scarlett, starry, And others who have posted great recipes for us to try! I appreciate that.

I stepped on the scale and lost 3 lbs since last week. I have a few lbs I still want to shed. I had lost quite a bit before I moved across country and gained some back over the months but i'm ready to get back on track. I'll be moving in with roomies this weekend and look forward to cooking healthy together and using the complex fitness center.

Weekend challenge:
Everytime you walk, step it up and make it a brisk walk!
Share a healthy snack with us?

While grocery shopping the other day I bought some snack bars. One is a strawberry cereal bar that is 90 calories, the other oats & chocolate high fiber bar. I also love apples! These are great for on the run, quick snack or breakfast.

Great choices everybody and inspiration. THANKS and keep it up!

[Medusa]

Hey all!

I hit the elliptical again last night. 15 minutes at high intensity. I was sweating hard!

I'm doing short bursts of exercise right now because I am trying to get into the habit of it rather than feeling like it's a chore. I have noticed that last night I started to feel kinda jittery around 8pm which is my normal workout time so I'm hoping that means my body is getting into the routine.

Feeling good!

Today's Menu:

Breakfast:
spicy v8
Fiber 1 bar
cheese wedge

Midmorning snack:
grapefruit

Lunch:
Lunch with the girls at a place known for gourmet salads.
I'm going to do a salad loaded with greens and grilled chicken and all the veggies. Planning for a vinaigrette dressing.

Late afternoon snack:
5 reduced fat Triscuits
1 Laughing Cow wedge

Dinner:
steamed veggies
1/2 c mashed sweet potato
1 hard boiled egg

Next week, Im going to shop and purposely get some different stuff at the supermarket. I've been eating several of the same foods over and over for the last month and know that I'll get food boredom.

Planning on doing some tuna salad next week and maybe makng some breakfast sandwiches at home to bring to work. :)

[starryeyes]

I have been on track for the rest of the week! It feels good :-) Hoping I can make it through the weekend and lose on my weigh in on Sunday. I haven't been feeling well, so I might skip out on being social this weekend which will help!! (no drinking, haha). I am going to a work meeting at Sizzler tomorrow. I have never been to a Sizzler, but I know I can find something!

Here's to a good weekend!!

:-)

[PinkieLee]

Happy Friday all you healthy peeps! It's awesome to see new faces joining us... WELCOME!

Like Medusa, I'm starting to get food menu boredom, so I've been making notes of stuff y'all have been eating, so I can make a grocery shopping list. I've also been going through the WW online recipes, looking for stuff that is quick & easy... and can be saved for lunches, too.

Weigh in yesterday... another 2 pounds lost! Yesterday was the first day in awhile, that I kept myself so busy that I never noticed hunger (let's be truthful ~ boredom) pains. I managed to stay 10 points below my daily target, so I am very happy today! Celebrate the small victories, right?! :)

Eeeeeeeeeek, I signed up for belly dancing classes, too! My first class begins February 7th! I have a couple local friends that said they might wanna try it out, too... but is it wrong that this is something I wanna do by myself? I don't know, it's kinda like I feel this my time to branch out from my comfort zones (of the daily grind of family & friends) & try something JUST FOR ME. No matter what, I'm gonna enjoy every minute of learning something I've always admired and get my body moving even more!

Well, today for breakfast I had:
a fruit & walnut salad from McDonalds (6 ww points, 210 calories)
a small sugar free iced vanilla coffee (2 ww points)

Lunch:
I'm craving a big ol' spinach salad with grilled chicken

Dinner:
Tilapia broiled in the oven
brown rice
asparagus and/or corn on the cob

Snacks:
yogurt

Have a great day y'all!

[Zimmeh]

Good Afternoon Everyone,

Since my appetite has gone whacky, I have been keeping Kind bars in my purse. Today is my bro's wedding, so my diet is off today!

Have a great day and keep up the good work!

Zimmeh

[tazz]

down to 17% body fat.

must be 15% or lower by feb. 3rd

new goal is to be 7% by my competition date 4-30-12.

[JustJo]

down to 17% body fat.

must be 15% or lower by feb. 3rd

new goal is to be 7% by my competition date 4-30-12.

Just asking....but...is a level that low even safe?

I was looking up guidelines on body fat percentage (for myself....cuz mine is pretty shocking) and found this (http://www.sport-fitness-advisor.com/bodyfatpercentage.html)article. Not sure how scientific or correct it is....but it's saying that a level of 12% is pretty much essential for health for females.

It just sounds really low....

[canmarielan]

Just asking....but...is a level that low even safe?

I was looking up guidelines on body fat percentage (for myself....cuz mine is pretty shocking) and found this (http://www.sport-fitness-advisor.com/bodyfatpercentage.html)article. Not sure how scientific or correct it is....but it's saying that a level of 12% is pretty much essential for health for females.

It just sounds really low....

It is pretty low....and it's pretty unhealthy, however most body builders/ fitness show people don't maintain that low a number for a long period of time. Generally a few weeks for competition. Then, they pig out! haha....not really healthy. But, when I can get there, I'll likely do it, too!





As for me, I had to take a break from the public for a few days after that hate mail drama. But, I'm back! I'm so happy with my life!!!

http://mynewdefinition.wordpress.com/2012/01/20/happy-whats-that/

[foxyshaman]

Happy Friday all you healthy peeps! It's awesome to see new faces joining us... WELCOME!

....
Weigh in yesterday... another 2 pounds lost!

...

... but is it wrong that this is something I wanna do by myself? I don't know, it's kinda like I feel this my time to branch out from my comfort zones (of the daily grind of family & friends) & try something JUST FOR ME. No matter what, I'm gonna enjoy every minute of learning something I've always admired and get my body moving even more!

Have a great day y'all!

Congrats PinkieLee on another 2 pounds!!

I think it is essential to 'get out of the box' by yourself. I find more freedom when I am doing new things alone, than if I am trying with friends. It is important that we have things "just for me". It has been proven to me, repeatedly, in my life, that I am strongest when I am at my most vulnerable. Belly Dance is fun and a fabulous workout. But more than that, it helped me get into my "beautiful" place. As an overweight woman I could not always see beauty in my movements. And bellydance is truly an amazingly beautiful, graceful and sensual art.

Anyway... just ma :2cents:

[tazz]

It is pretty low....and it's pretty unhealthy, however most body builders/ fitness show people don't maintain that low a number for a long period of time. Generally a few weeks for competition. Then, they pig out! haha....not really healthy. But, when I can get there, I'll likely do it, too!





As for me, I had to take a break from the public for a few days after that hate mail drama. But, I'm back! I'm so happy with my life!!!

http://mynewdefinition.wordpress.com/2012/01/20/happy-whats-that/

***you are only that low for one day... then you go back up to a regular 12%. but your body cannot take lots of food, due to such a strict diet. but they do celebrate afterwards ;)

[*Anya*]

***you are only that low for one day... then you go back up to a regular 12%. but your body cannot take lots of food, due to such a strict diet. but they do celebrate afterwards ;)

I like to stress, since we have a lot of new folks participating now, that the title and theme of this thread is "Healthy Weight Loss". Welcome to this wonderful thread that Jo started!

I personally appreciate everyone that works so hard to that healthy end and provide such support and feedback to all of us on that path.

Kudos to all!

Btw, I gained a pound this AM. Have no idea why but tomorrow AM
is another day to weigh:)

What matters to me, is that sustained weight loss and that I maintain lean muscle tissue while doing so.

(f)

[Zimmeh]

Good Evening Everyone,

I had a great day at my brother's wedding! I had more veggies to meat and junk food. I did have a slice of wedding cake and cried :)

It was a great day overall and I'm going home tomorrow.

Good night,

Zimmeh