Healthy Weight Loss

[Gemme]

OMFG!!!!

I just weighed myself.

169.8

I haven't been in the 160s in months!

Squee!

AND

That's AFTER I ate a poptart and had some oj.

*smug*

<--this day is just getting better'n better face

[Medusa]

Pinkie! I am very excited that you are giving up one night of work to be home! That sounds like an amazing step toward "healthy" in the quality of life department. VERY happy for you and D!

[LadyRain]

no carbs after 2pm....rabbit food and lean meat for dinner............green tea throughout the day........14 lbs...........GONE!!

[Thinker]

no carbs after 2pm....rabbit food and lean meat for dinner............green tea throughout the day........14 lbs...........GONE!!

Woo!!! Outstanding!!!

[Thinker]

OMFG!!!!

I just weighed myself.

169.8

I haven't been in the 160s in months!

Squee!

AND

That's AFTER I ate a poptart and had some oj.

*smug*

<--this day is just getting better'n better face

Yay for you, Gemme!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(Poptarts are the devil!)

[JoSchmooze]

Tomorrow is my monthly weigh-in.....
I am knda on a plateau right now....
But I have not given up.....
It looks as if we are all doing really well and that
makes me feel good!

Keep on trucking!!

:cowboy:

[Thinker]

Forgot to mention this earlier...

I've been getting these Minute Ready-to-Serve rice packs; they're rice perfection! Individual bowls....one minute in the microwave.

I've had the brown and the brown & wild (:stillheart:). I'll get that multi-grain medley if I can ever find it around here!!!!

I mostly use it as a filler to add to soup, beans, peppers, etc... It also helps me to get my whole grains in. :)

http://www.minuterice.com/en-us/products/categories/29/Minute%C2%AEReadytoServeRice.aspx

[SelfMadeMan]

We've been making some radical changes as a family, for the better! Stacy and our youngest daughter, Sarah, have switched to a vegetarian diet, and I am doing really well on a pescetarian diet (fish & seafood). We ate meat at every meal pretty much prior to this, so HUGE change. Jake, our 17yo still eats meat, but not really any red meat any more, just lean chicken breast and fish mostly. We all gave up dairy milk because we fell in love with almond milk.
Stacy and I do smoothies for breakfast, and sometimes lunch. A typical smoothie for me, for example, is about 1.5 cups chocolate almond milk, a large banana, ground flax seed, about 1/2 cup aloe vera juice, a handful of blueberries, and a scoop of Amazing Grass SuperFood powder (http://amazinggrass.com/product/68/ORAC-Green-SuperFood-100-servings.html). We swear by the Amazing Grass - one scoop gives you more fruits and veggies than most of us normally consume in a day, plus it's full of vitamins and minerals - and I find that it curbs my appetite (maybe because my body is getting what it needs) and gives me energy. Yes, it's a little spendy, about $70/100 servings, but if you look at how much less crap you're eating in place of it, you'd probably come out ahead!
Another thing we LOVE, and eat a lot of are the Morningstar brand of veggie burgers, lots of yummy flavors like mushroom lovers, prime grillers, tomato and basil, etc. Boca brand is also good! We put them on a whole wheat pita with hummus, spinach, portabella mushroom slices, and a little fresh grated cheese. They are SO good!!

[Lady_Di]

Doing great, Scorp!!!

I've been alllllll into my water consumption this go 'round. I noticed the other day that after drinking half a bottle of water, I could not finish one of my meals...........and it was something GOOD too.....something I was totally diggin'!!! But I realized it was because of the water, and that's an okay thing!

So maybe drinking water with your evening snack might help???

Just a thought..

Good luck on your weigh-in!

Water is one of the bestest solutions out there. We are basically big bags of water *** a 1960's reference to Star Trek most assuredly ***

Often times when we think we are hungry, we are actually thirsty. Many are also simply unaware of hydration status, we obfuscate it with things we drink that do not hydrate. Like anything with caffeine for example or something very sweet. Even those non-caloric sweetners have real reprocussions to our bodies awareness. And not just about hydration, those sweetners do a number on your neural pathways in your brain, as they are so much sweeter than anything found in nature. And for the record, they were originally developed during WWII by the Nazis' for their chemical warfare programs. The history of our chemical concoctions is a fascinating tale often told by a fool, but I digress~

Back to hydration... By the time your mouth is actually dry, you are very dehydrated. And if the skin on the back of your hand is tenting, then you are in a serious serious way. Drink water. Drink soup, water down those healthful fluids of all kinds. Get your water, anyway you can figure out that works for you.

Amazing to finally embrace water, as it was very difficult for me after my surgery to tolerate water. My surgeon suggested I could just add a tea bag to the water, without even brewing it, and it can trick the brain, make it more palatable - for those like me that have a hard time drinking water.

Today, thank goodness,things have change dramatically - I stay very hydrated. And it does seem to flush out not only fat, but other wastes, toxins, etc. Today, I water down most everything I drink and enjoy my teas, which are not really tea per se. My most recent discovery is a rose hips and dried lemon peel concoction that is simply divine.

And low sodium bullion with herbs, another lovely discovery I find very satisfying. Not much into sweet, give me savory anytime, please and thank you very much!


Between the suggestions here for healthy snacks and the hydration solution, you all will do great. Food is not the enemy, nor is the miracle that is our body, no matter what size or shape we may find ourselves.

Off to get a cup of tea and a piece of fruit...

Never give up on yourself,
Di

[Medusa]

This is what I've had today:

Breakfast:
1 whole wheat 100-calorie english muffin = 3 WW pts
2 slices lean turkey - 2 WW points
1 triangle of laughing cow sundried tomato - 1 WW pt

Snack - Spicy hot v8 = 1 WW pt

Lunch -
"Taco" salad. Work supplied lunch today so I made a salad out of:
shredded lettuce, salsa, grilled chicken, a sprinkle of cheese, and black beans. Probably 10 points by the time I had the cheese and beans and a dollop of cour cream.

Afternoon Snack - Orange = 0 pts.

Dinner tonight -
Grilled chicken and steamed asparagus = 3 WW pts

Late night snack = Probably an apple or a grapefruit

Also going to hit the elliptical at home for 20 minutes whne I get home! WEE!

I have earned 12 exercise points so far this week!

[JustJo]

OMG who first suggested almond milk in here? Whoever it is, I owe you a smooch.

I have been craving sweets and was about to dive headfirst into a pint of Hagen Daz Rocky Road....but instead I got a carton of Silk dark chocolate almond milk.

Delicious!

I had a glass....and no more chocolate craving. :cheesy:

[Zimmeh]

I love chocolate soymilk and it reminds me of a chocolate milkshake :)

Zimmeh

OMG who first suggested almond milk in here? Whoever it is, I owe you a smooch.

I have been craving sweets and was about to dive headfirst into a pint of Hagen Daz Rocky Road....but instead I got a carton of Silk dark chocolate almond milk.

Delicious!

I had a glass....and no more chocolate craving. :cheesy:

[JustJo]

That's awesome. I had tried the soymilk and found it okay....but the almond milk is really yummy to me.

I've been aware of dairy more with all the reading I'm doing (thanks Dapper) and have been trying to cut down our dairy consumption. Our challenge was what to do on cereal more than anything....and Rooster still likes the ol' glass of milk with dinner.

He likes the plain almond milk...so that's fantastic. :)


I love chocolate soymilk and it reminds me of a chocolate milkshake :)

Zimmeh

[Scorp]

My dinner tonight was:

Trader Joe's Pita bread: 1/2 of one pita is 2 points

Trader Joe's "Columbus" brand Pastrami (2 oz. is 2 points)

Spicy mustard: 0 points

3 teenie gherkin dill pickles: 0 points

Look at that, a 4 point dinner.... :)

[deedarino]

OMG who first suggested almond milk in here? Whoever it is, I owe you a smooch.

I have been craving sweets and was about to dive headfirst into a pint of Hagen Daz Rocky Road....but instead I got a carton of Silk dark chocolate almond milk.

Delicious!

I had a glass....and no more chocolate craving. :cheesy:

I am just starting on the almond milk...is it really healthy? Do you think if you drink it too much you might develop allergies? I like it and want to try the chocolate....I also want to start making my latte's with it.

[Medusa]

Jack got me some prezzies tonight in support of my commitment to the gym:

http://i618.photobucket.com/albums/tt266/butchfemmeplanet/prezzie.jpg


New shoes! They're Asics: http://www.amazon.com/ASICS-Gel-Kayano-Titanium-Lightning/dp/B0056EX58O/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1333070988&sr=8-3
I haven't had new tennis shoes in probably 10 years and Jack informed me that my olllllllldddd New Balance's had to go.

I also got weight lifting gloves, new socks, and head bands!

Kinda excited to have some new gear to help me reach my goal!!

[DapperButch]

That's awesome. I had tried the soymilk and found it okay....but the almond milk is really yummy to me.

I've been aware of dairy more with all the reading I'm doing (thanks Dapper) and have been trying to cut down our dairy consumption. Our challenge was what to do on cereal more than anything....and Rooster still likes the ol' glass of milk with dinner.

He likes the plain almond milk...so that's fantastic. :)

Hey, Jo.

Rooster may like the vanilla flavored almond milk even more. Seriously, give it a go...it is my fave in my cereal.

P.S. I am glad to hear you are thinking more about dairy, Jo! :D

[DapperButch]

Jack got me some prezzies tonight in support of my commitment to the gym:

http://i618.photobucket.com/albums/tt266/butchfemmeplanet/prezzie.jpg


New shoes! They're Asics: http://www.amazon.com/ASICS-Gel-Kayano-Titanium-Lightning/dp/B0056EX58O/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1333070988&sr=8-3
I haven't had new tennis shoes in probably 10 years and Jack informed me that my olllllllldddd New Balance's had to go.

I also got weight lifting gloves, new socks, and head bands!

Kinda excited to have some new gear to help me reach my goal!!

Saaaweet! I admit new "gear" (for whatever sport), makes me more eager to get out there!

[Thinker]

That's badass!!!!!

Jack got me some prezzies tonight in support of my commitment to the gym:

http://i618.photobucket.com/albums/tt266/butchfemmeplanet/prezzie.jpg


New shoes! They're Asics: http://www.amazon.com/ASICS-Gel-Kayano-Titanium-Lightning/dp/B0056EX58O/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1333070988&sr=8-3
I haven't had new tennis shoes in probably 10 years and Jack informed me that my olllllllldddd New Balance's had to go.

I also got weight lifting gloves, new socks, and head bands!

Kinda excited to have some new gear to help me reach my goal!!

[JoSchmooze]

Jack got me some prezzies tonight in support of my commitment to the gym:

http://i618.photobucket.com/albums/tt266/butchfemmeplanet/prezzie.jpg


New shoes! They're Asics: http://www.amazon.com/ASICS-Gel-Kayano-Titanium-Lightning/dp/B0056EX58O/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1333070988&sr=8-3
I haven't had new tennis shoes in probably 10 years and Jack informed me that my olllllllldddd New Balance's had to go.

I also got weight lifting gloves, new socks, and head bands!

Kinda excited to have some new gear to help me reach my goal!!

I too, got new tennis shoes - Reebok cross trainers
this last week.....
I am going to ask my NP tomorrow if I am able
to drink the almond milk with the Walden Farms
chocolate syrup....

P.to the S....
I am getting hooked on broccoli and steamed cabbage....

Seems like there is going to be a lot "less" of us
at the Reunion.....
Jest saying......*grin*

:cowboy:

[Zimmeh]

I am actually content with the weight I am at right now; which is about 165lbs..give or take a few pounds. I am very healthy and I really don't think I could be a 125lbs, which is what America says I should weigh...

I went and saw, The Hunger Games yesterday with a friend. Jennifer Lawrence, who plays Catness Everdeen, was called fat by Hollywood because she is of normal weight. To me, this is what makes young girls succumb to peer pressure and start having eating disorders. That statement pissed me off this morning when I heard it...

See you at the Reunion!

Zimmeh

I too, got new tennis shoes - Reebok cross trainers
this last week.....
I am going to ask my NP tomorrow if I am able
to drink the almond milk with the Walden Farms
chocolate syrup....

P.to the S....
I am getting hooked on broccoli and steamed cabbage....

Seems like there is going to be a lot "less" of us
at the Reunion.....
Jest saying......*grin*

:cowboy:

[JustJo]

I am actually content with the weight I am at right now; which is about 165lbs..give or take a few pounds. I am very healthy and I really don't think I could be a 125lbs, which is what America says I should weigh...

See you at the Reunion!

Zimmeh

Heck yes my friend...I think this is so important to know about ourselves. I think that as long as we are healthy and happy with ourselves, then that's all that matters.

By all the charts and tables I "should" weigh 135 to 145 lbs.

The smallest I've been as an adult (and before having my son) was 155....and it almost killed me to get there. I worked out several hours a day, lived on dry salad and broiled fish....and was miserable.

I'm all about good lab results on my diabetes, having the energy to do what I want to do, and feeling good about my body. :)

[Ginger]

Howdy Health Nuts!

For lunch this week I've been eating my Oikos (fruit on the bottom) NON-FAT yogurt, a banana and apple...And you know what? I can't believe I'm content with just that for lunch!

Fruit can be very filling. Apples are a lot of fiber. I was eating an apple a day but I think they make me gassy and bloaty!!

We eat "healthy" dinners at night and weigh our meats, veggies, etc on a food scale. It's been working out pretty well.

My sister and her husband do that. Her cholesterol went through the roof when she hit 50, even though she was a 5'8" size 8. He really needed to lose weight for his heart, and they both went on Weight Watchers. She is really skinny now (too skinny, IMO), but he looks great. And the good news is, she got her cholesterol down with diet—proving to her doctor, she could avoid Lipitor at least for a while.

I tried to get my partner interested in Weight Watchers (she is very thin, but I thought she would like the healthy focus, not that she doesn't eat healthy already, just more carbs than are good for me personally but work for her). But I couldn't get her on board, too much hassle.Plus she doesn't like to share food shopping (though she is happy to get whatever I put on the list and I'm happy to let her do it), so I am trying to pick and choose from what she cooks (I moved into a situation where she was already cooking for her and her kid and that was NOT going to change LOL and again, I don't care, I hate to cook, I'm just explaining the complications when it comes to what I eat).

My downfall is snacking later in the evening that consists of things that are on my weight watcher's plan, and I somewhat go over my points with those types of foods/snacks. That's the sucky part, but...

There are lots of Weight Watchers snacks in the grocery store, if they work for you...

I'm a little excited knowing I weigh in on Saturday morning and wonder if I'll hit my 2 lb. weight loss (crossing fingers) for the week. My plan is to lose 10 lbs. a month, so if I can lose 2 lbs a week, that's fine with me!

I was surprised to see I've lost 4 pounds since I first reported my weight here, about two weeks ago, so I've gone from 155.5 to 151.5. My goal is 135-140; anything below that, I look too thin in the face and upper body.

I actually fit into a pair of my black jeans today. They're a bit snug, but I am comfortably in them. I NEVER liked tight fitting things ever and always would like to wear loose clothing (even when I was a lot thinner).

I'm hoping i'll be a little more toned and hope my ass looks good in my black jeans. :sunglass:LOL...I have no hips so that's a good thing (for me).

Rock it!

Keep up the good work folks! :hangloose:

Anyway like I said, I've lost four pounds now, down from 155.5 to 151.5, with a goal of 135-140. I'm surprised I'm losing, as I haven't been to the gym all that much, and I'm eating a lot of peanut butter sandwiches (I can't think of anything better for lunch...I have to go along on the food shopping trips and throw some stuff in the cart that works for me...) Plus I've been eating weird dinners, like last night I had all these dark-chocolate espresso beans for dinner that made me nauseous all night, but I'm better this morning.

[Zimmeh]

Ditto..Yeah I have some cellulite on my hips, but there is nothing I can do about that. That is scar tissue from when I was hit by a car at 15...Have I ever let that stop me? Nope..I get up, go to work and still enjoy life..You looked good when I saw you last month..Keep up the good work!

Hugs,

Zimmeh

Heck yes my friend...I think this is so important to know about ourselves. I think that as long as we are healthy and happy with ourselves, then that's all that matters.

By all the charts and tables I "should" weigh 135 to 145 lbs.

The smallest I've been as an adult (and before having my son) was 155....and it almost killed me to get there. I worked out several hours a day, lived on dry salad and broiled fish....and was miserable.

I'm all about good lab results on my diabetes, having the energy to do what I want to do, and feeling good about my body. :)

[Scorp]

Tomorrow morning is my weigh-in day!!! Both exciting and a little concerned...

You should know by now how i get! :nyahnyah:

Wonder what the scale is gonna read as....

Woo hoo...we shall see!!!!

P.S. We are going to IHOP tonight for dinner...You know how I love breakfast for dinner and get the 2 x 2 x 2 and it's 10 points for all of that brekkie... :cheer:

I LOVE IHOP!!!!! (gettin' all kid-like knowing we're going there tonight!!!) (clappy, clappy) :clap:

[Scuba]

Hey fellow losers :) This looks like a great thread. I'm on a mission right now to take off the pounds I gained when I quit smoking. I went from 150 (which is perfect for me) to a full 20 lbs more within a year and a half. I promised myself that I would try not to be too hard on myself as NOT smoking is a whole lot healthier than gaining that 20 lbs. However, I do need to watch my blood pressure (was on meds for a while) and I just find that I feel better when I am that magical 150.

Cutting back on my food intake and changing my diet really did nothing. I'm in my 40's now and my metabolism isn't what it use to be. I really had to make the point of getting exercise and that prospect just sucked. **laughing**

It's been a struggle to get to the gym. I just never feel motivated and, being new in town, miss having a workout buddy. I don't go that often at all anymore. What I did do was (I own an XBOX and the Kinect) buy the Your Fitness 2012 game along with some weights. I'll have to say it's the best investment I've made in a long time (50 bucks for the game and another 50 for the weights). I haven't stepped on the scale lately (working with weights can cause initial weight gain as the muscle begins to build) but after just 10 sessions I feel incredible. You answer a few questions about your lifestyle and what your goals are (get in shape, lose weight, build muscle etc) and it develops a program suited for you based on that information. There are no controllers to hang on to and you get audio and visual instruction on how to do the exercises properly. The game has set my workout schedule as 3 times a week for at least 30 minutes. I do plenty more than that just because I am having a good time.

Anyway, I can't really do processed foods, especially diet foods (Lean Cuisine etc...) because of the incredible amount of salt they pour into them just to make them taste good. That being said I could really use some tips on how to make good, quick meals that are low carb, low fat and higher protein. Right now I do cereal for breakfast, I pack a salad, fruit, veggies, yogurt and coconut water for lunch and to snack on. I don't have any good dinner ideas though and usually just end up eating a some fruit, making some toast or just a simple sandwich. This is getting old!

Anyway...I'll be back for motivation and to get caught up on the posts.!!

Scoobs

[Zimmeh]

I would suggest baking/grilling chicken breast and keeping it in the fridge. I use: fresh ground pepper, crushed red pepper, Mexican chile powder, garlic, dried onion, oregano and basil to season my food with. I don't like to cook with salt in any form...I have a history of heart disease on both sides of my family...So far, I have beat it just by watching what I eat. If you don't have time to cook; try making a pot of low sodium soup or chili. That will last a few days in fridge.

Good luck and I am thinking of picking up a Kinect for my roommate's birthday and a game...We both are health nuts and I would rather exercise in my apartment than at a gym..I don't handle bieng in a gym very well..I am self conscience of my body..

Have a great day,

Zimmeh

Hey fellow losers :) This looks like a great thread. I'm on a mission right now to take off the pounds I gained when I quit smoking. I went from 150 (which is perfect for me) to a full 20 lbs more within a year and a half. I promised myself that I would try not to be too hard on myself as NOT smoking is a whole lot healthier than gaining that 20 lbs. However, I do need to watch my blood pressure (was on meds for a while) and I just find that I feel better when I am that magical 150.

Cutting back on my food intake and changing my diet really did nothing. I'm in my 40's now and my metabolism isn't what it use to be. I really had to make the point of getting exercise and that prospect just sucked. **laughing**

It's been a struggle to get to the gym. I just never feel motivated and, being new in town, miss having a workout buddy. I don't go that often at all anymore. What I did do was (I own an XBOX and the Kinect) buy the Your Fitness 2012 game along with some weights. I'll have to say it's the best investment I've made in a long time (50 bucks for the game and another 50 for the weights). I haven't stepped on the scale lately (working with weights can cause initial weight gain as the muscle begins to build) but after just 10 sessions I feel incredible. You answer a few questions about your lifestyle and what your goals are (get in shape, lose weight, build muscle etc) and it develops a program suited for you based on that information. There are no controllers to hang on to and you get audio and visual instruction on how to do the exercises properly. The game has set my workout schedule as 3 times a week for at least 30 minutes. I do plenty more than that just because I am having a good time.

Anyway, I can't really do processed foods, especially diet foods (Lean Cuisine etc...) because of the incredible amount of salt they pour into them just to make them taste good. That being said I could really use some tips on how to make good, quick meals that are low carb, low fat and higher protein. Right now I do cereal for breakfast, I pack a salad, fruit, veggies, yogurt and coconut water for lunch and to snack on. I don't have any good dinner ideas though and usually just end up eating a some fruit, making some toast or just a simple sandwich. This is getting old!

Anyway...I'll be back for motivation and to get caught up on the posts.!!

Scoobs

[deedarino]

I don't handle bieng in a gym very well..I am self conscience of my body..
Zimmeh


This has kept me out of a gym for....ever. Not any more. I am taking a class that allows me to use all of the facilities at the college, at any time!! I can't wait. This next 3 months are going to be life changing, I can feel it.

Down another 4 lbs!!! I didn't expect this, I had a few rough days lately and didn't do so good. Damn kids brought over KFC :-( and I drank beer. Turns out, that the limited amount didn't slow anything down. YAY!

[Thinker]

Hey fellow losers :) This looks like a great thread. I'm on a mission right now to take off the pounds I gained when I quit smoking. I went from 150 (which is perfect for me) to a full 20 lbs more within a year and a half. I promised myself that I would try not to be too hard on myself as NOT smoking is a whole lot healthier than gaining that 20 lbs. However, I do need to watch my blood pressure (was on meds for a while) and I just find that I feel better when I am that magical 150.

Cutting back on my food intake and changing my diet really did nothing. I'm in my 40's now and my metabolism isn't what it use to be. I really had to make the point of getting exercise and that prospect just sucked. **laughing**

It's been a struggle to get to the gym. I just never feel motivated and, being new in town, miss having a workout buddy. I don't go that often at all anymore. What I did do was (I own an XBOX and the Kinect) buy the Your Fitness 2012 game along with some weights. I'll have to say it's the best investment I've made in a long time (50 bucks for the game and another 50 for the weights). I haven't stepped on the scale lately (working with weights can cause initial weight gain as the muscle begins to build) but after just 10 sessions I feel incredible. You answer a few questions about your lifestyle and what your goals are (get in shape, lose weight, build muscle etc) and it develops a program suited for you based on that information. There are no controllers to hang on to and you get audio and visual instruction on how to do the exercises properly. The game has set my workout schedule as 3 times a week for at least 30 minutes. I do plenty more than that just because I am having a good time.

Anyway, I can't really do processed foods, especially diet foods (Lean Cuisine etc...) because of the incredible amount of salt they pour into them just to make them taste good. That being said I could really use some tips on how to make good, quick meals that are low carb, low fat and higher protein. Right now I do cereal for breakfast, I pack a salad, fruit, veggies, yogurt and coconut water for lunch and to snack on. I don't have any good dinner ideas though and usually just end up eating a some fruit, making some toast or just a simple sandwich. This is getting old!

Anyway...I'll be back for motivation and to get caught up on the posts.!!

Scoobs

Good to see you here, and congrats on quitting smoking! :)

You've come to the right place for helpful ideas. I'm one of those who eats the same ol' stuff over and over, so I'm of no use; but the others here are pretty damn phenomenal!!

Good luck, Scuba!

[Zimmeh]

Good Morning Everyone,

I forgot to post what I will be having today...I am blaming it on the :rubberducky:'s..

Breakfast:

2 small pancakes with Pumpkin Pie Spice
8oz's of coffee
3 to go tubs of Coffee Mate Original creamer
6oz glass of soymilk

Lunch:
Not sure...Have to lay down by 2pm for my overnight shift

Dinner:

Baked chicken
Veggies

Snacks:

Fruit
Chocolate Teddy Grahams-single serve pack has 120 calories-

Exercise:
1/2 an hour while on my lunch break

I made my appointment with my orthodontist on April 12th. I will probably have braces by the end of next month or early May..I am going to take this in stride and I am enjoying all of my favorite foods now. Once I get my braces on, I can no longer have: candy, popcorn, or nuts...:blink: Instead, I will be having pudding and Greek yogurt until my mouth heals after each visit and continue to eat what he says I can..

Zimmeh

[Scuba]

Good luck and I am thinking of picking up a Kinect for my roommate's birthday and a game...We both are health nuts and I would rather exercise in my apartment than at a gym..I don't handle bieng in a gym very well..I am self conscience of my body..

Zimmeh

The Kinect may work very well for you then. It's fun, it challenges you and there are a plethora of work outs (some built for up to 4 players) and activities that include Dancing, Boxing, Yoga, Thai Chi. All of this in the comfort and convenience of your own home. I usually end an hour and a half workout in a complete pool of sweat. :)

[Zimmeh]

The boxing part sounds fun!

Zimmeh

The Kinect may work very well for you then. It's fun, it challenges you and there are a plethora of work outs (some built for up to 4 players) and activities that include Dancing, Boxing, Yoga, Thai Chi. All of this in the comfort and convenience of your own home. I usually end an hour and a half workout in a complete pool of sweat. :)

[Scuba]

The boxing part sounds fun!

Zimmeh

The boxing routines are my personal fave with the Yoga a close second. There is another activity called Stomp (another fave) which resembles the old Simon game except you use your feet to hit the lit tile. I'll play this one until I can't stand up :)

[Lady_Di]

Very cool to hear the fun things folks are doing to get moving, having fun - doing so always makes it better, imnsho. At least more likely to do it again. Which is one of my imperatives.

For me, I really have been enjoying restorative yoga and yogalates, which we do in the water. Yoga combined with Pilates, makes this old war horse's heart happy happy happy. I pretty much love doing everything in the water.

I even got my physical therapist to meet me at the pool and give me a great set of exercises that have been wonderfully helpful. *I am rehabbing from my first knee replacement, have my second one scheduled for next month*

A friend of mine is taking off for a month to Cozumel, Mexico, to a beautiful beach to get scuba certified and play in the sun. He is my latest inspiration. Just completed his criminology degree, all the while working and being an upstanding citizen. Eating right is only the beginning to healthy weight loss. It is about embracing life, what makes you truly happy and fulfilled.

My weight was just a symptom. I had deeper issues and as I melt away, I am dealing with them head on. I feel not only lighter in body, but my shoulders are not quite so burdened anymore. Yes, I have broad shoulders as they say, but you know what? It is better to travel light, metaphorically and literally speaking.

Today ***happy happy happy dance*** I weighed myself, which I rarely do. And I am on track for Dr. Oz's big weigh in next week for the million dollar prize. Hey, stranger things could happen, no? The biggest gift I already have and that is being on track for having lost another 10% of my weight since registering for his contest. Which as usual, I waited til the last day to sign up for, 6 weeks ago. I got serious, big time! And it works.

Feels great. Keep on keeping on everybody, you are worth it! And no matter what your size, love yourself in the here and now, just as you are. Since I do love myself, I am taking better care of me for the first time in many a year. Ultimately it was up to me. Always was. No one could do this for me. Nice to have support though and reinforcement for healthy way of life. I used to be very active over at Spark People, which is awesome. His book is so dang inspiring, and I like that you can use it for free.

I have issues when money is involved, I am suspect. Like when supposed spiritual guru's charge for sweat lodges, I know that is not what they are about, but I digress. In researching the diet industry, I have come to many conclusions. And it will be yet another book about the politics and what not of this ballooning problem. I have even joined Weight Watchers, just to research them first hand. I don't appreciate having to pay for what they offer. But glad it works for those that love it. I, too, am willing to go to any lengths for my healing journey and that is what this is, imo.

I will try anything at least 3 times, my rule of thumb in general. As the first couple of times I might have been in a bad mood or some other thing may have interfered with the results. Try it, you might like it~! I know for me, each and every time I get my swim suit on and get to the pool, I feel better in the long run. Same with giving my body what it really needs, the fuel to do the things I love to do, some of which is to explore the culinary world. Yes, I am still a foodie! And still losing weight.

Whatever works for you! Just do it~!!

For me, like my dad always said, it starts with attitude. An attitude adjustment...

Happy grrrrl,
d

~experimental process is fun~

who is up for doing some Zumba and Kettle Balls??

[Lady_Di]

Jack got me some prezzies tonight in support of my commitment to the gym:

http://i618.photobucket.com/albums/tt266/butchfemmeplanet/prezzie.jpg


New shoes! They're Asics: http://www.amazon.com/ASICS-Gel-Kayano-Titanium-Lightning/dp/B0056EX58O/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1333070988&sr=8-3
I haven't had new tennis shoes in probably 10 years and Jack informed me that my olllllllldddd New Balance's had to go.

I also got weight lifting gloves, new socks, and head bands!


Kinda excited to have some new gear to help me reach my goal!!


Those are major sexy!!!

Jack is a keeper, which you already knew... lol


....did you get the tit slings, to help with the girls banging you in the head yet?

I gots to say, they feel like really a nice sort of bondage. They hold me together just fine. I love mine. And they were cheap, which works for this old war horse! Plus they were made in Canada, which I adore. Win!

[JoSchmooze]

Tomorrow morning is my weigh-in day!!! Both exciting and a little concerned...

You should know by now how i get! :nyahnyah:

Wonder what the scale is gonna read as....

Woo hoo...we shall see!!!!

P.S. We are going to IHOP tonight for dinner...You know how I love breakfast for dinner and get the 2 x 2 x 2 and it's 10 points for all of that brekkie... :cheer:

I LOVE IHOP!!!!! (gettin' all kid-like knowing we're going there tonight!!!) (clappy, clappy) :clap:

Knock off that gloating about IHOP!!
I weighed in this morning.....
I have lost 34 lbs since Feb 3!!
The doc was happy and glad that I was working
out 3 times a week...

Keep on trucking, everyone.....
P. to the S.....I thought I would be
uncomfortable at a gym too....but I gotta tell ya,
I have seen a few people in sadder shape than I....
and I just do my circuit and leave sweating like a dawg!!

:cowboy:

[Scorp]

Schmoooozie...Holy shit 34 lbs??? That's awesome. If I pass right on by you at the Reunion in September, doesn't mean I'm being a snob. Just means I didn't recognize your skinny ass....

Keep up the fantastic work! Speaking of IHOP, got my order and she fucked up and forgot my 2 pancakes. Brought me wheat toast instead with the egg beaters and 2 slices of turkey bacon. I guess my face was all pouty, cuz she said "what's with the face"? LMAO, I looked at my wife and said, did i have a funny face or something? She said yep, you looked like a disappointed little kid.

Then they brought on my pancakes....Damn straight....It was no big deal, I told her I'm fine without them. She brought them out 5 minutes later....

My stinger was happy and content and I enjoyed each bite of everything. And...I didn't eat all the scrambled egg beaters...I was too full...Usually I'd eat everything on the plate because it's "just there"....Nope, Scorpi pants got some good control going on....

Tomorrow is weigh in day...Stay tuned for the results.... ;)


Knock off that gloating about IHOP!!
I weighed in this morning.....
I have lost 34 lbs since Feb 3!!
The doc was happy and glad that I was working
out 3 times a week...

Keep on trucking, everyone.....
P. to the S.....I thought I would be
uncomfortable at a gym too....but I gotta tell ya,
I have seen a few people in sadder shape than I....
and I just do my circuit and leave sweating like a dawg!!

:cowboy:

[Thinker]

Schmoooozie...Holy shit 34 lbs??? That's awesome. If I pass right on by you at the Reunion in September, doesn't mean I'm being a snob. Just means I didn't recognize your skinny ass....

Keep up the fantastic work! Speaking of IHOP, got my order and she fucked up and forgot my 2 pancakes. Brought me wheat toast instead with the egg beaters and 2 slices of turkey bacon. I guess my face was all pouty, cuz she said "what's with the face"? LMAO, I looked at my wife and said, did i have a funny face or something? She said yep, you looked like a disappointed little kid.

Then they brought on my pancakes....Damn straight....It was no big deal, I told her I'm fine without them. She brought them out 5 minutes later....

My stinger was happy and content and I enjoyed each bite of everything. And...I didn't eat all the scrambled egg beaters...I was too full...Usually I'd eat everything on the plate because it's "just there"....Nope, Scorpi pants got some good control going on....

Tomorrow is weigh in day...Stay tuned for the results.... ;)

*fingers crossed* Can't wait to hear!!!

[deedarino]

I love this thread...so much positive energy floating around. You guys are awesome!

[Scorp]

Well, I just weighed-in and did I lose anything? (sigh)

Yep! 3 lbs!!!!!:thumbsup:

SOUND THE TRUMPETS!!!!!!! (DOO DOO DOO DOOOOOO!!!!) :happyjump:

Major accomplishment for me so far. Now this makes me want to continue to go full steam ahead..Look out small size clothes stuffed away in the attic...Scorpi's comin' for you soon!!!:eyebat:

[little_ms_sunshyne]

Time to jump back on the bandwagon! It has been long enough!



Here we go!

[Scorp]

Good for you! We'll be cheering you on!!


Time to jump back on the bandwagon! It has been long enough!


Here we go!

[little_ms_sunshyne]

Good for you! We'll be cheering you on!!


Thank you! Seems like once you stop going to the gym for a while, it is so hard to take that first step inside that building! Chihuahuas!

[Ginger]

I'm pretty happy with my food intake yesterday:

Breakfast: piece of bread with a smear of peanut butter

Lunch/snacks: Lara bar, peanut butter sandwich, non-fat fruit yogurt, banana

Dinner: piece of toast with cheddar cheese and sweet relish, some wheat thins


My partner and her kid are going to Trader Joe's today and I'm joining them so I can pick out some lunch choices for me. I don't think they have roast chicken there but that would be a good protein-high alternative for lunches instead of peanut butter which I'm sure you've noticed, I have quite a Jones for. I suppose I could bake a bunch of chicken breasts for the week, but it's never as tasty as the kind you buy already roasted.

I'm feeling all hopeful because I lost 4 pounds in like just over a week or whenever I first posted in this thread, and I only have 9 to 15 pounds to go (I want to end up at 135-140).

Every time I check this thread, someone has lost a couple pounds. It's very inspiring. Also it's great to have somewhere to report on my progress, which let's face it, is TMI in real life. So thanks for listening/reading.

[LadyRain]

where are your veggies?? I don't see any veggies!! You need veggies!!I'm pretty happy with my food intake yesterday:

Breakfast: piece of bread with a smear of peanut butter

Lunch/snacks: Lara bar, peanut butter sandwich, non-fat fruit yogurt, banana

Dinner: piece of toast with cheddar cheese and sweet relish, some wheat thins


My partner and her kid are going to Trader Joe's today and I'm joining them so I can pick out some lunch choices for me. I don't think they have roast chicken there but that would be a good protein-high alternative for lunches instead of peanut butter which I'm sure you've noticed, I have quite a Jones for. I suppose I could bake a bunch of chicken breasts for the week, but it's never as tasty as the kind you buy already roasted.

I'm feeling all hopeful because I lost 4 pounds in like just over a week or whenever I first posted in this thread, and I only have 9 to 15 pounds to go (I want to end up at 135-140).

Every time I check this thread, someone has lost a couple pounds. It's very inspiring. Also it's great to have somewhere to report on my progress, which let's face it, is TMI in real life. So thanks for listening/reading.

[Ginger]

where are your veggies?? I don't see any veggies!! You need veggies!!



You are so totally right about the appalling lack of veggies in my diet.

I love baby carrots, and will start packing a bag of them in the morning for lunch at work.

Also if I get canned pumpkin, I can stir it into yogurt.

I guess I could take a baggie of snap peas, too.

And I love canned peas. Why not pack one of those little cans, the kind with the pop-up lid, into my lunch?

Like I said earlier, the GF is going to Trader Joe's today and I'm tagging along (she invited me, which was a sweet gesture; she really doesn't like to share food shopping), to make sure my new food quirks are honored:

canned peas
baby carrots
canned pumpkin
snap peas
roast chicken

Thank you everyone!!!

[Scorp]

Hey Scout,

If you're going to Trader Joe's here is some good packaged deli meat:

Get the "Columbus" brand roast beef, maple smoked turkey and pastrami. They also have roasted chicken breast.

Those are very low in points and VERY tasty. I was shocked at how low the points are for something so delicious for 2 oz. of each. You won't be disappointed ;)

For the Maple Turkey Breast it's only 1 point for 2 oz!

I also get their Pita Bread which is very good and also low in carbs. Half of the pita bread is 2 points.

At local grocery stores, I like to get the Special K bars. Only 2 points each. Try the chocolate pretzel and the strawberry bars. Great snack and satisfying when you're craving something sweet.

Good luck!


My partner and her kid are going to Trader Joe's today and I'm joining them so I can pick out some lunch choices for me. I don't think they have roast chicken there but that would be a good protein-high alternative for lunches instead of peanut butter which I'm sure you've noticed, I have quite a Jones for. I suppose I could bake a bunch of chicken breasts for the week, but it's never as tasty as the kind you buy already roasted.

I'm feeling all hopeful because I lost 4 pounds in like just over a week or whenever I first posted in this thread, and I only have 9 to 15 pounds to go (I want to end up at 135-140).

Every time I check this thread, someone has lost a couple pounds. It's very inspiring. Also it's great to have somewhere to report on my progress, which let's face it, is TMI in real life. So thanks for listening/reading.

[Ginger]

Hey Scout,

If you're going to Trader Joe's here is some good packaged deli meat:

Get the "Columbus" brand roast beef, maple smoked turkey and pastrami. They also have roasted chicken breast.

Those are very low in points and VERY tasty. I was shocked at how low the points are for something so delicious for 2 oz. of each. You won't be disappointed ;)

For the Maple Turkey Breast it's only 1 point for 2 oz!

I also get their Pita Bread which is very good and also low in carbs. Half of the pita bread is 2 points.

At local grocery stores, I like to get the Special K bars. Only 2 points each. Try the chocolate pretzel and the strawberry bars. Great snack and satisfying when you're craving something sweet.

Good luck!

Hey Scorp, I just wrote down your suggestions and will take them with me to TJ's. (We are leaving soon; I just got back from the gym, had a good workout.) Thanks so much, this is helpful. :)

[JoSchmooze]

You are so totally right about the appalling lack of veggies in my diet.

I love baby carrots, and will start packing a bag of them in the morning for lunch at work.

Also if I get canned pumpkin, I can stir it into yogurt.

I guess I could take a baggie of snap peas, too.

And I love canned peas. Why not pack one of those little cans, the kind with the pop-up lid, into my lunch?

Like I said earlier, the GF is going to Trader Joe's today and I'm tagging along (she invited me, which was a sweet gesture; she really doesn't like to share food shopping), to make sure my new food quirks are honored:

canned peas
baby carrots
canned pumpkin
snap peas
roast chicken

Thank you everyone!!!

Broccoli, cauliflower and spinach are great veggies too.....
And again, Waldenfarms.com has fat free, calorie free and sugar free
salad dressing, dips, BBQ sauce and a whole bunch of schtuff to include both caramel and chocolate syrups!
Take a look at thier webpage if TJ's does not have what you want....

Jest saying......

[Lazy Daze]

Stepping in and joining the thread :)

I have never been a "healthy" eater, which I always blamed on the lack of having Fresh fruit and veggies available in my price range (when I lived in Indiana).. But that can no longer be the excuse now that I am in Florida!

Since I moved here in December, I have lost 43 pounds, but would like to lose another 43 before I hit where I want to be :) So, today I am taking a step in the right direction by adding some "peer pressure" on me, so that I stay on track! It helps that I have a supportive partner, who is also working on losing some weight too, but it is always great to have a group of friends cheering you on!

[Ginger]

Stepping in and joining the thread :)

I have never been a "healthy" eater, which I always blamed on the lack of having Fresh fruit and veggies available in my price range (when I lived in Indiana).. But that can no longer be the excuse now that I am in Florida!

Since I moved here in December, I have lost 43 pounds, but would like to lose another 43 before I hit where I want to be :) So, today I am taking a step in the right direction by adding some "peer pressure" on me, so that I stay on track! It helps that I have a supportive partner, who is also working on losing some weight too, but it is always great to have a group of friends cheering you on!

You can do it, Lazy Daze! If you already lost 43 pounds, you clearly know what you're doing. Slow and steady wins the race, they say. Build life habits around eating healthy and you won't roller coaster up and down with each new diet fad! But again, it sounds like you know all that—I'm really just reminding myself!

I'm getting lots of good tips for eating better, on this thread. I had a 15- to 20-pound loss goal, and I'm four pounds down now.

[Ginger]

Broccoli, cauliflower and spinach are great veggies too.....
And again, Waldenfarms.com has fat free, calorie free and sugar free
salad dressing, dips, BBQ sauce and a whole bunch of schtuff to include both caramel and chocolate syrups!
Take a look at thier webpage if TJ's does not have what you want....

Jest saying......


Hey Joe Schmooze, you are reminding me of something I love that I had forgotten about—veggie dipping!

I will check out Waldenfarms. I don't think they have them around here. Sounds like they have yummy dips and syrups. I would like the syrups on oatmeal.

Hey Scorp too, we just got back from Trader Joe's, and I got the Columbus smoked turkey cold cuts that I can make for lunch and also some cooked lemon chicken strips I can eat for dinner with brussel sprouts!

We're going out for dinner tonight and I'm bracing myself because I usually overeat in restaurants. But my partner is online right now and the kid wants pizza so I'm pushing for an Italian place that has a grilled chicken salad, which is often the case.

Everyone have a good dinner!! :)

[deedarino]

And again, Waldenfarms.com has fat free, calorie free and sugar free
salad dressing, dips, BBQ sauce and a whole bunch of schtuff to include both caramel and chocolate syrups!
Take a look at thier webpage if TJ's does not have what you want....

Jest saying......

I love WaldenFarm's stuff!

On another note, I am going to start making smoothies for breakfast. Any good recipes? I also want to find a sugar free/gluten free protein to add to it.

[justkim]

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s320x320/556524_382692711751247_266484180038768_1317108_193 8779311_n.jpg

[JustJo]

Good morning healthies :)

I'm starting the day off with black coffee and fresh pineapple...one of the joys of living in south Florida where fresh delicious pineapple is at the farmers market almost all the time and not at all expensive. Rooster and I both love it, especially for breakfast.

The scale is holding steady but I know I am building muscle and shrinking in inches, so I'm not worried about it. These things take time, and positive changes are happening even in a stressful time that would normally have me running for the Coke and Snickers.

I'm so glad to see so many people in here....and hello and welcome to anyone I may have missed. It helps so much to hear about people successes (and challenges) and to share tips and ideas. Just love it.

Hugs to you all!

[Gemme]

The scale is messing with me.

Day one: 169 and change
Day two: 170 and change
Day three: 169 and change
Day four: 170 and change
Day five: 169 and change

I'm about to hop on it again. If it says 170 and change, I'm going to give it Juney's evil eye.

[justkim]

The scale is messing with me.

Day one: 169 and change
Day two: 170 and change
Day three: 169 and change
Day four: 170 and change
Day five: 169 and change

I'm about to hop on it again. If it says 170 and change, I'm going to give it Juney's evil eye.

Throw it out the window! Jerk of a scale...

[Gemme]

Throw it out the window! Jerk of a scale...

hahahahaha

It must have been listening to me grumble.

169 plus change

Woot!

[Ginger]

The scale is messing with me.

Day one: 169 and change
Day two: 170 and change
Day three: 169 and change
Day four: 170 and change
Day five: 169 and change

I'm about to hop on it again. If it says 170 and change, I'm going to give it Juney's evil eye.



Day to day changes aren't indicators as much as long-term change.
Comparing day 1 to day 2 might say a lot about where you are in your cycle, retaining fluid, and foods that cause bloating—temporary changes—but comparing day 1 to day 10 could say something about permanent change.

I gain as much as four pounds before my period. I can start out with comfortable clothes in the morning and while eating sensibly, experience bloating that makes my waistband pinch by the end of any given day, and I can have a difference of two pounds from day to day.

It makes me feel crazy, like I'm not in control. But if I compare numbers over the longer periods of time, I feel reassured that my efforts are making slow, healthy, long-term change happen.

That's also how I get myself to stop beating myself up, if I binge on any given day. I tell myself, It was a bad day, but it was a day out of ten good days. That often (but not always), makes me feel better.

I think it sounds like you're in a good place. What's your goal? Are you fairly close to it?

[Ginger]

Good morning healthies :)

I'm starting the day off with black coffee and fresh pineapple...one of the joys of living in south Florida where fresh delicious pineapple is at the farmers market almost all the time and not at all expensive. Rooster and I both love it, especially for breakfast.



Hey JustJo. Pineapple! I love those damn things. I think they are probably showing up in the supermarkets in NYC now; I'll keep an eye out. I love how sweet they are, and it's a lot of fiber.

For breakfast this morning, I had a banana, a handful of unsalted almonds, and a piece of whole wheat toast with a sandwich slice of sharp cheddar cheese on it. Now I'm drinking coffee.

Last night I was really proud of myself.

After not being able to find an Italian restaurant that had good salads, we went to a Persian restaurant and I had a grilled veggie kabob and basmati rice. I ate about 3/4ths of a cup of rice, and didn't touch the bread on the table or have dessert. :)

And I was very, very full. I've noticed that the less I overeat, the more full I feel when I eat sensibly.

Have a great day! (PS, it must be great to live in Florida, fruit-wise!)

[Scuba]

Banana, toast with honey, my vitamins and, the best part, a cup of coffee :)

Someone made a comment about how one's stomach shrinks when we get into the habit of reducing the portions we eat. I have to agree with this. The portion sizes at most restaurants are enough for two meals. I use to clean my plate. Since cutting back on the amount I consume I can't do this anymore and just box it up for lunch the next day.

[JoSchmooze]

Aha!!
I was the ONLY one at the gym this
morning.....no one to bug me in the circuit
or waiting for the elliptical..
The Freckles wanted the dawg park so
here we are....

[Lady_Di]

Aha!!
I was the ONLY one at the gym this
morning.....no one to bug me in the circuit
or waiting for the elliptical..
The Freckles wanted the dawg park so
here we are....

I love that when that happens!

Especially when I have the whole pool to myself. I have always wanted my very own private pool... :-)

[Lady_Di]

Banana, toast with honey, my vitamins and, the best part, a cup of coffee :)

Someone made a comment about how one's stomach shrinks when we get into the habit of reducing the portions we eat. I have to agree with this. The portion sizes at most restaurants are enough for two meals. I use to clean my plate. Since cutting back on the amount I consume I can't do this anymore and just box it up for lunch the next day.

This is sooooo true!

In fact many restaurant portions are even more than for 2!

Super Size Me was a terrific movie, I bought it when it came out as I working as a health educator/advocate/liason. I bought it and made sure every RN and health educator (who were usually Masters level or beyond) got to see it. It made such a huge impact on me.

Really illuminates the addictive quality of much of what we consume.

I know food is most certainly mood altering for me, anyways!

[Gemme]

Day to day changes aren't indicators as much as long-term change.
Comparing day 1 to day 2 might say a lot about where you are in your cycle, retaining fluid, and foods that cause bloating—temporary changes—but comparing day 1 to day 10 could say something about permanent change.

I gain as much as four pounds before my period. I can start out with comfortable clothes in the morning and while eating sensibly, experience bloating that makes my waistband pinch by the end of any given day, and I can have a difference of two pounds from day to day.

It makes me feel crazy, like I'm not in control. But if I compare numbers over the longer periods of time, I feel reassured that my efforts are making slow, healthy, long-term change happen.

That's also how I get myself to stop beating myself up, if I binge on any given day. I tell myself, It was a bad day, but it was a day out of ten good days. That often (but not always), makes me feel better.

I think it sounds like you're in a good place. What's your goal? Are you fairly close to it?

My point wasn't the actual logging of the weight, but the fact that my scale is a little twisted.

:)

I've got a ways to go. Again. I've lost this 30lbs already and it came back on me.

I always weigh myself at the same time and always after using the restroom and before I eat breakfast so it minimizes the fluctuations that, as you mentioned, do happen.

My highest weight was 178, so getting back down under the 170 mark is important to me. It takes my weight out of the 'danger, danger Will Robinson' level and goes back down to level orange or something.

[LadyRain]

I was in Hawai'i in Dec, and the fresh pineapple was sooo wonderful and only 99 cent each!!Good morning healthies :)

I'm starting the day off with black coffee and fresh pineapple...one of the joys of living in south Florida where fresh delicious pineapple is at the farmers market almost all the time and not at all expensive. Rooster and I both love it, especially for breakfast.

The scale is holding steady but I know I am building muscle and shrinking in inches, so I'm not worried about it. These things take time, and positive changes are happening even in a stressful time that would normally have me running for the Coke and Snickers.

I'm so glad to see so many people in here....and hello and welcome to anyone I may have missed. It helps so much to hear about people successes (and challenges) and to share tips and ideas. Just love it.

Hugs to you all!

[Lady_Di]

I get paid this week, thinking fresh pineapple will be in my cart...

I am so easily suggestable, sometimes~

Did anyone see 60 minutes tonight, the story about Sugar was exactly on target imo. The key for me is less processed, minimal processing if possible, no processing. It is sort of an off shoot of Paleo, fresh, organic and lots of colour.

anyone else positively addicted to organic frozen blueberries?

I swear they are better than any ice cream I have ever had in my life! They will also be in my cart. All the usual suspects. I hear there is a bumper crop of strawberries and I can eat them til I get sick I love em so. But today I my stomach has really shrunk, so I will not be eating them the way I used to eat em.

the Greeks were right as usual, Moderation in All Things...

even moderation~

does that mean I have to share my pineapple?:blink:

[LadyRain]

I saw the 60minute report... this is what I think ::; I am a history buff, I brought a 1777 home back to almost original inside and out., I was in Rev.war re-enactment group. I have read and studied the 18th century for many years. Why I bring this up is because i have also read about food and diet. The only sweeteners were honey (limited) and cane sugar brought here from the West Indies. There were a few other sweet things from the garden, now used to make stevia. Cancer was as prevalent then as it is now! Although there were no preservatives, salt was used to preserve meats and fish. Imagine the salt intake!! People were not as heavy then because of two reasons. Everyone worked hard! I made many meals in a hearth, and that kind of cooking is time consuming and back breaking work. People ate what was in season, and in moderation. Corn was the size of a mans thumb, not like it is today. The only fresh meat all year was chicken, duck, partridge, goose and then only when there were too many males, or a hen was too old to lay eggs anymore.Hogs and beef were butchered in the fall. Lambs late spring. Wild animals when they could be hunted. No one drank water, they made mede and beer, and you could drink the beer all day and not get drunk, like beer today. People burned off what they ate. They also ate a lot of butter and animal fats, and breads. One pot meals were the norm, they would just add more stuff to it each morning. Our food is over processed to the point that they re-add vitamins ! Our fresh foods are covered in pesticides! I guess the lesson is to do the best you can. Take charge of what you and those you love eat.The less sugar you eat the more sweet a fresh carrot will taste! Good food costs more, that is sad to me. I think we feel the need to "feel full" after we eat, and that is not good for us. Our stomach expects it. Listen to your body, its the best we can do.

[Medusa]

My dang hormones are wacky! I am glad that IslandScout posted about weight gain before periods because this month's "ladytime" meant that my scales were UP UP UP. Four pounds seems to be the magic number!

My plan for this week is to hit the gym every single night with lots of cardio and weights on my arms.

They keep it pretty warm in the gym which means I will be sweating like a pig but I kinda like it because I feel like my workout is worth more!

Best of luck to everyone here on this week's journey.

This week:
Something I will do differently = More gym time!

Something I will keep the same = Lots of fresh fruit and water!

Something that will motivate me = Weigh in next Sunday. Goal is to lose the 4 pounds that the lady business brought on!

[Scorp]

Goal is to lose the 4 pounds that the lady business brought on!

Heheha...I like your "lady business" expression.... :giggle:

And, you're not alone. My hormones are all messed up too. I get my "lady business" or I don't get my "lady business" WTF? Well, it's the wonderful world of hormones...Damn those hormonal bastids!:rant:

[Zimmeh]

Good Morning Everyone,

This is what I will be having today:

Breakfast:
Chobani Greek yogurt
8oz Chocolate SoyMilk
8oz of French Roast coffee
2 coffee mate creamer tubs

Lunch:

Southwestern corn
Alexia French roll

Dinner:
3oz chicken breast cutlet with bread crumb and Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top-baked-
Southwestern corn
Alexia French roll

Snacks:
Small slice of apple pie-I will eat the apples out of it- :)
Fruit

[-Red-Flag-]

Ugh, worst 5 days ever.. I threw my back out and I guess the diet followed ..
I've gained 4 f'n pounds ... I can't stand long enough to cook. I can't sit long enough to eat... So blah .. I'm just bitchy thank you for listening

:|

[JoSchmooze]

Monday morning....ugh!
Some of us are lucky enough that we don't
have to deal with the "lady business" any
longer......

This weather is crazy!
One day it's 90 and the next 60.....
I know, I know.....some people would really
relish seeing 60 degrees...but it is a 30
degree change.....
I have not yet made it out to the bike on the patio....
A client from NJ had me up and testing at the butt crack
of dawn.....

Hang in there all.....
One way or another we will all get through this...
and reach our goals!!
Have a good week!

:cowbooy:

[Ginger]

I got on the scales this morning and found I was up a pound a half. So that's four down, one and a half up—or I can look at it as, two and a half down.

I was telling someone else, it's the long-term changes that matter, not the day-to-day. So I'm trying to heed my own sage words... grrrrr....

I'm going to try and eat less bread, more carrots; less yogurt, more turkey cold cuts, etc. this week.

And I'm going out to dinner tonight, always a challenge; it's one of my favorite old restaurants in the West Village, with very, very good food—blackened salmon, that kind of good.

I will not fill up on bread before the meal.
I will not fill up on bread before the meal.
I will not fill up on bread before the meal.

Wish me luck!!!

[Lady_Di]

Banana, toast with honey, my vitamins and, the best part, a cup of coffee :)

Someone made a comment about how one's stomach shrinks when we get into the habit of reducing the portions we eat. I have to agree with this. The portion sizes at most restaurants are enough for two meals. I use to clean my plate. Since cutting back on the amount I consume I can't do this anymore and just box it up for lunch the next day.


another thing I was remembering about portion sizes are restaurants... my best friend loves to split an entree with her gf. It is very sweet, sort of romantic, imo.

Another good friend always asks for a take out box when she orders and as soon as the food is on the table, she puts at least half of it in the container for another meal. Saves money and you can still enjoy the tastes, the ambience and good company.

[Medusa]

Hi Healthies!

I had a 2-hour workout at the gym tonight and my arms are JELLY!

I did 25 minutes on the treadmill, 10 minutes on the elliptical, and 150 reps on arms, shoulders, and back.


Also, did you all know that Subway has a special now that you can buy one get one sandwich free if you do it before 9am??? I might do this one day if I am running late for work. I can get a breakfast sandwich and then a free one for lunch and they have a ton of healthy options!!

[ruffryder]

does anyone use cooking oil and what kind?

anyone hear of Rice Bran Oil? .. better than olive oil?

Used for centuries in Asia, Rice Bran oil contains the most nutritious elements
from rice, including the dynamic fight fighting duo Monounsaturated and
Polyunsaturated fats that can help you trim and tighten your waistline.

Also found in Rice Bran oil is a super fat-fighting plant phyto-chemical called
Gamma Oryzanol that forces your cells to burn excess sugar in your
bloodstream...

...this means sugar does NOT hang out in your bloodstream as long, nor get
deposited on your hips and belly!

Rice Bran Oil also has a healthy amount of omega 6 fatty acids, which actually
help you feel full sooner resulting in eating less and helps decrease your
appetite without dangerous drugs.

If that weren't enough to get excited about, it's also packed with Vitamin E &
health-promoting antioxidants.

Fight fat with fat... and win!

I know it probably sounds crazy, but one of the hardest things to realize is
that your body fat actually burns easier in the presence of the right HEALTHY
Fats...

...Your body actually needs these fats like Rice Bran oil to lose weight
maximally.

Now, trying this Rice Bran oil out is a no-brainer because it's super easy to
use, cooks food well, and gives it a nice, colorful lite and unique taste.

People are even using it to replace butter and getting it to pass with a full
house of super picky eaters. You don't know any of those do you? ;-).

Rice Bran also has a higher cooking temperature and you can cook up 490 degrees before it begins to smoke (that's 130 higher than olive oil... nice).

Zero to Hero Fitness, LLC

[Zimmeh]

Good Morning Everyone,

I had a good day yesterday. I ate only what I brought to work and still had calories left over.

Today I am having:

Breakfast:

Chobani Greek yogurt
8oz of soymilk
8oz of coffee
1 tsp of creamer

Lunch:

Boars Head 28% low sodium bologna-3oz-
I slice of Swiss cheese
1 tsp Spicy brown mustard
Arnold rye sandwich thin

Dinner:
Open

Snacks:

Greek yogurt
Vanilla pudding


Zimmeh

[Scorp]

That made me think of singing this verse over and over. It kinda sticks in your head all day once you start singing it. :canadian:


http://29.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lq4ycvwLVU1qe6uplo1_500.jpg


[QUOTE=Medusa;557932]Hi Healthies!

I had a 2-hour workout at the gym tonight and my arms are JELLY!QUOTE]

[Tommi]

http://www.thecasualdieter.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/breakfast-cheerios-and-banana1.jpg

Hazelnut coffee http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51YvlRqEigL._SL110_.jpg

I am back to swimming in the morning. Tried the exercise walking thing and the broken ankle & foot screamed at my hip and said otherwise. Thus, the pool is safest right now, plus taking the stairs at work, shadow boxing to a video at home, and Wiiiiiiii at my friend's. I have been off track for about 6 months, so need to catch up one meal at a time.

[Thinker]

Don't forget to streeeeeeetttttcccchhhhhhhhhhh!!!!

If you *are* working out and even if you're having trouble getting with the program, don't forget to stretch. I do a good, thorough 15-20 minute stretching routine everyday......sometimes twice a day.......and even just doing that makes a difference in how you feel. It is a definite difference-maker for me!

I start from the bottom and work my way up.......nothing gets overlooked.

Have a good day, make good choices, and smile from the inside out!! :D

[Lady_Di]

does anyone use cooking oil and what kind?

anyone hear of Rice Bran Oil? .. better than olive oil?

Used for centuries in Asia, Rice Bran oil contains the most nutritious elements
from rice, including the dynamic fight fighting duo Monounsaturated and
Polyunsaturated fats that can help you trim and tighten your waistline.

Also found in Rice Bran oil is a super fat-fighting plant phyto-chemical called
Gamma Oryzanol that forces your cells to burn excess sugar in your
bloodstream...

...this means sugar does NOT hang out in your bloodstream as long, nor get
deposited on your hips and belly!

Rice Bran Oil also has a healthy amount of omega 6 fatty acids, which actually
help you feel full sooner resulting in eating less and helps decrease your
appetite without dangerous drugs.

If that weren't enough to get excited about, it's also packed with Vitamin E &
health-promoting antioxidants.

Fight fat with fat... and win!

I know it probably sounds crazy, but one of the hardest things to realize is
that your body fat actually burns easier in the presence of the right HEALTHY
Fats...

...Your body actually needs these fats like Rice Bran oil to lose weight
maximally.

Now, trying this Rice Bran oil out is a no-brainer because it's super easy to
use, cooks food well, and gives it a nice, colorful lite and unique taste.

People are even using it to replace butter and getting it to pass with a full
house of super picky eaters. You don't know any of those do you? ;-).

Rice Bran also has a higher cooking temperature and you can cook up 490 degrees before it begins to smoke (that's 130 higher than olive oil... nice).

Zero to Hero Fitness, LLC

Great suggestions and knowledge in this. Good stuff, for sures!! There is so much we can do to promote good health and it starts with what we choose to put in our mouths!

Healthy fats are wonderful good eats! It is another reason that avocado and coconut oil is so darned good for you and helps you shed the wt.

Small/medium chains are good when it comes to fat~

:)

[JoSchmooze]

Here we go.....
Yesterday, a 6 am conference call...
Never got to the bike yesterday but am making
sure I am getting to the gym before this day is out.

I am getting close to another weight that ends in
a zero.....so I am going to make sure I am right on track
and not cheating this week.....

Hang in there, keep up the good work.
Thanks for the info on the rice bran oil, ruffryder...
I think I saw that online somewhwere....

:cowboy:

[Lady_Di]

Just wanted to post here. I'm on my way this Sunday to an inpatient residential treatment facility in the midWest for my compulsive overeating. It will be a two to three month stay. I feel both excited and scared to death at the same time.

I did a lot of online research and the place thank goodness is 12 step centered, Christian (my faith), and (most importantly) lesbian friendly. Took me quite awhile to find somewhere like this.... they have everything from individual therapy to family therapy to group therapy, to exercise fitness programs, workshops etc. If any of you have been watching "Addicted to Food" on the A&E Network and seen the Shades of Hope treatment center featured on the broadcast, where I am going is rather similar to that place.

I'm about to deal with a lot of skeletons in the closet.... from family of origin issues with my dad to issues with my partner who is also an overeater.... plus I've never paid much attention to my physical self in terms of an overall exercise plan. I've also to this point binged on carbs, sugar, snacks and the like. Have struggled with relapse for the last 13-14 years in a 12 step program for overeaters.

Wish me luck! Will post once I get back. It's no fun being over 300 lbs and not being able to walk comfortably, among many other things.

DressyFemme


I want an update. You and your family have been in my thoughts and prayers.

Take Care,
Di

[Medusa]

Today:

Breakfast:
Smoothie made with almond milk, banana, peanut butter, ice, and low-fat yogurt = 5 ww points

Mid-morning snack:
Large spicy hot v8 = 4WW points

Lunch:
Progresso light soup Southwest Vegetable = 4 WW points

Afternoon snack:
Banana and apple = 0 points

Pre-Gym snack:
Pumpkin and flax granola bar = 4 WW points

Dinner tonight:
Probably a lean cut of leftover steak and some steamed veggies. Guestimating 8 WW points there.


This is only 25 points for the day and I get 42 but I am trying to break my plateau so will try this for a few days to see what happens.

[Ginger]

I felt relaxed and in charge of my intake at dinner last night. Instead of the salmon, which comes with rich mashed potatoes etc., I had a fancy salad the probably had too many beans, too much corn and cheese but could have been worse. And I had ONE piece of bread. And one glass of wine.

Today: I feel like I have a big hard baby bump. Stress and depression and menopause and not getting enough sleep are really f***ing with my body.

But here's what I had today:

Breakfast: Lara bar on the train to work.

Lunch: veggie sushi, non-fat yogurt, blueberries.

Snack: a few pecans and raisins.

Snack at home: blue corn chips

Dinner: Grilled chicken from Trader Joe's, plus the GF made eggplant/white beans/tomatoes over pasta and I had a bowl of that.

(I would be happier if it hadn't had so many white beans, and if there hadn't been pasta, but what can I say. I don't live alone anymore and I don't get to dictate the menu and I can't resist the smell of food cooking when I'm hungry. Or at least I haven't figured out a way...)

I'm beginning to think, I can never control my weight, as long as I live here.

Is it possible I can only maintain my weight with external controls? That I really don't have internal controls, and I'm dependent on what's around me, in order to get a grip on my diet?

I'm like a reptile that can only control its body temperature by putting itself in warm places—that dependency on the external, for internal change.

Okay now I'm comparing myself to a reptile, which is really not a good place to be, so I'm going to get off the computer and end with something positive; that it was nice to log on and see all these positive, happy-cooking, happy-eating, happy-exercising people.

Love,
IslandScout

(you can call me Scout)

[deedarino]

does anyone use cooking oil and what kind?

Zero to Hero Fitness, LLC

I just don't like olive oil so I use Sunflower, Rice Bran, or my favorite Raw Virgin Coconut oil...yum.

[DapperButch]

does anyone use cooking oil and what kind?

anyone hear of Rice Bran Oil? .. better than olive oil?





Per my oncologist, for high heat, use sesame oil. My preference for taste is olive oil, but evidently, high heat effects the fatty acids in some unhealthy way.

[Medusa]

My work peeps weren't able to go to the gym tonight with me so I went alone.

Wasn't scared or intimidated, just did my process with my headphones on and kept my eyes on the clock.

Did 45 minutes of pure cardio with the treadmill, exercise bike, and that rotary arm thing (it looks like a bike but it's for your arms).

Had a Subway turkey sandwich on flatbread with lettuce, onion, green pepper, jalapenos, cucumbers, spinach and a little of that sweet onion vinaigrette. Total YUM-ness.

P.S. ISLANDSCOUT! I love love love Larabars and had completely forgotten about them until I saw your post! I stopped at the grocery store after Subway and grabbed a sampling of Larabars that I hadn't tried yet. I got coconut cream pie, carrot cake, and banana bread.

They all have about 5 WW points but I can eat them on the run for brekkie and such.

Great way to change up the food routine!

[Medusa]

O.M.G.

I picked one of these up at the store tonight as well. All I have to say is ONE HUNDRED calories for 1/2 cup and crazy good!

http://eating-made-easy.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Oikos_FroYoPint_Choc.jpg

[JoSchmooze]

Broke that "zero barrier" barrier this morning!
Work the last two days has been a bit of a killer...
And at 7 am this morning, I awoke to a phone call from
another recruiter who wants me to go to Minnesota
for 3 - 6 months to a client whom I don't particularly
care for. I told him thanks, but no thanks......

Enjoying my coffee and some strawberries and then off to the gym
(my only pair of gym shorts that fit are in the dryer!)
We'll be leaving for Austin in just a few days....
I can hardly wait!!

:cowboy:

[Scorp]

OMFG, you're kidding!!!! I never knew this existed. You know how I'm in love with the Oikos non-fat fruit on the bottom yogurt....I'm gonna check out my local grocery stores for this because I've never seen this anywhere...Cooool!


O.M.G.

I picked one of these up at the store tonight as well. All I have to say is ONE HUNDRED calories for 1/2 cup and crazy good!

http://eating-made-easy.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Oikos_FroYoPint_Choc.jpg

[Novelafemme]

Has anyone done Zumba? One of my favorite professors has been doing it 4 times a week with her daughter and they both look fabulous! Just wondering if you have to be super coordinated or if us two left feet folks have a shot? ;)

[Bella~Vita]

Hi Planeteers I wanted to know those on weight watchers does it work .... do you think it's better to go to the meetings or do it online? I've tried nutri system it's expensive and the food gets boring after awhile ... lemme know pleaseeeeeeeeeee .... :hangloose:

[foxyshaman]

Has anyone done Zumba? One of my favorite professors has been doing it 4 times a week with her daughter and they both look fabulous! Just wondering if you have to be super coordinated or if us two left feet folks have a shot? ;)

<taking deep breath> <calming self> I FREAKING LOVE ZUMBA. You can do it with two left feet. Yes, yes you can. You can also do it if you are directionally challenged. Yes, yes you can. You can even do it if you are not coordinated between your hands and your feet. Repeat with me... yes, yes you can.

How do I know all of these amazing secrets? Well good question. I know because... wait for it... I suffered the same malaise. Now for a low low payment... oh wait wrong show....

For the love of your hips and the joy of smiles you should go. Anything that makes me sweat buckets AND smile for 55 minutes... so gets my vote!! Oh and I think it is the main factor for my continued weight loss. Yes, yes I do. :D

[Novelafemme]

<taking deep breath> <calming self> I FREAKING LOVE ZUMBA. You can do it with two left feet. Yes, yes you can. You can also do it if you are directionally challenged. Yes, yes you can. You can even do it if you are not coordinated between your hands and your feet. Repeat with me... yes, yes you can.

How do I know all of these amazing secrets? Well good question. I know because... wait for it... I suffered the same malaise. Now for a low low payment... oh wait wrong show....

For the love of your hips and the joy of smiles you should go. Anything that makes me sweat buckets AND smile for 55 minutes... so gets my vote!! Oh and I think it is the main factor for my continued weight loss. Yes, yes I do. :D

I want you to come with me, foxyshaman!!! Yes, yes I do!! :)

Back in the day I LOVED jazzersize (yes, I'm old) and loved step aerobics even more! But once they threw in complicated dance moves I was toast.

Totally gonna try Zumba! Thanks, foxy!! xoxoxox

[foxyshaman]

Hi Planeteers I wanted to know those on weight watchers does it work .... do you think it's better to go to the meetings or do it online? I've tried nutri system it's expensive and the food gets boring after awhile ... lemme know pleaseeeeeeeeeee .... :hangloose:

I like the meetings. I like WW. I needed a witness. I needed to step out of my shame and my fat self and let others see me and mark my changes with me. I had to go public. I could not have acheived what I have so far on line. I could have still hid. I go every other week now. I still have to go I need someone to witness me.

Does that make any sense at all??

[Bella~Vita]

I like the meetings. I like WW. I needed a witness. I needed to step out of my shame and my fat self and let others see me and mark my changes with me. I had to go public. I could not have acheived what I have so far on line. I could have still hid. I go every other week now. I still have to go I need someone to witness me.

Does that make any sense at all??

Thanks for your input Foxy .... it makes alot of sense to me. :koolaid:

[starryeyes]

I like the meetings. I like WW. I needed a witness. I needed to step out of my shame and my fat self and let others see me and mark my changes with me. I had to go public. I could not have acheived what I have so far on line. I could have still hid. I go every other week now. I still have to go I need someone to witness me.

Does that make any sense at all??

Yes! The only thing that keeps me on track is when I face the scale at WW. I haven't gone in a month... But I'm gonna go on Sunday and get this party started, again! :-D

[foxyshaman]

I want you to come with me, foxyshaman!!! Yes, yes I do!! :)

Back in the day I LOVED jazzersize (yes, I'm old) and loved step aerobics even more! But once they threw in complicated dance moves I was toast.

Totally gonna try Zumba! Thanks, foxy!! xoxoxox

ooohhhh I wanna come I wanna come. We could laugh with each other. Cheer for each other. Trip together. It would be fun Novelafemme yes, yes it would!!! ... (don't tell anyone, but I have a quirky sense of humor and we would probably get along. But that is sooooooooo a secret.):| <- secret face

jazzersize and step... hmmmmm I think we may be a similar age <stroking that one facial hair>

[Novelafemme]

ooohhhh I wanna come I wanna come. We could laugh with each other. Cheer for each other. Trip together. It would be fun Novelafemme yes, yes it would!!! ... (don't tell anyone, but I have a quirky sense of humor and we would probably get along. But that is sooooooooo a secret.):| <- secret face

jazzersize and step... hmmmmm I think we may be a similar age <stroking that one facial hair>

It's official. I have my first femme crush. ;)

[Novelafemme]

What is Zumba - YouTube

ok, check out the cute little lady in the back with the florescent green t-shirt on. that will TOTALLY be me! ;)

[Medusa]

I'll make a confession.

I have done WW online for a year now and LOVE it but about 2 months ago, I thought it would be a good idea to go to the in person WW meetings that are available here at work.

They do 12-week sessions with a leader who lost about 100 pounds. The leader herself was fabulous but in all honesty, I quit going to the in person meetings after about 5 weeks because there were an overwhelming number of women in the group who were eaten up with fat shame and it was so triggery that I had to stop going.

I think if you find a good group that it can work!

The triggery part itself wasnt that bad but I was super frustrated hearing things like "I need to lose 20 pounds or my husband won't have sex with me again!" or "I don't want to be one of those beached whale women in my bathing suit".

I would check a lot of the comments and try to offer up suggestions for being more positive as did one other woman in the class (who also quit going for the same reason) but it was just a hinderance to my process.

The online program is self-driven and pretty insular but I actually love that. It has helped me to learn accountability to myself.

:hangloose::hangloose:

[Scorp]

Howdy Folks...

All I know is since starting WW (a month ago yesterday), I've had this sick to my stomach feeling, no matter if I eat or not. And yes, I'm eating what I should be.

The only way I can explain it is it feels like when you take meds on an empty stomach. That horrible empty nausea feeling...I'm so uncomfortable, but still sticking to the diet.

It sucks, but I'm still determined to lose these lbs... :hangloose:

Ok, the bad thing....I'm smoking again...a lot...I know, I know...but....I need some other bad vice... :bomb:

[Medusa]

ooohhhh I wanna come I wanna come. We could laugh with each other. Cheer for each other. Trip together. It would be fun Novelafemme yes, yes it would!!! ... (don't tell anyone, but I have a quirky sense of humor and we would probably get along. But that is sooooooooo a secret.):| <- secret face

jazzersize and step... hmmmmm I think we may be a similar age <stroking that one facial hair>


I would TOTALLY go to this with both of you!

I am trying to talk my girlfriend at work, Princess, into going with me but she went to one class by herself last year and felt really clumsy. I cant dance a lick so i dont really care if I look a mess.

It looks like a LOT of fun!!

[PinkieLee]

Afternoon snack was calling my name...

I wanted cheetos & a Dr. Pepper. Instead, I filled up my water glass & grabbed a yogurt.

Tonya +1, self sabotage - 0!

[foxyshaman]

What is Zumba - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BILiNvLA-lo&feature=related)

ok, check out the cute little lady in the back with the florescent green t-shirt on. that will TOTALLY be me! ;)

That was too funny. The instructor seemed like she knew what she was doing and everything. Our instructors are on a stage. Monday she asked for a cheerleader... so I cheered... cause I'm all like that. Then she said "good, you can come up on stage with me"... me and my big mouth. I did it. :canadian: I don't want to do it again!!!

[Rockinonahigh]

I'll make a confession.

I have done WW online for a year now and LOVE it but about 2 months ago, I thought it would be a good idea to go to the in person WW meetings that are available here at work.

They do 12-week sessions with a leader who lost about 100 pounds. The leader herself was fabulous but in all honesty, I quit going to the in person meetings after about 5 weeks because there were an overwhelming number of women in the group who were eaten up with fat shame and it was so triggery that I had to stop going.

I think if you find a good group that it can work!

The triggery part itself wasnt that bad but I was super frustrated hearing things like "I need to lose 20 pounds or my husband won't have sex with me again!" or "I don't want to be one of those beached whale women in my bathing suit".

I would check a lot of the comments and try to offer up suggestions for being more positive as did one other woman in the class (who also quit going for the same reason) but it was just a hinderance to my process.

The online program is self-driven and pretty insular but I actually love that. It has helped me to learn accountability to myself.

:hangloose::hangloose:



I know just how you feel,I was going to over eaters annoymus for a while but quit going for this very reason.If I had to sit through another meeting and hear so much oh poor me drama series,I peolly would have said something I shouldnt have.

[starryeyes]

Agree! I stopped going to the meeting, and only weigh in. I had a leader who was terrible, and did not even celebrate my 50lb charm. Every time I had an accomplishment, or an idea she always shot me down. I also agree with the fat shame as well. It wasn't a fit for me. The weigh in girls have asked me to try different meetings, but I have been doing WW since 2010 so I know the program inside and out. I know what to do, I could give a dang workshop on altering food to lessen points and how to stay on track, but I just lose my motivation. I am still down 50 lbs and I have kept it off for 2 years.

I did go on an intense hike this afternoon ad tracked all my foodage so far, yay!




UOTE=Medusa;558788]I'll make a confession.

I have done WW online for a year now and LOVE it but about 2 months ago, I thought it would be a good idea to go to the in person WW meetings that are available here at work.

They do 12-week sessions with a leader who lost about 100 pounds. The leader herself was fabulous but in all honesty, I quit going to the in person meetings after about 5 weeks because there were an overwhelming number of women in the group who were eaten up with fat shame and it was so triggery that I had to stop going.

I think if you find a good group that it can work!

The triggery part itself wasnt that bad but I was super frustrated hearing things like "I need to lose 20 pounds or my husband won't have sex with me again!" or "I don't want to be one of those beached whale women in my bathing suit".

I would check a lot of the comments and try to offer up suggestions for being more positive as did one other woman in the class (who also quit going for the same reason) but it was just a hinderance to my process.

The online program is self-driven and pretty insular but I actually love that. It has helped me to learn accountability to myself.

:hangloose::hangloose:[/QUOTE]

[foxyshaman]

I don't usually stay for the meetings. I have not run into what Starryeyes and Medusa have, so I cannot comment on that. It may be more like that for weekend meetings, but I go over my lunch hour.

Starryeyes congrats on keeping the 50 off. That, I believe, in and of itself, is a huge milestone.

I have not been celebrated for my weight loss either. I have no barbells, no stickies... nada. Like nada. But, it is psychological for me to have someone weigh me, look me in the eye, and physically write down my weight. It makes me accountable to me. I admire you ladies who do it online. That would be as inefficient as me saying I would exercise at home... yeah like that would ever happen!! I can hide quite easily, so for me it really is having a witness. This is my second kick at WW and it stuck this time. Any weight loss program I have ever tried to follow on my own, has failed. I just don't have the discipline you guys are demonstrating. Sigh....

[Gemme]

For those who have never done Zumba, I highly recommend it. I took it at my local Y in WA and I loved it. Half the class was on a different rhythm than the other and we were all giggling and sweating nearly the whole time (once the initial shyness wore off for the newer folks). It's super fun and you work hard and the hour just flies by.

My class was muuuuuuch better than the one posted.

Just sayin'.

:cheesy:

[Queerasfck]

For those who have never done Zumba, I highly recommend it. I took it at my local Y in WA and I loved it. Half the class was on a different rhythm than the other and we were all giggling and sweating nearly the whole time (once the initial shyness wore off for the newer folks). It's super fun and you work hard and the hour just flies by.

My class was muuuuuuch better than the one posted.

Just sayin'.

:cheesy:
I'm fairly certain Zumba is a cult.

[Ginger]

I needed a witness. I needed to step out of my shame and my fat self and let others see me and mark my changes with me. I had to go public.

I totally get what you're saying. That's why I'm here. I need support and listeners. I can give support, too.

I had a little talk with myself about my recent pity-party on this thread. I feel better and your words remind me of what I have to do, be honest with myself and true to myself. A witness keeps me that way, when it comes to something as easy to evade, as why I am standing in my own way, on this change in my life and body.

[Gemme]

I'm fairly certain Zumba is a cult.

Only the good ones.

[Hollylane]

Alright Gemme, you convinced me...Back to Zumba. I love it, I don't know why I stopped going. I pretty much do that at home along with many other exercises my trainer has given me, but going to the class was a lot of fun. Though, I think I will try the one at Curves instead of my regular gym full of what I refer to as "lemmings"...

I have never posted in here, but I think it is about time. Since last May, I have lost 72 pounds, and have only gained and lost the 2-4 pounds of water weight that likes to annoy me with its coming and going.

Those of you that know me, know that I was very sick for a number of years, and gained quite a bit of weight. I won't go into details, but it was after a major gastric surgery to improve my digestion, that I was able to get up and be active again. It was not a weight loss surgery.

I currently have a trainer, but only for accountability, focus and technique help. He drives me, and I like limping out of there every week moaning about what a good job he does.

I am proud of myself, and what I have accomplished, and continue to accomplish. I still have weight to lose, and while it will make me feel better aesthetically, the majority of the drive I have to continue working hard, is for my health, which has improved dramatically.

I have many days where I am not successful with making myself get up and do my exercises, but less days where I have trouble making the right food decisions. There are times, not many, that I do indulge in foods that are not healthy for me, but I am able to get right back on track the next day. Not working out is the most self-sabotaging thing that I do. Sometimes I wish I had a support network like WW.

Most of the attempted food sabotage that happens in my life, comes from people I work with, who have zero understanding of my nutritional needs, and zero desire to understand.

I think all of you are wonderful, and should be proud of yourselves every day for all of the things you do to stay/get healthy. End rambling...

[Gentle Tiger]

Hi, My Name is Gentle Walking Tiger.

Clearly I am possessed! I just completed 5.18 miles. I came home from service/Sedar Dinner/clean up, and a few other matters at the church, changed clothes and went walking. I just have to do it. So I did. The goal is to be consistent.

Drinking water and eating yogurt.

Thank you.

[starryeyes]

Hi, My Name is Gentle Walking Tiger.

Clearly I am possessed! I just completed 5.18 miles. I came home from service/Sedar Dinner/clean up, and a few other matters at the church, changed clothes and went walking. I just have to do it. So I did. The goal is to be consistent.

Drinking water and eating yogurt.

Thank you.

Awesome!! :-D

[Scorp]

Guess what?!

I fit into a half size smaller jeans.

I usually like my things "not fitted" to my body. Meaning I like loose clothing, always have.

So this morning I had a bunch of clothes in a pile that need to go up to the attic because some don't fit and others are heavy sweaters which I need to put away. I admit, I've had these aside for about a month or longer because I'm rearranging my room here and there.

Anyway, I pull these jeans out of the pile and put them on and they feel a tad snug, but not enough that I'm gonna regret wearing them all day.

So I asked my wife if they looked ok and she said yes. I was like, "good, so I don't have camel toes right"? She laughed and said "no". She would have told me if they looked tight, camel toe-ish, etc....

Anyway, they look pretty good and I'm comfy...

2 days until weigh-in day!!!

[Thinker]

What is Zumba - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BILiNvLA-lo&feature=related)

ok, check out the cute little lady in the back with the florescent green t-shirt on. that will TOTALLY be me! ;)

Ha! And it looks like I was right there beside you in the white t-shirt!!!!!

[Thinker]

Howdy Folks...

All I know is since starting WW (a month ago yesterday), I've had this sick to my stomach feeling, no matter if I eat or not. And yes, I'm eating what I should be.

The only way I can explain it is it feels like when you take meds on an empty stomach. That horrible empty nausea feeling...I'm so uncomfortable, but still sticking to the diet.

It sucks, but I'm still determined to lose these lbs... :hangloose:

Ok, the bad thing....I'm smoking again...a lot...I know, I know...but....I need some other bad vice... :bomb:

I would get that same feeling, Scorp. And, yeah, it's just as you described. I figured it was my body reacting to the sugar/carb withdrawal. Sometimes when it was bad, I'd cave and give myself a little something carb-y.

I hate that feeling. :(

Afternoon snack was calling my name...

I wanted cheetos & a Dr. Pepper. Instead, I filled up my water glass & grabbed a yogurt.

Tonya +1, self sabotage - 0!

Right on, Tonya!!! I did that the other morning......wanting donuts!!! But I drove right by, went home, and had my oatmeal.

I don't always do that, so it feels mighty good when I do!!

Guess what?!

I fit into a half size smaller jeans.

I usually like my things "not fitted" to my body. Meaning I like loose clothing, always have.

So this morning I had a bunch of clothes in a pile that need to go up to the attic because some don't fit and others are heavy sweaters which I need to put away. I admit, I've had these aside for about a month or longer because I'm rearranging my room here and there.

Anyway, I pull these jeans out of the pile and put them on and they feel a tad snug, but not enough that I'm gonna regret wearing them all day.

So I asked my wife if they looked ok and she said yes. I was like, "good, so I don't have camel toes right"? She laughed and said "no". She would have told me if they looked tight, camel toe-ish, etc....

Anyway, they look pretty good and I'm comfy...

2 days until weigh-in day!!!

That's a good feeling! Congrats!!!

Good luck on weigh-in! :D

[Scuba]

:sigh: Girl Scout cookies are evil

[Scuba]

Trying to get back on track with food. I don't do WW or any other food plan so I have to really be diligent in choosing the right stuff. Lately, it's been tough for sure. I think I've hit that weight loss plateau where I've just leveled off for the time being. Hasn't been much I can do even while working out and watching calories...oh well. :)

[Hollylane]

I am plateauing right now too. However, I think I can break it, but I have to drive myself more to workout. I have an 11.5 mile hike this weekend, with something like an 1100 ft elevation gain. That is going to hurt, because I'm sore from yesterday with the trainer, but I still need to keep it moving.

I tend to let up on myself when I am sore, and that is when my trainer says I should keep up the cardio. So, tonight, Naproxen for the wrist tendinitis, and other achy parts, and then Hip Hop Abs (this video is fun to me). I may try to get myself to walk during my lunch hour too.

I woke up with nausea this morning, I'm feeling a little better, but I am going to have to force myself to eat if I want to be ready for Saturday.

I haven't dropped a size in a few months, but I did throw out all of my too large clothing (gave it to Salvation Army). When I'm changing sizes a lot, I shop at Salvation Army/Goodwill/Deseret Industries. I just don't see the point in buying expensive brand new clothes when I will have to replace them in a short time period. Plus, lucky me, people give expensive, perfectly good, brand name clothing away to thrift stores all the time!

[Novelafemme]

Ha! And it looks like I was right there beside you in the white t-shirt!!!!!

That video had me rolling :) I am always the one dancing in the wrong direction and raising the wrong limb. I love it!!

[JoSchmooze]

What is Zumba - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BILiNvLA-lo&feature=related)

ok, check out the cute little lady in the back with the florescent green t-shirt on. that will TOTALLY be me! ;)

I would be right next to you, making remarks
so that you would be losing your step!!
I have trouble with any kind of organized class..
Jest me - I like to suffer alone!

I'll make a confession.

<snip>

The online program is self-driven and pretty insular but I actually love that. It has helped me to learn accountability to myself.

:hangloose::hangloose:

At the end of the day, that's what it is all
about - personal accountability...
No one sat there and shoved food in my mouth
and no one else is going to take the time and the
energy to make the behaviour modifications.
And that's also part of it - behaviour modification.
I went to the grocery yesterday and stood there,
spending time looking at nutrition info and almost
throwing items back on the shelf.
Just my two cents worth....

Everybody have a great day and a productive weekend!
I will be at the gym later today because I have blown it
off for 3 days, pleading work issues....not today!

[Thinker]

I am plateauing right now too. However, I think I can break it, but I have to drive myself more to workout. I have an 11.5 mile hike this weekend, with something like an 1100 ft elevation gain. That is going to hurt, because I'm sore from yesterday with the trainer, but I still need to keep it moving.

I tend to let up on myself when I am sore, and that is when my trainer says I should keep up the cardio. So, tonight, Naproxen for the wrist tendinitis, and other achy parts, and then Hip Hop Abs (this video is fun to me). I may try to get myself to walk during my lunch hour too.

I woke up with nausea this morning, I'm feeling a little better, but I am going to have to force myself to eat if I want to be ready for Saturday.

I haven't dropped a size in a few months, but I did throw out all of my too large clothing (gave it to Salvation Army). When I'm changing sizes a lot, I shop at Salvation Army/Goodwill/Deseret Industries. I just don't see the point in buying expensive brand new clothes when I will have to replace them in a short time period. Plus, lucky me, people give expensive, perfectly good, brand name clothing away to thrift stores all the time!

Don't forget to do some stretching.......morning and night. That'll help too!

I get migraines pretty frequently; as a result, I get nausea more than the average person. I picked up some anti-nausea ginger gum (gum, not chews) and was relieved when it worked.....and pretty quickly too.

[Lady_Di]

Stretched and great work out in the pool today, did not over do, as I tend to. I am not the grrrrl I used to be, and shall not over stretch that darned achilles tendon no more!

Actually seriously I hurt my achilles last fall from stretching too much, too hard, whatever... but it felt so good at the time~

My body has excellent muscle memory and craves to be worked as I used to many many moons ago. For me, I have to practice moderation and listen to my body's other voices. The ones that do not like to nurse an injury for years, ad nauseum, for example.

The good news however, is the achilles, which still gives me much pain (even though I am much nicer to it on a regular basis)... got me to the podiatrist, who ordered me to wear heels. I love that. A phrase I never thought I would hear from a foot doctor. He even gave me inserts and cushions for all my shoes, including my running shoes, which I do not run in, btw. I do low impact walking, hiking and what not. Not into sacrificing my joints now for the sake of moving. I want to keep what I have, preserve function. Not do any more damage than I have to.

Jillian Michaels would hate me~ (probably not :-) ) I believe she and her ilk help a lot of orthopedic surgeons get a lot more clients. And yet, I adore the woman, admire the puck out of her.

Inspiration comes from the strangest places. Mostly from those in the pool with me, the older Silver Sneaker bunch, that are in that pool each and everyday. Suiting up and showing me... again. a theme, no? Socializing and getting moving, excellent for the heart and soul, imo.

Spark People works for me, which I am now checking into again. I forgot how good it can be to be accountable to my own self and utilize that nutrition tracker, exercise tracker, too. Suiting up and showing up... once again! More than half the battle somedays. WW, I joined for research purpose, but I refuse to pay good money on the support. Spark People is free. My favourite word these days. And many many many different support groups, experts in fitness and nutrition, including some of the best online workout videos I have ever seen. Coach Nicole RAWKS!

The Butch Femme contingent has our own team, too! But other teams are very active and welcoming, affirming. I love it there. It is about fitness, lifestyle, making permanent changes you can live with the rest of your life. Gotta love that.

It does a body, mind and soul good.

[Scuba]

I get migraines pretty frequently; as a result, I get nausea more than the average person. I picked up some anti-nausea ginger gum (gum, not chews) and was relieved when it worked.....and pretty quickly too.

I'm on this one...have been looking for something to help this issue. I also have the issue of just wanting to chow down after the migraine meds kick in. I have no idea what that's about :|

[Lady_Di]

Have officially jumped thru every hoop that Dr. Oz put up, except the last weigh in over at WW, which I am gonna weight/wait til Monday to do.

Seriously excited about this... 10% of my weight off in 6 weeks. I feel like I can do anything I put my mind to. And that you can too!

[deedarino]

It's too bad we all couldn't do an exercise class together...that is one class I wouldn't miss!! LoL

[Novelafemme]

It's too bad we all couldn't do an exercise class together...that is one class I wouldn't miss!! LoL

Me too!!!:heavyweight:

[Hollylane]

I went to Zumba tonight instead of doing Hip Hop Abs. Yay! It was fun. Potluck at work tomorrow...Grrrrr...My co-workers never get tired of feeding at the trough. I'm just being jealous, because I know I won't give in. I'm bringing spinach salad, and carb-free chicken for lunch.

[Hollylane]

Don't forget to do some stretching.......morning and night. That'll help too!

I get migraines pretty frequently; as a result, I get nausea more than the average person. I picked up some anti-nausea ginger gum (gum, not chews) and was relieved when it worked.....and pretty quickly too.

I am a stretcher, I stretch all day long, I can't help it, much to the annoyance of my co-workers. BTW my nausea is mostly only treatable with medication, it is related to the nerve related illness (Gastroparesis) that I had surgery for. I have it every day, some days are worse than others. But thank you for the tip!

[Medusa]

I have set a goal to be at 275 by the end of April. It's a bigger mini-goal than I usually set for myself but I really want to break this plateau so I am pushing myself pretty hard.

Lots of gym time in the last couple of weeks and while the scales haven't changed that much, I can see a noticeable difference in the shape of my thigh area. It's trimming down. I am probably gaining muscle mass because I am lifting some serious weights but I tend to hold steady on weight and then have a big WHOOSH of a 4 or 5 pound loss. I'll make it, not worried.

Today I had a banana and a kashi bar for breakfast and then had a cesar salad for lunch. Dinner will be leftover baked chicken and veggies and I am going to hit the elliptical at home tonight for about half an hour.

Best to everyone in the thread for moving toward a healthier life!

[Thinker]

I have set a goal to be at 275 by the end of April. It's a bigger mini-goal than I usually set for myself but I really want to break this plateau so I am pushing myself pretty hard.

Lots of gym time in the last couple of weeks and while the scales haven't changed that much, I can see a noticeable difference in the shape of my thigh area. It's trimming down. I am probably gaining muscle mass because I am lifting some serious weights but I tend to hold steady on weight and then have a big WHOOSH of a 4 or 5 pound loss. I'll make it, not worried.

Today I had a banana and a kashi bar for breakfast and then had a cesar salad for lunch. Dinner will be leftover baked chicken and veggies and I am going to hit the elliptical at home tonight for about half an hour.

Best to everyone in the thread for moving toward a healthier life!

It sounds like you are in a wonderful place with your program!!! Congrats and keep it up!

I have slowly morphed my eating into something that feels clean, good, and right for me. I looked up various lists of "foods you should eat everyday" and started spreading it all out into lots of mini-meals, and my water drinking........going GREAT!!

I feel SO. MUCH. BETTER.

Today I boiled a dozen eggs; I had forgotten how much I enjoy them, and the protein is a biggo plus! I also picked up those snack-size bags of almonds.....another thing I had forgotten about.

I'm staying away from the scale and just focusing on putting good stuff in, feeling good, and MOVING everyday. :)

Cheers to everyone for all of our hard work!

Happy weekend and happy Easter!!! :D

[girl_dee]

I'm on this one...have been looking for something to help this issue. I also have the issue of just wanting to chow down after the migraine meds kick in. I have no idea what that's about :|

i've often wondered if this has to do with body sugar.
before i even know i am getting a migraine i crave sugar/carbs and it's worse after the meds.

[Thinker]

I'm on this one...have been looking for something to help this issue. I also have the issue of just wanting to chow down after the migraine meds kick in. I have no idea what that's about :|

I've noticed that my stomach will do a little growl-y thing after the meds kick in, but I don't think I ever feel very hungry.

I'm not sure what the connection would be either.

[Thinker]

i've often wondered if this has to do with body sugar.
before i even know i am getting a migraine i crave sugar/carbs and it's worse after the meds.

Hmmmm... I'm going to start paying attention to that. You and Scuba have me curious now.

[Scuba]

i've often wondered if this has to do with body sugar.
before i even know i am getting a migraine i crave sugar/carbs and it's worse after the meds.

Agree. Definitely the body feels a "need" of some sort. It's not that I don't trust that it does "need" I just wish I knew what it was...Drinking water and LOTS of it has helped this a ton.

[Ginger]

Scuba, with your conscientious water consumption; Medusa with your mini-goals (what a smart way to build intermittent success into a longer process!); Hollylane with your impressive reclamation of digestive health after your gastric surgery; Dee and Thinker with your cause-and-effect detective work around the carbs/sugar/migraine connection, and everyone else—thanks for sharing your news and progress!

I'm at my parents' house for the weekend, avoiding open bowls of chocolate almonds, a freezer full of ice cream and other treats everywhere I look...all of which I have avoided! We just got back from a restaurant and I had blackened Rainbow Trout with asparagus, and sauteed spinach.

I was surprised to see, this morning when I weighed myself (I always weigh early in the morning), I'm down to 150.5 pounds. I've been up and down since I first reported my all-time high of 155.5 a couple weeks ago. I've had good days and also binged on frozen yogurt and popcorn on other days; so it's like, one step forward, two steps back—which nonetheless, equals progress.

Having a place to report how it's going is very, very helpful to me. Thank you!

[sylvie]

Hellooo darlings...

Long time no see .. ♥

98 lbs as of April 2nd..
yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay...

i will be in more soon, getting life back on track, i went away to visit my grandmother for a few days, and prior to that was busy with everything else it seemed.. But wanted to tell the good news!

Will catch up with you all & the posts soon as i have more time , xox!!
(tomorrow most likely, lol)
*hugggs*

[Hollylane]

Evening!

I have survived the long list of temptations spread liberally throughout the call center. I even took a walk during half of my lunch, and spent one of my breaks lifting in the gym.

One more potluck bites the dust!

I'm heading to bed early, so that my friends, Kristen and Andrew, and I can get an early start on the hiking trip tomorrow morning. I'm beat, so hopefully I'll drift off quickly.

I hope you all have a happy weekend, and enjoy life to its fullest :)

You rock Sylvie, keep up the amazing work!!

[Gentle Tiger]

Push a bit more today. 5.88 miles of walking. Consistent exercise. That is the goal, well and 2012 miles in 2012. Dang blasted challenges. What was I thinking?

[JustJo]

Good morning healthies :)

I'm home after a week-long business trip, and weighed in this morning to find myself up 2 lbs.

Honestly, I'm good with it.

After all of the stress I've been (am) going through for months and months, it felt good to be celebrated for an entire week. My colleagues celebrated my birthday twice....my immediate team (that knows I'm trying to eat healthier) with Skinny Cow ice cream sandwiches, the expanded team with an amazing meal at a mexican restaurant (including a couple of margaritas and some fried ice cream), plus a senior management dinner at a great italian restaurant....not to mention catered lunches and snacks galore during project kick-off meetings.

The week was totally, magnificently successful. My new boss is impressed. My VP-level boss gave me some amazingly awesome feedback. And I got a nice surprise in my paycheck by way of a thank you for the hard work of the last year.

Rooster traveled with me, which had to be a bit boring for him...but he did great, walking from hotel to the office each day for lunch, going swimming in the hotel pool, joining us for dinners out. It was great to see him in that environment...shaking hands and introducing himself, joining into the dinner and lunch time conversations with execs and colleagues....good stuff. :)

So...up two pounds...and it'll come off soon enough. :rrose:

[Ginger]

So far so good today, day two of my weekend with the parental units.

This morning I had oatmeal and resisted biscuits.

For lunch I had two bowls of soup—onions, hamburger, tomato, corn, water—and a bowl of fruit. I resisted pound cake.

I shopped a little today and tried on some clothes—I didn't feel quite as self-hating as I usually do, when I look in the mirror.

[ruffryder]

Happy Easter Healthies. Be blessed and continue on with your journies.

[Ginger]

Is it possible to feast smart? I think so. It has to be!

Whether it's a seder or an Easter brunch or anything else this weekend, enjoy!! Savor the delicious treats!

There is a time to resist and a time to give in; turn, turn, turn.

[sylvie]

Hi healthies <3
love to you all, been reading through the posts here, and loving the updates...

At 217 lbs now, i find that i have to work harder to lose the weight, i haven't plateau'd, however, i am finding it harder to lose..
So, this week i am working on being more strict with my portions, pre-planning my meals, and upping my exercise..
So, i joined a group on facebook that some ladies at my gym started, and they count their fitness minutes each month and set goals..
i, of course, jumped on board.. So, i set my goal for this month at 1800 minutes.. i am 7 days in and am at 440 minutes.. There were 2 days i didn't really exercise though, due to travelling.. So now i am home and can focus on this..
Just another way to get myself motivated more!

Also, starting my own weight loss support group at work, how cool is that? They asked me to lead it, and i accepted.. So really looking forward to that.. The next couple of weeks i will be bouncing ideas around, and have also been getting feedback from my co-workers.. LOVE that everyone is excited for this.. i love that i will have this to rely on for support as well, especially now that i have to buckle down more to keep at this.. i'm just super excited that i feel enough confidence to put myself out there like this..Exciting!!

SO awesome to see some new faces in here, & hope you are all having a great weekend.. xox

[Zimmeh]

Good Evening/Morning Everyone,

I am still counting calories and exercising as much as I can. This overnight shift at work is for the birds and I have a second interview on Monday for a new position at work. The new job is a mid-shift position and I will be getting home just after 6p...Woohoo! More time to work out and have fun :)

I made my potato casserole with diced grilled chicken on the side. I brought some of it to work tonight and ended up eating the broccoli and corn out of it.

Tomorrow is going to be a bad day for me! I will be spending it with my family and then coming home to have Easter dinner with my roommates!

Tomorrow = gym before I go to bed...

Zimmeh

[Hollylane]

Good evening all!

I'm back from an amazing day of hiking and fun. I am a tad bit sunburned, windburned, and completely exhausted.

We didn't take the hike we had originally planned, but went to breakfast (a healthy one :)) and discussed different hikes available, picked one, and off we went.

We decided on White River Falls, about 2.5 hours away, a place none of us had been to. I posted some pictures in the gallery if you're interested.

It was a beautiful hidden area, that you would never know was there without getting into some desert like, rural farm areas, well off the beaten path. Since it is early in the season, we were blessed to have the majority of the hike to ourselves. The sounds of the falls, and the rushing water were so peaceful, and at the same time exhilarating.

My endorphins were through the roof after a slip and slide descent on loose rock, and even more pumped when I made it back up that steep hill a few hours later, on the way back. When I got to the top, and looked back at what I had ascended, I was so proud of myself, because I remember all to well, just a little over a year ago, when the trip would have started and ended in the parking lot at the trail head.

The three of us went to dinner after the hike, and talked about all of the wonderful things we had seen, and I celebrated with a chicken enchilada, and a cabbage and pico de gallo salad. It was great having such good friends along to share the hike with, and we all are really jazzed about planning the next hiking trip in about 3 weeks.

So, I can't slack between now and then. The next trip will likely be to the Eagle Creek Recreation Area, and I need to be prepared. They are both in great shape, and keeping up is mui importante, for both my pride and my health.

I hope you are all having a great weekend!

[sylvie]

Today, i'm practicing gratitude..
The fact that clearly, i am a recovering food addict, compulsive eater, and working on my eating disorder through various programs.. (& i know my posts are always riddled with my recovery stuff throughout the Planet but it's such a huge part of my life right now, it's hard for me to not be so focused on it.)

i've lost 98 damn lbs, and i've done that by eating healthy and exercising.. all on my own.. i've completely changed my way of life and...and...and...
i have gone a whole year, with no purging.. not binges, (while there were some small binges earlier on) i've kept that under control too & nothing like i used to do for years & years.. and i actually crave healthy foods, and SO many things in my life are improving as a result.. It's like, all interconnected and believe me, i know that it's one day at a time and anything can change if i'm not super careful.

But looking back on this year, i have learned SO much..
And i am so grateful for the knowledge i have learned here in this thread from you all.. i am grateful for the support, the love, the tips and the friendships.. This really is such a wonderful and useful tool in my weight loss journey as well as my recovery (though i don't usually talk about my recovery in this thread..)

You all make a world of difference in how i handle each day, find strength to take on what i do, motivation to get my ass moving and eating healthy.. And doing it all in a "healthy" way for the first time in my life.. No fad diets, no quick fixes and no starving myself, purging myself or causing my body harm.. i am losing one lb at a time, because i am making healthy choices..

i feel fantastic, and look fantastic, and keep finding strength to push myself further and further - & you all deserve the a pat on the back, a HUGE hug, and to know you sharing here each day helps this girl (& i'm sure many others) to keep on keeping on!

i seriously couldn't be more grateful, than i am today for you all..
& couldn't be more prouder to watch the journey you are all on .. We share our ups and downs, and draw strength from one another, & look at us go!
No health club, gym, diet, trainer or health expert, could come close to offering me what each of you do HERE, each and everyday..♥

[Ginger]

People talk about looking fantastic when they're at their ideal weight and I'm sure they do but I want to say, looking fantastic isn't all about the weight, at least not for me.

I was model thin for most of my adult life, and even now, when I'm struggling to lose 15 pounds, many would say I look fine, weight-wise—but that isn't all it takes to look "fantastic."

Confidence is what makes a person look great, and rachets up their sexual allure, IMO. You literally throw off pheromones when you're happy, and feel good about yourself, at any size.

When I feel unloved, I internalize it, and make it true, in a sense—by making myself unsexy with self-loathing, which is a real turnoff to a most people.

It's not an unusual cycle, especially for women in this culture, and one sad bi-product of the phenomenon is how a beautiful woman with low self-esteem is a favorite target of a certain kind of sexual predator or creep.

I try to stay conscious of my internal/external balance. It's tangled up with body image, so I'm mentioning it here.

Exercise ups the self-love, because of the body's chemical response, and because it makes me feel strong physically, a metaphor for psychic strength—or maybe they're linked.

[Lady_Di]

My best friend's partner just called, and we are surprising her. Surprising me too, as they will be in my neck of the woods this time! *happy dance* Meeting for Easter Dinner with the whole family at a restaurant I have never had the opportunity to try. It was lovely to be included in this celebration.

Though since tomorrow is my weigh in for Dr. Oz's Transformation Challenge, I am not going to eat much. I am going just for the company, the quality time with those I love. Hard for this foodie to not try the various flavours, but if I like what I see, I will return another day.

*crossing my fingers for the weigh in tomorrow*

I feel I have already won in a way, as the weight is coming off so easily now. Feels so dang good to be lighter in mind, body, and spirit. I feel more comfortable in my own skin. Much of which is scheduled to come off before the years end. Some folks I know keep the extra skin as a badge of courage, but I want it gone.


Off for a lovely Easter Celebration with my family of choice. Hope everyone had a wonderful day. The weather is simply so beautiful, the flowers in bloom, so many trees just exploding with colour, go enjoy it!

[sylvie]

People talk about looking fantastic when they're at their ideal weight and I'm sure they do but I want to say, looking fantastic isn't all about the weight, at least not for me.

I was model thin for most of my adult life, and even now, when I'm struggling to lose 15 pounds, many would say I look fine, weight-wise—but that isn't all it takes to look "fantastic."

Confidence is what makes a person look great, and rachets up their sexual allure, IMO. You literally throw off pheromones when you're happy, and feel good about yourself, at any size.

When I feel unloved, I internalize it, and make it true, in a sense—by making myself unsexy with self-loathing, which is a real turnoff to a most people.

It's not an unusual cycle, especially for women in this culture, and one sad bi-product of the phenomenon is how a beautiful woman with low self-esteem is a favorite target of a certain kind of sexual predator or creep.

I try to stay conscious of my internal/external balance. It's tangled up with body image, so I'm mentioning it here.

Exercise ups the self-love, because of the body's chemical response, and because it makes me feel strong physically, a metaphor for psychic strength—or maybe they're linked.



i agree, 100%... i can honestly say i am not at my ideal weight.. looking fantastic isn't about my weight loss, for sure.. but my increase in confidence helps me say so now.. Being able to say the words for the first time in my life, and being able to look in a mirror and say i'm beautiful.. Isn't about how my body looks physically today but about the changes within, the building self-esteem and the good health, improving skin, my constant smile, it's many, many things.... it just feels great to be able to acknowledge for once i look fantastic.. i'm at 217 lbs, i still have more weight to lose (for me).. But, this is the first time in my life that i can say it and mean it.. BIG milestone for me..

i think beauty comes in all sizes, shapes and forms..i think back to me at 315 lbs and i can say, honestly, i 'was' beautiful.. What is sad to me is that i never *felt* beautiful & spent so much time putting myself down and being so negative towards my own body. So clearly, it was my own stinkin' thinkin' and low self-esteem.. i know i still have a lot of weight to lose to feel healthy overall.. It was simply a yay moment for me, and i wanted to share that & lend my gratitude to you all in the thread.. Hope it didn't seem like i was being anything but humble..

Hugs to you all & hope it was a happy Sunday!

[Thinker]

I've been working on my addiction to sweets. It's a mental thing for me, ya know... So I've been working on getting to where I'm just not interested in the donuts, Blizzards, Oreos, etc... Last week was a real turning point for me, so I'm feeling more hopeful.

On Saturday I had a Blizzard, and it made me feel like sh*t. My stomach hurt and later, when I was in the shower, I sort of felt grossed out that I had eaten it. THAT is where I need to get with it, and I feel like I'm pretty damn close! :)

Have a good week, y'all!!

[Lady_Di]

I've been working on my addiction to sweets. It's a mental thing for me, ya know... So I've been working on getting to where I'm just not interested in the donuts, Blizzards, Oreos, etc... Last week was a real turning point for me, so I'm feeling more hopeful.

On Saturday I had a Blizzard, and it made me feel like sh*t. My stomach hurt and later, when I was in the shower, I sort of felt grossed out that I had eaten it. THAT is where I need to get with it, and I feel like I'm pretty damn close! :)

Have a good week, y'all!!

Glad you are listening to your body. It is a wise wise amazing gift from G.d. Something a friend posted on facebook made sense to me:

Eat Less CRAP

C - Carbonated Drinks
R - Refined Sugar
A - Artificial Sweetners & Colours
P - Processed Foods

Eat More FOOD

F - Fruits and veggies
O - Organic lean proteins
O - Omega 3 Fatty Acids
D - Drink Water

It is a handy little reminder and keeps it nice and simple.

This evening I go to a group therapy, a friend puts on here. She is a health/wellness educator exercise physiologist psychologist - she keeps adding to her resume, I think she is on her like 2nd PhD now. Anyhows, very inspiring and motivational group. Cheap too, which works for me. Most here have lost several hundred pounds and are maintaining. Some have had surgery, some haven't.

She always makes several great points. Keeping it very simple, which always works for me.

Sleep
Hydrate
Eat
Exercise


gotta love that, no?

She also makes sure we take a few minutes to breathe deeply, which she explains how this effects your brain chemistry giving immediate results for your health and wellness. Love all the talk of serotonin and dopamine receptors. I get my science fix and someone I can talk to that gets me and how my brain works, literally.

and...

Love her and her flashy red cowboy boots!

[JoSchmooze]

Monday....
So, I went to a friend's house last night....
Neither one of us thought about my eating
habits (I did bring 2 bottles of water).
So I ate broccoli (I still am not so good with it, but
if that's what there is, then that's it) and th egg whites of some boiled easter eggs.
They had ham and sausage and yams and some kinda polish
soup made with sour cream.....
and lemon pie for dessert....
Everything I am not supposed to eat.
When I got home, I couldn't eat amything but I did have that
sweets craving.....strawberries seems to do the trick.
Now I gotta be on the straight and narrow until we leave
for Austin for the weekend.....
I will do it....I will do it...I will do it.....
*mumbling as I head for the bike*

:cigar2:

[girl_dee]

i am thinking of doing Weight Watchers... i have issued with the complete focus on food but i love the meetings and the tools..

i need to lose about 25 pounds and lack any sort of self control

[Hollylane]

i am thinking of doing Weight Watchers... i have issued with the complete focus on food but i love the meetings and the tools..

i need to lose about 25 pounds and lack any sort of self control

Even only knowing a little about you, I have a hard time believing you have no self control (Unless you're referring to Scramble) :) We've all got your back Dee, you can do whatever you set your mind to!

"stinkin' thinkin'" Sylvie, I am intimately familiar with this term. My mind is always at work, and I have to curb my own stinkin' thinkin' daily.

I have already planned a new hike, on Wednesday I am hiking at Forest Park. It is a relatively easy hike, 6 miles round trip, with very little elevation gain. I'm thinking about posting on the message board, with the hiking club. I want to find a few dedicated hikers who can go out on Wednesdays. I have that day off, and I am having my last session with my trainer this Wednesday evening, so I'm going to need to replace that time with some vigorous activity.

The hike this past Saturday made it clear that I need to do something about muscle cramping. I'm relatively certain that potassium and more water are the answers. Did I mention that I hate water? Trudging up that last hill back to the trail head also made me want to develop more stamina and more muscle in my upper thighs and buttocks. I was behind my friends on the way back up, and since they are both in great shape, I didn't expect to see the way they trudged up that last hill in the same manner as I did, so I'm not going to beat myself up too much about it.

Last night, I was feeling really worn down, but I made myself get up. I loaded up my backpack with bottled water (for extra weight), and took my dog down to the park. Once I convinced Chewy that we were walking for exercise, and not for leaving pee messages on every blade of grass between my house and the park, we got a good pace going, and walked about three miles. It ended up being quite the workout.

I hope you are all having a happy and healthy start to the week!

[girl_dee]

Even only knowing a little about you, I have a hard time believing you have no self control (Unless you're referring to Scramble) :) We've all got your back Dee, you can do whatever you set your mind to!

"stinkin' thinkin'" Sylvie, I am intimately familiar with this term. My mind is always at work, and I have to curb my own stinkin' thinkin' daily.

I have already planned a new hike, on Wednesday I am hiking at Forest Park. It is a relatively easy hike, 6 miles round trip, with very little elevation gain. I'm thinking about posting on the message board, with the hiking club. I want to find a few dedicated hikers who can go out on Wednesdays. I have that day off, and I am having my last session with my trainer this Wednesday evening, so I'm going to need to replace that time with some vigorous activity.

The hike this past Saturday made it clear that I need to do something about muscle cramping. I'm relatively certain that potassium and more water are the answers. Did I mention that I hate water? Trudging up that last hill back to the trail head also made me want to develop more stamina and more muscle in my upper thighs and buttocks. I was behind my friends on the way back up, and since they are both in great shape, I didn't expect to see the way they trudged up that last hill in the same manner as I did, so I'm not going to beat myself up too much about it.

Last night, I was feeling really worn down, but I made myself get up. I loaded up my backpack with bottled water (for extra weight), and took my dog down to the park. Once I convinced Chewy that we were walking for exercise, and not for leaving pee messages on every blade of grass between my house and the park, we got a good pace going, and walked about three miles. It ended up being quite the workout.

I hope you are all having a happy and healthy start to the week!

Thank you, i am resolved and look forward to the WW meetings, years ago i went for fun, obsessed with my food intake i got to engage in all that wonderful talk about food and now i actually weigh enough to have to pay for the meetings and be a real member. i loved the interaction with the members and having the support in person, although this thread is a great help too!

i recently read a story about a woman, self proclaimed couch potato who adopted a rescue dog, The dog required 3 nice walks a day, so she walked (not stopped to allow the dog to pee at ever blade!) and lost 30 pounds without a diet, she and the dog are in great shape now. My little dixi pup could walk for acres, and we've got 200 here so no reason i should not be out there enjoying our hiking. i used to love hiking at one time, and she loves to explore so that is my goal, to not think of the E (exercise) word but to think of the A (activity) word which is what works for me. i feel so outta shape and i can't have that!

i wonder if scramble counts and an activity ;)

[starryeyes]

I am so so so sick of yo-yoing these 10 lbs. I am trying to get the switch flipped on in my brain again so I can become fully committed to being healthy. The weight just CREEPS up out of nowhere for me. I know I am eating bad and not on track, so of course it creeps up but wow. I just need to keep myself on track for the rest of my life which is scary for me. I want to do this and get this 20 lbs off!!! I went to the gym with my roommate today an had a great workout. It felt good! I am going to commit myself again. I know the results come just as fast as when they creep on. I CAN do this. I CAN do this!! Grrrr!

[Medusa]

HOOOO-AHHHHHHH!!!

Just got back from the gym and feeling STOKED. I shredded my legs tonight and finally got that desired drippy sweat I have been wanting.

Warm up:
30 minutes on treadmill at 4 incline @ 2.8 mph
10 minutes on elliptical at 4 incline

Weights:
5 sets of 15 on squat press
5 sets of 10 on outer thigh press
4 sets of 10 on butterfly lift machine
5 sets of 15 on quad press
5 sets of 15 on calf press machine


I really felt strong tonight at the gym and ended up working out for almost 2 hours. I like to do a slow, steady pace and it seems to be working well. My legs are starting to look different.


The gym is addictive. I don't generally have any free time during the week but thanks to a new account schedule at work, I am now only pulling 50 hours a week instead of 65 - 75. That has freed up a TON of time so the fact that I am doing the gym means that I am really having to focus on "me" versus everything else.

It feels super decadent.

Like self-therapy.

I kinda love it.

I know that there will be days that I don't love it and don't want to work out but right now, I love it and that's all that matters.

[Novelafemme]

Please keep my Katy in your thoughts. She started juicing today and I am so proud of her. She needs all the encouragement she can get. I love showing her everyone's posts on here...it's very motivating! xoxoxo

[Leigh]

Please keep my Katy in your thoughts. She started juicing today and I am so proud of her. She needs all the encouragement she can get. I love showing her everyone's posts on here...it's very motivating! xoxoxo


I've been interested in juicing for awhile now, you'll have to keep us updated on how it goes so ~ Go Katy Go!

Well today I started a challenge on SparkPeople.com about learning to curb my sweet tooth. I took a quiz and of course, as I knew already, I am addicted to sugar so I am hoping that this 4-week challenge will help me to atleast curb it even if I don't completely give it up ~ baby steps right? I also began today using their food tracker and I actually felt more accountable in keeping track of what I put into my mouth. I did have some sugar today I won't lie, but I didn't go overboard either surprisingly enough. I've also been looking into finally getting back into the gym after so much time off due to being sick with first bronchitis and then a viral infection ~ now that I'm doing better, I can finally get back to working out.

My mom and dad bought me a beautiful blue colored spring jacket from Wal-Mart tonight, size 3x and it is very tight around the midsection but it does technically fit. They were gonna take it back but I told them no don't do that, since I will be going back to the gym soon to start losing more weight I have decided to keep it for motivation ~ just think, losing some weight will mean that I'll be able to fit into the jacket and that's the perfect motivational tool for me to get my ass in gear. I'm very glad to be able to share my goals, motivations and more with all of you here :)

[Hollylane]

Thank you, i am resolved and look forward to the WW meetings, years ago i went for fun, obsessed with my food intake i got to engage in all that wonderful talk about food and now i actually weigh enough to have to pay for the meetings and be a real member. i loved the interaction with the members and having the support in person, although this thread is a great help too!

i recently read a story about a woman, self proclaimed couch potato who adopted a rescue dog, The dog required 3 nice walks a day, so she walked (not stopped to allow the dog to pee at ever blade!) and lost 30 pounds without a diet, she and the dog are in great shape now. My little dixi pup could walk for acres, and we've got 200 here so no reason i should not be out there enjoying our hiking. i used to love hiking at one time, and she loves to explore so that is my goal, to not think of the E (exercise) word but to think of the A (activity) word which is what works for me. i feel so outta shape and i can't have that!

i wonder if scramble counts and an activity ;)


Scramble only counts as "A" when you move your finger fast enough, also I think that seeing the possibility of losing the game may increase your heart rate ;) J/K

Yes, the "E" is the part I do not like, but it makes it possible for me to participate in the "A" and enjoy it so much more. :)

Medusa, that is awesome! I was not as successful yesterday. I came home early and did not workout.

Good luck to Katy!

Funny thing I do:

I used to think that losing 5 or 10 pounds was not that much of an accomplishment. Then I started thinking of my weight in terms of chickens and turkeys. I know, I am strange, and I like me that way. But this past two weeks I've lost the equivalent of a good size Thanksgiving turkey. :) It puts it into perspective for me. When I think of how big a turkey is, I'm pretty impressed with myself.

[Novelafemme]

Scramble only counts as "A" when you move your finger fast enough, also I think that seeing the possibility of losing the game may increase your heart rate ;) J/K

Yes, the "E" is the part I do not like, but it makes it possible for me to participate in the "A" and enjoy it so much more. :)

Medusa, that is awesome! I was not as successful yesterday. I came home early and did not workout.

Good luck to Katy!

Funny thing I do:

I used to think that losing 5 or 10 pounds was not that much of an accomplishment. Then I started thinking of my weight in terms of chickens and turkeys. I know, I am strange, and I like me that way. But this past two weeks I've lost the equivalent of a good size Thanksgiving turkey. :) It puts it into perspective for me. When I think of how big a turkey is, I'm pretty impressed with myself.



You crack me up :) I love laughing first thing in the morning! :)

[ruffryder]

Good morning everybody!

Isn't it funny when we have a sweet or junk food craving and we cave into it then we don't feel so good afterward and think why did I just do that? I think that helps that next time you will make the healthy food choice instead. After awhile you just stop having those nasty cravings. lol. .

I hope everyone is having a great week! Stay positive! :)

I've been working on my addiction to sweets. It's a mental thing for me, ya know... So I've been working on getting to where I'm just not interested in the donuts, Blizzards, Oreos, etc... Last week was a real turning point for me, so I'm feeling more hopeful.

On Saturday I had a Blizzard, and it made me feel like sh*t. My stomach hurt and later, when I was in the shower, I sort of felt grossed out that I had eaten it. THAT is where I need to get with it, and I feel like I'm pretty damn close! :)

Have a good week, y'all!!

[JustJo]

Good morning healthies :rrose:

Rough last couple days and I've weakened and hit the Easter candy. I have decided that, right now, I don't care. I'm getting through this however I get through it....and am congratulating myself that I still went to Curves.

Ironically, my scale is not showing it...and instead shows me already losing the 2 lbs I gained in AZ...so maybe the "forgetting to eat" part is cancelling out the Easter candy consumption.

In either case, not healthy but the best I can do at this exact moment.

One foot in front of the other, right?

And Hollylane....I LOVE the chicken, turkey analogy! I usually think in terms of bags of flour, but I think I prefer your method. :)

[Novelafemme]

Good Morning All!

Katy woke up this morning feeling GREAT! Her tummy was smaller and she felt clear headed and "light". She is looking forward to another day of juicing and is feeling really proud of herself.

Thanks again for all the encouragement! It really helps :)

[Thinker]

Good morning everybody!

Isn't it funny when we have a sweet or junk food craving and we cave into it then we don't feel so good afterward and think why did I just do that? I think that helps that next time you will make the healthy food choice instead. After awhile you just stop having those nasty cravings. lol. .

I hope everyone is having a great week! Stay positive! :)

Couldn't agree with you more...

[deedarino]

Lost another "chicken"!!! The best part is when the second number on the scale goes down :-)

I started my class and have been doing pretty good...yesterday the room was filled with about 10 athletic type men; usually I would be so intimidated I would leave but not this time! I got right on those weight machines, right in front of those dudes, right in front of that GIGANTIC mirror...LOL. Yeah, gonna have to work on that one.


What do you guys think of coconut milk? I found one by Silk that is very good. It has less sugar content than milk but it is cane sugar. Does this matter?


3.6 Turkeys lost.....(love this!)

[sylvie]

Good Morning Healthies..
Today marks a "get it all in order" kind of day for me, and buckling down more, because i know i now need more , unless i just want to maintain..

i love organizing (that's part of my OCD) , however making lists and hanging reminders and doing research and making a "plan" helps me stay on the path to where i am aiming for.. So today, i am working on that..

~~~~~

i would like to share something though.. Today, i had an appointment and things didn't go quite how i wished they would - and i was kind of disappointed.. In the past, maybe even a couple of months ago, dealing with that disappointment always brought me negative feelings & being hard on myself, and would cause me to not believe i could do it anymore and give up..

But today, rather than doing that, i accepted the reality of it, and pushed myself a step further and thought " no sylvie, you want this, you're doing this and there are other ways which will be harder work, but you CAN do this.." And so i walked out of that appointment knowing i have a some hard work to do, but hell if i can do recovery & weight loss, i can do anything...And i'm worth that work..

It feels good, to be at that mark in my journey, that i believe in myself, and i go for it anyway...And while my appointment had nothing to do with weight loss or my recovery, it's all connected.. The self esteem and confidence i have been building on from this journey, is the reason i have such a positive attitude today..

And so i am loving that reward of self-care.. ♥

[JoSchmooze]

I am so so so sick of yo-yoing these 10 lbs. I am trying to get the switch flipped on in my brain again so I can become fully committed to being healthy. The weight just CREEPS up out of nowhere for me. I know I am eating bad and not on track, so of course it creeps up but wow. I just need to keep myself on track for the rest of my life which is scary for me. I want to do this and get this 20 lbs off!!! I went to the gym with my roommate today an had a great workout. It felt good! I am going to commit myself again. I know the results come just as fast as when they creep on. I CAN do this. I CAN do this!! Grrrr!

Many of us here talk about "healthy" weight loss...
I think (IMO) it's because all of us have struggled
for so long with "food addiction"....
Whether it's binge and purge or just plain binging..
whether it's low self esteem or "hiding" within ourselves...
Or whether it's just that we make excuses, it all comes down
to some sort of food addiction.
And any 12 step program tells us that it is
"one day at a time"....no one can stand up and say,
"I HAVE to do this for the rest of my life"
and not feel some sort of pang of guilt or shame or whatever....

This is my thought for today.....
I can do this...for this meal, for this day, for this workout....
I can do 1 more minute on the bike, I can lift this damned bar over my head just one more time...
I can walk away this minute from the junk food....I can get in that
kitchen and start tossing all the crap that I shouldn't be eating....
I don't care about tomorrow, I need to worry about right now....

Just my two cents worth....

:byebye:

[Lady_Di]

Love reading the posts here. We are not alone in this adventure.

Someone mentioned hating water, I too had that issue. I like to drink tea, or sometimes just putting a tea bag in the water makes it more palatable.. A tip from my doctor, who has a specialty in bariactrics. Importance of water can not be overstated. I am doing better with it lately, on an organic lemon kick and for me, since I do not have a sweet tooth, I just have my lemon water. Very refreshing.

One of the women in one of my Paleo groups puts a whole gallon of purified water in the fridge every morning, with her organic lemons cut up and organic cucumbers. It sounded lovely, so I bought my cucumbers yesterday. Will let you know how it works for me.

Herbal tea current fav is a lemon and rose hips blend. Again, refreshing and no caffeine. I have also been enjoying Cinch from Shaklee, these little individual sticks of wonderful mata teas, a white, red and green mix of some proprietary blend, has also been wonderful for me to increase my fluid intake. Has a nice burst of energy, which I often lack. Whatever works for you, I say.

I also take supplements and will have to the rest of my life, as I did have surgical intervention a long time ago, which I never really took advantage of. These are the best supplements I have ever tried, too. Nice discovery of how much different I feel when I started taking them in January. It was dramatic. Vit D deficiency is not a good thing, nor is low calcium when I am in the beginning stages of osteopenia. I surely want to prevent osteoporosis if possible. My ever shrinking mother is a warning of what could happen, if I am not careful. And I am short enough, darn it!

I am lucky, I prefer healthy foods to most foods out there. Though I have some notable exceptions, my salty fat tooth demands attention with something crisp. Celery does not cut it always, though I love it, too... but when you are craving a potato chip, well you know how it goes. So after my weigh in yesterday, I went ahead and splurged on a bag of chips. One good thing I learned from my ex, how to buy a small bag and just enjoy it. I will not deprive myself, I will not bring on a binge. Eating healthy has so many of its own rewards, reinforcements. Love it. Lightening up on every level. Mind, body and soul. Getting my house in order. Happiness.

Very cool to hear someone else is using Spark People, I love it there. Though I have not been very active lately, it is a good reminder to use it. His book, too... so dang inspiring. The accountability of the food tracker, exercise/activity tracker is priceless. Free too, love that. Every type of support team imaginable there, too!

My weigh in yesterday went really well. I qualified for the Dr Oz's Transformation Challenge, lost the 10%! I probably won't win. But I keep telling myself, stranger things have happened.

I worked really hard with my eye on that prize mentality. Which I was thinking yesterday that I do really well with some prize to work towards. Time to make some new prizes I can give myself for the next 10%. Coolest thing about this is I have not been this weight since I was in my 20's, a good while back. Feels awesome!

Thank you for the support I feel so very much here. More than I have had in many a year.

Keep Coming Back!

d

[Lady_Di]

...

What do you guys think of coconut milk? I found one by Silk that is very good. It has less sugar content than milk but it is cane sugar. Does this matter?



I believe sugar matters, but that is me. I do have some of the Silk Coconut milk, but have not been all that impressed. I think the sugar content is too high, and sugar is like shards of glass within your blood vessels. Yikes, no?

What does impress me however is organic coconut oil, bottled in glass. I highly recommend it for anyone trying to lose wt. Amazing stuff. And they are now starting to sell it in normal stores at a very decent price. Shocking, I know.

[girl_dee]

ok i did it, i almost chickened out in the parking lot but i did it, i stepped on a scale and went to a WW meeting. i have between 15-20 pounds to lose. I am fighting not getting obsessed with the scale numbers and more about feeling better and enjoying my clothes a lot more.

On a happy note the meeting was motivational and the program is easy and promising. (Fruit is 0 points now!) i can do this very easily!

[Ginger]

i recently read a story about a woman, self proclaimed couch potato who adopted a rescue dog, The dog required 3 nice walks a day, so she walked (not stopped to allow the dog to pee at ever blade!) and lost 30 pounds without a diet, she and the dog are in great shape now. My little dixi pup could walk for acres, and we've got 200 here so no reason i should not be out there enjoying our hiking. i used to love hiking at one time, and she loves to explore so that is my goal, to not think of the E (exercise) word but to think of the A (activity) word which is what works for me. i feel so outta shape and i can't have that!

i wonder if scramble counts and an activity ;)



Dee, I know you live in a beautiful place, from your posts and pics, and I can totally see you out there grooving on where you are, enjoying it with the pup. That's a great plan!! Nice to see you here :)

It sounds like your goal is kind of like mine, so I feel sort of validated by that. Here's the latest update on the 15-20 pound loss I'm trying to orchestrate:

I was down five pounds Friday morning, then up three this morning, four days later! And that's after a weekend in which I resisted key lime pie, biscuits, the bread basket at restaurants, pound cake—I was totally in control of what I put in my mouth!

When I stepped on that scale it was like studying really hard and still getting an 'F'. But there have been a lot of posts here about the one-step-forward, two-steps-back nature of weight loss, here. It's the long run that matters, and it doesn't matter how long the long run lasts, IMO.

[Ginger]

ok i did it, i almost chickened out in the parking lot but i did it, i stepped on a scale and went to a WW meeting. i have between 15-20 pounds to lose. I am fighting not getting obsessed with the scale numbers and more about feeling better and enjoying my clothes a lot more.

On a happy note the meeting was motivational and the program is easy and promising. (Fruit is 0 points now!) i can do this very easily!

Yeah!! My sister got her cholesterol under control and she and her husband lost a lot of weight in the process, with Weight Watchers. The meals are delicious and healthy. I spent two weeks with them this winter, enjoying them!

(Apologies to those who have heard this already)

I hope you enjoy the WW group and find support and community there.

[girl_dee]

Dee, I know you live in a beautiful place, from your posts and pics, and I can totally see you out there grooving on where you are, enjoying it with the pup. That's a great plan!! Nice to see you here :)

It sounds like your goal is kind of like mine, so I feel sort of validated by that. Here's the latest update on the 15-20 pound loss I'm trying to orchestrate:

I was down five pounds Friday morning, then up three this morning, four days later! And that's after a weekend in which I resisted key lime pie, biscuits, the bread basket at restaurants, pound cake—I was totally in control of what I put in my mouth!

When I stepped on that scale it was like studying really hard and still getting an 'F'. But there have been a lot of posts here about the one-step-forward, two-steps-back nature of weight loss, here. It's the long run that matters, and it doesn't matter how long the long run lasts, IMO.





Well i am not expert believe me, but i've studied diet plans, food programs and having a food disorder just love studying food stuffs. One of the things i remember hearing is that you should lose at the same pace you gained it, so it stays off, and sometimes we get stuck at a place we weighed for a long time, like the body says *oh i know this number, i like it here* (plateaus maybe?).

So i am trying to just do this and let it go, get my pups out to enjoy all the land here and all of Canada and yes this is a good life and for the first time in a long time i have learned to eat without TOO much guilt over each bite.

Work in progress, but today, i did take a step to help myself feel better and get out and join a group. i was diagnosed with arthritis in my hands (sad news for a bodyworker) and now one of my knees is feeling the same way, (spent lots of time on my knees in my life! :) ) and i don't want to look back and think i could have done something to help myself feel better.

One of my clients is stricken with arthritis, she recently went on the "God Diet: = no preprocessed foods, and since then all of her joint pain has gone away, and she isn't the first one to say this.

We eat mostly off the land here, fresh meat, veggies or freshly frozen from our garden, so there is no excuse to buy and eat the processed stuff, not for me anyway.

[sylvie]

So i've worked hard at my health plan today, as i promised myself i would.

♥ portionning & measuring - i will start this up again
♥ SparkPeople - i will be faithful about calorie counting & fitness tracking again

they were both very useful tools for me, cept i tend to obsess numbers, i hope i'm strong enough to do this in a healthy mindset now and use them to my advantage.

♥ exercise - i have a good plan for attending the gym, exercise at home and fitting in exercise with various work shifts that i work. i will be faithful about following my train to run program and doing it in a healthy way.. i will also be faithful about stretching (something i'm horrible about doing lately).. i will also get my weights in twice a week.. and i will track my fitness minutes and set minutes goals each month.. (this month is 1800) - also i bookmarked some good videos for steps and weight lifting and exercises that target areas i want to work on for easy access for days i only have a few hours between work shifts..

♥ foodwise - i will cut back some on carbs (still eat them, but portionwise)
- i will eat more clean foods, organic when possible, no processed (except tuna, i love my damn tuna lol)
- i will be more faithful about food journalling in my book i carry.. it is a useful tool for me, and helps me think hard about what i put in my mouth..

♥ self-care - i will take at least 15 mins a day for 'me' time.. Whether to read, stop & breathe, practice gratitude or taking a bubble bath or pampering myself in some way.. Also breathing exercises, something i learned in a program i am in, that stretched parts of the body along with relaxed breathing and it helped so much, so definitely need to get that worked back in..

Just little ways to up my motivation, push myself a little harder and be more mindful with what goes in my mouth, and being good to myself..

Today has been an accomplished day and feeling good about this.

[Hollylane]

Lost another "chicken"!!! The best part is when the second number on the scale goes down :-)

I started my class and have been doing pretty good...yesterday the room was filled with about 10 athletic type men; usually I would be so intimidated I would leave but not this time! I got right on those weight machines, right in front of those dudes, right in front of that GIGANTIC mirror...LOL. Yeah, gonna have to work on that one.


What do you guys think of coconut milk? I found one by Silk that is very good. It has less sugar content than milk but it is cane sugar. Does this matter?


3.6 Turkeys lost.....(love this!)


I was at the gym with my trainer last week, feeling intimidated by all the big buff guys in there. One of them walked up to my trainer, interrupted our session/discussion, and asked where something was, and then tried to start a chat with my trainer about the training he was doing. I could tell Mark was getting annoyed, and I was just standing there being polite, but all of a sudden the hair went up on the back of my neck, and I looked right(up) at that 300 pound, fully muscled guy and said:

"Hey, Brittany over there can help you with your questions. This is my trainer, and you are interrupting the time I have paid for."

I was so PROUD. Mark was grinning like a loon. I swear that guy was pouting as he stalked off looking more than a little like the shape and size of a silverback gorilla.


Congrats on the lose of 3.6 turkeys! That is AMAZING!

I am totally jazzed about the hike tomorrow. The more I hike, the more I want to hike. I even posted a duplicate hike to one I had been on the wait list for, in the hopes that some of the other people on the wait list would join the duplicate hike this Sunday, and I got a group together of 12 people. This one will be an 8 mile hike at the same park as tomorrow's hike, but on a different trail.

I did some lifting, squats, and walking during lunch today, and had plain tuna on a bed of greens. I found some great protein bars that are low carb enough for me, but with enough calories to support my energy levels on my hikes. They actually taste frigging good too...BONUS!

I hope you are all having a wonderful evening :)

[Thinker]

but all of a sudden the hair went up on the back of my neck, and I looked right(up) at that 300 pound, fully muscled guy and said:

"Hey, Brittany over there can help you with your questions. This is my trainer, and you are interrupting the time I have paid for."



Right. On. !!! I love when entitled asses get snapped off like that!!!

[Kelt]

Hey healthy peeps!

I thought I'd stop in and let you all know I'm not dead. I did stumble across something this afternoon that I think some of you might find of interest.

I know a lot of you are trying a lot of different things but the core principle in this thread is healthy weight loss. I also know that some of the folks in here are diabetic and therefore probably familiar with glycemic index and glycemic load. It has also informed an awful lot of my food choices over the last year and a half or so.

Granted I never did an exhaustive search, but I had difficulty getting comprehensive reliable information about what those numbers were for a lot of foods. Today I stumbled across what I've been looking for all along. It's been up and running for about five months now and it's from the University of Sydney in Australia. It has a really good G.I. and GL database and it searchable. Since this is the place where a lot of the research has been coming out of I think it's a pretty good bet as a reference.

Anyway here's the link and I hope some of you find it as useful as I do.

University of Sydney - GI foods advanced search (http://www.glycemicindex.com/foodSearch.php)

Bon appétit

:theisland:

[Gentle Tiger]

I have nothing to add. I'm just stalking you healthy people. :glasses:

[starryeyes]

I worked out today, ate lots of protien and only ate a small piece of birthday cake! Yaya. Feels good ;)

[sylvie]

Good Morning Healthies.. ♥

Just got home from work, eating my morning snack now..
Then, going to go to the Gym since i don't go back to work 'til 4pm..

For breakfast:
1 shredded wheat, with 1/2 cup skim milk
1/2 medium banana
1 small yogurt

For snack:
1/2 cup of green grapes

At the gym, i will do:
30 mins treadmill, altering between 1 min jog, 1 min walk
20 mins elliptical
Some weights for lower body (glutes, seated leg press, hip abuctors)
Some Ab crunches & squats
plus walking to & from the Gym (25 mins walk each way)

For lunch:
1/2 whole wheat pita
2 oz. chicken breast
lettuce, chopped tomatoes, red onion
1 Tbsp crumbled feta cheese

For snack:
8-10 almonds & 1/2 green apple

For dinner tonight:
1/2 stuffed pepper
nice garden salad on the side
1/3 lemon , no dressing

Mr Mtn & i made some delicious stuffed peppers on Monday night, and dined together.. ♥ Love Our cooking adventures, and they were soooo yummy!! And taste even better the next day ..

Have a wonderful day all!

[JustJo]

Good morning healthies :)

Thank you so much for that GI resource Kelt...that's super helpful. I try to eat low glycemic index foods because I know it helps tremendously with the diabetes....so thank you, thank you!

It was weigh and measure day at Curves this morning and I don't have anything as dramatic as last month's 10 inch loss to report. :)

However, considering that I did it a few days late last month, a day early this month, traveled for work for a week (including lots of meals in restaurants or catered in), Easter candy in the house, and insane stress over my mother....I'm actually quite happy.

Normally, I'd be gaining weight like mad at a time like this....and instead I lost 2.5 pounds and about an inch (half from my waist and the rest off my thighs).

I'll take it! :rrose:

[Hollylane]

Good morning :)

I am dragging ass this morning. I refuse to let the ass dragging happen while I am hiking today. I need a theme song, with some rhythm. I do not like eating breakfast, but I will do it this morning, low carb of course. I need to find some energy!

[ruffryder]

I got this information from self.com. I 'm sure we've all heard it but it's nice to be reminded and sometimes folks don't know.

- Skip added sugars and high fructose corn syrup. White sugar, brown sugar, honey—all sugar pumps calories into your diet and spikes your blood sugar. It makes you feel fatigued, instead of giving you that energy you were hoping for. cold cuts and ketchup are in this list.

- Avoid bad fats. Saturated and trans fats can clog your arteries and promote inflammation. Sidestep the fried foods and anything made with hydrogenated vegetable oils. Wipeout high fat marbled meats and choose skim or 1% fat dairy products. Eat good fat - olive oil, avocado, and nuts.

- Pump up protein includes chicken and salmon. It stabilizes blood sugar and helps you feel fuller longer. Divide your body weight in pounds by 2—that's how many grams of protein you should aim to get each day. Other great sources of protein include whole grain cereals, tofu, and beans. These are also rich in fiber and magnesium.

- Alcohol is no good when it goes along with resisting unhealthy foods. Instead, for drinks make it water, tea, seltzers and coffee. An occassional glass of red wine is good!

- Reach for fiber. It is filling and helps your digestive tract, pulling cholesterol out of the blood stream. Keep fiber foods close at hand always including cereals, fruit, berries, potatoes and edamame. Have two foods with at least 3 grams of fiber per serving every day.

- Chew, Swallow, Repeat. Eat something every 4 hours. This keeps your blood sugar stablilized and your metabolism revved. The right foods help you drop pounds by revving your calorie burn and curbing cravings. Try an energy bar!

[JoSchmooze]

Getting ready to leave for a fun weekend
in Austin in a couple days....
Wodering how I am going to stay on track....
I already toldAbby that I would probably eat,
but already thinking in the back of my mind how to
find the right foods and how to not look like
I am completely crazy about this whole thing....
Food addiction! Dammit!

:cowboy:

[PinkieLee]

Getting ready to leave for a fun weekend
in Austin in a couple days....
Wodering how I am going to stay on track....
I already toldAbby that I would probably eat,
but already thinking in the back of my mind how to
find the right foods and how to not look like
I am completely crazy about this whole thing....
Food addiction! Dammit!

:cowboy:




NO WORRIES my friend!

Luckily, Candace is on a pretty strict diet right now, too.... so she is bringing a lot of her menu items herself. So, go ahead and grab some healthier options at the grocery store and come on :)

Plus, me & Medusa will be there too... there is safety in numbers :)

[ruffryder]

Divide your body weight in pounds by 2—that's how many grams of protein you should aim to get each day.



I wanted to go ahead and calculate this because I was thinking it was a lot! However here is what it adds up to. .

If someone weighs 200 lbs. / 2 = 100 grams of protein a day or 3.5 ounces. This is very healthy, beyond healthy.

[Hollylane]

Wow. That hike was a lot more challenging than I expected. But....I DID IT! I met some great folks from my hiking group, and got to know the hike leader, her husband, and even walked with their dog, Gauge (an adorable, and well trained English Pointer rescue dog), for a few miles. I got lots of tips, and a few blisters, and some more tips... about blisters.

The weather was very rainy, and I was soaked from head to toe, with a nice layer of mud from the knees down. Fun!

I followed the hike up with a limp into the used/new sporting goods store, and picked up 2 pairs of hiking pants, two extra bandanas, a flashlight, BPA free water canister, a new (gently used) The North Face rucksack, gaiters, synthetic socks (that say they prevent blisters), and drooled over more hiking gear.

I also discovered, thanks to my new hiking buddies, a new app for the IPhone, called MapMyHike. It uses the GPS feature on my phone to track my progress, including:


Mileage
MPH
Elevation
Calories burned (by using my height and weight along with the other data)
Location
Alternate trails

And it has a workout log. Way cool!

I will have to use it on the eight mile hike this Sunday. Now I'm going to relax for an hour before heading to the gym for the hour with the trainer.

I am going to sleep like the dead tonight. That is a fact.

I hope you all had a wonderful and healthy day!

[Ginger]

i was diagnosed with arthritis in my hands (sad news for a bodyworker) and now one of my knees is feeling the same way, (spent lots of time on my knees in my life! :) ) and i don't want to look back and think i could have done something to help myself feel better.

One of my clients is stricken with arthritis, she recently went on the "God Diet: = no preprocessed foods, and since then all of her joint pain has gone away, and she isn't the first one to say this.

We eat mostly off the land here, fresh meat, veggies or freshly frozen from our garden, so there is no excuse to buy and eat the processed stuff, not for me anyway.

Dee, I intuitively believe that what we eat offsets the genetic triggers that cause arthritis and other conditions. I'm sure there is plenty of research to back up that belief, too.

Also, exercise is always good for the body—strengthens the immune system, for one thing. And how delicious, to have freshly frozen veggies in the winter.

My grandmother had a huge freezer on her back porch and that's where she put cobblers, berries, pies, homemade ice cream, and meat wrapped in white paper. I still remember that frosty air that would rise into your face when you lifted the big white lid.

[Hollylane]

I think I could possibly have located every muscle that I have in my body today. They all feel about the same as that one spot on my neck...You know the spot...

Where the last nerve resides...

[cara]

My exercise plans have been put to the side momentarily while I rest my knee, which has decided to hurt in a very bad way. I think I was doing too much too hard and the snowshoeing adventure (the first one) really did me in. I'll get better, but in the meantime, OW! :(

Good luck, all! :)

:stillheart:

[Hollylane]

My exercise plans have been put to the side momentarily while I rest my knee, which has decided to hurt in a very bad way. I think I was doing too much too hard and the snowshoeing adventure (the first one) really did me in. I'll get better, but in the meantime, OW! :(

Good luck, all! :)

:stillheart:

Snowshoeing is on my bucketlist...I'm impressed! Rest up, I hope you feel better very soon! Knee pain blows!

[Ginger]

Recently I posted that I had suddenly gained three pounds. Well, my period started the very next morning!!

I have to keep reminding myself:

Hormones make weight patterns go wacky
The trajectory of weight loss often goes like this: - 2 + 1 - 2 +1 etc.

Have a beautiful weekend!

[gaea]

hear on my local news channel this morning how red wine helps assist to lose weight for WOMEN...wtf?? I was totally blown away by the promotion of use of alcohol to lose weight...at the end of the segment they said "it has something to do with the grapes and how they assist in keeping fat cells from developing"

personally i cannot drink wine due to the sulfates and becoming or being an alcoholic no thank you

What i clearly misunderstood here was why they just didn't promote grapes???

reaching my goal one pound at a time from the inside out.

I like grapes thus i will be researching the greatness of them sometime today whilst bored at work im sure.

[ruffryder]

Coffee has high antioxidants and nutrients. It can be healthy minus the milk, sugar, artificial sweeteners, and cream.

Coffee at the coffee shop can add you 400 calories in one coffee. Ask for it unsweetened and then add your own stevia.

Instead of sugar try organic maple syrup, stevia, or real full-fat organic cream, coconut milk, cinnamon, or organic unsweet cocoa powder for added flavor and sweetener. Black is always best. :P

I think someone asked about this.. Coconut milk is loaded with super healthy saturated fats called medium chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are known to boost your immune system and your metabolism!

Challenge for the weekend: Try a healthy alternative and something new with your coffee!

Have a happy Friday the 13th healthies and a wonderful weekend!

[Zimmeh]

Does a venti skinny iced vanilla coffee count?

Zimmeh

Coffee has high antioxidants and nutrients. It can be healthy minus the milk, sugar, artificial sweeteners, and cream.

Coffee at the coffee shop can add you 400 calories in one coffee. Ask for it unsweetened and then add your own stevia.

Instead of sugar try organic maple syrup, stevia, or real full-fat organic cream, coconut milk, cinnamon, or organic unsweet cocoa powder for added flavor and sweetener. Black is always best. :P

I think someone asked about this.. Coconut milk is loaded with super healthy saturated fats called medium chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are known to boost your immune system and your metabolism!

Challenge for the weekend: Try a healthy alternative and something new with your coffee!

Have a happy Friday the 13th healthies and a wonderful weekend!

[ruffryder]

Starbucks Grande nonfat milk iced caffe latte. = 87 calories. 113 mg sodium. 10 g sugar. 8 g protein.

you darling Zimmeh make some great choices. I'm proud of you. You should be proud too! :)

[Ginger]

Does a venti skinny iced vanilla coffee count?

Zimmeh



That's my drink! Love it!

[Hollylane]

I caved. My co-worker brought gooey brownies to work yesterday. He sent an email that said "I brought brownies, they're on the buffet table, help yourself!", to which a succinctly written email reply was sent from me that read, "JERK!!"

I had one, and it was fabulous. Today I will pay for my transgression, but only after I have woken up properly. At the moment, I am procrastinating, while wearing black running shorts, black t-shirt, black warmup jacket, french lace socks, and legwarmers that have stripes that look like:

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BJYlkckUKnY/Ti7lbZ89uqI/AAAAAAAAA8c/Z9WLtOVFu3w/s1600/zebra+gum.jpg

Don't try to picture it, but if you do, you'll probably burn some extra calories with a good belly laughing session. I keep looking at myself in the mirror and grinning. I love my dorky side, and I am apparently easily amused.

[Thinker]

I signed up for WW online again. Like most people, I do better writing it all down and seeing it look back at me.

I'm still working on flattening my belly, so that'll be my focus.....my waist measurement.

It's interesting to me how quickly I can turn off my interest in Oreos when I have to write that sh*t down, and they suck up so many of points!

[Dominique]

I wanted to go ahead and calculate this because I was thinking it was a lot! However here is what it adds up to. .

If someone weighs 200 lbs. / 2 = 100 grams of protein a day or 3.5 ounces. This is very healthy, beyond healthy.


The recommended amount of protein is .036 grams per pound for a HEALTHY female. People with compromised kidney functions will not want to consume this much protein as the process of breaking down protein is very hard on kidneys. (Diabetes and High Blood Pressure to name two) Check with your Doctor to be sure.

[Ginger]

I've been skidding on and off course with what I'm eating. We (I'm the live-in girlfriend of a single mom), went hiking yesterday along the coast of an inland bay. It was steep at places; a short but satisfying hike. I've been too depressed to get to the gym in the last few weeks, but I think this week will be better. Spring weather always helps.

This morning I had a banana, then non-fat yogurt with almonds and dried cranberries.

Yesterday for breakfast, I had a big bowl of oatmeal with almonds and dried cranberries.

For lunch/dinner I had six grilled shrimp over a boring salad that cost too much in a restaurant. For dessert, to make up for up, I had flan, which I adore.

When I got home I had two chocolate chip cookies and my partner gave me a look that ruined it.

(Usually she is great but understandably, she gets tired of me bitching about gaining weight, then standing at the refrigerator eating frozen yogurt out of the carton, etc.)

She tells me I am average in size, when I demand to know if I am thin or average or larger than average. I have no sense of it at all. All my life I have bought clothes that didn't fit.

[Lady_Di]

...fabulous... and legwarmers that have stripes that look like:

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BJYlkckUKnY/Ti7lbZ89uqI/AAAAAAAAA8c/Z9WLtOVFu3w/s1600/zebra+gum.jpg

Don't try to picture it, but if you do, you'll probably burn some extra calories with a good belly laughing session. I keep looking at myself in the mirror and grinning. I love my dorky side, and I am apparently easily amused.

I want legwarmers like those, mama! Adorable. Love your sense of style. If that be dorky, call me a dork!

also easily amuzed


Hope everyone is enjoying the spring's bounty. Strawberries for breakfast, I can eat them til I burst, I swear. Between those and the blueberries, I am done for. Note, both are organic. Because strawberries especially are like little sponges if there is anything around for it to absorb, it will. They are on that list of most dirty eats, which only means they are one of the most important to eat clean. Off my organic soap box~

I know I need to do some protein. Which also brings up the earlier posts about adequate protein intake and what is advisable. Everyone is different. I know that when I have a patient that is say, 600+ pounds, those calculations sort of go out the window. Critical thinking is a must, and engage one's common sense. Those are rules of thumbs, which may or may not be applicable to you for a myriad of reasons. I do love how complex the human animal is. Amazing, really!

Now to enjoy more of the bounty of this good earth. Make some seriously good eats, which will include some of that heavenly Hatch Green Chile. And oddly enough for me, a sweet potato. Add whatever protein I reach for first and voila.

Anyone else really happy about the spring time bounty? Eating seasonally makes this time of the year extra special for me.

d'who can't wait for the Vidalia Onions to be in and cheap

[Hollylane]

Good morning!

This morning's hike means that I have to make myself eat breakfast. Blech..I do not like eating breakfast for breakfast. I prefer breakfast for dinner.

The hike:

Multiple Forest Park trails

Hike Leader: Me (I'll have to put on my big smile, even through the pain. Yikes!)

12 hikers, 3.5-4 hours, moderate terrain, 700 ft elevation gain (starting elevation 120ft), 8.6 miles.

The weather looks to be favorable, 63 degrees today, with no rain predicted until after 11pm tonight. So, this time, no slogging around in the mud. YAY!

Wish me luck, this looks to be a challenging day!

I talked to my sister today, we're talking about planning a trip for next year, hiking and camping by ourselves, which means she'll leave my nieces, nephew and husband at home in AZ, and fly up here. This will be awesome! However, my sister, the giant overachiever, is a trail runner and marathon runner, so my ass better accomplish some big goals this year, or I will not be able to keep up with her on a walking hike.

I hope you all have a wonderfully happy and healthy Sunday! I'm off to go load up my rucksack...:)

[Hollylane]

I want legwarmers like those, mama! Adorable. Love your sense of style. If that be dorky, call me a dork!

also easily amuzed




Heh...This morning, I'm trying to keep my calves warmed up, so pre-hike, I am wearing argyle legwarmers that pull up to mid-thigh.

Next weekend, I am going to Saturday Market to enjoy the spring bounty, and then afterwards, attending a work related volunteer event cleaning up and replanting at Diary Creek. I :stillheart: spring!

[Zimmeh]

If you all want a fun workout, go get the Kinect Adventures game :)

[girl_dee]

I signed up for WW online again. Like most people, I do better writing it all down and seeing it look back at me.

I'm still working on flattening my belly, so that'll be my focus.....my waist measurement.

It's interesting to me how quickly I can turn off my interest in Oreos when I have to write that sh*t down, and they suck up so many of points!

i've been on WW since Tuesday, it's so freaking easy this can't be real.

Writing it down is definitely a way to make me accountable.

i've been walking so much more plus the nice weather is a great incentive. i won't do a gym but i will definitely make a path around these 200 acres.

[Lady_Di]

Good morning!

This morning's hike means that I have to make myself eat breakfast. Blech..I do not like eating breakfast for breakfast. I prefer breakfast for dinner.

The hike:

Multiple Forest Park trails

Hike Leader: Me (I'll have to put on my big smile, even through the pain. Yikes!)

12 hikers, 3.5-4 hours, moderate terrain, 700 ft elevation gain (starting elevation 120ft), 8.6 miles.

The weather looks to be favorable, 63 degrees today, with no rain predicted until after 11pm tonight. So, this time, no slogging around in the mud. YAY!

Wish me luck, this looks to be a challenging day!

I talked to my sister today, we're talking about planning a trip for next year, hiking and camping by ourselves, which means she'll leave my nieces, nephew and husband at home in AZ, and fly up here. This will be awesome! However, my sister, the giant overachiever, is a trail runner and marathon runner, so my ass better accomplish some big goals this year, or I will not be able to keep up with her on a walking hike.

I hope you all have a wonderfully happy and healthy Sunday! I'm off to go load up my rucksack...:)

The hike sounds awesome. I bet your sister will simply enjoy some special sister time with you, no matter what shape you are in.

And do you enjoy dinner for breakfast, per chance?

breaking the fast, getting some solid protein in keeps blood sugars on an even keel and hunger in check. Plus the fuel is what you need for those active strong muscles you are enjoying, they really need protein with all that you are doing. Inspiring, btw. Big time! Remember it takes like 12 hours to metabolize protein, so it lasts a good long while. Especially good when losing weight and getting healthy, protein packs a wallop. Someone was mentioning the glycemic index, which is another great way to look at it.

With all the hard work you are doing, I hope you figure out something that works for you for breaking your fast. Also stoking your metabolism, stoking your fires, which sort of get banked, like a good fire does at night. I like the analogy of stoking those embers. Comes from my joy of cooking on a real wood fire, which I did for several years. Loved that old wood stove and the slower pace. But I digress...

If you give your body what it is craving, what it really wants... I think it can really help us tune in to what is healthy and wholesome. Though I know for many of us, there has been a disconnect from what our body's want and need. Tuning in, which I see so many doing here, is so inspiring. Getting outside, into nature I think really does help us focus on and get in touch with our bodies, our very natures.

Breathing deeply, in with the good. Out with the bad... stretching and enjoying accomplishing more as I get more in tune, more fit. Does a body good! Which milk never has done for me, but again, I digress.

Which brings up something that Dr. Oz has been focusing on lately, food sensitivities. Not full blown allergies. But foods that set up an inflammatory process in your gut, often going unnoticed for many years. But the legacy of inflammation is what piques my curiosity. C-reactive protein markers, one of the things seen in many a disease process, concerns me. Inflammation evidence.

Been thinking about this more and more, especially since I feel better when I don't do dairy and I don't do wheat. Though I am not gluten intolerant, I think it is just a sensitivity issue. When I stick to true Paleo, proteins and veggies, with a bit of fruit thrown in. I feel good. Cravings leave. And I have this feeling of being clean on the inside, if that makes any sense.

Oh, and water. Getting my water intake is very much a part of this process of feeling good. Which has been a real challenge over the years. Btw, the cucumber and lemon experiment I spoke of last week is delicious.

And Bit gave me some suggestions of using ginger in a bunch of various ways. She was telling me about a peach and ginger concoction that I want to tweek, since I don't do the sugar. I will play with it. Does a body good, things like ginger.

Off to make a dinner in honour of my mother, who turns 85 today. Liver and onions, one of her favs. Been munching on veggies most the day, so this will ensure my iron, which tends to get low. Which reminds me to shoot myself with that B12, which I have to do at least monthly, if not more frequently. With my second knee replacement coming up, gotta make sure I am nutritionally sound. Healing is always better when nutrition is optimal, no?

Hope everyone is enjoying a health filled Sunday!

[Hollylane]

A long, fun, and grueling hike was had by all. My calf started cramping on the trip back and I still had 4 miles to go. I stopped, stretched, drank half of my remaining water, and it actually went away. That was the first time it ever went away once it got started up.

I may or may not have shuffled when I got up this morning. I am very sore, very stiff, and pretty darn proud of myself.

I hope you all have a healthy and happy day :)

[gaea]

I am patting myself on the back here ok

Yippee all my dedication is paying off i have lost 6 pounds in 2 weeks.

Im super excited i beat my goal by 1 lb a week...

[JustJo]

Hi healthies :)

So nice to come in and read about everyone's successes!

I got on the scale this morning to see 200 even.....200.0 in fact, which is a number I haven't seen in a long time. I'm a little surprised, because I have had a few emotional eating episodes, but had to acknowledge that they probably haven't affected me as much because they've changed.

Before, emotional eating for me meant a pint of Ben & Jerry's and chocolate and sodas and a big bag of chips....all in one day.

At my worst over the last few days, I ate a Big Mac (no soda or fries) and....on a different day....half a bag of potato chips.

Those used to be my "normal".....funny how we forget. :)

[JoSchmooze]

Oh, I was sooooooooo bad this weekend...
I had all the right intentions but none of the will...
Back to it again this week....
Onwards and upwards...

:cowboy:

[deedarino]

Lady_Di

Breathing deeply

When I stick to true Paleo, proteins and veggies, with a bit of fruit thrown in. I feel good. Cravings leave. And I have this feeling of being clean on the inside, if that makes any sense.

Oh, and water.


This.........

[Lady_Di]

Enjoyed the onions of yesterday's dinner in honour of my mother's 85th. But dang, the liver... it was not exactly delicious eats. Oh well, I thought of it as medicine and consumed it anyways.

Also woke up wondering about the protein posts here and why they did not make any sense to me. Finally dawned on me that 1 oz serving of protein does not equal 30 grams of protein, per se. Because when we get a 3.5 oz portion of say tuna fish, which is what served to remind me of this basic. That does not equate with 3.5 oz of protein, the macro nutrient. My mind, sorry... it loves the science behind nutrients.

Another thing sprung to my mind, nutrient density. Versus quantity, thinking more along the lines of quality. Nice to also find added goodies in good eats, like fiber and the probiotics and what not. They do say that if you can eat an apple, like an hour or half hour before your lunch, it will change your life! I think there may be a lot of science that backs that one up. Not just about satiety, but other things that may well keep that proverbial doctor away.

Trying new things, always exploring the world of food and tastes, cultures and the world. Today I am finally exploring the rich world of organic kefir. Considering I do better without lactose, and probably all dairy. It is an experiment. I am ever hopeful, as the nutrition label is awe inspiring. I have some very learned friends that swear by this stuff. Helps the gut in ways that no other thing on earth does, supposedly.

Experimental process is alive and well in Loveland today!

[Zimmeh]

I just worked out on the Kinect doing both of the Just Dance 3 and Adventure games for twenty minutes. It is hard to do in Skechers Shape Ups.

Zimmeh

[Lady_Di]

I just worked out on the Kinect doing both of the Just Dance 3 and Adventure games for twenty minutes. It is hard to do in Skechers Shape Ups.

Zimmeh

I read something about a class action suit about those Skecher things. They can apparently be very challenging, down right dangerous for those less that 100%. Be careful, hon.

Kinect sounds like a lot of fun. Someday, I will get that set up, me thinks. I love to game and the idea of active gaming, where our bodies are actually engaged, makes me happy. As does standing desks and treadmills underneath them.

I had a great nursing professor who once told me that our bodies start to look like what we do the most. She stood all the time, her legs were always engaged. She did not ever want to be down for the count. She was so gung ho, I don't think she sat at all during the whole 12 hour shifts we were on. AND she arrived not one hour, but 2 hours before shift. Amazing woman, who also painted some of the most beautiful paintings I have ever seen. Again, standing at her easel. Anything on her feet, she did.

All that came about from a comment about her ass widening, when she was once an administrator or secretary, some desk job. Her ass apparently started to look like the chair she sat in most the day.

I do not want look or be a Lazy Boy, dang it~!

[Zimmeh]

I actually like wearing my Keds to work out in. I found it was hard to jump or do the dance moves in the Shape Ups. When we move I'm June, I will have an extra space for our office/workout room.

I'm used to working retail so sitting at my new job is hard to do.

Zimmeh


I read something about a class action suit about those Skecher things. They can apparently be very challenging, down right dangerous for those less that 100%. Be careful, hon.

Kinect sounds like a lot of fun. Someday, I will get that set up, me thinks. I love to game and the idea of active gaming, where our bodies are actually engaged, makes me happy. As does standing desks and treadmills underneath them.

I had a great nursing professor who once told me that our bodies start to look like what we do the most. She stood all the time, her legs were always engaged. She did not ever want to be down for the count. She was so gung ho, I don't think she sat at all during the whole 12 hour shifts we were on. AND she arrived not one hour, but 2 hours before shift. Amazing woman, who also painted some of the most beautiful paintings I have ever seen. Again, standing at her easel. Anything on her feet, she did.

All that came about from a comment about her ass widening, when she was once an administrator or secretary, some desk job. Her ass apparently started to look like the chair she sat in most the day.

I do not want look or be a Lazy Boy, dang it~!

[Zimmeh]

I have to say, that if you want a protein packed lunch, try the protein box from Starbucks. It has 300 calories and includes: apples, grapes, one piece of white cheddar cheese, hard boiled egg and muesli bread. There is also honey peanut butter included, but I didn't eat it. Which is 80 calories alone. If you do add the peanut butter to the other foods, your taking the whole box to 380 calories.

Zimmeh

[Nat]

Oh, I was sooooooooo bad this weekend...
I had all the right intentions but none of the will...
Back to it again this week....
Onwards and upwards...

:cowboy:

I'm just considering it a lost weekend. I can't withstand the sight of cupcakes and cookies for long before I crumble. What happens at the mid-way reunion stays at the reunion. That food never happened. Lalala.

[Nat]

What happens at the mid-way reunion stays at the reunion. That food never happened. Lalala.

Correction: what happens at the mid-way reunion comes home with you and shows up as 5 lbs on the scale! At least in my case. Heh.

[Hollylane]

It annoys me that every time I push myself to my absolute limit, and am suffering much muscle pain, I gain a 1/2 pound. Logically, I know this is water weight or muscle weight, but every once in awhile I'd like to see a different immediate result. Luckily, about 4 days after that, when I get on the scale I usually see a 4-5 pound loss (if I am successful at putting the peanut butter spoon down that week. The peanut butter addiction doesn't make me gain weight, but it slows me down). I am just a little impatient.

Have a happy and healthy day all!

[JoSchmooze]

Correction: what happens at the mid-way reunion comes home with you and shows up as 5 lbs on the scale! At least in my case. Heh.

For me, it showed up as 4 lbs this morning.....
I'll be at the gym later today and also
drinking plenty of water instead of alcohol!

:cigar2:

[starryeyes]

I was dealing with heavy emotions this weekend which lead to emotional eating. Wow, I am paying for it. I feel like I ate a brick and I feel so disgusted. It's funny how I eat to make myself "feel better" when it only makes me feel 1,000 times worse. Going out for a long walk or run would have totally helped alleviate my stress, but I turned I food. Ugh. Anyways. Needed to vent.

Hugs to all!

[Zimmeh]

I am really enjoying my food..I go May 15th to get braces and I will no longer be able to enjoy nuts, candy, meat on a bone or popcorn... :( Once it is all done, I will have a gorgeous smile..

I had a small side salad with: cranberries, sunflower seeds and feta cheese and no dressing..Very filling!

Zimmeh

[Lazy Daze]

I was dealing with heavy emotions this weekend which lead to emotional eating. Wow, I am paying for it. I feel like I ate a brick and I feel so disgusted. It's funny how I eat to make myself "feel better" when it only makes me feel 1,000 times worse. Going out for a long walk or run would have totally helped alleviate my stress, but I turned I food. Ugh. Anyways. Needed to vent.

Hugs to all!

I completely understand.. I have been emotional eating lately to "deal" with the things that are bothering me. It is nothing new to me... However, lately, I have been eating over Little things, instead of the big triggers that used to send me into an emotional eating overload... I am thinking I have too much time on my hands and too relaxed. I did hop on the scale before posting, and even though I have not been strict OR working out, I have lost another 2 pounds. I am "ok" with this, however, I know if I would just get off the stick and work harder, it would be coming off faster and easier, AND I wouldn't feel like a slug.

[ruffryder]

The recommended amount of protein is .036 grams per pound for a HEALTHY female. People with compromised kidney functions will not want to consume this much protein as the process of breaking down protein is very hard on kidneys. (Diabetes and High Blood Pressure to name two) Check with your Doctor to be sure.

I wanted to go ahead and calculate this because I was thinking it was a lot! However here is what it adds up to. .

If someone weighs 200 lbs. / 2 = 100 grams of protein a day or 3.5 ounces. This is very healthy, beyond healthy.

Ok this is mind boggling and I'm trying to add it up and do the math.

3.5 ounces is not a lot of protein to begin with. Hell I've been known to eat a 12 oz steak for dinner. If I do your calculation I get less than 1 ounce of protein for someone that may weigh 200 lbs. Am I missing something?

.036 x 200 = 7.2 grams, which equals .25 ounces.. ?

Just wondering if I'm missing something from your post.

For myself I will say eating 3-8 oz a day of bnls sknls chicken breast or grilled shrimp, certain fish, or lean beef steak is good. But that's just for me..

[Dominique]

How Much Protein Do You Need?By Cari Nierenberg


Protein tends to play a starring role at mealtimes, but you might be better off if it moves out of the spotlight and becomes part of a supporting cast of foods on your plate.
Most Americans get more than enough protein each day, and may be getting too much of this nutrient from animal sources, like meat, poultry, and eggs.
Although important in the diet, extra protein will not help you build more muscle or make you stronger. When you're consuming too much of it, you're probably taking in more calories and fat than your body needs.
You need protein because "it has its hands in every critical function of the body," says Leslie Bonci, MPH, RD, director of sports nutrition at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. But the truth about protein is that many people don't need as much as they are taking in.
How Much Protein Is Enough?

Adults in the U.S. are encouraged to get 10% to 35% of their day's calories from protein foods. That's about 36 grams of protein for women, and 56 grams of protein for men.
It's not hard to get this amount if you eat two to three servings of protein-rich foods a day, according to the CDC.

A small 3-ounce piece of meat has about 21 grams of protein. A typical 8-ounce piece of meat could have over 50 grams of protein.
One 8-ounce container of yogurt has about 11 grams of protein.
One cup of milk has 8 grams of protein.
One cup of dry beans has about 16 grams of protein.
People With Special Protein Needs

Not everyone needs the same amount of protein. Here are six groups who need to pay more attention to their protein requirements.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women. Lauren Antonucci, MS, RD, director of Nutrition Energy in New York City says pregnant women need about 10 more grams of protein than they did before. And "nursing women need 20 grams more protein a day than they did before pregnancy to support milk production," says Antonucci. You would get 10 grams in one Greek yogurt or a half-cup of cottage cheese, so it doesn't add up to a lot of food. She encourages pregnant women to get 20 to 30 grams of their protein a day from low-fat dairy products because calcium and vitamin D are crucial for the bone health of mother and baby.
Athletes. Most sports involve physically breaking down muscle during the activity and repairing it afterward. So the protein needs of active people are influenced by the length, frequency, and intensity of their workouts. Endurance athletes such as marathoners need about 50% more protein than a sedentary person, says sports dietitian Josephine Conolly-Schoonen, MS, RD, on Medscape Today. Body Builders might need twice as much protein as a sedentary person. But it's important to remember than most Americans, including athletes, get plenty of protein in their regular diet, and do not need protein supplements

[ruffryder]

THANK YOU DOMINIQUE! :)

[femmedyke]

I've skimmed this thread and I'm really interested in joining the conversation. I've gained 25lbs in the last three years which is a lot for a woman of my stature. I stand a muscular, curvy 5 feet tall, I've never been a waif, for as petite as I am my body just wasn't built like that. I've been thin and I've been heavy and now as I've gotten older, quit smoking, gone through depression etc., etc... I do not want to tip the scale any more.

I have the Fitness Pal on my iphone and my daily calorie intake (without working out) is 1200 calories. That is really hard some days when I could absolutely take in 3 times that much (happily!) Depending on what I do in the gym I can give my self another 3-500 calories to play with. That however is the hardest part... getting to the gym, but I am really working on that and am officially on day two.

Today I weighed in at 144.5 (omg.. I really put it out there.) I would ideally like to be at 120lbs.

I've consumed the majority of my calories (including a handful of jelly beans that was an impulse buy at the drugstore :/ ) and have yet to eat dinner. I also went to the gym tonight. Brisk walk for 25 and ran at 5.2 for 10 also did bench, lat & leg press, worked triceps and biceps and a long cool down stretching on the floor. I'm not sure if I will work out every day or if I should give myself a break...

I didn't drink as much water as I should have today but I'll try to make up for it this evening.

Thanks so much for a place to share, find motivation and hear other ideas / goals made, lost!

[sylvie]

Good morning healthies..

It was a challenging week & a half or so for me..
All i wanted to do was sleep, i felt mentally & physically exhausted.
i had no motivation whatsoever.. & finally, yesterday i reconnected..
thank goodness... i did have some moments of exercise, and i did continue to eat healthy, but really i tend to create hard moments for myself in my recovery & so happy i am out of that headspace now..

Today, i will celebrate with a walk around the lake..
i had planned to go to the gym, but something tells me that the sunshine and being at one with nature today is exactly what i need...

To each of you who posted about emotional eating.. i soo get it, i'm an emotional eater too and what counts is that we get back up, dust ourselves off and keep going...

Celebrating that with you all this morning.. because today, i'm bouncing back with you all! ♥ ((((hugggggz))))

[JustJo]

I so hear you on the fresh air and communing with nature thing sylvie :)

When I'm really in a funk or stressed, the best thing I can do for myself is grab the dogs and head for the beach. A good 3 mile walk in the wet sand, with the waves tickling my toes, bright sunshine, watching the dogs run and play....does me a world of good, and not just physically.

In other news, I am contemplating the purchase of a treadmill desk....the idea being that you very slowly stroll as you work on the computer. The treadmill is specifically designed for extended, slow use....with a max speed of 4 miles an hour, but can run for 6 hours at a stretch without wearing out the motor.

It's a bit expensive....heck, lots of expensive....but it would keep me up and moving instead of sitting in a chair during the day.

Anyone had any experience with one?

[sylvie]

Absolutely Jo..
i just got home from my walk, i stopped and took in the views lots, and found a place to meditate, and stopped along the beach, a lady had 2 big dogs with her and she was throwing sticks in the water an they were jumping and splashing around, so talked with her and played with the dogs too..

small things, do wonderful things for the mind and soul.. ♥ & fresh air and nature really help pull me out of that funk..It was lovely..Hope your day was wonderful & wish i had a clue on that desk for you, i've never heard of such a thing!

<< admits she's a bit behind in the times, though lol !!

[JustJo]

In other news, I am contemplating the purchase of a treadmill desk....the idea being that you very slowly stroll as you work on the computer. The treadmill is specifically designed for extended, slow use....with a max speed of 4 miles an hour, but can run for 6 hours at a stretch without wearing out the motor.

It's a bit expensive....heck, lots of expensive....but it would keep me up and moving instead of sitting in a chair during the day.

Anyone had any experience with one?

Here's a little info.... http://www.treadmill-desk.com/

[Lady_Di]

Here's a little info.... http://www.treadmill-desk.com/

Thank you for the link!

I really love the idea of standing desks and desks that go up and down with a hydraulic drive, which many of the geeks here in HP and AMD land use at the office. And I know so many doctors that use em too. Last place I worked had the kind of desk you can set to any height, ergonomics were a really big deal.

I would like to design my own, think they are way too much money!

But then again, time is money. And it would take me a good long time, considering where all my tools are. Meanwhile, I have been using my walker, which was my father's. I have it for after my knee replacement surgeries, but have been using it in unusual ways. Laptop fits right good on it and has like 2 shelfs, because my dad always added things to whatever devices he had. So does my brother, so nothing is ever quite stock. Why not get creative, no?

Glad that the latest laptops are so much faster and have so much more storage, they out do my old PC. Laptops are easy to simply move to a counter, which I have also been doing. As I do deep knee bends and what not while computering. Anything that gets us moving is a good thing for sures. And considering how much time we spend with our computers...

Creativity is a good thing.

[Zimmeh]

Lunch today is a huge salad with corn, cranberries, feta cheese, croutons, and sunflower seeds. I forgot eggs :)

Zimmeh

[JustJo]

Lunch today is a huge salad with corn, cranberries, feta cheese, croutons, and sunflower seeds.

Zimmeh

Nice!!

I also did the giant salad lunch....organic baby greens, tomato, cucumber, sliced turkey breast, radishes...and I cheated with a little bleu cheese dressing. Yummy!

[Zimmeh]

You and I need to take Angel and Jaxon to this place :) They ate organic and the sandwiches are just as yummy :)

Zimmeh

Nice!!

I also did the giant salad lunch....organic baby greens, tomato, cucumber, sliced turkey breast, radishes...and I cheated with a little bleu cheese dressing. Yummy!

[JoSchmooze]

Good morning healthies..

It was a challenging week & a half or so for me..
All i wanted to do was sleep, i felt mentally & physically exhausted.
i had no motivation whatsoever.. & finally, yesterday i reconnected..
thank goodness... i did have some moments of exercise, and i did continue to eat healthy, but really i tend to create hard moments for myself in my recovery & so happy i am out of that headspace now..

Today, i will celebrate with a walk around the lake..
i had planned to go to the gym, but something tells me that the sunshine and being at one with nature today is exactly what i need...

To each of you who posted about emotional eating.. i soo get it, i'm an emotional eater too and what counts is that we get back up, dust ourselves off and keep going...

Celebrating that with you all this morning.. because today, i'm bouncing back with you all! ♥ ((((hugggggz))))

I think you're absolutely right.....it's the "getting back up again and trying again" which is MOST important. And I find that it is easier to do because I know what to expect.....After 4 days off playing in Austin, I absolutely knew I had to get back on that bike, go and see that pimply assed 30 yr old trainer.....Interesting that he said, "thought you had given up already".....What a douchebag!!

It is already turning hot here in Tucson (should hit 100* by the end of the week) so I may have to make adjustments to the schedule so that I am watching the sun rise while exercising.....

:cowboy:

[Hollylane]

I so hear you on the fresh air and communing with nature thing sylvie :)

When I'm really in a funk or stressed, the best thing I can do for myself is grab the dogs and head for the beach. A good 3 mile walk in the wet sand, with the waves tickling my toes, bright sunshine, watching the dogs run and play....does me a world of good, and not just physically.

In other news, I am contemplating the purchase of a treadmill desk....the idea being that you very slowly stroll as you work on the computer. The treadmill is specifically designed for extended, slow use....with a max speed of 4 miles an hour, but can run for 6 hours at a stretch without wearing out the motor.

It's a bit expensive....heck, lots of expensive....but it would keep me up and moving instead of sitting in a chair during the day.

Anyone had any experience with one?

Jo, I am actively trying to work with my company to have the option of having some desks like this available. We have very ergonomic desks at my company. I stand at my desk 10 hours a day, but would love to have the option of using the dreadmill (otherwise known as a treadmill) desk a few times a week. As a substitute, in the meantime, I am lucky enough to have a wireless headset, and when my customers take me on the life story safari, or on the rare occasion there are not calls waiting, I walk my quad(area where my team is located) at a brisk pace. It drives some of my co-workers nuts, but I think they are just stupefied by my drive to remain physically moving all day. They are also not impressed with my superior solo hacky sack skills, that I frequently work hard to perfect while talking to my customers. I've been told that hacky sack is "Soooo 80's". Damn whippersnappers!

In other news...

Just got back from the Doctor. I was happy to be able to rib him, once again, about all of the medications he has prescribed, that I refused to take, and now no longer have a need for. He is frequently amazed by my turning my average blood sugar from 370 average, to 90-110 average, without medication. Also, my cholesterol, while I continue to eat the "bad fat" and good fat, is absolutely normal, and my resting blood pressure is that of an athlete, though I am still on the path to my ultimate goal for weight loss. Another one he was frequently worried about was liver and kidney function. Both of which are well within normal range, for someone who eats more protein than is recommended.

Oh yeah, and I lost another turkey :) Whoooot! 15 pounds since my last visit.

Okay....end bragging rant...Sorry 'bout that. :)

I hope you are all having a healthy, happy and successful day. Thank you all for your honesty and support in this thread. You all rock!

[JustJo]

That's fantastic Hollylane! Congratulations!!

I love the turkey thing....even though I'm hovering around a plateau weight where I spent many, many years (and I've read that contributes to the challenge but can be done)....it helps to remember that since this journey started I've lost 2 turkeys. :cheesy:

Honestly, I picture one on my stomach, and the other on my butt.....and feel pretty darn good about my progress so far. :)

[Hollylane]

I think you're absolutely right.....it's the "getting back up again and trying again" which is MOST important. And I find that it is easier to do because I know what to expect.....After 4 days off playing in Austin, I absolutely knew I had to get back on that bike, go and see that pimply assed 30 yr old trainer.....Interesting that he said, "thought you had given up already".....What a douchebag!!

It is already turning hot here in Tucson (should hit 100* by the end of the week) so I may have to make adjustments to the schedule so that I am watching the sun rise while exercising.....

:cowboy:




Other Jo,
I do not miss those 100 degree temps in Tucson. Not one lick!

I just wanted to mention something though. I could not get myself to commit to a trainer until I found the right one.

I joined my gym because they had a trainer there that was a little more realistic to my needs. Mark is 63 years old, has an artificial hip, and this coming weekend, he is participating in a body building competition. I find him amazing, and inspiring.

He is engaged during every one of our sessions, really listens to me when I tell him about what I want to accomplish, and builds a training program around my more realistic goals and my existing sports injuries. He knows when I am pushing it too far, and he knows when I should be pushing harder.

I watch the other trainers at the gym, and they literally stand around looking completely nonplussed while their clients grovel and sweat at their feet. They are completely disconnected, and have no respect for the people who have come to them for help.

So, I thought, maybe it might be helpful to shop around for someone who is better suited to your personality, needs, and goals. It worked for me.

[Hollylane]

That's fantastic Hollylane! Congratulations!!

I love the turkey thing....even though I'm hovering around a plateau weight where I spent many, many years (and I've read that contributes to the challenge but can be done)....it helps to remember that since this journey started I've lost 2 turkeys. :cheesy:

Honestly, I picture one on my stomach, and the other on my butt.....and feel pretty darn good about my progress so far. :)

And back to the first Jo ;)

Thank you :)

Make sure you go and pick one up at the grocery store, and really look at it, feel its heft, carry it around, remember what it felt like to carry around that extra weight, and most importantly...giggle about it afterward :)

My ass is too small, I would like to redistribute one turkey to that portion of my body. Please, and thank you.

[JoSchmooze]

Other Jo,
I do not miss those 100 degree temps in Tucson. Not one lick!

I just wanted to mention something though. I could not get myself to commit to a trainer until I found the right one.

I joined my gym because they had a trainer there that was a little more realistic to my needs. Mark is 63 years old, has an artificial hip, and this coming weekend, he is participating in a body building competition. I find him amazing, and inspiring.

He is engaged during every one of our sessions, really listens to me when I tell him about what I want to accomplish, and builds a training program around my more realistic goals and my existing sports injuries. He knows when I am pushing it too far, and he knows when I should be pushing harder.

I watch the other trainers at the gym, and they literally stand around looking completely nonplussed while their clients grovel and sweat at their feet. They are completely disconnected, and have no respect for the people who have come to them for help.

So, I thought, maybe it might be helpful to shop around for someone who is better suited to your personality, needs, and goals. It worked for me.




I think that is an excellent idea. I have one in mind there at the gym where I work out - he is a Russian ex-KGB (or so he says) officer who actually salutes me every time I walk in the door!

And I can empathize and know about those trainers who are just standing around. I am ready for a change. In fact, one lady who is a member also, walked up to me and asked if I wanted to train with her and have the Russian as a trainer - something about a reduced rate if we trained at the same time with this guy. I would think it would give me some more incentive to do well.....

Thanks for the advice!

:cowboy:

[femmedyke]

I also hear you on the emotional eating, today when I went to pick up my prescriptions I realized that I had very purposefully gone down the candy aisle to pick a treat. I chose hairbo gummy bears (my favourite!)downed half of them before I went back into the office and then finished the rest of the bag on the way home. That's day two of impulse buys with +300 calories. Then I got home and realized that my time has come and perhaps this was PMS associated which has often been an excuse for me in the past to: munch out, skip the gym etc. . .

I really feel like I should go to the gym but I'm super tired and a little painful, so maybe I'll just do some yoga and work my core here at home. It's sprinkling here but my pups love a good walk in the rain; guess I'll don my wellies and do that, too.

Thanks for the warm welcome ~ hope everyone has a lovely evening!

[Hollylane]

Prayer to self:

Please refrain from going overboard on bad choices at tonight's working dinner at Old Wives' Tales...Where there are such delicacies on the menu as:

Spanokopita
Enchiladas Verde
Tostada
Carbonara Fusilli or Brown Rice

But what a great restaurant...Check this out:

DIETARY NEEDS

Over the years, our large moderately priced menu has expanded to meet a wide variety of dietary needs & preferences, such as food allergies, gluten and lactose intolerance, vegan and low carb/high protein.

Diners are empowered to meet their individual needs because the ingredients in the various dishes are listed on the printed menu and on the cards posted by the Soup and Salad Bar, including such details as type of non-hydrogenated oil and type of vinegar.

Any questions not answered by the printed menu can be directed at your server, who can check with our kitchen staff to make sure that your special needs are met.

Our current bread choices are Sourdough (vegan), Multi-Grain(vegan), Marble Rye(vegan), Gluten-Free Gold Honey (egg, but dairy-free) and Gluten-Free Teff (vegan).