Healthy Weight Loss

[Medusa]

If anyone in here has purchased a "shake-weight", I miiiiight reserve the right to make fun of you

Seriously, anyone wanna talk about their exercise routine? Do you bike or walk? Lift weights? A combo of everything? What has gotten you the best results?

[Medusa]

p.s. Im about to head over to the Farmer's Market. I'll post back what I pick up!

[JustJo]

Just did 15 minutes on the Mobia...working my way up to 30 minutes....and drank a whole bottle of water while I was at it.

Dripping sweat...and now headed to the shower.

[PinkieLee]

Originally Posted by Medusa

If anyone in here has purchased a "shake-weight", I miiiiight reserve the right to make fun of you

Seriously, anyone wanna talk about their exercise routine? Do you bike or walk? Lift weights? A combo of everything? What has gotten you the best results?

No shake weight here

We've been walking/short distance jogging at the local park a couple of nights of week. We have gym memberships, too... but for some reason I cannot get into working out there. When she does convince me to go, I usally do about 15 - 20 minutes on the eliptical (when I started, I could only do about 5 minutes before my legs gave out). Then we switch it up and do the arm & leg weights. I cannot do the treadmill for very long, because it feels like I'm pounding on the damn thing and my knees kill me!

Years ago when I lost quite a bit of weight, I did it doing Richard Simmons tapes. Laugh all you want folks, but that crazy man helped get my ass moving! At first I was like, oh this is gonna be easy. The warm up started... not to bad. But then his sequin tank top ass jumped into high gear! Over the course of 6 months, I lost about 65 pounds! I bought about 6 different tapes and used one 30 minute tape a day. I actually gifted them to a friend on the site that was wanting to start an exercise regime... I hope that she's enjoying them.

Crazy thing... when the Wii Fit first came out, my honey was like we HAVE to get this. Well, over 2 years later the damn thing is stillll in the box, never been used. I really think it's about time, don't you?!

Lately, I've been thinking about walking early in the morning, like 530ish... but D isn't very comfortable about me walking alone in the park at dark. She is soooo not a morning person, so the idea of her coming with me before work is a hell to the no! A friend of mine says that she likes to work out in the morning, because by the time she gets off work the last thing she wants to do is exercise.

Exercise.... what motivates you to just do it?!

[nycfem]

Originally Posted by Medusa

Seriously, anyone wanna talk about their exercise routine? Do you bike or walk? Lift weights? A combo of everything? What has gotten you the best results?

For the past 1.5 years, I have kept up with averaging 4 hours per week minimum of exercise. That's my requirement for myself! I keep a calendar just for exercise, and I put a sticker for every 30 minutes of exercise. Thus if I have a week where I don't exercise at all, then I have to exercise over 4 hours until I get back to averaging 4 hours! It helps so much to have this system because I can't lie to myself!

I love exercising! I know a lot of people don't but as someone who has struggled with depression and anxiety, the endorphin rush and overall calmly energizing effect it has on me is not to be beat! If I have the time, I will exercise straight for three or four hours. It's not true that full-figured people can't rock the gym. It just takes time and practice.

I have a few favorite exercises. I love to use a recumbent bike and to lift 3 lb weights the whole time while I do it. For anyone who has knee problems (me) or is full-figured and is thus at risk for knee stress, a wonderful way to achieve a high heart rate is too lessen the level on the bike (thus putting less pressure on your knees) while lifting simultaneous with riding. I do this for 1 to 2 hours at a time (with a bottle of water at my side).

I love to swim and usually swim laps for an hour, sometimes two. It's fun to do after biking. I have had problems in the past with sinus infections and figured out all kinds of great ways to avoid them should anyone ever need to know. Swimming is very meditative and anonymous, and really nothing compares to it for me. It is the exercise that is least injurious to the body, particularly the knees.

I love to do thirty minute sessions on the floor where I do sit-ups and stretches. I do this after doing my cardio. It is very relaxing and the stretching helps prevent injuries.

Since I exercise at a gym, one of the most helpful things I've found is to spend a lot of time watching other people exercise. I always learn something new to try.

We do have a bike at home that BB uses but I like to exercise at the gym. I love having a clear separation from home, where I generally do my art, and the gym, where I work out. The gym feels like a church to me. I feel that it is my time to be in touch with my body and not think about all my worries. I also find that I eat better when going to the gym because I'm more in tune with my body.

Usually when I go on a binge or a period of insomnia, my eating and exercise go out the window together. That happens for about a week total every month (actually 6.5 days, as I've been tracking the average number of days per month for six months). If I could lessen these breakdowns, then I'd be able to go from maintaining my weight to losing weight. Sometimes I just get so stressed that I completely break down in an unhealthy way. Life is rough that way, but I'm gonna keep trying and not be too hard on myself either!

[Sparkle]

Originally Posted by Medusa

Seriously, anyone wanna talk about their exercise routine? Do you bike or walk? Lift weights? A combo of everything? What has gotten you the best results?

At the moment I can't afford a gym membership so I've gotten creative with finding aerobic and strength training exercises I can do at/near home.

Dog walks - 3x a day. Good for him, good for me.
15minutes in the morning, 15minutes before bed, and somewhere between 30-60minutes in the late afternoon/early evening (depending on my work schedule). The longer walks are no less than 4x a week. It can be challenging to get an aerobic walking pace going with a dog, but I've been training Cosmo to keep pace on our longer walks. I'm fortunate to have miles and miles of bike path running right outside of my back garden. On average we do 2-4miles at a rate of 4-4.25mph

Hula Hoop!
It makes me laugh and its great aerobic exercise when you can sustain it. I hula-hoop 20-30min.

Balance Ball
I love the balance ball because I can do core strengthening exercises without straining/harming my neck.
The balance ball takes a little bit of time to find your center of gravity on - but once you do, it is fantastic. I rarely do floor/mat exercises without it. Here is a page I have bookmarked because it has some great core strengthening exercises with the balance ball.
http://www.ehow.com/video_7524692_st...cises-abs.html

Pilates
For core strength. Pilates are hard-core, though you might not think it from observing. Small, controlled exercise in repetition that target the core. There are a lot of pilates programmes on on-demand type channels. Though I recommend starting out with a class or two so that an instructor can correct you position, so that you get a truly effective work out. Taking a pilates class is also GREAT for people with injuries to the neck or back because all of the exercises can be adjusted to suit your needs.

Couch25k
http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml
I hate running, but I am trying this because running would be the most time efficient and cost effective aerobic workout I could do. I still dislike running, but this programme does allow you to slowly increase your endurance.

Swimming
I love love love the water so this time of year is great for me.
An all-over body work out that you can do at your own pace, with very little stress on your body.

[Medusa]

Ok folks! Just got back from the Farmer's Market!

Here's what I got:

a huge ripe cantelope - $1.50
a huge sack of red new potatoes - $3.00
green bell peppers - 5/$1
purple onions - 3/$1
a pound of strawberries - $2
a pound of peaches - $2
a jar of salsa that I will probably give to someone here at work - $5

And it was ALL organic!


There weren't too many people there today because it's like 150 degrees outside but the lady at one of the booths who I fell in love with said that if I come at 8am I can get pretty much any fruit or vegetable you can imagine.

DEFINITELY going back on Thursday. I love the idea of buying local and also, many of the vendors are elderly so I kinda love handing over my dollars to those wrinkled palms rather than Wal-Mart or the grocery store.

WEE!

[jelli]

I'm not sure if this is the only thread talking about WW tips, recipes, encouragement, but if so I'd like to jump in.

[PinkieLee]

Originally Posted by jelli

I'm not sure if this is the only thread talking about WW tips, recipes, encouragement, but if so I'd like to jump in.

Jump on in jelli! A few of us here are on WW and others are on other plans designed for their needs. We have one common goal ~ a healthier lifestyle with healthy weight loss & motivating eachother to keep up the good work. No fads, no magic wand... just good ol' diet & exercise!

[PinkieLee]

Last night while working my 2nd job, one of the girls brought in a big ol' bag of chips, salsa & queso dip. OMG... my freakin' weakness! It took everything in my power to say NO. I texted D when I was about to cave in, and she sent back, "THINK SKINNY"! I got home and she had popped us a bag of 94% fat free popcorn and said it was "popcorn date time". That little bit of encouragement kept me on track today.

Living in Texas, we have some of the best Mexican food around... and honestly, I crave it constantly. I even got on the WW website before lunch to use the Mexican food cheat sheet, trying to convince myself that I could eat within a certain point range. I KNEW better... chips & salsa are my crack ~ no lie!

I'm telling y'all... I felt like I was in full blown addiction mode.

I got in my car, drove up to Wendy's and ordered one of my favorite salads (chicken cobb), ate my lunch in peace & quiet, and gave myself a pat on the back for making a smarter choice.

Tonya - 1
Temptation - 0

[jelli]

Feelin' Shakie!



"Knock, knock! Who's there? Orange. Orange who? Orange you craving a creamy new concoction that combines orange and vanilla? This new sipper is AMAZING! Grab a straw, people."

Ingredients:
2 tsp. fat-free nondairy powdered creamer (like the kind by Coffee-mate)
1 no-calorie sweetener packet (like Splenda or Truvia)
1 cup Trop50 No Pulp orange juice beverage
1/2 cup fat-free vanilla ice cream
1 1/2 cups crushed ice or 8 - 12 ice cubes

Directions:
In a tall glass, combine powdered creamer and sweetener with 2 tbsp. very hot water; stir to dissolve. Add Trop50 and mix well.

Transfer contents of the glass to a blender. Add all remaining ingredients and blend at high speed until thoroughly mixed. If needed, remove blender from the base, stir mixture, and blend again.

Pour into the glass, stick a straw in it, and slurp away!

MAKES 1 SERVING

Serving Size: entire recipe (about 16 oz.)
Calories: 164
Fat: <0.5g
Sodium: 65mg
Carbs: 38g
Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 20g
Protein: 3g

PointsPlus® value 4*

[Medusa]

Originally Posted by PinkieLee

Last night while working my 2nd job, one of the girls brought in a big ol' bag of chips, salsa & queso dip. OMG... my freakin' weakness! It took everything in my power to say NO. I texted D when I was about to cave in, and she sent back, "THINK SKINNY"! I got home and she had popped us a bag of 94% fat free popcorn and said it was "popcorn date time". That little bit of encouragement kept me on track today.

Living in Texas, we have some of the best Mexican food around... and honestly, I crave it constantly. I even got on the WW website before lunch to use the Mexican food cheat sheet, trying to convince myself that I could eat within a certain point range. I KNEW better... chips & salsa are my crack ~ no lie!

I'm telling y'all... I felt like I was in full blown addiction mode.

I got in my car, drove up to Wendy's and ordered one of my favorite salads (chicken cobb), ate my lunch in peace & quiet, and gave myself a pat on the back for making a smarter choice.

Tonya - 1
Temptation - 0

Tonyaboo - This is such a good thing that you recognized your weak spot and asked for encourgement. I love me some chips and salsa and get the desire for the crunchy/spicy goodness.

I think there are a lot of salsas available that are actually pretty low in calories or you could make one at home with the basics. The chip part would be the hard one but maybe some baked chips or a few Rye Crisps would do it?

To satiate my Mexican food craving, I have done a "taco salad" with lettuce, black beans, a few sprinkles of corn, salsa, cilantro, onion, and baked chicken. It REALLY satisfies.

[Queerasfck]

Originally Posted by Medusa

Seriously, anyone wanna talk about their exercise routine? Do you bike or walk? Lift weights? A combo of everything? What has gotten you the best results?

My exercise routine consists of work outs at the gym mostly. I go super early. I am usually there by 4:45 a.m. Monday-Friday and then sometimes on the weekend, later of course. I do weights first, usually targeting a specific area of the body depending on the day of the week. I do my lifting for about 30 minutes. Then I do cardio. I like to do three miles on the elliptical trainer but sometimes I'll just get on the treadmill and try jog. I'm not as young as I used to be and knees can get a little cranky. I think it will really help as I drop more weight too. Today just to change it up I only did two miles on the elliptical and then hit the Stair Climber for a mile. It almost killed me!

Besides helping with my weight I have always relied on exercise to help with depression. I think it helps my mood. It gives me time to think about things, I tend to zone out on cardio. And I definitely like that buzz I get afterwards.

[Nina]

I've lost 5 more pounds...I was sitting in the car, talking and watching the bay, and I had my legs crossed under the steering wheel...might not sound like much to some people...to me it was fun...I remember when I couldn't comfortably cross my legs...and then when I could, and now as I get smaller I can do it in more confined spaces and make myself smaller in many ways...

it feels good, and I like it and it also feels weird and it scares me...I know that the smaller I get, the more visible I am and that is challenging and complicated for me...

I want to be healthier, and I am in many ways...and, on a purely superficial level, I want to wear way cuter dresses...I am the junking queen and I sigh a little sigh of heartbreak when I come across the sweetest dress, at the best price, and I can't wear it...

I am going to do better with eating protein and eating on time than I have been...that will save me from the crazy eating events, and I will feel much more human...

thanks for all you say and do and share...I find this thread to be inspirational and love how folks are kind to each other...

[JustJo]

Originally Posted by Nina

thanks for all you say and do and share...I find this thread to be inspirational and love how folks are kind to each other...

Just wanted to second this...when I started this thread it was because I was hoping for a place to share hints and tips and be supportive with each other about losing weight in a healthy way....and I really love what this space has turned into for all of us.

I love to come in here and read about your victories (large and small), to get some good ideas (definitely going to check out that website sunshyne!), and to share my progress or lack thereof and know that everyone here is understanding and supportive.

Bravo, and thank you, to all of you!

[JustJo]

Today is a rough one...

I got on the Mobia with plans to do 15 minutes again, but only made it to 10 even though I was drinking water and focusing on my breathing. Just having one of my "tired" days that comes with the diabetes. I keep telling myself that 10 minutes is better than 0 minutes....and, if I feel like I can, I'll try for a little more time later.

Back on FitDay too....tracking what I eat. It works when I work it...it's just challenging to be that disciplined when the emotional eating kicks in.

So far, for today only....I'm on track.

[Medusa]

Keep your head up, Jo. I had one of those nights the other night with one of those icy-crushed-glass headahces and felt likie doo-doo most of the night and couldnt make myself get on the treatmill.
I made it up last night and had a good workout.

We're all going to have days where we are feeling yucky or just unmotivated. The key is that we recognize it's one day in a long line of many. Don't be discouraged! You can get back on that horse tomorrow and work it out.

[little_ms_sunshyne]

Originally Posted by JustJo

Today is a rough one...

I got on the Mobia with plans to do 15 minutes again, but only made it to 10 even though I was drinking water and focusing on my breathing. Just having one of my "tired" days that comes with the diabetes. I keep telling myself that 10 minutes is better than 0 minutes....and, if I feel like I can, I'll try for a little more time later.

Back on FitDay too....tracking what I eat. It works when I work it...it's just challenging to be that disciplined when the emotional eating kicks in.

So far, for today only....I'm on track.

Agreeing with Medusa...Dont let this get you down. Remember, we are going for a lifestyle change and with a regular healthy lifestyle comes our off days. We are only human! You've got this! Hang in there!!!

[PinkieLee]

(((((JO))))))))) honey, please don't beat yourself up. We are all human and are gonna have those kind of days. At least you are able to recognize those emotional eating days, and are able to put yourself in check. Keep up the amazing work... you are right, 10 minutes is better than 0 minutes anyday!

I was poking around on the WW community blogs today, and I found a lady that came up with a WW Bill of Rights. It's a nice reminder of staying focused on the greater good and the outcomes from our healthier choices.

#1
We remain positive and support each other in doing so.

#2
We realize weight loss is not linear and it takes time, patience, and perseverance.

#3
We vow to track what we eat.

#4
If we falter on our plan, we will not beat ourselves up; rather, we will make a note of why we needed to eat and begin again.

#5
We will make movement a significant part of our lives, planned and unplanned. We will use the stairs instead of the elevator, when we can, for example.

#6
We will celebrate every victory and give ourselves credit for every positive step we take.

#7
We will eliminate the words: can’t, failure, ugly, self-hatred, should, but, and bad.

#8
We know there is no secret to losing weight; just good hard work and plenty of support.

#9
We take comfort in knowing we are not alone in this struggle, and we ask for help when we need it.

#10
We do not deprive ourselves, we build favorite treats into our program

[JustJo]

In keeping with the "baby steps"...

I'm working from home and, instead of sitting on my office chair, I'm on a big exercise ball. I've had it for ages, been meaning to use it...and just haven't. So, instead of just sitting....I'm moving...at least a little bit.