Healthy Weight Loss

[midwest chick]

Originally Posted by ruffryder

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

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

Yogurt breakfast is a staple!

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

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

quick, cheap, easy, healthy!

[sylvie]

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

New Years plans anyone?

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

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

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

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

[JustJo]

Good morning everyone and happy New Year's eve!

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

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

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

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

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

[*Anya*]

I love Trader Joes mocha and chocolate flavors!

Delicious and only 99 cents each!

[Kelt]

Trader Joe's

Greek with honey

[Gemme]

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

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

[DapperButch]

Originally Posted by Gemme

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Gemme]

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

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

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

That will be next week.


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

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

Good luck to everyone!

[AtLast]

Originally Posted by DapperButch

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[DapperButch]

Originally Posted by AtLast

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

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

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

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

[*Anya*]

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

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

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

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

PS: Happy New Year healthies!!

[Rockinonahigh]

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

[Gemme]

Originally Posted by Rockinonahigh

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

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

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

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

Do NOT listen to that person.

[Rockinonahigh]

Originally Posted by Gemme

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

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

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

Do NOT listen to that person.

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

[DapperButch]

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

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

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

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

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

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

[starryeyes]

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

Let's do this!!
Lisa :-)

[Cowboi]

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

[PinkieLee]

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

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

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

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

[Cowboi]

Originally Posted by Rockinonahigh

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

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

[starryeyes]

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

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

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

Hugs to all!
Starry :-D