Healthy Weight Loss

[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...

[Medusa]

Originally Posted by EzeeTiger

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.

THIS! A thousand times THIS!

So, I've only been exercising for about a month. Mostly treadmill but I have also used Wii fit and some bellydancing dvds I have had for years. (bellydancing is NO JOKE ) and have noticed a HUGE upswing in my level of energy. Tonight especially I am bouncing around the house looking for things to clean and after working all day, this is a pretty noticeable difference.

The other thing I have noticed for me is that I crave the "unplugged" time of my treadmill. I usually stick the earbuds in and crank my iPod up pretty loud and I am totally unplugged from people for 20-30 minutes. It's a nice break from the cell phone and internet and I get to think pretty much uninterrupted for that time. It's a nice recharge and I feel calmer and less stressed at the end of my routine.

[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

[Rockinonahigh]

The one thing that has bothered me im my efforts to lose weight has been that over time I have moments I get to wanting to eat more than my ammount of carbs says I am suposed to.Not that im eating the wrong foods just I need more of what im eating,with me working out nearly everyday with as much getup and go as I can muster after a while eating salads with baked this and that as well as so many veggies its just not enough.Like today,unfourtunatly I got sick at work on something one of the clients made and brought to the staff..no one else did just me..im not talking about just an upset tummy im saying near food poisioning.I barely made it thrue my shift then went home and tryed not to die with it all.At dinner I had some cottge cheese with some peach juice,ice water( I have been drinking water like crazy)a fue crackers.I know im gonna get one of those foodbinges comeing..I feel as empty as a barrel.I ate half a sammie,some cheese and crackers with a diet coke..first one in days.Im ok for the moment..but I see/feel it comeing.Tomorrow im going to the gym early and do my best to take this out on one machine or the other or in the weight room.

[Medusa]

Small victory tonight at Outback Steakhouse:

After my tiny steak portion (no salt!) and broccoli and salad, I was realllly craving some cheesecake but chose to wait it out until I got home and am now enjoying one of these:

MUCH fewer calories and still pretty yummy:

[little_ms_sunshyne]

Stayed on track today and feeling great!

Dinner tonite: Baked lemon & garlic tilapia on a small serving of four cheese rice
Dessert: TCBY yogurt...a kids cup serving. (still in calorie budget)

I have to say that getting back on track since my trip home has been hard! I came back feeling sluggish with no energy. Today, much better. Feeling like myself!

[Zimmeh]

I have been power walking when I get the chance since I spent the last few days unpacking from moving last Friday. I have been reading my Prevention magazine and I just had a cup of blueberry Greek Yogurt for breakfast. I am going power walking when I get home tonight.

Have a great day,

Zimmy

[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.

[Medusa]

Jo - Oh, the office chair! How I can relate.

I am in an office chair 8 - 12 hours a day (either at work or a combo of work and Planet stuff at home) and often feel by butt going to sleep because it's just getting pancaked flat in this chair.

One of the things I have been doing is putting my laptop on a tall shelf at the office or on the bar at home and standing part of the time. This allows me to do modified leg lifts while reading or typing and it definitely keeps my behind in better form.

In other news, EXERCISE REALLY DOES WORK. I have worked out more this week than I have in a while and pushed my intensity way up and when I sneaked a peak at the scales this morning, I was down another 5 pounds.
I know I wont always have weeks with big losses like that but Im definitely celebrating it when it happens. Once my weight loss slows down (and it will!) I will probably only weigh in every 2 weeks instead of every week.

[PinkieLee]

Good morning everyone!

WOOHOOO I sure do love logging on here and seeing so many small victories every single day! Congrats everyone on the weight loss, exercise goals and healthier choices!! Y'all motivate me more than you know!!

Well, last night durrrrrrrr & whimsicalgirl came over for dinner. I made pasta, but had two different kinds of salads (light ceaser & a garden salad with lots of veggies), and dessert was a pudding pie (made with reduced fat graham crackers, sugar free pudding & light Cool Whip). I sent the leftover pie home with durrrrrrrr and brought most of the leftover pasta to my boss today! It was nice to be able to enjoy a dinner with friends but still know that I was making healthier choices.

Today was my weekely weigh in and I lost 3 more pounds!

[turasultana]

I REALLY want a toasted bagel with salmon cream cheese. But instead I had Kashi heart to heart with skim milk.

much less points. (not even sure how much the bagel w/cc would be) but I still want the bagel dammit.

just venting.

[JustJo]

Originally Posted by Medusa

One of the things I have been doing is putting my laptop on a tall shelf at the office or on the bar at home and standing part of the time. This allows me to do modified leg lifts while reading or typing and it definitely keeps my behind in better form.

I love this idea, and bet that our breakfast bar is a decent height for it.
Thank you!

[PinkieLee]

Originally Posted by turasultana

I REALLY want a toasted bagel with salmon cream cheese. But instead I had Kashi heart to heart with skim milk.

much less points. (not even sure how much the bagel w/cc would be) but I still want the bagel dammit.

just venting.

I searched on the WW website for your bagel craving...

salmon cream cheese - 2 points
bagel - 4 to 8 points depending on the size of your bagel

To save you some points, you can do the bagel thins. I LOVE them! They are only 3 points.

[Leigh]

I am sad that I can't get onto the website and this thread more often than every couple of days, but even with that being said I am glad that I can use this thread not only as a source of insporation but also as a motivator for Myself when things get tough. I'm so often in a position like Jo; I get frusterated very easily when I'm doing so well and then I have an off day and suddenly its like I just can't seem to get back on track. I drank water yesterday like I've been everyday but it seemed like I put more pop in My body than water, which My goal has been to drink more water and less pepsi. I got mad at Myself yesterday but calmed down long enough to grab a bottle I had and filled it with water knowing that I was still doing better than normal.

I picked up a magazing today that has a plan to walk off weight, and its by Prevention no less! It has things in it like a 14 day meal plan to get started, a plan for all different fitness levels to incorporate walking into your diet, 30+ take-charge tips to weight loss success, healthy recipes and more. I am starting to read it, am going to start the walking tonight and bought a book the other day to track My eating habits and exercise. I want to learn to cook, so I want to cook one thing every week (say on the weekends) just to try new things and also to learn to cook for My family. I also am going to be looking into investing in a treadmill to put in the basement and then I can have one thing to do every day and/or night. I want to someday invest in a Wii system and Kinect so I can get some of those dance and exercise video games as well ~ this all I hope to get by say October.

I'm still also looking into a gym membership but finding a gym for Myself is hard to do, so I'm going to at the very least start the walking and see where that takes Me. I also found that we have two weights here in the house that I never knew about, so I'm going to start using those as well to work out My arms. I'm also going to look into subscribing to Weight Watchers online so that I can use that to lose weight also ~ motivation can be hard for Me, but coming in here keeps Me going so thank you to everyone for sharing your stories and know that I appreciate every single one of you :-)

[PinkieLee]

GOOD FOR YOU Matthew! You have some good ideas, ready to be set into motion. Just remember, the journey of a thousand miles begins with that first step. Once you get going, nothing is gonna stop you!

I know that it might seem overwhelming at times when you think, damn I've gotta lose 100 pounds. DO NOT think that way. Start with small goals, & treat them as milestones... say 5 pound increments. It's a lot easier on the mind to recognize those victories in order to stay focused on the long term goal. I give myself little stars for each 5 pounds I lose & for days I exercise at least 30 minutes.

Cooking can be tough... especially when you live with family or friends that do most of the cooking. Not everyone in your household is gonna be interested in changing eating habits, so you are gonna be forced with temptation. My suggestion, go to the store and buy yourself a big ol' bag of pre-made salad & veggies you like. Load up your plate with that FIRST, then add whatever it is that they might have prepared. You'll fill up on the good stuff first! That way, you still get the things that you like that they cook, but in a smaller portion.

Trying new receipes are fun and might be a new way to introduce your family to healthier options. Have your sister help you cook or make it a family adventure. You never know, they might be inspired by your enthusiasm and jump on the healthier living bandwagon.

[turasultana]

Originally Posted by PinkieLee

I searched on the WW website for your bagel craving...

salmon cream cheese - 2 points
bagel - 4 to 8 points depending on the size of your bagel

To save you some points, you can do the bagel thins. I LOVE them! They are only 3 points.

This would be a NYC bagel so you know it's the 8 point version. And at the deli they pile on the cream cheese so double or triple the 2 points. I could say just a smear, and scoop out the bagel before toasting - but then I sound like my mother...eeek.

But I think i will have one every other friday and just count up the points and use it toward the 49 weekly ones. Otherwise I'll go nuts. I can't give up bagels, i'm a jewish girl in brooklyn, they'll kick me out of the borough.