Labor Day Weight Loss Challenge! [Archive]

Aurora_K

07-14-2006, 10:43 AM

Hey girls!! I'm so glad to see you all too. Having just moved to a new place where I really don't know anyone, I felt completely lost when UW went down. I didn't realize how much support I had there!! I'm so glad we're back!!

My big goal for this weekend is to count points at every meal. I usually end up with at least one meal ove the weekend where I splurge so much that I can't even figure out the points. Well, no more! I'm still going to splurge on the weekends (otherwise I'll go nuts) but I'm going to be more in control of those splurges.

And here's another thing: I LOVE ICE CREAM!!!! There, I said it. There's no use in denying it anymore, and there's no use trying to compensate with frozen yogurt. So, from now on I'm having real fabulous ice cream once a week. There's a shopping center up the street from my new apartment where I get discounts for being a resident. Get this: I get 20% off at Cold Stone Creamery!! YUM!!!!

MelBel

07-14-2006, 11:55 AM

Lorraine ~ Ummm, I'll have to try and get some before and after pictures...see if anyone else can see a difference. As to how I feel about getting to my goal weight? I'm actually not to excited as everyone is the world (and I mean EVERYONE!!!) yells at me constantly and daily that I'm to skinny and I just don't see it. In fact I'm looking to tone up a little more. So I've kinda been a little bummed out and sad latly. Yah for you...lots of bike riding this weekend!!! I would have voted not to get out of bed to.

Aurora~ BE CAREFUL!!!!!! Calories at Coldstone can get quickly out of control!!! I love there ice cream though! :D Yes, all the girls here are very motivational and the support is great I was glad to see everyone!!!

Food today~
Breakfast~tortilla w/ peanut butter, 16 ouns milk, apple
Snack~cauliflower, yogurt, almonds
Lunch~ veggie soup, grilled chicken burger, blueberries
Snack~ tootsie pop :D
Supper~ all bran, 1% milk
Calories - 1300

If has been recently brought to my attention that I'm not eating enough calories due to all the exercising that I'm doing. Basically I'm being told that I'm killing my metabolism and putting my body into starvation mode and neither is healthy. I am sooooo sad right now. I don't want to eat more, but I don't want to hurt my body. My Mom is checking up on me *often* to make sure I'm eating...and I am. I guess just not enough. :( Anyway, food and me has of late become a struggle and I'm just feeling a little down. SIGH......

Also, I still feel so flabby, I need to do more weight/strength training but am having trouble finding a rountine. I think I'm probably doing a little to much cardio (cause I do ALOT!!!!!!) and not enough strength training which is why I'm not getting toned. I don't know... I'm just going through alot of confusion at this point.

Aurora_K

07-14-2006, 02:10 PM

Aurora~ BE CAREFUL!!!!!! Calories at Coldstone can get quickly out of control!!! I love there ice cream though!

Dont worry! I get the smallest size, only one mixin, and call it dinner - hey, it's dairy right? Plus just knowing I have that splurge coming up helps me the rest of the week!

If has been recently brought to my attention that I'm not eating enough calories due to all the exercising that I'm doing. Basically I'm being told that I'm killing my metabolism and putting my body into starvation mode and neither is healthy. I am sooooo sad right now. I don't want to eat more, but I don't want to hurt my body. My Mom is checking up on me *often* to make sure I'm eating...and I am. I guess just not enough. :( Anyway, food and me has of late become a struggle and I'm just feeling a little down. SIGH......
Also, I still feel so flabby, I need to do more weight/strength training but am having trouble finding a rountine. I think I'm probably doing a little to much cardio (cause I do ALOT!!!!!!) and not enough strength training which is why I'm not getting toned. I don't know... I'm just going through alot of confusion at this point.

I'm sorry you're feeling so rotten. But you should know that not eating enough and slowing down you metabolism will only make the flabby feeling worse! It sounds to me like you need more strength training. You can take control of this and feel good about our body! Can you hire a personal trainer? Or get some strength training videos? Honestly, as you build muscle, you metabolism will naturally increase and you won't need nearly as much cardio. I would cut your cardio in half and use the extra time to find weight lifting that you enjoy. You'll tone up in no time! I hope this helps!

Kristie

07-14-2006, 02:35 PM

Jaci

07-14-2006, 02:36 PM

Mel, you do have to be very careful. Looking at what you are eating, you are definitely not eating enough, nor getting enough calories.

Just looking at your food plan, you only got two servings of veggies, one (perhaps two) servings of protein (depending on the almonds), two servings of fruits, and three servings of dairy. You really should try to get at least one more serving each of protein, fruits, and veggies. Please? Our goal for these challenges are to achieve healthy weight loss, mind, body, and spirit.

Have you talked with a nutritionist at all? I'm not one to spout "eating disorder eating disorder!" but it sounds as though you just may have a very unhealthy body image of yourself, and talking with a nutritionist and finding out your healthy weight, calorie intake, and exercise schedule might help.

Okay, I'll leave you alone for now :P

It was my weigh in day today AND...I'm down over a pound! That's down over a pound just from Wednesday!

Starting on Sunday I'm doing the 6 week 20 pounds challenge. For two days I will be doing a juice-veggie-protein (egg beaters, egg whites, and tofu) detox, and then I'll be using LAWL products for breakfast and lunch. Because of that detox I'm hoping to be at 159 by Monday or Tuesday. If I do, then that's my lowest weight since early high school!

I'm not exercising much lately, but I'm trying to not let that get me down, I've got a really busy weekend and week ahead of me.

Robbys Girl

07-14-2006, 03:06 PM

Robbys Girl

07-14-2006, 03:09 PM

Get this: I get 20% off at Cold Stone Creamery!! YUM!!!!I don't like Cold Stone Creamery, I was called "Ma'am" and "...this lady" when I was in there, all in one visit! How insulting! I'm NOT old you byotches! :bossy: :complain:

Thanks for allowing me to vent :heee:

Marisa

07-14-2006, 05:28 PM

Hi

I'd like to get involved - 10 weeks to the big day for me! Here are my goals:

1. Add some daily cardio into my regimine
2. Drink more water
3. Eat more veggies
4. Remember to take daily multivitamins
5. Get away from potatoes & white rice
6. The biggie - fit into the wedding dress without the help of the corset!!!

MelBel

07-14-2006, 05:38 PM

I'm sorry you're feeling so rotten. But you should know that not eating enough and slowing down you metabolism will only make the flabby feeling worse! It sounds to me like you need more strength training. You can take control of this and feel good about our body! Can you hire a personal trainer? Or get some strength training videos? Honestly, as you build muscle, you metabolism will naturally increase and you won't need nearly as much cardio. I would cut your cardio in half and use the extra time to find weight lifting that you enjoy. You'll tone up in no time! I hope this helps!

Yeah, I don't feel rotten as in my health, just emotionally rotten. I do know that not eating enough will and does slow down your metablism. I also know that strength training is going to burn more calories and make more muscle and get rid of the flab. I do have a couple exercise dvd's that maybe I can skip the cardio on and to the strength traning. I'm going to try and come up with a weekly schdule and run it by you girls, along with my eating plan. I know you'll all encourage me and help keep me on track.

MelBel

07-14-2006, 06:09 PM

Mel... Try not to get to upset. Once you see those pounds come off quickly you do anything to keep it coming. I agree that you are not eating enough. I also wondered.....how come you hardly ever have anything for supper?
Looking at your Food Menu you hardly eat anything from lunch time to the next morning when you have another "good sized" meal. Are you not hungry in the evenings?

That's my problem most of all right now. I'm scared if I up my calories that I'm going to gain the weight back. I've been trying to get to this weight for sooooooooo long that I'm afraid I'm going to freak if I start gaining. I know that if I stay consist with my diet and with exercise then this shouldn't even be an issue. Oh, as for the supper thing, I've read that your should start your day out with your biggest meal and that they should get smaller as the day progresses. That's why I eat small meals. Um, yeah, sometimes I get pretty hungry, but figure I'll eat a good breakfast.

MelBel

07-14-2006, 06:15 PM

Mel, you do have to be very careful. Looking at what you are eating, you are definitely not eating enough, nor getting enough calories.

Just looking at your food plan, you only got two servings of veggies, one (perhaps two) servings of protein (depending on the almonds), two servings of fruits, and three servings of dairy. You really should try to get at least one more serving each of protein, fruits, and veggies. Please? Our goal for these challenges are to achieve healthy weight loss, mind, body, and spirit.

Have you talked with a nutritionist at all? I'm not one to spout "eating disorder eating disorder!" but it sounds as though you just may have a very unhealthy body image of yourself, and talking with a nutritionist and finding out your healthy weight, calorie intake, and exercise schedule might help.

Okay, I'll leave you alone for now :P

Jaci~ Feel free not to leave me alone. At this point I don't really think I have an eating disorder and don't really think that it would come to that because I really like to eat...alot...I just eat things that are low calorie. Yeah, I really need to figure out my servings of veggies, fruits and protein. Fruit is the easiest...I just LOVE fruit. Veggies are a little tougher...don't like them quite so much, carrots, cauliflower are the 2 easiest for me. I'm more of a cooked veggie gal. Broccoli and zucchini, stuff like that I like cooked. Protein...all I ever seem to eat is chicken, maybe some beans. A nutritionist sounds awesome, (personal trainer to Aurora) but I don't know how you go about finding one or how much that would cost. I'm sure it would be so much easier with someone right there beside me saying...good, NO BAD!!!

MelBel

07-14-2006, 06:26 PM

Melissa ~ Hey at least you're EATING breakfast, I don't eat breakfast AT ALL, which is bad. I really need to start. I do agree that you can't eat too too little, you don't want to compromise your metabolism. But you're not eating DANGEROUSLY low, it's about what I eat when I'm doing REALLY REALLY well with my food intake/weight loss mission. I think you will be more comfortable with foods if you KNOW that exercise is what's making you lose weight. That's how I lose weight, by exercising a whole ton and watching the foods a little. I get light-headed though if I don't eat a lot. But I think your diet is okay, maybe get more lean protein in there would be my suggestion.

QUESTION: Exactly how much cardiovascular exercise have you been doing all along? How many minutes per day? How many days a week? What kind of exercise? I'm just curious.

One thing I've always wondered about, do I have to do weight lifting or weight training or what have you to my legs if I'm ALREADY biking and jogging, isn't that good enough for the muscles? That's what I always wondered.

Actually I don't eat much for supper when I'm doing well too, I eat a non-fat yogurt with high fiber cereal and nuts mixed in :lick:

Lorraine~ I'd die without breakfast...seriously, I think that I would!!! :) Yeah, I guess part of it is that I think it's what I'm eating that's helping me to lose weight and not actually the exercise I'm going. Ok here's a pretty normal exercise day as of late... Umm, I do this pretty much Monday - Friday, Wednesday maybe a little less, Saturdays maybe a little more. Sundays possibly just a walk...

Morning
3 sets 15 squats
3 sets 12 to 15 arms
Lunch
15 to 20 min walk
Afternoon/Evening
1 hour & 15 min walk
30 (inside) to 40 mins(out side) bike ride, I do inside out every other day
jump rope 800 jumps one night/1400 the next (just started this)
jumping jacks 100 one night/50 the next (just started this to)
120 crunches nightly
some nights I'll grab my 5 pound dumbells and to chest press, biceps, triceps

Ok, you can put your eyes back in your head now...I know I'm crazy!!! :jump4joy: I probably exercise at least 2.5 hours each day. Is that considered obcessed and a little out of control???!!!! PROBABLY!!! But I've gotten pretty good results, just need more toning and a little less flab on the thighs...

walleye3

07-14-2006, 07:18 PM

didn't weigh myslef yet this week, that is tomorrow, but so far this week, i have been pretty good :)

Everyday this week, I have went on an eliptical machine for 35 minutes and then lift weights for approx 40 minutes. I am starting to see a little bit of a difference, I have noticed my pants and things like that are fitting better.
Breakfasts have been a bowl of cereal, and a glass of juice.
Lunch except for today, has been a sandwich, carrots, fruit of some type and then a couple yogurt covered pretzels so I had something sweet. Today I was bad, I had a couple pieces of pizza and a small side salad.
Suppers are up in the air, usually try to keep it healthy for the most part, I have had anywhere from hamburger, to bake potatoes.....

so I have been trying, i am thinking when I weigh myself tomorrow, i should be down a couple of pounds for this week :)

Aurora_K

07-14-2006, 09:06 PM

I don't like Cold Stone Creamery, I was called "Ma'am" and "...this lady" when I was in there, all in one visit! How insulting! I'm NOT old you byotches! :bossy: :complain:

Thanks for allowing me to vent :heee:

Oh!!! THE HORROR!!!!! I hate that too!! Although a lot of times I get the opposite cause I still look like a teenager. Last CHristmas someone asked me if I was going to graduate high school this year . . . I just smiled sweetly and said, "Actually, I'm 25 and about to finish my masters degree, but thank you so much for asking." :lolroll: BUT gettingback to Cold Stone, I am in love with there ice cream flavors. Last year they had carrot cake batter. I thought I'd died and gone to heaven . . .

Mel - Feeling emotionally rotten is the pits!! Perhaps you could set yourself a strength goal to work towards. Personally I want to be able to do 3 pullups. Being an upper body weakling, this will take awhile, but it's something to work towards that doesn't focus on my weight at all.

Lorraine - Running is pretty good for your leg muscles, but strength traning is still recommended. You don't neccesarily need to focu too hard on your legs though. Since I run, I try to focus on the underused leg muscles like my hamstrings. Squats and lunges are good because they work a variety of muscles in one move. So, I'd suggest getting one good multi-muscle leg exercise in and then focus on strength training for your upper body.

Hurray for strong women!!! I am out to dispell the women-shouldn't-lift-weights myth!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MelBel

07-14-2006, 09:37 PM

Aurora~ Carrot cake batter...oh wow...that sounds awesome...I LOVE CARROT CAKE!!! *It's healthy, right?!?!?* :lol: And yes, feeling emotional rotton is the pits...the last 2 days have been horrible, but, things are starting to look up thanks to all of you guys *HUGS!!!* Oh man, I'm an upper body weakling to...my goal is to be able to do push-ups. I have a program that starts your off real easy and you keep going until tada...you've made it. I need to print that and start working...

Jump roping guys...it is just awesome and burns ton's of calories!!! I started a new program tonight and will try and stick with it!!! There's jump roping in it and I actually love it. Tonight during my routine I did 360 jumps (about 5 mins) and then toward the end I jumped again and this time did 1140 jumps (didn't keep track of time) for a total of 1500 jumps I figured probably a total of 15 mins or so. :D It makes me feel strong and powerful...I remember when I could jump 100 without stopping and dying!!!

Aurora_K

07-14-2006, 09:51 PM

Today I was bad, I had a couple pieces of pizza and a small side salad.

Walleye - Try not to think of yourself as "bad." Sure, pizza may not be the healthiest choice out there, but it's certainly not the worst, especially if you only had a couple of slices. It sounds like you ate very healthfully the rest of the week, so don't be too hard on yourself. Plus you still had the salad and got in some veggies - good for you!!

MelBel

07-14-2006, 09:59 PM

OK, I've read alot of stuff tonight and I want to share it...so get ready for yet another long Mel post!!! :lol: I'm on a roll today...

I'm going to give a book I bought quite awhile ago a try. It's called Escape Your Shape How To Work Out Smarter, Not Harder bu Edward J. Jackowski, Ph.D

I need to sit down and really read, but here's some stuff I ran across while skimming that I thought I'd share. First things first and that's how many calories we eat (as this has become a big topic for me) here's a guideline from the book...

Sedentary IndividualsTake your currant weight and multiply the number by 9. For example, a 150 pound person should lose weight if he/she consumes no more than 1350 calories per day.
Active People Take your currant weight and multiply it by the number 10. For example a 170 pound person should lose weight if he/she consumes no more than 1700 calories per day.
Very Active People Take your currant weight and multiply it by the number 12. For example, a 125 pound person should lose weight if he/she consumes no more than 1500 calories per day.

We all know that in order to lose a pound we must create a 3500 calorie deficit, roughly 250 per day. A couple of examples of what 250 calories would be~
*One 20-ounce cola or sugar sweetened beverage
*8 caramel candys
*1 milky way bar
*1/2 large bagel w/ cream cheese
*5 oreo cookies
*1/2 cup premium ice cream
*1 1/4 cups pasta
*25 french frieds
*3 tablespoons peanut butter

Empty calories~
*White Rice
*White pasta
*White bread
* :lol: Ok, so anything white...
*Fructose-sweetened products
*pretzels (which so many think are a healthy snack)
*baked tortilla chips
*Low-fat bake products (fat free muffins, cakes, etc.)

Foods to include~
*Lean protein (chicken, fish, low-fat cheese, tofu)
*Low-sugar dairy products (Cottage cheese, yogurt, low-fat milk)
*High fiber breads and cereals, whole grains (NO MORE WHITE BREAD!!!)
*Low-sugar fruits (berries, melons, citrus, plums, peaches, apples)
*Nonstarchy vegetables (lettuce, broccoli, green beans, spinach, mushrooms, onions, if you have to have potatoes make them sweet potatos!)
*Sunflower seeds, pumpkins seeds, walnuts (a personal favorite is almonds!)
*Low calorie beverages
*Beans
*Small quantities of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats
*Cottage Cheese

Healthy Eating Tips
*The only way to succeed at losing weight and keeping it off is to incorporate permanet healthy eating behaviour.
*Decrease the amount of fat in your diet
*Increase fiber (fruits, veggies, whole grains, dried beans, peas)
*Limit bread, rice, potatoes, and pasta
*Limit calories containing beverages (soda, juicie, alcohol)
*Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water every day
*Increase your intake of veggies (look for bright colors to mazximize your nutrient intake
*Slow down!!! It takes 20 mins for your brain to receive the message that you're full.
*Eat a bigger breakfast and lunch and lighter at dinner. By fueling your body with high fiber low fat foods during the day, you will avoid overeating at night.
*Make sure each meal contains a low fat protein source
*Keep a journal, evaluate your eating habits

Healthy choices for low-fat snacks include
*2 graham crackers = 1 teaspoon jam
*1 oun reduced fat cheese with 10 whole wheat crackers
*1 slice of muenster cheese melted over tomato on whole wheat bread
*Non-fat yogurt with 2 table spoons low fat granola (I love Dannon light & fit only 60 calories & no fat)
*Protein bar or shake (check food label 200 calories and no more than 7 grams of fat, watch to make sure sugars aren't extremely high)
*1 oun low fat shredded cheese melted over 1 medium baked potato (after the book says to avoid potatoes :lol: )
*1/2 cup dry roasted nuts (almonds, pumpkin seeds, walnuts)
*1/2 cup trail mix (dried fruit, pretzels, nuts, cereal)
*1/2 whole wheat english muffin = 1 slice low fat mozzerella = 1 tablespoon marinara sauce
*3 egg whites = salsa rolled into a whole wheat tortilla
*1 medium orange diced into 1 serving of oatmeal (does that not sound gross...apples for me anyday!!!)

OK, I love this last paragraph of this chapter
Finally, I want you to be patient and honest with yourself. If you look in the mirror and like what you see and feel, great, fine. But if you don't like what you see, stop complaining and start making the changes nescessary to become your best. I've never met anyone who execises for his or her body type(book has exercise programs for different body type such as apple, hourglass, pear etc.) and eats sensibly who doesn't exude beauty, health, confidence and energy. So get off your duff and do whatever it takes to get it done. I promise that you will live a more complete and productive and happier longer life!

Jaci

07-15-2006, 12:40 AM

Mel, I'm not a nutritionist by any means, but I've learned a lot through my times with LA Weight Loss (the program is made to teach you how to eat right) so if you want any help, please, feel free to pm me!

MelBel

07-15-2006, 08:51 AM

Wow, it just sunk in that I've lost weight...I compared before/after pics of me in my SIL pants...and there's a definent difference! I'm not sure...can I post pictures on here? I could find anyway to...

Here's what we've got for this week...
Last Sat. I was 132.6
This Sat. I was 129.2 (acutally up cause the last three previous days I was 128.4, see what happens when I eat more...)

I do want to mostly maintain now. Lose a few more inches. Maybe get to 125, not sure. I'd rather be a more toned 130 than a flabbier 125 (even though the # sounds good!)

Aurora_K

07-15-2006, 09:33 AM

I didn't pig out last night!!!!! Friday down, Saturday to go!! I'm going to kick this weekend's ass . . . :toyhorse:

Kiki

07-15-2006, 10:14 AM

You go girl!!!

Mel, that post was awesome! I'm definitely going to take that one and print it out and keep it somewhere I can see it all the time. You can put photos up here, like we did in UW.

Jaci

07-15-2006, 10:44 AM

woohoo to kicking the weekend's ass!

Mel, let's see those pictures!!

I didn't pig out TOO much, it was the Street Fair after all, I only had 1/2 cheese curds and 1/2 a dippin dots ice cream and 1/2 a caramel apple.

That sounds like so much though. Gah.

MelBel

07-15-2006, 10:53 AM

Aurora~ WOOO HOOO!!! You sound like your going to have a GREAT weekend!!!

Kiki~ I should print that post off to. There were so many good pointers...

Jaci~ Oh, that street fair sounds like something I was just at...the food smelled awesone (looked awesome too) but I resisted as I'm going to be hanging out with my best friend later and assuming that we'll be going out to eat.

Ok, I'm obviously stupid as I can't figure out the whole picture thing...anyone want to let me in on how to do it? Thanks :lol:

MelBel

07-15-2006, 11:12 AM

Oh wait, maybe I've jsut figured out a way how...cross your fingers...

Problem is, I'm not sure how much I was in the first pic, I know I was in the 140's somewhere. I think 145. The other pic was taken today at 129. (sorry, I never include my head... I do have one, but it's horrible, maybe I'll put it in here then...

Oh that will not work...pics were huge!!! There still a little large...do you think I'll get in trouble...I'm not good at all with resizing...

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m67/photogirl83/IMG_0099.jpg

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m67/photogirl83/IMG_0283.jpg

Ok, I'm still working on getting these the right size...this one is working the rest will not. :( I guess the rest will have to wait...I can't figure out what's going on... I did the same thing with the second as I did with the first and it is huge!!! I'll try and make these smaller later...

Jaci

07-15-2006, 11:15 AM

Here's the first one you posted, it had a few extra ///'s in there
http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m67/photogirl83/IMG_0099.jpg

If you are using photobucket, they have under each thumbnail, three boxes. Simply copy the code that's in the very bottom of the box and use that for this message board.

Jaci

07-15-2006, 11:16 AM

and you look fab mel, I think you are at the very perfect weight for your size and shape. Congrats. Now you just need to maintain (and since you want to, tone it up more, though I don't think you really need to), I certainly wouldn't want you to loose anymore though, so be very careful!

Aurora_K

07-15-2006, 01:51 PM

Jaci - I LOVE Cheese Curds!!!! I am a totazl cheesaholic. It's my favorite food! The first time I went to WI I thought I'd died and gone to heaven . . .

Jaci

07-15-2006, 02:34 PM

hahha, they do have good cheese in WI that's for sure :P

Mel, what happens sometimes is if you resize them you won't necessarily see them resized on the forum if you already posted them because it's in your computers cache already. They are plenty small now, in fact, very small!

MelBel

07-15-2006, 11:18 PM

Oh man...I'll have to redo that then...it's so small you can't even see the difference. :(

Had 1 hour 10 min walk this morning.

Had a buffet lunch (oh man soooo good...I ate whatever I wanted to!!! it was glorious) I did start out with a salad though. :)

Just did my 1 hour escape your shape program. Don't expect my weight not to be up tomorrow...but I'm not to concerned. Tomorrow I'll be eating at my Grandparents for lunch...yikes eating HIGH calorie two days in a row. I'll already be working at getting in those extra calories I'm needing...just not the healthy way. :( Oh well...I can slurge every once in awhile, right?!! :D

Kristie

07-16-2006, 02:13 AM

Mel, I think your doing great, but I worry for you for worrying so much about about what your eating. It seems like it's on your mind 24/7. It shouldn't have to be like that. You should be able to enjoy food and have splurges here and there. I hope that over time it will be easier for you to do.... :)

Jaci

07-16-2006, 12:35 PM

very well said KristIE :P

I'm beginning my two day sort of detox thingy. This morning the scale was lower than it's ever been, so I've got high hopes that I start this 6week/20pounds schedule low. I'm hoping for 160, but we'll see where I end up.

QueenElizabeth22

07-16-2006, 02:29 PM

Hey Gals! I would love to jump in! :) I need to get some good motivation! Wedding is about one year away! :)
I will start with my goals! I am shooting to loose about 20-25 pounds total. When I was in undergrad I was around the 125 mark and now in grad school with a MUCH less regular schedule and higher stress I have gained about 20 pounds! YIKES! It feels weird to say that out loud (well, write it! :)!!!) So...I would like to be back down to 125...my goal is 20 pounds lighter!!! I want to be slim and trim for trying on those wedding gowns!

I made the commitment the other day to give up pop (even diet), french fries, and ice cream for awhile, I have been doing pretty well at that so far! :) Those are foods that I know are killers for me! Also, I need to drink tons more water and downsize my portions. Finally, I want to get on a regualr excersise schedule!

So, COUNT ME IN! :) And good luck to everyone reaching their goals!

Jaci

07-16-2006, 02:53 PM

Welcome in! You sound like you are off to a great start, what with getting rid of those bad foods for you. Kudos to getting rid of pop, I did that two years ago or something, I have recently began drinking some again, but only maybe, one or two cans a week, otherwise it's water for me!

Aurora_K

07-16-2006, 03:09 PM

Welcome Queen Elizabeth and congrats on such great goals!

Aunt Flow came to town today so I'm feeling pretty blah. Ed and I went out and got frosties from Wendy's, but I got the small. Score one tiny victory for me! This afternoon I'm going to try and much on veggies and drink water so I can stop feeling so bloated. I'd kill for a chocolate bar, but I'm fighting the urge (helps that I don't have any chocolate at home right now!).

Kiki

07-16-2006, 03:19 PM

That's because she just left my place!!! I feel like going to Dairy Queen today, but it would melt so fast! I'm doing something bad...snacking on chips. Not good. But I've been drinking more water with the heat, so that's good, but probably still not enough.

QueenElizabeth22

07-16-2006, 07:27 PM

Hey Thanks for the welcome girls! :) I am excited, I figured out how to get a ticker in my signature and am sort of excited to see pounds tick away! :jump4joy: I am gonna jump in on starting my Turbo Jam tomorrow. I plan on alternating Turbo Jam and Jogging while I try to find a place to do some kickboxing classes. Kickboxing was my favorite before I moved and I haven't quite tracked down a new place for classes, but I have a few leads...

Jaci- I read somewhere that every pop drank makes a person 65% more likely to be overwieght (I have NO idea how accurate this is or where the heck I even read it, but it was enough to help push me to decide not to drink it anymore.) So far so good!

Aurora-K- Hi! :wavey: Way to go on the small Frosty! I love those things, so I am sure it was hard to resist the larger size! Good job:)

Kiki- Oh man, I am with you on the DQ thing...as I said before Ice Cream is one of my major downfalls! Going with more water is a good choice for staying cool though instead of the ice cream!

Bye bye for now! :kimgrill:

Aurora_K

07-16-2006, 07:53 PM

Just got back from running. I ran for 25 minutes . . . normally I do 30, but I'm letting Aunt Flow be my excuse. I just feel icky. Plus I upped my speed a bit. But in any case, I feel so accomplished!! I can't believe I'm a runner now!!

I'm going to start a weight loss journal today (the fat friend is back, baby!) so if anyone wants to see more of my goals and plan, please take a peek!

MelBel

07-17-2006, 07:23 AM

Woo Hoo, I slurged big time this weekend...ya'll be so proud of me. :D It was actucally nice not to worry about it (at least not to much) I'll be a little more food concious the next couple days just to get my splurge pounds off... I'm housitting and feel lost without my scales...weighing myself everyday is what kept me going and helped me lose weight (I know some people disagree with weighing in so much, but it's what worked for me...)

Yesterday's exercise was a 1 hour walk

EVERYONE'S DOING GREAT!!!

Kiki

07-17-2006, 07:46 AM

Way to go Aurora!! I wouldn't really worry about missing 5 minutes!

Mel, that's awesome. I'm really proud of you, not being excessively worried about what you eat.

Aurora_K

07-17-2006, 09:23 AM

Weigh in this morning: 172.6lbs, down 1.2lbs from last week! I was hoping for a little more, but I'm really just glad to have this much with AF just starting!

MelBel

07-17-2006, 09:47 AM

Kristie~ I know, I do worry to much, I'm TRYING to RELAX a little bit!!!

KiKi~ :D

Aurora~ That's awesome...you are such an inspiration...

Ok, you gals are who I'm becoming accountable to for what I'm eating daily...

Here’s a rundown on my food for today. Due to the over eating of yesterday I’m eating a little lighter today (that’s ok don’t ya think?). Grr…then the boss had to bring chocolate cake and I feel like a heal not to eat any. soooooooo (yikes this is 3 days in a row I've had cake :( )

B (7:15 AM): grilled chicken patty, carrots, apple, sm. piece choc. cake
S (10:00 AM): 6 oz. yogurt, string cheese
L (12:15 PM): oatmeal, blueberries (1cup)
D (4:15PM): grilled chicken patty, ?

Water – 96 ounces (may drink 32 more ounces)
Green Tea – 3 glasses

Oh man, the bathroom is my favorite friend today!!! :lol:

Oh, and exercise will be a walk, a bike ride, and my escape your shape exercises...jump roping here I come!!!

QueenElizabeth22

07-17-2006, 10:25 AM

MelBel- You are doing great, sometimes it is good to indulge a little bit and just watch things afterwards...you have to have some yummy cake sometime right? :)

AuroraK-Awesome job with going running even though aunt Flo is here...that always seems to make me want to sit around and be a bum, even though exercise would probably make me feel better!

Well-I am planning on doing my workout after work this evening...I am at work now and it is SO slow and boring...at least I have MLW to keep me occupied! :) Have a great day everyone!

Kiki

07-17-2006, 11:51 AM

Just weighed-in and holding steady! At least I didn't gain over the weekend.

Jaci

07-17-2006, 12:31 PM

Mel, be careful with your water intake, you always want to increase intake when you are exercising, but too much is bad for you also! There are water soluble vitamins that get washed away when you drink too much water (and if you've heard of the new rush thing in fraternities, college boys are actually dying because they drank too much water in too little a time!) Scary huh? I wouldn't recommend more than 80 oz a day, because that's what is recommended to me when I exercise or eat too many carbs.

I had a good day yesterday, I followed my small detox well, today so far I'm doing good also. The scale wasn't down this morning though, so I'm a little frustrated. I'll just have to see on Wednesday.

MelBel

07-17-2006, 01:49 PM

Jaci~ I've read lots of stuff about water and how much you should drink...alrighty, after hearing of guys dying because of to much, I'll keep it a little lower. I ususally drink 3 quarts (12 cups) a day. I know I sweat a ton when I'm outside exercising. My Mom always worrys about my potassium and if I'm getting enough of it because of the amount of water I drink. You really have to be careful and balance everything out, don't ya?

MelBel

07-17-2006, 02:02 PM

This prompted a quick search:

How much water do you need?

Every day you lose water through your breath, perspiration, urine and bowel movements. For your body to function properly, you must replenish its water supply by consuming beverages and foods that contain water.

A couple of approaches attempt to approximate water needs for the average, healthy adult living in a temperate climate.

Replacement approach. The average urine output for adults is 1.5 liters a day. You lose close to an additional liter of water a day through breathing, sweating and bowel movements. Food usually accounts for 20 percent of your total fluid intake, so if you consume 2 liters of water or other beverages a day (a little more than 8 cups) along with your normal diet, you will typically replace the lost fluids.
Dietary recommendations. The Institute of Medicine advises that men consume roughly 3.0 liters (about 13 cups) of total beverages a day and women consume 2.2 liters (about 9 cups) of total beverages a day.
Even apart from the above approaches, it is generally the case that if you drink enough fluid so that you rarely feel thirsty and produce between one and two liters of colorless or slightly yellow urine a day, your fluid intake is probably adequate.

Factors that influence water needs

You may need to modify your total fluid intake depending on how active you are, the climate you live in, your health status, and if you're pregnant or breast-feeding.

Exercise. The more you exercise, the more fluid you'll need to keep your body hydrated. An extra 1 or 2 cups of water should suffice for short bouts of exercise, but intense exercise lasting more than an hour (for example, running a marathon) requires additional fluid. How much additional fluid is needed depends on how much you sweat during the exercise, but 13 to26 ounces (or about 2 to 3 cups) an hour will generally be adequate, unless the weather is exceptionally warm.During long bouts of intense exercise, it's best to use a sports drink that contains sodium, as this will help replace sodium lost in sweat and reduce the chances of developing hyponatremia, which can be life-threatening. Fluid also should be replaced after exercise. Drinking 16 ounces of fluid per pound of body weight lost during exercise is recommended.

Robbys Girl

07-17-2006, 03:55 PM

Oh!!! THE HORROR!!!!! I hate that too!! Although a lot of times I get the opposite cause I still look like a teenager. Last CHristmas someone asked me if I was going to graduate high school this year . . . I just smiled sweetly and said, "Actually, I'm 25 and about to finish my masters degree, but thank you so much for asking." :lolroll: BUT gettingback to Cold Stone, I am in love with there ice cream flavors. Last year they had carrot cake batter. I thought I'd died and gone to heaven . . .
I'm just glad our Cold Stone shut down after opening up in our town only a year. Bye-bye now! We already have a really good ice cream shop in town, that no one can beat! :heee: And a Friendly's. I just gotta stay away from the ice cream altogether. I did have a cake batter flavored ice cream the other weekend and it was sooooooooo goooood! It was from a Mom & Pop ice cream place. YUMMY!

Kristie

07-17-2006, 05:37 PM

My Comp's down right now.... has been for a few days... I hope to be back here posting soon....

Kiki

07-17-2006, 07:20 PM

I have to toot my own horn for just a second. I went shopping and bought a new pair of dressy capris I can wear at work. Now about 2 months ago, I was finding a 16 tight and was on the verge of having to go into 1X or 18s. Today I bought size 14 pants and they have room to spare! :woo: for me! :banana:

MelBel

07-17-2006, 07:48 PM

Way to go Kiki!!! That's gotta be very encouraging for you!!! :D

Kiki

07-17-2006, 07:57 PM

Thanks Mel! It's very encouraging.That means I can probably get into some of my summer dresses now. Yay!

Aurora_K

07-17-2006, 09:21 PM

MelBel - I wouldn't worry about killing yourself with water liek fraternity boys. You'd be in way too much pain before you got that far and I'm sure there aren't any guys with paddles forcing you to drink more!!

Kristie - Hope you're back soon! It's so nice having someone with similar goals to mine around!

Lorraine - In Saint Louis we had an AWESOME frozen custard place. It's been around for years and is a "Route 66" spot. Man I miss it!!

Kiki - WAY TO GO!!!

Kiki

07-17-2006, 09:25 PM

Thanks Aurora! Feels good! It's given me confidence to know that I can do this! The way I figure it, I have a few pounds to lose for this challenge and by 3 challenges later, I'll be at my goal or better.

Jaci

07-17-2006, 10:09 PM

Kiki, that's so awesome! congrats!

QueenElizabeth22

07-18-2006, 12:21 AM

Well, I must admit that the workout didn't go as planned...after work I decided to make the hour drive to see my FH (we are in a LDR) and that didn't leave too much time to squeeze in workout. However, I did eat healthfully today and since I am off work tomorrow I am planning on doing some Tae-Bo first thing in the AM. I am also going to FH's mom and dad's place so swim so I will try to burn some calories there too! :)

QueenElizabeth22

07-18-2006, 12:22 AM

Oh, and way to go Kiki!!! :) :) WOOT WOOT!! :):)

MelBel

07-18-2006, 06:23 AM

Aurora~ Yeah, but I am drinking most of my water in the morning, so I guess I should start spreading out a little more through the day...

Queen~ Have fun swimming and doing Taebo today!!!

As for me, all my workouts went as planned last night. :) So that was good. I don't think I've really seen anything to catastrophic as far as weight gain because I splurged over the weekend. So that's a relief....Here's my run down for today's food.

B~ pork chop, baked zucchini (2 cups), apple
S~ yogurt (6 oz) string cheese, almonds
L~ oatmeal, blueberries
D~ tuna, carrots, apple

The thing is, I eat all that and it's still (per fitday) not even 1200 calories. I guess I should start having some sort of snack in the evening. :( I just don't like eating in the evening. I do love this zucchini though (although my taste are weird. I just slice a large zucchini and a small to medium onion. Coat them with 1 teaspoon of olive oil (yeah I've even got 120 calories there in my food today) season it with whatever, salt, pepper, oregano and we had pizza season (garlic, red pepper, ect.) that I put on it. Baked at 350 for 40 mins. and it's something easy for me to reheat in the microwave at work the next day.

Speaking of work, guess I should get around to doing some of that. :D

Have a good day everyone!!!

Aurora_K

07-18-2006, 08:11 AM

MelBel - Try to get over your evening eating fear. It's a myth that you'll gain fat if you eat late. Actually, many body builders will eat before bed and then wake up in te middle of the night to eat more! Maybe you could try adding some healthy calorie dense foods. (like the oil on your zuchini, or nuts and seeds), then you'll be getting some more calories in without feeling like you're eating a lot more.

Kiki - there's nothing quite like fitting into a new size. I can see results on the scale and even see myself different in the mirror, but it's never quite as amazing as seeing the number on my pants go down!!

I started my strength training program last night and it felt good! I'm loving this fitness center at my apartment! I also started using The Firm's 5 Day Ab video again. I work a lot harder than if I just do crunches on my own. Plus everyday is different so I don't feel like I'm stuck in a rut. Now I'm off to run!! can't believe this is really happening for me!!

Robbys Girl

07-18-2006, 11:31 AM

Aurora ~ I have a friend who raves about frozen custard, it sounds good!! She seems to like it even better than ice cream!

Melissa ~ I do have to admit, I heard from a friend whose nutritionist expressed concern about her eating too much later at night. She said she would rather she eat a smaller dinner. I would make your breakfast a good sized meal, snacks, then a good sized lunch! BUT, if you have to eat late every now and then it can't hurt as long as you're continuing to exercise, keep active. You're only maintaining now, so it's not like you have to worry about LOSING, which IMO is harder! You look so GREAT!!!

Robbys Girl

07-18-2006, 11:33 AM

OK I'm still stuck at 143. I thought after AF I would go down but I didn't :( I biked on Saturday, skipped Sunday, then again last night. I'll just keep exercising. I have to address my food issues though, I'm not watching WHAT or HOW MUCH I'm eating. So my lack of a good diet is causing me not to lose weight. It's horrible. What a FAT summer :(

MelBel

07-18-2006, 12:13 PM

Aurora ~ Yeah, I'm sure something light to eat in the evening wouldn't hurt...sometimes I'm starving after I work out...I just ignore the hunger pains...

Lorraine~ My problem is I usually eat my last meal soon after 3:30 which is when I get home from work. It's usually time since I'm eating every 3 hours. And I'm usually hungry. :D So I should probably grab something light...it's along time until breakfast! Ok hon, I think your getting way to frustrated with yourself and the scales(it's not going to help you). You need to lighten up! :) Try to look at everything in a positive way. Try to start cutting back on portions a little bit, start adding more fruits & veggies, get some protein with each meal. That cool that you know a nutritionist, can they give free advice? ;) Make sure your getting 30 mins of exercise everyday. Change things slowly, we all know this doesn't happen everynight. I'm a fitday freak...it makes it easy for me to moniter calories. Maybe you should give it a try... Try to change that frown into a smile!!! :D

Jaci

07-18-2006, 02:08 PM

mel, try to add another starch in your daytime routine, but don't eat two starchy foods at once, then you can move something from the daytime to the evening. You need a little more fiber in your diet. Strawberries and broccoli both have lots of fiber in those, so try to eat those in the evening, you'll stay full longer but it's not a ton of extra calories.

I stepped on the scale this morning and I was down, thankgoodness, it was pretty frustrating yesterday after a detox that I wasn't down at all.

I also think my stomach shrank, because I'm not hungry at all right now, but I haven't eaten a whole lot.

Robbys Girl

07-18-2006, 02:22 PM

Oh Melissa, if you knew me, you'd know I've been sounding like this for literally YEARS :lol: :lol: It's nothing new that I'm griping about my blubber. But I know that more often than not, I'm putting food, beer, and socializing first. And that's no good. Like I always say, in order to lose weight, I would need to go on an island and be a hermit! But maybe you don't know me very well when it comes to this, I've been a daily weigher for years now, and I will gripe from time to time, I'm definitely lightened up and do have a good perspective on my weight loss mission. Right now I'm at a weight that's disgusting, I really dislike being in the 140s especially in the SUMMER because EVERY dang year I have to wear LONG pants, shorts not allowed and forget the beach. Thank goodness for this denim skirt I love it!! It's comfy, and LONG! My lower legs look like Casper the Friendly Ghost though since these legs NEVER see any sun :lol:. I WOULD like to gripe about my weight from time to time though, it's just who I am, cause being this weight is NOT who I am :lol: . I know you mean well though... HUGZ!!!

Oh and believe me I do look at everything in a very positive way... see, I know I CAN lose weight if I CHOOSE to, it's that I'm not CHOOSING to. I know I will have to suffer for a while, and the summers are the hardest because you have to have NO social life.

But believe me I'm not frustrated or any of that, I've fat and disgusted with my fat for years n years. This is nothing new. The norm is that I'll get down to the 130's just about every spring (except this year, it's funny I noticed a trend, odd numbered years I'm skinnier (1999, 2001, 2003, 2005), even numbered years, I'm fatter (2000, 2002, 2004, 2006)) but then as the summer progresses and fall arrives eventually go back up as I slack off with the diet and exercise, there's just too much going on in the summer to even be ABLE to lose weight, then there's the holidays, plus it's hard when you're married you know, you WILL see someday I promise you :lol: :lol: My ONLY *REAL* skinny days were when I was single. It was just soooooooooooo much easier.

Robbys Girl

07-18-2006, 02:27 PM

Try to start cutting back on portions a little bit, start adding more fruits & veggies, get some protein with each meal. That cool that you know a nutritionist, can they give free advice? ;) Make sure your getting 30 mins of exercise everyday. Change things slowly, we all know this doesn't happen everynight. I'm a fitday freak...it makes it easy for me to moniter calories. Maybe you should give it a try... Try to change that frown into a smile!!! :DBelieve me girl I already know what to do, it's just a matter of DOING it :lol2: :lolroll: I'm an old weight loss veteran. And yup I have a fitday profile, I've had that since sheesh maybe 2001?? It's a pain to find all the foods on the list though, sometimes they can be WAY off from what you really ate! I gotta get myself back into using that though! I don't see a nutritionist. I think I need to see a motivationalist :lol: (I just made that occupation up! :lol: )

*Ashley*

07-18-2006, 03:50 PM

I'd like to join in! I have a few extra pounds I gained on vacation that are still there I'd like to get rid of! I'd say my goal is to lose 10 pounds by labor day and all fat. I think that that is just enough for me to get the results I want and not too much :) If I'm happy there, then I'll be good :)

My things to do to reach the goal:

Work out TThFSat mornings -- this is especially important on Thursdays since often everyone wants to meet for happy hour and I'd miss my work out. MW are with my Trainer, Sundays off.
Drink my 8 Glasses of water a day, cut back on diet coke
No sugars or starches or fruit after 3PM
No eating 2 hours before bed
Remember to take my multivitamin!
No cheating!
Remember to eat my 92 grams of protein per day
Try and get back on my 300 calories at a time, eating small meals throughout the day. When not doing that, remember to get most of my calories for the day at lunch!
No candy, and healthy desserts (aka, my yummy spice cake recipe)

Also, for the record -- Kashi GoLean Crunch is like CRACK it's so good. And, 10g of fiber!

QueenElizabeth22

07-18-2006, 04:41 PM

Just wanted to say that I did my Turbo Jam today! YEAH! I loved it....I also tracked down a kickboxing class in my area...well 20 min away, but I think it would be worth the drive because when I was in undergrad I LOVED my kickboxing class so much! They even have a UBC...10 weeks, 6 days a week workout and weight train with a trainer, they do a fitness test and photo before and after and even include a nutrition class, plus a manual, gloves and bands to do the workouts if you HAVE to miss a day. A class starts Sept. 1st and I am seriously considering it! I am not sure though since it seems like a BIG commitment especially since I know that there will be Saturdays that I will miss since I travel to see FH a lot...but I am thinking...maybe big commitment will get big results??

Ashley--glad you are here girl! :) I am gonna for sure try that spice cake recipe you posted...is it any type of spice cake in particular that is best?

Robby's Girl--I have the same problem with motivation...although trying on wedding gowns and having to wear it in front of all those people has helped motivate me...I always find it helps if I have a friend that holds me accountable for stuff...do you have a workout buddy?

Well, I am off to dinner with friends tonight...I will eat healthy though! :) I don't wanna blow a good workout!

Have a good evening ladies! :)

Aurora_K

07-18-2006, 05:32 PM

Today was my day for "ice cream dinner." Light chocolate and coffee ice cream mixed with heath bar mixed. I am in HEAVEN and praising the name of weight watchers because technically, I'm not cheating!!! Hurrah for flex points!!

I got my run in this morning and I realized something. I just seem hotter on the treradmill and I think it's because there's no wind. So, I'm going to try and find a small fan I can take with me to help me stay cool.

MelBel

07-18-2006, 10:45 PM

Ashley~ HI!!! Wow, it looks like you know what you want to accomplish! So what do you eat to get in all that protein?

Queen~ Way to go with getting that workout. Have fun w/ friends!!!

Aurora~ Yummy, I had ice cream to...vent to follow And I found when I exercised inside at the hotel I was so much hotter than when I'm outside. A fan sounds like a good idea.

MelBel

07-18-2006, 10:48 PM

So I totally don't know what my problem was tonight (not that this is the first time I've ever done this) I went into my kitchen at home and ate EVERYTHING I set my eyes on (and some) Yes, I'm being sooooo TOTALLY serious that it's embarrassing. Sigh, I ate everything and everything from marshmellow cream to spahgetti. It was down right humilating but I just couldn't stop...just kept on eating. I should have not have let myself do that. I should have stopped, but it was like I lost all control. :( Tomorrow I'm going to have to cut back on the calories to make up for tonights out of controlness.

Exercise:
1 hour walk
30 min bike ride
1 hour (or so) escape your shape workout

Deidre98

07-18-2006, 10:53 PM

I want to join too! I need all the help I can get!

Short term goal: to lose 10 lbs by labor day

Long term: to lose 60 lbs by my wedding in 2008
exercise more
eat healthier with smaller portions
control the sweet tooth!!!

Kristie

07-18-2006, 11:00 PM

MelBel - The reason you broke down and ate everything in site is because your body is lacking something. Like we've already talked about, you're putting your body into a starvation mode, so when it sees something it wants it'd going to do ANYTHING in it's power to get it.
Try to allow yourself a treat here and there, then you wont get those splurging sessions. :)

lunarmagic

07-19-2006, 01:21 AM

I'm on vacation.... and I'm eating horribly. lol Well not *horribly* - but I'm not really watching what I'm eating and I don't have my lovely low-fat organic foods around to munch on. Oh well. My cousin and I have decided we're going to work out all next week though. (She's 13 and getting a bit pudgy!)

MelBel

07-19-2006, 06:21 AM

Kristie~ I guess, I actually did splurge alot this weekend. And I don't totally not allow myself to have certain things I want...for instance one day a week I"ll have chocolate, weekends I may have something sweet (like cake). But last night, WOW... :lol: I'm feeling better this morning. But still I can't totally lose control like that again. I'm trying to balance my diet out a little better. It's a work in progress...

MelBel

07-19-2006, 06:29 AM

My latest kick...cinnamon. I added it 1/4 teas. to my tea this morning, which makes the tea look so gross. But I can handle it, just have to stir it alot...

(oh and this website is kinda cool)

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=68

How Blood Sugar Levels Affect Weight Loss

When we eat, our bodies convert digestible carbohydrates into blood sugar (glucose), our main source of energy. Our blood sugar level can affect both how hungry and how energetic we feel, important factors when we are watching how we eat and exercise. It also determines whether we burn fat or store it.

Our pancreas creates a hormone called insulin that transports blood sugar into our body's cells where it is used for energy. When we eat refined grains that have had most of their fiber striped away, sugar, and other carbohydrate-rich foods that are quickly processed into blood sugar, the pancreas goes into overtime to produce the insulin necessary for all this blood sugar to be used for energy. This insulin surge tells our body that plenty of energy is readily available and that it should stop burning fat and start storing it.

However, the greater concern with this insulin surge is not that it tells our body to start storing fat. This is because whatever we eat that we don't burn up eventually gets turned into fat anyway. The greater concern is that the insulin surge is followed by a drop in insulin level that leaves us feeling tired and hungry and wanting to eat more. The unfortunate result of this scenario is that it makes us want to eat something else with a high sugar content. When we do, we start the cycle all over again.

What You Can Do

Be aware of the amount of sugar you are consuming in beverages, especially coffee and soda pop. It can add up quickly, and most drinks aren't filling.

Be cautious with "fat-free" products. Sugar is often used to replace the flavor that is lost when the fat is removed.

Be cautious with products labeled "no sugar added." It doesn't mean that the product doesn't naturally contain a lot of sugar.

Sugar comes in many forms, including fructose (from fruit and honey) and high fructose corn syrup. 100% fruit products often contain concentrated fruit juice, still another form of fructose or sugar.
Table sugar (sucrose) is often said to provide "empty calories" because it has no nutritional value other than providing fuel for energy. Honey and other more natural sugars are sometimes considered to be healthier because of the trace vitamins and minerals they provide.

For diet planning purposes, however, all of these forms of sugar can simply be treated as sugar.

It is also important to understand what happens when we skip a meal or go on a crash diet. Our bodies were designed with the survival mechanism of hoarding fat to protect us from famine. When we skip a meal or go on a crash diet, our bodies think they are starving and slow down our metabolism to conserve energy. What is conserved is our fat stores; our weight loss comes mostly from water and muscle.

Regulating your blood sugar level is the most effective way to maintain your fat-burning capacity. Never skip a meal, especially breakfast, and eat healthy snacks between meals. Eating frequently prevents hunger pangs, provides consistent energy, and maintains metabolism efficiency.

When you will be away from home or work, plan your snacks and take them along so that you will be able to eat regularly and won't be tempted by junk food. This may be good advice for people that stay at home, too. But remember that it was probably snacking between meals that caused you to become overweight in the first place. It will be very important that the snacks are healthy; pre-portioned so that you won't be tempted to overeat; and that the meal sizes are reduced to compensate for the additional calories the snacks provide.

High fiber snacks and meals also help to regulate your blood sugar level. The fiber slows down glucose absorption and your rate of digestion, keeping your blood sugar level more consistent and warding off feelings of hunger. This makes eating apples and oranges a better choice than drinking (pulp free) apple and orange juice.

~LeAna~

07-19-2006, 07:29 AM

Can I join too? I need some motivation!!

Short term goal: Lose 10 lbs by labor day
Long term goals:
Lose 40 lbs before my wedding
Incorporate cardio into my daily routine
Just make better food choices (FH makes this very difficult!)

Aurora_K

07-19-2006, 08:18 AM

Welcome LeAna and Deidre!

MelBel - Don't be too hard on yourself. I am a "complulsive eater" (sounds a lot nicer than when I say I have binge eating disorder) and I used to binge A LOT. I know what it feels like to be out of control, even to the point of knowing I need to stop eating, but still downing another entire bag of chips. Luckily I haven't done it in a long time and have learned to control it (partly by not keeping very much ready-made food in the house). But it was a long and slow process. So, don't beat yourself up over doing it once. But to combat it in the future, try to find an activity that completely distracts you from food.

My workout this morning went great!! My cheat and abs are screaming in protest, but they'll get used to it - HAHA!

*Ashley*

07-19-2006, 09:00 AM

Hey y'all, thanks! I work with a trainer, and if I don't lose 10 pounds, as long as I tone up and look how I want to and feel good, I'll be happy -- 10 is just what I think will get me there and help me be healthier :)

MelBel -- it's not easy, LOL, well, at first. I have protein bars and shakes to help, but now that I know pretty much how much protein is in things, I can do it on my own pretty much. Chicken has more protein than beef (33g to 23g), if I eat eggs, a whole egg has 7.2g protein, the egg white has 3.6, etc. If you eat less than a certain portion you have to calculate (by guesstimatng) how many protein grams you got. Also, a LOT of food I eat are hard to calculate because I don't find their exact nutritional content (such as these SCRUMPTIOUS steamed chicken dumplings in the Park Shops by my office downtown).

I use www.caloriesperhour.com

The girls at work make fun of me though because I know how many calories are in almost everything because I look up the fat, etc. in most of the foods downtown so I know what I'm getting into -- they don't like it so much when I told them double doozie's at Great American Cookie Company has 592 calories, LOL.

Robbys Girl

07-19-2006, 09:49 AM

Aurora ~ Go you with your morning workouts!! I succeeded ONCE so far in getting up early to work out. I went for a bike ride, and it was fun, it did start raining, but that was okay I came back soaked :lol: The next morning I tried getting up early, apparently I had shut off my alarm in my sleep that time, so much for that! Then yesterday morning I tried, woke up at 6:30 and thought that was WAY too early, I could sleep another hour and still get a good workout in before work, but then woke up at 8:45 oh well. I'm still going to try, you've definitely been a HUGE motivator for me!!! Thanks for that! :)

Ashley ~ Thanks for posting about www.caloriesperhour.com, I'll be checking it out!!

Robbys Girl

07-19-2006, 10:01 AM

Robby's Girl--I have the same problem with motivation...although trying on wedding gowns and having to wear it in front of all those people has helped motivate me...I always find it helps if I have a friend that holds me accountable for stuff...do you have a workout buddy?
Thanks! I do have a walk buddy. I can get DH to go bike riding from time to time :heee: I like to go jogging by myself though, cause NO ONE ever wants to keep up with me or even go. DH would last all of 4 minutes :lol:

Aurora_K

07-19-2006, 10:42 AM

Robbys Girl - Well, I'm lucky in that I don't have an 8:30 to 4:30 job anymore. So I'm not really getting up early, I'm just getting up and working out first thing!

Jaci

07-19-2006, 01:47 PM

Somebody posted this at another forum that I post on and it makes a lot of sense, and it also offers another explination for why you, MelBel, pigged out without stopping:

There was a study done (don't remember the cites) that show that people who eat whatever they want usually weigh less than those who try and watch what they eat. The reason being multi-fold.

Firstly, people who eat cake, ice cream, pie, and candy any time they want don't feel deprived of it. Therefore, they don't go on 'binges' like those who try to avoid these things do. For example, I eat cake whenever I feel like it. So when someone brings cake into the office I have a small piece, but those in my office who 'diet' end up eating half the cake because they've been depriving themselves. Then they feel guilty, figure they've already blown it for the day, and binge on candy too.

Their guilt not only encourages them to eat more but it then increases their stress. Stress signals the body to store fat. You see the problem there.

Then there's the matter of sugar. If you eat a lot of food that has artificial, low calorie sweetners in them you fool your body. Your body then 'thinks' sweet=low calorie=I can have more of it. So you basically unteach your body how to properly process real caloric sugars. So when you CONSUME real caloric sugars instead of the artificial stuff, your body becomes much more likely to not only allow you to consume more of it but translates more of it into stored fat.

I have seen this in my own family. Those sisters of mine raised by my mother were allowed (within reason) to eat what they wanted. No low fat, artificially flavored stuff. If we wanted a candy bar we went and got a candy bar. Of course, we still had to eat regular healthy meals and such, don't get me wrong. We also weren't forced to clean our plates. If we didn't like something we were not forced to eat it (but we didn't get anything else).

Now, my sisters raised by my stepmother (who is overweight) are all restricted. Low sugar, low calorie everything, they're not allowed to have whole milk (lowfat or skim, always). AND they are forced to clean their plates.

I find it very telling that all my sisters who were raised by my mother are all ideal weights or very thin...and all eat whatever they feel like whenever they feel like it (which includes an amazing range of good foods as well. I personally greatly adore spinach salads).

Whereas all the sisters who are fed healthy foods and artificial sweeteners are all mildly to extremely overweight.

Now, I'm not saying that everyone here should just go out and start stuffing themselves. Nor should you start gorging on stuff that's unhealthy for you. But...and pardon the pun...it's definately food for thought Smile

In other news I went to LA Weight Loss this morning for one of my three weekly weigh ins and I'm down to 160.2!! That's over a 2 pound drop! And I haven't even exercised all week, so this whole healthy eating thing does work! I'm hitting the gym tonight though just to see if I can give my metabolism a boost. I want to see the 150's by Friday!

lunarmagic

07-19-2006, 02:16 PM

Jaci - That makes a lot of sense. I found that was the case when I dieted... I did lose weight but gained it all back afterwards and just was totally stressed out. So this time I'm not restricting myself... just eating smaller portions and being more mindful about choices and not just eating because I'm bored or restless. It did seem to be working. (Until this vacation, LOL) I'm afraid I may have just undone everything I'd done previously. Bah.

Jaci

07-19-2006, 02:20 PM

Natalie, I miss you girl, when are you going to be back regularly?

Aurora_K

07-19-2006, 11:35 PM

Thanks for bringing in that post Jaci. See? My ice cream dinners aren't crazy! Right? HAHAHAHA!!

MelBel

07-19-2006, 11:36 PM

Hi everyone!!!

Thanks for the article Jaci...I really don't not allow myself to have things. I try to eat things I like. I don't know, every once in awhile I just get a crazy for EVERYTHING and then I eat it...ALL. This weekend I had junk food, cake and such and when I'm not eating it at all I don't get cravings. When I do have some I acquire and taste and want everything. But I really do think your should have the foods your like or your going to go crazy!!! (I posted the article in my journal so I would eat it and remind myself to give in every once in awhile...just don't give into all of it at once :lol: )

Ok girls...I jump roped tonight. I didn't know if it was going to be a wimpy workout or not. BUT I ended up going for 30 mins strait. I couldn't believe it. Was sweating like crazy but felt AWESOME!!!!!! I'm still blown away that I could jump that long!!! YAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sorry I'm so excited!!! :D

MelBel

07-19-2006, 11:36 PM

Aurora~ Nope, not crazy...sensible!!! :D

Aurora_K

07-19-2006, 11:40 PM

Finally, someone has called ice cream for dinner sensible . . . That's music to my ears! :hehe:

QueenElizabeth22

07-20-2006, 12:52 AM

MelBel- Way to go...30 min of jump rope would be so hard! :)

Aurora K ---HAHA! I like that too!

I had another good workout today! I went dress shopping for the first time...oh man, that is motivating! :) I loved SO many dresses!! But I just want to make sure I look my best in whichever one I choose!

Question??? What day of the week do all of you ladies weigh-in on?

MelBel

07-20-2006, 06:39 AM

Queen~ Once I got started jumping it really seemed like time flew. Way to go on the workout! I'm sure dress shopping would be SOOOOOOO fun...and motivating!!! :D

QOD: I weigh myself every day...it just helps me keep track better. But my official weigh-in day is Saturday...

lunarmagic

07-20-2006, 07:18 AM

I weigh in on thursday... it's a day I'm *supposed* to go to the gym. I'm not sure what to do today. Mom and dad's little bathroom scale is telling me a really freakin scary number.

Kiki

07-20-2006, 07:59 AM

Don't forget that depending on your altitude, your weight will change. Don't ask me why, but it's true.

Jaci - did I read that right? You want to lose another 10 pounds by Friday??? Oh wait...you want to lose at least .9 pounds to get into the 150s....right? Okay. :lol:

Natalie - count me in the missing you too!!!

Aurora_K

07-20-2006, 08:42 AM

I weigh in on Monday mornings. I used to weigh in on Thursdays so that if I splurged over the weekend, I have several days to do damage control. But I ended up splurging every weekend. So now, I know my weigh in is coming sooner rather than later and I better watch my weekend habits!

I've been planning to have my exercise free day be Saturday, but I think I might take it today. Ed and I saw Rancid last night (they put on an awesome show!) and I just don't recover from concerts like I used to! (Listen to me, you'd think I was 40 or something instead of 26! - HA!)

QueenElizabeth22

07-20-2006, 09:40 AM

Aurora K! I know what you mean...last week FH and I saw Counting Crows and had a wedding on the weekend...I think we are both still recovering and I am 25 and he is 27!! HAHA!!

lunarmagic

07-20-2006, 10:15 AM

Oh but here's a bit of news.... I wore my wedding dress this past weekend for the anniversary party... and it fit!! It was a wee bit snugger than I remember it, but it fit!!

Jaci

07-20-2006, 12:04 PM

hahaha, kiki, yes you read that wrong! I just want to be in the 150's, ANYwhere in the 150's! I couldn't loose 10 pounds in one week if I had a horrific disease probably :P

QOD: I weigh in whenever I go to LA Weight loss, which is about three times a week, but I like to count my "official" weigh-in day as Friday, because then I know that I need to get to LA Weight Loss at the same time every Friday.

I went to the gym yesterday and did half an hour on the elliptical and did a few reps on my abs and my biceps. I just wasn't motivated enough to stay for much longer, but I'm planning on going again tonight.

Robbys Girl

07-20-2006, 12:40 PM

QOD from Queen: I weigh myself every day. Weighing in every day helps keep me in line, and helps keep me motivated for the day, I think regular weigh-ins work better for me than waiting for a weekly weigh-in. Too much anticipation, and I feel like my expectations would be a bit higher if I waited a week.

Robbys Girl

07-20-2006, 12:40 PM

Oh but here's a bit of news.... I wore my wedding dress this past weekend for the anniversary party... and it fit!! It was a wee bit snugger than I remember it, but it fit!!That's awesome!! :banana:

Aurora_K

07-20-2006, 01:24 PM

Well . . . I actually weight myself everyday too . . . I just can't help myself! But the only number that "counts" (that I write down and keep track of) is Monday morning!

Kristie

07-20-2006, 11:47 PM

UGH... my comp is still getting fixed so I'm at my mom's right now......
I'm getting back into exercise (I hardley did anything for about 3 weeks).
I'm still eating pretty bad...but I'll get better :D
I can't wait until I'm back for good.......

Kristie

07-20-2006, 11:49 PM

I'm SOOOoo addicted fudgicles!! :(
I hate a whole BOX! tonight!!! I can't believe it!!!!

MelBel

07-21-2006, 06:27 AM

Kristie~ I'm soooo jealous!!! :lol: It'll be ok, because at least there fairly low calorie. The ones we buy on have 60 calories each. Consider it the same calories if you having a big bowl of ice cream (prob. more cals in the ice cream) Trust me, I know well how sometimes those craving get the best of you! Can't wait til your computers fixed!!! :D

MelBel

07-21-2006, 06:30 AM

Well, wasn't to busy in here as far as posts yesterday. :) My day went well. My supper didn't go as planned because I was only going to have cereal, milk & 1/2 apple. Then I was still extremely hungry and ended up eating a piece of meatloaf and 2 bites of potatoes and a whole wheat fig bar. So I ended up eating around 1500 some calories yesterday (which is good for me). My scales were even down a pound this morning. Still prob. won't be back at 129 this week. But that's ok, I just want to keep it in the general area. Exercise went well to. I had my bike ride, walk & did my escape your shape exercises.

Have a good day everyone!!!

MelBel

07-21-2006, 07:23 AM

Ok, very cool website when it comes to nutrition and what we need to be eating...check out the My Pyramid Plan, you can find tips once you do that. It says I can be eating 2400 calories to maintain my weight. That for my most active days. 2200 on moderatly active days. And 2000 on my no to low active days. WOW!!! I can eat 2000 calores. I think I'd gain if I ate that much even with exercising! Guess it gives me something to work toward...

http://www.mypyramid.gov/mypyramid/index.aspx

Kiki

07-21-2006, 11:03 AM

Kristie - it seems to me that if fudgcicles are your red light food, then I wouldn't buy them by the box. That way if you have a craving for one, at least you have to walk to the store to get one.

I'm being totally bad today. I got a club sandwich (at least it's on brown bread :lol: ) and fries with gravy. BUT I have been drinking loads of water and taking the stairs at work (I'm on the 4th floor) and this weekend I have tons of weeding and gardening to do at my mom's. So I'm splurging now.

Robbys Girl

07-21-2006, 11:10 AM

Kristie ~ I love fudgicles too, man I haven't had one though in a loooooooooooong time, you're tempting me to go out and get some! :lol:

Kiki ~ "brown bread" :lol2: Do you get winded at all going up the stairs? I don't know what it is, I can be on a stairmaster for an HOUR but yet I get so winded going up the stairs at work :dunno:

My exercise hasn't been that great this week; TWO nights this week involved going out with friends and eating BAD foods (wings, fries, bleu cheese, nachos, quesadillas, beer, frozen daquiris :lol: ). I seriously have to AVOID friends altogether if I want to lose this weight! We'll see what this weekend brings, no plans which means LOTS of exercise and eating right and hopefully being able to stay away from the BEER! That's been my biggest weakness thanks to such a great influence, my husband! :lol:

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Aurora_K

07-21-2006, 11:28 AM

I did NOT want too run today but I made myself. I always feel so good when it's all over!! Haha!!

Lorraine - Do your friends know you're trying to lose weight? Maybe they can help support you when you all go out. I know Diet Coke isn't as much fun as a Daquiri, but it's cheaper ($ AND calories).

Jaci

07-21-2006, 11:35 AM

wendy, I was just going to suggest that. Lorraine, you need to announce to everyone that you are trying to loose weight. They might be less inclined to suggest those types of foods while around you, or at least they'll make you feel accountable for what you are about to eat ("Are you sure you are supposed to eat that?") and maybe not allow you to "go in" on the appetizers or something.

I went to the gym last night and did 45 minutes on the elliptical and then this morning I did a 20 minute pilates workout. I didn't get into LA Weight Loss until after 10:30 though, and I had eaten breakfast already, so the scale didn't show a drop :(

I also snuck in a few 'nilla wafers and ginger snaps. I swear if that FH of mine doesn't bring those boxes to work I'm throwing them out and he's not allowed to buy them anymore.

QOD: Does your FH support your weight loss in more ways that verbally stating it? Does he encourage good for you foods when you go out to eat, and try to eliminate sweets from his own diet so that they aren't in the house?

Mine is okay at it, but he's been a real ass *vent* about eating cookies at my house and constantly whining that there is no junk food in the house. I'm getting angry at him just thinking about it.

Aurora_K

07-21-2006, 11:40 AM

QOD: Ed is definitely supportive, but sometimes too much. Sometimes I just need to allow myself to eat a splurge meal and I don't need to heasr him say "You don't really need to eat that." He means well, but sometimes I want to smack him upsode the head! Plus, he's not a small guy, but when he wnats to lose a few pounds, it's easy for him. And he doesn't understand why it's so hard for me.

Kiki

07-21-2006, 11:48 AM

Kiki ~ "brown bread" :lol2: Do you get winded at all going up the stairs? I don't know what it is, I can be on a stairmaster for an HOUR but yet I get so winded going up the stairs at work :dunno:

I used to...but now I'm not that bad. I find I'm getting better. I think it's because there's no hydraulic help with real stairs (and who of us doesn't really cheat a little on stairmasters?)

ETA: My answer to the QOD - Yes, Paul's very supportive. He's constantly making sure I'm drinking water, eating a good lunch, eating breakfast of some sort (toast just doesn't cut it with him), and he likes to eat salads with dinner. He's definitely very very helpful for me.

Robbys Girl

07-21-2006, 01:16 PM

Lorraine - Do your friends know you're trying to lose weight? Maybe they can help support you when you all go out. I know Diet Coke isn't as much fun as a Daquiri, but it's cheaper ($ AND calories).I try not to mention too much about needing to lose weight because friends would look at me like I have two heads :blush: They just wouldn't think I had my head on straight if I wasn't having a beer! :lol: Plus I just can't go out and be spending our money on foods we order if I can't have an alcoholic beverage with it, it would actually ruin my whole dinner, watching everyone else drink but have to sit there with a soda, no can do! :nono: :lol: I CAN though order lesser calorie drinks, and I need to start doing that, you can have a gin and tonic for a lot less calories for example or vodka and tonic. :heee:

Robbys Girl

07-21-2006, 01:20 PM

wendy, I was just going to suggest that. Lorraine, you need to announce to everyone that you are trying to loose weight. They might be less inclined to suggest those types of foods while around you, or at least they'll make you feel accountable for what you are about to eat ("Are you sure you are supposed to eat that?") and maybe not allow you to "go in" on the appetizers or something.Well, I don't go out with the SAME friends every week, we rotate among friends to the point where we'll finally see someone again after several MONTHS! I do try to avoid plans out with friends altogether, which is really the best way for me to eat healthy. That's why I feel a hermit's life will enable me to lose this weight :lol: I think when going out though I will make STRICTLY healthy choices (a lowfat rollup sandwich or healthy big salad and a gin & tonic as opposed to a beer, and just ONE), and I need to remind the husband that I can't keep going out to brewpubs (I have to KEEP reminding him :happysigh: :lol: ).

Robbys Girl

07-21-2006, 01:25 PM

QOD: Does your FH support your weight loss in more ways that verbally stating it? Does he encourage good for you foods when you go out to eat, and try to eliminate sweets from his own diet so that they aren't in the house?

No he doesn't. He's a bad influence :lol: I've told him that I have to lose the fat, and he does realize that, but he doesn't take me seriously because he doesn't think I need to lose weight. He does NOT have snack food around the house, although he will occasionally (once in a blue moon) bring home a pint of Ben & Jerry's. He will suggest going out for a beer, and he will suggest ice cream if we pass an ice cream stand by. He'll bring home beer. When he wants to have a beer at home he will offer me one, I will say NO I can't have a beer and most of the time he'll listen, but other times he will actually SNEAKILY open up a beer in the kitchen in a way that I can't hear him, then come out with the beer knowing I won't let it go to waste :lol: So no he's not very supportive :lol:

lunarmagic

07-21-2006, 03:46 PM

QOD: Yes, Den is really supportive and is also on a diet. :) He requests I buy light foods at the store for him, etc. He does still want some junk food, but *I'm* the big junk food junkie. I don't buy them while grocery shopping so I have to actually drive to the gas station to buy something if I want it. ;) Den cheers with me when I lose weight and while he doesn't exercise with me (I go while he's at work) he's walking every day while at work.

Jaci, I'm sorry your honey isn't on board with you. :(

QueenElizabeth22

07-21-2006, 09:39 PM

QOD: Yes, he is supportive. We actually both set goals for the weight we want to be and told each other, we are also both trying to eat healthy and exercise! I know I want to look my best on my wedding day for both myself and him, so that is a good motivator!!

Unfortunately, today was not the best day for me as I had part of a brownie and a Reese's cup (well two, since they do come in packs of two!! :) ) I did do my Turbo Jam so hopefully that evens it out, back to healthy eating tomorrow (at least during the day...I need to get up early before work to workout as I know I will be partying it up in the evening for Sara's wedding...bgsara16!) :)

ETA: I decided my "official" weigh-in day will be Mondays, but I will probably weight myself most everyday for accountablity!

Have a great weekend everyone! :)

Kristie

07-22-2006, 12:36 AM

QOD: Yes and no. No he doesn't care what he eats. Get this.... he actually said he can eat things like that because they dont affect him the same way as they do for me (ex: make ME fat).
I was a little ticked when he said it, but he didn't mean it the way it came out, and it is true.
I do the grocery shopping though so he's pretty good and not bring home things I shouldn't eat.... but like it matters, I just go out and buy it myself and eat it all before he even knows I bought it!!! :lol: AND :(
how pathetic!

Aurora_K

07-22-2006, 07:37 AM

Oh man, did I overdo it last night!! Ed is out of town so I was on my own. I was meeting someone at 8pm and we were supposed to get some ice cream. So I hardly ate anything during the day. Then my friend changed her mind about ice cream. We hung out for 1.5 hours so by the time I was heading home at 9:30pm, I was starving!! Applebees was on my way home and I got a veggie patch pizza (not great, but not the worst thing I could get) AND onion peels (no redeeming nutritional value whatsoever). <sigh> But it did taste good so no use dwelling. I'm back on the wagon today!

Jaci

07-22-2006, 03:42 PM

I did the same thing Wendy, we went out for Thai and I had a curry bowl that made my eyes water and my nose run (I asked for MILD! Hello?!) so I ended up eating less than half and none of the tofu in it, so I ate what FH didn't eat, but his wasn't as good for me as mine. Well, then I made the mistake of asking about dessert and FH didn't want one but when he heard Fried Banana with Coconut milk ice cream...well you know. So then I topped that all off with a grand rice crispy bar while watching Memoirs of a Geisha.

Today I was good though! I went to the gym, did half an hour on the treadmill (I'm getting SO bored with the treadmill so I hadn't done it in a while, so I"m still doing week four :) ), then an entire hour on the eliptical! I was watching Celebrity Fit Club where are they now, I hardly noticed how long I was on there, except for the fact that my toes were falling asleep! Does that happen to anyone else? So then I did some weight training and now I'm at home to work on my invites.

Kiki

07-22-2006, 09:34 PM

Today I was really good...sort of. :lol:

I skipped breakfast though...not good. But for dinner I had one chicken breast, some salad, veggies and a bit of cheese and crackers and bread. It was yummy. But I did do one hour of gardening today!! And ran after the kids all day. I feel like I've been lifting weights all day. Wait, I have. My 2 year old nephew Ryan!

Jaci

07-23-2006, 02:20 AM

Babysitting is a cardio workout all by itself! I need to go get to my garden. So far FMIL is doing all the work but I was out there tonight and there are quite a few weeds to pull!

Robbys Girl

07-24-2006, 10:32 AM

Jaci ~ Sometimes my toes fall asleep too! That's how bored they are :lol: :lol:

This weekend was really great for me as far as exercise and foods! On Saturday I went for a jog for the first time in a while (muscles a bit sore the following day). Sunday I went for an hour and a half bike ride. I did a lot of walking with DH too.

Had big SALAD with tuna and hard boiled eggs, and a catfish crepe and yogurt on Saturday, made sure to eat just HALF my portions all weekend, although on Sunday I did have one of those HUGE burritos (chicken and zucchini yum!), and a yogurt, also skim milk.

Weight averaged 143-141 for the weekend.

Aurora_K

07-24-2006, 12:09 PM

Weigh in this morning: 169.8. I'M BACK IN THE 160's!!!!!!!!!! Look out 150's, I'm fast approaching!!! Wow, this may be the first challenge where I actuallly make my goal. That is SO exciting for me!

Jaci - My toes fell asleep on the treadmill last night and I thought of you - haha!

Jaci

07-24-2006, 12:51 PM

hahahah, nice :P Maybe your shoes were tied too tight?

I splurged a little bit much over the weekend, and I slept in today (until 10!! Oops!) so I didn't get into LA Weight Loss OR the gym this morning. I do plan on going after work though.

QueenElizabeth22

07-24-2006, 02:45 PM

Hey Ladies! Well, since I decided Mondays are gonna be my weigh in days I stepped on the scale for the official number and it didn't budge...two days ago I was down a pound and a half...so

QOD: Does your weigth fluctuate much from day to day? How much?

Other than that Sara's wedding was a blast, I did take Sat and Sun off from working out though, which is no good! I am going to try to hop on my treadmill tonight after work...and I am trying to drink lots of water today, I think that will be a big key for me!

Sounds like everyone is doing well, keep it up! :)

Kiki

07-24-2006, 02:53 PM

I did a heck of a lot this weekend, but the scale didn't budge. I really think that when I'm mad or stressed that the pounds just stick to me like glue!

Aurora_K

07-24-2006, 03:04 PM

QOD: My weight fluctuates depending on my water intake, Aunt Flow, and if I eat a heavy meal. This is pretty normal for all woman. In fact, I read that when on her period, a woman can experience up to a 13lb fluctuation. That's huge!! This is why I ONLY count what I weigh on Mondays, even though I weigh myself everyday. A good tip for people who watch their weight every day is to average it once a week. That way fluctuations won't matter as much.

Kristie

07-24-2006, 03:31 PM

QOD: Does your weigth fluctuate much from day to day? How much?

Yes! Mine can generally go between 5lbs from the morning to the evening.
So, I weigh myself in the morning :D

My comp should be fixed Tomorrow or Wed at the lastest... I needed a new motherboard!!! :Angry:

I hope to re-join you all soon!!! :)

Jaci

07-24-2006, 03:36 PM

Hurry back Kristie!

QOD: Does your weigth fluctuate much from day to day? How much?

Yup, it's perfectly normal for a persons weight to fluctuate even, as Kristie said, from morning to afternoon. I weight myself in the morning because I know that is when I weigh less. That is also why it's important to weigh yourself at the same time every week, because if you weigh yourself Monday morning then the next week Monday evening, you might not see an accurate representation of what you've lost.

MelBel

07-24-2006, 03:39 PM

QOD: Yeah, weight does fluctuate daily, which is why I pick Sat. for my official day. It all depends on what you ate/drank the day before.

My weekend as far as eating was extremely crappy. I ate loads of junk Fri. through Sat. night. And Sat. night I got hooked up w/ a jar of peanut butter...which I proceed to slap on any food I could find. :lol: I know...it's sad...but I have to laugh at myself!!! Sunday morning I weighed in at a lovely 134.8 and nearly freaked. I was hoping it would be that bad. So I hardly ate on Sunday...I'm trying to remember everything I had...

7/23/06
Breakfast - nothing
Lunch - nothing
Dinner - hamburger w/ bbq sauce on it, apple?, string cheese, oatmeal cream pie, oatmeal cookie (and I'm still missing something) :lol: Talk about learning from the weekend and eating heathier!!! *Sigh*

Exercise was: my squats in the morning and 1 hour walk

Today 7/24/06
B: apple, almonds
S: cauliflower, yogurt
L: meatloaf, green beans, broccoli, green tea, 1 caramel, 2 hershey's kisses
D: turkey burger, 3 egg whites w/ salsa, black beans, whole wheat fig bar, 5 tater tots
I feel like I ate a ton but all that was only 1262 calories!!!

Exercise:
45 squats & 30 other things :lol:

I think I'm going to get ready and go start on my exercise for tonight!!!

Robbys Girl

07-24-2006, 04:06 PM

QOD: Does your weigth fluctuate much from day to day? How much?
Yup my weight fluctuates a lot and often. I usually weigh 3 pounds more in the evenings than I do in the mornings. AF makes me go up 2-3 pounds. I weigh myself every morning. If I've eaten a lot of salty foods the day before or if I've simply eaten a LOT, my weight can go up 3-4 pounds one morning compared to the morning before, and if I've had an especially celebratory pig-out day, my weight will go up 5 pounds! :lol: Around July 4th my weight went up approx 10 pounds :lol: but then two days later I was back down to my original weight.

lunarmagic

07-24-2006, 04:33 PM

I didn't know the morning/evening fluctuation, but I know my weight fluctuates during my cycle. I still haven't figured out a pattern though, lol. This past week I've put on like 5 pounds, but I'm pretty sure they're not (all) permanent. I had a salad for lunch today though... yay... need to stop pigging out. Oink oink.

Aurora_K

07-24-2006, 04:42 PM

The morning/evening fluctuation happens because overnight you're not putting anything into your system, but you are respirating fat out. (Yep, breathing is how you lose fat! That's why cardio works.) Plus, I don't know about you guys, but I always use the bathroom before I weight myself. (Sorry if that's TMI! HAHA)

Jaci

07-24-2006, 05:14 PM

Me too Wendy!

Robbys Girl

07-24-2006, 05:55 PM

I go to the bathroom before I weigh myself too!! Yeah morning weigh-ins are the best because you haven't eaten anything for a full 6-8 hours (assuming you slept that long), or actually 10 hours if you didn't eat 2 hours before you went to bed! So that's a long time! Then throughout the day you eat and drink fluids as normal so of course your weight is up because of that...

QueenElizabeth22

07-24-2006, 08:01 PM

Whew! Good to know I am not the only one with weird weight fluctuations! :) I had a feeling this was pretty normal, but didn't realize how normal it really is! :)

MelBel

07-25-2006, 06:21 AM

Speaking of pigging out...I went to the fair last night. And the damages were
1 snowcone
1/2 pretzal
1 apple covered w/ hot caramel & nuts (don't want to know the calories in that caramel...ugh!!!)

Everything was sooooo yummy. Scales are up a pound from yesterday. :( Hardly got in any of my exercise. :( Worst thing is I'm going back tonight and I already know what I'm getting to eat!!! Ahhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!! This is just a bad week for me food wise. Cause Friday night I'll be at the fair and I AM getting a funnel cake!!! Then my department at work is having a picinic Sat with LOTS of food!!! So I'm not eating all day in order to enjoy myself tonight. I figure I'll get enough calories there in the sandwhich I'll be eating...
1 cheese steak w/ onions & peppers
1 snowcone
1 frozen banana dipped in choc. & nuts (I think, I may change my mind here and get something else for dessert, ice cream maybe)

I'll admit as much as the scales pain me to look at. And really 132.8 isn't that bad, I just want to see 129 again. It's nice to be able to take a week and relax from eating all the healthy stuff and have a little bad for once. I know, that one 2 or even 3 weeks out of the year it isn't going to kill you to eat bad. As long you you make sure to get back to all the good habits the next week!

QueenElizabeth22

07-25-2006, 10:01 PM

Hey MelBel...WHEW, I can relate to the pigging out too! The fair ALWAYS does me in, the food is just WAY too good there...

Ladies, I folded today, I had ice cream...it had been two weeks since I gave it up :( I was doing so well! But as I was driving home to see my mom I passed not one, but TWO Dar-i-ette types of places. I almost turned into the first one, but managed to fight off the craving, then when I saw the second one, I caved...I had a small cookie dough flurry...MY FAVORITE! I did really enjoy it though so I guess that it was worth it...:) I will start over again tomorrow...

On a positive note, I did do the elliptical machine at the gym today! YIPPIE! Hope everyone has a great night!

:)

MelBel

07-26-2006, 07:23 AM

Handled the fair pretty well last night, but only because I didn't eat all day to save up for it. (See my journal for all details! I don't have time to write anything to long here right now!) The food is sooooo good and there's so much to choose from!!!

Good news is I was 130.4 this morning, feels like forever since I've seen 130...

Aurora_K

07-26-2006, 08:07 AM

QueenElizabeth - I eat ice cream for dinner once a week. It sounds insane, but I LOVE ice cream and this keeps me from eating it any other time. I always know that I'll be able to have it soon, so I can hold out, you know? Also, I can plan for it. For instance, tonight is my ice cream night. So, I had a light breakfast and I'll have a light lunch. The ice cream calories will fit in just fine and I won't feel like I made an unhealthy, impulsive choice.

Has anyone tried No Pudge brownies? I've known of them for years, but never bought them. Well, I made them yesterday. They're fat free and I figured that while they would satisfy a chocolate craving, they probably would only be mediocre in taste and texture (like many other "low cal" versions of tasty treats). Boy, was I wrong!!! These are awesome!!! SO fudgy and tasty and amazing!!!! I can't wait to try the cappucino version!

Tomorrow I leave for my week and a half vacation. I'm nervous, but determined to stick with my plan.

Kiki

07-26-2006, 09:47 AM

I know this week isn't a good one for me. Someone in the office is selling those dreaded c* bars for fundraising, and I went to see Pirates last night and of course you can't see a movie like that without goodies. And as I sit here and type, I'm munching on sunflower seeds in the shell. I can't help it! I'm stressed out this week! Only 3 days to go to vacation, but I'm stressing about the weather, our equipment, the food, the clothes, everything. It's crazy!

MelBel

07-26-2006, 10:47 AM

Aurora~ I think that eating ice cream for dinner once a week is a great idea!!! I think everyone should pick a favorite food they can't live without and plan to eat it once a week! As far as vacation...can you make up some sort of menu to follow that way you can kinda keep track of what your eating? Or grab a notebook and write it down. I'm sure you'll do great. It's vacation, relax, have fun!!!

Kiki~ Wow, it must be vacation time! I'm so jeaouls you guys. I'm sorry your stressed so much. Maybe grab some veggies to crunch on... don't feel the need to buy the candy. Or maybe just buy 1. :) You will make it through this! And remember a couple bad days isn't going to hurt you...just get up and back to some healthy habits!

Robbys Girl

07-26-2006, 10:54 AM

QueenElizabeth ~ An ice cream treat every now and then is actually NEEDED in order to maintain sanity! ;)

Aurora ~ That's a GREAT way to plan in order to treat yourself to ice cream each week! :up: WOW those brownies sound AWESOME! :lick:

Kiki ~ Sunflower seeds are a good snack on a diet aren't they? I always thought they were anyway!

Yesterday was my day to bike ride. I went for a good hour and 15. I feel like I should go OVER an hour because a good part of the time I'm just sitting there coasting, or not really peddling hard. I chose a route that included a hill that kinda knocked me on my ass so I was happy :lol:

Yesterday I had lunch with a friend and splurged (chicken quesadillas with refried breans and sour cream on the side). But I made sure to eat light the rest of the day, and I made sure to add a salad with that, NO dressing just extra salsa :thumbsup:

Kristie

07-26-2006, 09:18 PM

purple_octopus

07-26-2006, 09:52 PM

Okay, I know I'm late to get in on this, but can I be a straggler? There's still about five and a half weeks until Labor Day, and I'd like to lose 10 lbs if I can. I hate trying to lose weight (I work out and try to eat reasonably as it is), so maybe this public announcement of my intentions will help me to actually do it.

I never watch every little thing I eat, but I do think about what I put in my mouth. I hardly ever eat white pasta or bread (always whole wheat or multi grain). I do eat white rice, but not often. I eat lots of veggies, some fruits. I am going to be more conscientious about portions, and start counting calories to make sure I'm not eating more than I think I am.

I lift weights, but hate cardio. I just started a break from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which I was training 4+ days a week (2-3 hours per session) to 1) save money for the wedding, and 2) avoid all of the usual bruises I have all over, and any potential broken teeth or black eyes. I would hate to have a black eye or emergency dental work for my wedding. This is part of my problem, as I know I'm not burning near the amount of calories as I am used to. Since I'm not getting this sort of cardio exercise, I need to start doing the boring, slam-my-head-against-the-wall-repeatedly kind on the eliptical and treadmill. This will be my weak point. I can go lift weights for hours, but I have to force myself through the first 15 minutes on the eliptical. After that, I do okay. It's the first 15 minutes where I count each and every friggin' second on the timer, and talk myself through the next thirty seconds. Am I the only one that does this? Is there something wrong with me that I can handle bruises and choke holds, and wrestling with guys twice my size, but I'm afraid of a treadmill? I do have bag gloves and a heavy bag, so I can maybe alternate with that. Although I know I don't get as good a cardio workout because I tend concentrate more on form and less on my heart rate, etc.

Short Term Goals

30 minutes per day on the eliptical, increase by 5 minutes every other day until I get to 45 minutes. Maybe an hour, but let's not kid ourselves.

Continue to lift weights 3-4 times per week. Because I have to be at the gym every day now anyway, I might break this up so I'm doing upper and lower body on alternating days.

Watch portions and count calories to make sure my portions don't get out of control.

Drink more green tea. Try to replace at least one cup of coffee in the morning with green tea.

Aurora_K

07-26-2006, 10:13 PM

Well, I didn't have my ice cream for dinner. Why? Because I had cake for lunch! I just started working with a wedding coordinator and she took me to meert our baker today. What I didn't know in advance was that she set up a tasting for me. It was just a few very small pieces, but I figured I'd better count that as my ice cream/dessert meal.

Welcome Purple Octopus!! I count the minutes I'm on the treadmill too! Maybe you could get a good workout video (like kick boxing or something) that would be a little more interesting.

I leave in the morning for my trip home to StL, then to volunteer at camp, and then to Columbus, OH for a wedding. I'll try to be on the computer now and again, but I won't be fully available until August 6th. Wish me luck sticking with the diet and exercise!!

QueenElizabeth22

07-26-2006, 10:26 PM

WELCOME PURPLE OCTOPUS...just jump on into the conversation! :)

Aurora K, I love the ice cream for dinner idea...I might have to try that...ice cream is seriously my downfall, but I think you are right...if I KNOW it is coming in a few days I can resist...and planning around it for the rest of the day is a good idea!

Kristie-Sounds like an interesting diet!

Robby's Girl- Way to go on the bike ride!! Over an hour seems like a lot...I heard somewhere that three miles biked is eqaul to one mile of running in burning cals...not sure if this is true or not, but I thought I would throw it out there!

:)

Jaci

07-26-2006, 10:41 PM

:(

So I haven't been doing very well lately. I had pizza yesterday (an almost today but luckily my grandpa didn't order and cheese or veggie pizza) but then I only ate carrots and a little debbie snack for dinner. :(

I've eaten cookies and ice cream lately too.

Tomorrow, if I'm not better tomorrow, I give you permission to yell at me okay?

In fact, yell at me right now, do it, go ahead! I only have 7 weeks left!

MelBel

07-26-2006, 11:17 PM

Jaci~ Consider those last few days to be a break and now GET BACK TO THE HEALTHY EATING I KNOW YOU KNOW HOW TO DO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:lolroll: You've been such an encouragement to me and I know you can do it! Wow, 7 weeks, it's coming fast. No matter what I know your doing to look beautiful!!! Most importantly avoid those sweets (hard to resist little debbie though! :hehe: ) I know for a fact that eating cookies and ice cream isn't going to kill the diet...I've had enough junk this week and I'm still doing o.k. So it'll be all good...you know to eat healthier tomorrow, so now, lets see ya do it! :hug99: :ovation:

Jaci

07-26-2006, 11:31 PM

Thanks Mel! I needed that!

*Ashley*

07-26-2006, 11:34 PM

I've done good the past couple of days but today I woke up with a crick in my neck that got progressively worse. I rescheduled Arnold (trainer) for tomorrow and I'm getting a 20 minute massage tomorrow from the guy our office pays for to see if he can get it to feel better, oye. Needless to say, I didn't work out.

I stayed within my calories though and I've been drinking a TON more water!

Robbys Girl

07-27-2006, 08:40 AM

HELLO AGAIN LADIES! My computer is back up and running!! :)

I've been reading this new "diet" book and I've started the diet inside.
It's actually a REALLY intersting book.... It's called The Natural Makeover Diet.
It's basically telling you to eat naturally.
It starts off with a 5 day "cleasnse". I'm on day one and it's hell. Nobody else would think but for someone like me that LOVES carbs and sweets, it been TOUGH!!
For 5 days you eat Fruits, Vegtables, Eggs, Egg Whites, Nuts, Lean Protiens. You cannot eat any wheat or dairy.
Its to help your body clean itself since it's tought to do when your consuming dairy and wheat products.
Anyhow.... I HIGHLY recommend this book.... it's a must read....... Pick it up at your library and you wont be disapointed!

So... Since I've been back I'm still at the weight I was before I left.
I hope this "cleanse" and new "diet" will help me lose some :DI might want to try this!! I've been wanting to do some sort of healthy 'cleansing' diet for a few days myself, that's good to know that your body can't really do that when you're eating dairy/wheat products. What is it about dairy and wheat foods that cause your body not to be able to 'cleanse' itself so to speak?

Go you with this diet, I know you can do it! It sounds good! I'll have to look for the book!

Robbys Girl

07-27-2006, 08:45 AM

Robby's Girl- Way to go on the bike ride!! Over an hour seems like a lot...I heard somewhere that three miles biked is eqaul to one mile of running in burning cals...not sure if this is true or not, but I thought I would throw it out there!Thanks!! That's good to know! :heee:

Robbys Girl

07-27-2006, 08:46 AM

Welcome Heather (Purple)! I just realized that we still have quite a bit of time before Labor Day (our goal!)! I'm glad you joined us! I sometimes have to talk myself into exercising, sometimes it's an internal argument back and forth :lol: but once I'm actually doing it I'm okay. Think about how GREAT you feel AFTER you completed the workout, just keep reminding yourself of that, that's what I do, and that gets me more motivated to just DO it.

Jaci

07-27-2006, 11:45 AM

I might want to try this!! I've been wanting to do some sort of healthy 'cleansing' diet for a few days myself, that's good to know that your body can't really do that when you're eating dairy/wheat products. What is it about dairy and wheat foods that cause your body not to be able to 'cleanse' itself so to speak?

Go you with this diet, I know you can do it! It sounds good! I'll have to look for the book!

You'd also really want to cut out meat proteins in order to do a "true cleanse" since well, meat isn't digested well (that's the nice way to put it).

I'm going good today so far, I went to the gym and did half an hour on the treadmill then for lunch I ate qdoba a grilled veggie burrito with not very much rise, no cheese no sour cream, black beans, and a small amount of guacomole. I'm very full so I probably should have only eaten half, but just looking at the willpower I had by saying no to rice, cheese, sour cream, and a ton of guac, go me!

I weighed myself at the gym this morning also, and I'm not up after my horrendous few days! We'll see for sure tomorrow at LA weight loss though.

Robbys Girl

07-27-2006, 01:01 PM

Well it's digested well (lots of nutrients and good protein), but it's digested slowly! I was actually thinking of doing a 2 day fast or something like that. What kind of fasts do you do? I don't think I would do the kind or length of time that you do your fasts but what are your fasts like, Jaci?

Kiki

07-27-2006, 03:01 PM

QOD: Does stress affect your weight noticeably?

When I'm stressed I can put on 5 lbs almost instantly but then lose it just as quickly when I'm not stressed. Anyone else like that?

Robbys Girl

07-27-2006, 03:13 PM

QOD: Does stress affect your weight noticeably?
I actually LOSE weight if I'm stressed. If I'm stressed about something I DON'T eat. I think of food as enjoyment and I can't enjoy myself if I'm upset about something. For some reason being stressed out seems to burn calories or something for me too, plus I'm more likely to get sick (catch a cold, compromised immune system) if I'm REAL stressed.

Jaci

07-27-2006, 03:17 PM

QOD: I haven't noticed the stress fluctuations, but maybe it's because I'm just always stressed?

Lorraine, I do two different types of fasts/detoxs. One is a two day juice and protein fast (which I think is basically used to kick start your digestive systems) using non meat proteins for myself, but you can use any sort of meat proteins. The juice concentrate I get from LA Weight Loss and I drink 32 oz of that a day, along with 64 oz of water, then I eat 6 oz (total!) of protein (either egg whites, egg beaters, or tofu) a day, along with two cups of raw veggies.

The other one, which is probably one you remember, is a complete water detox. It starts with two prep days where no meat, dairy, or carbs are allowed, then three days where it's water, supplements, and lemon-maple syrup water, then slowly add more foods after that. I've only done that once. It's such a strict detox though, that it can make you sick (they say it's because your body is drawing out toxins from your cells, so you get sick with the same illness you had months or years before. In my case I ended up with strep throat the first time and had to stop the detox.).

Kristie

07-27-2006, 03:34 PM

Lorraine: Wheat products and Dairy is hard on the digestive tract so your body basically works overtime.
Jaci: Lean meats are good (Chicken, Turkey and Fish) but your suppose to limit your meat intake to I believe 3 times per the 5 day cleanse.

For those intersted...
Here is the doctors site:
http://www.drjoey.com/

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0470836709/102-2980178-7775324?v=glance&n=283155

Robbys Girl

07-27-2006, 04:13 PM

Thanks Jaci and Kristie!

Aurora_K

07-27-2006, 11:24 PM

Jaci - I've been thinking of doing a strict detox myself. Is there anywhere online that talks more about it? If you're not eating meat, dairy or carbs, what exactly do you eat? And what exactly is the water mixture (how much syrup and lemon?). I've actually thought that maybe I'd wait and do this when I hit a plateau (cause I know I will at some point!)

Well, I'm back in St Louis now and getting used to central time again - haha!! I didn't get any exercising in today (check out my journal for the full fire alarm fiasco and how it kept me from running). But I did eat pretty well AND go out with friends. We went to Buffalo Wild Wings (if you don't have these near you, it's a sports bar type place that has 12 different sauces and a bunch of sifferent chicken items to eat them with - wings, boneless wings, strips, etc). Well, they have what they call "Naked Tenders" which are chicken strips without the breading (so basically, strips of grilled chicken). So I got those and my sauce on the side. I used very little sauce so I had an amazingly hewalthy meal for being out at a sports bar. AND I resisted the urge to drink. Go me!!!!!

lunarmagic

07-28-2006, 10:39 AM

I am so excited!! I went to the Y today to swim laps, and as usual I weighed myself when I got my bathing suit on.... my usual weigh-in day is thursday, but yesterday I was travelling so it wasn't really an option. And... it says 138! YAY! I think my mom's scale was wrong..... but either way, the scale at the pool is what I've been using every week, so it that means I have only put on 1 lb over our vacation. :D

I went shopping today... I couldn't believe what a difference from two years ago. My cart used to be a typical college girl's food.... lots of junk, microwavable stuff, etc. Now my cart was almost all organic foods, fruits, veggies, some carefully selected low-fat other items.

And I must say - it feels GREAT to be back home where I have all my healthy snacks at my fingertips! My parents' house is just a huge landmine... chips in the cupboard, chocolate in the fridge, low-fat nothing, whole-grain nothing. It was aweful... and I couldn't stop eating it all.

Robbys Girl

07-28-2006, 10:46 AM

Aurora ~ That's GREAT that that wings place has that option (grilled chicken) YUM!! We have a wings place near us with all different kinds of flavors, but lemme tell ya, NO WAY I could be there and NOT have a beer, that's just impossible! :lol: Go you!

Natalie ~ WOO HOO for 138 that's great! Isn't it funny how your cart is so different now than a year ago? It's funny to look at it like that and remember the habits from before. What did you weigh back then if you don't mind my asking? Congrats for a healthier lifestyle! That's what this is all about, not just a temporary "diet" :)

Yesterday was a GREAT day for me! I ate reasonable portions, spread out throughout the day and I'm making myself have BREAKFAST now!! I'm amazed at myself! I used to sit there and cram in my meals between 12 or 1pm to 5pm which leaves too big a window (around 20 hours!!) having NOTHING to eat except for the coffee I have in the morning. That's no good. So I'm making sure to have something in the morning and spread out my meals more, and have some snacks in between.

I got in one hour and 30 minute bike ride! It was fun because I had my headsets with me and listening to music sure makes exercise more enjoyable. Especially when you're outside biking or jogging! Tonight's exercise will be jogging! Even if it does rain, which it's supposed to.

I'm down to 141 and if I look at my charts, it means I've lost 2 pounds in the past week! Not bad! :thumbsup: Only 3 more pounds to go to reach my Labor Day goal!

MelBel

07-28-2006, 11:02 AM

I'm having a chocolate MELTDOWN!!!!!!!!!!!! :( The stress totally made me cave!!! Good-bye 129!!! :lol: Sigh...

Jaci

07-28-2006, 11:11 AM

Mel, I totally want chocolate right now! I need to get into LA Weight Loss, I'm supposed to eat two protein-starch bars a day, so I always get caramel chocolate crunch, sooooo good!

Wendy, here is the detox program that I went through. It's $60 and there is enough supplements to detox twice, plus the book that explains everything: http://mlis-online.com/nu_products-detox.html

purple_octopus

07-28-2006, 11:25 AM

I love these:
http://www.ghirardelli.com/products/images/squares_dark60.jpg

But then, I love dark chocolate. It's not bad for you if you can only eat one.

MelBel

07-28-2006, 12:17 PM

Well, I think I just had enough chocolate for me and all of you guys to... :( Noticed I'm no longer laughing. I mean, it's o.k. As long as I don't do this to often. I really am (weather permitting) going to try and jump rope tonight now. It's all I can think of that burns alot of calories...and trust me, I need to burn alot!!! I cannot believe myself! I can't let stress do that to me... I need to be strong. That's my problem. I'm the type that can't stop at one...of anything, cookies, chocolate, cake...whatever...if it's sweet...I'm going to eat a ton of it. :( I'm going to try and be REALLY good at the picinic tomorrow. I'm not going to eat any bread. And there will be veggies and fruit. I'm taking water to drink so as to not have soda and fruit juicies. Now stuff like, baked beans, deviled eggs, pasta salad, broccoli salad, taco salad, I'll have small spoonfuls of. Not really interested in mac n' cheese as that is very high calories. I'll eat a burger, possibly a hot dog. I'm starting to think the whoopie pie is out of the question. I'll have to see what's there for desserts. I'm trying to have a game plan. We'll see if I can stick with it. After today I'm not really sure of my will power for the weekend. I did have enough calories today saved for a baked potato and funnel cake at the fair tonight. Now I'm thinking it's back to splitting a funnel cake w/ my friend and no baked potato. We'll see how the scales look. I'm starting to get mad at myself!!!

I think I need a pep talk and some encourgement!!! I'm starting to really come down hard on myself. (you seriously have no idea how much chocolate I ate and I'm really embarrassed to say...prob. like 750 calories worth, maybe more...yes really trully I'm sure at least that much...when I go crazy I go crazy and choc. is so high calorie.) I'm in SAD shape right now!!! :( Did I mention the combos & a hard pretzel? That's like a total of 1000 calories there... along with what I've already eaten today and half a funnel cake it would be like 1600 calories, with the whole funnel cake 1800.

purple_octopus

07-28-2006, 12:30 PM

Mel, you can't be so hard on yourself. What's worse: being overweight and unhappy, or being skinny and food-obsessed and unhappy? They both sound pretty crummy to me. How about you eat a baked sweet potato for dinner (MUCH healthier than a white one)? Split the funnel cake with your friend, but maybe ask for just a half-sized order to begin with (so you're only eating 1/4). You excercise a lot, you're doing great, and on the whole you are making smart food decisions. Don't beat yourself up over some chocolate (which, by the way, has good antioxidants -- so it's not all bad). Remind yourself that you are doing all of this because YOU LOVE YOURSELF.

MelBel

07-28-2006, 12:56 PM

Thanks Heather? ~ I was just looking at these word magnets that I can switch and swap here at my desk...here's what they say...

I am unique, funny, beautiful & good. Being me is happy & fun. I will always have a real beauty and can love my body...

I think I need to read that more often!

I did not screw up my day, if I'm figuring the calories right, but most of my calories came from junk! And I don't think I can get a baked sweet potato at the fair. Sounds good though...

MelBel

07-28-2006, 12:57 PM

Oh it's much worse to be skinny and food obcessed!!! I KNOW!!! :( It's something I'm really working on. I have a friend (Richard) who is constantly telling me to relax and take a day off.

Robbys Girl

07-28-2006, 01:04 PM

I love these:
http://www.ghirardelli.com/products/images/squares_dark60.jpg

But then, I love dark chocolate. It's not bad for you if you can only eat one.:lick: I love those too!

lunarmagic

07-28-2006, 07:20 PM

MelBel - Just let it go as one of those freak incidents. ;) Everyone has a pig-out day once in a while... I know I sure do.

Robbys Girl - I was only 144lbs, but I just started a few weeks ago. Well, I think I was 142 a few weeks ago, but my highest point in the past few months is 144 - I blanched when I saw that. (I used to be 110lbs, "back in the day") I was worried I was going to be right back up there after this vacation!

QueenElizabeth22

07-28-2006, 08:51 PM

Hi Gals...this is just a fly by! I wanted to say hi and tell everyone to have a great weekend..

Since my weight in day is on Monday I am trying to have a healthy weekend! :) I did a good job this week exercising, and last night I ate off the Weight Watchers menu at Applebee's when I went out!! WOO HOO!! I am hoping to get in a workout before going to work tomorrow and hopefully will see the scale go down a bit! :)

Funny that you all were talking about the detoxing, I was thinking of trying it after we get our engagement photos taken next week (I was going to wait because I heard you break out from it???) I did a search on "The Master Cleanse" on Google and a lot of good websites came up...if anyone is thinking of doing it and wants a buddy, let me know!

Bye for now! :)

Jaci

07-28-2006, 10:27 PM

I would so do that with you, except I can't for the next six weeks. I've heard you can break out from it too, and you generally don't feel all too well from it either, but I didn't break out when I did it (though I felt like crap :P)

QueenElizabeth22

07-28-2006, 11:06 PM

Hey Jaci...we can shoot for doing it then, if it makes you feel crappy then I should probably wait a few weeks too...I start school in a few weeks and want to get into the swing of things and get used to that schedule before I try something intense like this...and I totally understand you wanting to wait until your wedding!! :) :)

We will have to remember that we both want to try it then! :) I would be so happy to have a buddy, especially since you have done a detox like that before! Anyone else want to join in?

Jaci

07-28-2006, 11:51 PM

That is a great idea, it's definitely nice to have a buddy for these types of things.

MelBel

07-29-2006, 08:14 AM

Ok girls, despite the chocolate bingeing I was 128.4 this morning!!! YAH!!! I'm back down to my lowest weight. Now let's see if I can ruin that today at the picinic!!! :lol: I plan to make smart food choices (plan to) but I'm going to enjoy myself to...after all like I said it's horrible to be skinny and food obcessed...

QueenElizabeth22

07-29-2006, 09:45 AM

Mel Bel-HOORAY FOR YOU!!!! :)

MelBel

08-01-2006, 08:20 AM

Wow, where'd everyone go? I'm still hanging in here...

QueenElizabeth22

08-01-2006, 09:12 AM

Hey I am here...did everyone else disappear? :) I am just off to do a workout...scale didn't go up or down for me this week, just in the same spot...

lunarmagic

08-01-2006, 09:14 AM

Me, AF came, and she brought her elves Cranky, Whiny and Depressed. So me? Mmmmm, junk food. :P

I'm starting a new job today.... so hopefully that will overall keep me more active. :)

Jaci

08-01-2006, 09:35 AM

I'm still here, I just had quite the horrendous weekend. I'm going into LA Weight Loss tomorrow, we'll see what the scales say.

MelBel

08-02-2006, 06:37 AM

So it sounds like everyone's weekend was the same! For me it included lots of eating...getting sick...not once but twice...once I threw up (which I hate) and then it was on to diarrea a couple days later (sorry TMI I know). But today I seem to be all back to normal. I'm going to "try" and stop counting calories because I think I'm past that point of my diet. I'm on to just eating heathier and going by what the scales say. I'll still keep track of what I'm eating though. Which today I'm not to sure. I have a friend and he told me I just HAD to make nachos! So that's what my lunch is, tortilla chips, cheese, ground chicken w/ taco seasoning, tomates, jalapenos, lettuce, salsa, a little sour cream (fat free). Most of that stuff is low calorie so I think it'll be ok.

And I've found the perfect way to make oatmeal. Take 1/2 cup of oats and add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and, well, directions say 1 cup of water...I only use 3/4 cause I like mine thicker. Microwave for 2 1/2 mins. Then add a teaspoon of peach jelly and microwave for 30 seconds longer. Mix well and add some sliced peaches to the top and you have a mock peach cobbler (or so it tastes to me! :) )

B- oatmeal w/ peach jam, peach
S- apple, cinnamon graham animal cookies
L- nachos, blueberries
D- all bran, milk
Calories 1237 :lol: and I just said I wasn't counting calories!!! And I'm really not...I was just curious what today's would be with the nachos. I'm thinking it'll probably be closer to 1500 cause the nachos I added on fitday didn't have all the ingrediants that mine have. 28% fat 51% carbs 21% protein.

It's become clear to me that I can now eat junk food and still maintain 130 pounds (or around there). I'm not sure if that's a good thing for me to realize or if it's bad! I'm still happiest when my weight is 128 pounds though!

Jaci

08-02-2006, 11:34 AM

Mel, that sounds delicious!

I did my two day detox quicky and was rewarded at LA Weight loss this morning, I'm officially in the 150's! I'm at 159.4! Woohoo!

Course, today is also the day Aunt Flo finally visited me (and a horrendous Aunt she is, grr! ) so I'm feeling totally crappy and I didn't want to get up this morning because of cramps but I did, I got up and actually went to the gym! It did make me feel better for a little bit (though the cramps are enough to bring me to my knees right now) but I'm still proud for getting up and going.

GAHHH!

Kristie

08-02-2006, 12:52 PM

I've started Turbo Jam the other day, so I'm hoping there will be some changes. BUT I'm leaving on holidays tomorrow and I will be gone for about a week.
I can tell already I wont be eating great! Driving and anniversary parties dont = good foods.

See you all when I get back!

MelBel

08-02-2006, 01:09 PM

Jaci~ It was good! :lol: WOO HOO for the 150's!!!

Kristie~ Yeah, driving in a car means one thing...snack food!!! Pack fruit and veggies to snack on. Have FUN!!!

Kiki

08-02-2006, 07:55 PM

Howdy gals! Back from camping! Did lots of hiking, kayaking and some swimming. Ate pretty well, but I'm going to wait until tomorrow to weigh myself, since we got in late in the afternoon, and I've always weighed in the a.m. or the early afternoon.

MelBel

08-03-2006, 06:22 AM

KiKi~ Sounds like you had a really great time!!! Good luck on the weigh-in!!!

Robbys Girl

08-03-2006, 11:12 AM

Hey everyone! How's everyone doing in this heat and humidity!??? For exercise I've mostly been biking. It's really not a bad exercise to do in the hot weather. I jogged on Sun or Mon evening but then been biking or just relaxing otherwise. I've been doing well with food portions this entire week and I've cut WAY down on take-out lunches which can add up money and calorie wise. So I'm happy to be disciplined about that. Planning out my lunches makes it easier. Since DH and I will be celebrating our anniversary I might go ahead and try to get an hour or so bike ride in tonight, since I'm not sure how much exercise I'll get over the weekend. We'll see!

Jaci

08-03-2006, 11:27 AM

that's an excellent update! Glad to hear you are getting things under control :)

The heat and humidity doesn't do much for me, I mostly stay inside. It's okay though, I can go to the gym and stuff where it is cool.

Kiki

08-03-2006, 06:07 PM

I could just cry....I just downloaded my pictures from camping... :mope: :bawling: - I hate how I look in my camping pictures. I'm so embarassed... I only gained 2 pounds but I still look huge and I'm so upset now because it's apparent that I'm not making headway in my looks. :caught:

Jaci

08-03-2006, 08:50 PM

:( I'm so sorry Kiki, I know exactly how you feel. I felt the same way when I looked at my photos from Scotland. That's when I realized I had gained so much weight and that was at my top weight. You know what though? No matter what you are still down 5 pounds so far. You can keep going!

QueenElizabeth22

08-04-2006, 08:05 PM

Kiki-

I know how you feel girl! Sometime I look at photos and just think "YUCK-O" But, like Jaci said you ARE making progress...sometimes it is just hard to see because losing weight the RIGHT way takes time...

Remember we are our own worst critics and try not to be too tough on yourself! :) :) You can do it!

Kiki

08-04-2006, 08:24 PM

Thanks girls. I was so blue after seeing them, but this morning I put on jeans that I had on when we were on our honeymoon that didn't fit last fall. Now they do. I guess it's the camera. And I need a better bathing suit. For a gal with nearly DD, I need good support to make the gals stand at attention and make me look thinner.

Jaci

08-04-2006, 11:05 PM

Yes Kiki! I know exactly what you mean! Unfortunately for me, when I've got enough support up there it seems like I have really broad shoulders, so I can't win either way :\

I ate a few too many peanut butter cookies. They were good, but I have to think, was it really worth it? Usually I'd laugh it off and say yes, but no, I don't think it was. My stomach is queasy, I feel really guilty, and I ruined my diet for the day. It's crunch time for me, and I keep taking two steps forward and then one step back. I need more discipline!

Last night I was pulling weeds in my garden and went to get in the shower afterwards and I felt my neck pop. I pretty much couldn't turn my head at all last night and this morning, thankfully it's loosened up some throughout the day, but it kept me from the gym. It better be better by tomorrow, or I'll be pissed.

MelBel

08-05-2006, 07:48 AM

Kiki~ Your doing great hon. Don't get down, keep exercisising...it is a slooooow process! But you can do it!!!

Jaci~ I hear ya, I do that all the time...I eat all this sweet stuff and then I feel sick. I mean, I know what I end results are going to be if I keep eating it..but I start and can't stop! HOPE YOUR NECK IS BETTER!!!!!!!

MelBel

08-05-2006, 08:06 AM

Ok, here's some #'s on myself that I ran across...

160.0 lbs - March of 2000 when I first ran across this website
140.0 lbs - Dec of 2000 - I was in a friends wedding
150.0 lbs - Sep 2003
157.0 lbs - Nov 4th 2003
156.0 lbs - Dec 2003
???.? lbs - 2004 I know I have #'s somewhere
156.0 lbs - I think my highest 2005 weight, 148 was my lowest
151.2 lbs - Dec 2005
150.6 lbs - Jan 1st 2006
148.4 lbs - Feb 1st 2006
149.4 lbs - Mar 20th 2006
148.8 lbs - Apr 11th 2006
145.2 lbs - May 6th 2006
139.6 lbs - Jun 3rd 2006
133.4 lbs - Jul 1st 2006
127.6 lbs - Aug 5th 2006...Lowest weight of this year!!!

I just wanted to post this to say...it's a slow process...your not always going to succeed. But stick with it eventually something will click and you'll lose the weight. I've struggled over the past couple of years. But I'm young and said I can do this!!! Determination is the key...will power also helps! :lol:

Don't ever give up girls you can do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D

lunarmagic

08-05-2006, 10:47 AM

Kiki, the true test is the clothes. :) So you're doing good!! Keep it up! And bathing suits are simply evil.

Jaci - Don't beat yourself up. It happens. I hate that feeling though too - the "I don't really know why I ate that, it wasn't even all that good." I'm really having to teach myself to short-circuit the eating process, especially when I'm watching TV, or I just keep eating. Frequently now I'll stop and think, "I'm not even enjoying this", and toss it. It's so hard though!!

MelBel - WOW, good for you!! You give me hope. :D I will freak out if I get below 130. LOL!

Jaci

08-05-2006, 10:52 AM

Thanks Mel and Natalie.

Natalie, I haven't gotten to the point where I can toss something yet, at least, not without that one last bite (that I don't need). And come to think of it, the cookies weren't even that good :\

I'm on track today. I'm photographing a wedding later, so I'm not sure what I'm going to do for dinner, but I'll make sure I have good stuff around me and not bad.

lunarmagic

08-05-2006, 11:00 AM

Lucky duck, photographing a wedding! Okay, that's another whole topic. ;)

It wasn't easy teaching myself to leave it. My husband is the WORST. I realized I really have to watch how much I cook for him because if it's on his plate he WILL eat it, no matter if he's feeling sick or if it's too much or whatever. :( (He's dieting too.)

Jaci

08-05-2006, 11:14 AM

Oh, you are going to hate my FH (hehehe, I almost said DH :) ), he eats until he's full, and not bursting at the seems full, he just eats until he's satisfied and then stops. He doesn't clean his plate and doesn't care if he finishes...then of course, I eat his leftovers.

That's a big problem with me too, so I'm going to start trying to only eat as much as FH does.

I swear, I will never make my kids clean their plates.

QueenElizabeth22

08-06-2006, 07:41 PM

Hey Gals-

Well this hasn't been the best week for me eating-wise...my Grandma passed away on Monday and of course I didn't have much time or motivation to work out and as always with funerals there is tons of food everywhere, so of course feeling low I indulged...

Now I feel SO GROSS though, BLECK!! I am starting anew tomorrow and have been contemplating South Beach or WW....I did South Beach for about five weeks awhile ago and lost ten pounds...just cutting out the ice cream, fries, pop, etc hasn't really had the effect I wanted, especially since I have been seeming to just eat whatever else I want! WW has also worked somewhat for me in the past to lose a few pounds so I think that if I really commit to it then I can make some progress!!

lunarmagic

08-06-2006, 07:45 PM

QueenElizabeth - I'm sorry to hear about your grandmother. :( Not eating well is understandable!

Well, despite my total pig-out of the last week while AF was visiting (and she's still not fully gone yet, GRRR), my weigh-in on thursday was still 139 pounds (same as last week). Relief. :) So now I'm eating better and hopefully exercising better, and it can keep going down.

A question though - for those who do physical work, are on their feet a lot, etc - how do you keep motivated to do exercise on top of that? I just got a new job, and it's not a lot of hours, but it's all lifting and stuff. I figure it's not going to hurt my body, it's exercise in and of itself! But it's harder to convince myself to go swimming before going to work, you know?

QueenElizabeth22

08-07-2006, 09:49 AM

Thanks Natalie-It was a big shock and really unexpected as she was really healthy...but she lived to be 84 and was healthy her whole life which is a blessing! I am doing better now...

FH and I went to the grocery and got a lot of healthy food for the next week while I am here visiting him...Hopefully it will help me stay on track!

QOD: My job doesn't include much physical activity, but the days that I do seem to move around more and am up on my feet I seem to actually have more energy to work out...it is funny how that works out!

Jaci

08-07-2006, 10:38 AM

QueenElizabeth, I'm so sorry to hear about your grandmother :(

The scale was down for me again this morning, at LAWL it registered at 157.4, so I'm down about a pound and a half from Friday, so that's good! I was hoping I'd be down a bit more, but I'll take it.

Robbys Girl

08-07-2006, 02:37 PM

Awww ... I'm sorry you're not happy with your camping pictures Kiki. I can really relate to how you feel about pictures. I AM at a pretty decent weight myself but i can't STAND pictures of myself, I just look so BAD! I'm thinking I'm starting to look OLD or something, I used to blame it on this extra 20 pounds I've gained but now I'm wondering if I just look scary because I'm getting old or something EEEK! Cosmetic surgeon here I come! :lol:

I just wanted to post this to say...it's a slow process...your not always going to succeed. But stick with it eventually something will click and you'll lose the weight. I've struggled over the past couple of years. But I'm young and said I can do this!!! Determination is the key...will power also helps!

This is good advice! Although I think at ANY age if you put your mind to it, you can get in FANTASTIC shape! Look at all the 50-70 year olds running marathons!! It's all about the decisionsyou make. For me, over the years, I've "decided" to party it up, and eat, and overindulge, instead of making weight loss my priority. When I make weight loss my priority, I lose the weight. I think as long as you make weight loss your priority and keep positive about it (meaning there will ALWAYS be tempting foods, they won't go away so you can pass this time, and just looking at exercise as fun or if not fun at least something that isn't that bad, and just making time for it that's all), the pounds will come off! I speak from experience :lol: I go from the 150s after the holidays down to the 130s by late spring. But then I start to go to more BBQs and food festivals and brew fests during the summer so weight starts to go up, next thing ya know it's football season and the holidays so by then all hell breaks loose :lol: I just gotta make the decision to still enjoy but keep on top of a healthy diet with reasonable portions and regular exercise! We can all do it, I'm sure of it, we just have to keep weight loss as our #1 priority.

Anyway, with that said, I weighed in at 139 on Friday (my anniversary) but of course that was just in time to celebrate our anniversary and PIG OUT! :lol: The weekend was a drunken blur of mixed drinks, beer, wine, sake, and champagne :lol: as well as Italian food, sushi, and burgers on the grill at my in-law's house yesterday! Tonight will be Mexican with a friend of mine! Her boyfriend is treating us! Yay margaritas and mexican foods! :lick: