Strength In Numbers

[Secret_Squirrel]

Hi, thought I'd carry the old group support thread on that "other board" over to here. Heather? Katie? Heather? Are you here yet?

Should we repost our stats?

Me: Laura
Height: 5'8"
Recent High: 175
Current Weight: 165
Goal: 150
Measurements (appx... can't quite remember)
Bust: 39
Waist: 32
Hips: 41

Health Improvement Plan:
- Less refined carbs, processed foods. More fiber, whole-grains, lean protein. Healthy portion size.

- Joined the YMCA 5 weeks ago.
Cardio 30 - 50 minutes, 4 - 5 days a week
Weight training 3 days a week

Breakfast today: cinnamon and raisin oatmeal. coffee.
Lunch & Dinner: TBD

edited to add new stats:

amwilson615
Me: Amanda
Height: 5'5"
Recent High: 175
Current Weight: 175
Goal: 125

Measurements:
Bust: 40
Waist: 33
Hips: 45

Angelraven
Me: Heather
Height: 5'1" (lol that inch is really probably over-estimating!)
Recent High: 128
Current Weight: 121
Goal: 115
Measurements
Bust: 36"
Waist: 31 1/4"
Hips: 40"

Larissa:
Larissa
5" 3.5'
Current weight: 135
High: 138
Goal weight: mostly just to get into shape to run a 1/2 marathon in Nov, but 125 also sounds nice.

Princess1234
Me: Julianne
Height: 5'9"
Recent High: 147
Current Weight: 132.8
Goal: 130 ~ with muscle (I'm not sure about the number...but I want to be very strong and able to do a 1/2 marathon as well)
Measurements:
Bust: 34 (really hoping that doesn't get any smaller )
Waist: 30
Hips: 39

[angelraven]

Heather #1 here and reporting for duty! I need to take my measurements again before I post stats.

I'm so excited. Next week I can start exercising again! WOO HOO!

My abs feel really weak right now. I'm going to really have to take it easy so I don't pull something. Getting back into exercise after surgery is going to be a long process, so I'll probably need lots of motivation, which you ladies are certainly good at!!!

BBL to update my stats!

Thanks, Laura, for starting this back up! Let's lose some inches and pounds!!

[amwilson615]

Hello! I'm new here to CC. Used to post in my friend's journal on WC, and lurked around there, too. I never posted in the Health & Fitness journal there, but was lurking around CC and didn't want Laura to be the only one with her measurements out there. ;) As for me, I have always been thin and athletic. I had a baby in August 2002, and lost 29 of the 39 lbs I gained, and then started gaining it all back and then some. I am at the point of hating my appearance, adn tried weightwatchers, but I just have a problem with denying myself things I want.

My stats:

Me: Amanda
Height: 5'5"
Recent High: 175
Current Weight: 175
Goal: 125

Measurements--hmmmmm, this might be tough to admit :o .
Bust: 40
Waist: 33
Hips: 45

[Secret_Squirrel]

Hi Amanda! Welcome to the journal :) And thanks for posting your stats so I'm not all alone.

Hopefully, we can give each other the encouragement and accountability to reach our goals!

I understand how you feel about hating your appearance. I hate looking into a mirror or seeing a photograph and thinking, "who is that person - and where did I go?" The image of me in my mind is not what I'm seeing.

My backstory is that I've never been skinny, but I was healthy and in shape. I got married last October and ballooned by 20 lbs two months later :eek: But before then I had slacked off exercise after meeting DH, so that even though my weight was about the same, I was flabby all over. Time to change!

[Secret_Squirrel]

I read this on the bulliten board at the Y yesterday and thought I'd share it. I've always thought push ups were so hard, it would be cool to be able to do them.

FITNESS TIP OF THE DAY:

Want to be able to do 30 standard push ups? It's not as hard as you think.

Start off with 3 sets of 10 push ups, 3 times a week.

Begin with the modified push up (knees bent and touching the ground). Do one set of 10 and pause. Repeat until 3 sets are completed.

Do this 3 x's a week. When you are strong enough, convert some of the modified push ups to the standard "military style" push up position.

Do 3 sets of 10 push ups - 5 standard, 5 modified - 3 times a week until you are strong enough to 10 standard push ups.

Then transition to 3 sets of standard push ups, 3 times a week.

Soon, you'll have built enough muscle to do 30 military-style push ups at one time!

[angelraven]

I'm here to update measurements. Ugh.

Me: Heather
Height: 5'1" (lol that inch is really probably over-estimating!)
Recent High: 128
Current Weight: 121
Goal: 115
Measurements
Bust: 36"
Waist: 31 1/4"
Hips: 40"

I am not as concerned with my weight right now as I am with those measurements. Let's face it, I'm flabby, especially considering how short I am. I have a medium frame. I've never had rock solid abs, but I did have a pretty flat tummy at one time in my life, used to be 27 inches. I'd like to get that back. I'd also like to find some exercises to shrink the fat off of my hips, thighs, and butt. I really like Pilates, and I can't wait to get back into it. I think after a few weeks back on track I'll add some small weights, too. My arms are flabby too. I'm just sick of the jiggling everywhere.

One thing that bothers me is how people compare my weight to theirs, saying I don't need to lose any. Well, of course not compared to most people because you're most likely at least half a foot taller than me! LOL

Health Improvemnt Plan:

I think I'm going to start out this month fairly light, since (for those who are new) I just had an appendectomy earlier this month. My surgeon cleared me for exercise for next week, but said to pop a couple Advil before I start. How's that for making you feel motivated! LOL

I'm a planner so I think it's easier for me to stay on track if I have a schedule.

Monday: 20 Minute Pilates Workout (unless it hurts too bad)
20 Minutes of Cardio to DVDs

Tuesday: 30 Minute Walk Outside!
Weights for upper arms (maybe I'll try the push-up thing)
crunches

Wednesday: 20 Minute Pilates Workout
20 Minutes of Cardio

Thursday: 30 Minute Walk Outside
Upper arms
crunches

Friday: 45 Minute Pilates
20 Minutes Cardio DVD

Saturday: Break

Sunday: Break

I also need to focus on drinking a lot more water and eating more fruits and vegetables. I'm a pasta lover as well as a bread lover, but I've been eating whole wheat so that's better. I need to work on portion sizes as well. I find that more smaller meals is better for me than three large meals. Helps aid in digestion as well as helps me control how much I eat. I don't get so hungry.

Part of my motivation will be our anniversary coming up at the end up the month, but I know I can't expect too much change in that short of amount of time. At least working out gives me confidence in myself to wear that cute black dress out to dinner. KWIM?

The other part of my motivation will be our trip to Disney World that we will (hopefully) be taking in September. I'd love to look smashing in a bathing suit at the water parks!

I'm really looking forward to getting back into this with everyone! It's nice to see we're getting some new people too! Hi Amanda!!!

ETA: I realize my plan is a little ambitious probably for right now. I plan to get to that point by the end of the month. If I can do half of that when I start back up on Tuesday I'll be thrilled!

[angelraven]

Alright ladies! It's Tuesday! The holiday weekend is over and it's time to get started! How did everyone do today? Me? Uh...we don't need to talk about me. LOL I did poorly today. I ate Popeye's for lunch and for dinner we had Italian Susage on a bun with marinara and mozzarella. I needed to use the rest of the package of sausages. I did go shopping today and made all kinds of good choices. Got tons of fruits and vegetables to munch on. I also checked out a book from the libarary. I don't recall the title right now and I'm too lazy to go get it, but I'll let you know tomorrow. No exercise today since I spent the whole day running errands. I know, it's not a good excuse. I'll be better tomorrow.

[amwilson615]

Hello, ladies!

It's Wednesday, and I'm spending my lunch break on CC catching up. lol. My habits have been horrible since I last posted. Argh. Lack of motivation/self-discipline is so frustrating. I enjoyed reading angel's plan of action and the push up tips from squirrel. My fiance is a former power-lifting champion, as well as an all-around athlete--track, football, wrestling, swimming, etc. So, he tries to help me with things. Well, the other day, we were doing some pushups, and I was so embarassed. I used to be able to do 5 sets of 25 military style pushups, and thought the modified version was for wimps. Well, now, I can do, and just barely, 8 military style pushups, and had to limp out hte rest of my 30 pushups modified style. I knew I was out of shape, but damn, out of shape and weak. I was so embarassed.
At any rate, plan on getting more active asap, and got a good start yesterday while at home from work with my 3-yr-old daughter. As far as a specific plan of action, I have none. I have huge problems with motivation, procrastinatin, and self-discipline; so, I need to garner that from these boards and my fiance, until I can get in the groove with something.
How are you all doing???????

[angelraven]

Hey Amanda! I agree that lack of motivation and self-discipline can be frustrating. That's why we're all here to support each other. As for your push-ups, I don't think I could ever do 8! lol I think having a 3 year old is a great excuse to get more active. It will help you keep up with her! I have neices and nephews and playing with them is definitely a work out!


************************************************** **************

Today's going better for me than yesterday. So far my eating has been right on track.

Breakfast:
Frosted Mini Wheats
Skim Milk

Lunch:
Beef Terriyaki Bowl from Lean Cuisine
8 oz V8 Splash Diet Berry Mix or something rather

Snack:
1/2 c. lowfat cottage cheese (i like to sprinkle pepper on mine)
3 strawberries
5 blackberries

Dinner:
DH will be gone so I'll probably make myself a Grilled Chicken Salad

Dessert:
Raspberry Sorbet

That's the plan for snacks and dinner. I'm looking forward to sticking to it.

Exercise:
I'm getting ready to go try some cardio. I have a DVD that has 5 short 10 minute workouts. You can pick which ones you want to do in a row. I'll try for two today.

I'll also try Pilates but my abs are still sore at times, so I'm probably not going to make it through today, which is ok. I know it's going to take some time and in order to not hurt myslef I've got to take it slow.

Also gotta drink more water. I've had two glasses all day.

[amwilson615]

Wow angel! Sounds like you're doing a great job!!! And, I really must commend you on getting back into it so quickly after surgery. I know a lot of people would use that as a lingering excuse, but you're taking a very positive step. :D

Now, although I know it's not funny (well sort of, it is), here is what I have had to eat today:

Breakfast:

Coffee w/sugar and 1% milk
No-bake chocolate oatmeal cookie

Snack:

4 ozs of Coke
15 Original Pringles

Lunch:

Stouffers Mac n Cheese and Broccoli meal
6 oz Coke

Snack:

Hot fudge sundae (the ice cream truck came by work--how could I refuse?)

Plan for Supper:

Pancakes
Scrambled eggs
Bacon
Sausage
OJ

I am doing quite horribly today, but, I haven't been trying either. Tomorrow, tomorrow, I love ya tomorrow.................Seriously, though, this is not the usual, and will not become the usual. ;)

I have great aspirations of getting in some exercise tonight. I plan on walking the quarter mile and back to my mailbox, and pulling avery behind in her wagon. Then, maybe do something with the fiance. :eek:

[Secret_Squirrel]

Hi Ladies!

Heather: How'd you get in yesterday? I was locked out of the site all day.

I'd be so scared working out after having surgery! Everything is all healed up, right? I guess your doc knows best, but I'd take it slow and see how it goes, especially with anything ab-related.

amwilson: how awesome that you could do 8 military style push ups! I used to be able to do 15, but I just tried and I couldn't even do 1! I'm pretty tapped out doing a set of 10-mod. And I can still carry my 65lbs son, so I'm not super-wimpy.

Recap: The weekend was not so great, health-wise. We were so busy with repairing our deck and entertaining twice, that we ate out all weekend to save time. BF and Lunch @ McD's (I had the burrito and filet o'fish) and pizza delivery :( Plus, I drank a lot of coffee with that coffeemate creamer in it.

We had two bbqs - Sunday with friends and Monday with family and I ate a lot both days. Mom brought chocolate dipped coconut macarrons on the 4th - eek! I went to bed way too full on Monday night.

For activity, we hauled a lot of lumber and did a lot of hammering and bark shoveling - so that has to count for something, right?

Yesterday's Menu (not so great)
Breakfast: a small piece of leftover berry pie & coffee
Lunch: instant apple cinnamon cream of wheat and sliced apples
Snack: low-fat potato chips, pita chips dipped in cilantro & yogurt sauce
Dinner: 1/2 bbq hamburger patty, 1/2 bagel with cream cheese, another packet of hot cereal (I was cleaning up after the parties and just snacked all night).
Dessert: strawberries and blueberries with low-fat vanilla ice cream and whipped cream.

Today's Menu:
Breakfast: berry pie, 2 slices turkey bacon and coffee
Snack: sliced apples and peaches and cream instant cream of wheat

Haven't had lunch yet. I'll just eat something light, since I had a big snack. I don't like this cream of wheat, but it's handy and I haven't done real grocery shopping in a while. For dinner, I'm make a veggie stir-fry to try and undo the red-meat and snack food I ate all weekend.

And I'm going to the gym tonight!

[angelraven]

I did the 20 minutes of cardio but by the end of that I was SO tired that I couldn't even try Pilates. Plus, one of the stints of cardio is kickboxing, and I noticed that even tightening my abs when I kick gets sore after a bit. Abs are going to have to wait a while longer.

Laura: I couldn't get in until the evening yesterday. Don't worry, I'm being careful, Mom. :) hehe My doctor cleared me for cardio but said take it easy on abs for a while. Now I know why!

Amanda: I am excited to get back to exercising. I had taken a break before my surgery so I was already feeling lazy. It's good to get moving again. That's good that you're walking to your mailbox. We used to have a walk like that to ours when we lived in the country. I love your daughter's name btw!

[angelraven]

Anyone else find it funny that there are ads for cheese sticks, potato chips, and pie on this page?! lol

[angelraven]

I'm having another awesome day. Keeping my eating under control and despite feeling a little sleepy, I pushed through 20 minutes of cardio. I actually felt a lot better after working out.

Food for today:

Breakfast:
Frosted Mini-wheats
Skim Milk
Cup of green tea

Lunch:
Sweet and Sour Chicken meal from Lean Cuisine (the chicken was good, but the noodles were icky so I didn't eat too many of them)
Jello cup

Snack:
1/2 c cottage cheese
apple
8 oz. vanilla chai tea (my first experience with soy milk and I like it a lot; tastes like egg nog to me)

Dinner:
DH will be gone again
The plan is

Grilled Chicken with taboulie (sp?) salad in a wheat tortilla
Celery and carrots

Snack:
Either raspberry sorbet or 94% fat free kettle corn

[angelraven]

Update for Friday:

Food:

Breakfast:
Frosted Mini-wheats
1/2 c Skim Milk

Lunch:
Turkey on wheat with provolone cheese and mustard
8 oz vanilla chai tea

Dinner:
Pot roast
Carrots
Potatoes (i'll go easy, don't worry)
Green beans

Dessert:
Raspberry sorbet

I keep putting dessert but I haven't eaten it once since we started, which is good I guess.

Exercise:
15 minutes bike riding, went about 1.5 miles

How's everyone else doing? I feel lonely. Come back!

[Esq.]

Does anyone mind if I join? I would like to try having to confess every day. Maybe it will keep my butt in line!

[amwilson615]

Join away, Krysten!!!

As for me, sorry, I've been MIA, ladies--and, so, has my health plan. This past weekend, we went to Cedar Point (amusement park), and so, it was basically fast food from Friday thru Sunday. Although, I must say, we only ate two small-to-medium sized meals each day and were walking through miles of park for the rest of the day, so it wasn't that bad. My fiance cut his toe on Wednesday night, and had to have stitches, so I ended up getting even more of a workout because I was pushing him in a wheelchair all day Saturday. lol. At any rate, back to it this wonderful Monday morning. Having a blueberry muffin and some coffee.

How are you all doing?

[amwilson615]

So, I'm back...............I uploaded a pic, so I'm just posting to see if it works.

[amwilson615]

Well, it didn't work the first time, but then I went back and got it to work. So, that pic is of me and Avery at Garfield's restaurant. Here are two more pics of her (just because I miss her--she is at my mom's this week).

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d930b3127cce92eeb042e72900000026108AZt27dw1bN9


http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d930b3127cce92eeb08ae7e100000016108AZt27dw1bN9


As far as my eating goes:

Breakfast:

Blueberry muffin
Coffee w/artificial sweetener and cream

Lunch:

Bean & Cheese burrito
Little Debbie brownie
Apple Juice

[angelraven]

Awwww she's adorable Amanda!!!


I ate so horribly bad all weekend and I didn't start off very good today either. I've been working hard though. We bought a dining room set (finally) so I've been busting my arse in there to get ready for when it is delivered on Wednesday. I scraped the texture off the ceilings. Next I had to patch a couple spots and then sand and prime it. That was all yesterday. Today so far I've just gotten on one coat of ceiling paint. It's still a little uneven so I need to do another one once it finishes drying but I'm so sleepy!!! Maybe I'll take a nap and then do it. lol

[Secret_Squirrel]

Amanda: What a cutie - such bright eyes!

Heather: You do so much work in your house - I'm really impressed. I'm really glad that the icky popcorn ceilings in our house were already scraped off by someone else. We still have it in two bedrooms, but removing it is not a priority right now. We're working on the deck.

I haven't been eating so good, either. We had so many leftovers after the 4th. Saturday we stopped at a shack for fresh prawns and chips, but the deep fried food left me with a tummy ache. Maybe that will help me avoid foods like that?

And last week I was feeling pretty tired and only made it to the gym twice. But I'm back on track this week.

Monday I did 30 min of cardio and yesterday I did 45 minutes, my weight circuit and abs. I just added a new machine - the assisted dips - and it's a lot of fun. I can do a dip and the machine supports all my weight, except for what my puny arms can handle. It feels like a better way to tone my triceps than weight-lifting. I don't want to be bulky. You can also use it for assisted pull-ups, but I am so weak, it's a joke!

Today's food -
Breakfast: small fuji apple, apple raisin oatmeal, coffee w/ cream
Lunch: Leftovers from last night's dinner: sweet pepper & shrimp jambalaya.

I've been cooking with white rice this week and noticed that my carb-cravings are up, even thought I try to keep servings under 1/2 cup. I really should just switch to brown rice.

[amwilson615]

Thanks for the compliments on my Avery. I am going through withdrawal since she is away. But next week, I will be begging for a break. lol. Isn't it funny how life works?

At any rate, way to go Squirrel (sorry, I can't remember your real name) on getting back into the groove with the gym. I have no motivation still. Honestly, I've hit a low point....................

And, angel (can't remember your name either, sorry), man, you do a lot of work on your house--that's great. Right now, we rent a basement apartment, so regular housework is the only thing I do.

As I was saying, I've hit a real low point. I am at that place where negativity is getting the best of me. I hate how I look, my clothes don't fit, and I get winded going like 20 steps. However, that negative, self-defeating part of my mind is getting the best of me, and I just keep eating and feeling sorry for myself. Here is my menu today:

Breakfast:

Brownie
Coffee

Lunch:

Pizza Hut lunch buffet--2 cheese sticks with marinar sauce, 1 piece of pan crust pepperoni pizza, 1 piece of thin crust pepperoni pizza, 1 cinnamon stick, two helpings of salad with ranch dressing, and a Pepsi.

So, needless to say, I ate too much of bad food. Now my belly is hurting, and I feel guilty. I am going to dinner at a friend's house tonight, and, of course, we usually splurge. The menu is:

Fried chicken
Corn on the cob w/butter
Creamy Chicken noodles
Strawberry cake w/strawberry icing
Iced Tea

It sounds real good, but is so unhealthy. I feel like eating good tonight and starting tomorrow with watchign what I eat. I am such a procrastinator. In the meantime, I get fatter and unhealthier. So, I need to make a plan and stick with it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[angelraven]

Hi girls! The dining room is officially done! Now I'm just waiting on my furniture, which is going to be in sometime between 4:00 and 6:00 today. I'm so excited!!!!!! Here is the set we bought:
http://www.ashleyfurniture.com/graphics/knockout/D537_M.jpg

I'll post pics of it in our actual dining room tonight if I remember. :)

Let's see, I'm really behind in here. Here's yesterday's food:

Breakfast:
Spaghetti with meat sauce from Lean Cuising (I slept late)

Lunch:
WW recipe, chicken bruschetta bake
vanilla chai tea

Dinner:
Bacon Mushroom Chicken
Mashed potatoes
Salad

Dinner tasted so good but was bad for me. It's DH's favorite and he specifically requested it, so I made it for him. I should have skipped the potatoes but I didn't.

Exercise: painting and cleaning like a madwoman!!

Food for today:
Breakfast:
1 scrambled egg
whole wheat toast with Blackberry jam (yum)
skim milk

Lunch:
PBJ sandwich
vanilla chai tea

Snack:
Popsicle

Dinner:
Baked rigatoni in Bechamel sauce
Salad
Mozzarella, tomato, and basil bruschetta

I bought whole wheat pasta and a wheat baguette for the bruschetta, but the sauce is still fattening. It's ok though, we have a special occasion, eating in our new dining room. :)

Exercise:
Cleaning
Walking around a ton of stores for placemats and a runner!

Going to try to go bike riding this evening once it cools down some. Now that the dining room is done I can get back to eating better and getting in better exercise.

Laura: Yes, we have done so much to this house and yet I still feel like there's so much more to do! When does it end?! You're lucky most of your ceilings were already scraped. It's an easy, easy job, just very messy. I still have to patch, sand, and prime the guest room ceiling. I never finished it after I scraped it. Then it's painting time and then the room will be empty until we find some nice cheap furniture. I think after that I will be taking a break for a while. lol I'm not sure what we'll do next. Maybe our room and bathroom. Not looking forward to that. I just don't want to get my house perfect and then have Matt decide it's time to move! That would just depress me!

Amanda: Ever since we moved here it's been one project after another! First was the begining of the dining room, where DH put up new chairailing, wainscot, and painted. Next was the kitchen where we put up beadboard, chandelier over the nook and painted. We still hope to replace the countertops, sinks, and appliances one of these days and possibly do something different with the cabinets. Next we did the living room, new chair rail and paint. Then was the foyer and hallway, new basboards, chair rail, and paint. Now I finished up what we wanted to do in the dining room and I have the guest room to finish. Then there's two bathrooms and the master bedroom that need redone and possibly finish the basement. I'm tired reading that!!!! It's fun though and I love my house.

I hear you on lack of motivation. I used to be so bad. I'd compain about my pants being too tight and that my belly was getting way huge but not really willing to do much about it. I think what did it for me was my wedding pictures. I don't look horrible by any means, but you can tell that I've gained some weight and there's a bit of bulge to be seen in some of the photos. Plus my old portraits look so different, especially my face. I used to have such awesome, well defined cheekbones. I've gotten some back, but I have a bit to go. It's hard when you're older and have so many stresses between running a household, going to work, raising a family, and everything else a woman does. You'll get there sometime. It is really a good idea to write down a plan and hold yourself accountable. Plus you have Laura and I to encourage you as well. That's why we started this. Anyway, schedule yourself a time slot every day where you can do at least 15 minutes of exercise, whether it be a walk or whatever. Baby steps, girl! You'll get there. :)

[angelraven]

As promised, here are a couple pics of the dining room. Still need to accessorize the tabletop and the walls, as well as put in a new chandelier.

This is looking in through the kitchen:

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a301/hberkland/Hair001.jpg

This is looking in through the living room:

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a301/hberkland/Hair002.jpg

The cabinet is in the living room until we move to a larger house, but I'm ok with that:

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a301/hberkland/Hair004.jpg

And just because I love her, a silly picture of my kitty Patches:

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a301/hberkland/Hair010.jpg

I caught her mid-meow as she was crying for her mommy to pet her. Silly little girl. :)

[amwilson615]

Wow! That looks great! I absolutely love the walls. Good job!!! And, your cat, how cute. We have two cats in our house--they're my daughter's, and just really get on my nerves. lol.

Work today is hectic, and I just wanna go home.

Oh, but good news, last night at dinner, I limited myself to one piece of fried chicken and one piece of cake for dessert. I was proud of myself. :)

Dinner (last night):
1 fried chicken breast
1.5 ears of corn w/1Tablespoon margarine
1.5 cups of Creamy Chicken noodles
1 3x3 piece of Strawberry cake with whipped strawberry icing
2 glasses of Pepsi

Breakfast (this am):
1 "Everything" bagel with margarine
1 cup of coffee with artificial sweeteners and cream

No exercise yet, although I have been taking the stairs at work, as opposed to the elevator--for both up and down trips!

[angelraven]

Thanks Amanda! My husband did the wall frames by himself and I think he did a wonderful job. We had so much fun last night eating at the new table. We sat on either end and we were so far away! I yelled, "Hello down there Matty!" when I sat down. hehe Plus I felt like the shit when I folded the napkins all fancy. lol It's the little things in life, man.

************************************************** *********
Having a decent day so far. I've eaten a lot of bread today though. Here's my menu for today:

Breakfast:
Two pieces of toast, no butter, blackberry jam
Cup of hot green tea with splenda

Lunch:
PNJ sandwich with lowfat PB. I don't know what it is but I've been craving peanut butter a lot lately.
Coke (I know, but it's my first one for a long time I promise!)

Dinner:
Leftover pasta from last night (made way too much)
Salad

I'm going to try hard to skip bruschetta but I don't think I'll be able to. It's on wheat bread though so I guess it isn't *too* bad. Arg....

Exercise:
Rode Matt's bike a little over 2 milles, about 2.25. I feel good. I want to buy some little weights and start working on my arms and I'm hoping I can start Pilates in another week or so.

[angelraven]

Happy Friday girls! Any exciting plans for the weekend?

Today's going pretty well.

Breakfast:
1 egg, scrambled
1 slice wheat toast, low-cal margerine, blackberry jam
2 c. strawberries with a dollup of lowfat whipped cream (yummy!)
cup of hot tea

Lunch:
Roasted chicken with lemon pepper fettuccini from Lean Cuising
Side salad with Lite Italian dressing
Diet v8 splash

Snack:
Cottage cheese
Wedge of watermelon

Dinner:
WW Beef Enchilada Casserole
Black Beans
8 oz. milk

Dessert:
Raspberry sorbet


Exercise:
20 minutes of cardio
mowing the yard this evening

[Secret_Squirrel]

Wow, Heather - your house looks so fancy. Do a lot of the homes in your area have wainscotting? Here it's only in the more exclusive homes. Where did Matt learn to be such a good carpenter? Lovely dining room set, too!

BTW - don't you have your FIRST ANNIVERSARY coming up!?!??!?!

Amanda: You did good yesterday with all that temptation, you should be proud of yourself! And taking the stairs is a great start! Go you!

Yesterday I got a foil and went blond for the summer. I've never done that before, but now that my hair is short, I figure I should abuse it while I can. She only did a partial foil though and left a lot of brown in, so now I feel like I have stripes in my hair. I'm going in this afternoon to get the rest lightened, but I'm not looking forward to another 2.5 hours in the chair!

No gym workout for me yesterday, but I did lots of yardwork. I shoveled and raked bark all over the yard, plus I dug out a bush I really hated. The stupid thing had huge tentacles for roots. I had to get the pick-axe out and chop and hack it for an hour before I got it all out. At least I had the satisfaction of getting the job done. And it looks so nice now. Ahh.

You can't eat when you're in the colorist's chair, so I did good yesterday.

Breakfast: oatmeal, apple, coffee & cream
Lunch: trail mix bar
Snack: low fat microwave popcorn & apple slices*
Dinner: I was really happy about this! We went to the mall to eat outside (it's a really pretty outdoor eating area close to our house) and I avoided all the temping calorie-ladden food and got the light meal at Taco Time - a chicken taco and cup of white chili for only 255 calories (I also had a bite of Cam's Sbarro pizza and a few of Jeff's fries).

I measured myself and still no change. At least my thighs look firmer. I plan on weighing myself next week. That's scary - if I haven't lost or (god forbid) gain, I'll freak!

*I bought a big bag of sliced granny smith's at Costco, so I munch on those a lot. In fact, I'm eating some right now.

[angelraven]

Hi Laura! Wainscot is only in the larger homes around here, and it's either the really old homes with a lot of character or the really new homes and you pay extra for it. We've always loved the look of it. Matt will be so pleased that somewhat called him a carpenter! LOL He learned out of a book actually. Before we moved here I don't think he had ever touched a tool in his life other than the occasional screwdriver. He's done a wonderful job though.

I've been thinking of coloring my hair lately but I have no idea what I would do. I used to color it blonde a lot, but then I realized I was going too lite. So then I went darker and it looked pretty good. But I was using a clarifying shampoo and washed it all out on accident.

Yup, the first anniversary is coming up quick. Two weeks from Sunday! We don't have any plans though. Our table was our present to each other. :)

You had a really good day yesterday! Good job!!!

[Larissa]

I'd like to join...may I? I'm trying to get motivated to work-out. I probably won't post daily as I try not to get too addicted to websites ;)

Larissa
5" 3.5'
Current weight: 135
High: 138
Goal weight: mostly just to get into shape to run a 1/2 marathon in Nov, but 125 also sounds nice :)

[princess1224]

Hello, I'd like to join too. I think daily confession might make me more inclined to eat decent and exercise regularly. I don't have an issue with my weight but I'm very weak and flabby, I have no muscle tone.One thing that bothers me is how people compare my weight to theirs, saying I don't need to lose any. I can totally relate to this.

A little history on me, I have a son who turned 6 in may. I used to be in pretty good shape (I exercised but I didn't eatvery well) before I got pregnant. I stopped exercising when I became pregnant and never started again. A year and a half ago I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and had two surgeries a month apart. The first surgery was to remove one ovary and left me with a scar just like a c-section. The second surgery was a hysterectomy and the incision went from one ince under my belly button to my pubic line (and met the other scar...it looks kind of like an anchor now). The relevance of that is that I have a real lack of abdominal tone. To top it off, I had radiation which permanantly hardened my lower abdominal muscles and my Dr tells me that I won't likely get 6-pack abs...which is a little disheartening. I guess I won't be winning the Fitness America Pageant :rolleyes: .

I'm pretty much starting from scratch here. My goals are:

Eat more fruits and vegetables.
Drink more water.
No unhealthy late night snacks.

I want cardio mainly to make my heart healthy, I'd like to focus more on strength training to get really toned and strong. I don't go to the gym, I exercise at home.

I think starting out I'd like to do 20 min cardio each day followed by strength training 4 days a week. 2 days for lower body, 1 for upper, 1 for abs and back. I plan to jog/run for 2 of the days as my cardio.

Me: Julianne
Height: 5'9"
Recent High: 147
Current Weight: 132.8
Goal: 130 ~ with muscle (I'm not sure about the number...but I want to be very strong and able to do a 1/2 marathon as well)
Measurements:
Bust: 34 (really hoping that doesn't get any smaller :eek: )
Waist: 30
Hips: 39

[princess1224]

I might as well start now. I've had next to no water today, a bottle of dasani is it.

Breakfast:
1 small piece of toast with peanut butter
1 glass skim milk

Lunch:
1 taco supreme from taco bell
1 bottle of water (which I carried with me for the next couple hours sipping slowly)

Dinner:
1 1/2 pork kabobs
3/4 cup of tortelini in a garlic butter sauce
1 cup spinach leaves with light ceasar dressing
1 1/2 glass skim milk

Afterdinner drink:
Coffee with whitener AND french vanilla creamer (I've tossed any delusions I once had about giving up my coffee...I need coffee and that's the way I like it)

I think I should add regular healthy snacks to my goals. I was out shopping all day so I did a lot of walking and normally I might have a snack before dinner.

I will most likely have a snack tonight when it cools down and I might drag my arse off the 'puter and ride the stationary bike for a little bit...but I'm not counting on it.

[angelraven]

Hello to all of our new members! It's so exciting to have others to share our journey with. :) Laura: Do you think we should edit the first post (which was yours) to post everyone's stats?

I had my usual blunder over the weekend. I'm really horrible on the weekends. It's a vicious cycle, and it's stopping this week. My main goals for this week are to drink more water and to not ruin my good eating during the week by eating nothing but crap all weekend.

Food today:

Breakfast:
2 pieces of whole wheat toast
cup of tea

Lunch:
Glazed chicken lean cuisine
Side salad with lowfat Italian

Snack:
94% fat free kettle corn
Popcicle

Dinner:
Wheat spaghetti with low car marinara
salad
cottage cheese

Dessert:
Raspberry sorbet

Exercise:
I HAVE to mow the yard today. It's really overgrown. We just have a little push mower, not even self-propelled, so it's a good workout. Usually takes me about an hour.

[Secret_Squirrel]

Heather: That is a really good idea! I'll get to it today.

I agree, weekends are the hardest. I think I did ok, except for potato chips and potato salad on Sunday at a BBQ. Oh - and on the weekends I drink an entire pot of coffee, with hazelnut creamer. That can't be good for me, but I really love sipping coffee on a weekend. Oh - and my kids baked cookies and muffins and I ate some. So maybe I didn't do ok after all!

A sign of progress: I was able to button and zip my old jeans on Saturday! They're tight, but I haven't been able to get them over my thighs since mid-Decemeber.



Originally Posted by angelraven

One thing that bothers me is how people compare my weight to theirs, saying I don't need to lose any.

I can totally relate to this.

I try not to. I might think, "wow, I'd be so happy if I weighed that!" But I know everyone has different fitness goals and different weights they feel comfortable at, so I try to keep my mouth shut.

Julianne: Welcome, and thanks for sharing your story. Your poor abs have been through so much (and congrats for beating your cancer)! I have two children, and my skin stretched so bad during my pregnancies that I will forever be embarassed by my lower abdomen. But, oh well. Short of a tummy tuck, what can you do?


Hi Larissa - welcome! Feel free to post as often or as little as you like. :)

[Secret_Squirrel]

WARNING: Rant ahead

My mother has this way of making me feel like a fat hog.

Not that she is skinny herself, no, she needs to loose about 70 lbs. But she "was never as fat as I am when she was my age." She's been telling me this since I was a little girl.

I have been feeling pretty good about my progress lately. DH says I've been looking sexy and I'm sticking to my workout & eating plan (for the most part). But at her house today, mom brought up that I was never slender, except for that one time I got mono in my junior year. That she was a skinny 125 lbs at my age (she's 5'2"). Maybe if I played soccer like she did I wouldn't be so heavy.

All I hear out of that is: "You are fat."

Gee, thanks for complimenting me on my recent weight loss, mom. I recently lost 10 lbs while building muscle. I think I'm doing ok. Not to mention, I haven't weighed this much in years. My normal weight that I am 13 pounds above is the same BMI as your "skinny" weight when adjusted for height (I'm 5'8").

I know she doesn't mean anything by this, but my whole life she made me feel fat and ashamed of myself. I look back at pictures from high school and I wasn't nearly as fat as I thought I was at the time. I wasn't a skinny girl, but I was average.

So maybe I'll never be as thin as my mom was at my age, but SO? Is it really such a big deal? Reminding me of this just makes me want to eat potato chips and veg on the couch.

[angelraven]

Laura: Do you really feel that sitting on the couch and eating a bag of potato chips would make you feel better? Nope, didn't think so. I'm so sorry your mom wears you down like that. Any idea why she might do that? Perhaps she is upset with her own extra weight and is taking it out on you? My step-mother says the same things to me and it's only gotten worse as she's gotten fatter.

************************************************** *******
I did fairly well today. I didn't feel like doing much and I wanted to eat crap, but I decided I didn't want to undermine any progress I might be making this week. I think AF is on it's way and that always makes me want the greasy, fattening foods.

Breakfast:
1 egg, scrambled
1 piece of toast with butter
cup of green tea

Lunch:
PBJ sandwich
Water

Snack:
94% fat free popcorn
cup of French Vanilla tea

Dinner:
Turkey burger with a little mayo and mustard plus lettuce, tomato and onion
Black beans and rice
Water

Exercise:

DH went on a walk with me. :) He's been feeling self-conscious about his weight a lot, so I'm going to slowly get him to be more active with me. We walked for just about 20 minutes today. I'm proud of him. :)

My abs are feeling much better so I think that I'll try Pilates tomorrow and see how it goes.

[Larissa]

Tuesday 7/19/2005

I'm a veggie so I always eat pretty healthy...and I cook for myself a lot so I'm not sure that listing what I ate will motivate me, but I do need to find something to motivate me!!

Breakfast: same thing every morning
1/3 cup instant oatmeal with 1 teaspoon honey
earl gray tea

Lunch: leftovers from the other night
orzo rice with fresh spinach, carrots, butter, and garlic in it
with a pinch of salt, lots of peper, and TONS of dried basil
the recipe made 4 servings and I ate about 1/4 of it

Dinner: leftovers again (which is why living by yourself sucks!!)
blackbean tacos (onions, garlic, green peper, and black beans) with about 3 tablespoons of salsa, 1/3 shredded chedar cheese, wrapped in soft taco
glass of red wine (which is a nightly thing for me so I'm sure I could cut back here, I was trained that glass of wine with dinner and always a must have...and very good for you!!)
the recipe serves 4 and I had about 1/4 of it

Random things through the day:
2 jolly ranchers
1/4 cup salted cashews (this is a guess as to the amount)
2 of those little snacky chocolate chip cookies that come in the striped boxes with the foil packs (the cookies are small, about 1.5-2 inches in diameter)

[princess1224]

Laura, that's really crappy that your mom makes you feel like that. But like Angelraven said, sitting on the couch eating a bag of potato chips won't actually make you feel better. Just prove to her (and yourself more importantly) that you are doing great and keep on doing what you're doing. The weight will come off and if you're building muscle the number on the scae is not as important as how your clothes are fitting. Just becasue she was thin according to her standards doesn't mean that she was actually fit or strong. Thin is just that - thin...it's not so sexy. A strong, healthy, curvy body is sexy. It sounds like you're doing awesome already, don't let her get you down too much.

[Larissa]

So far today (will edit for dinner, but thought I'd post now while I have time)

Breakfast:
1/2 cup oatmeal
1 teaspoon honey
earl gray tea

Mid-morning:
3 cream savers stolen from co-workers candy jar :)

Lunch:
Salad-
spinach
1/3 green peper
3 baby carrot
1/2 roma tomato
1/4 cup feta cheese
4 olives
1 heaping teaspoon oil and vinegar

[angelraven]

Just got back from the grocery store where I picked up all sorts of yummy and healthy foods.

Today is an ok day for me. I'm a little sleepy, but hopefully I'll be able to call it a night early.

Breakfast:
2 pieces of toast with butter
cup of French Vanilla tea

Lunch:
Bunless turkey burger with tomato, lettuce, onion
Black beans and rice
Jello
water

Dinner:
Going to dinner at a southwestern/Mexican place with a couple of other CC'ers. Not sure what I'll eat, but I'll try not to be too bad. :)

Exercise:
None to speak of yet. I had tons of errands to do. I'm going to try to get in some Pilates today.

[amwilson615]

Hello girls!

It sounds like things are going well with everyone's attempts at healthier lifestyles. :D

Laura, I'm sorry about your mom. You are doing an excellent job, and, so what if she was never your size at your age--she's also never been YOU. I can't stand when people are like that. There are some people on this planet that unintentionally inflict some of the worst pain and negativity. Every time I go around my dad, for instance, he says something about my weight. "Well, fatass, you need to exercise." "Jesus Christ, don't you ever get up and walk or anything?" etc. It doesn't hurt my feelings anymore as I see it as his way of showing affection--yes, my family is very dysfunctional. I would be more hurt if he didn't say anything at all. At any rate, I can sympathize with you, and I just want to say to keep up the good work!!!!!!!!!

Welcome to all the new visitors!!!!!!!!! I don't get to post as much as I'd like, but every now and then you might hear from me. lol.

As for me, I have gained 2.5 pounds to be at my current weight, as well as recent high, of 177.5. I am feeling quite disgusting, and just keep looking at the bulge that has become my belly. I have been eating better though--well, more balanced, even if not more healthy. I have also incorporated more fresh fruits and veggies into my diet. Progress takes time, so I am just going to continue about my business. My roommate has a NordicTrac elliptical machine upstairs, so I'm gonna start working on that each night. I am really out of shape, so I think I'm gonna start out at 10 minutes and see how it goes.

Today:

Breakfast:

2 Hardee's Plain Biscuits w/strawberry jam (I'm not the brightest--I thought this would be better than a Frisco Breakfast Sandwich, but it was more calories, more fat, more cholesterol, more everything) :(
Coffee with artificial sweetener and cream

Lunch:

Stouffer's mac & cheese with broccoli w/just a smidgen of margarine
1/3 Pepsi
Peach

Snack:

Hot Fudge Sundae with swirl ice cream (I know, not healthy, and I can't afford to splurge, but damn it, the ice cream truck lured me in with its sweet music) ;)

[amwilson615]

Good morning! Just posting my food updates.

Yesterday:

Snack:

~20 Bugles

Supper:

1 Grilled Chicken Breast
~25 baked french fries
Cucumber & Tomato slices, plain w/salt
Kool Aid


Today:

Breakfast:

1 Low-fat, normal sized, Cherry muffin
Coffee with artificial sweeteners and one cream

[angelraven]

Hi everyone! Hope you all are doing well. It's almost the weekend! Luckily I should have NO excuse to eat poorly this weekend as I did major grocery shopping yesterday with tons of menu planning. It's the only way to ensure I won't eat a ton of junk.

Last night I was sort of bad at dinner. I ate flautas, which are deep fried. :eek: However, at least I got water to drink. lol I did get punished though because I had a tummy ache last night. Serves me right!

Today I'm doing much better.

Breakfast:
half of a grapefruit with T. of Splenda
3/4 c. strawberry mini wheats
skim milk

Lunch:
A small hoagie with turkey, tomato, lettuce, onion, and a little mustard
1/2 c cottage cheese
water

Afternoon snack:
Caramel rice cake
Apple
French vanilla tea

Dinner:
DH won't be here, so I'm having spaghetti. Whole wheat with low carb marinara
Side salad

I like to have spaghetti when he's gone because for some reason he doesn't like it. He's very strange. :)

Exercise: I kicked some major calorie booty today!
THIRTY minutes of cardio WHOOP WHOOP!
20 minute Pilates workout (abs were a little sore, but I made it through!)

I'm incredibly proud of myself for doing that much exercise today. It wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. :)

Now if I can just keep it up!

[amwilson615]

Wow!!!!!! Great job, Heather!!!! I"m totally psyched for you.

:D :D :D

[angelraven]

Thanks! :D

[Secret_Squirrel]

Hi ladies!

I had a long post but my computer froze and I lost it. I think my laptop overheated.

Thanks for all the support over my rant, girls. My mom and I ended up talking about it later and she apologized for making me feel bad. Sometimes she says things and she has no idea how it sounds to others. I think she has never come to terms with her weight gain after my sister was born (she was on bed rest for 6 months and never lost the weight).

Yesterday was Nick's 11th birthday. We had the party at our house which meant there was junk food everywhere. I had such a bad day!

Wednesday
Breakfast: 1 breakfast burrito @ McDonald's, coffee and cream
Lunch: (uh-oh) Double cheeseburger and small fry, handfuls of cheese-its, chocolate cake, mint chocolate ice cream. It was the party food!
Snack: more cheese-its and a trail-mix bar
Dinner: 2 small slices (a forkful) of steak and an apple

DH and I were going to go out for drinks and appetizers, but I felt really bad about eating so much cr*p already. So he stayed home and played video games and I drove to the Y and did 45 minutes of cardio... that's what, maybe half the burger?

Today, I'm mostly back on track.
Breakfast: apple, oatmeal, coffee & cream
Lunch: salad with lettuce, oil and vinegar dressing, gorgonzola crumbles and 1/2 cup left over turkey taco meat on the side.
Snack: 2 small tootsie rolls, a *tiny* slice of cake (my son made it, it's hard to resist!)

I'm going back to the gym tonight to do another 45 minutes of cardio, plus weights.

DH and the kids will be gone this weekend, so I'm going to have the whole time to myself. I'm not sure what I'm going to do yet.

Heather: way to get back into it! And good for you for shopping and having healthy choices around.

Amanda: Don't get discouraged. You are making great steps and it is going to add up! I remember the first time I went to a gym and the trainer wanted me to do 5 minutes on the stair-stepper. I thought I would die!

[princess1224]

Hmmm, I don't remember exactly what I've eaten for the last few days, but I know it hasn't been bad. No treats, if anything it's probably not quite enough...but it's just so darn hot....I hate eating when it's really hot out.

Monday I did a good workout, and hour of belly dancing and some leg and ab exercises.

Tuesday I worked out in the evening, I didn't do much cardio and I lifted some weights, and did some more abs because they weren't sore from the day before.

Wednesday I was supposed to do my legs again but it so hot and I got heat exhaustion so I didn't do much of anything.

Now it's Thursday almost 7pm and I've done nothing so far today. DH has gone to lax practice so I will do something while he is out. It's supposed to be arms today because I was supposed to do legs yesterday, but my chest is sore from weight lifting so I think I'll do legs today. And of course belly dancing. I was taking belly dancing classes until June but they're finished until september, so I want to keep on doing it and practicing so I don't forget the moves and the dances.

[Secret_Squirrel]

Well, I didn't work out yesterday after all. I was on my way to the gym after work, when DH called and told me MIL and BIL were waiting at the house and I had to let them in.

Then I had to take Nick to the walk-in clinic because he had swimmer's ear and didn't get home until after 8pm. For dinner, my dad brought some fresh crab that he caught by and I ate a little of that, but I'm not a big crab preson. DH bbq'd and I ate half a bunless burger before bed.

It would have been a good day but I also ate another piece of chocolate cake. I'm throwing the rest away.

Tonight is my mom's birthday and there will be *more* cake. I'm glad that's the last birthday for a while.

Have a great weekend, ladies! I hope to spend a part of every day of it in the gym :)

[Sha259]

Hi ladies,

Sorry if I am joining this late, but I have been looking for a support group of sorts after DH and I decided that we were going to try to eat healthier and work out. Our New Years Resolution was to work out regularly and eat right. DH had been doing it for years, but I was lagging behind and starting to feel the effects. :( After the wedding, I gained 15 lbs that for the longest I could not get rid of. I joined LA Fitness in Feb. and have been going steadily for 4-5 days a week since then.

Fast Forward to Now:
I still make a habit of going to the gym about 5 days a week. I have been getting into an exercise schedule that doesn't let me get bored from repetitive activity too often. Here is my routine:
Sunday-off
Monday-off
Tuesday- 1hr on treadmill/bike
Wednesday-Yoga
Thursday-Body Works (arobics and weight training)
Friday-Step or 1 hr on treadmill (depending on my mood)
Saturday-Body Works and Yoga

However, I think I have hit a wall where my body weight is concerned. I have lost 10 of the original 15 wedding lbs. But you wouldn't be able to tell by looking at me. :( People always say they don't think I need to lose weight, but I always tell them that they don't know what it all looks like underneath the clothes. And it's true, I don't want to lose weight so much as lose inches from my waist, butt, and thighs. I am naturally alittle bottom heavy (small up top with thicker thighs) and I feel awkward now that my waist is getting thicker as well. So here I am. Do you all mind if I join your group? I could really use the support of other women trying to eat healthy and keep each other on track.

To start off, here are my current stats:
Height: 5'3
Bust: 33 in
Waist: 27 in (goal 25 in)
Hips: 37 in
Thighs: 21 in each (goal 18-19 in)
Weight: 120 lbs (goal 115 lbs) don't be fooled, we all know that fat is lighter than muscle. :rolleyes:

For me, this isn't even about getting skinny. It is about becoming a more active, healthy person, who can maintain a healthy lifestyle, and feel comfortable in their own skin.

Thanks for hearing me out. Here's to us and our efforts!

[Secret_Squirrel]

Hi Shamena, welcome!

What a great work-out schedule you have. It sounds diverse and like a lot of fun. Good for you for taking charge of your life :)

I had a good weekend with Jeff and the boys out of the house. Saturday morning I got up early and spent 2 hours at the gym. I did an hour of cardio on the cross trainer, and an hour of weights and abs. Later on, I had to go to Barnes and Noble to pick up a paper and I jogged instead of driving (about a mile round-trip).

And yesterday, my sister and I walked a 3 mile path around Green Lake in Seattle.

But I weighed myself this morning and I've gained a pound and a half since the start of this thread. :( Must be the bbq and birthday cake. That sucks, because I've been doing so good mostly. Oh well, I'll just have to keep at it.

[amwilson615]

Welcome, Shamena! I agree with Laura, your workout schedule sounds great!

Hello to everyone else, as well!!!!! Wow! It sounds like all of you are doing terrific!!!! Go Laura on all the exercise!!! I enjoy walking also, and I would've loved to be in on the walk around the lake. And, Julianne--belly dancing, huh? I've heard it's lots of fun, but never tried it. Taht would be a laugh. :p

As for me, I have been doing okay. I lost half a pound, so am down to 177. We went to my mom's this weekend, and it's always easier to control eating there, cuase I'm not making hte meals and such. Also, you're never allowed to relax there--I caught hell for finishing Harry Potter. That's a rant for another day. :mad:

I can't remember all that I ate over the weekend, but this am, I had a lowfat, regular-sized cherry muffin, and coffee with artificial sweeteners and one cream. No lunch yet. Sorry to say, I will be having Long John Silver's--my fiance offered to bring me lunch before he went hom efrom work, and that's where he was going, so I didn't want to complain or make a fuss when he was being nice.

[Sha259]

Thanks for the warm welcome ladies!! The schedule is great, it's giving myself the motivation to stay on task with it that's the struggle. :rolleyes: And even though I am working out more often, I need to follow the example here and monitor what I eat more carefully. Lately I have been pretty good with it, but I still go out for lunch with my co-workers every friday. It's hard not to, because it has become a group thing, we all go. But when I am out I try to get the least fattening food, getting chicken or a salad. But here is what I have had today so far:

Breakfast - 1 cup water, 1 pack granola bar

Lunch - 1 cup water, 1 balogna sandwich (turkey balogna), 1/2 cup applesauce, and 1 medium orange.

Snack - one cup hot chocolate (Bad I know)

Still don't know what's for dinner... and today is off day from the gym.

[angelraven]

Hi everyone! Sorry it's been so long since I have been here. I've been really busy with classes this week. I'm just about exhausted. I'm not used to having to be somewhere early in the morning anymore and having to stay 8 hours. I'm such a wimp!

I've been doing so so lately. I've recently started taking a new medication for my PCOS, so I've been dealing with a touch of nausea and some GI tract problems. Yuck. It's caused me to not have much of an appetite, that's for sure. Plus, for some reason when I get really tired I don't want to eat either.

Let's see if I can remember what I've been eating this week:

Monday:
Breakfast:
Strawberry filled mini wheats
Skim Milk

Lunch:
Grilled chicken sandwich
a few fries
Sprite

Dinner:
Pizza....whoops...had two slices
milk

Tuesday:
Breakfast:
same

Lunch:
Grilled chicken with fajita seasoning, lowfat cheddar cheese, and fresh pico de gallo in a wheat tortilla
Diet coke

Dinner:
WW chicken fettuccine- it's a good recipe. I'll have to post it later
water

Wednesday:
Breakfast:
same

Lunch:
Roast beef with cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, mustard, touch of mayo on a Portuguese roll
Lemonade

Dinner:
Pasta Marinara from Ruby Tuesday Smart Eating menu (ate half of the plate)
Water with lemon

Dessert:
Reece's peanut butter cup ice cream :o

Thursday:
Breakfast:
same

Lunch:
Blackened chicken sandwich with lettuce and tomato
Side salad
Diet coke

Dinner:
remaining Pasta Marinara
cottage cheese

Exercise this week:
A big fat NONE. I'm feeling bad about it, too. Yesterday I had a "fat day"...I usually really only have them when I've been too lazy to exercise. I'm determined to get in some cardio and Pilates tonight.

Hope you all are having a better time this week!

[Secret_Squirrel]

Hey Heather - I hope you and Matt had a HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! :D

I'm going to be away from the computer for the next 2 weeks. This week I'm redoing my master bedroom (finally! we've been in a tiny spare bedroom and I can't take it anymore). Next weekend we're on vacation: 2 days in Bend, Oregon and 5 at the Oregon coast.

I worked out every day last week. Three times I did an hour of cardio plus weights and abs in the morning, then a 3 mile walk in the evenings. But this is AF week and I feel bloated and terrible. Between cramps and being busy with the bedroom, I haven't gone to the gym at all.

Sunday I was moving bark with a shovel and wheelbarrow, so I decided to make interval training of it. I jogged between the bark pile and where I was moving it and after I dumped the bark, I did jumping jacks, a set of lunges, or tricept dips. DH thought I was crazy since it was so hot out. And the lunges made my thighs sore for days!

Have a health week, ladies!

[angelraven]

Thanks, Laura! We did! And I had a good birthday, too. :)

************************************************** ******
Ok, girls, we need to get this thing going again. Laura will be back next week. YAY. We really need to kick it into high gear. Or at least I know I do. I haven't been doing well at all.

I think I'm going to just give myself a second chance (though it's probably the fourth or fifth) starting next week. Anyone want to join me? I MUST get in here on a daily basis and hold myself accountable. That really seems to help me. Plus, I've got to get back into exercising regularly. It makes me feel so much better, and it's good for me to get into the habit now, before I go back to work. After that, I'm sure it will be harder to keep up.

I haven't gained, but I haven't lost either. I'm just still stuck at this plateau and I want to conquer it. So, starting Monday, I'm back in full force. :)

[Secret_Squirrel]

Heather - It's Monday, how's it going?? :D

Yep, I'm back after 2 weeks of NO workouts. The first week I was overhaulin' my bedroom, so I figured that hoisting the paint roller over my head and ripping up the carpeting had to count for some activity. Last weekend was vacation and I did hardly anything - we walked a couple of miles, jogged for 5 minutes, that was it.

Plus, it was vacation and don't calories consumed in another state stay in that state? Yeah, right. :rolleyes: I wish. :eek:

And last night DH made a really rich and creamy pasta dish. And I was so hungry from working on our new floor all day that I ate two helpings - . Ugh! That totally ruined the fact that I skipped McDonalds when DH went there for lunch earlier in the day. One of these days, I'll have to learn not to sabatoge myself.

So I'm right there with you on needing to get back into it, Heather!

Today:

1 mug of coffee w/fat free creamer - 75 cal.
Kashi Heart to Heart Golden Maple Oatmeal - 150 cal.

Total for breakfast: 225 cal.

I'll report lunch and dinner later.

[angelraven]

Yup, it's Monday and here I am!

Menu for today:

Breakfast:
strawberry mini wheats
skim milk
French vanilla tea

Lunch:
small sub with turkey, lettuce, tomato, onion, salt, pepper, dash of olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano
water

Dinner:
tbd... I can't decide what I want to eat

Exercise:
none to speak of yet. I hope to get in at least one 10 minute stint of cardio and then 20 minutes of pilates at some point today.


Hey Laura! So how did the master bedroom turn out?

[Secret_Squirrel]

The rest of my food and exercize from yesterday:

Lunch: another packet of instant oatmeal - 150 cal
Snack: half a low-fat blueberry muffin - 100 cal
Dinner: sweet and sour meatballs with onion, peppers and pineapple over brown rice
Rice: 200 cal
6 Meatballs: 260 cal
5 tbs (guess) sauce: 200 cal
Veggies: 50 cal ? (I don't really count veggies b/c that's not a problem, you know?)
Total dinner: 710

Cal total for yesterday: 225 + 150 + 100 + 710 = 1185

Well, that's not too bad.

Exercize: none. I packed my gym bag today, however.

Now, about that master bedroom: It's looking awesome! The old room was dark hunter green (even on the half of the ceiling that sloped to 15' high), with ivory accents and gray carpeting.

I really wanted to do a color, but decided the room was too small. The best features are the high ceiling and the windows, so we went for an airy, contemporary loft theme. Everything is going to be in shades of neutral with textures to add depth.

I painted the ceilings and trim white. The walls are an light off-white that is one shade darker than white. And the upper walls that border the high ceiling are "barely bone" - a light taupe adding a touch of warm color.

The gray carpet is gone and the floor is "spicy cherry," a medium cherry which is just enough color to anchor the room so it's not washed out. Originally I bought a colonial cherry floor that had a light honey finish and was really pretty, but the flooring material was cr*p. We struggled with it for a several hours over 2 days and none of the seams would snap together right. And the finish would chip off when we used the pull-bar as directed. It was a disaster. We were feeling like total renovation-loosers until we realized maybe it wasn't us, but the floor. So we pulled up the two rows we had done and took it all back to Lowe's. We bought a different brand with better tongue and groove and it snapped together like a dream - it was night and day. I liked the first color a little better, but this is nice too and it's a *much* better floor.

I have our bedding - it's a bit lighter than the "barely bone" on the ceiling. I can't find a pic of it online, but it's solid color with a light texture on the fabric and square dimples.

That's what we have done so far. Hopefully, we'll be in by next weekend. We still have lighting and molding to do.

Whew - that was long!

[angelraven]

Laura, your master bedroom sounds like it's going to be really cool! Matt is against all things contemporary, but I like some of the stuff. I'm especially liking contemporary lighting lately. Maybe someday...lol

************************************************** ******
I did not start off well at all. Monday started off good enough, but then we had to mess with getting the stupid crapped out Sable in the driveway. Then, MIL invited us to dinner and we accepted. It was fried chicken (boneless skinless, but still, fried) mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans, corn, and rolls. It was so tasty. I haven't had fried chicken for ages. Because we had to deal with the car, I didn't get any exercise in.

Yesterday's menu wasn't very good either. My sister is having a rough time and didn't have any money for school clothes, so I took her shopping and got her some things. We also went out to lunch....to On the Border...

Here's the menu:

Breakfast:
small mushroom and cheese omelet
French Vanilla tea with splenda

Lunch:
Lunch sized chicken chimichanga, black beans, rice, salsa and chips :(

Dinner:
turkey, lettuce, tomato, onion, olive oil, vinegar, salt pepper on a wheat hoagie
Jalepeno chips :(

Dessert:
I am so weak. I ate TWO brownies. :(

No exercise yesterday, unless you count walking around the stores. sigh...

I could keep feeling guilty about getting off to an awful start, but I figure that's pretty counterproductive. Today's a whole new day, and I'm already doing better because I've gotten exercise in. I did two 10 minute cardio stints and my 20 minute pilates workout. Today is grocery shopping day, so I'll be able to plan everything that goes into my mouth and hopefully control things better that way.

I've only eaten breakfast (cereal) so I'll come back later and update my food intake.

[Secret_Squirrel]

Heather, don't worry about it. My start hasn't been so great. I STILL haven't worked out yet, either.

My mom went in for bladder surgery yesterday and visiting her in the hospital took my exercise time. Mom's doing ok, but it was shocking to hear how many women have to have this procedure when they get older - her sister, her neighbor. I guess it's from childbirth when everything gets stretched out. No fair, we have to deal with labor and the after-effects. I hope our husbands appreciate what we go through! It's a good thing women are so strong.

Yesterday went ok, until Cameron made cookies as a surprise for Jeff, for being such a good step dad.

Breakfast: oatmeal - 150 cal
coffee: 75 cal
Lunch: small green salad w/ dressing - 200 cal
Snack: half the hospital tiaramisu that my mom didn't want (oops, I forgot about that!) - 200 cal (?)
Dinner: hodgepodge snack-fest :( . I was too tired to cook. I made chicken nuggets for Nick and ate 5. I made chicken potstickers for Cam and ate 4. Then I had 1 cup of organic lentil and vegetable soup. And the cookie.
Nuggets: 260 cal
Potstickers: 210 cal.
Soup: 150 cal
Cookie: 170 cal (?)

Total for day: 1415

I tried to take a pic of the bedroom this morning, but the battery in my camera was dead.

[Secret_Squirrel]

Yesterday I was visiting my mom and grandma sent over dinner (since mom has surgery a few days ago). It was her homemade noodles in gravy and fried chicken. How can I resist grandma's homemade noodles? So I ate half a cup of noodles and skipped the fried chicken. But she also sent over a fresh chocolate pie - it was still warm. So I had 2 bites.

Later, around 8pm, when Jeff got home from work we got teriyaki for dinner. Since I already ate a small meal I tried to keep it light. I had the broccoli and chicken stir fry, no rice and left some for later.

I know eating late is bad, but DH hasn't been getting home before 7:30 lately. And I don't get home until 6 - 6:30 when I have to pick up my kids at their grandma's after work. If we want to eat together, we have no choice.

So, the Calorie Count for yesterday:

Breakfast:
Oatmeal & coffee = 225
Lunch: more oatmeal (i'm a lazy eater) = 150
Snack: lowfat berry muffin = 200
Snack: grandma's noodles = 250 (?? no idea)
2 bites of her fresh chocolate cream pie = 100
Dinner: broccolli and chicken stir fry = 550

Total for day: 1475

I found some cool calculators.

This one: http://www.caloriecontrol.org/calcalcs.html tells me how many calories I need to maintain my current weight.

And this one: http://www.caloriesperhour.com/index_loss.html
tells me how long it will take me too loose the weight depending on how many calories I cut out daily.

The http://www.caloriecontrol.org website has lots of helpful calculators on it. So does http://www.calorie-count.com/

According to the calculators, I need 2200 calories a day to maintain my current weight. So if I keep under 1500, I should loose 20 pounds in about 3 months just by eating less - no exercise. So if I work out, it should be even faster.

[angelraven]

Those calculators are neat! I need 2008 calories to maintain. If I want to lose these last five pesky pounds, I need to cut out 200 calories for 2 months and 28 days, or if I want to do it in a month, I need to cut out 583 calories. That would give me 1425 per day to do it in a month, which seems reasonable, especially with exercise. I didn't want to become an obsessive calorie counter, but maybe it would help me determine if I really am eating better or not.

Today's food:

Breakfast:
1/2 c. Smart Start Soy Protein cereal (it sounds gross but it's actually good!)
skim milk
french vanilla tea with skim milk

Lunch:
leftovers from dinner which was:
Delicious Skillet Chicken (WW recipe)- reminded me of chicken cacciatori YUM!
1/2 c. white rice
Slice of bread with butter (was craving it for some reason)
Water

Dinner:
Matt is working late tonight, so I had a Healthy Choice
Southwest Chicken with rice
Water

Dessert:
2 Almond Fudge truffels, another WW recipe (1 pt each and sinfully chocolatey)

Other misc things that ended up in my mouth:
vanilla chai tea with splenda and skim milk
some grapes, probably around 10 or so
a brownie (OMG I'm throwing the rest away)

Exercise:
10 minute cardio
20 minute Pilates workout

I could only muster 10 minutes today. I was sore from yesterday. I wanted to go for a bike ride or a walk, but it was really hot....and the tire on my bike is flat. poo.

I'm noticing a lot of carbs, bad carbs, as I'm typing what I'm eating. Rice and bread are major pitfalls for me. I know it's ok to have the refined carbs in moderation, but today I had rice TWICE plus bread. If I could just get into brown rice.....I just don't like the taste. :(

Also, need to up my water intake considerably. I'm probably drinking 40 oz max, so that needs to at least double. I've got some things to work on, but I'm confident that I can do it.

[Secret_Squirrel]

I really need to up my water intake, too. I think you are doing better than me. I'm at about 33 oz a day.

I made it to the gym yesterday, hurray!

Yesterday's food:

B'fast: oatmeal & coffee = 225
Lunch: oatmeal = 150 & Trader Joe's Tortilla chips = 200
Snack: garlic bread = 130
Snack: leftover chicken and broccolli stir-fry = 250
Dinner: organic black bean soup with carrots, leeks, onion, celery and potato: 260
Oh, and I almost forgot - that spoonful of refrigerated peanut butter cookie dough to make my sweet-tooth happy before bed-time: 120 cal
(I need to buy some sugar free jello!)

Pre-workout total: 1335

Exercize - 30 min cardio = -396

Net calories: 939

So far this week I've consumed 5048 calories. To maintain I needed 8800, so I've lost 3952 calories. Since there are about 3500 calories in a pound, I should have lost a pound already, and am starting on the next one!

Now. If I can just avoid blowing it this weekend. Weekends are so hard. I'm starting to feel hungrier more often, too - which I take as a sign that it's starting to work :)

[angelraven]

YAY for exercising yesterday!!!! So you like the calorie counting way about things so far? Do you find that it helps you make better choices?

Menu for today:

Breakfast:
1 c. Smart start with 1/2 skim milk= 240 calories

Snack:
2 almond fudge truffles= 90 calories
french vanilla tea with splenda 20 calories (all from the Splenda)

Lunch:
Balsamic chicken Healthy Choice= 320
(thinking that tv dinners have to do, they have SO much soduim! But sometimes they're good and they're easy)

Snack:
grapes
1/2 c cottage cheese = 116 calories
1/2 c grapes= 31 calories

Dinner:
Yakitori = 366 calories
(been marinating since yesterday morning, going to be SO good!)
Salad tossed with red wine vinegarette = 45 calories
green beans with mushrooms, bacon, garlic = 100 calories

Dessert:
Raspberry Sorbet= 120 calories


Total= 1348 IF I can really JUST eat all this stuff and not be tempted by anything else

Exercise :
10 minutes Slow and Steady Burn = 80 calories burned
10 minute Power Blast= 80 Calories burned
20 minutes Pilates = 64 Calories Burned

Net calories for today:
1124

[Secret_Squirrel]

It's only been a week, but I'm happy so far. I wasn't loosing weight, so I decided to try and keep track of what I was shoving in my mouth to find out why.

It is eye-opening to have some new awareness. Last night's dinner KILLED me. DH and I had made two trips to the dump that took all day and we were tired and hungry, so my resistance was gone. We went out to Macaroni Grill and we went through 2 orders of bread and olive oil, plus my entire chicken caesar calzone and 2 glasses of sangria.

I have no idea how much damage I did, but if I guess:
2 glasses of Sangria @ 200 cal/glass: 400
Loaf of fresh herb bread and olive oil: 500
Calzone: 850 calories
Garden salad w/oil and vinegar dressing: 200

About 2000 calories for ONE meal!

Add on breakfast and lunch calories of about 710 calories and some "incidentals" and I probably ate 3000 calories yesterday - 800 more than my "maintence" needs. I may have had a little extra activity yesterday, but not 800 calories worth.

We went out every night this weekend, but I was more "calorie aware" the other times.

If I cut 800 calories out of my diet today, I'll be back to square one, I guess. :rolleyes:

[angelraven]

I didn't do so hot either. These last few days of counting calories have been enlightening. Who knew that Matt's favorite breakfast was so detrimental?!

Saturday-
Breakfast: 1 buscuit with gravy 700 calories!!! JUST ONE BUSCUIT TOO! I normall eat close to TWO!

Lunch: Chicken salad sandwich 450

Dinner: Two slices of cheese pizza 400

Desert: M&M Blizzard from DQ ACK! 590!! FOR A SMALL!

No exercise either.

Saturday's total: 2140, which is 122 calories OVER what I can have to maintain

Sunday-
Breakfast:
1 low carb pancake with blueberry syrup- 75
3 slices of bacon- 103

Lunch:
Chicken salad sandwich 450

Snack:
Cottage cheese 116
grapes: 40

Dinner:
Mexican burger with bulgar 335
Fries 240

Dessert:
2 almond fudge truffels 135
1/4 Matt's leftover blizzard 150

SubTotal for Saturday 1364

Exercise:
Mowed front yard (nephew did the back) 20 minutes 109 calories
20 minute walk with DH 60 calories

Net total calories: 1195

[angelraven]

I'm really tired today. I even have circles under my eyes. I'm not sure why, it's not like I've done anything THAT strenuous. I even went back to sleep for a while after Matt went to work but I had to finally force myself to get out of bed. at 10:45.

Yesterday was ok until dinner. Not sure how much damage dinner did, but here goes.

Breakfast:
1 c. Smart start with skim milk 240

Lunch:
Chicken marinara Healthy choice with broccoli 240

Snack:
3 almond fudge truffles 135
cottage cheese and grapes 156

Dinner:
I forgot to take something out of the freezer so we went out...to a buffet
Bourbon chicken 90
pot roast 200
green beans, plain 0 (YAY)
black eyed peas 60
roll 90
fruit 45
cherry cobbler 322

wow. Lesson learned. no more cherry cobbler

Total: 1518 which still isn't that bad I guess

No exercise to speak of. poo

[angelraven]

Happy Hump Day! I'm a little disappointed right now. It seems that I have put a couple pounds back on. Grr... Oh well, it happens.

Yesterday's food:

Breakfast:
2 eggs, scrambled 140
dry toast with apricot preserves 95
french vanilla tea with splenda 20

Lunch:
1/2 cheeseburger :( 400
Sprite 110
handfull of fries 155

Dinner:
Stuffed pepper 650
Corn 65

Total: 1635 :(

No exercise :mad:

Today is another day.

[Secret_Squirrel]

Hi Heather.

It's busy at work and I don't have a lot of time to post. I've done ok.

Monday:
Oatmeal = 150
coffee = 75
Oatmeal = 150
Grapes (A LOT) =120
Apple Bar = 120
Dry cereal = 150
Tacos (guestimate, since I didn't measure): 600
grapes: 75

Total: 1440

Tuesday:
Oatmeal: 150
Coffee: 75
Oatmeal: 150
granola bar: 150
Grapes: 100
Granola bar: 150
Gnocci with sundried tomato pesto: 500
cookie: 100

subtotal: 1475

Cardio: - 410

Total: 1065

Yay for working out again!

[angelraven]

Update for yesterday:

Breakfast:
1 c. Smart Start with skim milk 240
French vanilla tea 20

Lunch:
Stuffed pepper 650
Vanilla chai tea 35

Dinner:
Chicken Mushroom Ragout 157
Bread 90

Dessert:
1/2 c ice cream 180

Exercise:
20 minutes cardio: 160
Pilates: 60

Subtotal: 1372
Net total: 1152

Still need to work on drinking more water.

[angelraven]

I'm still going strong, just haven't had much time to update. I was out of town Saturday and Sunday, so my eating was a little sketchy, but all the exercise I got working on my dad's house probably softened the blow a little at least. Going to weigh and measure tomorrow to see if I'm making any progress.

[Secret_Squirrel]

Just posting to say I'm still around, too. But without any time to post. It's our busy time of year at work. I'll update when I get more time - I do think it was helping me.

[Secret_Squirrel]

Whoa, nobody's come back?

I need to get back on track with counting calories. This hiatus hasn't been good for me.

Today I ate:

Soy oatmeal with sugar free caramel syrup (why do healthy things have to taste so bad?) 150 cal
Orange: 75 cal
Organic orange and passionfruit yogurt: 150 cal
2 cups of coffee with fat free creamer: 150 cal

subtotal: 525

Dinner will be a smorgesboard of leftovers tonight. I've got some low-fat enchilada chicken and low-fat spaghetti pie to use up. One serving of the spaghetti pie is 400 cal, I'm not sure about the chicken, but it's prob about the same,

My kids have been selling chocolate for soccer. It's really good, too. Maybe tracking my calories will improve my will power!

[angelraven]

Hi Laura! How are you? I haven't been around as much because I'm in the middle of an exhausting job search. It's looking like I may have a job by the end of the week though! Going in for a second interview today to meet with the head of the IT department. I'm really optimistic about this company. It seems like it would be a great opportunity for me to get started. :)

As far as weight loss goes, there hasn't been any. Just holding steady. I'm wondering if my body has just said, ok stop, we like it right here. So I'm ok with being 120. Still want to do a little more firming up and continue to work on my cardiovascular health. I've been doing a running program that I really enjoy so far. It's a 9 week program to get you to where you can run 3 miles or 5K without stopping. I'm only on week 2 so far. Here is the link if you are interested:

Couch to 5K (http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml)

Well, I'm off to get some breakfast and go for a run. I'll try to come back more often again. :) It's almost time for cool weather, which can be disasterous.

[Secret_Squirrel]

I'm resurrecting this thread to go back to keeping a food and activity diary.
I need 2002 calories a day to maintain my current weight. My goal is to have a 700 calorie a day deficit, through diet and exercize.

calorie count courtesy of: http://www.calorie-count.com/calories/activities/1.html

Monday. Day 1.

B-fast: 290
rye toast - 80
swiss cheese - 110
2 slices ham - 40
2 cups of coffee w/low-sugar creamer: 60

Lunch (leftover bbq from playoffs): 340
roll - 90
turkey burger - 100
ham - 20
turkey bacon - 70
onion - 35
bbq sauce - 35


Snack: 270
1/2 serv. of dried cranberries - 80
10 pecan halves - 100
1 small apple - 60
coffee - 30

Dinner: 765
1/2 serv. thai green curry w/chicken - 350
1/4 serv. pad thai w/chicken - 350
1/3 c. white rice 65 cal

Beverages for the day: water, or diet Sprite with splash of fruit juice: 100

Consumed: 1765

Activity:
1 hour painting ceiling: 200
1 hour spinning class: 500

Burned: 700

Net: 1065

Deficit tally: 935

[Secret_Squirrel]

Tuesday. Day 2.

Bfast:
Low-Sugar Instant Oatmeal - 150
Travel mug of coffee & creamer - 60
210

Lunch:
Campbell's cream of brocolli soup on the go - 110
10 saltines - 130
240

Snack:
small apple - 60
10 pecan halves - 100
160

Dinner:
pork chop - 190
red cabbage with balsamic vinegar & garlic - 125
olive oil - 50
1 slice rye bread w/spread - 120
485

Dessert:
2 italian almond nugat candies - 80
semi-sweet chocolate chips - 70
150

Beverages: water and diet sierra mist with fruit juice splash - 100

Total: 1345

no exercize

Deficit tally: 657+935=1592
almost halfway to a pound.

[Secret_Squirrel]

I'm keeping my daily food intake/activity journal on: http://www.calorie-count.com

Wednesday, Day 3.

Net calories consumed: 1389
Deficit tally: 1592+613=2205

Reflections: steamed cabbage with balsamic is shocking low in calories, but high in good stuff like calcium and vitamins. should eat more of it.

[Secret_Squirrel]

Thursday, Day 4.

Net calories consumed: 1424.6
Deficit tally: 2205+577=2782

Notes: stressful day, undisciplined.
Must.Not.Binge. during NFC championship game.

GO SEAHAWKS!

[Secret_Squirrel]

Friday, Day 5 Total: 1320
Saturday, Day 6 Total: 1370
Sunday, Day 7 Total: 2788 (party)

Total: 5478

Deficit tally: 2782+528= 3310

[Secret_Squirrel]

Monday, Day 8
Calories: 1141
Activity: 546
Net: 595

Deficit tally: 3310+1407=4717

Weight change since 1/19: -0.5 lbs.

[Secret_Squirrel]

Tuesday, Day 9

Calories: 1222.5
Activity: 594
Net: 628

Deficit tally: 4717+1374=6091
(calories in a pound: 3500)

Weight change since 1/19: -1.0 lbs.

[angelraven]

Hey there Laura! Glad to see someone in this thread! We really let it die! Shame on us!!

Since starting my new job, I have packed on weight like crazy. Not only did I gain the weight back that I lost over the summer, but I also gained an additional 5 pounds. That makes me 130 pounds right now. That is the most I have ever weighed in my life. What is really shocking is that my BMI is now 25%. That is considered overweight for my height. Not by much, but the fact that it is scares me so bad. If I don't do something, it's just going to get worse.

I watched the National Body Challenge show on the Discovery Health Channel and decided to check it out. They have some really great tools on there, such as the meal plans. I'm actually eating more now than would before when I'd diet. You plan a week at a time. Each day contains breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a snack. You have two choices for each meal, plus there's a drop down menu for optional choices if you don't like either of the two that it suggested. After you finish the meal plan, you can save it and print it. When you print it, you also get the recipes and a shopping list. It is awesome for people with hectic lives.

I finally got off my butt and joined a gym. I HATE to waste money, so I know I'll use the membership. So far I've gone twice this week; I plan to also go on Thursday and Saturday.

It seems like over the last couple of years, I've really struggled to keep a decent weight. Part of it is because I am insulin resistant. I need to go back to the doctor and get my blood sugar checked and make sure I don't need to get back on the Metformin.

I feel like this time is going to be it. I've never been this motivated.

[Secret_Squirrel]

Hi! Welcome back!

Good for you for feeling so motivated!

I'm disappointed because I gained back everything I lost, too. My BMI is 26!
I can't stand it. My body has really changes since my 20s. I read that my metabolism doesn't burn as many calories as it used to, so I guess I really need to stay on top of it.

Wednesday, Day 10

Calories: 1293.6
Activity: 0
Net: 1293.6

Deficit tally: 6091+708.4+6799.4
(calories in a pound: 3500)

Weight change since 1/19: -1.25 lbs.

So far, my calories cut is right on track with my weight loss.

Notes: I've been irritable this week. Could be hunger? Stress?

[Secret_Squirrel]

Thursday, Day 11

Calories: 1217.5
Activity: 721.1 (20 min of aerobic tae-bo, 30 min elliptical, 10 min stretching)
Net: 496.4

Deficit tally: 6799.4+1505.6=8305
(calories in a pound: 3500)

Weight change since 1/19: -1.50 lbs.

This is progressing slowly.

[angelraven]

Weight change since 1/19: -1.50 lbs.

This is progressing slowly.

I don't think that's slowly at all. I think it sounds just right. The personal trainer at my gym said the safest and most effective way to lose weight and keep it off is to lose about a pound per week. According to that philosophy, you are right on track. I will say that your tally for Friday kind of scared me. You took in 1217.5 calories and burned off 721.1. That seems like an awful lot to burn off since it only left 496 for your body to process. I'm not sure that's leaving enough calories for your body to take enough vitamins, minerals, etc to stay healthy and have enough energy. It could have something to do with your irritability. I guess it would depend on the foods you are eating. Just be careful!

[Secret_Squirrel]

I don't think that's slowly at all. I think it sounds just right. The personal trainer at my gym said the safest and most effective way to lose weight and keep it off is to lose about a pound per week. According to that philosophy, you are right on track.

You are right, I am just impatient :)

I will say that your tally for Friday kind of scared me. You took in 1217.5 calories and burned off 721.1. That seems like an awful lot to burn off since it only left 496 for your body to process.

Well, 721 is what the calculator told me. I didn't feel like I worked that hard. Plus, even if the calories were low, I ate a lot Friday: oatmeal for breakfast, crackers and cheese for a snack, apple, thin crust pizza for lunch, roast beef, potato, carrots and 1/2 a roll. So it was a good mix of carbs and protein. Thanks for caring :)

One thing that surprises me is how much you can eat when you count your calories. And if you choose wisely, you can still splurge on something and it won't ruin everything.

It's just so much simplier to not pay attention to what I am eating. This keeping track takes time! I've been super busy: my computer died at work, we painted the family room, plus the FR was recarpeted and we re-arranged everything. I kept a running total in my head and never went over 2000 calories, but I can't remember everything I ate, so I just went with 2000.

Friday, Day 12
Calories: 1564
Activity: none
Net: 1564

Saturday, Day 13
Calories: 1379
Activity: 386.6
Net: 992.4

Sunday, Day 14
Calories: 2000 (at most, didn't formally track)
Activity: 700
Net: 1300

Monday, Day 15
Calories: 2000 (at most, didn't formally track)
Activity: 200
Net: 1800

Tuesday, Day 16
Calories: 1444.9
Activity: 386
Net: 1058.9

Deficit tally: 8305+438+1009.6+702+202+943.1=11599.7
(calories in a pound: 3500)

Weight change since 1/19: did not weigh

[Secret_Squirrel]

Wednesday, Day 17
Calories: 1556.1
Activity: 128
Net: 1428.1

Deficit tally: 11599.7+573.9=12173.6

Weight change: -1.0 ( .5 lb gain since my last weigh in. how can this be?) :(
(calories in a pound: 3500)

[Secret_Squirrel]

Thursday, Day 18
Calories: 1730.6
Activity: 0
Net: 1730.6

Deficit tally: 12173.6+271.4=12445

Weight change: -2.25 (I weighed in later yesterday, must've been the difference)
(calories in a pound: 3500)

Notes: Happy to see steady progress. Just entered new "decade" of pounds - one more to go until my goal. Must be very active this weekend to combat Superbowl Splurge.

[Secret_Squirrel]

Friday, Day 19
Calories: 1620
Activity: 395
Net: 1225

Saturday, Day 20
Calories: 1175
Activity: 0
Net: 1175

Sunday, Day 21
Calories: 2590
Activity: 0
Net: 2590


Deficit tally: 12445+777+827-588=13461

Weight change: Did not weigh.

[Secret_Squirrel]

Monday, Day 22
Calories: 1474.2
Activity: 0 (recuperating!)
Net: 1474.2


Deficit tally: 13461+527=13988
Weight change: did not weigh.

[Secret_Squirrel]

Tuesday, Day 23
Calories: 1839
Activity: 385
Net: 1454


Deficit tally: 13988+548+14536
Weight change: -2.0 (up +.25)
(appx 3500 cal/lb)

Grrrr! According to cut calories, I should be down about 4 pounds by now. I've only lost half that. That would be like eating 7000 more calories than I have - not working out. I def. should not be gaining.

This is discouraging.

[Secret_Squirrel]

I keep plugging along...

A co-worker aggressively tried to push a crispy kreme on me today. I resisted. Yesterday, I ignored the carrot cake in the work room. If life were fair, that would be worth at least half a pound!

Wednesday, Day 24
Calories: 1655.8
Activity: 0 (thanks to DH changing his mind about going to the Y after I waited for him)
Net: 1655.8

Deficit tally: 14536+347=14883
Weight change: -2.0 (no change)
(appx 3500 cal/lb)

[Secret_Squirrel]

Thursday, Day 25
Calories: 1091.7
Activity: 288.2
Net: 803.5

Deficit tally: 14883+1198.5=16081.5
Weight change: -3.75
(appx 3500 cal/lb)

Notes: My weight loss graph chart on www.calorie-count.com is developing a weekly pattern: sharp drop, plateau, little gain, sharp drop; repeat. I should not let the little gain get to me, it's part of the pattern.

[angelraven]

A co-worker aggressively tried to push a crispy kreme on me today. I resisted. Yesterday, I ignored the carrot cake in the work room. If life were fair, that would be worth at least half a pound!


At least a half pound? More like a whole one! LOL

I haven't been able to go to the gym due to a stupid cold. However, I've done fairly well at sticking with my meal plans and am seeing small results. I'm right on track at about a pound a week, so two pounds so far.

How's your doggy, Laura? I haven't heard anything since you first got him.

[Secret_Squirrel]

Bojo is such a sweetheart! Everyone in the family adores him and he loves us all right back! He was doggie-sat by grandma this weekend while we went snowboarding and she said he was a perfect gentleman. :) How's your Copernicus?


Friday, Day 26
Calories: 1680.4
Activity: 0 - felt sick
Net: 1680.4

Saturday, Day 27
Calories: 2212.2
Activity: 760.9
Net: 1450.3

Sunday, Day 28
Calories: 2011.2
Activity: 0
Net: 2011.2

Monday, Day 29
Calories: 1655.8
Activity: 350
Net: 1305.8

Deficit tally: 16081.5+321.6+551.7-9.2+651.2=17596.8
Weight change: not taken
(appx 3500 cal/lb)

[Secret_Squirrel]

That romantic Valentine's Day dinner was a killer backslide! Steak, baby red potoes, bread & wine and... chocolates & a cookie. Plus, I haven't been working out because I don't feel good. Bad me!

Tuesday, Day 30
Calories: 2522.2 (ugh!)
Activity: 0
Net: 2422.2

Wednesday, Day 31
Calories: 1683.7
Activity: 0
Net: 1683.7

Deficit tally: 17596.8-520.2+318.3=17394.9

[Secret_Squirrel]

Thursday, Day 32
Calories: 1657.6
Activity: 0
Net: 1657.6

Deficit tally: 17394.9+344.4=17739.3

Still off track.

[Secret_Squirrel]

Starting over. The numbers were getting unwieldy. And honestly, I'm getting sick of having to track everything, so I needed a break.

I'll start with today.

Doing a lot of home improvement = take out with no time to work out!

[Secret_Squirrel]

Thursday, Day 1B

Calories: 1595
Activity: 0
Net: 1595

Deficit tally: 2002-1595=407
(3500 cal/lb)

[Secret_Squirrel]

Monday

Calories: 1497
Activity: 532
Net: 965

Deficit tally: 407+1032=1439
(3500 cal/lb)

[Secret_Squirrel]

Tuesday

Calories: 1327
Activity: 0
Net: 1327

Deficit tally: 1439+675+2114
(3500 cal/lb)

The important thing is not to get discouraged!

[Secret_Squirrel]

Wednesday

Calories: 1580
Activity: 350
Net: 1230

Deficit tally: 2114+772=2886
(3500 cal/lb)

Note: Added incline to treadmeal. Ugh.


Thursday

Calories: 1561
Activity: 330
Net: 1231

Deficit tally: 2114+731=2885
(3500 cal/lb)

[Secret_Squirrel]

Friday

Calories: 1276
Activity: 370
Net: 906

Deficit tally: 2885+1096=3981
(3500 cal/lb)

Saturday

Calories: 2063
Activity: 775
Net: 1261

Deficit tally: 3981+726= 4707

Sunday

Calories: 2207.1 (lunch at Macaroni Grill was 1570 calories! :eek: )
Activity: 300
Net: 1907.1

Deficit tally: 4707

[Secret_Squirrel]

Monday

Calories: 1456
Activity: 600
Net: 856

Deficit tally: 4707+1146=5853

Weight change: -5.0 lbs!

I gained some back a little while ago. Now it's gone, plus one more :D

[Secret_Squirrel]

Yay for me: 7 consecutive days of working out!! :D

Tuesday

Calories: 1412
Activity: 400
Net: 1012

Deficit tally: 5853+990=6843

[Secret_Squirrel]

Wednesday

Calories: 1058
Activity: 352
Net: 706

Deficit tally: 6843+1296=8139

Weight change: -6.9 lbs

yay, I've lost almost 7 pounds! 10 more to go and I'll be back at my married weight. 15 more to go, and I'm back to my dating weight.

[Secret_Squirrel]

Thursday

Calories: 1145
Activity: 348
Net: 797

Deficit tally: 8139+1205=9344

Uh-oh. I feel a bad cold coming on. So much for my work-out streak.

[Secret_Squirrel]

Been sick since Friday.
Ugh.
So much for the 5K I was supposed to run on Sunday.
Still feeling under the weather.

[Secret_Squirrel]

I didn't give up, but I moved my diary to calorie-count.com. Still keeping at it, 10 pounds down, 10 to go.