Pixies Power

[Mercury_Maniac]

i'd like to start lifting weights myself, if my damn wrist would ever heal up, hoping to get my ass in shape, maybe starting running and stuff

[Lilith]

MM is there some sort of wrist brace you could wear?

[WildIrish]

There always seemed to be a guy going slow in my lane though, and as annoying as that is - I think it's good because it pisses me off and gets me working harder.



Sorry...didn't mean to freak you out. Maybe if I wasn't wearing my x-ray swim goggles. :D


You all are doing so well! This is really cool to watch.

[Neige]

Sorry...didn't mean to freak you out. Maybe if I wasn't wearing my x-ray swim goggles. :D

But then wouldn't you be going faster to keep up with the fast girls? ;):D

[WildIrish]

But then wouldn't you be going faster to keep up with the fast girls? ;):D


My rudder slows me down. :p

[Mercury_Maniac]

MM is there some sort of wrist brace you could wear?



i had a brace right after i broke it,

i wore it until it hurt to much from wearing it.


now it pretty much hurts all day everyday.

[osuche]

I've only worked out once this week, although I've been OK at controlling my food intake. I plan to work out on Thursday and Friday to make up for my indescretions. :)

[maddy]

Lilith - good for you on the whites ... will that help your diabetes? I think that would be a challenge for me. While I rarely use flour or sugar, I'm sure a fair number of the foods I eat contain them.

I think I might pick up the You on a diet book. I leafed through it quickly one day at Target and it looked interesting.

I really realized today that if I don't write down what I eat/drink in a very quick fashion I really do forget. I think this might have been some of my problem with trying to journal in the evening for the whole day. It also helps me resist the little minatures that one of my co-workers has on her desk because I don't want to have to write those darn things down. I always thought I'd dislike a written food journal, but I'm on day three and finding it works pretty well for me. I stumbled today with my water becuase I was in and out of meetings all day and I really couldn't remember how many refills I had. I guess if the worst i do is not journal enough water, I'm not doing so bad.

[Lilith]

I saw today that they approved Orlistat/ Xenical as an OTC diet aid. Is the very least favorite thing I ever tried.

[maddy]

I had an eye opening experience today as it relates to my weight, self image, and lack of self confidence. I think I've finally found a point that if wasn't the starting point of my downward spiral at least has been a pivotal point. It's a weird sense of power that I feel now recognizing it. Now I need to move beyond it - overcome it.

Finally, I feel like I know what the demon is that I'm fighting.

[wyndhy]

((((maddy)))) you can do it, too.

[WildIrish]

There's a highly praised vegetarian restaurant in Middletown, CT called It's Only Natural. All of their meals are without meat (duh), but also do not have white flour, processed sugars & any preservatives. They use organic vegetables and they don't even have real coffee! Imagine my reaction to decaf with raw sugar & soy milk! :D

Here's a link (http://www.itsonlynaturalmarket.com/common/recipes/recipes_home.asp?storeID=559B4D5864C14F0DBE0543F5BAD7FD4A) to their recipe page.

[Neige]

Go (((maddy)))!!!!!

Yesterday the pool wasn't very busy at all! It was fun since because one of the slow lanes was empty apart from my friends, so I went into that lane too with them! I am teaching them technique so it was great, I was able to get my laps in and still observe them at the same time!

February 8 : 1.25 km

[osuche]

((((maddy))))) damn beast is goin' down. Just sayin. :D

[IowaMan]

((((maddy))))) damn beast is goin' down. Just sayin. :D
Oh, if only that were your nickname for me. :faint:

As for my little trek towards fitness or health (whichever comes first), I had a rough first part of the week and ended up dropping five pounds. :(

Still keeping up the workouts though so hopefully the weight loss means I'm losing some fat.

[Alias]

Well i have been missing for a wee bit, and i did put on some weight. I am now ready to take up the reins and head forward on my trek yet again

Weigh in today, i lost 1.4kg

That makes 9.6kg/21.2lb lost so far
12cm off waist

[maddy]

thanks everyone :)

I can't believe how incredibly good this week has been. I have definitely found my "give-a-damn" and now I just need to keep hold of it. I do believe water makes a huge difference for me. For the past week I've been drink 100 - 140 oz of water per day.

As I already knew, planning is essential for my success. And amazingly, I'm slowly finding the courage to try new foods and expand my palate.

I made it to the gym all 5 of the work days again this past week, and I'm sore.

[IowaMan]

That is awesome Maddy!!! :line::line:

You keep kicking butt!!!

[WildIrish]

Excellent news maddy!

You've looked great all along, but it's awesome to hear you sounding great too.

Go forth unto this world and conquer it!

[maddy]

ty :) For some reason I'm the odd kid who can really control my diet/exercise best in the winter. I think for most people it's easier to do it in the warm months or at least that's what people around me say.

I can't even explan how good it feels to be in control. I wish I could remember this feeling when I start to spin in the other direction.

[IowaMan]

I wish I could remember this feeling when I start to spin in the other direction.
I guess we'll just have to be here to remind ya then won't we. ;)

[osuche]

I worked out today :D

[maddy]

YAY! osuche!

[campingboy]

I have been going to the gym three times a week since Christmas. If for no other reason it gets me out of the house in the depths of winter. I became such a slug in past winters. I enjoy the energy that I feel after working out. I have noticed that I've toned up since I have started.

[osuche]

Go campingboy!

[maddy]

Yay, campingboy.

Beware, I'm about to brag....

- I've been to the gym every "weekday" for 5 weeks in a row.
- I rocked the scale this week - to the tune of 5.2 lbs this week.

I'm about 8 lbs away from last year's low point, but I'm feeling confident I'll get there soon enough and then it's moving on futher.

[WildIrish]

Awesome maddy!!! :cheerlead

[Neige]

Tuesday, my girls and I were all busy with other things, so we skipped the pool. Yesterday I think we all noticed how out of shape we had fallen just by skipping one time!!! I forced myself not to fall back in the number of laps though.

February 15 : 1.25 km

[osuche]

I went to the gym for the past 4 days. I even did 20 minutes on the stairmaster, plus time on the elliptical today!

[IowaMan]

That's great PS and osuche! :nana:

I learned today that my workouts are safer and more productive when I'm not battling a stomach virus (go figure). Decided to try what our football coach had us do back in high school at the end of each of our workouts. He always told us to give 110% so we would each have to see how many times we could bench press 110% of our weight as the last thing before we hit the showers.

Yeah, that was a lot easier when I was 18 yrs old. Luckily I don't weigh a hell of a lot because it probably would've hurt like a SOB when I got to laughing and ended up with the bar on my chest. Was laughing because I realized what a freaking moron I was to even try it. (See, I told you WI that I'm a moron.) No harm, no foul though.

I'm still hanging steady with my weight this week and I can tell I'm toning up in my chest and arms. The legs and butt are still a ways off though. :(

[Neige]

Today I went to the pool without the girls. On Sunday afternoons, they have the pool open for the public, and the section they usually have open for laps was closed today to be a play area for children. Instead, the section for laps was the section usually used by the university's swim team, which is entirely in the deep end of the pool (the regular section is half shallow, half deep). This meant that it was harder to stop swimming, since I couldn't just stand up at the end of the lane, and instead had to hang on to the side of the pool, which is about a foot higher up than the water level. I decided to push harder today and did 10 more laps than usual.

February 18 : 1.5 km

[mywldside]

Missing a day can make the next day really hurt

[IowaMan]

Looks like my bout with the stomach flu (or whatever it was) over the weekend knocked me down yet another notch. I'm down 4 lbs. from this time last week. :(

[osuche]

I took an hour long hike yesterday and long walks for the past 3 days. It helps that my mom is here - as I occasionally have to leave the house to keep my sanity.

I am also down 4 lbs thanks to the stomach flu, but I suspect I won't be lucky enough to keep it off. :p

[Neige]

Yesterday I did the 60 laps again. I notice that the last 10 force me more than the rest, so I am going to watch to see when they becomes as easy as the rest of the laps before I increase again.

February 20 : 1.5 km

[Mercury_Maniac]

its no wonder why you are in fantastic shape ;)

[IowaMan]

Makes me short of breath just to think about hiking for as long as osuche or swimming like Neige. Way to go ladies. :line::cheerlead::line:

Had a little more of a setback after the stomach virus and so I've now lost another five pounds. :mad:

[Neige]

Some people have been asking about how long it takes me to do my laps. Today I sort of timed myself - if I take out the time I spent coaching my friends on their crawl, it took me about 40 minutes to do 60 laps, or 1.5 km.

February 22 : 1.5 km

[osuche]

I've been good all week...average of 1700 calories/day and workouts on 5 of the past 7 days. I kept the lbs off that I lost during last weekend's stomach flu, but I haven't lost any more.

[IowaMan]

I'm sort of struggling right now and I'm frustrated as all hell. After I got rid of the stomach virus I started having some pretty fun troubles with my lungs and I haven't been able to work out for over a week. I've lost another four pounds. I'd like to be able to say that I've been trying but I just haven't had it in me this past week.

Hate to admit it but for a few hours this afternoon I was very, very close to losing my "give a damn."

[Lilith]

Congrats to all of you who are putting forth the effort to make your dreams and goals a reality.

To those of us struggling, we just have to remember that we are not only our failures. Sometimes we need to be motivated and encouraged to celebrate our sucesses no matter how small.

Today I avoided one of my favorite things. Those big mint lifesavers.

[osuche]

((((IowaMan))))) and (((((Lilith)))))

If I can ever do anything to be of support, please let me know. Always support fellow travelers. :)

And Lilith - I have some of those very lifesavers on my desk. :)

[Neige]

Today was super duper extremely busy, since I am leaving tomorrow morning for my study break, but I really didn't want to miss the pool, so I still went and did fewer laps.

I think it'll be harder to swim while I'm on break since I won't be doing it with my girlfriends, but I'm hoping I'll be able to find the time and the will to go anyway.

February 27 : 1 km

[Mercury_Maniac]

ok i'm gonna start doing situps/curlups whatever the hell you call them :)

and is this one of the best ways for toning your abs? i've decided that i'd like to start working out and getting myself in shape and i figured i start with my abs as it should be rather easy and i can do this until my wrist heals (hopefully) then i can start lifting weights and then when it warms up i begin running or something.

[Daft]

Going to start working on some cardio, getting way to heavy because of the sedentary nature of my winter life. Exercise in general makes me feel so good and alive once I get it in a routine I dont know why I stopped!

[Lilith]

I have been touting the evil that is high fructose corn syrup for years and just have noticed the last couple of trips to the grocery that many many manufacturers have been quietly reverting back to sugar. I was pleasantly surprised to see the light dressings by Kraft now are back to sugar :D

[Daft]

Pure caine sugar is good stuff.

[osuche]

Caine sugar :rofl:

I broke down and ate dinner at 4 pm today, after my workout. Bad girl. :spank:

Now I'll be famished after I'm done with class at 9:30

[IowaMan]

After getting some advice from a friend, I realized that right now my body is just too tired to be able to dive into the workouts like I would like. I haven't been able to work through the pain and weakness that my lungs send my way while I'm trying to get the work done and usually I am able to block those things out of my mind. I'm just going to work on the mental part of it for a couple of days and hopefully I'll be physically ready to hit it hard again soon.

Thank you to my "personal trainer" for pointing me in the right direction. They don't make 'em sweeter than her. ;)

[Neige]

Tonight I went swimming with my sister. It was fun! I didn't have the time to do as much as I wanted though.

March 1 : 1.25 km

[Lilith]

I lost 2 this week.

[Aqua]

I've been working on getting into exercise more, real simple like.

Pushups.

I've been doing them about 3 weeks now, though not remembering everyday like I want to. Started with ten. Yeah, only ten. I can't believe how sore i was after the first couple of days. Or that I could only do ten. :rolleyes: The last two days I have done 15.

I want to be able to do 50 without dying. :p

[WildIrish]

I want to be able to do 50 without dying. :p


Here's what ya gotta do.

Do your pushups against stairs.

Place your feet at the bottom, and put your hands on whichever upper step is most comfortable. Because more of your body weight is supported by your feet than is during standard pushups, less stress is put on your arms. I don't know about you, but my elbows act up pretty quickly.

In this position, you'll be able to get a few more reps in which will go a lot farther in conditioning you than 10 - 20 regular pushups at a time will. Once you break 50, then add in some standard pushups and you'll find that they don't wear you out as much. If you're really into experimenting...move your hands around. Closer together works your triceps, farther apart works your chest, and each hand on a different step works your delts.

[wyndhy]

very cool...i'm using that too. i get tired of the giant rubber band thingy, nice to switch it up a bit.

[Aqua]

Here's what ya gotta do.

Do your pushups against stairs.

Place your feet at the bottom, and put your hands on whichever upper step is most comfortable. Because more of your body weight is supported by your feet than is during standard pushups, less stress is put on your arms. I don't know about you, but my elbows act up pretty quickly.

In this position, you'll be able to get a few more reps in which will go a lot farther in conditioning you than 10 - 20 regular pushups at a time will. Once you break 50, then add in some standard pushups and you'll find that they don't wear you out as much. If you're really into experimenting...move your hands around. Closer together works your triceps, farther apart works your chest, and each hand on a different step works your delts.
Good idea... now I just need to add a second story to my house and I'll have some stairs I can use. :p

[wyndhy]

:roflmao: ^^
what? no basement either? :p

[WildIrish]

Good idea... now I just need to add a second story to my house and I'll have some stairs I can use. :p


Nobody said that being physically fit wouldn't require sacrifices. :D

[Aqua]

Hey you know a bit about this whole construction thing, right? Wanna come give me a hand?

Hey, and Lil can come too for moral support. :D

[WildIrish]

Hey you know a bit about this whole construction thing, right? Wanna come give me a hand?

Hey, and Lil can come too for moral support. :D


Good idea!


We can have her hold our wood. :D

[Aqua]

Good idea!


We can have her hold our wood. :D
http://campdoc.invisionzone.com/style_emoticons/default/rimshotguy.gif

[Lilith]

:corn:

[WildIrish]

I'll make sure these two boards are lined up right and that a nail is set. When I nod my head, you hit it.

[Lilith]

My work is starting a WeightWatchers group and I've agreed to be a part.

[Neige]

Found a bit of time to go to the pool today... didn't do a whole lot though. :(

March 7 : 1 km

[IowaMan]

Still giving it my best. I can't decide if I relate more to "The Little Engine That Could" or to "John Henry".

At time's I've got the, "I think I can.............. I know I can!" thing going on and then there are days where I'm pretty sure I'll just "die with my hammer in my hand." :roflmao:

[osuche]

I'm stalled. I really am. I'm working out 3-5 times a week and (mostly) eating right and I gain and lose the same damn 3 lbs. I've stayed at the same weight since getting back from Israel, which I guess is an accomplishment...but I'd still like to lose more.

<sigh>

[Lilith]

Maybe use a nicotine patch or increase your caffiene intake temporarily. It's mentioned in the book I recently read as helpful in getting over that hump.

[maddy]

osuche, what is your sodium intake like? and your water consumption?

[osuche]

Nicotene patch, huh? LMAO. My husband would go apeshit if he thought I was addicting myself to nicotene. But the caffeine I can do...although I already load quite a bit, with a soda and cuppa tea and a coffee every day. :p But hte more the merrier.

Maddy, I drink between 4-12 ups of water a day, depending on how many meetings I have (more meetings = more water). I don't track my sodium, although I should...my guess is that it's high because I eat a lot of prepared meals and I go out a lot.

I continue to wonder about Hoodia....it's not my food intake that's holding me back, but I sure would like to lose another 10 lbs.

[Lilith]

Osuche, hoodia didn't last long enough for me. I would have to take 89375947859387437 of them a day.


I did take L-carnitine for a month. It helps release stored fat when you excercise. You might research that.

[maddy]

water is a magic part of my weight loss. I find when I slack on my water (anything less than a gallon a day) my body tends to bloat and hold onto anything I put in it.

I've also become more sensitive to sodium or maybe more aware of it. I can count on being up a pound after eating out or eating prepared foods.

I've been down on water, and ate out a bit too much last week and my fingers feel like fat sausages, so I know the scale is also going to be up.

You might want to try changing up your gym routine too. I try to do upper body weights at least twice a week to keep my body moving in different routines.

[osuche]

I just ate a 1/2 a bag of Tostito's with Lime chips...that might be a problem. :yikes:

Maddy...I think I'm screwed on the salt intake for today. :D

[IowaMan]

I guess I didn't realize exactly where I was at currently. A little bit ago I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror as I got out of the shower and I was taken aback. I know things haven't been going well for the past couple of weeks for me but oh boy. I got on the scale and found that I'm now 10 lbs. lighter than where I was at the start of the year. I'm going in the wrong direction in a big way. :(

I don't want to sound like a pitty whore or something but I need some help. Please, can someone send me some words of encouragement? I'm at the stage right now where it could take me about a year to make up for what these last couple of weeks have dealt me and frankly I'm pretty down about it.

[sodaklostsoul]

I think we need to find IowaMan a hot little personal trainer. :D

[ReaperWoman]

(((((IowaMan)))))

[Neige]

Today I was back at the university pool with the girls but I didn't have as much time as usual so I only did maybe 24 laps - thursday I'll be less of a slack-ass.

March 13 : 0.6 km

[Lilith]

I am joining WW with work. We start Monday. I was wondering if anybody has used or seen the point bracelets. I want to make some and need to see some examples.

[Neige]

Oops, I've been forgetting to log my swimming here!

March 16 : .75 km

March 22 : .5 km

Lack of time means that I have been swimming less lately.

[WildIrish]

I am joining WW with work. We start Monday. I was wondering if anybody has used or seen the point bracelets. I want to make some and need to see some examples.


Pssssst.....you spelled WI wrong. :p

[Aqua]

I'm up to 30 pushups and I've added crunches to my 'routine'.

[Lilith]

Mr. Lil and Most Honorable Son #1 are doing push ups too.

[Lilith]

I am trying to recreate the bracelets but don't know the typical amount of points a person usually consumes. Any help?

[Aqua]

I don't know, Lil, but the bracelets I am seeing have 30 points on them, if that's any help.

[maddy]

Lil, it used to be very easy to figure out, but now its some formula that WW won't publish as far as I can tell that factors gender, weight, and amount of normal activity in your workday.

I don't know what you weigh, but I'm relatively certain you will be below 30 pts per day.

I'm not familar with the bracelets but I can guess how they work - for me personally it wouldn't be a good tool. Without using a journaling tool you are likely to guess on pt values and guess wrong.

I find journaling to be the best way, it allows you to reflect back over a particularly good or bad week and determine what you did wrong or right and adjust appropriately.

WW also operates on a 8 healthy guideline system and you are likely to be more successful when you spend your points making sure you meet those guidelines. The guidelines are:

1. Eat at least five servings of vegetables and fruits each day.
2. Choose whole-grain foods, such as brown rice and oats, whenever possible.
3. Include two servings of milk products – low fat (1%) or fat-free – each day.
4. Have some healthy oil (olive oil, canola, sunflower, safflower or flaxseed) each day.
5. Ensure that you are getting enough protein by choosing at least a serving or two of meat, poultry, fish, eggs, or dried beans each day. Many dairy products are also good sources of protein.
6. Limit added sugar and alcohol.
7. Drink at least 6 8-ounce glasses of water a day.
8. Take a multiple vitamin-mineral supplement each day.

[maddy]

Oh, I meant to add more thoughts on the journaling. My guess is you want to use the bracelet to help you during the day? I know your situation is very different than mine but I would think planning will be your best mechanism. If you are taking your lunch with you, you should plan the points for that food when you pack it in advance. And if you are eating at school, my guess is you know the lunch menu in advance and can again plan in advance.

It might be helpful to understand why you'd like to use a bracelet. I hate to sounding like I'm poo-pooing your idea.

[Lilith]

I eat lunch at school but the menu isn't 100%. I actually don't necessarily want the bracelets for me. I wanted to have my group make them together. Kind of team building.

Something I read in that YOU on a Diet book really spoke to me and that was the part about constantly thinking about food or planning it. I like the idea of the bracelet to sort of keep track without me thinking about it. Not sure it would work but feel I should give it a try. I am hoping with the corporate rates we still get online support/tools.

[maddy]

You can sign up for the message boards for free (without access to the online system) - it's very different than here, that's for sure. But it can be a good support mechanism.

As far as points, in the new system (introduced in December), I think the low end of points is 18. And most people I would believe would be under 30. I'm not sure how helpful that is in trying to plan for bracelets. Your points also decrease as you lose weight, so I would think you'd want to build that flexibility in.

[Lilith]

Thanks! I was trying to make sure I'd have enough supplies. Do you know of any :p renegade WW :p websites/forums that I can direct people to for additional support?

I am the workplace "go-to-girl" so I am trying to put together some helpful info.

[maddy]

Honestly, I've mostly stuck to ww site. But I do poke around occassionally on hungry-girl.com

[Lilith]

Day 1- I've made it this far, but once my points are gone I'm going to bed :p

[IowaMan]

I've finally been able to get the mind over matter thing working again and got to working out again. Been going at it pretty well for the last 4 or 5 days and I can tell a difference in the way that I feel. Just sort of tough sometimes to just put it out of my mind that I can barely breathe while I'm trying to finish up another set on the weight bench.

Since the weather has been nice I've been able to get out and walk a bit in the mornings which hopefully will help a bit as well. It usually does.

Still, I've lost yet another couple of pounds. I guess I know that I'll probably lose a bit before I put on more muscle weight but I don't know where I'm losing the weight from to tell you the truth. The scale I've got measures body fat % and this morning it had me at 8%. That's pretty lean. Must be losing more of that fat I've got stored between my ears again. :p

Anyway, I'm struggling but I'm still plowing a trail forward. Go IowaMan Go!

[Neige]

March 28 : 1 km

[Aqua]

Yay Neige! 1 km!

I'm up to 35 pushups.

[Lilith]

If I lie down on the floor beneath you I bet you will either be doing lots more pushing or a lot less getting up :D



I am down 3.2 lbs this week.

[maddy]

woohoo Lilith!

I really need to find my give-a-damn. I think perhaps I'll have veggies for dinner tonight.

[maddy]

Just a little free find to pass along ... seems to have a lot of useful information and resources...

www.sparkpeople.com

[Neige]

March 30 : 1 km

I will be missing tomorrow at the pool and probably the rest of the week... Hopefully next week I'll be able to get back on track!

[IowaMan]

Tomorrow is Friday the 13th so I'm not even going to think about stepping on the scale then, I need all the good luck I can get. :yikes:

Still sort of struggling to even keep my weight steady but I'm still giving it the best I've got. Got a bit of added incentive if I can gain the weight that I need. ;)

[ReaperWoman]

Well I went swimming for the first time in years, which was great fun and I can see me doing it more often. Only down side is that now for some reason I can't stop sneezing. :(

But it was great to do something for once, especially now I don't get so much walking everyday through having a car.

[IowaMan]

I've been absolutely terrible ever since Easter with my workouts. Sort of screwed up my good knee then and I've used it as an excuse to be lazy. :(

This last week though I've got in more physical activity while coaching the kids baseball team than I have in an awfully long time. It's not helping me put on weight but I can tell that it is helping as far as getting me into a bit better shape.

[osuche]

I've gained 2 lbs in the past 2-3 weeks, but I am soon to be done with class and I will be good then!!

[Lilith]

I'm on an exercise kick but I am far too lazy/x= a million other reasons, to join the gym. I am picking up some equipment. I've still got my elliptical. I picked up some free weights and now I just got the Ab Lounge Ultra. Anyone use home equipment instead of a gym? I think when you add in the old punching bag, I may have a home gym soon.

[IowaMan]

yep, I'm a home equipment kinda guy. :nod:

[Lilith]

What do you use? What's your fave?

[IowaMan]

My favorite thing is actually an impulse buy from probably six, seven years ago off of an infomercial. It's a Body By Jake Total Body Trainer. Easy to use, doesn't take up much room and it actually does work (when I'm not too lazy to use it).

Mostly I'm a free weights guy though. I have probably 250 lbs. of weights (much more than I need anymore) and bought a new weight bench a few months ago that has a leg extension/curl attachment.

Been very tempted to buy the Ab Lounge but I know I wouldn't use it.

[Lilith]

I just used it.

OMG ouch. Works stuff I didn't know I wasn't using.

[osuche]

Be sure not to over-do it!! Start slow so you don't develop a Pavlovian response when you see the weights. :p

[wyndhy]

i have some small weights, a stair master thingy, an ab crunching thingy and an ealstic band. i also liked to just boogey to the dance music channels on the tv. i used to walk in the mornings but i got out of the habbit a few months ago and now that things are better, i haven't gotten back into it. i really should, it was my zen time.

i can't afford the gym and i'd never get my money's worth out of a membership anyway, so i do stuff at home when/if i feel like it. those ab loungers look very temping to me, i may have to look into one after el nino tercero arrives.

[WildIrish]

I gave my parents a really nice clothing rack.
























They're using it as an exercise bike. :rolleyes:

[IowaMan]

My best friend's mom has a basement full of all sorts of exercise equipment. Can honestly say I've never known of any of it to be used. Was actually out there when the UPS guy (may have been FedEx) brought the Bowflex machine that she ordered. The look on her husband's face was priceless. He just got up, went down to the beer fridge and yelled, "Anybody else need one?"

When he came back upstairs he said to her, "I think there's room for it over in the corner by the freezer." That was around Christmas probably five years ago and when I was out there over the weekend I noticed the thing is still there, unopened, right there in that corner. :rofl:

[WildIrish]

I'd LOVE a bowflex!


Ok, so I'd just love to be ripped like the guy in the commercial.






Um, I said "LIKE"...not "BY". :yikes:

[IowaMan]

The Bowflex would be great but I'd much rather have a date with the hottie grandma in the purple bikini who has the "Bowflex Body."

oooops. did I just say that? Hey c'mon she's just flat out sexy! :hot:

[fzzy]

I've been gaining and losing the same 10-20 pounds for the last several months .... making no progress whatsoever .... but after having a day to think about what I was and wasn't doing (on July 4th), I got back to my keeping track of EVERYTHING that I take into my body and being accountable ... with the goal of keeping to 1500-2000 calories a day ... this is my 4th day of doing so .... so just taking the time to say .... I've got my nose back to the grindstone. Will keep you posted when I've got a bit more time logged into the process, but wanted to have a place where people know and hopefully that will keep me honest as long as possible.

Hope you all are doing well in ALL your endeavors!

xoxox Fzzy

[Lilith]

I've lost 14 so far with WW but have been stalled for some time now. I keep telling myself to get my stuff together. One thing I am working on is moving more throughout the day. Doing activities that I used to avoid.

fzzzy so glad to see you checking in. I remember you were trying to do soup right? It's harder in the summer I would think. You started with the goal of adding more veggies, how's that coming?

[fzzy]

haven't done the veggie soup for awhile, but have gotten so I actually like several veggies ..... I usually do up about 2 cups of steamed veggies for dinner - usually mainly the Calif. mix (broccoli, cauliflower and carrot mix) with a few stir fry veggies thrown in as well and of course my always well-liked mushrooms. The mushrooms are from a jar, and the rest are just the frozen packages from the store .... then I usually mix all of the steamed veggies with whatever sauce comes with my Lean Cuisine (or whichever brand) dinner ... it's been working that way for me quite well...

I'm working now at adding more lean protein and getting rid of more of the processed sugar/flour carbs and fats. I've been telling myself I was doing that for the several months, but not really doing it in reality, which is why I'm back to keeping track of every single bite.

Lil .. So glad you've made progress and hope the continued good work catches up with you VERY soon!

[Loulabelle]

So, how's everyone doing?

As for me, I cut out eating between meals, chocolate and desserts other than fruit two weeks ago, and I've lost 5lbs so far.

I have a LONG way to go, but at least I'm over the sugar addiction now, so being without the sweet stuff isn't horrible anymore.

Fussy has said he'll buy me a corset when I've lost 42lbs, which I KNOW I can do, but it's going to take time. I'm aiming to achieve that by Christmas.

[Lilith]

I am just stuck in a rut and I know excercise will dig me out but ugh! I'm hanging out at the same weight. Minus about 15 total. I am not attending WW meetings just using their online software. I eat anything I want to, just less of it. And I concentrate on foods with more fiber and less fat. I've always eaten tons of fruits and veggies so that is not a place I can make changes. Mycholesterol has dropped significantly as has my HA1C so those are the results I was hoping for. I'd surely like to look thinner too :D

[IowaMan]

I'm not really sure how I'm doing. My bathroom scale broke about four or five weeks ago and I haven't bothered to buy a new one. I'm thinking I probably don't really want to know.

I did check my weight a couple of times while on vacation and I wasn't making much progress. :(

[Lilith]

Recipe to gain weight for Iowaman-
1 large microwave safe bowl
1/2 stick butter or margarine
1 bag marshmallows
1 box rice crispies
wooden spoon

Throw the butter and the marshmallows in the bowl and nuke on high for 1-2 minutes til the marshmallows touch the top of the microwave. Remove and stir. Begin to add rice crispies as you stir. Add enough cereal so that you can still see the marshmallow slime but there is no globs left in the bottom of the bowl. Take bowl, with the spoon and sit down in front of the TV. Watch back to back episodes of Fresh Prince of BelAir or turn on VH1Classics. Eat until you finish or slip into a diabetic coma.

[osuche]

I'm down another 4 lbs. - I lost 8 when I had my stomach bug about 1.5 weeks ago, and I gained 4 back. But I count it as a success that I didn't gain it all back.

Since we started over a year ago, I've lost 32 lbs. I still have 20+ more I want to go. If I can get to that 20 lbs. level, I'll be happy though. Some of my successes recently - I've had to buy new clothes because the old ones didn't fit at all. I occasionally look in the mirror and feel sttractive - that hasn't happened in a while. And I saw some pictures of me taken a couple of weeks ago that I didn't hate. All good stuff.

WHat am I doing? Well, working out 5-6 days a week. I'm also trying to do "active" fun stuff on the weekends like biking and hiking and canoeing. I'm trying to eat less, but I admit I am still prone to eating fatty foods late in the day. I've cut out a lot of sugar. I drink water.

But I think the biggest thing is....I'm focusing on making *me* happy. I'm a stress eater, so anything that I can do that adds pleasure to my life is a good thing.

[fzzy]

I'm so glad to hear you're all doing great ... and you are, even if you don't always feel that way .... one of the hardest things about weight loss is the maintaining it ... so it is so great to hear each of you say that you're in a better place then you were when we began the journey early in 2006 ...

I'm finally back on track again .... I managed to maintain most of my weight loss from last year, but haven't made much progress--up 10 lbs and down 10 lbs, several times.

But I've managed to make it through 11 days of being fully on my goals of keeping my daily calories between 1500 and 2000. I'm keeping track of EVERYTHING that goes into my mouth and being fully accountable for my food choices ... also VERY SLOWLY I'm adding a few steps to each day ... it's a very gradual process, but I'm at the beginning of the journey so I'm glad of that.

[Lilith]

Excellent fzzy! 11 days! Some days I'm lucky to make 11 hours!I add the steps too. Park further away. Take stairs (ok except when I was on the cruise and inebriated :p) and just push myself a little bit.

Going to the gym is not practical for me. I have too many other demands to work it in so having some equipment at home is helpful. Fzzy have you looked into getting anything for at home?

[fzzy]

I'm not quite to the equipment stage yet, but at my new job ... when I am ready ... just outside our back door ... across the hallway .... is a fully equipped workout gym with at least 3 of each of the different types of usual equipment, a wall full of various weights and just outside of that is a 4 lane lap pool and hot tub ... all for use by anyone who works on our premises and can be used anytime day or night .... usually at most there is only 1 other person in there at any given time (we also have a racquetball/handball court on our side of the hallway a few feet down from the door to the gym and across from the where the pool is ... so my goal right now is to keep adding the steps and then once I've built up a bit more, then I will start going into the gym during my lunchtime or for a bit before or after work ... how cool is that?!?!?! :)

[Lilith]

That is so great! I was going to suggest a recumbant bike as a first thing to try.

[osuche]

((((fzzy)))) - congratulations on your big strides!

[rabbit]

(((fzzy)))

YOU GO GIRL!

[fzzy]

thanks eveyone for your encouraging words ...

Tonight I am finishing up week 3 ... I've been so good .... no fast food AT ALL and no ice cream either ... that was my promise to myself for July and then I'll try to do it for all of August as well .... Other than a hormonal eating day Saturday, I've been 100% - and even then I didn't go tooo far overboard. :)

I think I've finally made it to the lowest point I hit last year while working hard at it, so now everything to come is forward progress.

Lou -- Hope you are continuing to do well ... as well as everyone else.

[Lilith]

I am having trouble being consistent. Too many "excuses" to eat inappropriately.

I'm really proud of you fzzy.

[fzzy]

Thanks Lil ... I hear ya about too many opportunities... I've basically been in hibernation to get enough time in .... easier for me then for many, since I don't have spouse or kids to keep happy .... I'll be staying in the hibernation mode for quite a bit longer, just to be on the safest side possible.

[Lilith]

I did that when I first went on WW. I used to jokingly say, "I'm outta points, I'm going to bed" :p

My group will start up again in September I hope. I need to go to the grocery (we've been out of town) to get decent produce again. I am sick of apples. I need a new comfort food.

[osuche]

I am sick of apples. I need a new comfort food.


They aren't "low" in points, but almonds are my comfort food. I buy the 1 oz packages at Trader Joe's - I think you get about 35 x 1 oz packs for about $5. The amount doesn't seem like much, but in 15 minutes I have a nice full feeling - and I am eating good fat. :-)

I also like the Quaker Oatmeal Squares bars. About 250 calories, but they're like a meal.

[IowaMan]

Not really happy with my "progress"....... :mad:

I stepped on a scale today for the first time since I got home from California back on July 10 and I've lost 15 lbs. I can't afford that.

These last few weeks have been sort of tough for me but I didn't realize I was dropping weight like I am. For some reason in all of the trips to the doctor I've made recently, not once did they weigh me. :shrug:

I honestly don't know what to do. Believe me I've tried lots of things. :(

[Lilith]

Osuche I usually snack on a couple almonds while making dinner.

Steroids= weight gain usually Iowaman.


I am crashing and burning this week. I am needing to get a schedule going.

[osuche]

I'm stalled agin - but life has been stressful so I am giving myself a break.

[Lilith]

Those 100 calorie pack of mini grasshopper cookies...




crack.

[dicksbro]

I can sure relate to fzzzy when she said she fights the same pounds over and over again. :( Never fails, I'll be doing good, then along comes a night out or a visit to our kids and the diet goes **poof**. :(

[Scarecrow]

I'm not even going to try to stay on the diet this weekend.

[fzzy]

I did horribly this past week .... visiting the hut strikes again .... tomorrow is another day though and I intend to get myself back on track ...If I do it now, then it won't take too long to get back into making progress mode again.

Weight issues suck though ... whether the problem is gaining or losing, it's always a pain!!!! :( But hope you all are having positive moments again as soon as possible!!! xoxox

[Lilith]

Anybody ever take a Zumba class?

[osuche]

Nope...I've now Googled it though ;)

Like Lil, I am looking for new alternatives - I stopped going to the gym for a week when I was in Ohio and ate bad food and I LOST weight. Clearly, I am doing something wrong. :rofl:

Seriously...today is my day to get back on track.

[IowaMan]

Well, I don't know that it's really anything to be too excited about or not but when my specialist weighed me today I was only 10 lbs. lighter than I was at this time a year ago. About four weeks ago I was 17 lbs. lighter. Baby steps I guess.

[osuche]

:bump:


I've been slipping over the past month and I've gained 5 lbs. Yesterday was my first "commitment day" to being healthier.

I'm also considering buying Alli, the weight loss drug. I want to see if it might help me springboard my weight loss - I've been stagnant for months, and now I am creeping up.

Has anyone tried it?

[osuche]

:bump:

I've gained 5 lbs. and I am looking for a little Holiday inspiration. Does anyone have any words of wisdom, or something that's working for them right now?

[Lilith]

We are doing Biggest Loser at my school. We pay into a pot on Monday and whoever has lost the most by the next Monday takes it.

[dicksbro]

I'd dropped about 31 pounds ... but think I've picked up a couple of those again. Gotta watch the snacking. :(

[jay-t]

After smoking for 38 yrs I started taking Chantrix around Christmas and it works real well thru the day .As long as I'm moving and busy I don't think about smoking.But when I sit down of an evening usually around 7 t0 7:30 and watch tv I'm climbing the walls by 8:15 . What are your ideas to occupy the mind and time until time for bed?

[sodaklostsoul]

Use a stress ball while watching tv. and suck on hard candy. :)^^^^

[Lilith]

Can the time you take the Chantix be altered? Could you take it later in the day? Call the Dr. This drug has really worked for a lot of people. Maybe you just need to tweak something.

[Lilith]

Also, find something to keep your hands busy. I do crochet or needlework to avoid eating.

[jay-t]

Started taking the Chantrix a little later in the day, then found a stress ball in the shape of a boob! I'm happy now!! I also set and sketch new projects to help occupy the mind some.

[Lilith]

Does it make you super nauseous??

[jay-t]

I've had no side effects from it at all Lilith, and I would recommend it to anyone . In 2 weeks time I went from almost 2 packs a day to 4 cigarettes a day, now its been 2 weeks without smoking.The biggest problem was getting over the panic of being out of cigarettes.

[sodaklostsoul]

Thats AWSOME jay-t!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

[Lilith]

It has worked for everyone I have talked to. I'm hoping my mom will give it a try.

[wyndhy]

congrats j-t. keep up the good work!

[Scarecrow]

Welcome to the club of X-smokers

[fireman20]

Jan. 1st was the last time I had a regular Mountain Dew. Before this I would drink between 3 to 6 20oz bottles a day. I was feeling awful and thought I would try cutting them out. I now drink caffiene free diet Mountain Dew to get by and feel alot better. Now I just have to kick the java in the morning/afternoon.
Thanks for letting me brag here.
Danny

[fzzy]

Way to be and sending good wishes for continued success!

Me, I've been back in "healthy" eating mode since January 1st .... and (drumroll please) am putting together the Christmast gift I got myself today ... a recumbent exercise bike (thanks for the recommendation Lil). :cabbagep: :cheerlead :nana:

[maddy]

I'm sitting here dreading my first trip to a new gym. I just don't like the whole being new and not knowing my way around. I'll get over it, I have to!

I've been stuffing my piehole for entirely too long and am really struggling to get my eating under control. I kept telling myself that I would master eating first and then tackle the gym. Well it's been months of that now so I might as well get my ever growing ass to the gym!

[Lilith]

Yay! I ride the recumbant bike at the gym now days. I just started too. It's hard to be the fattest person at the gym. But I won't be for long :D

[osuche]

I went to India and lost 7 lbs....thanks to little food, sickness, etc....although I didn't exercisse for 2 weeks at all. Go figure. Now the challenge is to keep it off. :)

[Lilith]

I have been working my ass off at the gym and being very careful with food and have lost exactly











0.

[sodaklostsoul]

WTG osuche.......................that sucks Lilith!!

I haven't done anything, I'm still down 15 out of the 26 I lost after that first year at work. We don't have to unload the truck by hand anymore off the conveyer so I'm not getting a good work out anymore.

[wyndhy]

that's very discouraging lil. if it keeps up, you may want to get yourself checked out. insulin resistance, thyroid problems, or hormonal imbalances could be interfering.

[Loulabelle]

I have made a start once again to get rid of the 70lbs I need to shed.

I have the benefit of a wonderful 'life coach' who is supporting me in my efforts, helping me to develop new habits and generally 'rewiring' me mentally so that this time I can achieve my goal this time.

I have only had two sessions with her so far, but have already lost 6lbs while still eating chocolate, cheese, olive oil - all the things that I assume I cannot touch if I want to lose weight!

[sodaklostsoul]

WTG Lou!!!

[Lilith]

that's very discouraging lil. if it keeps up, you may want to get yourself checked out. insulin resistance, thyroid problems, or hormonal imbalances could be interfering.

Well I'm diabetic and had a hysterectomy :D


This is how I roll... literally :p


I am not giving up. I'm eating, healthy yet satisfying foods and going to keep up the aerobic stuff and lift less weight.

[Lilith]

Oh and Good for you, Lou! I'm proud of you. Of course I was before too.

[wyndhy]

i know, that's why i mentioned it. :p:D

[Loulabelle]

Well I am now 10 lbs down in just two weeks.

I'd never have believed that just cutting down portions and not eating sweet things plus walking for 20 minutes every day could make that much difference. Just shows how much junk food I was eating before!!!!!

Oh and thanks for the vote of confidence Lil - I intend to carry on the good work, believe me!

[fzzy]

Yeah Loulabelle!!!

[osuche]

((((Lou))))) -- congrats!!!

[wyndhy]

way to go lou!

[IowaMan]

I thought this one was sort of appropriate for all of us who are still fighting the good fight to find a way to keep/get into the shape we desire. :p

[Loulabelle]

Oh that cat is the spitting image of the one we lost last summer! He's gorgeous!!!!

Anyway, I'm now 18lbs down and feeling better all the time!

Yay!

[Lilith]

Good for you Lou! I have had a horrible time lately. I was losing pretty consistently until I began going to the gym. Now I am at a stand still despite 3 ready good cardio workouts a week. I'm not giving up but I am disappointed.

[osuche]

Lil - I have the same issues, but mine have been going on for about 3 years. When I go to the gym I feel better, have more energy, and get toned...but I never lose any weight! When I skip the gym, eat OK, and just walk a lot...I lose 5-10 lbs in a month. Unfortunately, I need the gym workouts for my RA< so I go anyway...but I know I'm going to be fit but fat for the rest of my life. :p

[Lilith]

I will just keep trying. I've been doing WW and think there are some things I can tweak with that plan. I am concentrating like you on health. I'd like to be thin but I really want to feel good.

[Loulabelle]

Lil, my sister has that problem when she goes to the gym and because of that she's given up all together at the moment. I've suggested she tries just doing a 20-30 minute walk every day instead of an hour in the gym three times a week as see if that makes a difference.

As for me, I've lost another 4lbs taking my total loss in just over 6 weeks to 22lbs!!!!!

I'm so proud of myself and although I've still got a long way to go, it seems so achievable now.

[fzzy]

I've not been very good over the last couple of months .... and it has taken its toll on me physically. But as of the beginning of this week, I'm putting more effort into being "active." I've got SO FAR to go just to be at a productive level, but I can only begin where I'm at right now. I tried getting on the treadmill at the gym in my office building .... the slowest it goes is 1 mile per hour ... I didn't even dare put both my feet on at the same time because I was certain I wouldn't be able to keep up, even for a few steps ... so I got innovative .... one foot on at a time and held on tight to both hand supports and walked one foot for 10 steps then switched and walked the other foot for 10 steps .... I'm not sure I would have done this at all if anyone else had been in the gym at that moment, but I did it for about 5 minutes. I plan to go into the actual gym every Monday to measure my progress .... but the other working days, I have a nice long straight hallway in my office building (probably about 40 yards long), so I've been getting in 30 minutes early and I walk 3 laps of the hallway (up and back is a lap) -- so far I have to take a little rest after 2 laps, but all totaled the 3 laps takes me about 10 minutes or so ... VERY SLOW ... but I'm doing something, and I've done it for 3 days in a row now. That's an improvement for me.

It is so sad to be in such BAD shape, but for me every weekday now will be a little closer to being in better shape!

Had to fess up somewhere to help me KEEP on track. Thanks for "listening!"

[Lilith]

Awesome fzzy. I'm eating horrible but still doing the gym 3x a week even while I have the plague. I lost 4 pounds last week but I think it had more to do with the stomach flu that real weight loss.

The movement in general feels good and I'm feeling stronger. I had to wrestle a Lost Boy the other day though and he still got the better of me so I'm not as strong yet as I need to be.

[dicksbro]

I'm still inching down, but the pace has slowed to maybe a pound or two a month. Still, at least it's going in the right direction. :)

[Loulabelle]

I'm down 26lbs now. Not even half way though, so I've got to keep my momentum going.

[fzzy]

Yeah Lou and DB .... good job!!!

Lil - I'm not sure that we ever get strong enough for that .... I watch a friend of mine every week at church with her 2 year old son ... looks like an angel, but he's many handfuls! He is a sweet boy, but is not into sitting still AT ALL! ... I always laugh because years ago our local church leader used to say that young mothers know all the best wrestling moves, they have to! :hair: :rofl:

Oh, and by the way, though every part of my being protests having to actually exercise (probably even more mental than physical) ... I'm doing it anyway, it's time to be able to move more and more easily!

[Lilith]

I'm still not having much luck but I continue to plug away too.

[Pita]

Hi everyone :)

Way to go Loulabelle on your weight loss.

I'm struggling lately. Finishing classes and starting a job at a convenience store has taken a toll on my plan. I haven't been able to go to the gym as much because my body has been so tired and achy. It's getting better and this week I think I can get a grip on my eating and working out.

I will say that Doritos isn't a help at all with all the new yummy flavors of chips. :devil:

[Loulabelle]

I'm now down a whole 2 stone (28lbs) Only another 3 stone to go!

[smithy020]

Congrats Lou!

[Lilith]

Awesome Lou!

[osuche]

Wow - congrats Lou!

[Oldfart]

Lou,

Work on bottling it and you'll be able to finance PAGAN10 for all of us.

Congrats.

[osuche]

I just heard Heidi Roisen speak today on campus. She's helped create a new CD called "Skinny Songs" - which is an album that focuses on empowering women to lose weight.

You can hear clips of her songs here: http://www.skinnysongs.com/listen.html

There are country, pop, rock, and hip hop songs. All of them are upbeat so you can use them at the gym or exercising. I plan on buying 2 CD's - one fo rme, and one for my mom.

I thought I'd share in case anyone was interested.

[Loulabelle]

Thanks for all of the kind comments folks - and Oldfart - there's nothing to bottle: I'm just eating less (especially less of the bad stuff) and walking more.

I've now lost 31lbs which means I've got another 3lbs to lose until I'm half way and another 4lbs until I'm 'overweight' rather than obese according to my BMI.

[IowaMan]

Oh Lou, that is fantastic! Good for you!

[Lilith]

I haven't been to the gym in a week and a half. I know I am going to be dying tonight but my crazy ass is up and dressed to work out.

[dicksbro]

Checked this morning and I think I've dropped another couple of pounds. :)

[osuche]

I went to the gym today, but I really need to improve my eating habits.

I'm basically flat with where I've been for about 9 months now. Sigh. Which is still down vs. when I moved to CA by about 40 lbs....but I'd like ot shave off another 25.

I'm going to try my best this week.

[Loulabelle]

I have now lost 35lbs which means I'm just over halfway to my goal and have now lost exactly 2 and a half stone!

The more weight I lose, the more determined I am to continue and reach my goal. My confidence is improving by the pound, which is great too - I seem to be attracting a lot of positive comments which is lovely. Another stone and I'll be back to the weight I was when I first started at Pixies, and well on my way to looking really good again. Yay!

[Lilith]

Superb Loulabelle! I am sure you feel better! I'm hitting the gym but not eating as well as I need to be.

[wyndhy]

i'm giving up half and half in my coffee, and switching to splenda. i always try to eat ok, but i will try and do even better. no more skipping breakfast most days either - but i am not giving up the occasional baconator or brownie. and i still plan on ingesting empty calories in the form of alcohol:p i'm down to pre pregnancy weight now (why oh why are those last ten pounds such a bitch?) but i'd love to get back to my pre three pregnancies ago weight.:D

i'm gonna be more diligent about daily exercise, too. and exercising with the kids – we used to dance around the house after school or run around outside and we'd all be huffin and puffin after we were done. i've gotten away from that and have used the baby as an excuse to myself. that stops today.



elasticwaist.com, if none of you have ever visited it, is a good website with (among other things) a humorous and realistic approach to losing weight, staying sane and healthy-ish, and trying to love your body.

[Lilith]

I will not be giving up 1/2 & 1/2 :p and I use Splenda. I would just like to mention that if you must cheat, I'd suggest a java chiller from Sonic :p

[wyndhy]

oh i plan on cheating, only i'm not on a diet, so it won't be cheating exactly, just "a treat" :p

[IowaMan]

That's awesome news Lou!

I'm up 10 pounds from where I was last August so I've got to put on about 12-14 more to be where I'll be marginally happy.

[osuche]

/me lost willpower today. I baked a bunch of chocolate chip cookies - I've already eaten 4.

Bad osuche. :p

[Lilith]

I went to the gym *go me* but then stopped at Starbucks :p

[Lilith]

Saw this and thought it may help some http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/diet.fitness/04/25/hm.restaurants/index.html

[Loulabelle]

I've lost another 3lbs which puts my total loss to 38lbs.

Since my Big 3-0 birthday is a week tomorrow, I'm going to try to get rid of another 4 this week, which will put my total loss at 3 stone dead on. I ten plan to be down another 7lbs (half a stone) by my Birthday party on the 24th.

It's a tough schedule but with the amount I'm walking at the moment it's certainly do-able.

[Rhiannon]

I went to doctor about my back and found out i have lost 10 lbs.
wtf now if i can find out where. lol

[osuche]

I am up 4 lbs and it looks more like 10, thanks to muscle tone. I am having a hard time getting my give a damn back.

Any words of wisdom?

[Lilith]

I keep telling myself it's stress and time of year, lack of opportunity to go to the gym. *shrug*

[Loulabelle]

I plateaued a bit this month - had a couple of weeks around my Bithday that were filled with eating out, BBQs etc etc. I didn't put any back on but my wieght remained the same for about 3 weeks.

HOWEVER - I then got a bit of my 'give a damn' back, and have dropped the final 4 lbs I needed which takes my weight loss to exactly 3 stone (42 lbs).

My BMI has gone from 35.1 to 28.5 and I've lost about 3 dress sizes from my lower half and 2 from my upper half.

Have still got another 2 stone to go, but feel as though I'm really back on track with it. I have a lot of social stuff coming up in the summer that I really want to be slim for.

[Lilith]

Greta job Loulabelle. You should be so proud. I think that from Teacher Appreciation Day on I have really struggled. They feed us that whole week and then it's end of the year party and events. I'm also having a lot of trouble making it to the gym. I'm going this afternoon after I head to work for a bit. I have to get my priorities back on track.

[denny]

I need to make more time for getting busy while we still have plenty of drive. Damn this busy lifestyle!

[Lilith]

Saw this and was thinking if I just pick a few to do that I don't already do every day then I'll be closer than I was.


100 ways to be more fit

1. Walk to work.
2. Use fat-free milk over whole milk.
3. Do sit-ups in front of the TV.
4. Walk during lunch hour.
5. Drink water before a meal.
6. Eat leaner red meat and poultry.
7. Eat half your dessert.
8. Walk instead of driving whenever you can.
9. Take a family walk after dinner.
10. Skate to work instead of driving.
11. Avoid food portions larger than your fist.
12. Mow lawn with push mower.
13. Increase the fiber in your diet.
14. Walk to your place of worship instead of driving.
15. Walk kids to school.
16. Get a dog and walk it.
17. Join an exercise group.
18. Drink diet soda.
19. Replace Sunday drive with Sunday walk.
20. Do yard work.
21. Eat off smaller plates.
22. Get off a stop early and walk.
23. Don't eat late at night.
24. Skip seconds.
25. Work around the house.
26. Skip buffets.
27. Grill, steam or bake instead of frying.
28. Bicycle to the store instead of driving.
29. Take dog to the park.
30. Ask your doctor about taking a multi-vitamin.
31. Go for a half-hour walk instead of watching TV.
32. Use vegetable oils over solid fats.
33. More carrots, less cake.
34. Fetch the newspaper yourself.
35. Sit up straight at work.
36. Wash the car by hand.
37. Don't skip meals.
38. Eat more celery sticks.
39. Run when running errands.
40. Pace the sidelines at kids' athletic games.
41. Take wheels off luggage.
42. Choose an activity that fits into your daily life.
43. Park further from the store and walk.
44. Ask a friend to exercise with you.
45. Make time in your day for physical activity.
46. Exercise with a video if the weather is bad.
47. Bike to the barbershop or beauty salon instead of driving.
48. Keep to a regular eating schedule.
49. If you find it difficult to be active after work, try it before work.
50. Take a walk or do desk exercises instead of a cigarette or coffee break.
51. Perform gardening or home repair activities.
52. Avoid laborsaving devices.
53. Take small trips on foot to get your body moving.
54. Play with your kids 30 minutes a day.
55. Dance to music.
56. Keep a pair of comfortable walking or running shoes in your car and office.
57. Make a Saturday morning walk a group habit.
58. Walk briskly in the mall.
59. Choose activities you enjoy and you'll be more likely to stick with them.
60. Stretch before bed to give you more energy when you wake.
61. Take the long way to the water cooler.
62. Explore new physical activities.
63. Vary your activities, for interest and to broaden the range of benefits.
64. Reward and acknowledge your efforts.
65. Choose fruit for dessert.
66. Consume alcoholic beverages in moderation, if at all.
67. Take stairs instead of the escalator.
68. Conduct an inventory of your meal/snack and physical activity patterns.
69. Share an entree with a friend.
70. Grill fruits or vegetables.
71. Eat before grocery shopping.
72. Choose a checkout line without a candy display.
73. Make a grocery list before you shop.
74. Buy 100 percent fruit juices over soda and sugary drinks.
75. Swim with your kids.
76. Flavor foods with herbs, spices, and other low-fat seasonings.
77. Remove skin from poultry before cooking to lower fat content.
78. Eat before you get too hungry.
79. Don't skip breakfast.
80. Stop eating when you are full.
81. Snack on fruits and vegetables.
82. Top your favorite cereal with apples or bananas.
83. Try brown rice or whole-wheat pasta.
84. Include several servings of whole grain food daily.
85. When eating out, choose a small or medium portion.
86. If main dishes are too big, choose an appetizer or a side dish instead.
87. Ask for salad dressing "on the side".
88. Don't take seconds.
89. Try your burger with just lettuce, tomato and onion.
90. Try a green salad instead of fries.
91. Bake or broil fish.
92. Walk instead of sitting around.
93. Eat sweet foods in small amounts.
94. Take your dog on longer walks.
95. Drink lots of water.
96. Cut back on added fats or oils in cooking or spreads.
97. Walk the beach instead of sunbathing.
98. Walk to a co-worker's desk instead of emailing or calling them.
99. Carry your groceries instead of pushing a cart.
100. Use a snow shovel instead of a snow blower.

[osuche]

I've kind of given up recently - been depressed and stressed over the move and the new job. I think I failed to look before I leapt. Needless to say, I am not feeling sexy or happy, and I've been indulging in too much beer and food trying to make myself "happy."

Next week I am traveling all week, and I think that I will commit to working out at least 4 times (Mon-Thurs) in the hotel gym. Since I can't pack and I can only work - I have no good excuse not to work out.

Maybe if the endorphins start rolling, I'll feel better about myself. :)

[wyndhy]

i'm quitting smoking. today is my first day. i've had two smokes, one with my coffee and another one after a stressful phone call. so far so good. i have, have, have to quit, no choice anymore. i'd hate to be on the path to beating cancer only to die of pneumonia during chemo. even though i know i must quit or risk getting even sicker while on chemo, it's still really hard, (though not as hard, i imagine, as just quitting for the sake of long term effects) it's especially hard cutting out the smokes i enjoy having, like the ones with coffee and after dinner, cutting out the just cause smokes hasn't been so bad, though.

wish me luck and will power! :)

[osuche]

You can do it!! You just have to find other fun things to do after dinner...like sex. ;)

Seriously, I understand...And I'm sending you positive vibes!!

((((wyndhy))))

[Lilith]

make cinnamon toothpicks. We used to get cinnamon oil from the pharmacist and soak toothpicks in it. The longer you soak them the better and then pop one in your mouth after coffee or dinner.

[wyndhy]

thanks osuche. (((hugs)))
good tip, lil. ty!

[Aqua]

If I recall correctly, cinnamon toothpicks were banned at my elementary school.

[Lilith]

mine too. :D

[Aqua]

I never had any idea why. Still don't to be honest.

[wyndhy]

4:( all things considered i guess i should be too hard on myself.
anybody just wanna yell "FUCK!!!!!" at the top if their lungs with me?

[osuche]

anybody just wanna yell "FUCK!!!!!" at the top if their lungs with me?



Sex as a replacement for smoking sounds like a GREAT idea to me. :D :hot:

[Lilith]

4:( all things considered i guess i should be too hard on myself.
anybody just wanna yell "FUCK!!!!!" at the top if their lungs with me?

*Fuck*

[Alias]

Hello, i'm back again for another try. Hope you don't mind me joining back in, I'm hopeful i can make it this time.

I have a lot to lose, am embarrassed to state my starting weight, but i'll share my losses (or not) each week.

[FlirtWithMe]

Hello, i'm back again for another try. Hope you don't mind me joining back in, I'm hopeful i can make it this time.

I have a lot to lose, am embarrassed to state my starting weight, but i'll share my losses (or not) each week.Alias I'm about to climb back on the wagon :rolleyes: I just posted on the Pixies Power 2009 thread (http://www.pixies-place.com/forums/showthread.php?t=33821) thread - would you like to come over and join in there?

If you need a buddy to swap motivational kicks up the backside with, I'd be happy to pair up! I will post my progress on the PP 2009 thread each week - maybe even daily at first - but would be happy to swap PMs too, if there are things you want to share but not in public :)

[dicksbro]

Got weighed on Wednesday before the chemo. I was at 196.3. That's down from over 242 last year. Closing in on the 50lb mark. :thumbs:

Tough weigh to lose weight ... but boy does it feel good. Pants size is down from a 46 to a "starting to get a bit lose 40! ;)

[Lilith]

I'm still working. I've lost about 30 since starting Byetta. My trip to NJ/NYC has set me back a bit but I'm looking forward to getting back on track.

[dicksbro]

I thought PIMP09 would set me back a few, but, low and behold, I was down about 2 pounds last week when I got weighed before chemo. :thumbs:

[AngelicVampires]

I fell off the wagon big time...so now I am going to try a new tactic. My problem is that I eat when I am bored or stressed (and I also like food...a lot). Would eating a lot of fruits (to help me feel full) backfire because of their sugar content?

[Lilith]

I fell off the wagon big time...so now I am going to try a new tactic. My problem is that I eat when I am bored or stressed (and I also like food...a lot). Would eating a lot of fruits (to help me feel full) backfire because of their sugar content?


I don't think so. I consider fruits and veggies freebies. The benefits out weigh the risks.