Anyone out there just doing your "own thing"? [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

ZerasPride

03-05-2007, 11:37 AM

Good afternoon WISHERS!

I'm not sure how many will remember me, but I used to frequent WISH about 3 years ago. The support was so awesome when I was following a low carb program and I was super successful. I lost 109 pounds which I was very proud of but then I let sugar back in my life after a three year absence and let's just say we've been enjoying a love affair for the past 12 months that would rival any romance on Soapnet tv. Anyway, I'm back to lose the 36.5 pounds I gained from my sugar fest and hopefully another 10 on top of that so let's just say I want to lose 50 pounds.

I decided a few weeks ago that when I got serious I was definitely coming back to WISH for support. This morning I started journaling again (shameless plug but I can use all the encouragement I can get so please stop by and say hi!) and am back at the gym. I go twice per day (it's a corporate gym at my work so I go early in the morning and again at lunch time). I also decided I was going to call my program the anti-diet. I just don't want to be on a specific program where I have to deprive myself of anything (which sets up a binge) but at the same time I know certain foods (like sugar) trigger this eating machine inside me that once it's turned on, I have a hard time turning it off again so that rules out several programs I was considering. I don't need a license to eat sugar - not even a little. I'm focusing my eating plan on whole grains, lean meats, veggies and low fat dairy with counting calories but I don't want to be roped in to meetings, weigh ins, extreme deprivations or guilt feelings. I'm not knocking any program out there. I have had much success in the past with low carb, Weight Watchers and a few others but this time I want to do it my way. I hope that doesn't sounds stupid or like I'm whimping out.

I was wondering if anyone else out in WISHland was doing their own thing. Just focusing on eating healthy, exercising daily (or as much as practical or possible), drinking lots of water, getting enough rest, etc. without being on a specific plan. I thought we could support each other. If not, and everyone is on a specific plan, that's cool too. I'll just lurk here and there and focus on the exercise challenges.

I hope to hear back from some of you soon. Take care everyone and whatever program you're on - keep up the good fight. It's so worth it to take off the extra weight. You will feel like a million bucks! I miss that feeling and want it back, bad! :cool1:

rkandmjsmommy

03-05-2007, 11:52 AM

I guess I am doing "my own thing". I am increasing fiber, veggies and lean meats, but also using some points from Weight Watchers. I to have also began exercising, I try and do it Mon-Thurs, I work night shift thur, fri and sat so I need my sleep during the day. I am also Increasing my water intake and REALLY watching portion control, so far so good. If this starts not working I will try other things

Welcome Back and Good Luck

newholidayx2

03-05-2007, 12:10 PM

Hi and welcome back - yes I do remember you - its been a while, glad youre back

I know I need to get serious again. Gained 5lbs of Christmas holidays and its not budging. Joined a gym nearby work and home this past Oct. Doing Yoga, Pilates, Instructors Choice, Cardio/Step, Weight training classes every week. Do the 8 Cybex machines 3x/wk - recently increased my weights. Walk the treadmill at least 30mins/day - sometimes more when waiting for classes.

My cholesterol has been tested again and doc just put me on cholesterol lowering meds. I know I need to eat healthy once again - increase the fruit/veg and make sure I drink my water.

Still entering on fitday.com

NCRedding

03-05-2007, 12:36 PM

Hi Zera's Pride: glad to see you here--I enjoyed reading about your success. I wish weight maintenance was easy!!

I too am trying my own thing, I am just not "doing" it right now--I mean, I think about it a lot, plan it out, but haven't had much success in carrying out my plan.

I do plan to do like you-leaner meats, water, exercise. I have been inspired by you to get started.

ZerasPride

03-05-2007, 01:24 PM

Thanks guys for welcoming me back. It hasn't been easy admitting that my weight is creeping back on me. I see the sidelong glances I get from people and believe it or not, it just made me sad, mad, depressed and I used those negative feelings to eat even more. Well, I'm over my pity party. I am going to get back where I was and surpass that weight loss. It's funny, the first time around, I didn't feel like I deserved to feel and look as pretty as I did. I know it was a subtle form of self sabotage but I felt like I couldn't stop myself. I truly did feel uncomfortable with all the attention. I wanted the old me back. Well, I'm on my way to becoming the old me, and now I miss the new me I had become (if that makes any sense).

I am going to do this. There is nothing stopping me but me. Have you ever felt like you were your own worst enemy? That's me when it comes to weight loss. I do fine all day but around this time of the day until I go to sleep is dangerous territory for me. I start to tell myself that I "deserve" to "treat" myself to this or that food item and I eat it mindlessly until my stomach aches and I feel sick. Sort of like a reward/punishment at the same time. No more! If I don't take charge and do this for myself, who else will? If I was a girlfriend of mine going through this I would give her a good swift loving kick in the booty. No reason, I can't pick my own self up by my own boot straps and just do this.

I like the way my body responds to healthy food and exercise. I need to remember that the next time I reach for something to put into my mouth that does not support my health new lifestyle! Thanks for your support guys!!!

AKASnowWhite

03-05-2007, 01:38 PM

There is nothing stopping me but me. Have you ever felt like you were your own worst enemy?

I know exactly where you are coming from. As a matter of fact, I could have easily written that post myself. :hug: Sounds like your head is in the "right place" now - which is almost the entire battle for me. You know what you are capable of, and what it takes to get there.

You said you are journaling again (an absolute necessity for me!)...One thing that I've found, is that by eating 6 times a day (3 smallish balanced meals, 3 healthy, balanced snacks) I don't have any more cravings for sweets.

Welcome home. We're all rooting for you :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2:

newholidayx2

03-05-2007, 02:18 PM

AKASnowWhite

03-05-2007, 03:19 PM

Tonight after catching up on the internet Im going upstairs to read. I find when I sit at the computer from 715pm till 9pm Im in the habit of eating almost the entire time! Im moving my body tonight and not sitting here! gonna see if that helps

I had to institute a new rule for myself. I only eat at the kitchen table. No more snacking in the family room watching tv, or at the computer. No more "tasting" while I'm cooking - no more MINDLESS EATING.

I'm sure we've all heard it a thousand times, but you know what? It really makes me think before I pop something into my mouth. :thumbsup2

nbodyhome

03-05-2007, 05:29 PM

I'm doing my own thing. Exercising, eating healthier, continuing to learn more about both. That has been for over 4 years now - and the way I take care of my health has evolved. I've lost 80 pounds or so, I've not been in any hurry.

Tiger Lily 03

03-05-2007, 08:20 PM

Welcome back!

I'm so glad you've returned. You know what to do and making those healthy eating choices will get you there for sure.

Everyone has to figure out what works for them and not all plans fit everyone.

It will be wonderful to have you posting and sharing.

I started out my journey with Atkins somewhat and switched to trying to make healthy choices. I'm close but the battle continues...

Never give up. You are an inspiration. Thanks for being here.

dairyou

03-06-2007, 09:34 AM

I'm trying to do my own thing. Would like to loose 40 pounds. I love Pepsi and that is my biggest downfall. I started exercising for 30 minutes a day last week. I'm pretty impressed that I've done it for 7 days now....lol I hate to exercise! Oprah encouraged me when she said she hated it with a passion so I felt not so alone.

Eating is not to much of a problem. So for now I'm trying the exercise only to see if I can loose just a little and get my mind ready for a more rigourous diet plan.

Deb

katerkat

03-06-2007, 11:39 AM

Welcome back! I started last year, managing my portions and drinking more water and walking a lot over the summer. Then I went on a road trip and lost all willpower and didn't get it back until the New Year - and this time in full force. Walking - nah, I'm running this time around! Right now I'm still working on portion control, then I will start adding better foods. I'm incapable of giving up my lattes - but instead of limiting, I switched to sugar-free syrups and skim milk. Not totally healthy, but not as MANY calories. (I used to skip breakfast to justify the latte calories... This works better!)

I am doing some programs - I'm doing the Couch to 5K running program. And when not in Jersey, I go to classes at the gym several times a week.

dairyou

03-06-2007, 11:53 AM

katerkat

03-06-2007, 12:07 PM

So before you fell off the wagon (:)) did you loose any weight?

Deb

From May 2005 - August 2005, I lost about 12 pounds (out of 32 wanted to lose) and was starting to get toned up near the end, dropping a couple inches in my waist and thighs. (All my pregnancy weight was stored in my thighs. :crazy2: ) August 2005 - January 2007, I gained back the 12 and another 5, so I started out needing to lose 37 this time. Lost 11 so far and again, I'm starting to tone up from the exercise.

Otto's Doll

03-06-2007, 02:29 PM

Hi Zera'sPride, I remember you.:wave2: I have been up and down for my whole life, and have done WW, Nutrisystem, Atkins...I have lost weight on all of them...and it always found me again;) I have been living a new lifestyle since last March, and since then have lost just over 80lbs. I still have 40 or so more to go, but I feel so much better, I can move so much easier and now I can shop on the ladies side of the store - not the "plus" side! I am not following any diet, I have made conscious choices regarding what I will and will not put in my mouth every single day since then. Most times I do the healthy thing, but there are times when I indulge. I just don't indulge the way I used to. I no longer eat and eat and eat- even when things didn't taste good, I would eat anyway. I had to get to the source of the problem, and for me, that was through a great Bible study. I know that is not the answer for everyone, but it was for me. I now exercise just about every day, for 30 - 60 minutes (just walking, I hate anything else) and no more mindless snacking at night. I go to bed as soon as DH leaves for work, so that I am not so close to the kitchen. I don't mind having a snack if I am truly hungry - and sometimes I am - but I don't want to eat just because of habit.
Not snacking endlessly at night, and not going back for seconds on every meal are probably the biggest food changes I have made. I still have candy or ice cream once in a while, but not every day. I do find that if I deprive myself of those things that I will binge eventually. I don't set myself up for that anymore. The other things I am doing are drinking a lot of water, and forgiving myself when I get off track. I just get right back on with the healthy lifestyle and let it go. I also (and this is a MUST for me) don't weigh myself every week. I weigh in on the 1st and 15th (or thereabouts). I can be a slave to the scale and I know that is not what it is about this time. It is just about me being healthy. Someone posted on another thread awhile back something to the effect of "the only person you are in competition with is your old self. Who you used to be, not the person who sits next to you at work, or that you see at the gym." I am not trying to lose weight faster than anyone else, I am just trying to make me better than the person I was a year ago.
One thing I do notice though, is that the week before/during my period I am much hungrier than other times. Does anyone else find that, or is it all in my mind?
Good luck Lisa, and keep us posted! Good to have you here again. :hug:

brerrabbit

03-06-2007, 03:30 PM

I have been through several programs and all have worked, it just seems that at some point I say what the heck and start living an unhealthy lifestyle again. A big part of my problem is I was a competative athlete for many years playing football and Lacrosse in college. After college I played club Lacrosse for five years and then massive amounts of softball for many more years. Then I stopped, stopped everything and put the pounds on. Mind you I never was a small guy and weighed 245 my junior year of high school. It was a fairly healthy 245 because I worked out constantly for football and baseball. When I stopped everything I would go up to 270 and diet down to 220 and rode that rollercoaster several times. Finally I got up to almost 300 pounds and decided that that was it. I am 47 years old and at risk for everything under the sun so it was time to do something. I am using a modified Atkins diet to loose weight now. I don't go hog wild crazy and load in the fats because I can't afford to at my age. I eat meats but mostly lean ones. I eat vegetables and really try to stay away from all carbs. I walk and use a weight machine for exercise and when its warm enough will start swimming again. I have lost 25 pounds and the difference is amazing because I feel better, I sleep better and all around life is much better. I know it will only get more so the more I loose. One of my biggest keys is to not allow myself free time to think about eating. When I get home from work I always do something, work in the garage, clean house, anything. I don't watch as much TV because that was to associated with snacking and eating. If I have my mind on something else then its not on food.

Finally I see these changes as permanent this time, not just a diet. I think that to whole idea of doing this has to be a lifestyle change not just a diet. Diets suggest you do it for sometime then it's over. But it's not, it is a lifestyle change and I will need to live it the rest of my life to get to and stay where I want to be.

ZerasPride

03-06-2007, 08:23 PM

Thanks so much to each of you for posting here. I was worried how I would be welcomed back to WISH but I should have known that there would be no condemnation from you wonderful group of people! Words cannot describe how much your words of wisdom and encouragement mean to me.

I love the suggestions many of you have shared and I'm going to implement some of them where practical for me. I have read Body for LIfe for Women several times and one of the strategies in Dr. Peeke's book is to anticipate obstacles. I know every evening that after dinner is going to be tough for me not to start the night time munchies so I need to put practices into place other than just mindlessly snacking in front of the tv.

You are each such wonderful inspirations and I look forward to getting to know you all and rekindle old friendships as well.

Anyone want to share what they do for exercise? I work out at the gym twice per day taking a variety of classes in the afternoon (cardio, core, step, abs, etc.) and speedwalking/running on the treadmill to jump start my morning. One dear work out buddy signed us up for this gym challenge where we have to complete a host of extra work outs in addition to our usual routine. It's a tough grueling schedule but we're having fun with it. I'd love to hear what everyone else does for exercise.

MiniGirl

03-07-2007, 07:15 AM

Hi Lisa,

Welcome back. I'm a newbie here, but have found the support and encouragement to be amazing.

Anyway, I'm doing my own thing. I dieted my way to over 210 lbs. You know, I'd do a program. lose a little weight, get tired of it, gain all the weight back and few bonus pounds for good measure. OVer the holidays I felt an overwhelming sense (I say it was God's Spirit) that it was time to take care of this once and for all. After some thought and prayer, I decided to change 1 thing at a time. I know myself, and all out changes don't last for me. I also knew that if I was changing just 1 thing at a time it would be slow going for me, so I have accepted that I won't lose as fast as others. Anyway, the 1st month I concentrated on exercise. I got up and did 30 minutes on my elliptical every morning. Last month I decided to work on my water intake. That is something I still struggle with, too, but I am drinking more water. This month I have decided to limit my carbs to the morning hours and make the ones I do eat whole grains. Towards the end of last month I also upped my workouts. I try to get in 60 minutes most days instead of the 30 I was doing. So far, so good. I'm doing the monthly weight loss and exercise challenges, and those are helping to keep my motivated. Also, looking at 5 lb mini goals is much easier than looking at a 50 or 60 pound goal.

Anyway, good luck to you.

BTW.... Otto's Doll, what Bible study did you do? I also know that I need to work on the underlying issues and have had success with other Bible studies. Feel free to PM me if you'd rather not post on the board. TIA.

ZerasPride

03-07-2007, 07:38 AM

Eva,

It sounds like you are doing very well! I too have underlying emotional issues with food. It's been tough to admit that I use food as a crutch but I do. I want to get past that. There are so many other interesting things in life and food while one of them shouldn't consume my every waking thought. I have learned that this is not a one shot deal, lose the weight and it's over. I will have a lifelong struggle with my tendency to binge or just overeat to deal with stress. I'm working on a list of constructive things to do instead of eat.

Let's both keep up the good work!

Otto's Doll

03-07-2007, 01:18 PM

Hi Lisa,

BTW.... Otto's Doll, what Bible study did you do? I also know that I need to work on the underlying issues and have had success with other Bible studies. Feel free to PM me if you'd rather not post on the board. TIA.

I did one from the site www.settingcaptivesfree.com. PM on its way!

tbstein

03-12-2007, 11:43 AM

Good afternoon WISHERS!

I hope to hear back from some of you soon. Take care everyone and whatever program you're on - keep up the good fight. It's so worth it to take off the extra weight. You will feel like a million bucks! I miss that feeling and want it back, bad! :cool1:

Hello Lisa.

I am doing my own thing, although I am going to have my DD do the point system with WW. She is only 10 and will be easier for her.

I discovered about 15 months ago that I have firbromyalgia, and that I also have a gluten intolerance. And I also needed orthotics . SO, my new doc told me some guide lines to a healthier life style and I just follow it to the best of my human capablilities. I have lost nearly 45 pounds by eliminating root veggies (lots of sugar and starch) and processed wheat/flour/gluten. It was also recommeneded that I exercise 4 times a week at least 35 minutes. My exercise is still just walking, but I really think it has made a huge difference. I miss so many things, but I feel SO much better. The wieght loss alone has been a huge motivator. I do have weeks where I bounce up a bit, but those are the weeks I fall off the wagon and don't exercise as I need to. It is great to feel better and to look better. I am still hovering at about 209, but it is so much better than the 252 I was at for years. About 8 months ago I started on the WISH link, and it has helped. I did several exercisechallenges, and starting the journalling challenge. It does help. The pats on the back and words of encouragement mean the world to me.

I hope my story has been a positive for you! I am always willing to tell someone about where I have been, and where I am planning on going. (It's the 'chat's all the time' syndrome I have!)

Best wishes to you!

Wendy

ZerasPride

03-13-2007, 06:53 AM

Wendy - thanks so much for sharing your story! I too have been a faithful WISHer in the past and sometimes it makes me sad to think I've gained some weight back but I feel good now and am on the path to weight loss again. I'm actually down 4 pounds this week and feeling really good about it. Your story is inspirational. I appreciate you sharing it with me!

tbstein

03-13-2007, 10:03 AM

Lisa, great job on the 4 pounds! I am very glad to know that my story helps. Gives me a smile in my heart.

The best ot you!

Wendy

AKASnowWhite

03-13-2007, 03:40 PM

I discovered about 15 months ago that I have firbromyalgia

:hug: I have a very dear friend who also has fibromyalgia. I understand the struggles you have with that disease. I give you a whole lot of credit for getting out there and exercising - I'm sure that there are days when that is NOT easy at all!

You're doing such a great job with your overall healthy lifestyle. Keep up the good work! :goodvibes

ZerasPride

03-14-2007, 09:09 AM

I just wanted to post about a something I consider a real breakthrough for me. My husband and I went out for ice cream last night and boy can that be a dangerous thing for me. I debated and battled with myself the whole car ride about what I was going to get. I usually have this giant brownie fudge nut sundae and I just know it's got about 1,000 calories. I made up my mind that I was 1) not going to order anything where I would wake up the next morning feeling bloated or guilty and 2) that I did not want to order something like I was on a "diet" so no fat free yogurt or sugar free item.

I ended up ordering a single scoop of chocolate almond ice cream on a sugar cone. At first the old low carber in me felt so guilty I almost threw it away. I took that first heavenly bite and it was so yummy. The girl at the counter was extremely generous in my scoop when she saw the frown on my face when she first tried to hand me a skimpy cone. What I realized was that skimpy cone was just fine. I didn't need an "oversized" scoop as she called it. I ended up taking about half the ice cream off because it was just too much.

I learned two things. The first is that I can go to my favorite ice cream parlor without ordering the 1,000 calorie ice cream I would usually get. And two, I need to learn to train my eyes to stop seeing things from a "supersized" perspective. Being overweight all my life, I always ordered the super, extra large or giagantic portion of things. Even doing low carb, I loved it because I never had to watch my portions. But I do now and that's an okay thing with me.

I'm just so amazed that I was able to wake up this morning not only 1 pound lighter after an ice cream treat but respecting myself as well!

This whole not dieting thing is wonderful!

AKASnowWhite

03-14-2007, 09:39 AM

I'm just so amazed that I was able to wake up this morning not only 1 pound lighter after an ice cream treat but respecting myself as well!!

:banana: :banana: :banana:

That is AWESOME! You know, you are SO right when it comes to our (and I mean that in the broadest sense of the American public!) concept of what a "portion size" really is. Your ice cream is a perfect example. A "serving size" is 1/2 cup. Have you ever measured out 1/2 cup of ice cream? It's SOOOOOO much less than what many people *think* it should be. As you've shown us, it's OK to enjoy treats now and then - but in proper portions! :woohoo:

ZerasPride

03-14-2007, 12:11 PM

Snow - thanks for the support. I was amazed that the small scoop I had was enough. And yes, I am becoming familiar with 1/2 cup sizes. I eat 1/2 cup of oatmeal for breakfast most days during the week and it's not a lot. I also eat 1/2 cup of rice when I have it and again it's about the size of a tennis ball. It's a work in progress though because that Greedy Gertie inside me always wants more more more but my tummy is shrinking and honestly I can't eat all the food I used to. Well, I can eat it but I would be stuffed to the gills and feeling guilty. Besides the weight gain as a side effect from overeating, I hate the guilty and shameful feelings I feel the most.

PAdisMOM

03-14-2007, 02:15 PM

I remember you!!!! I was on these boards around 3 years ago also. I lost about 40 pounds with Atkins. I've since put all of that weight back on PLUS 25 pounds (at least). I've tried many different approaches, but haven't hit on the right one yet. I've tried Atkins again, but it seems too hard now (I'm not sure why).

Anyway- I'm glad to see you are back! I just came back to this board today and was so happy to recognize a few names. So many of the people I was used to are not posting anymore.

I'm starting the couch to 5 K program tonight.

I love this thread so far. i really liked AKASnowWhite's commitment to only eating at the table. I think I'll try that.

ZerasPride

03-14-2007, 02:34 PM

Hey PAdisMom! I remember you too. It's nice to see some familiar faces, isn't it? As I mentioned before I gained back 35 pounds of the 109 I lost doing low carb and learned some very valuable lessons about myself including the fact that I like whole grains, I mean I really do and WANT to eat them. I also discovered that for me diets just don't work. I tried to get back on the South Beach/Atkins wagon for almost a year. I would have good success but then I would binge because of the deprivation. That's when it hit me that I can lose weight without being extreme if I can find some balance. It doesn't have to be an all out bingy buffet thing or a clinched teeth deprivation thing either. I was and am determined to find a way to take this weight off eating normal. I'm just trying to figure out what normal is. It's such an educational process. Thank goodness for the internet! Let's support each other, okay? I know I can use all the support I can get!!! :)

katerkat

03-14-2007, 03:29 PM

Yeah, servings are so deceiving! I used to get a Love It at Cold Stone and eat it all in one shot - ugh!! Slowly I've been training my tummy to not need as much, and now Cold Stone is a treat that lasts 4-5 servings.

tbstein

03-14-2007, 03:53 PM

:hug: I have a very dear friend who also has fibromyalgia. I understand the struggles you have with that disease. I give you a whole lot of credit for getting out there and exercising - I'm sure that there are days when that is NOT easy at all!

You're doing such a great job with your overall healthy lifestyle. Keep up the good work! :goodvibes

Thanks Snow. Some days it is hard. But I want to be healthy!

Wendy

AuntieM03

03-15-2007, 03:22 PM

I just ventured back to these boards. I gained 30lbs between March and September 2006, I started working out with a trainer 2 days a week in September and have lost the 30 I gained. I still have another 60-70 to go. My trainer gave me a diet to follow, but I have a hard time keeping to it. Mostly I am trying to stick to a 1500 calorie diet. Some days I am successful and others not so much. I think my trainer gets a little frustrated because she expects me to lose 2lbs a week, every week. I actually average about 1lb a week. I have a really hard time on the weekends because I like to eat out with friends and I want to actually enjoy what I am eating. I'm just happy that after 6mos I am still exercising on a regular basis, and the scale is still going down albeit slowly. I do cardio 4-5x a week and weights with the trainer twice a week.

ZerasPride

03-16-2007, 07:11 AM

Michelle - it sounds like you're doing great! I too would like to drop this weight ASAP but I think slow and steady wins the race. I am trying to keep my calories in a certain range and know I can definitely do better with my portions. I even had someone ask me was I going to eat ALL that food for breakfast that I had on my plate. It was (brought from home) eggs with cheese and 1 piece of sausage. I didn't think it was all that much but now that I think about it, maybe it was.

Anyway, congrats on the weight you have lost! We are here to cheer you on!!! :)

AKASnowWhite

03-16-2007, 02:46 PM

Mostly I am trying to stick to a 1500 calorie diet. Some days I am successful and others not so much.

You know, the key for me is to be able to live long-term with whatever food intake plan that I choose to follow. What good is a "diet" if you cannot maintain the weight loss once you've "completed the program"??? :confused3 I know this sounds so cliche, but you need to make lifestyle changes that you can be happy with....which is what it seems like you are doing! Keep up the good work! :hug: