Becoming Lean, Mean, Endurace Event Machines in 2008

[Steffwalks]

Turns out, that coffee, green tea, and other teas, all have the same power in lesser degrees! Green tea has more antioxidants, but other than that....So have a cup of coffee with me!

 

[Creativebeth]

WWDave: You are right. We must all have a dream. Your dream is to be commended.....you can do it! Keep stretching like a good panda, and keep yourself healthy and strong.

Shan: I do not envy your Girl Scout cookie adventure! UGH. I don't think I would make it out alive. No kidding, you have done great......I would have been buying all the cookies, and eating them sleeve by sleeve.

Debra: I too am glad that I have not encountered a Girl Scout in my travels. I want to leave it that way.

Tiger Lily: I am glad you seem to be bouncing back fairly well from your surgery. 20 pounds is definitely doable. I have been successful keeping most of my weight off......except for this last 15 pounds. I have a real hard time with weight maintenance!

Lisa: I haven't ever tried Stevia.....I am a Splenda fan. I really like that I can bake with the Splenda. It cuts alot of sugar out of the family's baked goods!

Connie: I wish I was a coffee drinker now! Does my morning diet Coke count??? Please???

I am continuing to do fairly well, except for the few jelly beans I encountered yesterday. I never even hesitated......my ds wanted a few, I hand him 4, and proceeded to eat some myself. Never even gave it a thought! WTH? I need to watch that random noshing......but they were good!

Beth

 

[lenshanem]

Had the Stevia with my coffee this morning. I needed twice the amount it said I did.
I bought the tablets that dissolve.
It left a terrible after taste! Guess I have to just get used to it.

Has anyone tried Enviga?
http://www.enviga.com

It is a Coke product - green tea and caffeine. It says it is a calorie burner - I'm sure quite a stretch, but I'm thinking about giving this a try in the morning.

I'm also thinking about skipping my breakfast until after my run, with the exception of my long runs. Easier said than done, at least until it gets a tad warmer and I run earlier.

Anything to lose some extra calories. I read a little online, green tea also speeds up your metabolism like coffee???

 

[lenshanem]

Darn, I just read Enviga has aspartame in it. I'm trying to avoid artificial sweeteners. Anyone have a green tea drink they like?

 

[AmyBeth68]

Shan...I hear ya on the aspartame. What a bummer . You could try making your own Green Tea iced-tea at home. Just make it up like sweet tea but use a little bit of honey for sweetener instead of loads of sugar. Green Tea itself is loaded with antioxidants and is high in caffeine. You can buy all sorts of flavors...and making it into your own iced tea would make it healthier IMO. You could just make a big pitcher of it and fill your water bottle if you're on the go.

Just a suggestion . I find that all the green tea pre-made products are loaded with high fructose junk so aren't a good option for me.

Good luck!

 

[Steffwalks]

I make my own tea. I used to use an organic green tea with mint. But I can't find it any more, it was so refreshing! I recently ordered some green tea with mint from boca java, I haven't gotten yet, though. I will let you know what I think...I don't use sugar or artificial sweetners in my coffee or tea! I like the way nature made it!

Diet Coke doesn't work like tea and coffee. There are studies being conducted on diet soft drinks. There is one school of thought that suggests that it might be the fizz that is causing problems. Seems that children who drink more soft drinks have an unnaturally high number of broken bones beyond what can be attributed to the decrease in milk and experience more weight gain. And women who drink a lot of soft drinks have a MUCH greater risk of osteoporosis than even a woman who consumes no dairy and no calcium supplement. In addition, people who have diet soft drinks with a meal consume MORE calories throughout the day than those who do not. --Anyway, the point is, consider soft drinks as a treat and not a drink!

I changed my lifestyle over 4 years ago. I was a dietary manager in a nursing home for awhile, I try to stay abreast of nutrition information for my benefit and my family's. Sometimes, though, I feel like my head is just full of useless stuff! But I will be happy to be one your "phone-a-friends" next time you are on Millionaire!

 

[princessrunner]

Good morning Lean Meaners. I feel so late on my day off. Everyone is on and having fun without me. Thank you for all the kind words on my DD. She is doing giants which is where they go all the way around the high bar. Unfortunately, she was stuck and they decided to take a pic. Funny to my but not so much to her.

Shan: I think that Stevia is a getting used to thing. For me, I love a cup of green tea in the afternoon. I have decided that is my add. Anything that is good for me and I enjoy which leads me to....

Connie: Thank you, thank you!! I LOVE coffee from grinding the beans and enjoying the smell to smelling it brewing to drinking it black to savor the flavor. It is part of my downfall, I would drink coffee all day if I could. So thank you for making my vice good for me!!!

So back to Shan: Anything that is soda is NOT good for you no matter what they put in it to try and make it that way. Carbonation is detrimental to your teeth and bones and the additives that they put in the soda causes you to crave other things with your soda. Soda is just plain no good!!

Also, I would NEVER run in the morning without eating something. It does not need to be your full breakfast but you need to eat something. If I don't eat a Clif bar or PB bagel or something when I run, short or long, I will eat mindlessly the rest of the day. Hungry, feed me, insert growling stomach here I have tried it before thinking I would be hungrier for breakfast when I came back...and I was....unfortunately I could not shut it off!!

Beth: I do bake with a Splenda half and half mix. We have all learned to make adjustments around the diabetes. And unfortunately for me, I do know a Girl Scout. I find that reading the label helps me stay on track. And, Jelly Belly makes sugar free jelly beans believe it or not. Now if we could just talk to the Girl Scouts...

Connie: I too love green tea with mint, especially when I have a bad belly. I have found some at my natural food store, currently out so I will check the brand and get that back to you. Good in summer too, cool and refreshing as sun tea.

Lily and Dave: So nice to see you BOTH on the road to recovery. It would be a cold dark place here without your bright lights!!!

I know, I know, I missed people but there is just so much time in a day!!! I love this thread though. I know I said it before but there is so much to learn here!!!!

 

[jeanneg]

I just use the Celestial Seasonings peppermint tea. It is very soothing to the tummy. In fact I always have some at least half an hour before I leave for a long walk or marathon event. It gets my system going so I won't have any unexpected potty stops! When I am in a hotel, I just brew plain water in the coffee maker and use that to make my tea. Works like a charm everytime!

 

[deekaypee]

Dave: WTG on the loss. Or rather, WTG on making lemonade out of the lemons you were given with the dental work. Thank you for sharing your dream with us--I can so see you as world-class racewalker. (You already are, in my book!) But do they have a panda class as well as an age group?

Connie: Okay, now I'm craving coffee!!! Does after my WO count? I'm also going to be taking you up on your "resident expert" offer in the next few, oh, decades, as I try to shift my eating habits. I'm so happy to have so many knowledgeable people to turn to!

Beth: I think you've just described my life with the phrase, random noshing. Look at the bright side--you shared the jelly beans with your DH. That doesn't happen too often in my household, at least when it comes to treats. DOOD has his ice cream, which I won't touch unless invited. I have my chocolate, and woe be unto the DOOD who eyes it without my permission.

Shan: There's no way I could skip my morning breakfast. A hungry, cranky Debra is one who finds any excuse not to work out. I'm eating as many meals & snacks as I normally do, but using portion control, sometimes partial servings, for the calories.

Amy: Ever since reading Michael Pollan's In Defense of Food, high-fructose corn syrup has become the bane of my existence. It's in everything, it seems!

Lisa: I'm with you on the ritual of making coffee. We have a French Press & a stovetop espresso maker in the house. It's such a pleasant smell, so meditative. Now I can't remember why I don't drink more?

Jeanne: Thanks for the tip on Celestial Seasonings tea as a pre-race drink!

As for me: Okay, I'm about to admit my ignorance again. Could someone give me a brief breakdown of the benefits/dangers of things like Splenda, Stevia, etc. I try to avoid aspartame. I tend just to use sugar, brown sugar, or honey as sweeteners, so I don't know about the rest. Is there a reason I should switch, if we don't have diabetics in my household?

And as an attempt to actually participate in this nutritional exchange, some trivia: Did you know that Twizzlers, Swedish Fish, and Jujubees are vegan? Of course, that outs the fact I'm thinking about throwing in the work towel early today & seeing The Other Boleyn Girl. DOOD doesn't want to see it, and I'm unnaturally drawn to film adaptations of books (even if I didn't enjoy the book). Sigh, I think I'll sneak in some nuts, but I want the Twizzlers now.

 

[twoWDWfools]

Hi all!
Not sure why but today is the first day I looked at this thread. Just so much to keep up with but I'd like to join everyone here.

I've got a couple goals: 1) lose 20 lbs. Would really like to lose 30 but have to stay realistic. 2) I've signed up for ToT and the 2009 WDW 1/2 so need to keep up with the training. Figure having those out there plus a couple local events will keep me on track - well that and the great group known as WISH. Being part of the team challenge has made sure I've stayed on track for the past month. 3) Be healthier in general. On a very low dosage of blood pressure meds and doc said if I keep up the exercise and lose just 15 lbs she thinks I'll be able to come off the meds. Would love that!

DH is very supportive however he's one of those lucky people who says on Monday "oh on, I need to lose 5 lbs!" and does by Sunday. Unlike me who makes the same announcement and the scale never moves. Although quite happy this week as it did move - down 2lbs.

Anyway, now that I've rambled on ...hope you all don't mind another joining the group and thanks for being here!

 

[Creativebeth]

Liz! The more the merrier in this group. We have alot of nice posters here with alot of information! We are have been here getting to know each other, but we are still missing Bill. We are afraid he's been taken captive by fierce panda!

Okay, group, my problem now is hunger. I have eaten everything I have brought with me today ((((which was plenty!)))) but I really am in the mood to eat. My friend PaDisneyFan is noshing on popcorn right now and it's smells good! I will restrain myself from stealing the bag out of her hands!

Some days I am fine, and don't feel the need to eat. But, then there are the other days that that's all I want to do. I guess that is where the words Will Power come in. I know I don't need more food......just want it! I usually have a little sugar free chocolate in my desk for just these occasions, but alas I am out!

Beth

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Beth -- ask Nancy to share a little popcorn! I'm sure it's a low calorie version, and just a little might satisfy you. Be strong, we are with you!

Maria

 

[Steffwalks]

Beth I can so identify with you. I may know lots of stuff....but that doesn't mean it works for me....lots of times it doesn't work at all! Like now. For some reason every since the flu...I can't eat enough. It doesn't matter whether it's good or bad, I am wanting to shove it in my mouth! Ever see a ravenous dog eat...it barely bites what it is eating much less chew 32 times before swallowing! That's me! I have gained back 3 of the 8 pounds I lost, and that makes it harder to get to my 10 lb net loss goal by the OKC 1/2 marathon! Much less get to the other 20 lbs I would love to lose! I think I will go check the mail for tea....or make a cup of coffee! I have two french press coffee cups and some beans begging to be ground!

 

[Creativebeth]

Maria: I am following a low carb diet, so alas popcorn isn't included! Sigh.......Nancy does WW, and eats lots of popcorn!

Connie: I am so with you......I have alot of 'advice' but don't always follow my own advice! My name is Beth, and I am a Foodaohlic!

Beth

 

[Cindylou]

Shan: There are several different forms of Stevia. I bought the little green packets that was combined with some other supplement and also found there was a weird after taste. A friend of mine bought the liquid form which she put in her tea and said that was really good. I just ordered green powder which can be used in baked goods, so I'll let you know how that tastes when it comes. I also try to avoid the artificial sweeteners.

I have to get back to work now, hope to post more later.

Cindy

 

[twoWDWfools]

Beth - I also get bottomless pit days. I try to keep yogurt in the fridge or a granola bar in the desk for those times. When all else fails I get up, take my water mug, go look at the vending machine, decide there is nothing in there even remotely good for me then refill my water. I bring in the Crystal Light/Wylers lite drink mixes to give it flavor sometimes, too. Be strong - we completely understand!

 

[JustSmile]

Hi all!
Liz
It was busy over here this morning. I started drinking coffee 6 months ago and I love it. I use the fat free liquid creamer and splenda. I'm sure it's not the best thing for me, but I've cut out so many things.......so I am pleased to see that 2 cups a day is possibly good for me. Hooray!!

Everyone....I saw in Shape magazine that there is a President's Challenge beginning on March 20. You can sign up at presidentschallenge.org
and you log your workouts online and rack up at least 30min of exercise 5x a week for a month and a half and you get a patch. Just thought I'd pass it along in case anyone's interested.
Have a great day.

 

[lenshanem]

Wow, didn't get back on to post, but a few hours after I drank my coffee with the stevia I had a major drop in my blood sugar - way worse than the Splenda! Matter of fact, I have felt off all day. Just plain yucky feeling. What is up with that?!? I'm scared to try it again. I thought it wasn't supposed to effect your blood sugar?

I bought a bottle of Snapple Green Tea today. It has plain ole' sugar in it - 30 calories per serving (2 servings in the bottle). I'm thinking sugar is better than all this artificial stuff?

I read that if you brew your own make sure not to use boiling water - it destroys all the beneficial stuff???


The reason I thought I might try eating after my short runs instead of before is because I read an article that said if you run after fasting all night you burn fat instead of recently consumed carbs???

 

[windwalker]

Hi Guys and pretty princesses. (See Vic I said guys to, so hush).

What a day. Went to the Dentist for check up he said I was doing great, he said he expected that though since athletes heal quickly, except for injuries related to their sport, since they won't let it rest enouth.

Then off to the furniture store for new game room furniture. Next was the local Target for a new vacuum, we got a Dyson this time hoping the lab and kitty hair doesn't kill this one in three months.

Stopped at Red Lobster for lunch, I was actually able to eat blackened catfish, mashed potatoes (no butter) and applesause. Yeah solid food.

We drove to Nashville to find Erica's bunion Doctor, it was pretty easy to find just a long way there, about 150 miles round trip. On the way back we stopped at one of Nashville's big malls for a couple of miles of walking.

Then home for major house keeping since we needed to catch up on the pet hair and I made Erica clean out some of her nests in the game room so we could get the new furniture in. Am I the only one who lives with a nest maker?

Then some good stretching and ice for my achillies and now time to say hello to my WISH buds.

Tired Panda

 

[Steffwalks]

Panda you are not the only one who lives with a nest maker. My DH is one!