Biggest Loser 9 Spring Challenge -- thread closing -- see new thread Part 2!

[princessbride6205]

Need some advice/comments...

Here is some background...I started this journey on the 1st of January and started WW about the same time. Each week I have lost a decent amount of weight (13 pounds for the month of January). Tonight when I weighed in at WW, I had loss 3.8 pounds for the week. I am logging all my food and eating my daily allowance of WW points. I am not eating my flex points or exchanging any of my exercise points for extra food. Last week I earned over 40 points for my exercising. For exercise, I am doing the C25K, walking on the treadmill, pilates, lifting weights, doing the Wii Fit, Active and Just Dance. I have been increasing my exercising every day. For example, today I logged 4.65 miles of running and walking (I ran about 1/2 of the distance). When I look at the data I get from my Nike+, I burned 648 calories for my efforts.

Here are my questions:
1. I have been really cold lately (this is not normal for me...even when it is cold outside) and have a hard time warming up. Does anyone else have this happen? I have only loss 13 pounds but could it be from the diet? How about all the exercising? Any ideas?

2. For those of you who exercise a lot, how do you decide what is the right amount to eat to do well with both exercising AND weight loss? I have been trying to change things up because some days I am hungry. I sometimes wonder if I should be focusing on certain types of foods to sustain the exercising or if I should try eating a little more at times. I am just worried that I might gain weight instead of lose it if I eat a bit more.

I guess I am just looking to hear from people who might be balancing the food and exercise better then me and how you make the decision as to how much to eat.

Corinna gave some great comprehensive advice. I thought I'd respond to add to that.

1. I've noticed I'm colder this winter (after losing ~17 pounds since last winter). I've started wearing an undershirt and a sweater to work and drinking lots of hot water rather than cold. Some people think I'm weird, but it works for me. At home, I've added a giant sweatshirt or a blanket when I'm watching TV at night. 2 weeks ago, Target had these fleece robes on clearance for $4, so I got one of those, which is great and cozy.
2. The first few weeks of counting my calories last year, I felt like I was hungry a lot. Your body will get used to it and you will be a little less hungry on the same amount of food you're eating now. Also, as you probably know from WW, some foods help you feel full longer. But since you aren't using your flex or activity points, it sounds like you are truly hungry and could use a little more fuel. As Corinna recommended, it sounds like a good idea for you to try eating some activity points. Try it for 2 weeks and if the scale moves in the wrong direction, you can make a change. For me, when I have a really strenuous workout, I like to eat some protein afterwards like yogurt or nuts. Sometimes I will use it towards a treat instead. In general, I exercise 5 days a week and eat a little extra (I'm not on WW so I don't have a specific number of points to tell you).

 

[LuvBaloo]

Here we celebrate our progress and recognize our superstars.

Reminders:
-after 3 weeks of no reporting, you are dropped from the challenged – can re-start at any time, though
-if anybody knows they will miss weighing in, just PM and let me know and you’ll be marked excused


First some stats

MAINTAINERS:
Reporting in this week: 1!
Congrats to Corinnak for successfully maintaining again!
(staying within 2 lbs of their maintain weight is successfully maintaining!)

LOSERS:
Current Participants-------------137
not reporting in for 1 week-------16
not reporting in for 2 weeks------7
not reporting in for 3 weeks------ 13
Excused-------------------------7
weigh ins-----------------------95
gains----------------------------15
maintains------------------------8
losses--------------------------69
first time weigh-ins---------------3

Biggest Loser 9 Spring Challenge Week 4!
This weeks total group loss 117.4 pounds!
Total group weight loss so far 722.4 pounds!
We’re making excellent progress on our goal of 750 pounds!

Retention Rate (compared to the 135 weighins for our start weigh-in on Jan 1st)
95/ 135 = 70%

Average percentage of weight lost 0.62%

Before the weekly superstar list comes the disclaimer. I am human and I make mistakes. If you have any questions please contact me. For your reference this is the magic percentage of weight lost formula - weight loss for the week divided by weight for last week times 100, that gives us the percentage. Now let me test that with my numbers for week 1, click, click, click goes the calculator. Yes, that agrees with the percentage on the magic spreadsheet. (btw if its been more than 1 week between weigh-ins, then the % loss is divided by the number of weeks, to keep everybody on the same basis)

Now let's get to the good stuff. Who were our superstars of week 4? This week I’ve went with a simple TOP 11 LIST which is everybody with over 1.6% loss! That criteria will change from week to week. Hey I'm in charge here and I get paid nothin' to do this so you better take what you can get! (and if there’s something you want to know, just ask me!)

The WISH Biggest Loser 9 Spring Challenge Week 4 Superstars!!
#11- 1.65% - lovedvc
#10- 1.74% - iluvtig2
#9- 1.85% - Kitchensinkguy
#8- 1.88% - sahbushka
#7- 2.00% - DisneyFam5
#5&6- TIE 2.05% - teapot & StitchIsOurHero
#4- 2.24% - ladytink75
#3- 2.42% - MelanieC
#2- 3.00% - chskover

and now

The WISH Biggest Loser 9 Spring Challenge
Week 4 Biggest Loser!!

#1- 3.64 % - beansf


Quote from Dare2Dream: How is your week going? Are you OP (on program)? Are you exercising? Drinking that water? You know what to do to make the magic happen. Get on the wagon. We are all here to help you on the journey. We can do this one day at a time. One bite at a time.

Have a healthy day!

Congratulations beansf!!! What a great week you have had. Keep up the good work. We have a very special clippie reserved for our weekly Biggest Loser.

This is our weekly reigning Biggest Loser clippie. We have the large version

or use this
http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/31040weeklyBLsmall1.jpg
followed by

or we have a medium version

or use this
http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/31040weeklyBLmed.jpg
followed by

and we have a small version

or use
http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/31040weeklyBLsm.jpg
followed by

Thanks to ohMom-Molli for these clippies. They were used for a previous BL but we can recycle. Don't they look great!

 

[LuvBaloo]

NOW FOR THOSE OF US WHO SET A GOAL FOR THE CHALLENGE!

How this works: you set your goal for what to lose in the challenge. Then I calculate your weight loss in the challenge divided by your goal to get a % to goal.
Anybody can change their goal at anytime (or add a goal) – all you have to do is send me a PM.
Since the goals are an individual thing, the list is just in alphabetical order to make it easier for everybody to find their own name. If there are any questions or suggestions please let me know. This is something new for BL9

We have done 4 out of 15 weeks, so the challenge is 26.7% complete.
3TinksAndAnEeyore 3.6
A Little Pixie Dust 29.3
beansf 50.0
bouldertcr 57.5
CanuckCruiser 0
chskover 20.0
debf 17.3
denise 12.9
DisFam95 26.1
disney mommy 2.5
DisneyFam5 50.0
Double 35.4
happysmyly 50.7
heatherlynn444 26.7
IWISHFORDISNEY 38.9
jbm02 30.0
jenanderson 43.3
JFrey4240 42.9
jimmaher69 20.8
Jimmy 7.9
joy@disney 20.0
kimara 60.0
kimwim8 30.0
Kitchensinkguy 60.6
leamom2princesses 33.3
LegoMom3 25.0
Life is good 25.0
lisah0711 45.0
LittleSeacow 36.4
lovedvc 57
LuvBaloo 9.5
maiziezoe 39.7
mandac -7.1
MaryAz 48.3
memy26 0.0
MickeyMagic 21.3
mousemom11 20.0
MrIncrediDad 44.8
my3princes 18.3
NC Tink 27.3
Nicholfamily5 23.3
Peace.love.mickey 23.0
pgumiela 13.2
Piglet18 16.6
poohlove 14.7
PRINCESSVIJA 2.2
redwalker -10.0
Riverhill 3.3
Rose&Mike 29.3
sahbushka 22.3
shellynn24 16.1
StitchIsOurHero 28.5
talytam 17.5
Tasha+Scott 25.2
tigger813 36.2
wezee 25.0
Worfiedoodles 20.0
zacem'smom 39.2

 

[jenanderson]

Hi Jen! Wow - you are doing great! No such thing as "only" 13 pounds, but I know what you mean, wondering if that is enough to allow for your feeling colder. I have had the same problem of feeling cold this winter, for sure, too.

First of all, I'm going to go ahead and assume, based on the work that you are doing that you have actually gained a fair bit of muscle over the past month and that you may have lost closer to 20 pounds of fat or more. That is not inconsiderable in terms of insulating power. Also, when you exercise regularly, your body is very good at compensating and I believe it actually constructs new blood vessels to accomodate the activity, which allows for faster cooling. I think some of that plays a role as well. My solution has been wool socks and an extra layer most days. My fingers get cold really, really fast, too.

Of course it may be medically relevant - something to discuss with your doctor, if you are concerned. I don't know all the things that can cause it but, you know, circulation, low iron and things along those lines....though it sounds like it correlates with your weight loss activity, I can't rule out those things, so use your best judgement and talk to your doctor if there is any doubt.

Finally, I'm not sure I could say I've balanced activity and food better or worse than anyone else - and I am still struggling with the balance here in Maintenance-land, but your loss is pretty rapid so far - and while it may be that you don't need those weekly flex points now, at some point (I felt it when I went below 22 daily points) you are going to want to be able to use them. I finally decided that I needed to use either my flex points or my AP every week for health, sanity, long term liveability and just to make sure there was enough fuel for my workouts.

I have never been the fastest loser, by any means, so my advice might not be the most appealing, but I have also worried about eating more and gaining. You are so far from that turn-around point, from what you've said. Maybe try eating half of your weeklies or activity points, to start. 85 points a week is a lot to leave unused, epsecially if you are hungry. Use them for healthy fuels if you feel any doubt about it at all. You can add more milk, whole grains, fruits, eggs, nuts, legumes without any guilt - these things will build you a beautiful lean body as you lose more fat. Some say to use those extra points for treats, but I felt better about adding high quality fuel when I started using more points. Your mileage may vary, of course.

Corinna gave some great comprehensive advice. I thought I'd respond to add to that.

1. I've noticed I'm colder this winter (after losing ~17 pounds since last winter). I've started wearing an undershirt and a sweater to work and drinking lots of hot water rather than cold. Some people think I'm weird, but it works for me. At home, I've added a giant sweatshirt or a blanket when I'm watching TV at night. 2 weeks ago, Target had these fleece robes on clearance for $4, so I got one of those, which is great and cozy.
2. The first few weeks of counting my calories last year, I felt like I was hungry a lot. Your body will get used to it and you will be a little less hungry on the same amount of food you're eating now. Also, as you probably know from WW, some foods help you feel full longer. But since you aren't using your flex or activity points, it sounds like you are truly hungry and could use a little more fuel. As Corinna recommended, it sounds like a good idea for you to try eating some activity points. Try it for 2 weeks and if the scale moves in the wrong direction, you can make a change. For me, when I have a really strenuous workout, I like to eat some protein afterwards like yogurt or nuts. Sometimes I will use it towards a treat instead. In general, I exercise 5 days a week and eat a little extra (I'm not on WW so I don't have a specific number of points to tell you).

Thanks for the advice and input Corinna and princessbride6205!

I guess I am just going to add some extra clothes to help with being cold. I have also been drinking warm water!!!! Cold water just makes it worse for me. I am not really worried about it, it just seemed odd to suddenly be cool most the time. You are right....it is not "only 13" pounds....I just put it that way because I thought it would take much more weight loss to have my body notice the fat was going away.

Thanks so much for all the information on the food. I knew with dieting I would be hungry but actually it did not take long to get used to eating less. For the first couple of weeks, I ate my WW points and felt full most the time. It has been the last 2 weeks where I have been hungry - any usually after working out. I have REALLY increased my exercise each week and think the hunger is due to that.

I am going to try to use a few of my extra points this week on healthy choices. I think I have just been afraid to mess with it because it has felt good to lose all this weight and I don't want to stop that forward momentum. However, if I take your advice and eat things like more milk, whole grains, fruits, eggs, etc...I think I will be fine.

It is just good to hear from others what they are doing. So far I have felt so great about what is happening - I love the changes I am seeing, I am learning to love all the exercising, I have not missed the food and I think I am really becoming a healthier person. I know that with all the support and help from everyone here I will make it through this time!

Thanks Guys!
Jen

 

[redwalker]

Thanks! I've had a rough last few days and your encouragement was just what I needed.



QOTD: I prefer summer because we have a pool and I like to swim. We also barbeque a lot in the summer and have a lot more salads.

I had another day where I was really hungry. My goal for the week was to focus on getting an eating pattern down solid. It helped when I added canola oil to my oatmeal, but I'm still getting hungry at least 1 hour before lunch. I tried adding egg whites to my breakfast routine, but that didn't help so I stopped that and saved the points for later. I have to up my water intake between breakfast and lunch. I have a feeling that will help a lot. The problem is I'm not allowed to have water at my desk so I have to go to a drinking fountain. They work fine so I'm not worried about germs. I know my boss won't mind if I get a drink every once in a while, but I still feel bad about leaving my desk. I have a bunch of timers at work. I think I'll set one for 30 min. and get a drink every 30 min. or so. That should help curb the hunger. We're doing a weight loss program at work, so hopefully that will help.

Part of my problem is also that I save my points for dinner. I'm going to vent here. My mother supports my weight loss by buying whatever I want and buying low point meats for dinner. I figure I need to eat dinner just like everyone else so I try to have as many points left for that meal as possible. Now, sometimes, I skip part of the meal. Like, I had some broccoli a few nights ago when the rest of my family ate baked potatoes. But, in general, I try not to do that. I feel like I have to eat with them completely. And, to be completely honest, I also don't like feeling different from everyone. Ok, enough venting. Dinner will be ready soon and then I'm going to get some exercise in before going to bed. Thanks for listening.

Keep up the hard work it will pay off...stick with it. It takes time and determination. We all didn't put this weight on in a week, it took time..allow yourself and your body to take the proper time to take it off...you can do it!

 

[redwalker]

Just finished turkey gorditas for supper. Added some extra onions on top.

6:15- 2 mile WATP workout

8:00 Begin 2-3 miles on the elliptical while watching BL

Hoping to see the 150s tomorrow and continue through the week. Would love to see 158.8 as that was my ending weight for the last BL thread. PMS week too and I haven't had a whole lot to eat today. I hope I've had enough. I've been doing the Leslie Sansone 3 mile Thin and Sleek with Pilates for the past week. I LOVE IT! I have noticed a difference in my abs so I think that will be the one I will do at 6:15.

Time to get some more water as I hadn't had much to drink today.

Did you get there? are you to the 150 level??? I am closing in again on the 120s....oh man..I would love to kiss the 130s good bye, and stop loosing the same numbers over and over and over again! 14 Days to go until I am at Disney....I pledged 5 pounds to the pound for pound challenge on the Biggest Looser...just 5 pounds...If I can't loose it by the time I am suppose to...I will feel terrible..

Last night I walked 8 miles 1200 calories burned, I am going to get on the treadmill now and start...even if I get in am mile before my dentist appt today, it is a start, then I can finish up while my DD2 is at school...I need 2 hrs to get 8m done.
I hope everyone has a great Wednesday, and keeps working towards bettering their health and bodies!

 

[lovedvc]

I have also been a Lifetime member of WW for years. I don't believe that you can earn 40 points in a week. We have always been taught your maximum earning for the day is 4 points which is 28 points for the week. Even if you workout for a longer period of time 4 is the max that you can add back. I earn at least 6 - 8 per day back and I only ever add 4 back. Just be careful, I know you said you don't eat those points, but if you ever do I don't want the program to not work for you. Also, if you see your weight loss start to become less it may be because you are not eating enough. We need to fuel our bodies to burn. You may have to start eating some of your flex points. When you start to level out talk with your ww leader and show them your food intake for the day. They will be more than happy to help you readjust your daily intake. Good luck in your weight loss journey.

 

[pjlla]

Morning all!

Sorry I didn't get back on last night to read everyone's responses... and this morning is no better! This week is becoming crazy busy!

Today's QOTD:

What is/was the WORST thing (in your opinion) about being overweight/out of shape/unhealthy?

For myself it was my lack of self-confidence and the feeling that I was being judged for my weight. I'm not sure that I even realized HOW low my self- confidence/self-esteem was until I had a moment on a message board. It was a group of scrapbookers that I had been "chatting" with online and several of them got together for a crop. I found an excuse not to go (can't even remember if it was a real excuse or a made-up excuse). But someone posted pictures after the event and when I saw the pictures my FIRST REACTION was... "I wouldn't have been the biggest girl there!" Obviously, somewhere in my mind, I was afraid of going and being the biggest person there. But I didn't realize it until I witnessed my own reaction to the photos. It was very eye-opening.

Sorry I have to make this quick. I'll try to hop on again later........P

 

[jennz]

cclovesdis - don't feel bad about eating with your family, this is something you will be doing forever! You're learning how to spread your calories throughout the day so you CAN eat with them and stay in a healthy range. I used to make something special for everyone when I was trying to lose weight but no more, we all eat the same. I do weigh out my portions but that's it. I think you're doing great!!!! FWIW I have about 700 - 800 calories during the day, breakfast lunch and snacks and then I have between 900 - 1000 at dinner/dessert - my goal is 1700/day.

 

[jenanderson]

I have also been a Lifetime member of WW for years. I don't believe that you can earn 40 points in a week. We have always been taught your maximum earning for the day is 4 points which is 28 points for the week. Even if you workout for a longer period of time 4 is the max that you can add back. I earn at least 6 - 8 per day back and I only ever add 4 back. Just be careful, I know you said you don't eat those points, but if you ever do I don't want the program to not work for you. Also, if you see your weight loss start to become less it may be because you are not eating enough. We need to fuel our bodies to burn. You may have to start eating some of your flex points. When you start to level out talk with your ww leader and show them your food intake for the day. They will be more than happy to help you readjust your daily intake. Good luck in your weight loss journey.

Hello! Thanks for your information. I am using the WW online to track everything and it does allow for more than 4 points each day. I would NEVER eat all those points. I think I am just looking to find a better balance and to find out what other people do. I did try to talk with my WW leader about my food and their response was to eat my flex AND exercise points if I get hungry from all the exercising!!! I know there are others who are exercising a lot and I just wonder how people determine how much extra to increase. I almost think about staying on WW but also logging my food and exercise on a site that deals with calorie tracking to see what my calorie deficit really is. Since I am looking at this as a long term life style change, I want to be sure I am making smart choices.

Thanks again!
Jen

 

[lisah0711]

QOTD: The easiest time for me is late spring to early summer when the days are really long but it's not too hot out most of the time. The worst is from November to January with the long nights and the many holidays.

You are gettling close to goal -- yay for you!

jenanderson, you got some great advise from corinnak and princessbride6205. You might want to ask your WW leader or one of the coaches online about the activity points thing. 13 pounds in one month is fantastic! I think that we do get colder as we lose weight -- not so much insulation as before KWIM.

Thanks! I've had a rough last few days and your encouragement was just what I needed.

Sounds like you are making some great adjustments. It is going to take some time to figure out what works for you. That is a bummer about not having water at your desk -- do they let you have coffee or tea? Having some hot tea in the morning might help you fill up. Or can you stash a water bottle in your desk drawer? Do you get a morning break where you can have some fruit or a piece of cheese?

jennz has a good point that you will always be eating with your family so figuring out what works now will be a big help. Leaving off the potato was a good idea. You can also leave stuff on your plate.

Did you get there? are you to the 150 level??? I am closing in again on the 120s....oh man..I would love to kiss the 130s good bye, and stop loosing the same numbers over and over and over again! 14 Days to go until I am at Disney....I pledged 5 pounds to the pound for pound challenge on the Biggest Looser...just 5 pounds...If I can't loose it by the time I am suppose to...I will feel terrible..

Last night I walked 8 miles 1200 calories burned, I am going to get on the treadmill now and start...even if I get in am mile before my dentist appt today, it is a start, then I can finish up while my DD2 is at school...I need 2 hrs to get 8m done. I hope everyone has a great Wednesday, and keeps working towards bettering their health and bodies!

Sounds like you are doing great! 14 days until Disney is a good motivator!

I have also been a Lifetime member of WW for years. I don't believe that you can earn 40 points in a week. We have always been taught your maximum earning for the day is 4 points which is 28 points for the week. Even if you workout for a longer period of time 4 is the max that you can add back. I earn at least 6 - 8 per day back and I only ever add 4 back. Just be careful, I know you said you don't eat those points, but if you ever do I don't want the program to not work for you. Also, if you see your weight loss start to become less it may be because you are not eating enough. We need to fuel our bodies to burn. You may have to start eating some of your flex points. When you start to level out talk with your ww leader and show them your food intake for the day. They will be more than happy to help you readjust your daily intake. Good luck in your weight loss journey.

That was a good idea talking with a leader. Also WW has great resources on their online pages.

Today's QOTD:
What is/was the WORST thing (in your opinion) about being overweight/out of shape/unhealthy?

Oh, I can so relate to your story, pjlla. I was so happy when I figured out I wasn't the biggest person when I started law school 21 years ago -- unfortunately I weighed about 50 pounds less than I do now. And, really why do I still remember that or care?!?

But the worst thing about being overweight for me now is that my son, who is 10, has never seen me thin. If he sees a picture of me when I was thin, he doesn't even realize it is me (neither does my DH). Shame on me for not taking care of myself for me or my family.

On a happier note, a big congratulations to all of our superstars and especially our biggest loser, beansf! Way to go!

I am so happy that our second group goal is almost met -- may be time to bump it up next week -- dare we say 1,000?!? I'm seeing great progress on our challenge goals and I am really happy with our 70% retention rate for our challenge -- that may be a record (unfortunately we never tracked this before).

A big thank you, too, to LuvBaloo for being our weightkeeper, donac for being COWkeeper, corinnak for keeping up our QOTD archive, our weekly coaches who make us think about our goal and how we will get there, and most of all, to you all our participants who make our challenge so great!

Have a great day all!

 

[heatherlynn444]

QOTD: I think the worst thing is knowing how my unhealthy eating will affect me later in life. I am not overweight, but I eat very poorly and know that if I don't get my act together I am more likely to get certain illnesses, cancers, etc. SO I really struggle with that!

 

[tigger813]

Did you get there? are you to the 150 level??? I am closing in again on the 120s....oh man..I would love to kiss the 130s good bye, and stop loosing the same numbers over and over and over again! 14 Days to go until I am at Disney....I pledged 5 pounds to the pound for pound challenge on the Biggest Looser...just 5 pounds...If I can't loose it by the time I am suppose to...I will feel terrible..

Last night I walked 8 miles 1200 calories burned, I am going to get on the treadmill now and start...even if I get in am mile before my dentist appt today, it is a start, then I can finish up while my DD2 is at school...I need 2 hrs to get 8m done.
I hope everyone has a great Wednesday, and keeps working towards bettering their health and bodies!

Happy to say that I reached 159.8 this morning! Just gotta stay below until Friday! Hope to see 158.8 as that's my lowest! Really want to see 156.7 cause that will mean 45 pounds lost!!!!!

Got in 4 miles this morning. Going to work for awhile at 11:30 and then come home around 1:30 if I don't have anybody to give a massage to. Then I will do another 2 mile workout. I really want to get on the elliptical tonight!

Gonna be running around all afternoon with the girls so I'm not sure if I'll get anything in tonight as we have to practice flute and check out the video we recorded yesterday for DD1s book report. She also needs to discuss with her dad what she wants to do for her inventors fair project. I give him the science related projects to do with her. I can't do it all! She has a few ideas but needs help narrowing them down and making a logical decision on how to solve the problem.

Time to clean up the living room while the laundry finishes. Kitchen is already done and it had better stay that way since I'm not cooking in it today!

 

[tigger813]

Just saw the commercial for the Wii game , Just Dance! I soooo want that now!!!! Looks like a blast!

 

[jenanderson]

Just saw the commercial for the Wii game , Just Dance! I soooo want that now!!!! Looks like a blast!

It is a blast! Our family got the game a couple of weeks ago and we have laughed so hard watching each other try to "move"! I tend to use it 1-2 times each week and get a really good workout in.

 

[corinnak]

Today's QOTD:
What is/was the WORST thing (in your opinion) about being overweight/out of shape/unhealthy?

I always have a hard time choosing just one thing, but in this case, while I concur with all the other things to dislike about being overweight, the toughest thing for me has always been:

Clothes.

When they're too tight, they are uncomfortable and squishy and cause all kinds of bulges. I always felt like I didn't have anything to wear in a closet full of clothes because nothing looked the way I wanted it to. And shopping for clothes - I am not a fan even at goal, but it is really hard to feel good about it when things don't fit or look flattering, so I'd tend to just wear the same old stuff as long as I could.

 

[jennz]

Tracey What a great feeling!!!

Okay all I need some advice...Monday I walked 2 miles then *started* my c25k - that's in * because I actually did 1/2 the program and my legs got very sore so I decided to start out w/1/2 this week. Yesterday did Jillian's Trouble Spots - went really light on lunges, squats etc well my legs are sore again today...so my big question: do I do the c25k today or wait until tomorrow? What I don't want is to get so sore I quit (not that I would do that )...

 

[Cinderella Girl]

Need some advice/comments...

Here is some background...I started this journey on the 1st of January and started WW about the same time. Each week I have lost a decent amount of weight (13 pounds for the month of January). Tonight when I weighed in at WW, I had loss 3.8 pounds for the week. I am logging all my food and eating my daily allowance of WW points. I am not eating my flex points or exchanging any of my exercise points for extra food. Last week I earned over 40 points for my exercising. For exercise, I am doing the C25K, walking on the treadmill, pilates, lifting weights, doing the Wii Fit, Active and Just Dance. I have been increasing my exercising every day. For example, today I logged 4.65 miles of running and walking (I ran about 1/2 of the distance). When I look at the data I get from my Nike+, I burned 648 calories for my efforts.

Here are my questions:
1. I have been really cold lately (this is not normal for me...even when it is cold outside) and have a hard time warming up. Does anyone else have this happen? I have only loss 13 pounds but could it be from the diet? How about all the exercising? Any ideas?

2. For those of you who exercise a lot, how do you decide what is the right amount to eat to do well with both exercising AND weight loss? I have been trying to change things up because some days I am hungry. I sometimes wonder if I should be focusing on certain types of foods to sustain the exercising or if I should try eating a little more at times. I am just worried that I might gain weight instead of lose it if I eat a bit more.

I guess I am just looking to hear from people who might be balancing the food and exercise better then me and how you make the decision as to how much to eat.

Hi Jen,
First off congrats on the 13 lbs, that is AMAZING!!!!! I had the same question about how much to eat when exercising alot. I asked the people at my WW meeting last Sat and they gave me some helpful hints. I exercise alot and they suggested I eat more. However I am not very hungry after my workouts, so I asked for suggestions. They suggested small snacks with some protein. So, I have been eating apples with peanut butter and string cheese and almonds. I also have fallen in love with the apple turnover sundae's and Boston cream pie banana splits from a BL cookbook, I have. They are both yummy, easy to fix and not high in points.
You are doing so good and should be extremely proud of yourself!
Molly : )

By the way, which WW meeting do you go to?

Morning all!

Sorry I didn't get back on last night to read everyone's responses... and this morning is no better! This week is becoming crazy busy!

Today's QOTD:

What is/was the WORST thing (in your opinion) about being overweight/out of shape/unhealthy?

For myself it was my lack of self-confidence and the feeling that I was being judged for my weight. I'm not sure that I even realized HOW low my self- confidence/self-esteem was until I had a moment on a message board. It was a group of scrapbookers that I had been "chatting" with online and several of them got together for a crop. I found an excuse not to go (can't even remember if it was a real excuse or a made-up excuse). But someone posted pictures after the event and when I saw the pictures my FIRST REACTION was... "I wouldn't have been the biggest girl there!" Obviously, somewhere in my mind, I was afraid of going and being the biggest person there. But I didn't realize it until I witnessed my own reaction to the photos. It was very eye-opening.

Sorry I have to make this quick. I'll try to hop on again later........P

I totally understand being busy, thats how I felt last week, when I was coach.

QOTD: The worst thing about being overweight/out of shape, is how bad I feel about myself. I hate feeling fat and I hat getting winded when I have to walk up lots of stairs. But, the positive of both of those are that I work harder, so I never have to feel that way again. I am working hard to get healthy and stairs are getting easier every day!

I hope everyone has a great day!
Molly

 

[corinnak]

Okay all I need some advice...Monday I walked 2 miles then *started* my c25k - that's in * because I actually did 1/2 the program and my legs got very sore so I decided to start out w/1/2 this week. Yesterday did Jillian's Trouble Spots - went really light on lunges, squats etc well my legs are sore again today...so my big question: do I do the c25k today or wait until tomorrow? What I don't want is to get so sore I quit (not that I would do that )...

Jen,

I'd say if you're feeling like it is questionable today, and it sounds like you are, it is far, far better to take the day to rest or do something very light - stretching or yoga if you feel you must do something. The first weeks of c25k are more about building the infrastructure - bones, joints, muscles are all unused to the impact from running and even if you have the aerobic pieces in place, that structure needs a chance to develop. Give that structure a chance to repair and strengthen and then you'll be ready to rock tomorrow's workout.

It's so tough when our previous challenge with exercise was being regular and committed to decide that we need to skip or put off a workout, but there are times when it really is the best thing for your training to do just that.

I'm also wondering about the walking 2 miles before starting the c25K - refresh my memory - had you been walking a lot before starting c25k? If you don't have a lot of weekly miles already (like 20 per week), I'd suggest limiting your walking workouts, or at least do the running intervals first and then fill out the rest of your time with walking if you're feeling good.

 

[tigger813]

Tracey What a great feeling!!!

Thanks, Jen! It does feel good! Counting my calories very closely for the next 2 days so I can have a decent loss this week. Only had one good week of loss this time around but since I'm nearing my goal I know that's why it's like this!

Asked DH for the Just Dance Wii game for Valentine's Day! It's $30 on Amazon and $40 everywhere else!

QOTD: My thing has always been clothes. When I began this journey I took out a pair of red jeans that I hadn't worn in years and everyday I tried them in until they fit comfortably. I just donated them to BB/BS last week! I have gone from a 16 to a 10/12 though those are feeling big right now. I lost weight in my hips first so most of my pants are hanging. I have some that are a little snug in the waist but I think that's the way they are made. I'm looking forward to buying some 8s soon. I have to see if I still have some up in the attic from before having my kids. That would be cool. I have my dress from my rehearsal dinner which is the next dress I hope to fit into. I have some 10s that I still can't fit into but they are getting better.

I have been doing the Slim and Sleek Pilates 3 mile walk with Leslie Sansone and have noticed a big difference in my abs in the last several days. I did 2 of the miles this morning and then the 2 mile fat burning walk with the 3 pound weights. I feel I need to do at least 1 workout with weights everyday to make it really work for me. Some of the exercises on the EA Sports Active are getting easier to do as well including the push ups and crunches. Though i still seem to have to yell at the Wii when it tells me I'm going too fast! My husband just laughs at me!