Dieting for Disney

[bubba73]

Back at the gym again today and this time I was able to do some lifting. I don't know if everyone is like I am but in order to lift heavily, I have to have a certain amount of protein in my system from the day before. Otherwise, I can be pretty weak. It can actually cause a difference in lifting capability of about 30%. That is significant for one whose ego is always suspect at best. Well, with work and the dreaded "diet" word, I am not able to keep in my system what I need to be able to lift the weight that I would like. So I am going for perfect form and concentration. I might be able to bench press 275 lbs but if my form is bad, I am going to hurt myself more than help. So, step back. That is when I would drop the weight to 175 and focus on that body part, not just "throwing" up the weight. Does that make sense?

I know that the idea of this thread has always been to exercise and diet to lose weight. That is very important but at some point, we are going to reach our weight and/or size goals and figure that we can stop our progression. What happens next is a HUGE decision. If we stop everything that we have done to succeed, then we will go back into that pit that we were in when we started. So what is the answer. Change! WHAT???? Change is the answer. We go back and change our routines and our eating habits. I will be the first one to say that every once in awhile, I will break down and order fries or some kind of cake or pie at a restaurant that is the exact opposite of what I need but it is what I desire at that moment. Does that mean that I will put on the 50+ pounds that I lost? Nope! Remember, we have changed our bodies. Through the exercise that we have done, we have developed a certain amount of muscle tone. This is important as muscle burns more calories even at rest than fat ever could.

I think that is enough for tonight. I guess I have a certain amount of endorphins running after my workout tonight. It really felt good. Plus, for the most part, I even had a good day at work so that helps. I hope everyone else is doing well also. Remember, we are in the most difficult time of the year to be faithful to ourselves. We are always more worried about hurting someone elses feelings by saying "no!" or "I don't want anymore, thank you!". Think about that when we go to that next Christmas party.

I love you all and look forward to hearing from you soon!!

 

[misscrossbee]

Hi everyone,

Bryan - well done for your work in the gym. Personally, while I've tried several times, I just can't get into going. In fact, I hate it there. Plus, I own a dog and when I'm walking on the treadmill I can't help but feel I'm cheating her out of her own walks!

As for your question about what we do when we reach our weight loss goals, I guess personal answer would be just to keep on doing what I'm doing to maintain it. So that would be exercise in some form regularly, eating in moderation and allowing myself to be naughty every now and then dessert-wise.

When I'm back in WDW in October, I plan on eating myself into a food coma (although I'll be walking loads as well - last time I was there I lost 7lbs in ten days). But as soon as I'm back home, it'll be back to the old routine. That's why I think it's so important to find a weight loss regime that you can live with long-term and maintain for the rest of your life. I couldn't bear to be on the Atkins Diet or South Beach Diet or any 'diet' forever. Once I decide I'm going to deprive myself of something - especially food - I only start to obsess about it.

I have another reason to keep up the weight loss (lost another pound today!) - I was offered a fantastic new job last week. It'll mean more challenges (scary!) and more money (sweet!).

To top off that good news - I got a call today to say I won 500GBP (about $1,000) in a competition I'd entered. That'll pay for the four extra days my boyfriend and I are in WDW for next year before my parents arrive and we all move to the BC which they are kindly sponsoring.

Hope you're all well!
Melinda

 

[bubba73]

I wasn't able to post yesteray because of internet problems but the last 2 days at the gym have been good. Last week was a wash because of work so I am making up for it this week and working extra hard. I am also going to focus more on my eating habits than I have been recently. I was actually being a little "loose" with my diet as I was trying to build my strength back up and put some more size back on but it is apparent that I just don't have the time to be able to eat as much as I would need too. So I am going to try to focus more on getting lean and tight. I want my stomach to get back to that 30-32 area. If I can do that, I will have the abs that I have been desiring for so long. So that's what I did tonight. I focused on my abs, back and cardio. It was a great workout and I am already feeling the effects from it and I just left.

How is everyone else doing? We are just one week away from Christmas. My personal present to myself is a goal that I have set of losing 3 pounds from now until then. I have crept back up above my 200 lb. level and I am mad about it. So I am going to get it back down before Christmas and keep it down (unless it is muscle and then I will be ok.).

Let me know how everyone is. I have missed all of you for the last week.

 

[bubba73]

I feel awesome today. I was able to do something that I haven't been able to do since I went to WDW in September. I have completed 3 days in a row at the gym. I haven't let excuses get in my way. Not work. Not feeling bad. Nothing. And now that the kids are out of school for the holiday, it should free me up some so I can do more than I have because I shouldn't have the time restraints. This is great. Plus, in the last few days I have done 90 minutes worth of cardio, went 9 miles and have lost a couple of pounds. I am right back at the 200 pound level. I am so close to being back at the 190s, that I can taste it. I can't wait. I am really concentrating more on my eating habits as well. It was tough as I went over to my parents house today and my mom had cooked some sausage balls. I love sausage balls and really wanted to dive in but more than my love for them is my disdain for my weight right now. I feel like I have let myself slide back into an area that I promised I would never go back too. Well, it happen and I am very mad so I am taking a stand.

Is there anyone else who wants to take a stand with me? I know that this is the hardest time to stay committed to any kind of regular exercise and eating routine but really, this is when it would be most important. Let's get out there and so everyone that said that we couldn't do it that we can succeed. We will succeed! This isn't just a "fling" like most people New Year's Resolutions. This is our life. We have to do what is best for us so let's do it!!

 

[twotoohappy]

Congrats on you new job Melinda!

Hey Bryan... I bet you can hit the 190's this year!
I'll work out with you! I'll work out everyday from now
until New Years, except Christmas and keep track of
my weight and we can see how we both do

anybody else wanna do a short term
"End of the Year" exercise push????

ttyl ~ I'm off work until Jan 2nd. Yeah!!!

 

[bubba73]

Just got back from the gym. I had a pretty good workout considering everything I have on my mind right now. I did a workout focused on my arms followed by 30 minutes of cardio. I have actually had to take the last 2 days off for several reasons but two of them would be work and recuperation. My body just isn't use to working out everyday again yet. But I love the idea of trying to get a workout in everyday from now until the end of the year just to get that "push". Plus it will give us something to build on for next year. So instead of a New Year's Resolution, this is an End of the Year Resolution. I will make it a priority to make sure that I get some form of exercise in everyday for the next 10 days. Now, I have said it, typed it and now I have to do it. Let's go out there and succeed.

 

[twotoohappy]

Happy Holidays Everyone!!!!

I'm on track, keeping moving, eating well and
feeling really really good!

I hope everyone has a great holiday!

ttyl

 

[bubba73]

I have been keeping up with my exercise as of late. The only reason that I havn't been posting on a daily basis is that my internet has been acting up. I had a good post the other day typed up and then I got disconnected and lost it. Very frustrating.

Now, on to the good news. I have been to the gym every day (except Christmas day and even then, I did some light walking). In the last 2 weeks, I have put over 40 miles on the Elliptical machine. I am still now fast due to my knee but I am averaging a mile every 10 minutes. When I was in high school playing basketball, I couldn't do that so I guess I have made progress. I am still doing my strength training as well. Right now, though, I am doing it more for definition than building muscle.

My weight keeps going up and down. I think it goes up mainly after I have had a high sodium meal. With all of the water retention, there is no wonder. It does go down when I eat fresh. I just need more time to be able to cook correctly and not go with store bought.

How is everyone else doing? It has been almost a week since anyone has posted. Have we hit the Holiday Blah period where we don't want to do anything anymore. I know it happens. I experience it all of the time, Holidays or not. We all get tired and fed up but that is when we have to dig deep and take it to the next level to succeed. Now, let's get out there and make 2008 GREAT!!!

 

[twotoohappy]

Hey all!

40 mies! Nice job Bryan!!!!

I'm still doing the last minute push to be ready
for the 1/2 marathon. I did 8 miles today and
kept it under 15min. per mile. The 1/2 allows a
16 min. mile so I should be ok. I only stopped
because I ran out of sunlight lol. If the weather
holds out I'll do 12 tomorrow, if not I'll go to the
gym and do strength training. I'll get in atleast one
more long run/jog/fast walk this week, do short ones
on Wed. , Thurs. and take Friday off and then 5k on
Sat. and 13miles on Sun. and then rest until WDW!!!!
I can't believe I leave a week from Wednesday!

How's everyone doing????

 

[o2bacelt]

Hey Bubba and everyone!

I've been missing for about 6-8 months now but I've been thinking of you all. I'm just getting back to WISH. I'm happy to say that I've managed to keep off most of the weight I lost over the last 18 months. I've just been very unmotivated lately and am trying to get over that.

I'm going to go back and read some more but I wanted to stop in, I was excited to see the thread still going, and to see some familiar faces.

I hope everyone had a great Christmas!

 

[twotoohappy]

Hi Chris

Great job on maintaining!!!!

 

[CJK]

Happy New Year everyone!!! I had a wonderful 2 weeks in Disney, and then a great Christmas with my family back in Canada. Where does the time go???

The great (surprising) news is that I exercised 12 of the 14 days I was in Disney. We had a split stay between the Polynesian and Pop Century. Both resorts are on water so I ran along the pathways each morning while dh slept. It was wonderful!! It's too cold to run around here these days, so I considered it a treat to run outside in December. You can't beat running along the Poly with a great view of the castle and the Grand Floridian. *sigh* If only I could go back... The last couple of days have been bad food wise and I can't seem to get back on track. I've got a nasty cold which is certainly a contributing factor. I want this backslide to end NOW!!

Anyway, I wanted to wish you all a healthy and happy new year!!

 

[twotoohappy]

Glad you're back CJK! I'd love to see some of the photos
from your last trip. Nice job on exercising on vaca!! I'm
so excited to be back there in a week and a half
It's freezing cold here too and today was soooooo windy,
but I still was able to do 14 miles at a 15mph pace and that is
with stopping twice for water/food, so I was probably at a
13mph pace, but as long as it averages under 16min. then
I'll be all set on the 12th!

Happy New Years everyone!

 

[bubba73]

It is sooo good to hear from CJK and Chris! We have missed you during your leave of abscence. Chris the time off is not that uncommon. The fact that you were able to maintain what you have lost is a testiment to the change you have made in your knowledge and lifestyle. That is fantastic!! Let me just say welcome back and let us know if we can do anything that we can do to help you with that motivation and encouragement that we all need.

CJK Exercising that much while you are on vacation is phenominal!! That shows you that you are no longer on a diet, you have made the lifestyle change. It is now a part of your life. What a fantastic feeling that is! I am glad that you had a great trip. I wish I could have been there as the one thing I have always wanted to do is visit WDW during the Holidays to see the lights. Don't know if I ever will be able too but I want too. I am looking forward to reading your trip report.

Now, for my update. We had posted a "push" at the end of 2007 about 2 1/2 weeks ago. In the last 17 days, I have missed 2 days at the gym. I missed Christmas day and yesterday (Sunday). I was just tired yesterday so I stayed at home and rested. But that rest gave me a chance to recuperate so I was able to go back to the gym today and I did another 5 miles on the elliptical. If I have done my tallies correctly, I have done 60 miles in the last 17 days. I haven't been watching for calorie burn on there. It has been strictly distance and making sure I have a good sweat. I tries to do the exercise bike the other day and I just couldn't. It was killing my knee so I got off rather quickly and got on the treadmill to do something a little different. I didn't check my weight this morning at the gym so I have no idea if I loss the weight I wanted too before the New Year but I do know that my stomach feels tighter and that is important to me. Now, I have to keep this up as I am planning to be at the gym tomorrow as well. I have a great motivational factor right now as I am watching the College Football Bowl Series as often as I can on the TV.

Well, here it is. 2008 is here (or is about to be for me). Let's make it great. Be Happy! Be Healthy! And let's Be Successful!!

Love All of You!!
Bryan

 

[bubba73]

Back at the gym today and felt good. I know that it is New Years Day but DW was asleep and DKs were watching Disney Channel so I snuck away for a while. I was able to do a real good workout. I did a lot on my back (which I have been neglecting lately) and some on my abs. Then, I did an hour of cardio on the elliptical. I was able to go a little more than 6 miles. What was amazing for me was the choice of motivation. Bravo was having a Biggest Loser Season 2 marathon. Very motivating. I also watched a lot of football and I still am. Haven't had a real good day as far as my picks go but I am not complaining. I came home and felt like I still needed to do more so I pulled out my ab-roller and did an additional 250 crunches. I also watched my eating today. I think what did it for me was while I was at the gym, I weighed myself and it seemed like I hadn't lost a pound. That waws very discouraging so I am motivated to make a differnce. I am going to come to you and ask you to keep me accountable on my food. The last time I got into this mindset, I cut my calories to a very unhealthy 900 calories a day. It worked. I lost a lot of weight but I wasn't healthy at all. Just help me keep my wisdom about me.

I hope everyone else had a great New Year celebration and is ready to make '08 Great!! Let's get out there and make it happen.

Bryan

 

[o2bacelt]

Hey Bubba and everyone!

I made it back in the gym today for the first time in quite awhile. I'm going to have to dig back into my journal and figure out when I was there last. I took back to back water classes today for a total of 100 minutes. I really didn't want to go this morning but DD goes to preschool in the same place and I had to get her to school so I was there already. Why not take advantage of it.

Tomorrow I'm going to take the circuit training class. When they did down week in Sept. they put in this new weight circuit so I'm looking forward to checking it out. It's a two hour class, I'm not sure I want to be in there for two hours, I'd also like to get on the elliptical as well for a little while.

I decided that this year I was going to log in 1000 miles of walking/jogging/running and I've set a low goal of 10 miles of swimming this year, I'll see how fast I get through those 10 miles and reevaluate the goal later.

I'm off to find a couple of advil, I've got an achy shoulder, and a glass of milk, I've taken enough time off that where I fractured my arm when I was pregnant is achy as well. Never break a bone when you're an adult, I swear it never feels the same way again.

 

[CJK]

twotoohappy - I'm not sure when you leave for WDW and the marathon, but I just wanted to wish you all the best! With all the training you've been doing, you'll do great I'm certain. I hope you'll write all about your adventures when you return. We're thinking about you and routin' for ya!

o2bacelt - I hope you're feeling better now! Great job getting back to those workouts! Your fitness goals sound great for the year. I should follow your lead and create some goals for myself. Great job!

Bubba - How's your food intake coming along? Just making sure that you're eating enough since you're looking for some accountibility! Sounds like all the exercise is coming along great, but I hope you're continuing to fuel your body. I have struggled with that issue as well, so we can help each other.

Of course, since Christmas, my issue has been TOO much food! I did work out on our trip, but sadly I did not work out again until Jan. 3rd! I'm back on track with my food and exercise, but I think I did some damage over Christmas! Oy! Yesterday I did my first squat/lunges/abs/weights routine since before our trip and WOW! Today I am soooo sore that I could hardly walk! The routine I did was exactly the same as prior to our trip so it just goes to show you how quickly you "lose" your strength when you don't do it for 3 weeks. I still managed to do a 25min. Taebo class today and did feel much looser for a while, but now I'm back to being tight and sore! Dh thinks it's hilarious...........

Well, that's it for now. Just wanted to check in with everyone. I hope 2008 is off to a great start for all of you!

 

[twotoohappy]

twotoohappy - I'm not sure when you leave for WDW and the marathon, but I just wanted to wish you all the best! With all the training you've been doing, you'll do great I'm certain. I hope you'll write all about your adventures when you return. We're thinking about you and routin' for ya!

Thanks I leave Wednesday

Taebo class sounds like fun!
As long as you are back on track and working out now,
then that's all that matters!

o2bacelt 1000 miles sounds like a good goal!!!!!!!

Hey Bubba! Keeping motivated is the key!

I'll be running the 5k Friday and the 1/2 Sat. if anybody
wants to cyber run with me

 

[o2bacelt]

twotoohappy - good luck with the 1/2, you know you can do it! I'll be thinking of you next weekend. You'll have to tell us all about it. I want to do the Donald in '09, the Mickey in '10 and then the Goofy in '11. Talk about long term goals. Any excuse to be at Disney.

This morning I signed up for my first race... It's only a one mile fun run but it's a start. I did look at other races and next week I'll sign up for my first 5K, it'll be the middle of April.

Just got back from Trader Joe's. I love that place. Lots of yummy yet better than the average supermarket foods. DH and DD tried the crab cakes today and they both liked them so we got some. I was surprised by both of them.

I hope everyone is doing well!

 

[bubba73]

Twotoohappy I will be thinking about you next weekend as you do your marathon. I am so inspired by you and what you are doing. My main hope is that you not only finish but finish high in the pack. I can't wait to hear about it when you get back.

O2bacelt Congratulations on signing up for your own fun run. That will be an incredible motivational factor for you to continue with your workouts. You may have found that thing that you had been looking for. Way to go!

CJK It is so tough to get back into the daily grind once you have taken time off. 3 weeks away from doing your regular routine is a long time but the good news is that you did get back into it. Also, you really didn't loose strength during that time. What you lost was your body and your muscles being "use too" a routine. You will be pretty sore for the first week or so until your body gets re-acquainted with that type of workout. Be tough! Hang in there!

Update - I took a 3 day layoff from the gym and I wish I hadn't. Not because I feel like I lost any strength or anything. It really felt like I let myself down emotionally. I have already mentioned how I am starting to have some issues eating enough as it is so taking that time off has just made me feel like I am in the worse shape of my life. I can't handle that kind of thought process so I am afraid I am going to take my mental game to a whole new level. As far as my food intake is going, I don't know if it is mental or actually physical but it seems like I am eating about half as much as I used too and I am staying full. I had to make myself eat something for dinner tonight just because I knew I needed too. So far today I have had 2 pieces of chicken, a protein bar and shake and some vegetables. That's pretty much it. Oh yeah. I am also drinking my gallon of water. I will probably start my day off with a bowl of Kashi cereal and then head into work. I am just hoping that I can beat this battle of not only the "bulge" but I am getting scared that I may actually start on my way to an eating disorder and that scares the heck out of me. (As if I don't have enough other problems.) Otherwise I did have a great workout tonight. I did another 5 miles of cardio and I am keeping it at a pace of about 6 miles an hour. It's not flying but I am happy with it right now.

How are you all doing? Are we striving to be GREAT in '08? Twotoohappy is about to embark on her first physical challenge of the New Year. What about the rest of us? What are we going to do?