Getting Skinny (or at least skinnier) for the Podcast Cruise

[DVC Kathy]

I am very nervous about committing and then failing, but I need to lose about 50 lbs....

I keep telling myself that the only way I fail is if I stop trying. I'm only down a net 20 pounds from over three years ago, but all my blood tests are much better than they were when I started, and I feel better too. I try not to think about it, but I probably have 100 pounds to go. Start with baby steps. A 5 pound initial goal is much easier to face than the entire 50.

No matter what the scale says, we can all make ourselves healthier if we try. Let's try to make it fun, not work (most of the time, anyway.)

Kathy

 

[aspen37]

Hey Kim and Crew,

I am In! I herd Pete talk about this on this weeks PodCast. Thanks Pete! I am not sure if I can make it for the Podcast Cruise, but I am going to Disney World in September and a cruise in January for my 40th Birthday.
I need to lose 54 lbs. Five years ago I lost 61 lbs and have kept it off. This is just what I needed to start the fight again. I weigh 188 as of this morning. I will weigh in every tuesday. Thanks for the help. Good luck everyone.

 

[mommyceratops]

I stepped on the scale yesterday?!

It did not work?! I want to loose 90 pounds...(need to loose 150 pounds to be what I should be for my height? But I didn't weigh that when I was born?!)

So I am in! Good motivation for us all since we don't want the boat to sink!

 

[GinnyFavers]

Hi everyone,

I thought I'd chime in with some personal experience.

I'm obese, and last year kind of hit rock bottom when I realized I couldn't tour around the Disney theme parks like I used to without getting injured. We took a trip in February of 2007 where after one 12 hour day in the Magic Kingdom, I had to cancel the next two days' worth of plans. I could only manage to hobble a couple of hours around Epcot (we were staying at the Yacht Club) while my feet and legs healed.

Then, back home, I started to have knee pain and ankle pain getting up and down the stairs to our apartment.

Enough is enough.

I've found that dieting severly endangers my metabolism and makes me gain weight after I lose it, plus a whole dress size, I consider it TOXIC.

Instead, I decided to start moving and not think about the food.

For the first six months, my husband gave me a dollar a day if I just got up and moved for 20 minutes in a way that made me break a sweat. I mostly danced and did yoga in the living room. At the end of that time, I had $78 to spend on myself in the Mitsukoshi store on our next Disney trip! I could really feel a big improvement on that trip, in my ability to walk and stand for long periods of time.

Then I came home and completely got sedentary again. After a month, I was like, no, get up and do something, so this time, I made a bet with my husband that if I moved for 20 minutes a day in a way that makes me break a sweat EVERY day without fail, on our next Disney trip I could go to the spa. I did miss a couple days here and there, but for the most part I was a good girl, and I got to do my spa thing and I could feel a real difference in my fitness level at Disney.

We happened to be there during the Disney Marathon, and when I got home, I decided to train to walk the 1/2 Marathon in January 2009. I signed up right away, but I haven't told anyone! It's my secret.

I've been walking on the treadmill at my apartment complex's workout center, walking in the neighborhood, and I downloaded a Leslie Sansone walking workout video that I stream on my computer for workouts in my home.

I just this weekend got fitted for some motion-control running shoes at a local specialty running store, because I was starting to get a bunch of overuse injuries in my right arch and left shin. I can already walk faster and I feel much more stable in them.

I have a training schedule set up that I got from Marathon Training for Dummies, but I modified it so it's half of what they recommend, since I'm a beginner and just doing a 1/2 Marathon. It calls for walking 5 days a week.

I'll have to be able to walk 4 miles per hour to finish the marathon, and right now I can't go for more than about 3 minutes at a time at just 3 miles per hour, but I'm not giving up.

We went to the Baltimore Aquarium a few weeks ago, and there's this big overhead lookout platform with a bunch of stairs to get to it, that in the past I had started making excuses why I didn't "want" to go up there - couldn't admit to myself that I wanted to, but I was too out of shape to feel like it. Well, this time, I just bounded up there without thinking about it.

That's the kind of subtle payoff I'm getting now. I will NEVER be "thin" by anyone's standards, and I refuse to diet. But I am trying to "automate" my food, having some of the same things every day, which is a tip from current obesity research on food addictive behavior, and that does help a lot.

Honestly, this has been MUCH slower of a process than I ever thought it would be. But I honestly cannot let myself go back to that sedentary, achy place where I'm just giving up on being active for the rest of my life.

I feels like crud to exercise, still, most of the time. But it feels SO good to make a little progress here and there.

I quit smoking three years ago, and this process has been a lot like that one.

I think being sedentary is addictive, if that makes any sense. Every instinct screams at me to sit down and stay still, stop exercising, but I am learning not to listen to that voice, but instead keep building on this new one that says "this is the right choice, this feels good" etc.

Oh, and if you are depressive or melancholic, this is THE thing to boost your mood without medication, is regular workouts.

OK enough lecture! LOL

 

[dpuck1998]

Your so right about being sedintary. Its so easy to sit and just do nothing, but so much changes when we get up and move. You feel better, your in a better mood, you lose weight and your attitude is improved. I go in stages that I feel like a sloth, but if I get up and do something (sports for me) then I feel so much better and even sleep better. I also find that the more I exercise the less I eat. I don't want to waste all that exercise and I know how hard it is to work it off so I eat better!

Small steps really works...

 

[disneycruise05]

OK....I'm joining. I need to lose about 35 or 40 pounds. Ideally, I'll lose 50. But I'm going to start. While I'll probably not be on the PodCruise sad1, I would love to lose the weight by January when I hopefully head to WDW for the College Program.

Being in college, it's not really easy to eat healthy. Not enough time to stop and eat healthy while on campus, and cooking isn't always an option with work and school. But I got to start. And starting with y'all will make it easier (I hope).

 

[dixiegirl]

Oh I am so in on this. Although I am not able to do the podcast cruise, I definitely would like to lose some serious lbs before my next trip to the World in October. It's much easier when you have a support and also are being held accountable. Can't wait!!

 

[hayanyujah847]

I will definitely join you! I'm not quite as brave as some as you posting your weight...but let's just say, I could stand to lose some!!!

Ginnyfavers, Thanks for your inspirational story!!

The Podcast Cruise is definitely my motivation right now.

 

[drakethib]

It's funny - I was thinking about mentioning something about this on the show. I'm really needing to lose about 50 lbs myself and I'd really like to be there by the cruise. The doctor has really been riding me the last few months to start making some major life changes - but it's SO DAMN HARD!

I can completely relate to having zero will power. I fold like a cheap tent ever time I go out to eat (which is constantly since I won't cook for myself). Now that Walter is a 'gentleman of leisure' (he got laid off from work last week), he's insisting that the two of us must start going to the gym when we get back from California. I have to give him credit though, for as fit and in shape as he is, he's never once made me feel 'fat'. I've always been appreciative of that.

I figure there's little sense starting any kind of real diet until after I get back from California. I simply can't torture myself by being around all those incredible restaurants we like to go to and not enjoy the experience. Napa Rose is not really the place to be when you're trying to diet.

So, do we wanna make this a thing?? I'm game if you are

Pete

Make it a thing.

Count me in.

 

[mla973]

I'm still getting through all of the posts, but I would like to join as well. I'm currently a WW online member. I'm down 15 lbs in about 3 months, but now stuck at that weight. I'd like to lose another 15 realistically.

I'm not headed on the podcast cruise - yet. (I'm want to take a trip for my graduation from an MBA program, but I'm not sure I can wait until May 09.) Hope it's still okay if I'm in.

My tip for today: the Hostess "100 calorie" chocolate cupcakes (by the Little Debbies at the store) are actually really good and only 1 WW point. Put them in the freezer and they taste like little ice cream cakes.

 

[cocowum]

I'll join in. I'd like to lose 15 lbs before the cruise. So that means I'll have to start exercising. But thanks to this thread I actually worked out this morning. Hopefully, I'll be able to keep it up!

 

[fakereadhed]

Good motivation for us all since we don't want the boat to sink!

I will post a picture of the Wonder on the fridge and keep your motivational quote in mind.

 

[DVC Kathy]

My tip for today: the Hostess "100 calorie" chocolate cupcakes (by the Little Debbies at the store) are actually really good and only 1 WW point. Put them in the freezer and they taste like little ice cream cakes.

They sound great. I really like the Healthy Choice fudge bars. 1 WW point (80 calories, 1 g fat, 4 g fiber).

No Pudge brownie mixes are really good. I've seen them at Pathmark, Trader Joe's and from Amazon.com (if you want to buy six boxes at a time.) I have made them with Mango sauce instead of non fat yogurt, and they're still delicious (and higher in fiber.)

Kathy

 

[ADP]

Hi Everybody,

I figure its time for me to join this thread. I just returned from Disney World. Right now I have a little bit of a different problem than most of you, but its somewhat related. Here's the scoop.

Last December I strarted a diet and managed to lose 50 lbs and drop 4 to 5 waste sizes. My problem has never been losing the weight; its always been a problem of keeping it off. I've been on so many diets and usually have been successful, but unfortunately I can't seem to keep it off. I end up right back were I started before the diet. Some of my family members call me a yo-yo, and they are right.

I don't want to downplay the weight loss part of a diet because it is difficult, even for me. I'm a very strong-willed person and I know I can do anything if I put my mind to it. Its just making that lifestyle change were I keep failing. To some extent I personally believe it is genetic. Both of my parents are overweight and don't eat enough to justify their size. I think we can all agree that some of us have to work harder then others at this weight control thing. I feel I'm one of those people. I've been battling my weight my whole life.

Let me share with you my philosophy on the whole diet and weight loss subject. This is the philosophy I've always used to lose the weight and it works for me. We are all creatures of habit. If we continue to follow a routine in our daily lives our bodies will adjust to it mentally and physically. This includes eating and exercising. During my recent diet I began drinking my breakfast; either coffee or juice in the morning. At lunch I would have a pouch of tuna fish, and then for dinner I would have a Healthy Choice, Lean Cuisine, or Smart One. Snacking at night was strictly prohibited. When I wake up the next day its back to the routine. Two nights a week I would walk around my neighborhood to get the exercise my body needed. I'm a pretty fast walker. I can usually walk a mile in about 14 to 15 minutes.

The first couple weeks during the diet are the hardest because your body is used to getting so many calories. Keeping yourself busy usually will help you not think about the extra calories your body craves. After the first couple of weeks your body begins to adjust to the lower calorie intake and the physical movement of the execrcise. Each week after that it gets a bit easier and your food and exercise routine becomes easier. You will begin to see a noticable change in the way you feel in your body and mind. This is how I've been able to take the weight off.

But here is the part where I fail. I've been on the routine for so long I start to get a little sick of it and then, before you know it, I'm away from the routine completely. I start working my way to the same routine I used before I started my diet. I begin to eat the wrong foods, and stop the neighborhood walks. My weight begins to increase and I become unmotivated. This is where I need the help. How do I stay where I'm at while changing the routine I've been on for 4 or 5 months? Help!!!

Right now I'm at a desireable weight. I'm going to try like crazy to maintain where I'm at, but at the same time I need to get away from the routing I've been on for the past 4 to 5 months. We just returned from Disney Wolrd on the dining plan; however, with all the walking we did I think I've pretty much maintained the weight because my new pants still fit.

So, for those of you who need to lose the weight I hope this advise helps; however, anyone who can give me some advice on how to keep the weight off I would surely appreciate it.

GinnyFavers -
Great story and thanks for sharing it with all of us!

 

[winotracy]

I need to join all of you. What I really need to do is start finding some time to get some exercise so maybe this thread will help push me along.

 

[chirurgeon]

Aaron and Tracy, join us over at the WoNDERS thread BRobson, aka Jackie, has volunteered to run a weekly update and support thread for all of us. I didn't know what I was getting started , but its nice not to be alone in this.

By the way, Welcome.

Kim

 

[Disneybridein2k3]

Got an email I thought y'all would enjoy (I know it applied to me!):

I know what Victoria 's Secret is. The secret is that nobody older than 30 can fit into their stuff.


The older you get, the tougher it is to lose weight because by then, your body and your fat are really good friends.

I gave up jogging for my health when my thighs kept rubbing together and setting my pantyhose on fire.

Amazing! You hang something in your closet for a while and it shrinks two sizes.

Skinny people irritate me! Especially when they say things like, "You know, sometimes I just forget to eat.

Now I've forgotten my address, my mother's maiden name, and my keys. But I've never forgotten to eat. You have to be a special kind of stupid to forget to eat.
We have to keep laughing, right?

 

[ADP]

Those are very funny. Thanks for the Sunday morning laugh!

 

[Amyers916]

Weight Watchers, is truely amazing everyone.
I have lost about 50 pounds on weight watchers. It has completely changed my life around.
They have a section for men as well.
I would highly suggest Weight Watchers! Its very life changing.

 

[Pirate's Princess]

As someone who has lost weight and kept it off and who has a nutritional science degree, this is my advice:

1) Weight watchers is a great program, especially flex. Because it allows you to change your diet but still eat your favorites in moderation.

2) Moderation is key. Don't deprive your favorite food and what you're craving. As my professors have said, follow your plan 90/10. 90% eat well, and 10% eat what you want (with MODERATION!)

3) Exercise, and not just cardio. Your metabolism is determined by your lean body mass. As we age, we tend to lose this, thus it's harder to eat the same amount and not gain weight. Try adding weight lifting into your regimen and build up more muscle! That way you burn more calories daily. And cardio allows you to keep your cardiovascular system healthy and burn extra calories during the day.

4) Plateaus happen. When you cut out calories, your body will adjust and lower your metabolic rate somewhat. So if you need 1800 cal a day and cut it down to 1200, your body will adjust and only need 1500 cal a day. So you're still having a deficit and will lose weight but at a slower pace (which is discouraging!)

5) Enjoy the food you eat and keep it varied! If you eat the same boring food, that you don't like to begin with, you may lose weight but once you stop, you'll go back to your old ways and regain. So try to eat healthy but don't deprive yourself either.

I hope that helps! And good luck to everyone!