If you consider yourself healthy and physically fit...

[goodeats]

1. How often do you exercise (time and days) and what do you do?
This is my downfall. I'm fairly active considering I'm taking care of a toddler all day, but I do make it to the gym a few days a week (pilates, treadmill, stairclimber, etc) and we go on long walks/hikes often

2. Do you drink any soda/pop, and if so, how much? I never have soda at home. I have it as a treat as in once or twice a month when out running errands or maybe at a party. I think diet soda is just as bad as regular soda

3. How often do you eat out? For budgetary reasons mainly I eat out once or twice a week only. That includes lunch out with friends or ordering pizza for dinner. I like cooking though which helps.

4. How often do you eat fast food? Not very often. At most probably once a month. I'm more likely to go to a cafe and have a salad, which I don't think is fast food.

5. Do you count calories, or just listen to your body? For the most part I listen to my body. If I'm actively trying to lose weight I count calories.

6. How often do you weigh yourself? I have an issue with this. I weigh myself everytime I'm by a scale. It's a problem, but I know if I'm avoiding the scale it means I'm not eating very healthfully

7. what are other things you do that make you feel fit and healthy? We eat a lot of organic meat/dairy/produce. Also I try to make a point of having a serving of fruits/veggies everytime I eat something.

 

[castleview]

Thanks so much for answering the questions!!! It is very motivating to read what everyone does to be healthy and fit. It surely is helping me get my plan in place. And I am really taking note how much exercise is playing into everyone's healthy lifestyle, as well as the fast food frequency. That is my BIGGEST downfall, and I am heartened that many of you eat it rarely, makes me feel like I CAN go to rarely and reap the benefits.

Please keep them coming! I'd love to read more!

You'd be surprised at how easy it is to turn down fast food if you stay away from it and eat healthy for a while. I still have a sweet tooth and am not a perfect eater. But putting fast food in my body is going to both make me crave more food and make me feel lousy at the same time. Not to mention, there is nothing nutritious to it.

Good luck Princess!!!!

 

[Mrs. Darcy]

1. How often do you exercise (time and days) and what do you do?
I don't have a regular exercise routine. I just walk when I can instead of driving. I'm a volunteer cheer coach for our high school and that keeps me moving for 90 minutes a day 3 days a week/ Maybe there's some kind of active volunteering you can do so you don't have to spend money for a gym. Also yoga. Check to see if there's a yoga class on tv early in the morning (there's one on here at 6 30 am) and the stretching will make you sweat and feel great.

2. Do you drink any soda/pop, and if so, how much?
I love caffeine-free diet Coke and I drink like 3 cans a day.

3. How often do you eat out?
Not too often, probably once a week on average.

4. How often do you eat fast food?
I used to eat a lot of fast food but I started putting on weight so I stopped it right away. So if you mean McDonalds, my answer is never.

5. Do you count calories, or just listen to your body?
I don't count calories. I just limit carbs. If I have a sandwhich for lunch for example, I won't eat rice, potatoes, bread or pasta for dinner. Other than that I mainly listen to my body. I make sure I stop eating before I feel stuffed.

6. How often do you weigh yourself?
Probably twice a month. I don't really care too much about the scale/ As someone else said, I go by how my clothes fit. But if you're dieting you should maybe weigh yourself every day just to see the number get lower to give you motivation.

7. what are other things you do that make you feel fit and healthy?
I just imagine myself as fit and healthy and I like that image of myself so I do what will keep me that way. Drink water, stretch a lot and do self-visualization of how you want to be!

 

[TriMom]

6. How often do you weigh yourself? I have an issue with this. I weigh myself everytime I'm by a scale. It's a problem, but I know if I'm avoiding the scale it means I'm not eating very healthfully
.

Very interesting. I hadn't thought about it before - but I do the same thing. I realize that weighing myself ever single time I pee is not healthy, but I DO avoid the scale at all cost when I am have "just a bite" of this and that. And looking at it that way -at this point in my life - I think I would rather weigh myself 4 times per day and be really conscious of what I am eating than just pretend that calories and the scale don't exist.

 

[bellebud]

I want to say something about the fast food (especially burgers, hot dogs, etc), if you stay away from it for a while and are eating healthy, the fast food usually becomes disgusting to you, because you're so used to fresh, healthy food, which even looks "good" (like fresh fruit or something) ... fast food even looks gross. A fast food burger looks like dog poop to me now. yuck! no problem staying away from that! LOL!

and another little tip - if you're going out and about - have a little healthy snack w/ you (granola bars in your purse, etc). I can't get in my car w/out my water (and don't use plastic water bottles - the plastics leach into the water). I have a stainless steel Kleen Kanteen (I'd also avoid aluminum), and I always have it with me. I also will bring a lunch sack w/ a few ice packs w/ cheese sticks and a yogurt to keep in the car if I know I'll be out for a while). Bananas, apples, things like that. You won't have to grab fast food then. Even keeping a sandwich with you (that doesn't get yucky) can help you avoid eating bad food. My main sandwich is a cheese/mustard on whole wheat.

Always eat some protein with your meals - it lasts longer in your belly and you won't be hungry as quickly. Don't "just" have cereal for breakfast. All carbs... you'll be hungry too soon.

 

[2cats1kid]

1. How often do you exercise (time and days) and what do you do?
I go to kickboxing class once a week, but my day job is quite physical (moving, lifting) so I feel I get the bulk of my exercise naturally without having to plan for it.

2. Do you drink any soda/pop, and if so, how much?
No. Cut it out completely about 4 months ago and don't miss it. Even diet stuff is bad for you as the sweetness of it apparently gives your body the message that it needs to release insulin to deal with it.

3. How often do you eat out?
Rarely - once a month maybe - except on vacation.

4. How often do you eat fast food?
Rarely - occasional treat for DD, but even then I try to find somewhat healthier options on the menu.

5. Do you count calories, or just listen to your body?
I eat when I'm hungry (e.g. I've just eaten (12.45pm here) and I hadn't been hungry up till then so other than a coffee that was the first food of the day) and I stop when I am satisfied (not full, but satisfied).

6. How often do you weigh yourself?
Hardly ever. I use my clothes and the look in the mirror to tell me what's going on.

7. what are other things you do that make you feel fit and healthy?
Restrict carbs. I have cut all sugar (apart from what is in fruit and veg naturally), grains and processed food. I eat meat, fruit, veggies, good fats/oils, nuts and a little dairy. It has made a huge difference. About a year ago I was considering having to give up work as I was ill (overwhelming tiredness, joint pain, etc.) but now I am fine - no pain, loads of energy. I've taken up the kickboxing and a couple of new hobby groups where before I'd have no energy or inclination. My asthma has gone away and I can't remember the last cold I had where before I had loads. (Actually I can - it lasted one day and went as fast as it came, no lingering cough or anything like I'd get before.)

 

[DisneyFan32WI]

1. How often do you exercise (time and days) and what do you do? I usually walk around the neighborhood for a good 15 minutes each day.

2. Do you drink any soda/pop, and if so, how much? NONE. Quit 9 years ago.

3. How often do you eat out? I eat out a lot. Neither of us cook.

4. How often do you eat fast food? I don't.

5. Do you count calories, or just listen to your body? Never count calories

6. How often do you weigh yourself? Do not own a scale. That could become OCD to someone looking to lose or maintain weight.

7. what are other things you do that make you feel fit and healthy? I drink a ton of water each day. I always put a lemon wedge in to give it a little flavor.

 

[mjkacmom]

I feel the least physically fit than normal, but can still answer, since I'm probably healthier than a lot of folks:

1. How often do you exercise (time and days) and what do you do? 4 - 5 DAYS A WEEK, ABOUT 4 MILES ON THE TREADMILL

2. Do you drink any soda/pop, and if so, how much? MAYBE 6 TIMES A YEAR, DIET COKE OR PEPSI

3. How often do you eat out? MAYBE 10 TIMES A YEAR

4. How often do you eat fast food? MAYBE ONCE A YEAR

5. Do you count calories, or just listen to your body? I CAN PRETTY MUCH FIGURE OUT HOW MANY CALORIES A MEAL OR FOOD ITEM IS, SO I GUESS CALORIES

6. How often do you weigh yourself? DAILY

7. what are other things you do that make you feel fit and healthy? I DRINK GALLONS OF WATER A DAY, BUT I LOVE WATER, AND IT'S PRETTY MUCH ALL I DRINK, EXCEPT COFFEE, TEA, SELTZER, AND WINE

 

[cepmom]

Can you please answer some questions for me. I am getting ready to work out a healthy plan because I need to make some changes. I would like some feedback first from people that are already there. Some of these questions I am asking because I need to reaffirm that these are the right changes I need to make.

1. How often do you exercise (time and days) and what do you do?I exercise 5 days a week. 3 days I run 3 miles and do some resistance workout (upper body) and the other 2 days usually I walk 2 miles on the treadmill. I am thinking about adding a balance ball workout on those 2 days though

2. Do you drink any soda/pop, and if so, how much? no soda...I just don't like it

3. How often do you eat out? we order out once a week usually pizza. Go out to a restaurant, not very often, maybe once every few months

4. How often do you eat fast food? Like McDonalds? Hardly ever. I will get soup or something from Panera or maybe a chili from Wendys once in a while but I very rarely get a burger from a McD's type place

5. Do you count calories, or just listen to your body? I follow Weight Watchers so I count points

6. How often do you weigh yourself? once per week; sometimes one other time during the week, but I try to keep it once per week

7. what are other things you do that make you feel fit and healthy? I just try to stay active. I do indulge in treats but I try to not go overboard. I don't want to deprive myself so it's a balancing act

 

[John VN]

My turn but some info first...

I am a 60yo semi retired M, 5' 9", 144lbs this AM once was 185lbs. and typing this after walking 6.55 miles this AM in preparation for next Sunday's Space Coast 1/2 Marathon. Have WDW Marathon in January and will be going for the Goofy.

1. How often do you exercise (time and days) and what do you do?

I usually bicycle once a week to 3 times a week. 60 miles is a nice ride and 100 miles is better. I try to walk 3 to 4 times a week with 4 miles weekdays and 10 to 20+ miles on Sunday.

2. Do you drink any soda/pop, and if so, how much?

On my 60 mile and longer bike rides I will have a Mtn. Dew during a stop but otherwise generally no. Used to be a Coke lover but went cold turkey. Just not the same taste buds.

3. How often do you eat out?

Maybe 10 times a year and will order fish or chicken and when at WDW it will be Earl's Chicken Caesar, bad me but so goood.

4. How often do you eat fast food?

Try to never have it.

5. Do you count calories, or just listen to your body?

No calorie counting or listening to my body. Sometimes I over indulge and will then just have to tighten up on eating.

6. How often do you weigh yourself?

Almost every morning and before the digital number comes up I try to guess what it will be.

7. what are other things you do that make you feel fit and healthy?

Nothing really.

 

[Buckeye Princess]

1. I do formal exercise 3 times a week, going to the gym for a cardio or weightlifting class in the mid morning. But aside from that we are an active family and most days ride bikes, walk, play outside, dance around inside, etc.
2. ]I haven't had a soda since I was in 6th grade.

3. Once or twice a month

4. Usually only when traveling, even then I try to make smart choices from the menu. If I do get a craving I will get the one thing I am craving (like a small hamburger, small fry or single taco), then when we get home I pull veggies and fruits out to round out our meal. In addition to being healthier for everyone we save money. But it also means we don't feel like we are depriving ourselves.

5. I don't count calories but focus on eating a wide variety of healthy foods. It is more important to me to eat nutritionally well, getting the vitamins and minerals my body needs, than eating few calories. I love avocados for example and eat lots which are high good fats and not really that low calorie

6.Maybe once every 2-3 weeks.

7.]Being outside makes me feel energized and healthy. I just got inside from helping DH rake the leaves. I'm currently a week from my due date so I am taking a break at the moment. To me raking isn't a chore, it's a chance to be outside at this time of year and enjoy the season. The exercise is a bonus.I also drink lots and lots of water. Not for any reason other than the fact that I like to drink a lot and it makes me feel good. I also have dessert each night. At least half of the time I try to make part of it nutritionally valuable. Something like dipping strawberries in melted chocolate or I have ice cream with fresh berries on top. I bake cookies a lot and add healthy nuts to my chocolate chip cookies or good dried berries to my oatmeal cookies.

 

[amyren]

1. 7 days a week. I either ride my stationary bike for 30 - 45 min or go for a walk pushing DD in her stroller.
2. Once a week I drink diet Pepsi with my Taco Bell. It just makes my bean burrito taste better.
3. We rarely eat out during the week but the weekend is another story. We pretty much eat out every meal from Friday night until Sunday evening. DH and I typically get 2 salads and split an entree.
4. Once or twice a week. Taco Bell (bean burrito) or Burger King (veggie burgers)!
5. Listen to my body.
6. Rarely. I hate the scale. DH checks his weight at least once a day but I avoid it.
7. I think the key is finding a healthy eating pattern. Find things that are healthy but that you enjoy eating. You shouldn't feel like you are depriving yourself.

 

[Uuaww]

1. How often do you exercise (time and days) and what do you do?
-5 or 6 days a week of P90X and 2 days of soccer. Almost always between 4-10 pm
2. Do you drink any soda/pop, and if so, how much?
-nothing besides water unless I am eating out, then 1-2 glasses
3. How often do you eat out?
-1 or 2 times a week
4. How often do you eat fast food?
-never, but that's not by choice, we don't have any here
5. Do you count calories, or just listen to your body?
-I want what I eat
6. How often do you weigh yourself?
-eh, rarely, don't own a scale
7. what are other things you do that make you feel fit and healthy?
-if I am going to break my diet, I break it hard, get something I really love. For me that is burgers. So if I am going to break it, I am going to break it for the best damn burger possible. On regular meals, I eat healthy, salads, oatmeal, whole grain, fruits and veggies. etc.


Remember what works for me might not work for you. You need to ask people who are similar to you. My style is likely useless to you unless you are a 24/m.

 

[redlight]

1. How often do you exercise (time and days) and what do you do?

I jog 2-4 miles 4 or 5 times a week. I also do crunches and pushups and other exercises a few times a week.

2. Do you drink any soda/pop, and if so, how much?

Very little, mainly as a mix for alcohol (and I do that less and less these days).

3. How often do you eat out?

Maybe once or twice a week.

4. How often do you eat fast food?

Once or twice a week.

5. Do you count calories, or just listen to your body?

Portion control and listening to my body. I have a rough idea of how many calories I've had, but I don't really count.

6. How often do you weigh yourself?

Once a week. It used to be more often.

7. what are other things you do that make you feel fit and healthy?

Drink plenty of water, eat slowly.

 

[tesser21]

Can you please answer some questions for me. I am getting ready to work out a healthy plan because I need to make some changes. I would like some feedback first from people that are already there. Some of these questions I am asking because I need to reaffirm that these are the right changes I need to make.

1. How often do you exercise (time and days) and what do you do?

2. Do you drink any soda/pop, and if so, how much?

3. How often do you eat out?

4. How often do you eat fast food?

5. Do you count calories, or just listen to your body?

6. How often do you weigh yourself?

7. what are other things you do that make you feel fit and healthy?

1. Everyday, I walk anywhere from 3 to 5 miles a day.

2. No soda.

3. once every 2 weeks or so.

4. no fast food, except soup/salad at panera or chick fil a.

5. I don't count calories.

6. I try not to obsess about the scale, so maybe every 2 weeks.

7. Drink water, eat healthy snacks, lots of fruit and veggies, no HFC, read labels, organic if possible, more chicken and fish than red meat, don't skip meals!


I've lost 50lbs in 6 months and have never felt better! Good luck!!

 

[Goofydiane]

Can you please answer some questions for me. I am getting ready to work out a healthy plan because I need to make some changes. I would like some feedback first from people that are already there. Some of these questions I am asking because I need to reaffirm that these are the right changes I need to make.

1. How often do you exercise (time and days) and what do you do?

2. Do you drink any soda/pop, and if so, how much?

3. How often do you eat out?

4. How often do you eat fast food?

5. Do you count calories, or just listen to your body?

6. How often do you weigh yourself?

7. what are other things you do that make you feel fit and healthy?

Exercise: 6 times per week. 3 cardio days, 1 circuit training day and 2 strength days.

Pop: Very rarely, if I do it is caffeine free, sugar free

Eat Out: If getting lunch in our cafeteria at work counts, then 5 days per week. If it doesn't, very rarely.

Fast Food: Haven't eaten fast food in over a year.

Calories: I don't count calories, but I keep my food to a certain amount of protein, carbs and fat per day.

Weigh myself: Once per week, always at the same time.

Fit and Healthy: I eat as clean as possible, no processed sugar. I also challenge myself in my work outs to improve something each time. It might be to finish a work out with one more rep of something, or add weight to something, but I just focus on improving. I also remember that it is progress, not perfection. If I have a pop, or skip a workout, I don't beat myself up, I accept it and go on.

It's taken 4.5 years, but I have lost 123 lbs to date, still want to lose another 50 or so. Can run 5 miles without stopping, can buy my clothes in normal stores and most importantly, I am starting to like myself again.

Good luck with your journey!

 

[VBsHustla]

1. How often do you exercise (time and days) and what do you do?
I run two miles three times a week (usually Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) at about 5:30 p.m. On Tuesday and Thursday, I usually do some Bob Harper DVDs (I adore the yoga one, and I also like this strength training one.) The DVDs last for an hour, and I usually do those at about 5:30 p.m., as well.

2. Do you drink any soda/pop, and if so, how much?
Never. I was probably like 7 the last time I even had a sip. Luckily, I was scarred for life by 1st grade science experiments involving soda.

3. How often do you eat out?
2-4 times per month

4. How often do you eat fast food?
Never. Well, actually, I'll eat Subway like once a month or whatever, if I happen to be out and hungry. There, I'll only get wheat bread with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives (no meat, no cheese, no sauce.)

5. Do you count calories, or just listen to your body?
I don't count calories.

6. How often do you weigh yourself?
Never. I don't even know how much I weigh.

7. what are other things you do that make you feel fit and healthy?
For me personally, the more carbs the better. I love eating a whole foods vegan diet. I mostly only eat things that come from the ground or from a tree in their natural state (no processed food, no meat, eggs, dairy, soy, oil, rarely any sugar, etc.) In a day, I typically eat: breakfast - oats with ground flax seed, berries, and a banana, lunch - a baked potato with only salt on it and a ton of steamed vegetables (lately, some combo of kale, carrots, corn, broccoli, snap peas), snack - carrots, grapes, orange, apple, applesauce, or something like that, and dinner usually consists of salad, a grain (rice, pasta, tortillas) with veggies and beans and some appropriate spices. Then I have a little piece of dark chocolate at night if I feel like it.

I also like to eat whatever is in season. For some examples, in the summer I eat lots of oranges, cucumbers, and tomatoes, in the late summer/fall, tons of apples. Now I'm having a lot of spinach, butternut squash, pumpkin, and broccoli.

And I really highly recommend yoga! I love it.

Good luck, hope that helps a little bit!

 

[AKL_Megs]

1. How often do you exercise (time and days) and what do you do?
I'd say four times a week, 30 minutes each of those days, of an intensive cardio workout. I either run, ride a recumbent bike, or use an elliptical.

2. Do you drink any soda/pop, and if so, how much?
Yes, daily. But only DIET beverages.

3. How often do you eat out?
Maybe 1.5 times a week, but even then, I watch what I eat and try to get the "healthiest" option.

4. How often do you eat fast food?
.5 times a week... usually lunch if out shopping, and always only hamburgers, as they have the least calories.

5. Do you count calories, or just listen to your body?
I had bad eating habits, so for 3 months I ate only 1300 calories to "train" myself. I no longer count them, but I know what to eat and when, and I doubt I go over 1800 calories in any given day. I've sort of trained myself into healthy eating habits.

6. How often do you weigh yourself?
Whenever possible.

7. what are other things you do that make you feel fit and healthy?
We keep NO snacks in the house. Just 100 calorie snacks, and LOTS of fruit and yogurt. If I am looking for something sweet, I have no choice but to grab an apple or orange or pineapple slice.

I eat meat with only ONE meal a day, and for the past six months, lunch has been a salad and a steamble veggie pack a day. 400 calories max. I try to keep breakfast under 300 calories, and that usually happens AND satisfies... I love toasted PB&J, or a healthy cereal, and an apple.

 

[Pembo]

Can you please answer some questions for me. I am getting ready to work out a healthy plan because I need to make some changes. I would like some feedback first from people that are already there. Some of these questions I am asking because I need to reaffirm that these are the right changes I need to make.

1. How often do you exercise (time and days) and what do you do? When I started my weight loss, I exercised 4-5times a week for up to an hour a day. I walk/jog on my treadmill for about 30 mins and I used Wii EA More Active as my personal trainer.

2. Do you drink any soda/pop, and if so, how much?
Very rarely
3. How often do you eat out?
very rarely, especially after looking at calorie counts
4. How often do you eat fast food?
very rarely
5. Do you count calories, or just listen to your body?
I counted calories for a month and really saw the error of my ways
6. How often do you weigh yourself?
once a week, at the same time
7. what are other things you do that make you feel fit and healthy?
I made sure to drink lots of water and get plenty of sleep.

I lost 15 lbs in 6 months. That was my goal and now I am just maintaining. I joined Sparkpeople(it's free). I loved the calorie counter and also the tool that lets you put ingredients in and it calculates calories for you.

 

[DisneyScraps]

1. How often do you exercise: 5 days a week it's part of my life

2. Do you drink soda/pop: never ever! I drink water every day with a black iced Starbucks coffee once a week.

3. How often do I eat out? We do eat out about once a week. I try to avoid chain restaurants.

4. How Ofden do I eat fast food? Never. I don't like it and it's terrible for you.

5. Do I calorie count? No, I listen to my body and let my clothes show me if a gaining

6. Do I weigh myself? I do it at the gym about once a week.

7. What other things do I do to make me feel fit and healthy: I manage portions. I drink a lot of water. I dont eat dessert.

Good luck! You can do it. I canged my life 4 years ago. Started working out and being healthy and I am so glad I did.

Lisa