Working on Weight Loss During Training—New Year New Us!

[keenercam]

woohoo, Jen!!! Congrats on all those small sizes!!!

You are so right about enjoying the here and now. As long as we are working on maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle we are doing something right. My doctor told me the other night that it is ridiculous NOT to be proud of where I am and what I've accomplished. He was actually frustrated with me for being impatient and frustrated about not seeing more movement on the scale. He'd rather see me healthy and active at this weight than weighing much less and not being "fit." I LOVE that man!!!

So, let's give ourselves a bit of credit for being in the game, regardless of what the scoreboard says at the moment.

 

[Cindylou]

Hi Everyone!

Dave: Sorry for the stress. Is it you or Erica who has the sore tooth? Either way I hope you/she are better soon. I'm glad your weather has improved.

Cam: It's great that your Dr. is so supportive. I hope you are currently basking in your success.

Jen: Wohoo!!! Just accidently wear the size 6 skirt inside out or just leave the tags on at first. You can pretend to be embarrassed when someone points it out to you. Congratulations on such a great shopping trip. You really should enjoy where you are now. I know I don't want to go shopping right now because I want to lose 10 to 15 more lbs. But in the meantime I'm looking like a frump because the clothes I am wearing are either too big for me or 10 years out of style.

Connie: Thanks for asking about us. Things have just been so busy!!

Nancy: Sorry I won't be at ToT to celebrate with you, but 5 yrs is great!!

Beth: In the Runner's Diet book she recommends 50% carbs, 25% protein and 25% fat. She says that most of the carbs should come from fruits and veggies with some whole grains thrown in. Nothing too new or shocking. It does make me think abit about my choices. The majority of my carbs come from bread or pasta. They are usually whole grain, but fruits and veggies are my "sides". I think I need to have them be more of the main meal.

We had a super time at Santa's Village last weekend. My kids were in awe. I did eat some gingerbread and fudge, but they had healthy choices for lunch so that was great. Plus I walked alot and had my heart rate up while on the flume ride. My 2 1/2 yr olds insisted that they go on the flume ride so I had to go. I haven't done any amusement rides in the last 10 yrs, so I did not deal well with the free fall. My daughters were OK except for one of them got splashed in the face so cried about that.

I put my oldest on the school bus for Kindergarten this week. He got right on and never looked back. The bus pulled away and that was that. It happened so fast. I guess I should be thankful that I've raised a confident young man. It would have been much worse had he been clinging and crying.

My husband and I are going to Kennebunkport, Maine this weekend to celebrate our 10 yr anniversary (9/6). I missed getting back to my wedding weight by 4 1/2 lbs. I guess that's not too bad having 3 kids in 10 years and only having a net gain of 4 1/2 lbs. I'm not going to think too much about food this weekend, but plan to jump right back into it come Monday.

Have a great weekend everyone.
Cindy

 

[windwalker]

Cindy, Erica was the one laid up with the tooth ache, but she is feeling better, thanks for asking.

Glad everyone is doing good, next week looks brighter than this one did. Poor erica went from a summer cold right into a tooth abcess, so she is sure ready for a better time.

We did have a super monday with our race and meeting out friends at Mammouth Cave so it wasn't all bad last week.

Everyone have a safe and happy weekend.

Dave

 

[Steffwalks]

Hey, Everybody!!
Jen! There are so many ways to measure success! And a skirt is DEFINITELY one of them!!!

Cindy! go buy one great new outfit, it can be a pair of jeans and a top, or pretty dress or skirt.......you will feel better and it will help bust that plateau. I always feel worse and do worse when I feel frumpy! At least get a new haircut or some new makeup! It will help you feel back in control again!

Cam! That doctor of yours is real keeper!! There are lots of weighs (sic) to measure success than with just the scale monster! A tape measure, callipers, and a skirt, and improved endurance are all measures of success!! The stupid scale doesn't tell you how much your cardio has improved or your muscle tone, or bone density!

Beth - As you know, I have stopped eating white foods! Plus, I don't eat that many grains. I have been getting my carbs from beans, peas, corn, veggies and fruit! It has really made a difference in the sluggish feeling I had from "carb-loading" on breads and pastas!

Dave Just relax a little and cater to your princess. It will just make her love you more.......and when she wants ice cream again, you can tell her that an absess is the result!!!

I wish I could say I was training hard this week. But I can't. I have been doing all the ugly chores that you save for spring or the Merry Maids or somebody else. I have cleaned carpets, closets, knickknacks, paintings and pictures, baseboards, etc, plus all the normal stuff that needs doing. I wish I could say I lost weight doing it , but I can't. I can say, my house is wonderful!!!! AND that makes training easier!

Note to self: reread what I wrote to Cam and Beth!!!

Here's to your health! - Connie

 

[getnthinr]

I know I posted this yesterday, but today it is nowhere to be found, so I'll try again (from memory, so I hope I don't forget something important).

Jen -- Size 6! I am WISH-green with envy! Congratulations!!!

Cam -- Thanks for reminding us to give ourselves credit. I needed that this week.

Dave -- Enjoy your rest day -- hope Erica feels better real soon!

Cindy -- We have photos of my twins boarding the bus for the first time. I remember my husband watching the bus grow smaller in the distance and sighing wistfully, "There they go." Now they are sophomores in high school and choosing colleges. I don't suppose we're ever really ready to see them go, even when we know it's best for all of us. As to the weight loss -- You'll be bouncing off that plateau soon.

Connie and Beth -- I've been following the carb/white food comments with interest. I may be headed for something like that myself soon (more about that later in this post).

As for me, I got the results of my bloodwork back this week. My blood sugar was very high, even though I'd lost weight and walked a minimum of 45 minutes every day -- typcially over an hour. (And I do mean every day.) It's scary to be doing the right things and not see the improvement I hoped for -- particularly since both my parents have type 2 diabetes. I've got to get a grip. I have to return to the doc in three months with some solid improvement or risk officially being diagnosed with diabetes.

 

[windwalker]

Wendy, the boards have been kinda querky here of late. I had a post on the walking thread that was there when you went in but didn't show on the main screen. I think Tiger Lily was having problems figureing how to keep us rowdy people in line.

I sure hope you get your stats down where the Dr wants them. I know how you feel I do everything right and my colosterall (sp) levels are screwy. My good colosterall is three times normal but my bad is always a bit high.

We just have to keep on keeping on. Just imagine what our numbers would look like if we didn't bust butt out there on the road.

Dave

 

[Steffwalks]

Wendy I feel for you! That's the reason I stopped the white food. I figured I could be a diabetic any minute and since I would have to change my eating habits to be what they are now......I could just avoid the diabetes and change my eating habits!!

If you need some help, support or whatever, PM me.

 

[Creativebeth]

Wendy: I totally get where you are at. I actually went on my low carb diet 2 years ago b/c I felt that I was very close to being Type II diabetic. It is something no one wants to face. Watching your carbs would probably help you tremendously with your blood sugar. I hope things work out for you! I have a lot of recipes if you ever want any!!!

I have really tried to increase my carbs with veggies and fruit. I have been eating alot of them (and enjoying them!). I have been really happy with the steamer bags from Ziploc for the veggies.

I am hoping that my diet holds me up for the marathon!

Beth

 

[getnthinr]

I have really tried to increase my carbs with veggies and fruit. I have been eating alot of them (and enjoying them!). I have been really happy with the steamer bags from Ziploc for the veggies.

Beth -- Recipes -- YES, please! And I didn't even realize there WERE Ziploc bags for steaming veggies -- Thanks for the tip!

Connie -- That's exactly what I was thinking -- I may as well start eating like I'm supposed to now (without the pills, shots, and high risks of diabetes).

Dave -- My Masters swimming husband is currently fighting the cholesterol wars, so I know your pain. He is a real meat lover as well (can't get him near a can of tuna or a grilled salmon -- both of which I love). The risks with the meds are so high though, that I think he is willing to learn to like fish.

I think the key for me will be convincing myself I can change. I have always been round, always craved sugar -- it will be a big change. A lot tougher than a marathon -- or even Goofy.

 

[Creativebeth]

Yes, Wendy, as bad as my 20 miler was the other day, staying away from sugar is WAY harder. I am a carboholic.....and always have been. The first week I went low carb, was the worst week of my life. Sugar withdrawal wasn't pretty, but once it was over I felt great! Way more energy, without the ups and downs of blood sugar swings.

You might want to look to see if your health insurance will pay for a nutrition consult. That way you would have a specialist making up your 'game' plan for your diet. It's always good to have alot of fruits and veggies, but you have to find out which ones. Alot of fruit has high amounts of natural sugars that won't work for you. On my low carb diet I pretty much kept to berries for my fruit since they are lower in natural sugars. I also had to watch my dairy intake since milk is high in sugar too. I actually made alot of my recipes with low carb milk (Carb Countdown). I didn't drink the stuff straight though, since it has a different consistency, but it worked great for recipes.

Since your dh is fighting the cholesterol game, it will be harder to find recipes to mix both things. I recommend a recipe book by Dana Carpenter (500 low carb recipes) and look through that. You will have to look for recipes to high in fat (for the cholesterol) but there would be many choices for you to make! I am hoping for the best for you!

Beth

 

[Jen117]

Hey everyone. I haven't posted here in forever and now I feel oh so bad about it!!! My goal is still to be down 20 pounds before the Full in January. It can happen if I stop snacking at night, I lose all control at that time.

I am still down 15 since the 1/2 in January, so I am quite proud of that. And I bought a Champion running skirt on clearance at Target.... size L instead of XL.... I was so happy I skipped through the store to find the family and tell them!!!

I need to do some major catch up... but CONGRATS to everyone that are doing awesome. And HANG IN THERE to all those struggling!!!

 

[Cindylou]

Hello Everyone,

Connie: Thanks for the advice on buying a new outfit. I'm sure you are right. I did buy a couple new smaller sized shirts this summer and it is definitely a treat to wear them, I just feel much better.

Wendy: I have twins too. They (girls) are just 2 1/2 now, so I get a few more years before putting them on the bus. Sorry about your doctor's report, but look at the good side. You did lose some weight and your condition is not bad enough to start you on meds right away. You definitely still have some control in this. Good luck in making the right choices.

Beth: It's great that you are able to enjoy eating veggies. Other than tomatoes or corn on the cob I don't really enjoy eating vegetables. I'll eat them because I know they're good for me, but it's not a treat. Good job on staying away from the sugar.

Dave: Good luck getting your bad cholesterol in check.

Jen: Welcome back. Congrats on keeping 15 lbs over the summer. Lots of luck downsizing some more before the marathon. Just picture wearing your size M skirt while running through Disney.

I definitely feel like summer is over and it's time to get back to work now. I am making a commitment to start choosing more veggies and fruits. I'm going to try to track all my food on Sparkpeople this week just to see how close to the 50-25-25 ratio I come.

Have a great day everyone.
Cindy

 

[windwalker]

Welcome back Jen.

Thank you Cindy. I have always had the high cholesterol, but choose to treat it with diet and exercise. I eat to much but I eat the right stuff the majority of the time.

I have been good and had fish the last two days. I don't eat much red meat, although a burger tastes very good on the rare times I have one. I eat lots of chicken and fish and some meals are meatless. I often have a baked potato and a salad for lunch.

Dave

 

[Cindylou]

Hi Everyone,

Well the results are in...after one day of tracking my food on Sparkpeople. I had 58% carbs 19% protein and 23% fat. Not too far from the 50-25-25 I'm shooting for, but I can use some work. The eye opening part for me was that only about 30% of my carbs came from fruits and veggies. It's funny because I really thought I was eating a lot of f & v. I even had snow peas as a snack rather than crackers. But when I looked at everything at the end of the day I only had 4.5 servings of f & v. Room for improvement.

I hope everyone has a great day.
Cindy

 

[getnthinr]

Well the results are in...after one day of tracking my food on Sparkpeople. I had 58% carbs 19% protein and 23% fat. Not too far from the 50-25-25 I'm shooting for, but I can use some work. The eye opening part for me was that only about 30% of my carbs came from fruits and veggies. It's funny because I really thought I was eating a lot of f & v. I even had snow peas as a snack rather than crackers. But when I looked at everything at the end of the day I only had 4.5 servings of f & v.
Cindy

Cindy, I think that's the biggest advantage of logging food online -- you get a lot more information on exactly what you're eating. Like you I find what I think I'm doing may not be completely accurate. You are coming very close, though. I am impressed! (Now, I need to go log my food.)

 

[Steffwalks]

Where did everybody go??? I am looking for you high and low!!

I just wanted to come here, before I have to change the bed in the guest room for the 4th time this week............ Uhm, where was I? Oh yea, I wanted to let everyone know what I have learned from giving up white food. It's been a while and I am definitely feeling the difference.

1. I don't feel sluggish, anymore. I have some zip!

2. Mentally, I am improved. My memory is functioning again and I am not feeling cranky and trying to watch everything I say so that I don't make someone feel bad, especially my hubby!

3. I am not hungry all the time! When I was eating white food, just an hour after I ate, I was starving again. By not eating the white food, I feel full longer and sooner!!

4. My joints don't hurt, this may all be in my head about my joints, but even if it is.........they still don't hurt!!!

5. Once you get the hang of it......it is pretty easy to do even when eating out. I found that most restaurants allow you to sub something else for the staple potato. I usually go for some beans if they have them or some veggies if they don't. I skip the rolls and butter and now, I don't miss it. I just don't have them brought to me.

6. If you can't skip the white bread because you are eating fast food, just have half the bun! That helps, alot. And you get to miss all those calories!! McDonald's may well be the friendliest "zero White food" fast food place with their salads and fruit!

7. Carry your own snacks. Convenience store snacks are NOT friendly, they are even less friendly than Fast Food restaurants!

8. I am no longer counting calories or even thinking about portion size. It's almost like all the work, except figuring out how to avoid white food, has been eliminated!

9. I am losing weight!!!

AND finally, 10. I am losing the round belly.....I can see a difference almost daily!!!!

 

[getnthinr]

Where did everybody go??? I am looking for you high and low!!

I just wanted to come here, before I have to change the bed in the guest room for the 4th time this week............ Uhm, where was I? Oh yea, I wanted to let everyone know what I have learned from giving up white food. It's been a while and I am definitely feeling the difference.

<snip>

AND finally, 10. I am losing the round belly.....I can see a difference almost daily!!!!

Connie! LOVED your post! Man, you are really feeling the benefits of your lifestyle change! It's so uplifting to hear about your progress.

As for me, I'm still in the "miss it" stage with white food -- I had a nice long visit with the nutritionist and we talked about breaking my daily calories up into 5-300 calorie meals a day (with a bit of room for an "extra" snack if I needed it). You guys might have read this in the race reports thread, but my dad died last weekend. Among the many things to deal with this weekend was the flood of food. We're from the South where folks show they love you by feeding you -- and a lot of folks loved my dad. I did get to the grocery store on Monday though, so I have veggies for snacks, Lean Cuisine "spa" meals for work (whole grains and twice the veggies), and some carefully selected high-protein/low-fat/low-sugar meal replacement bars for when I catch myself short of time at my desk or in the car. So far, so good. It's amazing how much more (and more often) I am eating now while still ingesting a lot less calories. Who knew?!?

Good luck, everyone -- and again, congrats to Connie!!!

 

[windwalker]

Connie you make it sound like a winner. I love my plain baked potatoes and my breads, other than that I eat mostly fish, veggies and grains.

Dave

 

[hoosmi]

Wendy- I am so sorry about your dad

Connie- you go, girl! That was a very uplifting post. I've been cutting out most "white" stuff too. I agree 100% about having snacks with you. DH has been packing a cooler everywhere we go. It's so much easier to avoid popping into a convenience store for some Oreos when you've had some grapes or decent crackers or whatever!

I've been good about eating for the last couple of months (maybe 2 bad meals out over a month). I'm basically eating the right stuff, just too much of it. Anyway, I've been making my DD lunch for school, and I try to put really healthy stuff, but then a baggy with a few gummy bears or Twizzlers or something just to make it more appealing to a 7 year old... can you see it coming?! I totally got into the bag of Twizzlers last night. Reminds me to stay vigilant! I don't have any problem eating something super tasty as a treat now and then, but to waste that on Twizzlers?!

And here's a funny one- I ran 13 miles in 2 days last weekend, ate pretty well, hydrated, and came home 2 pounds heavier. This morning after my Twizzler fit, I found I had lost those 2 pounds. What's up with that?

Jen in GA

 

[kayeandjim00]

Help! Here's the truth.... I need to lose about 90 lbs YIKES I said that out loud. I used to be fit and I desparately want to run again. Is the Couch to 5K doable for me? I am starting either way but I definitely don't want the let down. I'm working out 6 days a week and doing WW. I'd ultimately love to run a 5k (see my sig ) but I'm questioning if that's an unlikely goal... HELP!!!