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

[deekaypee]

Okay, just for the record...reading delicious recipes while you're hungry is SO not the way to inspire good eating habits! But I love the ideas behind sharing the recipes and I'm certain I can use or adapt some of them for my vegetarian lifestyle.

Updates for me: today was weigh-in--no net gain or loss, for which I'm frankly grateful. Still working on the water issue. Big news today was that I didn't finish my soda. I felt both happy and wasteful. My eating habits today were serviceable, if not much more: oatmeal, sandwiches, fruit, yogurt, nuts, pasta. I try to keep it balanced, but there's not much variety in my diet on a weekly basis and I need to be more conscientious about my protein intake.

Cam, I have hungry days too and they don't seem related to my workouts, or stress, or sleep cycles. I'm just hungry all day long. Can't figure it out, so I just keep reaching for the carrot sticks. (Which do not emotionally satisfy me in the slightest, btw, but on such days the hunger seems to be physical and not psychological.)

And I'm just getting to know you and your story, and I just have to say "You're a wonder, woman!" I know that some days it's harder than others to recognize our accomplishments. Trying to lose weight--let alone train--can be challenging, with days of struggle and disappointment, impatience and funks (that's exactly the term I was looking for, Carrie!) But you should be proud, Cam, for all that you've accomplished. The same goes for panthergirl, Kathy, Minnie, Blueroses, and all of us working toward happier, healthier, saner selves. We're making better choices for ourselves.

As for myself, a little background: I lost 50 lbs. 1 1/2 years ago, and have seen some of that weight creep back up for various reasons. So now I'm re-examining my eating/exercising habits...really, my entire lifestyle. And I'm very happy to be able to do so with such a good support system!

 

[andromedaslove]

Cam - You are definately not the only one to have hungry days, and mine seem to last for days too. I think that is part of what has been wrong the last couple of days. I eat Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, along with two snacks and my stomcah is literally still growling at me. You have also got to make yourself see how much you have done. I keep telling my Mom the same thing. How can you have lost so much weight, and not see it, especially when everyone else around you does. I second the others thoughts, go find an old picture of yourself at your highest weight and look at the pictures of you now. Then congratulate yourself on the wonderful job you have done. You are a strong, healthy woman now.

Yesterday was pretty good.

Breakfast:
Smart Start Cereal w/ Lowfat milk
Calories - 275

Lunch: Ham and Turkey Sandwhich on Whole Wheat
Calories - Lunch 280

Snack - Kashi Trail Mix Granola Bar
Calories - 140

Dinner: Pot Roast
2 servings of potatoes
2 servings of carrots
Can of Coke
Calories - 747

Dessert: NutriSystem Chocolate Shake w/milk
Calories - 200

Total for the Day: 1643

I am doing alot of reading up on how many calories I should be taking in each day considering that I work out hard 5-6 days a week, and I keep coming up with between 1600 and 1700. So I don't feel as bad about yesterday. They say the minimum rock bottom would be somewhere around 1275. I don't plan on consistently eating that low, but I may eat a couple of days a week at a lower intake and have a cheat meal or two to keep my body from hitting a wall when it comes to weight loss. When I got home from WDW for the Marathon I weighed in at 161. I weigh myself every morning and have seen the scale go down every single morning, but one. That was Sunday morning when I gained 2-3 lbs thanks to Burger King and Taco Bell. However, my weight loss doesn't seem right either. I weighed in this morning at 147.5. Don't get me wrong I am REALLY happy to see the weight going down, I just don't know that it is healthy or normal for it to drop that fast. I find that I am actually working out harder now than I was before the Full, so maybe that is why such a drastic drop? Anyway, I am done rambling now, if anyone has any insight don't hesitate to let me know.

 

[keenercam]

dkp – Congrats on not finishing the soda! How awesome that must have felt!! DH can lose 10 pounds in one month just by switching away from regular soda to water. I used to resent how easy it was for him, but instead have learned a very valuable lesson. It is the little habits that we re-shape that help to reshape our lifestyles and our bodies. At some point, I looked at a bottle of soda my daughter was going to drink and saw that it was about 220 calories. What an eye opener! It occurred to me that DH was eliminating about 500 calories a day just by changing his soda habits AND he was nourishing his body with all the additional water he was taking in. It was 2 positive steps with the change of one small habit. Anyway, congratulations on having lost 50 pounds before– you know that you have all the tools to succeed – knowledge and determination and the support of your WISH friends!

Dana – you are a workout machine! Awesome job, kiddo, but I am really glad to see that you are educating yourself on how to properly fuel your body. Everyone I have talked to has said there is no correlation between the frequency/intensity of their workouts and their weight loss. And, strangely enough, I seem to lose less quickly the more I work out. So, since we can’t always count on the scale as a guideline for how our bodies are doing, your system of keeping track and evaluating how you feel is going to be a much better guide. Now, we all just have to keep reminding ourselves that the scale is not the only measure of success, whether we like what it is saying or not.

Well, no hunger pangs this morning. After I got off line last night I had a vitamuffin chocolate brownie (1 WPA) warmed up in a bowl, topped with strawberries & an 8 oz glass of skim milk. Delicious! I also had 2 points worth of fat free pretzels. I felt very satisfied and no guilt.

Today’s food plan:
B: fat free plain yogurt with strawberries & sweet ‘n low; coffee w/skim milk
L: green salad w/sliced hard boiled egg; turkey chili

I’ll be home for the evening tonight, so I am going to go light on snacks today (banana, apple) so that I can have light popcorn tonight.

What's everyone else's plan?

Oh, and we have to go round up some missing WISHers -- Judy, Sunny. . . We miss all of you!

 

[ggeorgiagirl]

Hello and good morning!

Today I have changed from my Chi Tea (440 calories) to the Sugar Free/guilt free Chi Tea. I must say, there is really not much of a difference (except the after taste). I hope all of the little changes will begin to make a difference.

Last night I had a Filet Mignon that my hubby grilled, a salad with ginger dressing (high in oil, I am afraid), and a piece of bread. Of course, apple pie followed (which the MIL pushed...and I accepted). All of my in laws are tall and skinny...how do y'all say no to such yummy things???

I jogged/walked 1 mile yesterday which is a TOTAL improvement to my couch potato lifestyle! It only took me a few minutes. I didn't time myself, which I will do today. I had to come in after the 1 mile because I was TOOO cold (no jacket).

Thanks for the inspiration...ALL OF YOU!

 

[Minnie]

I had a hungry day yesterday. I think it was because I had nothing until lunch and then nothing until dinner because I was sooooo busy.

I ended up having my cream cheese tart along with some nuts and a sf pudding cup. Sheesh I just couldn't get full. It was all OP thankfully though.

Today's plan:
B - oatmeal muffin/yogurt
L - not sure yet (busy night no time to prepare for today)
S - yogurt and cheese stick
D - not sure yet (major project due tonight for my class)
D - cream cheese tart

Today's going to be difficult because I failed to plan it out. Will try to do my best. This is when I really struggle.

 

[keenercam]

ggeorgiagirl -- Great job on eliminating all those extra calories! As for your dinner, I think you did great! I find that when there is something I really want or that someone is persuading me to eat (and I have no willpower), I just don't eat all of it. I saw a really fascinating commercial for some diet pill a few years ago. It showed a woman leaving the last bite of food on her plate at every meal. It then panned out and showed 90 plates each with one bite of food and said something about "imagining having the willpower to pass up this much food over the course of a month". I am a very visual person. That made a HUGE imact on me! My objective now is whenever I am eating something off plan, to leave at least one significant bite of every non-plan food on my plate. I have heard of others putting into a ziplock bag over the course of a couple of days any temptation foods they passed up and then acknowledging the enormity of the calories they had not taken in. Cool, huh?

Minnie -- I am thinking of you during this rough day. I hope it goes well for you and that your class project isn't too grueling. Sending and : for your project!

 

[ggeorgiagirl]

Excellent advice CAM! I will try it...I, too, am a visual learner! I will try to leave a BIG bite (and NOT ask for seconds!)

 

[Kristi1357]

My MIL has a plaque on the wall in her kitchen. I've always loved the quote and I think you guys would like it too.

Never trade what you want at the moment for what you want most.

I think I may just print that up and hang it on my fridge...

 

[Texa]

Hey everyone! I just finished reading through this thread. May I join you? I just signed up for the 2008 1/2 at Disney. My son and I are training together although he will probably just do the 5K. (He is currently 10). We both need to get in shape and I thought this would be a fun and motivating way to do it. ANother reason is I turn 40 next march and I thought this would be an accomplishment before then!

My stats

5'5"; 170lbs
WOuld like to lose about 30-35.
Eating plan: Body for life/ South Beach style for now.

 

[keenercam]

Welcome, Texa!
The more the merrier! We all have so much to share with each other -- ideas, advice & support! You are going to be in great shape to go after that Donald!

 

[deekaypee]

Just checking in with today's meal plan:

B: Cereal with banana, juice
S: Short (6 oz.) non-fat latte (during meeting with colleague)
L: Yogurt w/ granola, raw veggies, PB & J sandwich (hmmm, someone doesn't like to plan and pack lunches); soda
D: Veggie stir fry with faux-meat protein, brown rice; I'm a little light on the fruits/veggies for today, so it might be pineapple or an apple in a couple of hours.
Dessert? Hmmm...it might be a bit of chocolate; DH and I belong to a chocolate-of-the-month club; our most recent selection is truffles and I might have one (each one is 75 calories). Can't let DH eat the whole box!

Yeah, I had a soda, but again I didn't finish it. I think it's my version of weaning. I've also increased my water intake this week! I also worked out today--indoors, as is to be expected here in North Dakota in January. More of the Couch Potato plan and some other cardio. And in honor of blueroses I also did a few (very few) lunges--I believe you mentioned them on another thread; I dread them, but you convinced me that I should work those muscles.


Andromedaslove: No insight on the weight loss, although I know our weight can fluxuate up to five lbs. in a 24 hr. period. It seems fast but it also sounds like you're eating well and feeling healthy, right?

Cam: Great-sounding meals and good planning! Your suggestion about leaving something on the plate reminds me of the Lean Plate Club somewhat. It's a great idea. I even think I read an old book of etiquette/manner once that made the suggestion that one leaves a few bits on one's plate. I guess to do so was a status marker, indicating you were of a high enough social class that you could afford to leave food on your plate. Heck, if that makes me classy I'll give it a shot!

ggeorgiagirl: Congratulations on the mile! I'm working with the Couch Potato to 5K plan, so we're sort of in the same training place. I look forward to reading about your successes. And I don't know how to say no to a MIL's offerings, let alone to apple pie! I love Cam's idea, though.

Minnie: How did you project and day go? Successfully, I hope. It looks like you had a lot of things you were juggling. Your class project is for your MBA? (Am I remembering this correctly?)

Kristi: What's on my fridge is not nearly as affirmative; it's a quote from Al Swearengen of Deadwood. I'm paraphrasing : "Sometimes there are things in life you don't want to do. That's what life is." It makes me laugh, every single time. But I'm kind of sardonic. Your MIL's phrase is probably better for us.

And last, but not least, WELCOME TEXA! This is a great group--they've made me feel so welcome. You'll feel the same way too, I'm sure. I think it's cool that you're training with your son...the best kind of family activity--the active kind. And we'll both be marking our 40th birthdays in similar ways.

 

[Jen117]

GIVE ME A HIGH FIVE.... we went to Applebees for DH's b-day and I so wanted to be a bad bad girl.... so what did I have?? The WW Chili Lime Tilapia with lemon water. WHOOO HOOOOO. I had a couple bites of the girls french fries and 2 bites of DH's sundae. I was so proud of myself. I also and I mean seconds away from ordering the riblets with mashed potatoes. They were calling my name... Jen JEN... eat me... and I didn't cave. So I ate well all day and really proud. I may have some popcorn now because I can!!!!

Welcome Texa!

Cam and ggeorgiagirl... lately I have been trying to make my portions smaller and actually leave something on my plate. I am forcing myself to realize that I don't have to eat it all just because it is there. My DD6 baffles me. She knows when she is full and walks away. I don't think I ever have been able to do that. I hope she retains that ability.

 

[wtpclc]

Jen - I can't find a high 5, will he do? Way to go!!!!!!!!! Didn't it feel awesoem to know you could come back here and post your victory too????!!

DKP- Way to go on reducing teh pop (yeah, I speak Michigan) and upping thewater. One step at a time, just like training. try to do too much too soon adn you could end up rebelling.

Kristi - I need that sign nailed to me forehead. So true!

Welcoem ggeorgia girl and Texa!!!!

OK, I don't know why, but I've been hiding frm this thread still. I was still erally hungry today, but I filled the gaps with healthy stuff. I'm up about a pound, but I know it';s water, as that is one area wher I have gone overboard. I cut out all caffeine (even decaf coffee) 2 weeks before the race. When I came back, I let myself drink caffeine again (not hog wild, but havenot left as much room fro water). HOnestly, it was such a treat that it made me forget that I was not easting the bad stuff. I felt like I was cheating, but I wasn't doing too much damage. Now, it's time to up that water again. I'm sure that will bring me right back down.

So, I've had a rotten past week. Let's talk about my victory, though. ALthough I went a little off, I did not do what I usually do. I did not tell myself taht I deserved to eat junk because my job stinks and is makeingme unhappy. Actually, the desire to do that was not as grat as usual. When the desire was there, I told myself (I know, I'm reapeating, but I need to say it again for me) "Gaining weight and being unhappy will only make you more unhappy." So, excuse mewhile I pat myself on the back. BTW, my job still stinks, but I'm over teh unhappiness.

 

[deekaypee]

Okay, so we really need some high-five and pat-on-the-back smilies around here. Let's see what I can substitute:

Jen: (although I like Carrie's five-banana salute, too). I'm glad I'm not the only one who hears voices in my head. (Did I say that out loud?) Seriously, congratulations on resisting the riblets. That's some show of willpower.

Carrie: As a former Michigander, I loved the pop reference! As for your challenges, here's a big . I know how it is to have a (current) job that stinks and how it can affect almost every facet of your life. But you've demonstrated a great deal of strength and self-awareness. Small daily choices make big differences. In lieu of a pat on the back, how about a ?

 

[blueroses]

Good evening, WISHers!

deekaypee, what kind of faux meat protein do you use?

I had the best dinner tonight!
baked sweet potato - plain - 230 calories
egg beater omelette - 90 calories
with

spinach - 10
roasted pepper - 5
artichokes - 50​

steamed broccoli - 50 calories
for a total of 435 calories and my plate was heaped with food.

Actually my "egg beaters" are from Costco and they're faux beaters. I buy it by the case and freeze it for later use. And other than putting the potato in the oven an hour ahead of time, the meal took no time to prepare.

Egg beaters and gardenburgers are my diet aces in hole. How about everyone else?

 

[Kristi1357]

dkp - that's a great quote too! Maybe I will list a few quotes and hang them on the fridge, snack cabinet, etc.

Ok, I am back on the Core bandwagon!
And in trying to stay on track, I am going to post here more often!

I've eaten so far today:
WW puffed wheat cereal with skim milk
WW cookie pack
Diet coke

I have packed for the rest of the work day:
Dannon light n fit yogurt with added flaxseed oil
apple
orange
huge salad with added grape tomatoes, f.f. shredded cheddar, chicken & peppers + f.f. dressing

It's hard for me to list breakfast, lunch, etc. I eat breakfast around 4:30am at work. "Lunch" is 10am. I kind of graze all day at work. I find I have to do that to stay awake!

 

[keenercam]

dkp – congrats on the successful weaning from soda process! And kudos to you for working out when most of the world wants to hibernate. :

Jen – I am soooo proud of you for making such awesome choices in a situation of high temptation! Isn’t it wonderful to satisfy the need for sweets or treats with just a bite? I have to remind myself that I don’t need a whole serving. It sounds like you have that down pat!

YAY, Carrie! No sense in anesthetizing yourself with food, right? Once you come back to consciousness you’d have to deal with weight gain, besides everything else. It is so great that in the middle of all the stress you are able to listen to your reasonable voice and make the great choices. Awesome job on filling the hungry spots with good foods. It is all about fuel, right? Oh, and I am so with you on the coffee – I have been BINGING on the delicious coffee you gifted me! I am forcing myself to finish all coffee w/in a ½ hour of reaching my office. Then I switch totally to water.

blueroses – I love the costco eggwhites and I also keep a stash in the freezer and one carton in the fridge at all times. One of my aces in the diet whole is medium chunky salsa. It is great in an eggbeater omelette or over a baked potato. I also grill about a dozen small chicken breast pieces on Sunday evening and keep that in the fridge. Believe it or not, and as strange as it sounds, a small portion of protein is a great “save” for me when I am really hungry. Oh, and bananas! I used to keep sugar free jello made all the time in small containers to grab for lunches, snacks, etc. but got out of the habit. Thanks for making me think of the tools I need in place – it reminds me to get back to some of those healthy habits.

Kristi – Welcome back onto the core wagon! Your salad sounds awesome! I have also taken to adding chick peas or olives or green peas to salads just to add some bulk and flavor.

For breakfast today I had a ham steak and coffee w/skim milk
Lunch will be a green salad w/grilled chicken & olive oil; mixed veggies

I have been very diligent about following the healthy eating guidelines on the core plan. Usually the fruits/veggies and the water requirements aren't too hard for me to meet. And I have been taking my multi-vitamin each day. I am about to finish the first bottle of vitamins I have ever finished in my life. Usually, I take them so sporadically that they expire and I throw out half the bottle. I am trying to be sure to get in the 2 tsp of healthy oil every day, which is easy if I do oven baked potatoes but most of the time I am putting lite olive oil on a salad and I'm not crazy about the taste of EVOO, so that is an effort. I may try to get into the habit of stir frying veggies at night in it so that it is easier to take.

Sorry this got so long! Have a great day everyone!

 

[Minnie]

Good morning everyone!

Thank you all for the and well wishes on my project. Yes Dkp it is for my MBA. Other than being a mom it has been one of the most challenging things I've ever attempted in my life. Graduation is now less than 6 months away. I'm holding on to that thought with dear life

Due to an impossible schedule last night I never had dinner. I ended up grabbing a bag of lf micro popcorn and 2 sf pudding cups. I know I know not the best but it was still all OP

Today's menu:
Diet Dew
B - oatmeal muffin/yogurt
L - not sure yet didn't have time to pack anything
S - yogurt & cheese stick
D - chicken something
D - pudding cup or ricotta creme
E - dreamill

Have a great day everyone!

 

[blueroses]

Minnie you crack me up with your Diet Dew everyday! I worked (and will soon return to work) at a software company that had free sodas and at one time I was chugging like 5-6 of those a day. On top of coffee. I have no idea how I ever got to sleep at night. In all the years I worked there I was the only one I ever saw drinking the Diet Mountain Dew. Eventually I got down to maybe 1 a day. Did you know that in Canada, Mountain Dew has no caffeine?

My trip is next week, and I'm starting to think about what I'm going to eat there at Disney. I have a feeling the Pop Century food court may not be a mecca for healthy eating. I've never been one of the people who thinks "all that walking" is a license to eat whatever I want, but I'm going to attempt to at least try to make some healthier choices. Besides that walking excuse never works out for me, my body is already used to being that active.

 

[Texa]

Hi Everyone!

My eating today has been;

1. 2 eggs whites with LC tortilla and salsa
2. Protein Bar (I usually save that one for meal #6 but I need something to eat on the run and it was the most convenient!)

next "will be":
3. South Beach pizza
4.apple and LF string cheese
5. meatballs and spaghetti
6. maybe ricotta with splenda or a popsicle (not sure yet)

Today is a running day!
On Monday we did about 2 miles in 25 minutes. I've been reading the marathon/running threads like crazy these last couple of days and it looks like run/walk is acceptable as well as just running in the marathons. That's encouraging. Although, I would like to be able to run the whole thing but if I end up doing a run/walk at least I can still participate.

Thanks everyone.