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

[RedDragon]

Cam: that is great news!! Doesn't it feel so wonderful when you see that? Congratulations!!

Minnie: feel better soon! I had it earlier this week and lost a couple training days.

A co-worker and I walk a couple times a week and once a week hit the weights. I'm going to add more cardio on the other day we walk just to get more in. My hip is doing well but I'm still a bit nervous about pushing it. My morning workout today went quite well.

 

[keenercam]

Jenn -- Congratulations for seeing your goal so clearly in sight! It is awesome that you have lost so much and you are such an inspiration to me!

Martha -- I'm glad your hip is doing so well. It is great to see you strengthening it gradually.

I just had a really delicious lunch. I had bought a 2 lb bag of frozen, whole, tail-on cooked shrimp last week and took 6 oz out of the freezer last night. I had a green salad with fat free flavored feta and my required olive oil and I ended up putting the shrimp on top of that and then putting the cocktail sauce on top of the shrimp. It was really good and seems to have been really filling. I didn't have time to eat my apple this morning, so I still have an apple, a banana and my whole wheat pasta for before I go to the gym.

I just went back to journaling in sparkpeople and it seems like I have a tendency to not eat enough grams of fat or carbs. I am sure as I go along with the journaling there I will learn a lot about eating more balanced meals. According to that site, if I eat between 1200-1530 calories per day and burn 222 calories 5 days a week, I should be at my "dream" weight before the Minnie. I just really can't see that happening, but hey, I'm willing to follow their advice and their plan and see where it takes me. That would just be amazing, though!

 

[Jen117]

Cam - You are an inspiration to ME!!! Why do you think I hung out at MGM waiting for you to come through... I wanted to be there for you because you have come so far. And the speed you are getting with your 5K training, WOW!!!!! You are doing AWESOME!!!!

 

[keenercam]

Jen -- you are too sweet! Thank you!

 

[deekaypee]

So...even after last weekend, I lost another pound. So it looks like that might be my weight-loss pace, and one I'm happy with. I've been more focused on small changes to my eating and exercise habits, so this is good news.

Miranda: Two weeks without chocolate?? I don't think I could last. And you're really putting in the time with your workouts. Excellent.

Cam: You're doing so great. Every time I read one of your posts, I think that I need to be as conscious of my diet--and why/when I eat--as you are. And whoo-hoo with the numbers you're seeing on your scale--what motivation for the weekend!

Kristi: Good job getting back on track; I really like how you've set small, attainable goals and a deadline. Plus, what a deadline, getting to see your sweetie.

Minnie: Hope you're feeling better.

BlueRoses: Is the vitamin C working? It sounds like your trip to WDW was busy, and wonderful. I bet you missed running, though.

Susan: Your lunch choices sound balanced and yummy. I like to say there's nothing I won't put salsa on.

Jen: More great news--you've already accomplished so much, too.

Martha: It sounds like you're being careful and smart about your hip.

Today's menu, boring though it is...
B: Oatmeal, banana, juice
L: Yogurt, apple, veggie pita w/ feta cheese
S: Celery w/ peanut butter, diet soda
D: Veggie tacos, refried beans, and a salad
S: Planning on some chocolate milk!

 

[Kristi1357]

Cam - You are an inspiration to ME!!! Why do you think I hung out at MGM waiting for you to come through... I wanted to be there for you because you have come so far. And the speed you are getting with your 5K training, WOW!!!!! You are doing AWESOME!!!!

Yeah - what Jen said!
Except I waited for you to come through World Showcase!

Quickie post from me today. The internet is sucking the life out of me lately. So, I am going to try to spend less time on here. And alot more time sleeping & getting things done, instead of procrastinating. I was so beyond exhausted yesterday when I got home from work, that I went to bed at 4pm and got up at 3am for work! Studies have shown that sleep deprivation affects metabolism. Also, when you are dead tired, you eat more simply to stay awake. So, I *need* to get more sleep!

I have my same work food today - all WW friendly. Chad & I are going out to the movies tonight. I plan to smuggle in my 94% f.f. popcorn and a couple diet cokes!

 

[Minnie]

Thanks everyone for the well wishes. I'm feeling a bit better today I think nerves are really getting the best of me with the new job situation. I have to go through a ton of stuff to be qualified for the position that I wasn't aware of in the beginning. It'll probably be another week before I know for certain one way or the other. They didn't tell me any of this before I accepted and gave my notice so it's very nerve racking All this in the middle of a major stressful time at my current job is really upsetting the system

The upswing of this is that I lost another 2 lbs

Krisit - Enjoy your movie!

dkp - Congrats on the pound

Cam - I have come to really like the taste of ww pasta. My DF isn't as thrilled about it but he eats it. I found some spinich pasta in the organic section and I want to come up with an idea to use it soon.

Martha - Good luck on that hip! I've been battling what they thought was a hip injury and ended up being a bluging disk for 2 yrs now. It can be difficult to work through so be careful!

I know I haven't gotten to everyone yet but my time is up. I'll try to post more later!

 

[keenercam]

Hi, everyone! Sorry this is a total drive-by post. I just wanted you all to know how much I enjoy reading everyone's posts. You really inspire me to stay on track!
I started journaling very precisely on sparkpeople 2 days ago and mapped out a plan to lose 16 pounds by May 1 (my last WW weigh in before I fly to Orlando for the Minnie). They tell me that by staying within 1200-1550 calories a day and burning 222 calories 5x/week, I should get to that weight goal. SO, I have been tracking nutrition and exercise for 2.5 days and here is where I am so far:

Wednesday -- calories consumed 958 (too few calories; too high on protein and too low on fats); calories burned --456/222

Thursday -- calories consumed 1235 (I tried not to be under the recommended calories and ate more toward the percentages I should have of protein/fat/carb breakdowns but still too high in protein and too low in carbs); calories burned -- 552/222

For the week, I've done 138/150 cardio minutes and burned 1290/1110 calories required toward fitness plan.

Not sure where that leaves me for tomorrow morning's LR, but I'd rather be overdoing the calories and underdoing the minutes, rather than the other way around.

I am unsure whether the low calories taken in/high calories burned will result in a huge weight loss this week, but I will try to get a bit higher on the calorie intake so that my body is properly fueled. I may even treat myself to a lean cuisine pizza tonight! It is so weird, though-- I am tracking 1/4 cup of cucumbers, when I eat them! I don't want to be food obsessed, but I am really determined to do whatever it takes to get the 16 pounds off before 5/1.

WISHing everyone a really wonderful weekend!

 

[andromedaslove]

dkp - Congrats on the pound a week.

Cam - 1st congrats on that MILE!!! Secondly, I feel like I have become food obsessed too. Counting EVERY single calorie I take in. However, I think it is much better than NOT thinking about it, which leads to eating everything in sight. At least now that I count my mine literally thinks about those calories before I stuff my face with cookies!!

Mel - That whole excersize a ton and eat anything you want is what booted my behind to 161!! It just doesn't seem fair does it!! Congrats on the 10's!!

Susan - Thank you for the encouragement to get down below 150. As far as fast food.... have you tried the McDonald's salads? Their bacon ranch salad with the grilled chicken and the Low Fat Balsamic Vinagrette is absolutely amazing!!



Well, so far so good. I still haven't seen the scale drop, but at least I haven't been pigging out on the snickers either!! Here are todays stats.

Breakfast:
NutriSystem Blueberry Bran Muffins
8 oz Fat Free Skim Milk
4 oz Grape Juice

Calories: 307

Lunch:
Tuna Salad Sandwhich on wheat

Calories: 280

Dinner:
Veal Parmigan
Spaghetti

Calories: 587

Snack:
animal crackers

calories: 75

Beverages:
Vitamin Water

calories: 125

Total Calories for the Day: 1374

The only down side is that I haven't excersized since Wednesday. I have been having some on again off again pain in my knee since about a month before the full this year. Right now it is on which I believe is in part due to the amount of squats and lunges I have been doing with these "Shape" DVD's. So, I am getting ready to start taking some Glucosomine/Condroitin. There were just two articles (One in Runners World and one in Running Times) that were praising the effects that this has on moderate pain due to runner's knee, which is basically what I have been dealing with. So hopefully this will help along with some rest, ice, and ibuprofin!!

Dana

 

[deekaypee]

Kristi: Good for knowing what you need to do to stay healthy and sane. I'm going through bouts of insomnia these days--work stress--and it definitely affects my work habits. I hope you enjoy your movie night!

Minnie: Wow, you'd think that your new employer would have mentioned that little bit of information. That sucks, to put it mildly. But the 2lbs is great news!

Cam: As usual, you've got a solid plan and, I'm sure, the determination to pull it off. I can't wait to hear how you'll do on the Minnie--and I'm jealous of all of you who will be there!

Dana: Isn't joint pain the worst? Both DH and I sing the praises of Glucosomine/Condroitin, especially after his orthroscopick knee surgery. And congrats on your diet--it looks delish (and this coming from a vegetarian)!

As for me:

B: PB and Wheat Toast, Banana, Juice
S: Yogurt w/ granola
L: Lentil soup, Apple, Salad,
D: Orange, and Pistachio and Tofu Wild-Rice Salad, Pineapple
D: Red Velvet Cake with Buttercream Frosting (pending)

Yes, you read that right--red velvet cake! I made one tonight for DH, who is working late. I've never had one, my future DSIL is having one at her wedding (this June) and I was curious. My curiousity about its taste, combined with a Valentine's Day that we have to celebrate the weekend before, inspired me to bake one. Actually, I love to bake almost as much as I love to eat sweets, so it wasn't a big deal. I just try to avoid doing so these days unless I can give most of it away.

Anyway, I'm planning on having my teeny slice tonight or maybe tomorrow--we'll see if I'm hungry--and then letting my DH decide what he wants to do with most of the cake. He's been complaining about how tight his pants are, but I'm unable to read what that means. Does he want to diet or change his eating habits? He's still putting Ben and Jerry's in the weekly shopping cart and ordering dessert when we eat out. But he's also increased his running. Of course, he's also training for the Fargo Marathon. I just don't know! I want to be supportive about his decisions without pressuring him. (Geez, this must be how he's felt about me all those years. ) So I made the cake and will let him decide what to do with the rest.

And then I'll have extra-long workouts this weekend, so I don't obsess over having licked the bowls. (Btw, if you haven't had red velvet cake, it's good but perhaps prettier than it is tasty. My cheesecake or chocolate polenta cake--lo-cal--is better.)

 

[Kristi1357]

Dana & dkp - you guys are both doing so great!

I am doing much better, but still not 100% on Core. I have been journaling everything though. For anyone else doing Core - I have noticed that when you cheat a little bit on Core, you tend to get away with it. When I was doing Flex, I never got away with it!

We ended up at Outback for dinner Friday night. I haven't been there in ages. And what does Chad want? Yes, a bloomin' onion. And who ate half of the darn thing with him? But I did not order a margarita (which I really wanted but knew those cost about 10 pts.) and I ordered my stand-by grilled chicken with veggies & rice. I ate half of it.

We were so full, I left the popcorn in the car for the movie. And, this theater (that I always brought food into) now has giant signs up everywhere about not bringing outside food in. That would be fine if they would offer low fat popcorn, darn it! I guess it was for the best - who can eat while watching Hannibal Lecter anyway?

 

[keenercam]

Hi, everyone! Just checking in to say that I am really liking sparkpeople.com for tracking my calorie intake and calorie burn. I have been within the nutrition guidelines every day for 4.5 days and burned over 1900 calories last week compared to their recommended 1100 calories to meet my weight goal by the Minnie.
Kristi -- I went back to flex because I found my portions were getting bigger and bigger, but now find that my carb addiction is rearing its ugly head. The funny thing is that sparkpeople says I am seriously under on my carbs and fats and over on protein. So, I am re-evaluating that and allowing myself some whole wheat bread and thomas' whole wheat mini-bagels. I haven't resorted to pretzels or chips yet, though, so that is good.

I made lasagna yesterday with whole wheat noodles, fat free mozzarella and ricotta and diced tomatoes rather than spaghetti sauce. It just did not taste the same, though I still enjoyed it.

Food today:
B: egg beaters w/fat free cheese; thomas' mini bagel (ww)
L: wawa turkey sausage & egg white & cheese on bagel
D(will be) -- chicken breast, kidney beans, corn & salsa mix

The scale is down about 2.5 from last Tuesday morning and I am hoping to be really good the rest of today, tomorrow and Tuesday to have a significant loss at WW WI. Knowing you guys are all here fighting the same battles really helps!

 

[Minnie]

Cam - There is a low sugar spaghetti sauce made by Ragu that's not bad. I've been using it as a replacement and DF hasn't said a word.

Kristi - Uh what a movie

dkp - Cake is a major weakness no way I'd be able to have that in my house. Hope you convinced DH to take it somewhere

Dana - Your menu looked great I am sure you will see a drop soon. that your knee feels better soon!

I've had another go round with the new employer. It really seems as though the right hand hasn't a clue what the left hand is doing. I'm sure it will be okay in the end but right now it is very very stressful

I did okay over the weekend considering the stress I'm under right now. I snacked on way too many nuts but other than that I did okay. How about you all???????????

 

[deekaypee]

Hi, all!

As for the red-velvet cake, DH loves it and isn't giving any of it away! This is flattering to my inner baker but makes it hard to resist. I've had two slices, which is one more than I wanted to eat, and each slice is 550 calories! The good news is that I've managed to restrict myself to the serving size--which is 1/16 of a cake. Do you all realize how small that is? Oh, and I'm impressed with my DH's ability to say "no," as well--he doesn't concern himself with serving sizes but there's over 1/2 the cake left.

Luckily, I also had a very good workout weekend, with long workouts to offset the extra calories. This means I didn't accomplish nearly as much work as I needed to (I bring work home every weekend, nature of the job), but I looked at it as 48 hours of badly-needed health & stress management.

Kristi: OMG! I love bloomin' onions. They're an appetizer I've somehow convinced myself that since they're meant to be shared I'm not eating as much as I really am. DH and I went to the movies [Pan's Labyrinth] this weekend, too, but ate at home (with that dratted velvet cake); I had a small soda, but didn't finish it all.

Cam: Way to go with the additional weight loss! I don't do WW, but I was grocery shopping this weekend and noticed WW yogurt for the first time. Of course, I picked up the label and thought of my WW DISers! And sparkpeople sounds interesing--do you happen to know how it compares to fitday?

Minnie: on the job situation. That's so frustrating. I hope you take some comfort in the fact that the new employers want you and, I presume, it'll be a good move for you in the long run.

And for all the rest of us out there, I hope your weekend has gone well and that you're feeling fit and healthy!

My day:

B: Oatmeal with cinnamon and apples, milk
L: Hummus/veggie pita, string cheese, banana, soda (smaller quantity than 2 weeks ago, though!)
S: Yogurt
D: Side salad, Tofu/veggie stir fry, brown rice
D: Orange (and no red velvet cake...really!)

 

[keenercam]

Hi, dkp! Congrats on burning off the calories to "afford" the cake! I think sparkpeople is probably the same as fitday. I actually tried to log on to fitday last week and it said i didn't have an account, so I went to sparkpeople instead. I have used both and am finding sparkpeople very useful. There were some good articles today on muscle cramps and on how to jump-start your day for energy. I am sure fitday has articles too, but I haven't looked for them.

My next big leap is to buy a balance ball tonight. I plan to sit on it while I watch tv tonight -- it is the only time in any given week that I actually watch tv. And it just figures that on the night of my 2 shows (the Class and Heroes) they are showing Nora Roberts movies on Lifetime. That is just so ironic! So, do you think 90 minutes on the balance ball will help with core strengthening? Do I get activity points for that if I am just "sitting" and trying to keep myself from falling off?

 

[Kristi1357]

Cam - let me know if sitting on the balance ball really works. I bought one years ago. Then when I first got pregnant with Zack, I sat on that thing whenever I watched tv. I never noticed anything changing, or feeling stronger. So I haven't touched the thing since!

Minnie - for your new job issues to get resolved asap!

dkp - you still are doing do great!

 

[Abra Cat]

Okay, Kristi1357 suggested I join up on this thread, since I am training for my first marathon and also trying to lose weight (I'm a Kristi too, by the way, but I'll answer to Abra Cat to avoid confusion), so here goes:

Height: 5'4"
Jeans size: 12
Short-term goal: To run my first 5k with my daughter on Mother's Day!
Long-term goal: To lose my final 30-40 pounds and improve my overall fitness; to be a hot mom.
Training for: The WDW 2008 marathon!
Plan: Eating well-- low-fat protein, whole grains, less sugar. Over the past year I've lost about 23 pounds by eating well, and I lost about 20 pounds before that by walking.
Struggles: Depression, eating while depressed, eating while bored.

 

[Jen117]

Hey all... just wanted to let you know that I went to the gym today and ran on the TM. Yah me. I also weighed and I am only up 1/2 pound since last week. I am happy about that and can easily reverse that little bit. I am also watching what I eat and starting to see a light at the end of the stressful tunnel. Once my audit at work is done tomorrow, I think I can really get back into the groove.

One bad thing... I am making cut out cookies for valentines day. Good thing... DD6 is taking a bunch to school with her and a pile will go to work with me. I love sugar cookies with buttercream frosting!

Welcome Abra Cat!

Cam - let us know about the ball. I have one, but I have never used it just to sit on. When I do use it, wow I feel it in my abs. I need to use it more often!

dkp - Maybe freeze some of the cake. I did that with DD b-day cake. We just pulled some out of the freezer and it didn't taste too bad. It's kind of nice to get a cake treat for no reason... and not have to bake it!

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Hi!

I need to go back and actually read this entire thread, but I wanted to get subscribed before I put it off again...I am training for the Donald Half in January. I'm pretty sure I'm closer to 200 than 190, and I'm 5'4".

I'm following Marathoning for Mortals, so I'm training to train. This is my 4th week, so exercise is becoming a habit. Right now I am running half an hour 2x/week, and doing a long run of 2.5 mi once. I just got up to 2.5 miles in the half hours, so I'm going to extend the long run to 2.75 this weekend. I'm also on the exercise bike for half an hour 2x a week. I just started adding in walking, I'm going to try to do an hour at a slow pace most days. I am almost completely stationary in front of a computer during the day, so I have to find ways to exercise. I am lucky that I have a TM and exercise bike in our basement. I haven't made it outside yet because I'm a total wimp, and I know how awful I'll look. I'm waiting for it to warm up to the 40s or 50s, I think.

I am roughly following WW, but I have yet to make my point count for a single day. I just seem to get too hungry. I have a very supportive dh who runs 5Ks, and a ds9. I work full-time, but I can carve out times to exercise virtually every day.

I am afraid of the scale, because I know if I get on now I will probably cry. Anyway, I did measure myself, and I've lost an inch in my hips. I do find myself wanting better food, so I'm eating more salad, fruits and other raw veggies. I'm just having trouble putting all the pieces together, but I am committed to the training, and that seems to be helping all around.

I can't wait to go back and read this entire thread for fantastic tips! Thanks to everyone who is sharing the benefit of their experiences, and the wisdom you have gained about training and losing!

Maria

 

[ggeorgiagirl]

Welcome Maria! Are you new at running? I am soooooo impressed that you do 2.5 miles! I do about .4 miles then have to catch my breath! WOW!


I go to my first WW Weigh In tonight! Wish me luck!

Love,
Beth