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

[nepatsfan73]

Hello everyone. Just wanted to update and let you know that I have mailed in my registration for the 2008 Half Marathon and made my hotel reservations. (Being an Aquirius (thats my excuse), I felt if there was a finacial investment I would have even more incentive.) I have started my "training" this week with morning treadmill walks of 15 minutes on Monday and Wednesday and evening treadmill walks of 20 minutes Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. I figure that I'll take it slow for a week or two just to get the lower body used to moving/working again on a regular basis without the help of a cane or crutches. I had started eating differently a couple of weeks ago and while I am not yet totally committed (I'm getting there), I have dropped a few pounds. I will post my first weight benchmark when I reach it and hopefully not shock too many of you when you see it.

Congrats to everyone else on your progress and great work.

 

[ggeorgiagirl]

Hi Y'ALL!

Why can I not get out and make myself exercise? I am in such a slump! Weight Watchers is working (2 weeks= 5.6 pounds) but now that I am on week 3...I am beginning to burn out!

Do you all do that to yourselves, too?

LOVE

Beth

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Hi!

I'm so sorry I have to drive by again. No computer at home is seriously crimping my style. This is my last post until Monday, so I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.

I'm doing great with the training, the food is still coming along. I am getting better. No chips or cookies since Tuesday is helping. I still need to eat less, but I'm sure that will come.

Everyone hang in there, and remember that we all have highs and lows. Sometimes we may be on the road less taken, but eventually we will get to our destination!

Maria

 

[Jen117]

Hey all... I had pizza last night and enjoyed every bite of it. My family and a friend of mine who is a single mom with 2 boys met for chit chat and play time. I haven't been out with her since before the marathon, so I brought pics. We have talked, just haven't been in person. We are always both so busy. She is a social worker for Social Services and is so overbooked with cases. I really feel bad for her.... and here I am complaining about my job!

So anywhooo... I ate pizza and am not regretting it. I was pretty good all week, so it was a nice treat!

Kristi - HOW ARE YOU DOING?? Hope you are getting back on track.

Beth - I get into slumps once in awhile also. It happens. You just need to remind yourself why you are doing this and it will be so worth it in the end.

Maria - I hope that computer gets there soon. We were internet-less for a month last fall. Verizon had our connection all messed up. I felt so helpless with out it!!

 

[Kristi1357]

Beth - I don't have any real advice. Just hang in there! What about coming up with a mini-reward for yourself? Maybe when you hit a certain weight loss, you do somehting nice for yourself. I gave myself a facial when I hit 10% at Weight Watchers. And for 25 lbs., I had a mini Victoria's Secret shopping spree. If you do this - make sure it's not food related! I had a very hard time coming up with rewards for myself - they all involved doing something that involved eating!

I am doing much better. I was very good yesterday & today. I am really liking that expensive oatmeal though! I may have to break down & buy more next week.

Friday used to be our going out to lunch day - when I got home & before chad would leave for work. Chad mentioned he missed that, so I think we are going out for lunch. It's probably going to be chinese too. I am not going to beat myself up about it. I am going to go, enjoy it (like Jen enjoyed her pizza) and move on. I also won't go hog wild either.

I've also been MUCH better with my water. Shoot, I may even weigh in next week! Last week, I snuck in and just sat down without weighing in.

 

[deekaypee]

First, I'm sorry I was such a whiner in my last post. That's not me. A complainer, yes. Snarky, yes. Downright witchy at times, yes. Not a whiner, complete with the nasally voice.

Cam: Yeah, I'm a public pig-outer, even if that's not a word. Part of it has to do with my desire to eat to avoid conflict--I really don't eat that much when I'm with friends (vs. colleagues)--and part of it has to do with the culture here. Social events always involve lots of comfort food, very little alcohol, and a lot of mommy-daddy figures encouraging you to clean your plate. It's just easier to say yes.

As for your progress... I think your itsy-bitsy weight gain is of small consequence in the overall scheme. As you said, you learned about how you react to flex--and that's valuable information.

Jen: DH is gone this weekend, so I'm working on clearing the junk out of the house (without eating it). And then I just need to say "no" at home, whether or not DH brings any "treats" home. It's my challenge not his! But I love hearing your stories about the race-training/eating mindset, and the 5 lbs. gain-and-loss sounds familiar to me. What's better, though, is your 10 lbs. weight loss. Good for you and motivating for me, too! And I love your healthy attitude toward the pizza. Enjoy it and keep moving on (and moving in general)!

Kristi: It's good to hear you're enjoying the tastes of WW food, even if the cost is making my eyes cross! Still, if you like it and it works for you, eat it. You're worth it, you know. And I like the idea of the mini-reward. Now all I have to do is think what motivates me beyond food. (*silence* *a bird chirps* ) And I'll be keeping my eye on you with the water intake--eventually I'll be able to focus on that more than on cutting down my soda intake.

Maria: Having no home computer would drive me bonkers! Being overworked just makes everything in the rest of your life harder, doesn't it? But you're managing to get your runs in--I'm duly impressed. And I hope your weekend eating goes well. I look forward to hearing the results.

nepatsfan73: Good to hear from you, and I love the details of your workout plan. I, too, signed up for the 2008 marathon because I needed the financial incentive! Kindred spirits?

Beth: You can get over this hump!!!!! Think about how good you've been. I say this as encouragement, and I mean it, but I tend to burn out of things--eating habits, exercise routines, etc.--as soon as I find them familiar, even if I know they're good for me and effective. So I can empathize. That's why I signed up for the Goofy. As I said to nepatsfan73, above, the financial investment motivates me. Fear does, too, and after I sent in my registration I got a little hyperventilate-y, a little queasy. And that's kept my exercising in line, if not my eating habits. Anyway, I know you'll find a way to get over this mini-burn out.

So...the end of this week/weekend has been packed with a local conference; you'd think if it were local I'd have fewer scheduling & eating problems, but nooooo. I worked out today, but it was the first time since Wednesday. And I've had the social events last night and tonight, which means more food. I'm home right now, though, eating a healthy meal before going to the wine/cheese/chocolate social tonight, and intend to avoid overindulging. I'm also planning on making a short, pop-in, pop-out appearance and an extra long workout tomorrow (the last day of the conference).

As I said, DH is out of town for a work conference, so I've enjoyed a couple of days without negotiating our different eating needs. In some ways, it's so much easier when he's not around. Except for that Oscar party tomorrow. That shouldn't be too bad, though, because I'll hang out with friends & won't need to watch what I say.

Today: Cereal, grapefruit
Lunch (at conference): Veggie sandwich, carrots, apple
Dinner: Veggie chili, rice cake, orange
D: Wine, cheese, chocolate social--am hoping for one glass of wine, no more than a couple of ounces of cheese, and no

 

[Jen117]

Hey all... Well DH is gone tonight to a dinner, so the girls and I are having fun time. We just finished eating pizza (AGAIN!), but I have this recipe for WW 8 Point pizza crust. It makes 2 8 point thin crusts. If anyone wants me to share the recipe, I can. Now DD's want to watch an episode of That's So Raven. Then we will play Disney DVD Bingo. It is so much fun because my kids are young enough.

DKP - I am glad you enjoy my stories. I had these grand illusions that if I trained for a 1/2 marathon, the weight would just melt off. Nope, it didn't. I did lose 20 pounds pretty easily, but once the real training started last fall, I was up and down 5 pounds for 4 months. It was beyond frustrating, but I know exactly why it happened. Once the training was done and the marathon ran, I started watching my snacking again and these 10 pounds came off.

NOW here is the thing... I am in week 2 of Marathoning for Mortals for the 1/2 marathon I want to do it May. I noticed this weekend the snacking has started again. I am back to 4-5 workout days a week and am so hungry. I just don't know what to do. This afternoon I ate Cam's bean/corn/salsa mixture, but still needed more so I had to grab 2 fig newtons. I am trying so hard to find things that are not too bad for me.

Speaking of Cam's mixture... for lunch I heated up a pile of it in a tortilla, put a dollop of sour cream on it and it was delish.

Maria - I hope you get your computer problems fixed soon. When I am shorthanded at work, I always get piled on. The great thing is that it makes the day go by faster and I am less tempted to snack.

Kristi - What makes the WW oatmeal so much more satisfying? When I eat oatmeal I am hungry 2 hours later, even when I make it from quickoats and not the packets. Does it have extra fiber in it?

OK, almost time for Bingo...

 

[Kristi1357]

DKP - I am glad you enjoy my stories. I had these grand illusions that if I trained for a 1/2 marathon, the weight would just melt off. Nope, it didn't. I did lose 20 pounds pretty easily, but once the real training started last fall, I was up and down 5 pounds for 4 months. It was beyond frustrating, but I know exactly why it happened. Once the training was done and the marathon ran, I started watching my snacking again and these 10 pounds came off.

Kristi - What makes the WW oatmeal so much more satisfying? When I eat oatmeal I am hungry 2 hours later, even when I make it from quickoats and not the packets. Does it have extra fiber in it?

First off - I could have written what you said about not losing weight while training for a race! I have essentially not lost anything since I started exercising (& training for races) last January. It is beyond frustrating. I am even toying with the idea of no races after the Minnie, for a little while anyway. I am very curious to see if I could lose 10 more lbs. if I didn't train for anything until the summer was over. I don't mean stop exercising. Maybe just shoot for 4-5 days a week of 30 mins. or more of exercising.

Oatmeal for me is filling. I have been eating it for breakfast at work since I started WW in '04. (never, ever thought I would eat oatmeal, and like it!) When I switched to Core, only plain oatmeal was 'ok.' That's when I swtiched to WW puffed wheat cereal - which I also like. Who knows why their flavored oatmeal is Core - but none of the other brands in the grocery stores are Core. I think they just want you to spend more $$$ there! I'll have to check the label & see what the fiber content is...

I am now going to leave this thread since I was a bad girl at my all day crop today.

 

[Minnie]

Kristi - What makes the WW oatmeal so much more satisfying? When I eat oatmeal I am hungry 2 hours later, even when I make it from quickoats and not the packets. Does it have extra fiber in it?

I don't know about the WW oatmeal but on SBD they don't allow any of the packets or the quickoats. It is considered "processed" which does not contain the large amount of fiber that nonprocessed oatmeal has. I now buy the Quaker oats (nonquick) and it is very satisfying. I really like the oatmeal muffins that I make using this too. Very filling.

As for me well let's just say it hasn't been pretty

 

[Kristi1357]

Kristi - What makes the WW oatmeal so much more satisfying? When I eat oatmeal I am hungry 2 hours later, even when I make it from quickoats and not the packets. Does it have extra fiber in it?

The oatmeal they sell at WW has 8 grams of fiber.

But I used to eat the packets all the time, and I found them pretty satisfying. Weird.

 

[Kristi1357]

As for me well let's just say it hasn't been pretty

Me too.

 

[Jen117]

OK, the weekend wasn't so great for me. I didn't even journal, so I can't see where I went wrong. I did snack a lot, which is bad bad bad!

Today I am back on track. I am on anitbiotics for an ear infection and they make my appetite weird. Sometimes I am super hungry and then other times I am not.

As for training... UGHHH... I just started back in. I am in week three for my 1/2 marathon training. I really wasn't training at all after the WDW 1/2 and I think that is what helped me lose those 10 pounds. I wasn't as hungry because I was only running 1-2 times a week. Now I am hungry all the time again, and I am not even putting in that much mileage.

I need to come up with snacks that are satisfying, yet don't do damage to my weight loss. Other than fruit, anyone have any ideas?

Kristi - 8 grams?? Wow, that would explain it.

Minnie - How long do the Quaker Oats take to cook in the morning?

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Good Afternoon!

It's so good to be back! I'm still waiting for dh to order that computer...I really don't like going a whole weekend w/out any DIS! Anyway, I did my workouts, and I ate o.k. It wasn't great, but I seem to do a little better each day. This week we have WW recipes planned for dinner, so I should not have any excuses. Of course, it would be easy to skip that run tonight, but I don't think I can bring myself to do it. This is the start of six weeks for me, and I really want to keep going.

Today I had cream of wheat and blueberries for breakfast, LC lemon chicken and Jello pudding for lunch (have you tried the dulce de leche? Yum!), and I have carrots, celery, kiwi and clementines for snacks. Tonight's dinner is cheese tortellini w/chicken in a red sauce. I'll follow that up w/a WW dessert.

My father and his wife (my mom passed in 2002 after 46 years of marriage, and I'm still in denial), are coming in Wednesday from Missouri for a week. She has lost 15 lbs. on WW recently, so we will be making WW recipes for meals. This should definitely help me stay on track.

Jen -- antibiotics make my appetite crazy. Just worry more about healing yourself right now. It will all come together when you feel better.

Kristi-- I hope you are feeling better this week. You have alot of challenges going on, and trying to lose weight on top of that is pretty amazing. I hope you are able to enjoy some time and reconnect with your husband. It sounds like you both really enjoy those special lunches.

Minnie-- Are things looking up? Tell me more about those oatmeal muffins. I would love to eat muffins, I just haven't found any that aren't full of fat!

dkp-- I was proud of myself over the weekend with my eating. I didn't have a single 100 cal pack of anything. I also snacked on fruit and vegetables, and when we ate out I had baked haddock. I'm looking forward to not craving cookies and crackers. I'm not craving them, but I still want them! Sometimes it's great to have a little time on your own, when you only have to worry about yourself for eating. I bet you enjoyed your break!

Beth -- We all go through those times when we just can't exercise or eat right. Unfortunately, you can't go over or under it, you just have to go through it. I like to trick myself by saying I only have to do a few minutes and see how I feel. Once I'm in the clothes, it seems silly not to just do the workout. The trick is, you have to get dressed for your workout. If I don't change, it doesn't happen!

nepatsfan-- Are you excited about your reservations? That makes it real for me! It sounds like you are off to a great start. The reason I went ahead and paid our registrations is I knew that was the only way I would actually train and do the Half!

Cam -- I also eat very little in public, and then relax with relief when I get home -- and reward myself with naughty food, I'm sorry to say. I think that's pretty common. I'm pretty uncomfortable in social situations, so I deserve a reward for getting through it, right? I know this is just sabotaging myself, and I'm trying to break the pattern. Someday I will get it right!

I hope everyone is having a great start to the week! Ready for March to come in like a lion?!

Maria

 

[escape]

Hi everyone!

Ohhhhh, it's been way too long since I've posted on this thread. And - a lot of newbies here since I've posted. I need to catch up on everyone - sometime when I have a few hours/days. Lots of posts to read.

I've been really bad since I participated in the half in January. I don't know why but I just haven't been able to get my eating under control. I also haven't been exercising as much. Why is it that I'm hungrier when I don't exercise than when I do? It seems it should be the other way around. Also, whenever I posted here, I did "OK" but when I got a way from here....no good. I guess the point of this story is that I just need to come here, be accountable and not stay away for so long.

Take care, everyone! I'll try to get caught up with the posts this week and see what's happening.

Good luck with trying to eat healthier. I sure seem to struggle with it.

 

[deekaypee]

Hi, all! Glad to hear that, overall, your weekends were fun even if they weren't pretty!

Jen: Your weekend sounds like so much fun--I don't have kids, but do have a fondness for That's So Raven! Thanks for reminding me of Cam's recipe; I need to try it. I'm with Kristi on the oatmeal. I find it filling and satisfying, although I have to make mine with milk. Still, I find it so satisfying that I eat a much smaller amoung. I'll also eat rice cakes, although I find them filling and NOT satisfying.

Kristi: I'm so glad to hear you're taking care of your home life and relationships as well as your health. That's so important.

Minnie: Thanks for the info on the oatmeal. I think I'll need to shift over to non-processed oatmeal. I second the call for the muffin recipe.

Maria: It's great that you'll have the support of your mother and you two can keep each other on track, a mini-WW support system! I can't talk with my mom about weight loss because she immediately moves into her own cycle of guilt and shame.

Susie: Welcome back! Yes, this place is great. It keeps me much more accountable than anything else, even though I don't come here every day. I look forward to hearing about your progress.

I ended up feeling a bit under the weather on Sunday, so didn't go to my Oscar party. And today was the first day I wasn't able to complete my planned schedule for C25K. I was supposed to run 25 minutes, but could only do 20 before I was spent! I switched to walking and then to my elliptical to finish the workout, but I was exhausted. I think I've got the beginnings of a bug, as I'm also not hungry.

But the good news is, I didn't overeat at my work social and didn't have party food for the Oscars. Small moments of grace, huh? But I haven't done this week's grocery shopping, so that's my plan for tonight, as things are looking a little skimpy.

B: Cereal, Apple
L: Peanut Butter Sandiwch
D: Black Bean Soup, Salad

I don't know what else, if anything. Like I said, I'm just not hungry.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Maria: It's great that you'll have the support of your mother and you two can keep each other on track, a mini-WW support system! I can't talk with my mom about weight loss because she immediately moves into her own cycle of guilt and shame.

Actually, this woman is my father's wife. My mother died in 2002. We have absolutely nothing in common, other than we both need WW. I find visits with her very stressful. But since I know she's doing WW, that will bring out my competitive side and I'm bound to eat better. See, a silver lining!

This is another drive by. I'm in an all-day training, and this is our lunch break. I just had baked haddock and rice. I had green beans for my morning snack. I also have a Kashi bar and cheese to eat later this afternoon. I now know more about non-violent crisis intervention than I will ever need. I was required to take this class. Believe me, I would not go near it otherwise.

I did my run last night, and I'm going to get on the exercise bike later. I would love to get a walk in, too, but I think I'll run out of time. I plan to do weights to American Idol later.

I'm still eating too much at night, but getting better. Last night I added in popcorn to my plan. I'm hoping I'll be so busy tonight, I won't have time to eat extras.

dkp -- I hope your shopping trip went well!

Susie -- Welcome back! I'm one of those newbies you spoke of. I'm starting on week 6 of training to train, so I'm still in the honeymoon phase, I'm doing all my workouts and enjoying them. This is the longest I've ever lasted with exercise!

Everyone have a great night, I'll chat more tomorrow!
Maria

 

[Minnie]

Jen – The Quaker Oats take 2.5-3 minutes in the microwave. After cooking I normally add a sprinkle of brown sugar Splenda and skim milk.

Maria – Nope I’m still doing awful eating wise. But that is a choice that I’ve made, I won’t be feel ready to really get at it again until the stress of starting my new job is over. I am looking at Monday as a restart date.

CAM - How have you been????????

For Maria & DKP – Here is the muffin recipe. Though I’ll admit I gave this to my mother and she didn’t care for it. It was too dry – I only like them topped with yogurt.

Oatmeal Apple Muffins
1 egg
3/4 c. skim milk
1 T. canola oil
1 c. no sugar applesauce
1/3 c. Splenda
1/2 c. walnut pieces
1/2 c. whole-wheat flour
2 c. rolled oatmeal
1 T. baking powder
1/2 t. nutmeg
2 T. cinnamon
You could add either a chopped apple or dried fruits (a lot of added sugar though)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a bowl, beat together egg, milk, applesauce, oil and Splenda. In a large bowl, combine remaining ingredients. Fold egg mixture into dry mixture, just to moisten. Fill non-stick muffin tins 3/4 full (I used cupcake paper liners and sprayed lightly with canola spray). Bake 15 minutes covered with Reynolds release foil. Then bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes.

Another good breakfast recipe:

Waffle recipe
2 large eggs
1/4 C Lowfat Ricotta Cheese
1 T Splenda
1/2 t. Baking Powder
1 T. Cinnamon, more or less to taste
Dash Nutmeg, more or less to taste (optional)

Preheat waffle iron.
Beat eggs with electric mixer on high for 1 minute to make them light and fluffy.
Add all other ingredients. Beat until smooth.Spray waffle maker with PAM or other cooking spray. Pour all batter, should fill bottom tray. Close and cook until brown, as usual for waffles.

Top with Smart Spread or other butter substitute and some sf syrup.

 

[deekaypee]

Actually, this woman is my father's wife. My mother died in 2002. We have absolutely nothing in common, other than we both need WW. I find visits with her very stressful. But since I know she's doing WW, that will bring out my competitive side and I'm bound to eat better. See, a silver lining!

Maria: Just read your post and reread the previous one. I'm SO sorry I got the details wrong--you clearly state your mother died and then referred to your visitor as your father's wife. I don't know why I didn't get the details right--too quick a read/post, I guess. Or we can blame it on my age.

And I'm sorry about the stress; I know that visits with my visits, or with my ILs, tend to set me right to the fridge for some comfort food. Here's hoping your competitive edge kicks in!

Minnie: Thanks so much for the recipe!

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Maria: Just read your post and reread the previous one. I'm SO sorry I got the details wrong--you clearly state your mother died and then referred to your visitor as your father's wife. I don't know why I didn't get the details right--too quick a read/post, I guess. Or we can blame it on my age.

And I'm sorry about the stress; I know that visits with my visits, or with my ILs, tend to set me right to the fridge for some comfort food. Here's hoping your competitive edge kicks in!
QUOTE]

dkp -- Don't worry! I always overreact when anyone refers to this woman as my mother. It's instinctive, not necessarily rational. I won't go into the long, sad story from my perspective, let's just say in my mind they got together pretty quick, and then got married and told everyone later. I think she was afraid if I knew I'd try to stop the wedding. I wouldn't have, but I was really hurt my father got married and didn't bother to tell me until afterwards. I wonder how he would have felt if I had done that?! And I said I wouldn't go into it...Sorry!

Minnie Thanks for the recipe! I'm going to try it as soon as I get my kitchen back after my company leaves next Wednesday.

That bike ride is looking less likely by the minute. The all-day training exhausted me. But, it's only half an hour, and I do have that taped episode of Heroes to watch...so I'll probably do it, but just not kill myself with effort. That's better than laying on the couch, right?

Maria

 

[keenercam]

Hi, everyone! I am sorry I have been MIA, but even though I haven't been here I have been obsessing about what I put in my mouth!

Tonight is my first WW weigh in at the end of a week when I journaled religiously and really worked on balancing protein, carb & fat grams. More importantly, I really learned to think about the calories in food and try to pick fuel calories rather than empty calories.

Sparkpeople says I should take in between 1200 and 1550 calories each day. Here is how I did over the past week:
1,317 -1,285 -1,058 -1,652 -1,664 -1,270

I had a couple of days where I was over my limit, but not significantly.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Kristi & Jen -- How are you guys doing? Jen, how are you feeling?

Minnie -- Thank you for posting the recipes. They look great. I found one on sparkpeople for blueberry pancakes made with oats and they look delicious. Once I have made them, I will share the recipe if they are good.

Maria -- I hope the visit goes okay and doesn't make you stress-eat! That is what always happens with me.

Susie -- back! We know you can get back on track and just showing your face here will help, I am sure!

dkp -- I hope you are feeling better! Sending and :


By the way, my friend sent me an email that she got from hungry-girl.com that recommended a new product. I had DH buy it Sunday and it is literally better than any candy bar I've had and is only 2 points on WW, so it works even if you are on core and can spare 2 of your weekly points for a treat. It is Fiber One oats & chocolate bar. It has 35% Daily Fiber on the front box. They are chewy granola or cereal type bars with mini chocolate chips and drizzled with chocolate or caramel (I can't remember which) and I rewarded myself with one after 25 minutes on the balance ball Sunday night. I know we shouldn't reward ourselves with food, but it was the first time in at least 10 years that I did real ab crunches and that helped motivate me. Doing them on the ball seems to be preventing the inflamed sacroiliac joint issue that was triggered in summer 2005 when I tried to do sit ups on the floor.

Anyway, they might be a red-light food for some, but worth a try if you are looking for a low point, low cal (140 cals) sweet treat.