Working on Weight Loss During Training

[Kristi1357]

Core food ideas:

I used to eat a chicken sandwich alot. Very yummy! I would just take cooked chicken breast pieces, some ff mayo, ff cheese and roll them into a leaf of lettuce. Easy, and yummy!

I have a really good recipe for skillet lasagna that I found on dottie's weight loss zone. I'll PM it to you, Minnie. If anyone else wants it, PM me.

 

[scoolover]

Man here putting in two cents.
My story is a little different. I had gastric bypass last December and have lost 135 lbs so far. I have about 15 to 25 to go and I really don't want to run the marathon at 240. My problem is that when I started to eat carbs for training, I stopped losing. I think that I will go back to high protein and low carbs except for my long run days (and day prior). My first concern has to be losing the weight over running the marathon.
Anyway,
Me:6"1 -- 238 lbs
Weight loss goal: 25 more
Progress so far: -135 - gastric bypass in December
Plan: Stop eating crap like ice cream
Training for: Disney marathon
Thinking about: 2008 Goofey??
1-4-07 goal: 220 which is about 18 lbs more
Strggles: Two Words: Ice Cream!!!
Good luck everyone.
Scott

 

[keenercam]

Scott -- I am so glad you joined us! Congratulations on your phenomenal success! I hope you can find a way to get past your struggle with ice cream. I have really had to accept that I cannot do my trigger foods in moderation. I just have to completely eradicate them from my cabinets and my life. I know that isn't the realistic real-life approach, but I recognize my weakness and have to give my self the tools I need for success.

I'd love to hear what you are eating as you do your training, and what you think sustains you for your long runs.

I am seriously going to stock up on eggs (for hard boiling) and yogurt and grilled meats to keep in the fridge.

Is brown rice or couscous a source of good carbs? I have to do some research on what kinds of core foods are carbohydrates. I am nearly embarassed to acknowledge I don't know those things, but I know you guys won't laugh at me.

 

[chimera]

Sign me up!
Height: I am 5'5" and now weigh about 151-153, depending on what day of the week it is. .
Long-term weight loss goal? Another 15 to 20lbs.
Progress so far? I weighed 180 on Nov 1 2004
Plan? Gosh, wish I had one. My plan is to create a new lifestyle that will also help me maintain the weight loss long-term so that I can avoid the diabetes and heart disease that's rampant in my family.
Training for: WDW Half Marathon, Sarasota Half, Minnie 15K, 2008 WDW Full
Trying to Lose: 5 pounds before WDW. I'd just like to be in the 140s for the first time since my divorce.
My struggles: I have a problem with eating after dinner and losing all eating control on the weekends. I am extraordinarily disciplined at work during the week (get this...they think I'm a healthy eater 'cause I eat Lean Cuisine for lunch everyday and never eat the desserts when we have a drug lunch ) But actually, that's part of my problem...I'm really good when others are around, but when I'm alone...lock the pantry! I also feel a bit like an addict. I'm truly okay as long as I don't eat one of something (M&Ms, cookies, chocolate, whatever) but once I eat one, then I actually have to consciously stop myself or I'll just keep going.

I make a lot of dinners from Cooking Light magazine...I've been a subscriber for years (wish we all lived closer...we could start a supper club ).

I tend to have low blood sugar issues with training so I always eat before a run, usually a Snickers Marathon bar. One of the best tips I got last year was from Christa...cereal with milk right after a LR prevents the dizziness that may hit later. Still doing the Bloks during the LR, but actually thinking about trying some GU someday...bloks are a bit difficult to chew while running.

Cam...I don't know the Core program, but brown rice is considered to be a good source of complex carbs (more fiber, less refined stuff). Couscous is a carb but more of the white flour variety, depending on how it's made (it's a teeny tiny pasta). Lenna loves the colorful couscous that's spinach, tomato and plain.

Current 'plan':
1. More water, less carbonation.
2. No eating after dinner.
3. Keep it sane on the weekends.

 

[Princess Nancy]

Okay, I am in...

I am a work part time, drive kids the rest of the time Mom. I decided to run the half in 2007 in January. I have lost 10 pounds and fluctuate up to 14 lbs. lost. Anyway,
Me:5'4" 165lbs
Weight loss goal: 20 more
Progress so far: -14 lbs
Plan: Stop eating..I guess I need to eat to live but I just can't seem to get a grip on it! I am trying South BEach again, but am looking into WW.
Training for: Disney half marathon
1-4-07 goal: 150 which is about 15 lbs more
Struggles: Kid food all over my house!

Scott, Thanks I copied your format! Congrats on your weight loss so far!

Thanks for letting me join in! I am in need of emotional support right now!
Nancy

 

[NCRedding]

Hi Guys: Hope you don't mind if I join in here. I am not doing the 1/2 or full in 2007, but am working toward the 1/2 in 2008. I was one of the WISHwalkers from 2005 who got closed out at the back gate of MK after 10.5 miles. I've been struggling with my weight for going on 14 years now. Before that, I was always skinny. Anyway, starting this October 1, I decided to be like AprilN who lost over 100 pounds by thinking like a healthy person.

Height: 5'10"

Weight loss goal: 81 pounds to my doctor recommended weight

Progress so far: 10.5 pounds, and I have exercised every day this month but 2 days (and I made up for one of those the next day). I have met my exercise goal for October, for the first time in several months.

Plan: Eat like a healthy person would. Avoid crackers and chips (my downfall). Think through my food choices. Help with my mind's eye image--I still see myself (in my head) as skinny, even though I am obese.

Training for: 2008 1/2 marathon at WDW

Struggles: I am employed full-time, hold an elected public office, and have a very active 14 year old. My main struggle comes on the weekend--too much time on my hands, Other challenge is mindless eating, filling up on crap. Grabbing and snacking on high caloric, low nutrition foods.

So that's my story.

 

[WDWFAN9]

Count me in!

Facts: I'm just a little over 5'5" and weigh 150lbs
Goal: Lose 5-10lbs by 2007
Progress: I've lost 15lbs since Jan 2005
Training for: WDW Full
Struggles: definitely work! Someone brings in something just about every day, and we often have potlucks, and cakes for just about every occasion. Oh, and we have free ice cream treats in a freezer in the lunchroom. So when I'm stuck on a problem at work a walk to the lunchroom is always an option.
Plan: Staying out of the lunchroom!

 

[goingthedistance]

Deal me in.

Height: 5'11", 190 lbs
Weight loss goal: 15-20 lbs
Progress so far: negative progress. Was WW lifetime in April (179 lbs), but then it all went downhill. (thank you Disney Magic Double Dip )
Plan: WW (minus the meetings) Eat healthy & low points breakfast & lunch. Be reasonable with dinner. Continue training for Goofy with Higdon's Intermediate II.
Training for: Goofy 07. (Goofy 08?)
1/4/07 goal: 175 lbs
Struggles: No healthy places to eat near work. 2-year old in house, and I wind up eating her leftovers because I can't stand to throw food away. Pregnant wife (5 months along) who has all of the on again/off again cravings. Early "start" work time, so it becomes harder to have a good breakfast at home.

Hopefully, the pounds will start to come off as the mileage increases. I don't know if it is coincidence that I gained weight on the Magic, or that my last marathon was in April. I always used to count on the running to keep the weight in balance. I also need to make a conscious effort to stay away from the empty calories. The Skittles jar on my desk will need to go away. I will need to eat more carrots and cucumbers, and less cookies. When I was on WW, I would budget out 2-3 points for breakfast and 3-5 points for lunch. That would leave me plenty of points for dinner & snack.

I have heard that each pound of fat lost improves your time by 10 sec/mile. I have also heard that during marathon training is not the time to try and lose weight. I hope that eating smart will help bring me back down.

Thanks for the support.

Paul

 

[keenercam]

I am sooo glad to see everyone here! How did you all do tonight?

I was unable to exercise as much as I wanted. And it is all because of my WW weigh in. I stopped drinking water at 3pm and only munched a few carrots(after my WI but before the gym). I headed for the gym around 8 (after WW) without having had water for 5 hours and only about 10 baby carrots. I did a mile on the bike and then did 1.2 miles on the treadmill in 16:02 minutes (pace 13:22). By that point I was physically exhausted and my muscles hurt more than they should have. I was also feeling "off" and kind of off balance. I was sweating too much and could tell I was very red. I decided sometimes cutting a workout short is the healthy thing to do.

I came home and ate 2 Dr. Praeger's California veggie burgers, some green beans and a mix of kidney beans, corn and brown rice. I felt much better afterwards.

What I learned: I must be properly hydrated and fueled before trying to run.

Mel -- thanks for the heads up on the grains. I am going to concentrate on whole wheat pasta, brown rice and whole wheat couscous for meals the nights before long runs and will probably even bring some to WDW with me for dinner Saturday night.

Oh, and BTW, my weigh in was my biggest loss in one week ever in my life -- down 3.2! Now I am only 16.6 away from my 1/5/07 goal!

 

[getnthinr]

It reminds me of this very important point -- this is a process. The journey is important. The lifestyle we live is important. The eating habits we have are important. None of us should be beating themselves up for the struggle, but we should all challenge ourselves to always do the next thing the right way. We all obviously have it in us somewhere to do the difficult things. I decided last week that only by setting a goal and putting in all the steps toward that goal will I be able to do it -- we all know it is true about race training. I have convinced myself that the same goes for reaching my weight loss goal. My weight watchers leader had us all set goals last week and said that each time we consciously decided what to buy or what to eat and whether to exercise this week, we should ask ourselves whether our choice would bring us closer to our goal. Sounds simple, doesn't it? NOT! I learned that sometimes knowing it is not a good choice doesn't keep me from making it. If anything, I feel guiltier when I do it knowing it was a bad choice than I would have felt if I had just unconsiously eaten the "bad thing." So, for me, being cognizant is the first step but being disciplined is even more important than that.

Okay, I am soooo sorry. That was kind of stream of consciousness and way over the top. Sorry. It does help me, though, to focus and re-focus continually.

Don't be sorry, Cam! Your words of wisdom got me motivated to join this group. Losing weight while training is so tough for me! I walked a marathon a month in 2000 and managed to GAIN two pounds. 26.2 miles a month plus all the training all year long -- and a weight gain. It was pretty discouraging!

My doc has been after me for a couple of years to lose weight. I'm 50, on meds for high blood pressure (and would love to not need them), and have always been somewhat overweight -- now I'm 61.2 lbs (gotta love those digital scales) over the max according to WW. Though I've done the WW thing in the past, right now I'm trying monthly consultations with a nutritionist -- a free program that my insurance program is testing. I like the individual counseling but, like most of us here, I find the biggest challenge to be fitting healthy cooking/shopping/eating into a life filled with the shuttling of 3 kids to their after-school activities, work, church, and the occasional 16 miler.

My nutritionist and I picked 20.3 pounds as my goal weight loss pre-marathon. That would put me just under 200 pounds for the first time in decades! My primary motivation is that almost everything I've read suggests weight loss is typically accompanied by an increase in speed -- and when I'm talking about leaving a 60-pound belly-bag behind me at the starting line, I don't know how I could help but improve my pace somewhat!

Thanks for starting the group, Cam!

 

[keenercam]

I really appreciate the fact that everyone is being candid here. I feel like acknowledging my commitment here is like making a commitment to all of you. I am really going to think about what I am doing and how it fits in with all of this.

Wendy -- I can't even imagine how proud you must have been of yourself for doing a marathon a month in 2000 -- what an amazing accomplishment. Seriously -- do you know ANYONE else who can say they did that? You have proven to yourself that you are disciplined and can stick to something for the long run (where are all these puns coming from? ) I think right now I'd be thinking of the nutritionist meetings like the marathons -- once a month, training in between and being conscientious so that you can get the most out of that meeting (race) as possible. I hope it is a great success for you!

Check out my ticker -- every pound I lose is one less I have to carry 26.2. I have to tell you, when I've done the 1/2's I was almost glad when my water bottle was empty and the only thing left in my fanny pack were my phone and my camera. And at some points, I was so exhausted that just carrying the camera felt like a chore. How much did that all add up to, do you think? Maybe 3 pounds? Just think about having to carry a 5 lb bag of sugar strapped to your back for 13 miles or more. UGH! Losing 5 pounds between now and our next race (whatever and whereever that may be) is literally going to take a load off.

Plan for the day?
I am home waiting for the heater repair guy. I already had egg beaters with tomatoes & fat free feta and coffee w/skim milk. I am not going to hit the kitchen again for anything but water until it is time to eat or pack lunch.
I have leftovers from last night that I will eventually take to my office and they are all core foods. I am going to take carb-intense food (kidney bean, corn, brown rice mix and a veggie burger) for dinner with me to work, eat about a 1/2 hour before I leave work, and go to the gym.
I am taking bottled water to the gym and fruit to eat in the car afterwards.

What's your plan?

 

[Pungodingy]

Hey all, thought I'd chime in too!

I am not doing the 1/2 or full in 2007, but I AM going to do the 1/2 in 2008.

Height: 5'6"

Weight loss goal: 92 pounds (this may be aiming too high, but it's where I want to be)

Progress so far: 7 pounds since 8/17/06

Plan: Be more aware of my choices. I don't think I overeat, I just make very bad choices.

Training for: 2008 1/2 marathon at WDW

Struggles: Evening eating. I have 2 kids, both involved in sports and after school activities, so dinner is often late, and often not well balanced meals. I also tend to taste while I'm cooking, and then eat my meal, and then clean the kids plates, and then pick at the leftovers as I put them away. I also don't move much at all after dinner, I'm just too wiped out by then!

 

[Jen117]

I made it through yesterday. I got a little craving at night when I finally got home. I had a couple bites of Ice Cream But it ended there and I decided to go to bed instead. That was an accomplishment.

Today is a rest day, so I don't have extra points as an excuse. I started with Oatmeal this morning. I have to check to see if that is a core food, not sure. It was all I had to grab as I ran out the door. I ate it at work.

Today my goal is NO FULL STRENGTH SODA! I have done so well this week with it and I want to continue. I also want to make sure I drink at least 100 ounces of water.

Cam - Congrats on the loss. I bet that felt GREAT!!!!

 

[Honeibee]

This is like "True Confessions" for me.

Height: I'm 5'6" and should weight about 150-155.

Long-term weight loss goal? To lose the 40 excess pounds.

Progress so far? In 2004 I lost 30 pounds on WW in four months. I have not been able to stay OP since then. I joined late this summer and lost and gained the same ten pounds several times.

Plan? WW Flex (I think it's called) works for me, I just have to DO IT! I'm a vegetarian and like the flexibility of Flex.

Training for: WDW Half Marathon. But the even bigger picture is to live a healthier lifestyle. I don't want to die young and have some hoochie-momma snag my handsome husband!

Trying to Lose: 40 pounds

My struggles: OK what isn't a struggle might be easier to answer. Seriously though, over the years I have read so many books and articles on weight struggles I feel fairly well educated about it. So I think I can pinpoint my own issues. One is that I am totally bored at work. Yes I have a lot to do, but it's mindless crap. My job is no longer a challenge, thus I spend half my day here, which is infinetly more interesting. So during the day I eat because I am bored.

I think one other thing that effects me is....well, somewhat embarrassing. But there was a time in my early 30's, after my first husband left me, that I was so incredibly poor, that there were many, many times when I did not have much to eat. Money was very very tight for a long time. Once I lived for five days on a large size can of yams. That was all I had. So, I think that now somestimes I eat because I can. I have the means to afford food. Lots of food. And I think sometimes I subconsciouly remember when I did not have enough to eat and I want to either make up for that now or eat all I can while I have it in case I find myself without it again.

Well, there ya have it.

ETA: TAG FAIRY STAY AWAY FROM THIS THREAD! Pleease!

 

[Minnie]

Oh Judy sweetie your post litteraly brought tears to my eyes. I am ever so thankful that you've met your wonderful husband and your life is so full now We're all here for you and I can't wait until you have that Donald medal!

 

[Minnie]

Last night was a mini victory - I followed through with my plan of going to the store and following my food list. I've decided on a strict Ph1 of SBD to get myself back in a place where I have some control.

I made a meal in one for supper (very lean hamburger, low sugar tomatto soup, green beans topped with mock cauliflower potatoes and light cheese). Very yummy and all on plan.

I also made mini quiche to zap in the microwave for breakfast this week. Very good filling and easy. Idiot me though did them in muffin liners so they stuck but oh well better than nothing.

Lunch will be ham/cheese rollups and salad and I have a yogurt for snack later if needed.

For supper I stuck a lean pork loin in the crockpot with low sugar bq sauce and we'll have the left over mock CPs and a veggie.

Kristi - Thank u for the PM. I tried to reply but your PM box is full.

Hope everyone has an on plan day

 

[Kristi1357]

I think one other thing that effects me is....well, somewhat embarrassing. But there was a time in my early 30's, after my first husband left me, that I was so incredibly poor, that there were many, many times when I did not have much to eat. Money was very very tight for a long time. Once I lived for five days on a large size can of yams. That was all I had. So, I think that now somestimes I eat because I can. I have the means to afford food. Lots of food. And I think sometimes I subconsciouly remember when I did not have enough to eat and I want to either make up for that now or eat all I can while I have it in case I find myself without it again.

Oh my gosh, Judy!

 

[Kristi1357]

Here are a few ideas for my fellow peeps trying Core:
(I am by no means an expert, but had a hard time finding Core things since I hate to cook)

Usually every weekday, I have a huge salad for lunch at work: 1/2 a bagged salad, handful of grape tomatoes, 1 pepper chopped up, ff shredded cheddar (another milk), cut up chicken breast. Everyone always ohs & ahs over my salads in the cafeteria. And ff dressing is core. Not quite sure how many veggies this counts for, but I usually check off 3 and try to have 2 pieces of fruit per day.

Another thing I keep on hand is Campbell's soups. There are many that are considered core. French onion comes to mind, but there are many others. They are easy to bring to work.

I also have a bag of 94% ff butter micro popcorn almost every day. It's core & I can eat the whole bag. Not the best tasting stuff - but going for quantity here!

If you do the drinkable yogurt - I add flax seed oil the night before & screw the top back on. You really cannot taste the oil, and I get one of my oils in for the day, as well as a milk. I don't drink milk (unless it's in cereal), so this works well for me.

For breakfast every day at work, I eat 2 servings of the WW puffed wheat core cereal with a cup of milk. Very filling! I especially noticed this last week when I was out of my WW cereal. I brought rice krispies to work and was starving shortly afterwards!

Only plain oatmeal is core. YUCK! I even tried the adding applesauce thing, still yuck! When I did flex I had apple cinnamon or strawberry flavored oatmeal daily.

 

[keenercam]

Judy -- Love ya, honey, mean it! I am so sorry that you have had such rough times in your life. You deserve everything good! I like your long-term plan and we all know Charlie wants you around forever, so we have to help each other stay on track.
I'm sorry you are bored at work. You may want to do what I do. I cruise the weight watchers food ideas and recipe review bulletin boards and compose menus and shopping lists. It is very motivating.

Angie -- I LOVE that our group is growing. We should all be able to find support here whenever we need it since our community is growing.

Jen -- Great job on capping your dessert intake. You must have been so proud of yourself, finding the willpower to walk away. I'm glad to see someone else does what I have learned to do. I remove myself from the temptation and usually take a book or magazine upstairs as far from the kitchen as possible. Of course, up until recently, I'd "compromise" by taking only a portion of FF chips and FF pretzels in a paper bowl up with me. UGH! I could kick myself for all the nights I did that. I guess I thought it was better than staying downstairs where I'd be tempted to visit the snack cabinet over and over. But what horrible, sneaky negative pattern of behavior. Anyway, good luck on avoiding the full-strength soda today. Just think of how the water will flush the fat cells out of your body -- a fellow WISHer told me last week that fat cells can't swim and therefore water washes them away! I do know my complexion is so much better and my skin is softer when I keep up with water intake. Are you persuaded?

Minnie -- CONGRATULATIONS on following through on your plan! Your meals sound absolutely delicious! Can't wait to try the meal in one pan combination -- it sounds so good and easy. Oh, and you've reminded me to dig out my crock pot. Gotta get on that. Oh, and breakfast quiche muffins -- I could do that! I am thinking mushrooms and onions in eggbeaters. WOW! Thanks for sharing!

 

[keenercam]

Only plain oatmeal is core. YUCK! I even tried the adding applesauce thing, still yuck! When I did flex I had apple cinnamon or strawberry flavored oatmeal daily.

Interestingly, at my weight watchers meeting last night, they had WW oatmeal that is apple cinnamon flavored and it is core. Apparently, if you start with plain oatmeal and add only core foods to it, it tastes better and is core. Some ideas I was thinking of were cinnamon, apples, blueberries, peaches.

Kristi -- Thanks for sharing your ideas. We are rockin'!!!