General Diet Plans and Questions - Doin' it the old fashioned way #4!

Hi,
I am Aphil and originally started this thread in the spring after the birth of my second child. We have a great group of ladies here full of support and kind words to help you on your journey to being fit.
We are mostly calorie counters or Weight Watchers points counter here, losing by eating a variety of foods in moderation and committing ourselves to exercise-the oldest way in the book to lose, but the only proven way of losing and keeping it off!:D
No quick diet pills, crash diets, or anything marketed by Igia here! ha ha ha!
We have a great system here and it is working.
Welcome,
Aphil

Hi all! :wave:

Aphil, thanks for starting another thread.

From your post, you seem to have everything under control. My remarks came from a place of caring and not criticism; I really admire all the progress you've made. Plateaus are maddening but, as you say, it's how your body works.

I took belly dance for a good long while and also really enjoyed it! It sure does make those abs and legs work hard!!

have a great afternoon, everyone!

Hi all,
Thanks Waterbaby-I admire you also-just for being here and making the effort to better yourself. This is the first step-to educate yourself and want a better life for yourself.
I got a little more information from Kayla earlier-her friend was only 13 and died from cancer. She is pretty upset about it and I emailed her to tell her I am thinking of her. Let's pray for her and her friends' family during this time.
I hope everyone else is having an okay day-I have, and my eating has been realy good the past couple days-it really helps being sick and not being able to taste anything! ha ha!
Well, I will check in in the morning!
Aphil

Morning everyone,

That is so sad about Kayla's friend. My younger brother had cancer when he was a toddler, so I know what a terrible thing it can be.

I ate a lot more than I should have yesterday - around 1800 calories or so. I was just so hungry after my run! I went with my friend for 30 mins plus a 1/4 warmup and 1/4 mile cool-down. It actually was GREAT and I can't wait till the next one. The key here is that we are running for 3 mins. walking for 1 min. This was recommended to us by some friends who run marathons - to train AND run the race like this. We probably didn't do much over 2 miles last night but it actually makes the 10-miler seem do-able.

I am also kind of excited that my roommate asked me to help design a diet pan for her. She has been on a CRAZY no-carb diet since the end of July - she limits herself to fewer than 20 carbs a day. She has lost about 35 lbs, and she says she's only a 3rd of the way there (there's no way she has 60 more lbs to lose). I know there's lots of debate about low carb, but she will never get used to healthy eating if she's having KFC, pepperoni and cheese 24/7. I could recommend some low-glycemic carbs though. The problem is she is extremely picky and if she doesn't really like the taste of something, she won't eat it. I on the other hand, eat stuff I don't necesarily love because it is good for me! So we'll see how that goes.

This was my tip for today
Balance is the key to success. Some diets recommend increasing protein and fat, while cutting out carbohydrates. While this may sounds appealing at first, these diets limit you to very few foods and they can be hazardous to your health. Follow the guidelines of the USDA when planning your diet: 55-65% carbohydrate, 10-15% protein, and 20-30% fat. By following a diet with this nutritional breakdown, you will be able to include a variety of grains, fruits, and vegetables."
:D

Good morning everyone!
Where is everybody? I know where Kayla is-so far she is the only one with a good excuse!
You all better be too busy moving those buns!:lol:
I am in great spirits this morning and plan to have a good day today...I hope you all do the same.
Faith-keep on keepin' on and we'll do the 199 dance with you!
Wilbethin-I hope you haven't given up and that everything is okay with you.
Tupo-hope you are alright and doing okay.
Nasus-Hope you found the new thread-haha!
Kayla-I am thinking of you in your time of need...
Lexxy-hope your workouts are going allright.
Felingblue-haven't heard from you in a while-hope we can still be of help to you.
It is still January ladies-let's not give up on our goals to be fitter, healthier, and more attractive to our men...and the men that aren't ours...to those of us that are married....we're not dead right? ha ha! Nothin brighten's your day like a strange man giving you a little flirt in the store!:devil:
Well girls, I'll check in later...hope you all do the same.
Aphil

Hi all! :wave:

I'm here and still trying to wake up! :yawn:

Good advice on the carbs. I've been on so many wacky diets and lost weight on them all, until I went back to quasi-normal eating. The pounds always came back and brought friends! :p

Today is cardio day for me. I'll do it, too! :) I'm keeping my goals in front of me and broke them into doable pieces. A friend reminds me "you have to eat an elephant one bite at a time." My elephant happens to be 160 pounds of fat, so it will be a lengthy challenge. But I want to lose this fat more than anything, so I keep pushing onward and developing better habits and lifestyle changes!

After all, I'm in the weight-loss business. I plan to look good in a bathing suit by my birthday (Halloween) and I want to compete in a fitness or bodybuilding competition of some sort in three years. That is my mission statement.

Have a fab-o day, everyone!

Claire,
That's funny you mention the bodybuilding competition...I always wanted to compete in something like that also...My stepfather still has all of his pictures of his competitions and all-funny seeing him in those little skivvies and all of his leg hair shaved off-but he looked spectacular! He's even bigger now than when he used to compete! He just thinks he's too old to compete with all the young men-he's in his 40's-a bit younger than my mom-she has herself a hottie, kudos to her!
Maybe that's something we can look into together when we get our weight down-I would like that.
Aphil

Hi everyone.
Thanks for all the support! i just wanted to say hello and let you all know that im doing ok so far. Its been really tough and today there is a crisis team coming in to our school so im going to go with some friends and talk to them for awhile. but anyways.....
i gotta leave for school soon. Thanks again everyone!
luv
Kayla

Hi, all! :wave:

Aphil -- you have access to an honest-to-goodness bodybuilder? And he's also a relative? I am so jealous! I think a lot of the older guys look better than some of the younger ones.

I'm also in my 40's and am positive that I can achieve that look to the best of my ability and gene pool. :D

Like your mom, I also got a "hottie" younger than me :lol:

I like your idea very much.

Most of my department is out today with the flu -- I feel great, probably because I've been eating healthy instead of eating junk. Those with the flu have been on Atkins, except one who is an unhealthy vegetarian (by that, I mean she doesn't eat meat, which is fine, but she doesn't get a balanced diet, either) -- so maybe there is a link to unbalanced diet and illness??

Have a great day, all!

Waterbaby,
yes-he is an honest to goodness ex-bodybuilder! He is rather handsome also-I would have to say all around I have a very good looking mother, father, and stepparents!
When I was working as manager of a hair salon a few years ago, I was in the back room with a couple co-workers and one of them looked out the door and saw a man come to the front desk, and she was like-"Ooh, I want to do his hair!" I looked out to catch a peek and it was my dad!!! I just rolled my eyes at her and went out to see him...
You are so right about a lot of men getting better looking as they get older-I am in my 20's and can't stand a lot of the new young actors...especially a certain star of Titanic...give me Al Pacino, Tommy Lee Jones, and Anthony Hopkins any day of the week over these new young ones...And Sean Connery is the only James Bond! The only young actor I think is attractive is Ryan Phillippe-and I think the only reason is because he looks almost identical to a guy I dated in high school.
:lol:
Well, enough talk about men for now...btu it was a nice change from thinking about bills, grocery lists, and dusting the living room!
Aphil
ps-I am serious-we will look into it when we are closer to goal weight!

199 !

YES! I’m doing the Happy Dance!

Hello ALL!

GeTtInG_ThErE2, I’m so sorry. Don’t stop posting, this is a time when you really need to talk. We are all here for you. Maybe your workouts will help you release some of your feeling about this.

I feel bad feeling so happy about achieving my lst goal after something so tragic has happened to someone so young. Forgive me.

:angel: aphil, Thank you for your continued support and encouragement. You don’t realize how much you’ve helped me. :)

Nasua, My e-mail notifications still aren't working either. :( Don’t get depressed over the scale reading. Let’s get it lowered ASAP. We Can Do It!

waterbaby, Halloween here we come. :D I want to wear one of those playboy bunny costumes :o I know quite a few who have Halloween birthdays and they are all awesome people! Have you been keeping up with MrsJim on the BFL thread? She’s competing in a contest in May!

lexxy2,Love your tips! I’m so happy you’re keeping up with and enjoying your running. The more people you can get involved the easier and more fun it’s going to be.

willbethin, How was ww last night? Please check in with us.

Hope everyone is having a Great Day!


Faith~
222/199/120 ~ start Dec. 6, 2001 ~ 23 down . . . 79 to go
next mini goal 189

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

" Accomplishing a goal is not as important
As the person you become accomplishing it."
--- Author Unknown ---

I am ready to join in! I posted a few weeks ago, but the eating got out of control and I was too embarassed to post! I am going to start counting my WW points today. I can't stand feeling out of control with my eating so I HAVE to get on the ball! It's still January and if I can get with the program, hopefully will be looking and feeling much better by summer! Any encouragement or advise would be greatly appreciated!!!

190/190/130

All this talk about hottie men - I want one too! :devil:

I'm eating the yummy salad and apple I brought for lunch today - look how healthy I am, :lol: No, it's just so I can eat a regular dinner tonight and still get in enough nutrients, etc. I have these breaded eggplant pieces that I like to mix with pasta and marinara. Not the lowest cal choice, I know, but if I eat well during the day I can fit it in. What makes it especially yummy is that I take a string cheese and pull it apart and melt it all together. I can't believe I hadn't thought of that sooner - the string cheese I usually have as snacks, and they're about 80 calories depending on what brand you get. It's like pre-portioned mozzarella, and I definitely have problems with portion size. If I stick to what I've planned, I'll eat just over 1400 calories today, which I'll be very happy with. I was eating 1300-1400 before the holidays and I need to get back to that point.

Aphil, my workouts are going great so far. I'm starting a Pilates class this Saturday, so hopefully that will help with some stretching and toning. I have a feeling it's going to be a lot harder than I'm expecting!

Waterbaby, what type of career do you have in the weight loss business? That would be great to combine my job with what I obssess about in my free time ;)

Kayla, I hope you are hanging in there ok. It sounds like you have a lot of resources to go to to talk about what happened and what you're feeling.

Faith, CONGRATULATIONS!!!! That is awesome! Promise yourself that you'll never see the other side of 200 again.

Lisare, welcome back

ok, enough of my babbling, back to work for me.

Hi all! :wave:

Faith, I read the BFL thread and also post at www.leanandstrong.com I use the BFL challenges for my workouts and am beginning to feel a little better. MrsJim is one among many amazing women who are transforming their physiques and entering contests. I applaud that! She's done very, very well and stayed the course. She's extremely helpful with questions and is certainly living proof that lifestyle changes and "sticking to it" work. :)

I'm also doing the "199" dance for you! How thrilling!!!

Aphil, I'm serious too. it's nice to work toward a common goal.

lexxy, I taught weight training for a long time. Once I put on way too much weight, well, the credibility went out the window. Even with great traps and hip flexors, everything was obscured by fat, so I lost a lot of business. In other words, I stopped "walking the walk" and am now at a point where I'm getting rid of the "rumpled" appearance my body has. The exercise for me is not the problem; keeping the diet balanced with foods that help me rather than hinder me. And trust me, kiddo, men adore women who are in shape and look like they care about themselves. You want a hottie? Keep on your program and I guarantee the hotties will find YOU! :D

Oh, yes. I meant to mention that my daily calorie intake varies between 1500 and 1800 quality calories and I seem to be losing about 3 pounds per week. I had a first week loss of 5 pounds, but most of that was water...

More later. You all are the greatest. We are all too :cool: to be fat!

HI all,
I am so glad everyone has posted this afternoon!
When I emailed Kayla, she said her friends funeral was set for Saturday, and I am sure she has some of the family things, etc. until then-so we should look for her after the weekend. I know how hectic those things can make your life for a little while.
Lisaree-welcome back! Don't ever be afraid or ashamed to post when you are doing badly...this is what we are here for. Someone to help you through the rough spots-if losing and staying fit was simple-we would all be a size 5! Come to us on good days and on bad!
Faith-where do you get all those cute attachments? I was cracking up! I am doing the dance for you also-mine looks more like the cartoon Colonial on the KFC commercials! "Go Faith, Go Faith!":dizzy:
Lexxy-Hey girl, you love your cheese, I love my chocolate. You are doing the right thing by getting something you really like in small manageable packaging you can fit into your plan. Portion size is the key to having the occasional not so great for us food. If I want chips every once in a while, I count out the exact number on a paper plate for a serving size as listed on the bag, and put the bag away. If I were to eat out of the bag-well, let's just not go there!:devil:
You are also right about it being great to having a fitness career. My stepfather and I have discussed it many times. I would want to wait until the kids are a bit older, but I definitely want to keep it in mind.
Well all, I need to call my mother-she has offered to take the kids for a night, so I am going to see if she is home yet! Now I am really doing the Happy dance!
Aphil
202/194/8 lost torwards first goal of 160

Hi, all! :wave:

Lisaree, I'm sorry. I meant to say welcome in my last post. This group is the greatest! Aphil does a fab-o job helping all of us stay on course and giving encouragement!

My eating was sorta crappy during the holidays -- not enough to cause a huge weight gain or anything -- but I found this forum and these gals welcomed me with open arms and hearts.

Aphil, Hooray for you for getting a night off!

Hello!

lisaree, Welcome back! :) Never be embarrassed to post. We are all in the same boat. I know what you mean about being out of control with eating. Up until the first part of December when I asked for help here I would eat good for a couple of days then binge for a week. I couldn't seem to break that cycle and was getting extremely desperate and depressed. Do what ever it takes to stay focused and motivated. I read as many motivational quotes and stories as it takes to keep me on track EVERY day. The people on this board and on this thread are awesome. If you haven't started an exercise program, start one as soon as possible; weights, walking, running, workout tapes, anything that gets you moving. When I start to feel out of control I start drinking water and don't stop until I feel I'm going to puke then I go look in the mirror and do slow deep breathing until I start feeling calm. After that if I have the time I do some stretching and/or crunches. Then if I really am hungry I'll eat something sensible. You CAN do this. You will be looking and feeling much better by summer; we ALL will!

lexxy2, Thanks and yes, I NEVER want to see beyond 199 again!!! Sounds like you've got yourself back on track.

waterbaby, Congrats on you loss! Sounds like you've got your program down pat. :)

:angel: aphil, Thanks! You like my "Happy Dancer" do ya. :) Try http://www.animationfactory.com./ they have some cute stuff. I did a search at www.google.com for animation and found thousands of animated avatars. Wow, no kids for the night! Hope you're making the most of it :D

Good Night All!

Faith~
222/199/120 ~ start Dec. 6, 2001 ~ 23 down . . . 79 to go
next mini goal 189

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"You can complain because roses have thorns, or you can rejoice because thorns have roses."
~~~Ziggy

Hey,
I havent even continued with my workouts for the last week as i have been sick and then with kendra's death......its just been too hard to deal with it all and keep my workout schedual. My eating habits have all gone to crap too.....ive eaten fast food twice in 3 days.......i just havent had time to really want to eat and when i do i just grab something quick. The funeral is Saturday morning and its going to be really hard. Monday i have to sing at a memorial for her at school
but anyways...its late
goodnight

Hi everyone,
I hope everyone is doing well! I had a great night without the kids, and slept in an extra hour this morning-and now they are going to be gone until Sunday afternoon! I talked to my mother in law yesterday, and since they were already down with my mom and they live close, she could take them for the weekend! My husband is only working a half day today, and we are going to have dinner out, and go to Sam's club, and maybe hit the Harley store (dh is rebuilding his bike) and maybe see some friends this weekend. I am going to actually have adult contact for an entire weekend! yippee!!! (Go back to the dance Faith was doing when she hit 199)
I tell you, I love my kids so much, but I just get so overwhelmed sometimes-my kids are fed, bathed, and dressed to the 9's when we go somewhere and I am lucky if I have the time to comb my hair! Having two kids under the age of three is such a huge responsibility. I am just glad to have a bit of time to myself, and time to actually put on a little makeup before we go somewhere!
Faith-thanks for the websites-and thanks so much for all of the kind words. You have helped me also and help keep me motivated each day. I am so proud of you!
Kayla-After all of the initial running around and obligations you need to attend to things will start looking up. Your friend is still around and she sees you-never forget that. When someone dies they are not "gone", but simply in a different form. She is around you and all that loved her. I lost my grandmother last December when I was pregnant with my son-it was right before Christmas and was so hard for our family. Jasmine was only two at the time, and I heard her in her bedroom talking to someone, and myhusband went in to see and asked her who she was talking to, and she said-"she's right there, Dad". Noone was there that we could see.
I am white with sort of hazel eyes, and my husband is Sioux Indian-so when our daughter was born she was with thick dark hair and the deepest brown eyes-when we had our son-he looked just like our daughter, then they handed him to me and when he opened his eyes, they were the lightest silvery blue-identical to my grandmothers. It was quite a shock, they looked so wise and old coming from a newborn. I didn't say anything, but when my grandfather saw him for the first time he cried and said he knew who's eyes those were. I guess what I am trying to say is that they are always going to be around us, and leave these small gifts for us if we are open enough to receive them. Your friend sees you and would want you to do the best for yourself. Try to start up your workouts again-even if your eating isn't up to par yet. It will make you feel better and give you something to focus on.
That story reminded me of my children's nicknames-Jasmine we all called Papoose-like the little leather backpacks Indians used to carry babies in, and my husband calls Raiden "Wasichoo" (I think that is how it is spelled) it means like white child or white boy. As Raiden got older his hair and skin lightened to my color, and he still has the light eyes-but his features are the spitting image of my husband-it's weird. I have no idea how that happened!
:^: Jas is a mini version of my husband all around!
Moonbeam, Lexxy,FelingBlue,Lisaree,-how are you all doing? I hope things are on track and well.
Tupo and Willbethin-I hope everything is okay and you post soon with us-we miss you!
Everyone have a good day today! I know I will! Toodles!
Aphil
202/194/first goal 160-8 pounds down!

Hi I hope you don't mind if I join in.

I just found this thread and read all the replies and feel like this is where I'm supposed to be. I feel like I have a lot in common.
I suffered a miscarriage several years back and really packed on the pounds after that. I was quite depressed. Two years ago I decided to get real with myself when we ran into some friends of my husband's who I hadn't seen for a while and they didn't even recognize me and then they got this look of embarassment on their faces. They didn't recognize me because I had put on over 60 lbs! They muttered something about how I must've changed my hair or something. I have to thank them actually. That made me feel so awful that I knew something had to change right then and there!

I began to count calories and loosely followed the TOPS plan. I also began walking three times a week. The weight dropped off a pound a week and I lost about 33lbs in 6 months. I felt great! I still need to lose another 29 pounds to get to my goal but I have plateaud for the last year or so. I have now added weight lifting twice a week but am having a really hard time sticking to the 1500 calorie a day diet. If I go slightly over I gain or stay the same. If I go under I'm starving and weak. I need to find that strength in myself that I had a year ago to stick with the 1500.
I feel like I am floundering. I want this so bad I can taste it!

Does anyone have any suggestions on how I can get back on track?

I am also loosely following Eat Right 4 Your Type.
Thank you !

Hey girls,

Hope everyone is doing well. Aphil, sounds like you have a good weekend ahead of you! It is supposed to snow here for the first time all year tomorrow, and of course it's also my first Pilates class, so hopefully it won't get cancelled. People get crazy around here at the mention of snow. I wieghed in this morning and the scale read 171.5 - lower than it's been in 3 years. It's hard to trust it though, because it's a digital scale and sometimes gives me wacky readings. But it gave me the same reading 3 times in a row so...

Ok, it's Friday, everybody exercise today so we can relax tonight with a clean conscience (sp?). Ok, I'm just trying to make everyone else go because I have to train tonight before I can even think about going out :lol:

ok, gotta run

Hello All!

Sprite, Welcome! :) I cried when I read your post. It really hit home.
I too miscarried and went into a deep depression and gained 55 pounds. Then I gained another 65 pounds with my son; that put me at 240. I got my weight down to 162, decided I still looked like a cow and binged my way back up to 222. I pray I have sense enough to know how good I look and feel when I get to 162 this time around and continue my journey to my goal of 120. I reached out for help with the following thread and got some wonderful advice. Maybe it will help you.
I need some tips to help me stay focused & motivated
http://64.119.161.199/forum/showthread.php?threadid=11527
We Can and Will get to Goal!

GeTtInG_ThErE2, Hope things are better for you soon.

:angel: aphil, Wow, All weekend. :D I'm extremely jealous.

lexxy2, Congratulations on weighing lower than you have in 3 years. Keep that running up. :)

willbethin, tupo_girl, Please check in with us. Don't make us worry :(


Faith~
222/199/120
height 5'6"
Start date Thursday, December 6, 2001
12/06/01 ~ 222 lbs
12/13/01 ~ 214 lbs
12/20/01 ~ 210 lbs
12/27/01 ~ 208 lbs
01/03/02 ~ 205 lbs
01/10/02 ~ 203 lbs
01/17/02 ~ 199 lbs
next mini goal 189
next big goal 158 by 5/17/02

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"A quitter never wins---
and a winner never quits."
~~~unknown

Sprite,
Welcome. I know exactly how it feels to see someone you haven't in a while and have them see how fat you've become. There are actually some friends I avoid as to not let them see me because of that-even though I shouldn't. That really hit home.
How tall are you-and what size ring do you wear on your ring finger? I am trying to get an accurate feel for your body frame. You may be plateauing because you are getting close to your ideal weight for your frame. Do not try to go under your 1500 calories, but instead try to up your walking another day each week, and try going a bit faster and see if that helps. Also try limiting caffeinated drinks to one a day if you drink a lot of coffee, tea, or diet soda-it can bloat you if you have too much of it. Also look at what you are eating in those 1500 calories-if it is a lot of empty calories like Snackwell's or something like that-that could also be a problem. They can be a great substitute for a regular cookie when the occasional urge strikes, but not for every day. Try to up your fiber rich foods like fruits, veggies, and "good" cereals. Hope that helps!
Faith-I am having a great time on my weekend without the kids-just got back from Sam's club and out shopping! I bought myself a new jacket that fits but is just a tad snug, so it will still fit over the next few months as I lose more of "me"!
Lexxy-it may help you with your scale if you keep it in exactly the same place on the floor. Mine will be a pound or so off if I move it around to different parts of the bathroom floor. Congrats on your weight!:p
Have a good evening girls!
Aphil

Faith~ You have done so well, I am at 222lbs right now and am struggling. Could you tell me what your daily diet consists of and what exercise you are doing? I would be so greatful. I am pretty stuck on what to do. Thanks a lot.

kennedy, Hello! :) I think the main thing is motivation and staying focused. Not everything works for everyone but this is what I do. My calories range from 1,300 to 1,400 per day. I've been doing this for 6 weeks now with only going over 1,400 calories two days because of going out to eat. I drink a ton of water also.

Here are some pages from my Food Journal :

AllBran Extra fiber cereal (1 cup) - 100
1/2 cup FF skim milk - 46
3oz Ham - 90

Luna Bar - 180

Healthy Choice Rigatoni w/broccoli & chicken - 280

Mixed fruit w/equal - 200

Salmon 3oz - 136
Broccoli Normandy 1 cup - 26
Pinto beans 1 cup - 266

Nestle FF Hot Cocoa - 25

MultiVit, Calcium Supp, Time Release Vitamin C

~~~~~Throughout the day:

Water, Water, Water

Diet Barq's Root Beer

Hot Green Tea (decaf)

DAYS TOTAL 1,349 calories
______________________________________

Carnation Instant Breakfast No Sugar Added - 70
FF Skim Milk (1.5 cups) - 120
Chex Milk'n Cereal Bar - 160

EAS Myoplex Lite - 190

Lean Cuisine Chicken Lasagna - 280
Orange - 100

Eye of Round Steak (2.6oz) - 136
Baked Potato (4.5oz) - 85
FF cheese (1 slice) - 30
FF sour cream (1 tbsp) - 10
I can't believe it's not butter spray - 0
Broccoli Normandy (1 cup) 26
Baked Apple with Cinnamon & equal - 133

Nestle FF Hot Cocoa - 25

MultiVit, Calcium Supp, Time Release Vitamin C

~~~~~Throughout the day:

Water, Water, Water

Diet Barq's Root Beer

Hot Green Tea (decaf)

DAYS TOTAL 1,358 calories
______________________________________

2 scrambled eggs w/pam - 157
1 slice FF cheese - 30
1 slice lite wheat bread - 40
1 tbsp Smuckers LSF Strawberry preserves - 10
2oz Ham - 60

Orange - 100

Healthy Choice Chicken Carbonara - 310
Kozy Shack Rice Pudding ½ cup - 130

Luna bar - 180

Turkey Breast 4.6oz - 138
Sweet Potato 3.5oz - 102
Brown Sugar 1 tbsp - 51
I can't believe it's not butter spray - 0
Green beans 1 cup - 40

Nestle FF Hot Cocoa - 25

MultiVit, Calcium Supp, Time Release Vitamin C

~~~~~Throughout the day:

Water, Water, Water

Diet Barq's Root Beer

Hot Green Tea (decaf)

DAYS TOTAL 1,373 calories
______________________________________

Oatmeal - 150
¼ cup FF skim milk - 23
2oz Ham - 60

Luna Bar - 180

Subway Club (6-inch) - 312
Baked Lays - 130
1 Apple - 123

Chicken Breast (3.8oz) - 105
Brown Rice (1/2 cup) - 100
Green Beans (1 cup) - 40
Carrots, steamed (1/2 cup) - 30

Nestle FF Hot Cocoa (Double) - 50

Multivit, Calcium Supp, Time Release Vitamin C

~~~~~Throughout the day:

Water, Water, Water

Diet Barq's Root Beer

Hot Green Tea (decaf)

DAYS TOTAL 1,303 calories

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is what I do for exercise:

Body-for-Life “20-Minute Aerobics Solution” with outdoor walking, treadmill or stationary bike. This gives you a great workout. (Get the book: "Body-for-LIFE" by Bill Phillips it's a must!)
I use Free weights &/or Total Gym.

I do my aerobics first thing in the morning on an empty stomach and then work out with free weights or on the Total Gym for 30-45 min. (I have a 3 year old, so this is what I try to do everyother day.)

Lots of stretching & crunches
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Good Luck! Keep me posted on how you're doing.

Faith~
222/199/120

Hi Kennedy,
Thanks for joining us!
If you have absolutely no idea where to start, get a nutrition guide from your bookstore which lists all of the calories in foods. You can also go to restaurant websites like Subway and get that information also. Keep all of this together and keep track of what you eat.
I don't know what your metabolism is, so try limiting your calories to 1600-1800 a day-if you lose eating this many-great! If not lower it about a hundred calories. The larger your body is the more calories it burns a day, so you will slowly have to eat a little less or exercise more to lose the smaller you get. Do not drop your calories below 1200 however!
You should lose 3-4 pounds a week the first week, and aim for 1-2 each week after.
If you feel you are really out of shape-try just walking around the block each day, and parking in a back space so you have to walk when you go to the store-then move it up to light walking a half hour each day, or some low impact aerobics like Richard Simmons for fun.
If you have never counted calories before-try to divide them up a bit between your meals and snacks so you are not too hungry all day...your tummy will shrink down in a week or so and you will soon feel full eating this amount of food.
I usually eat about 1500 calories a day, divided up about so:
breakfast-250
snack-50-100
lunch-300
snack-50-100
dinner-600-650
snack-100-150
if you aren't a snacker and would rather have 3 bigger meals, that is fine, but I am a "grazer", and like to have my fruit or the occassional diet jello or something like that as snacks.
The longer you are with us the more you will learn, we have a lot of tips on low cal treats and meal ideas, motivation, and whatever else you may need on your journey.
Welcome!
Hey girls, I weighed in this morning and I think my little plateau is finally ending! I have finally lost another pound!
Aphil
202/193/9 down, yahoo!

Hi everyone!

Faith Thank you so much for the link to the motivational tips. I found them very helpful. You have done very well it must feel great to reach that milestone of being below 200!

Thanks Aphil for the tips. I am 5'3" and I don't actually know my ring size. I think I am fairly small boned but have always had more of a buxom? curvy? type of body. My breasts are way too big now though. I am a 38D and used to be a 34C when I got married. I find this is a problem area and the weight comes off their last. I looked great when I was 125. Congratulations on breaking through your plateau and not giving up it's paid off.

I feel really inspired now after reading your posts and think I am now on my way to the final leg of my weight loss journey! I weigh in on Saturdays and will let you know my progress. I stayed the same this week which is pretty good considering I have PMS and had a few binges.

Hope you all have a great weekend!

Hey guys! I am sooo bad about posting, I know! My email notifications weren't working for a while, and then I was super busy these past few days. School is kicking my butt this semester.

I started tae kwon do again this week. A friend fo mine persuaded me to try it last semester and I am hooked:D It's really great for toning your legs!
And being so busy is definitely helping me keep from overeating. I had a pretty nice scale drop this morning....down to 146! So I am practically at goal weight:) Feels fabulous, I have been trying to lose since forever. Ok, maybe not quite that long, but at least since I was 13 or so, so a really long time! And maintaining is going to be tricky...so I think I will be around here for a while yet! You guys are excellent motivation! And doing so well! Faith that is AWESOME about getting to 199. I bet you feel fabulous! It's funny how particular bits of weightloss are so much more meaningful than others, isn't it? Like, the first time I fit into a smaller jeans size. I felt like dancing around the fitting room! ok, well, better get my nose back in the books! Sounds like you all are doing pretty well!

Cat

Hi all,
Ladies, I'm down another pound to 192! That's a 10 pound loss now! :)
Sprite-you never said wether or not you had kids after you got married-I was a C cup when I got with dh, and after I had my daughter and lost all the pregnancy weight, I only went back down to a D cup-now I am a DD again, and will probablyonly get back to a D cup at goal weight-kids can do funny things to your body!:^:
Moonbeam-great job doing the martial arts-it really is a good workout!
Hope everyone is doing well!
Aphil
202/192/10 down-32 more before first big goal of 160

APHIL Way to go with the loss! You seem to be on a roll now!

I have a 5 year old boy and increased in cup size at that time and also with my second pregnancy that I miscarried. I was a DD when I was pregnant. They have slightly gone down since exercising but seem out of proportion to me. Hopefully that's just the last place I lose fat and they will eventually get a little bit smaller.

Moonbeam
Tae Kwon Do is awesome for you. A friend of mine did it and after only 2 weeks she noticed a huge difference in her body.

Can anyone tell me how to add smilies to my post?

Thanks!

Sprite,
just click on the smilie you want to the left of where you are typing as you post and it will come up.
Since you are only in the 150's-you may or may not go down much in your bust-if you get into the 130's or mid 120's-I would say maybe only to a large C cup-just wear a sexy bra and love it girl-women pay thousands of dollars for what you have naturally!;) I have a busty-booty figure also!
Faith-I assume youa re having a busy weekend-I thought I would post before we went down to the inlaws to pick up the rugrats!:D
I know you are doing well, I don't even have to ask. You are such a trooper-I am glad you are seeing this whole thing as an exciting life change and not a punishment for being fat-I think that is a main reason for failure-women see this whole getting healthy thing as punishment for eating or being lazy, and they have the whole attitude wrong.
I am still wearing the same size clothes-an 18, but the brands that fit well are loosening, and the brands that ran real tight I can breathe in now, so I am seeing some progress-and my cheekbones are beginning to become visible again! I can't wait until I can wear a 16 though this spring...and hopefully smaller by summer...that will be great...Faith-what are we going to do with all of our fat clothes? We need to come up with some creative solutions...we could cut them all up and make patchwork quilts to forever be reminders of our success....what do you think?
:lol: Well, I'll go for now...take care all, and give me the strength to become a mother again after these couple days of QUIET.
Aphil

:) Hi Aphil

Just trying out the smilie thing. :?: Just to see if I'm doing it properly. :dizzy:

I had a suggestion for you regarding your clothes as they become too big for you. I have several girlfriends who are trying to lose weight and we all pass around clothes and somehow find someone who needs them. As we are going down in size we don't want to spend too much on clothes for each size as we won't need them for long. It's fun and free!

How are you managing with the kids back now? I always find after a break I am much more patient.

Hey everyone! So, I am really getting this eating thing under control finally. Seriously, it takes me forever to get down to that. Good thing I've been exercising so much, that's really what's taen this last few pounds off. My real goal is to get back into the weight training and tone up some! Aphil- if your "fat" clothes are still in good condition, maybe give them to a thrift store, like goodwill? There's a place in our area that takes donations of business type clothing. They have this whole program going with interview training and stuff for women on welfare. And apparently they always have a shortage of larger clothing. So maybe there is something like that in your area? The quilting idea is cool too. Jut don't keep them around as clothes!

Oh, this was a super cool thing that happened to me Saturday...I went to a MLK march, and it was cold and wet, and generally ick. Anyway, I was absolutely soaking by the end of it, and then I hd to go somewhere else. And I was talking to this guy, saying how darn cold it was. And he says, yeah, I think the cold really gets to us skinny people Whooo! It is soooo weird to tink people might think of me as skinny- I think I still think of myself as a size 16 and 180 pounds. So anyway, I guess the moral of the story that we don't always see ourselves right, so be careful not to get too obsessed over what we see. Anyway, sorry to go on like that...and my keyboard is getting weird now. Stupid computer. Talk to you ladies later! I'm going for a walk:)

Cat

Hi girls!
Well, the kids are back, and I didn't get a wink of sleep last night because my husband was up coughing all night-he wouldn't take any medicine and when he got up this morning to get ready for work I literally poured it down his throat so the kids wouldn't be up at 5 with him! Needless to say I was so tired I went back to bed and didn't do my morning workout! I will have to do it when the kids go to bed tonight!
We do have a Goodwill in our area, and I donate there already-I take the kids clothes to a resale shop, and whatever they don't want I take to the Goodwill along with stuff I just want to get rid of. I am sure I will take a few things there, but I kindof wanted to do something creative with some of them-something I could keep to remind me of how big I was-so I won't be there again!
Actually I am a thrift store and rummage sale shopper myself-I love it!;) I find all finds of cool vintage stuff-you wouldn't beleive what some people throw away!
When I have to buy smaller clothes in the "middle sizes" I usually only get enough to get me through to mygoal size clothes-usually just bras and pants-I can get away with wearing the sweaters and sweatshirts big-then when I hit goal I buy some nicer things to show off my new size.
Cat-that's cool about what that guy said to you-I can totally relate. When I had lost all my weight before I got pg with Raiden, I went to he doctor for something and she made a passing remark about being thin, and I was like "huh?"...It was weird someone else seeing me that way, especially since she was smaller than me...but it still feels good!:p
I had a little bar run-in last night-I had to have dinner with my in-laws-and she made spaghetti, which isn't bad-but as we were sitting there eating and I took a bite, I realized by the feel of it in my mouth and the aftertaste that she had put a little butter or margerine on the pasta after she drained it so it wouldn't stick...and I could tell the difference!(I do not do this at home, I just put the sauce on quickly)
So I am trying to be nice and eat a little while figuring the extra calories in my head, and everyone is talking and not really noticing me or my plate-and the dh has to speak up and say-you're not eating much, spaghetti is your favorite! I just looked at him trying to shoot daggars at him with my eyeballs....what am I supposed to say-"yeah, it's great when its not dripping with an extra 200 calories!" And of course you can't tell a country mother-in-law not to use butter, or to keep a diet Coke in the house somewhere so you can at least have a drink when you come over! AAAHHHHHH!!!!!!!3 zillion Pepsis, Mt. Dew's, and 40 gallons of assorted fruit punch-but not one diet soda!AAAAHHHHH!!!!!
deep cleansing breaths...........I'm okay now.
I am sorry, but I have the mother in law that corrects everyone's pronunciation and knows all sorts of weird obscure facts on Jeapordy, but cannot comprehend that butter is more fattening than jelly because jelly is sweeter...or how anything sweet can be fat-free...or how she can be overweight because she doesn't eat very much...(she just consumes more calories in Pepsi a day than I do in food and drink total)....I'm sorry girls, I just had to let that out. This is the same woman who when I lost 45 pounds before, never said a word, and when I cut my hair said "that cut really makes your face look thinner"...I just looked at her and said"no, I think it was the 45 pounds."AAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!!
I am sure some of you married ladies understand...no matter how long you are in it-sometimes you cannot understand how such an amazing man came from a family so different from yours...
Well, I am off to do housework now!
Aphil

My mother in law gave us an electric toothbrush and Billy Bass (the singing fish) for a WEDDING present. My husband was completely embarrassed.

My folks gave us a check for $1,000 and said "go have a good time."

My MIL is a sweetie, but wired a little differently.

She's hypoglycemic and eats a pint of ice cream every night...

Oh, well, I love her just like she is, weird and all. :p

And why is it that our DH's pick the worst moment to say something like "why aren't you eating that?" I totally understand how you felt.

I ate M&M's all weekend (I knew better) and have one awful sugar hangover today. :nono: They say experience is recognizing the same mistake when you make it again...oy.

I have an UBWO tonight and it should feel pretty good. Everyone else here is doing SO well!! Losing weight, exercising, eating good stuff...wow! :wow:

Everyone have a fab-o day!

Hey girls,

I posted last night but apparently it got lost :( Oh well, it sounds like everyone is doing well, which is great to hear. Aphil, congrats on getting past the plateau. Well, I decided to go on a "spring break" cruise with my roommates, but it is about 8 weeks away! I REALLY want to lose 15 lbs before then. That means I need to be 100% on track. I did my first long run yesterday, a little over 4 miles, so that felt really good. I went to a running store today and spent $120 on new shoes! :nono: Well, I figured if I'm going to do it, might as well go all the way.

Hey,
A Billy Bass for a wedding present.......hmmmmm.......no comment there.:lol:
I love my MIL too-but she is also wired a bit differently....he he he...she does have her good points though...for instance she let my sister in law have a ladies only novelties party over there if you know what I mean....:devil: and she is a great seamstress and sewed all the gowns for our wedding that I designed (we had a medeival ceremony-think dress from movies Brahm Stokers Dracula or Mists of Avalon type thing) but this is the same woman who didn't say 20 words to me the whole time I was pregnant with our first child, until after she was born...my theory is she wanted to see if the baby looked like my husband and I wasn't just some gold digger trapping her baby boy...ha ha ha-After that it was like a total turnaround...
Well, I must say I also had a little splurge last night that I should not have had...and I feel bad about it and my tummy has been acting up all morning...paybacks are great...I'll think twice about doing that again anytime soon!:^: I'm right back on track this morning-keeping that one binge from turning into a 3 day eating fest-we all know how that can happen-and hopefully my weigh-in this weekend will be alright-the same or a small loss.
Faith, how are you doing? Haven't heard from you in a couple days...post girl!
Willbethin and Kayla-we miss you and hope you aren't giving up on us!
Have a great day!
Amy-Aphil
202/192/10 down and 32 to go for first big goal of 160!

Hello All!

Sorry to skip out. My DH decided on the spur of the moment that we need to get out of town for the long holiday weekend. He believes in just dropping everything and taking off, so we did. Nothing really special but a lot of eating out. I did fairly good Sat & Sun and pretty much fasted yesterday. I'm back on track with eating today but didn't get my workout in this morning like I hoped. Feels like this should be Monday, hopefully I'll get it all together by the end of the day. :dizzy:
I did measure today. I had my calendar marked that this is when I did it last month to keep me on track through the holidays,[ everyone else was suppose to do the same :?: ] so here they are:
12/22/01 - - - - - - - 1/22/01
Weight: 210 - - - - - - - - 199
Chest: 44 - - - - - - - - - 43
Belly: 44.5 - - - - - - - 43.5
Waist: 37.5 - - - - - - - 35
Hips: 51 - - - - - - - - - - 49
Thigh: 30 - - - - - - - - - -29
Size: 18 tight - - - - - - -16 tight
Start Date: Dec. 6, 2001, weight 222, size 20 (didn't measure)
I'm happy :) know telling what they would have been had I not finally got my head together.

:angel: Amy/aphil, Congratulations on getting those scales moving! :)

Hope everyone is doing GREAT!
Sorry, I just scanned through the posts. Maybe I'll get time to really read everything later.

Faith~
222/199/120

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"Don't throw away what you want most...
for what you want at the moment."
~~~unknown

Faith,
So glad you are back-hope you had a good time on your mini vacation!
I haven't measured myself any-I did after my daughter, but with both of them I don't have the time-I use naptime for my shower and housework,etc.
That last motivational quote was really good-it really hit home with how much I have been having cravings for tons of bad stuff the past two days! Thanks for including it in your post.
Well, I am waiting on dh to get home so I can start dinner...I hate it when he is late...dinner being late is when I really get bad sugary carb cravings like right now!:(
Aphil
202/192/10 down torwards first big goal of 160!

Hi everyone!
Sorry its been so long. Life has been pretty crazy since the funeral and memorial and stuff...but i hope to get back on track tommorrow! I will start with weight lifting again tommorrow and really be careful of what i put in my mouth! well anyways...sorry to make it short but i must run! ill be around more now i promise!
luv
Kayla

HI,
Good morning everyone!
Kayla, it is nice to see you again! I am glad you are back and are on the road to healing-exercise will be good for you.
Well, I don't knwo what my deal is today but I just cannot wake up! My dh has been coughing all night for 3 days and keeping me awake-it is driving me crazy!!!!!:mad:
I'm about to drug him!:lol:
I can't wait til he is over this-I at least had the decency to drug myself and sleep away from him....but he's a man...
I have been thinking about Faith's last quote all day and last night....it ws so good. I am going towrite that and put it on the fridge with my unflattering fat picture. Thanks again Faith!
Well girls-everyone knows my first big goal is 160 pounds-but I am going to make myself a weekly challenge each week and make myself stick with whatever it is. This week is to eat 5 servings of fruit or vegetables each day this week.
Well I have to get Raiden out of the cd rack-
Aphil

I have been lurking on your site for a few weeks now and hope I can join in.

I may have been here before but not sure.

My story. Married almost 36 2 kids and a great hubby. My highest weight was just before the new year at 181 on Jan 2nd I started to change my life. As of today I am 171 still a ways to go but it's a start. My goal is to make it to 140 then decide then if that is were I want to be.

I have just been watching what I eat and exercising alot but I am starting to count cal's and just not sure what to aim for. I want to eat about 1200-1300 per day does anyone know what mix or % of fat, carbs and protien I should aim for?

Hope you all have a super day.

Hi,
Welcome Hockeychic!
I am glad you finally posted instead of just lurking!
Some helpful advice for you-your calories are a bit on the low side, especially if you are active-why don't you try raising it to 1300-1400 instead of 1200-1300. A 1200 calorie diet is pretty low for a long period of time. You won't notice much as far as a slow in weight loss or anything, but maybe a bit more satisfied.
As far as your food combinations, just try to have a source of protein at each meal, and do some healthy switches like whole-grain pasta instead of regular and eating more fruits and veggies are easy changes.
Well, I have to go do my lower body workout for today-just wanted you to have a warm welcome!
Amy-Aphil
202/192/first goal 160

Hey everyone! Welcome Hokeychic! The weather here was super yucky all morning, so I did not get a chance to go running (cold rain is not really my thing AT ALL). Fortunately, the rain let up this afternoon, so I compensated by going for a really long bike ride. So not too bad. And of course, I still had to walk the mile across campus to get to class. We won't talk about how long I took to dry out:mad:
Kayla- good to see you back around!

Aphil & waterbaby- had to laugh about the inlaws. Sorry:D

Lexxy-spring break trip, awesome motivation! I almost signed up for a coral reef class this semester where you go to the virgin islands for spring break. I was a little edgy about the swimsuit issue (I think no matter how skinny I get, I am never going to feel totally comfortable in one of those things), plus, I didn't think I could stomach the idea of my prof running around in a swimsuit for a week (seriously, the idea is kind of scary)

Ok well, that's about it for now. Everyone keep up the good work!

Cat

Hello All!

I'm feeling really crappy today; headache, nausea and just really tired. I'm thinking maybe I picked-up some kind of bug over the weekend.

Hope everyone else is doing a whole lot better.

I'm going to cut this short but wanted to check-in and let you all know what was going on.

Faith~

Hi everyone!
Well my plans to go to the gym got all screwed up cause im..get this....SICK AGAIN! I cant stop couging...like i cant even roll over in the night without starting to cough for like an hour! its crazines......and my rents wont let me go to the gym if i dont go to school......which i cant blame them for...... so anyways...im going to aim for monday because im supposed to stay home for a couple days (doctors orders!) so im just going to try to eat right for the next couple days and i will start back up with working out on monday weather i can barely walk or not! I feel so bad guys...its like...i feel like im cheating or something....... i mean...its just been so hard though.....the last couple weeks, ive been sick AND ive lost one of my best friends......and im still trying to deal with it all.....so im trying really hard to get back to my workouts and stuff.....but please dont be mad at me if im not doing so well the next couple days! anyways.....im going back to bed!
good night
luv
Kayla:?: :(

Hi All!

I am sick too! There must be something going around everywhere. I forced myself to walk in the snow today and am glad tomorrow is my day off from exercising.

I stayed the same again this week! I am getting frustrated and don't know why I'm not losing. It's so hard to keep going when you don't see anything on the scale.

Kayla you need to be good to yourself now. You've been through alot and need to rest and take care of you. Cut yourself some slack on the exercising and just know you will do it when you are feeling up to it.

Faith your numbers are really impressive! Way to go! Keep up the good work.

I need to go to bed now and try and get rid of this cold!

Wishing everyone a great week!

Here I am.

Kayla: I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. I will be praying for you and everyone that knows her. I've lost a lot of people and it will take a while for your body to get back on track. I find that if I grieve when I want to, when I need to, that I can handle things a lot better.

I haven't been around much party cause there's been some huge stress in the house. Now ds has the flu pretty bad (my first experience with him throwing up - the thing I was most terrified of about being a mom!). I'm just praying the rest of us don't get it.

I'm just tired and feeling run down so I'm not even thinking about diet and weight loss. My right hip started hurting today. I feel like such a mess, but I know that God is in control:).
In Christ,
Pamela

It sounds like most people are having a rough week! :( I'll probably be the next to succumb to a cold/flu, it's only a matter of time - I've been hovering on the edge for a while now. I guess the best thing is to just get plenty of rest and get right back on plan once the body is ready.

I'm trying not to be too obsessive about weighing in - tomorrow is my official weigh-in day, but as of yesterday I was at 170. Yes, the # is getting lower, but a few years back I was at about 165 but I can't even begin to squeeze into the clothes I wore at that time. Apparently I had way more muscle then I do now - and I just can't afford a gym membership to get back to weight training. Sure, I have those little 5lb hand weights, but realistically they are not enough to build significant muscle. Oh well, at least my legs will be strong from all the running.

It looks like my sping break trip may be postponed to a summer trip, so I'm kid of bummed about not having that strong goal. I'm going to FL in 2 weeks for a couple days, but that's not enough time to make a significant difference. I'll still try to stick with losing 15 lbs by the end of March.

Hockeychick, it looks like we are at similar points with our weight loss. My goal is also 140 for now.

Gotta run,
Lexxy

Hi all! :wave:

I'm getting over the "crud" too -- was out yesterday and all I did was sleep and be a slug...

Still have the headache today, but at least I'm up and moving around some.

The LAST thing I needed was an exercise session. Kept telling myself I'd feel better if I'd get up and move. Well, no dice. I just kept napping, which was exactly what I needed to do.

Hope everyone is feeling better. We'll get rolling again! :D

I think I'm going to subsist on Sprite today! The little guy can't really eat anything yet (has only been able to keep liquid down for a short time so far) and I don't want to eat in front of him. I don't know if my stomach hurts from the actual bug or cause I'm fretting over him so much. I'm not even thinking of excercise at all, although I may sneak out later and go to the scrapbook store.
In Christ,
Pamela

Hey everyone...thank you for being so supportive! your prayers and kind words have been soooooo much appreciated the last couple weeks! anyways...im going to go try to get ahold of my dad to take me back to school cause i have an exam this afternoon. well anyways, sorry to make it so short. but i gotta run!
luv
Kayla

HI,
Of course...my email notifications aren't working...AGAIN!
Tupo-nice to hear from you....had to laugh about the throwing up thing...my dd worst was throwing up grapes...they were raisins when she ate them....hahahaha....
Lexxy....about the 5 pound weights-you would be surprised at what they can do as far as significant toning if you are doing the right exercises. Try Hit the Spot arms and bust or Shortcuts arms and shoulders by Denise Austin-I think you'll be pleased with the results. You will find triceps and shoulder exercises can be very difficult with 5 pound weights if they are done with proper form. Give it a try-it doesn't take all that much weight to tone up arms in women because we usually do not want as much bulk as men do when they weight train.
To all you sickies-hey I just got over mine...and dh is about halfway through-we have/had the whole walking pneumonia coughing thing that is going around.
Have a good one everyone!
Aphil

HI,
I hope everyone is doing okay-I know we have a lot of sick people on this thread right now.
I have been doing okay this week as far as eating well, I need to pump up the exercise a bit more next week after I get done with this whole sick business...
I have some meal and snack ideas if anyone is tired of eating the same thing everyday...
Chicken Burritos-just cook chicken breast cut into strips with Pam spray, put into tortillas and fill with salsa and lettuce
Rot Beer Float-1/2 cup low fat ice cream-about 120 calories and a can of diet root beer-tastes very sinful for low calories...
Stuffed peppers-hollow out bell peppers, fill with a mix of cooked ground turkey, tomato sauce, and a little rice-bake at 350 for about an hour...the calories will depend on what sauce and how much rice you use...I personally like using Manwich sauce.;)
Just add all the calories in the recipe and divide by the servings it makes.
Shishkebobs-cook chunks of chicken breast or shrimp on skewers with red and green peppers and onions-either on the grill or broil in the oven until done.
Hope you try one of these!
Aphil

Hi,
Well, this sick thing isn't going away-it is getting worse!:(
I feel terrible.
Hope you are all doing well.
Lower Cal Taco Salad-cook ground turkey lean ground beef, drain, mix in some salsa or picante sauce. Put over Baked Tostitos instead of a shell or Doritos, and put as much lettuce as you like. Add just enough cheese to taste.:)
If you like it a bit spicier, for a few more calories you can put taco seasoning in the meat, and use the salsa on top.
Have a great day girls!
Aphil

Hi All!

I hope everyone is starting to feel better now.

I am so happy:) I am finally down a pound this week. I really had to work at it but I did it! I also took a look at my calories and started reading labels more and realized I was actually eating more than 1500. Now I'm eating the right serving sizes. Hopefully I'm on my way. These last 30 lbs seem way harder to lose than the first 30.

I have a few sexy, pretty items of clothing that I bought at a second hand store (Aphil I loved second hand stores too!). They are in the size I will probably be when I'm at or near my goal weight. I keep trying them on periodically and find they are good incentive. Sometimes I'm able to stop myself and think This chocolate bar now or the dress later.

Thanks for being such a supportive thread. I find I have gotten the motivation and inspiration I needed to get going again!

Sprite,
Good for you!
It is amazing how people overestimate serving sizes!
It will become second nature to you after a while-I no longer have to measure out simple ones like 1 cup or 1 Tablespoon-I know what they look like!
Good for you on the pound lost!
Aphil

Hi Guys!

Aphil thanks for the supporting words! I learned that what 1 serving size specified on a package is not necessarily 1 serving size for me often it is 1 1/2. This is probably my biggest problem.

I saw A Beautiful Mind with Russell Crowe last night. It was so awesome. I absolutely loved it and highly recommend it.

Well I'm off for a walk now!

Hi Sprite,
I haven't seen that movie yet-I heard it was good, too. The last one dh and I went to see was Lord of the Rings last month.
We just got done watching Valentine-we rented it tonight-it's gross.
I always really have to watch myself at the movie theatres-the popcorn always smells so good...I usually get a large diet soday, and sneak in a little treat so I can stay away from it without feeling deprived too much. Popcorn is good for you, but not the way they make it.:o
Well it's late I'm gonna call it a night!
Tupo, Willbethin, Waterbaby, Kayla, Lisaree, Faith, and anyone I have forgotten-I look forward to your next posts!
Aphil
202/192/10 lost

Hi Aphil

That is so weird dh and I saw Lord of the Rings last month too. It was his turn to pick and I am really glad I went and saw it I thought it was great. I have sworn off popcorn in the theatres too. I buy a diet coke and then sneak in some raisins and some salt & vinegar rice cakes. I convince myself the rice cakes taste just like popcorn and the raisins are my sweet that I try to eat only one by one. It usually works pretty well. I think preparation is the key to staying away from the junk!

I'm going to the Count of Monte Cristo tomorrow with a friend and am going to be preparaed!

Hope everyone is doing well!

I sure don't know how to use all the funky icons but i love your thread. I have read quite a few and never seem to fit.

I started with SB and that helped with sugar. love sugar.

I weigh in at Tops once a week so i know what i weigh but need help the rest of the week.

I have started using slimfast just to help with some meals but just want to do it the ole fashioned way like ya all.

I know it is the calories or points (calories in theory) that really matter in the end.

good luck to you all and will try and check back in a few days.

been doing bad lately. hard to get back on track. I am in the category of doing good for a couple of days and then back eating sugar and things that make me stray.

anyway
here is the stats
after the baby 184/156 now/135 GOAL

I have lost some but still have alot of fat and need to exercise regularly again and eat sensibly .

HI,
Welcom Snowwy-good to see a new face in here.
I totally know where you are coming from trying all sorts of diet plans-but just trying to make healthy choices and monitoring my calories seems to do best for me.
Sugar Busters, Low Carb diets, and so many others are so strict on what you can't have-you want it all the time! I try to substitute fattening foods with something similar but healthier, and make sure I eat high fiber foods and lots of fruits and veggies-but doing it this way you CAN have a Hershey kiss every once in a while and not feel like you've failed or screwed up your carbs count for the day...
Sno-I use Slim-Fast shakes a few times a week for breakfast since they are so quick and have a lot of calcium and vitamins-and they cure my chocolate cravings. I am not totally on the plan, doing it 2 meals a day every day, because I like to vary my diet, but they are great for limiting your calories and for people like me who hate to drink milk!:^:
If any of you are still using regular macaroni and spaghetti, I urge you to try whole wheat pasta-Creamette and Hodgson Mills brands are both good. They are higher in fiber and nutrients, and are a steadier energy source than regular. It is a few cents more expensive, but it is worth it-and other than being a shade darker in color and a slightly richer taste, eatingwise there isn't much difference. (You're family won't have a strike at dinner I mean):p
Sprite-I also enjoyed Lord of the Rings also. Dh and I are real fantasy/medeival fanatics and read the books as children. I also want to see the one coming out soon, I think it is called Brotherhood of the Wolves? We are also anxiously awaiting Star Wars Episode II this summer-they are having a convention in our state for the opening and we are trying to get tickets to go-which means I will probably be sewing costumes to wear there this spring....Yes, I know...I married a Sci-Fi nerd who rides a Harley...bet noone thought that combination existed...ha ha ha
Well, my son is pawing at me, so I better go.
To the rest of you girls, hope you are doing well...check in soon, you are missed.
Aphil

Hi girls! welcome snowwy!
Well tommorrow...if things go my way its back to the gym.....im supposed to work for my dad at four but im going to see if **** let me be a little late so i can hit the gym right after school!!! i really hope ill be able to go tommorrow..but if worst comes to worst ill just check in to the weight room at lunch at school tommorrow..its not nearly as good but its better than nothing. well anyways. im going to hit the hay early tonight! i teach the childrens choir at my church and we had a rehersal today for a play we are doing with them! its tons of fun but tiring also! and then the adult/ kayla choir;) sang tonight at another church in our town for a celebration of christian unity service. it was fun and im glad my throat is finally well enough to sing!but anways! i have an entirely crazy week ahead of me so im going to start it off with an early sleep! goodnight everyone! sleep tight!
luv
kayla

HI all,
Kayla-if you are teaching choir, you must have a nice voice!:D
Well guys, I weighed in this morning and I am down another pound! 11 POUNDS NOW! woOhOO!
Everyone have a good day!
Aphil
202/191/11 down torwards first goal of 160!

ok, just a quick note to say hi - I just wrote an entire post that somehow disappeared when I scrolled down. Gotta love technology!

Congrats on the lb, Aphil!

HI all
It is me again. I am gonna do good today no matter what. I sure do have a hard time getting going. I wish that i wouldn't give up an entire day when I mess up

It was nice to see the warm welcome and thanks a lot!!

I will try and have a good day so I feel more in control. Not feeling good today and it is only 9 am.

Snowwy,
I hope you do well today and get yourself going. You need to take it one meal at a time-the longer you go the easier it will be.
The first week is the hardest.
Once you start seeing results, the more motivated you get, and it is a great cycle to get into.
If you are hungry between meals, and jsut feel like eating forever-get a bag of baby carrots and crunch your stress away-it may not be the comfort food you want-but the crunching is a stress releiver and you can eat a ton of them for a small amount of calories. The more you want to binge-stuff those carrots in until you can't do it anymore! Celery works also...Do realize how many carrots you can eat for the calories in a cookie? Try to do this instead of binging-after a while you won't even think about doing it again! ha ha ha
Well, I just got my dh the big momma of all Valentines presents...There is a big Star Wars fan club convention in May with the actors, and behind the scenes people, and about 20,000 fans, and movie props,etc. just tons of stuff...it is celebrating the 25 year anniversary. He is a huge fan and I scored 2 weekend passes for the convention...I am going to get the hotel reservations and all that together and put it in his Valentines Day Card...The passes alone were about $160...well, there goes anything I wanted to buy in the next century!:lol:
Lexxy-thanks for the congrats-it feels good to be getting results again. And I hate that too-getting your posts lost after typing for 20 minutes! AAHH!!
Faith-where are you? Did dh take you for another weekend away?
We miss you!
Aphil

Wow Aphil, sweet gift for DH!!

We are starting to feel better. Ds had a normal diaper yesterday (never thought I'd be excited about that, LOL) but his sleep schedule is all off and he seems afriad of some of the foods he normally eats that he had eaten when he was sick. He's picky to begin with so this should be interesting. I stayed up too late, watching 'Girl'. I just love Sean Patrick Flanery and dh won't watch any of his movies with me anymore, LOL. Oh well. I don't get made fun of:).

I have no idea how much I weigh, lol. It's kind of nice in a way. I just got back from the gym, my hip is a little sore so I won't push it. Might do some light weights today. I feel good about being back on track.

In Christ,
Pamela

Well here goes...
I have been sick off and on for three weeks now, and the past day it has come back with a vengeance. I went to the emergency room this evening-dh wasn't home in time to go to our doctor-and guess what? I have tonsilitis, strep throat, and ear infections-and they are lasting so long due to a viral infection lowering my immune system-probably mono.:(
They have humongo dosed me with their strongest antibiotic, and I cannot excercise for the next few days. Rest, rest, rest, drugs, rest, rest, and drugs.:^:
Hopefully in a couple days I will feel better-but I will keep posting!
Aphil

Aphil I sure hope you feel better. That is awful you must feel extremely run down! Good thing you got yourself to the hospital.

Snowwy I hope you ended up having a good day! If not just keep trying tomorrow is another day, another chance to start over.

Tupo girl : My son would also avoid foods that he was eating around the time he got sick. Fortunately one time he had been eating candy so that made him stay away from that for a while.ha ha :lol:

HI,
Well I feel a bit better this morning-those 'biotics must be pretty strong. I still feel run down, but at least I can swallow without so much pain, and I was able to eat something with a little more consistency than what my 9 month old son eats!:lol:
Tupo-my daughter is sortof picky-but about the weirdest things...She is picky about kiddie cereal brands, different pizzas, and things most kids like to eat like Chef Boyaredee type stuff, etc.
This is the same child that loves broccoli, oatmeal, yogurt, and ate about half a cantalaupe this morning! The only fast food she really really loves is french fries...so I guess I am lucky in that sense. My husband thinks it's weird...Did I mention she is 3?
Faith, where are you? I hope everything is alright and you are just having computer problems-same with you Wilbethin-but I have about given up hope on you returning to us. I wish you well.
Lexxy-hope your workouts are going okay.
Feeling Blue and Snowwy-I hope you are staying motivated to change your bodies for the better-you can do it. As Faith typed earlier-Don't throw away what you really want for what you want at the moment!
Kayla-hope you have been finding some quality gym time with your busy schedule.
Have a good day everyone!
Aphil
202/191/first goal 160

Hi all! :wave:

Wow, Aphil -- to be so sick!!! Hope you are better soon! My sister used to down Jello by the truckload to get her protein when she had tonsillitis. Poor thing, I hope you are at least comfortable.

I got over my "crud" and have been working out and eating right. I'm beginning to regain a little energy, although my poor feet aren't used to the treadmill yet.

To the friends who haven't posted -- I hope you've found a program that works for you, whatever that is. I miss seeing your posts here and hope that you are getting the support you need from where you are currently. This thread has wonderful, warm, supporting people and I'm sorry you're not here to share it with us. Please come back when you're ready!

Hope everyone has a great day!

Hey Ladies,

Aphil, sorry to hear you are so sick, hopefully a little R&R (and some good drugs) will get you back to normal. I've been doing pretty well with my eating. Went to a sports bar on Sunday to watch my Patriots stop the Steelers and I got a salad while my friends ate onion rings and chicken tenders. Oh well, maybe someday I can splurge on stuff like that.:dizzy: I've been keeping up with the running, although I was supposed to do a long run on Sunday and totally skipped it. But I did 2 miles and Pilates on Saturday and yesterday did a little over 3. It was tough though, I kept having to tell myself just one more lap and you can stop. I am learning that with running there is a delicate balance between pushing yourself and over-doing it. It has been BEAUTIFUL here, so I will try to go again tonight. So the scale said 168.5 this morning but of course I don't believe it! If I remember tonight I am going to try to test it by wieghing a dumbell or something.

Have a great day,
Lexxy
200/168.5?/140

Hello All!

Forgive me for not checking in. I'm better but my son is still sick and husband is starting to show signs also. My Husband took some time off last week to watch our son while I "died" and then my Mother started coming over taking care of us. Sorry, but getting on the Internet just hasn't been a priority. Today it's just me and my son and I'm trying to get my house put back together 'MY WAY' if you know what I mean.
I'll try to catch up on everyone a little later.

Faith~

Aphil, looking forward to hearing that you're feeling better soon! I'll be praying for you.

I just ate a package of Snowballs, but I have been craving them so much. I had a pkg of generic ones last week and it just didn't cut it. The cream is different. The Hostess ones actually have less calories and fat grams so it's not too bad.:) Hmmm maybe Em gets his pickiness from me, LOL.

We walked The Mall today. I walked hard enough that my hip got sore, which is where I like myself to be every day. Not enough to make it hurt hurt, but enough to sweat a little at least. I also did 50 sit ups for a challenge. I think once I'm able to sleep again at night, the food will be a lot better. Thanks for listening to me ramble!
In Christ,
Pamela

Hi,
Glad you are feeling better Faith-hope your family is doing okay.
Aphil

Hey everyone!
Yes i have been TOOO busy with exams but things are starting to slow down! I have FINALLY gotten back on track and it feels GREAT! Anyways! i wrote a long 20 minut reply last night and do you think it got posted? NOOO! so im sorry to make this one so short but its like WAAAAY past my bedtime and i gotta be as awake as i can for my big science exam! WISH ME LUCK! Everyone seems to be doing so well! good work girls! keep it up!
And to all you SICKIES! get better soong!!!!!!!!!!!!
luv
Kayla

Hello everyone. I am a returned member, and it's good to be back. Only bad thing is I'm where I was when I was here before. Overweight. Hopefully this time I will stick with this, and get to where I want to be. I am counting calories/ eating healthy. I hope it's ok to post here until I can feel my weigh (hahaha) around again.

Hi,
Just checking in on everyone. I am feeling a little better, and I have been really busy today getting costume ideas together for the convention. I am hoping to be 10-15 pounds smaller by then.
The kids will be gone again this weekend, and I am going to finish sewing my son's bedskirt for his crib, and dh and I are going to an RV camper show-we have an older camper on a spot at a lake campground. I would love to have a newer one, but with the baby and buying a new house this year, it isn't in the cards right now.
My eating is going well, and hopefully in a couple days I will be able to exercise again!;)
Well, gotta clean up dinner dishes-have a good day. Tupo-I am picky about my snack cakes also...Dolly Madison's just do not taste the same as Hostess...ha ha ha ha and I can tell the difference between a Nestle Crunch and a Hershey Crackle with my eyes closed...no wonder I am overweight! ha ha ha
Aphil
202/191/first goal 160

Wow,
It has been a rough one. We had some pretty bad ice storms last night, and our power was out until earlier this evening. Trees are down everywhere and the banks were closed. Hope they get everyone fixed up soon.
Where is everyone?
My eating has been great the past few days, and I will be able to start up exercise again this weekend at the end of my prescriptions...:D
Well, I have a lot of things to get to now...I will post again later.
Aphil
202/191/first goal 160
ps-There is a pair of pants that Were painted on and hurt my stomach when I sat down...Now they fit comfortably!:smug:

Hey everyone!
Just got home from the gym!
EXAMS ARE OVER!!!! YAAAAAYYY! and i managed to get through them ok too! This semester i am taking a spanish course by distance ed with two other girls from school...we just do it in our spare time and we have tutor and everything but we can earn 5 credits for it.....and like math, science, social and english are worth 5 credits so its an awesome course and will help me alot! well not alot but everything counts! anyways! everyone seems to be doing good as far as the weight loss! anyways...aphil i hope things get better! but i must run!
later!
luv
Kayla

Here I am!!
Aphil: Glad to hear you're feeling a little better! And oh so crafty! I've been scrapbooking up a storm lately too. It's so relaxing. I'm picky about a lot of my junk and I can tell the difference between a lot of things, LOL.

Getting There: Glad to hear your exams are over! Hopefully you'll be able to relax soon!

B-Thin: Glad to see you here! Just jump on in!!

I'm doing good. Ate a lot of veggies today (even though I ate out 2 meals!) and didn't eat too much junk at the movie. We finally saw LOTR. What an amazing movie! Can't wait for the next one. I try to be good and bring sour candy (hard to eat too much of it) and a juice box in my purse, but I still eat popcorn and drink dh's soda and have candy. Oh well. I just kept sucking on M&M's and didn't finish the whole bag!
In Christ,
Pamela

Hi,
I have been really good at only weighing myself twice a week lately-after the first week or so of initial water loss-it can get disappointing to get oon the scale and not see it go down. Any of you slow losers I reccomend this!
I am down another pound to 190! That sounds so much better than 202....:D
189 will be even better! I will have to do another happy dance.
Tupo-I eat out quite a bit also-I try to plan for it. We go to Taco Bell every week after Wal-Mart night at our house at dd's request-I have a chicken fiesta burrito-370 calories, or a bean burrito for 370 calories. If I hadn't eatan much that day I will add a chicken soft taco for 190-keeping my dinner around 550-600. I feel like I am cheating and am eating what I love but staying on plan. The flour tortillas are less fatty than nacho chips, mexican pizza base, and the fried chalupa things...regular tacos are also 190 calories. You want to stay away from sour cream also-and these selections do that.
Tupo-when at the movies-tell your husband beforehand not to let you into the popcorn-even if he has to sit the bag in the seat on the other side of him...continue to bring your treat...and try a diet fountain movie soda instead of the juice...it will leave you the calories for a bit larger munchie-whatever you bring.
Kayla-I took French in high school, and did some more later with online lessons and books. I am interested in taking sign language courses through software or a class. I figure it will come in handy someday! But right now I am trying to dig into these costume selections...After mine is made I have about 10,000 beads to hand strand and sew....not looking forward to that part. I might as well be making a wedding gown.
We had another night of icy rain, but the power is still on this morning...I hope it lasts.
My ds has his 9 month doctor visit this afternoon and then I AM FREE! Granny is taking them all weekend!
Another eating tip while I am thinking of it...Wonder Light bread is VERY GOOD, and has 5 grams of fiber per serving. Try it if you haven't yet. It has the calories in 2 slices that regular has in 1.
Well,I'll check in tonight!
Everyone take care and let's reduce and firm those butts!
Aphil
202/190/12 down torward first goal of 160

Hi!
I am down another pound today!!!189!!!
:D
Aphil
202/189/first goal 160!
lost 13 pounds

Hey Everyone!

I thought my notifications weren't working again, but I guess everyone is just busy :dizzy: Well, we won the superbowl!! I of course celebrated by eating tons of the goodies that were at the party I went to. Chips, dip, some veggies, cookies, cake, mozzarella sticks, you name it. I think I got caught up in the sight of all the size 4 girls that were there eating the same things I was. Oh well, I seriously probably ate enough calories to gain a pound, although I was trying to log it all in my food diary and it came out to be a heck of a lot lower than I thought. I'd rather have it be over-estimated than under. My only saving grace was that I did an hour run, so at least that burned off a chunk of the calories I ate. Unfortunately it looks as though I'll be working late nights this week, so it's not looking good for me getting in me weeknight runs. I hate it when work gets in the way of my life!

Lexxy

Hi,
Everyone go to Doin' it the old fashioned way #5! This one is getting too long!
Aphil