Gosh, a new week already... :yikes:

Nice to see you posting, Flow! Sounds like you've been having a great time.

Hey Alan, I guess I didn't really mean "aboriginal" by "native." I just meant were you born there. :lol: In the U.S. we talk about "native Floridians," "California natives," and so on in that way--even though "native American" would mean American Indian... :dunno:

I think it is terrible what has happened to the Australian aboriginal people, especially after alcohol had been introduced. Same thing with native American people.

I'm looking into getting a new computer system. Mine is 8 years old and is finally getting too slow... and too small... for what I need to do. I like laptops. I was looking at switching to a Mac--I love Macs--but I've been working on a Windows machine all this time, and it seems like I can get a new ThinkPad with the fastest everything on it for significantly less money and less hassle. So, I'm probably going to stay with Windows.

I guess that's all I have to report. Oh, some of you remember I was going to the doctor to see about some health issues. Well, I did, and now of course I have to have tests. That will take more time... Sigh... It's a good thing there is really nothing wrong with me! :lol:

See ya!
Jay

Alan - we definitely have some pretty bad eating habits here in the states. I grew up in the first "junk food" generation, first fast food restaurants, etc.

I have had a lot of bad habits to unlearn over the years!

Lori - Sounds like you are having a wonderful summer!

Jay - I had a Thinkpad that I really liked. And I definitely prefer a laptop. If you have wireless at home, they are awesome.

We are considering a netbook for travel. My laptop is only 4 lbs, but we are into ultra-light traveling these days ;)

I totally understand about the tests. I had my last one for the year last week! Keep us posted on your results!

A busy start to the week here. Work is indeed heating up again, and I took my lunch time to go give blood. I did a yoga workout after work, and now I need to get some dinner together.

I'm glad we have a mini-vacation scheduled for the weekend! I'm already wishing Friday was here :lol:

Hope your day was terrific and ON PLAN!

I am interested in your story
 

How do people lose weight?

I am interested in writing a story about the many ways people lose weight.

Eating nothing but protein, or fruit, or vegetables?
Running the marathon (I wish!)
Water diet? No fat diet? There must be hundreds...there are thousands of books that's for sure. :)
How did you do it?
Are you still looking for the Holy Grail? :cool:

Originally Posted by Alan:
How do people lose weight?

I am interested in writing a story about the many ways people lose weight.

Eating nothing but protein, or fruit, or vegetables?
Running the marathon (I wish!)
Water diet? No fat diet? There must be hundreds...there are thousands of books that's for sure. :)
How did you do it?
Are you still looking for the Holy Grail? :cool:

You can click on my goal story for more info, but in a nutshell:
Calorie counting (all things in moderation)
Eating mostly whole foods (30/40/40 split) - modifies Sonoma, Mediterranean, Flat Belly diet (incorporating MUFAs)
moderate daily exercise
Accountability - journaling my food, weight and exercise, posting here at 3fc, weighing daily, etc.
Vegetarian diet (though that is the norm - I was a fat vegetarian for years)


Really, just a lifestyle change that incorporated eating less, eating wisely, and moving more. Nothing dramatic, nothing exciting, tried and true strategies.

Originally Posted by Alan:
How do people lose weight?

I am interested in writing a story about the many ways people lose weight.

Eating nothing but protein, or fruit, or vegetables?
Running the marathon (I wish!)
Water diet? No fat diet? There must be hundreds...there are thousands of books that's for sure. :)
How did you do it?
Are you still looking for the Holy Grail? :cool:

You can click on my goal story for more info, but in a nutshell:
`Calorie counting (all things in moderation)
`Eating mostly whole foods (30/40/40 split) - modified Sonoma, Mediterranean, Flat Belly diet (incorporating MUFAs)
`Moderate daily exercise
`Accountability - journaling my food, weight and exercise, posting here at 3fc, weighing daily, etc.
`Vegetarian diet (though that is the norm - I was a fat vegetarian for years)


Really, just a lifestyle change that incorporated eating less, eating wisely, and moving more. Nothing dramatic, nothing exciting, tried and true strategies.

Originally Posted by Alan:
How do people lose weight?

I am interested in writing a story about the many ways people lose weight.

Eating nothing but protein, or fruit, or vegetables?
Running the marathon (I wish!)
Water diet? No fat diet? There must be hundreds...there are thousands of books that's for sure. :)
How did you do it?
Are you still looking for the Holy Grail? :cool:

I just eat real food in moderation -- emphasizing lean proteins, veggies, nonfat dairy, and whole grain carbs -- and work out as much as I can. Yes, I do run marathons! ;) Well, half marathons anyway. I aim to do an hour or more of vigorous activity almost every day - hiking, swimming, running, kayaking, strength training or other exercise class. Working out makes me feel good and lets me eat more. But I have to keep my diet in line, because I can out-eat any amount of exercise, if I try!

I find it is very important to self-monitor, because if I just ate whatever I wanted I'd gain a lot of weight in a big hurry! I monitor my weight and how my clothes fit, write down what I eat, and count calories. I have a calorie "budget", and if I go way over on one day, then I have to compensate by either burning more calories or eating less other days. For me, it's all about understanding that "calories in vs. calories out" equation. Right now, I'm in maintenance mode, so I just need to keep the equation balanced.

Well, Alan, I hope you're not just here to collect data. ;) :lol:

I counted calories and tried to keep my proteins/fats/carbs in the Zone diet percentages. I got a gym membership, had some trainer sessions, and went to the gym 5-6 times a week. I do both aerobic/cardio and resistance work. Also some core exercises.

In short, I stopped eating whatever struck my fancy, whenever it was available--and got off my butt. :)

I'm not looking for any Holy Grail... not sure what that would be. If you mean, the magic secret that will allow me to go back to my sedentary, overeating ways and not gain weight... that would be just a scam.

Can't believe it's Wednesday already. Summer is slipping by!

We have Carolina wrens here--I love to hear them singing in the mornings. I had one that sat in the bushes outside my office window one day--such a little bundle of energy! It was taking a bath in the dew on the leaves of the bush. And you would not believe that that loud song comes out of that tiny body!

OK, I've been for my morning walk and have to get down to work. :book2:

Jay

Hi all, a quick fly by. I worked an 11 hour day, then went straight to a church meeting, and just now got home. Thankfully, I had a protein bar in my purse :D

And, I walked, so I did get in about 4 miles today - but no other exercise.

I'm SO looking forward to the weekend vacation!

Laurie

I have enjoyed reading the replies that tell me what people are doing to either lose or maintain weight. Nice one MBN...the runner. I envy you.:hug:

I had to give up jogging at 67 because my illiac band (or something like that) on my left knee was causing bother. Walking it is for me now. I walk around 20 miles plus a week with various "partners" that I have gathered over the years.

What has been here said all makes sense.

Here is something that doesnt make sense to me.:(

This week I saw a program on TV that showed a lady who lost weight through surgery. I made me sad to think that for her, it was the only way.

What made me even sadder was to see her hubby and child. They were both seriously overweight - unless my aging eyes :-) deceived me!

What now happens to them I wonder? Surgery all round? (Pardon the pun!:p)

The cost of the procedures, including removing unwanted loose skin (filled with remaining fat) was $22,000...and yet more surgery to come on her "arm flaps" which were hanging from her upper arms.

The family lifestyle presumably will not change, and you all know what that means.


I remain perplexed.

Alan, you bring up a valid point, and one that kept me from considering surgery (which I most likely would have qualified for).

IF, I need to change my lifestyle to maintain a loss (and previous diet attempts have proved this to be a key factor on long term maintenance), and IF making healthy lifestyle changes is a prerequisite of surgery (and it is), then WHY couldn't I just make those lifestyle changes to lose weight?

It would certainly be a slower loss, but it would definitely be a healthier one. While I have only had dental surgery in my lifetime, even that was a trauma to my body that took weeks to heal.

I think that is one of the blessings to starting a lifestyle change journey at this age. We tend to put the "urgency" of our desire into perspective. We are more likely to take a moderate approach.

And, the folks here have heard me say it so many, many times before, but it bears repeating: I very much enjoy/enjoyed my weight loss journey. I learned so much along the way. The journey itself has been very valuable. Without the time it took, the lessons I learned, I don't think I would be a successful maintainer.

Laurie I always love what you have to say. You are always so encouraging.

I have had a busy week. I am going away next week to the prairies to visit a friend. I am a little concerned about my food as holidays are always a celebration.
She has two dogs so we will get lots of walking in. This is a trip to the town I grew up in and she is an old friend.

It will be quite a walk down memory lane. I have not been there for 30+ years. I have a dear uncle there and a sister to visit. It will be fun.

I have told myself that it is only a week and to enjoy the company and just watch the food.

Will not be checking in cause my friends computer sounds like it is on it last legs. But we will see.

Hope you all have a great week next week and will look forward to seeing you when I get back....
Cheers Jude

Alan can I ask.... are you here on a weight loss journey of your own?? You have never said if you were or not. Maybe you could share what that looks like for you?

Thanks Jude

Jude - have a GREAT time!
One word of advice (OK, more than one - you know me)
First, this is a lifestyle change, so you need to be able to incorporate "life" into your plan. And life includes all kinds of trips and events that involve food - at least mine does :lol:
So -
Instead of "watching" the food, log the food.
Watching is good, making wise choices does help. But, I find that having to log it as well, really helps me with portion control as well as food selection.

Also - don't be afraid to take some "go to" foods with you - protein bars, LF string cheese, etc. Or, if comfortable - do a quick shopping trip when you get there. I do this when I visit relatives. Something about starting my day with an ON PLAN breakfast helps me make better choices throughout the day.

Take pictures while you are gone. We want to hear about your trip when you get back! :)

I'm off for our weekend trip shortly. I will catch up with everyone Sunday or Monday.
Hope you have a fun weekend all!

Laurie

Have a fabulous weekend Laurie!!!

Hi All, and in particular Jude
I am not on a weight loss journey, so much as a weight loss "mission". I was overweight when in my early forties and lost about 14 pounds (that's all I needed to lose, so I wasn't BIG). Since then I have maintained my weight through a change in lifestyle, and a study of eating and exercise habits/information/books.
When I see overweight young people struggling with their lives it makes me want to reach out and somehow help....Life isn't meant to be under a black cloud, but out in the sunshine, and a black cloud is what the burden of obesity is for most people.
I guess I dont have to tell you that.
I will relate more to you soon when the time is right.
Good health and happiness to everyone.
Alan
PS Once again I remind you, I have nothing to sell. My support is entirely free, for anyone who wants it.