Doin' It The Old Fashioned Way-Calorie Counting! #19
 

Welcome everyone! :D

This group (Doin' It The Old Fashioned Way) is the longest running chat thread for calorie counters here at 3FC...it has been going for 5 years now!!! :cheer:

The primary goal of this group is to lose weight, and to maintain that loss, through limiting our calorie intake and making healthier choices...and committing to regular exercise. :)

No pills, no gadgets, no hard to live with plans that completely restrict or banish any particular food groups. Calorie Counting is basically a way that we can all live with for the rest of our lives, and that means a much better chance for lifetime maintenance of our new, healthier weights! It is a lifestyle change, and not a "diet".

I would like to start out the thread by posting short "introductions" (as has always been the tradition) so that newbies can get to know us. So, let's introduce ourselves to everyone-and get down to business!

Aphil

:belly:

Hi, Everyone. Ive been around for a few weeks. Sort of fell off after seeing inches lost. Took more cheat days than planned. But now im back and on track. I was wondering if anyone could tell me how long it took for them to see results whether they be inches lost or SV. Thanks

The inches lost really depends a lot on your exercise. If you are doing calorie counting alone, you are going to most likely have your inches lost go slower-than if you were combining proper diet with exercise as well. Fitness will make those inches diappear faster. :D

Hi everyone! I started on this weight loss/lifestyle change in January after 5 months of assuming I'd lose weight from a less stressful life, but instead I gained 7 pounds.

I had quit my job in August in anticipation of going to work with my DH in his construction business. I had a very stressful job at our local hospital and I was looking for a way out. After I quit, I devoted myself to my kids and their various activities, but while they were at school, I walked the dogs. I assumed I was doing the right thing, but those darn holidays came and with them came a lot of family to visit, and all those big meals I cooked. Well, I gained 7 pounds.

I was going to start working in January, but the office manager at the office wanted me to wait until April (but they put me on the payroll anyway--I couldn't argue with that!!). Suddenly I felt like I'd been given a reprieve. I had to get on track and lose that weight. I really started walking--4+ miles per day/5 days a week, at a fast pace. I live in a hilly area, so there was a lot of climbing, also. I started to lose. After a few weeks, I hit a standstill and I found 3FC. I got a lot of good advice and started counting calories and lost some more.

Just a few weeks ago, I read the success story of Glory87 and was totally inspired. I went and bought the book she recommended and am trying to incorporate more whole foods into my diet. Yes, I still have to venture into the interior of the grocery store from time to time, but most of my purchases are from the perimeter. My DD is also trying to lose weight this summer, as is my DH, so we're all in this together. So far my DS is not complaining (but we'll see about that!).

As for my history, when my DS was born 11 1/2 years ago, I remember sitting and nursing him in the living room. We had a wall covered in mirror, and I saw myself as a roly-poly fattie. After he was weaned, I went on a diet and lost over 30 pounds. I got down to 128 and felt wonderful. I kept that weight off for over 5 years. But then it crept back on, and last summer I realized I had grown back to 165 which is what I weighed in college and when I got married and when I got pregnant with my DD (now 15 1/2). At the time I got pregnant with my DD, I had just started a diet and I had measured all my body parts. When I got pregnant, I tucked the measurements into my pregnancy books and I didn't look at them again until I got pregnant with my son. I realized when #2 pregnancy came, that I was exactly where I had been 4 years earlier. I had been wanting to diet then. I didn't get to it after the first birth, so I put it in my head that it would be different this time. I set a goal during pregnancy #2 and I made that goal.

So, 11 years later and the weight was back on. My doctor had been telling me for years to drop 10 pounds. He made it sound so easy (walk around the block every day, don't eat "white"). Well, that's what I did last fall, and I gained 7 pounds. So buckling down in January, finding 3FC in February, going back to work in April, discovering the 14 superfoods in June, and counting calories has really helped me. I still have a few pounds to go. But with the help of my family I think i'll get there. I'm in no hurry--some advice I got this spring was to give yourself a year to accomplish the goal. I'm over 1/2 way there and I still have many months to go.

Hi Everyone,

I joined in on this thread last week. I'm married with two teenagers ... son 17yo ... and daughter 14yo. Been struggling with my weight for 17 years ... kids have a lot to answer for! Before kids I didn't really have a problem, although looking back, throughout my teens and early 20's I was always trying out new "diets" to see if I could lose a few extra pounds ... even though now I realise that I didn't have any "extras" to lose! ... What I wouldn't give to have that figure back now! In a nutshell, that's me!:D

Weighed-in this morning and I'm down to 180lbs ... which means a loss this week of 3lbs.:)

Nichola

Well, for those who don't know me...here is my intro:

I am a 30 year old married mother of 2 (soon to be 3!). My husband is an engineer, and I am a belly dance performer and instructor. (I have been dancing for 5, performing for 4, and instructing for almost 2.) I am also a costume designer/maker and specialize in making belly dance costumes, and making screen accurate movie replica costumes.

We have a daughter, Jasmine, who is almost 8, a son, Raiden, who is 5, and I am currently (as of late June '06) almost 31 weeks pregnant out of 40-so about a week shy of 7 months pregnant with our second son/third and last child. :)

I have been here at 3FC for about 5 years now as well, and I have been a moderator for probably 3-4 years out of that time. When I started, there were a lot of sections and subforums for Atkins, Weight Watchers, and other large plans that were popular...but at the time calorie counting was sort of "out"...as in a lot of people were doing structured plans that took calorie intake into consideration (WW, LAWL, Body For Life, etc. are all reduced calorie, for instance...) but no one at the time here was simply "calorie counting". Calorie counting with diet and exercise was the only thing that has ever worked for me...so I titled a thread "Doin' It The Old Fashioned Way" to see if there was anyone else out there still calorie counting. I was very pleased to know that there still were...and still are!!! :carrot:

I normally put on 50-60 pounds with each pregnancy, but this time I am still calorie counting and staying with exercise-although some of it has had to be modified. I am aiming to put on 30-40 pounds this time around by the time I deliver, rather than the usual 50-60. So far I look like I am going to be in that target range. :) I am also a gestational diabetic, which means I am diabetic while pregnant-so there are dietary issues and complications I have to deal with concerning that-but that is another story.

I was aiming for 2000 calories the first trimester/three months of pregnancy...and I aim for 2000-24000 for the remainder of the pregnancy. This will allow for proper nutrition of me and the baby, allow the proper weight gain and keep my blood sugar in line, but avoid the excess weight gain.

FYI-I successfully went from 200 pounds to my goal of 150-155 after the birth of my daughter with calorie counting and exercise...and maintained that loss until becoming pregnant with my son. After his birth, I went from 211 down to a very fit 164 and held that before becoming pregnant with this one. I am hoping to continue those successes and be a lifetime maintainer (since this is our last baby!) after this one is born. :D

Hello all,

I joined 3FC in May of this year and, like most of us, have found a couple forums I call "home." Calorie Counters was the first place I started posting (I think!) and is definitely how I identify myself. I also participate in the Exercise!, Support, and Living Maintenance forums.

I've lost about 30 pounds since January of this year--all of it strictly through calorie counting. I firmly believe that weight loss is all about math. Calories in, energy expended out. I also firmly believe that a healthy diet includes all of the food groups-- and so calorie counting (or calorie reduction) just seems to make the most sense.

I've recently added exercise to my daily life-- and this is huge for me, because I'm a couch potato by nature. I'm walking a lot (goal of 75 miles for this month), doing walk/run intervals three times a week, and joined Curves.

Right now I'm working on re-evaluating my goal weight. I've been stuck right around 166 forever (okay-- for weeks, but it feels like years!) and I'm wondering if, in fact, that's the weight I'm supposed to be. I'm having trouble letting go of my goal of 155, though, so I've decided to live with my current weight over the summer while I get used to my (very new for me) exercise routine. And who knows? Maybe once my body adjusts the pounds will start coming off again... or maybe I'll find that this is the new me. Either way, I'm going to stop fretting about it.

OK, I guess I will post a little about myself.

I am 27years old and married to a UPS man(hence the name). We have three children. Son, just turned 6yrs, daughter 4 1/2yrs and my baby girl just turned 3yrs. I have always pictured my self as big, but as I look back on my life I was just not very fit.

As you can see my children are all close together, so I gained most of my weight from the pregnancies, and I am an oddball here, because I gained while nursing. I really started this change about 2yrs ago, but really buckled down a year ago. In that time we have discovered that I am hypothyroid. We are still working on the meds, to help with the symptoms. Because of this losing weight has been a very difficult process.

I had joined a place similar to Curves, but I was not losing. I was there for four months, and I did not lose a single pound and I only lost 1/2 inch from my arm. I had been using the Firm tapes, but when DH's hours got moved The kiddies just kept getting in my way. I even tried getting up early, but it never failed that one of them would wake up and get under foot-literally. I finally talked DH into joining a gym, so we looked around, and I was very happy with Lifetime Fitness. THey have an excellent childcare center, and that was something that was very important to me. Since we started in March I have lost 3-4 pounds, and several inches. I have always been a calorie counter, most of the other plans are too rigid, and I think that if you take something out of your diet and lose weight, that once you start adding it back in, you will just gain back the weight. ANd my Mom has been a huge inspiration. At my wedding she weighed around 260lbs and she started calorie counting and lost 90lbs, then started exercising at Curves and lost another 15lbs. I don't think I could do this without the support of my family and the Wonderful Ladies here at 3FC.

I joined 3FatChicks a couple of years ago, but I didn not start posting and coming here regularly until Oct. of 2005.

Hi! I'm 43, married, no kids. I started gaining weight out of high school and have done every plan out there multiple times. I did the Atkins plan 6 years ago and lost 100 lbs, but I can't stick to that for the rest of my life. So I started calorie counting last May and have lost the next 45. I have somewhere between 95 and 100 more to go depending on where I decide my goal weight is going to be.

I go to my gym at work every morning M-F. We get free personal training and nutrition counseling, so it's nice. We have a certified nutritionist as well as the personal trainers.

I have Celiac disease, so I have to eliminate any foods containing wheat, barley or rye from my diet. I can have oats, but only about once a week and they have to be organic. Makes eating interesting some times and really easy others when you have no choice but to turn down the pie, cookies, cakes, donuts, etc.

Hi all, I'm new to this forum. Just started posting at the board a few weeks ago, lurked for awhile before that. Someone suggested this area for calorie counters in another forum, and so I thought I'd come read what was over here. I am Melody, I'm 38, a divorced Mother of 3...Jordan my oldest son is 15, my daughter Emma is 8, and my son Noah is 5. I work as an RN. I have been overweight my whole life, was put on my first diet when I was 2 if that says anything. I have lost weight before, but it was always by starving myself, I got down to 170-175 before I got married by eating 400 to 600 calories a day, so of course it all came back eventually and then some. I started this plan at the beginning of April, I am counting calories, exercising, and working hard to get in my water every day. I keep my calories from 1200 to 1600 calories a day. I have lost 26 pounds in the 3 months (6.5 pounds was in the first week, so it's been about 6 to 8 pounds a month since then). Like others here, I know that if I am going to maintain anything at all, it has to include regular foods and be a bit flexible. I have switched to whole grains and increased my protein, fruits and veggies, but I want the flexibility that I can stay on my plan even if I choose to have a cookie or a bit of Birthday cake once a month if I count it in my calories. Anyway, my goal is to try to get to my goal weight by my 40th Birthday which is 121 more pounds in a year and a half, so who knows whether I will make it or not, but even if I'm not all the way there hopefully I'll be a lot closer than I am now or then I was when I started. :)

I'm logging EVERYTHING!!!
 

Hi,
My name is Rowan. I like this thread. I have been reading here and other threads for two days. What appeals to me is the approach. I know I got this way{ FAT} by taking in way too many calories and not enough activity.

I have a crazy life!!! I will give you all the basics and it wont seem too crazy. I have been married now for 18 years. My DH is a pilot and is away alot so I dont have the worry of cooking seperate meals etc. I have 3 children 1 girl and 2 boys ages 15, 6 and 3.

I have been on a million diets. Lost lots of weight gained it all and more back. I have several motivating factors to lose this weight. The first and foremost is that the weight was starting to make me disapear. I stayed in more, I did'nt want to move alot in front of others becaue I felt so conspicous. 2nd My kids. This weight was effecting my energy level badly and my daughter who is just so beautiful inside and out started gaining weight rapidly and I was not providing a good model for her.

One more quick thing is I live in a developing country so eating whole foods {the way to go} Is not too hard but there are no low cal options, reduced fat, sugar prepared foods and things like that.

I wish you all the best to keep on and I hope that I can be of help to you all and you to me. Have an awesome day. PS How many calories should I be looking at a day? :cool:

Hi Everyone,

I've not been having a very good week this week ... my cravings have been out of control, perhaps it's due to TOM?:( Anyway, I'm not going to let this beat me, I'll keep persevering and eventually I know I'll get to where I want to be!:)

Hi Rowan, we have a bit in common, I've been married for 19years, with two teenagers, living overseas (HK), originally from the UK (where are you originally from?) with a hubby who sometimes works away. I notice from your profile that we have the same occupation, and our current weight is similar. Although HK isn't a 'developing country', I still have problems when I do my food shopping ... very few low cal/low fat/low sugar options ... and any that I do occasionally come across are imported from the UK/US/OZ and are astronomical prices!! Consequently, most of my cooking has to be done from scratch using 'whole' foods, which can sometimes be a bit of a challenge. Anyway, I look forward to getting to know you:)

Hi to all the other 'newbies':welcome2: Look forward to getting to know you all too:)

Nichola

Hey Hong Kong!
 

Hi Hong Kong,
Well I have to say when I read your profile I was interested in getting to know you too! We do have a lot in common. I am from Seattle in Washington state. I have lived in Sudan for 13 years. Things have really improved here but just like HK the imported goods here are outrageous. Like $15 for a liitle chunk of cheddar cheese, $12 for a small box of mueseli. What is that about 5 pounds? I think in the US it would cost me about $3!!

Do you use a scale for weighing out your foods? Especially for meat, fish and chicken.I do not own a scale so I have been comparing portions to the size of a domino [cheese] the palm of my hand {meat} I use measuring cups for everything else. How do you manage oil? Is it even worth it!!!??

confession! I hate to exercise. I know this has alot to do with the weight I am carrying and it will get better. My fav exercise is swimming.

I imagine the veggies where you live are fantastic. Try to take full atvantage of that!:carrot:

Have a fantastic day and thanks for writing! :cool:

Hi Rowan,

Wow, 13 years in Sudan, was that your first overseas posting? We've been in HK for 5 years now, and before that we lived in Brunei for 3 years. We did go back to the UK for a little while in between the two but we hated it (missed the expat lifestyle too much!) so here we are in HK:D

I thought our food prices were expensive but it sounds like they are much higher where you are. Yes, the variety of veggies here are fantastic, and the good thing is that they are much cheaper than buying unusual Asian veggies in the UK supermarkets ... and yes, I should make more use of them!

I do use scales to weigh out my food (when I'm being a good girl!:o ), and it's amazing what a difference it makes to my weight loss ... when I weigh and write it down I always have a good week ... but when I'm being lazy and 'guestimate' I always end up gaining! ... Now why can't I be a good girl all the time?!:devil:

As far as oil is concerned, I tend to use mostly olive oil and measure it out with a measuring spoon (when I'm being a good girl:o )

Exercise ... I hate it too!! But I know I need to do something about it ... my hubby keeps telling me that if I started to exercise the weight would drop of me ... I'm always full of good intentions to start walking regularly every day, but right now it's so hot here that the thought of it fills me with dread! Swimming I don't mind, especially when it's so hot ... in fact, that's where I'm heading right now:)

Have a good week everyone!:)

Nichola

Hello ladies,

I'm glad to see there is a discussion group for those of us who are counting. I had success about 4 years ago losing weight this way and so I decided to can the crap of fad diets and do the way that has worked for me in the past. but, I get such mixed information about how many calories to actually eat....what are your numbers???

I am 26, married with one daughter 7 months old. When I got married I weighed 135 lbs, and 3 1/2 years later (and one baby) I'm 184. My DH is amazing and tells me I look wonderful, beautiful, etc but I KNOW I can do better. The weight is like glue though...it just won't budge.


I'm looking forward to chatting with all of you

http://www.3fatchicks.net/img/bar-re...4/145/184/.png

Good morning ladies!!!

I'm Val, 23 living in Hawaii currently (for only 3 more weeks :( and then it'll be Maryland) with my husband who's in the Navy and our 2 year old DS. I've been overweight for most of my life to various degrees. The only time I can ever remember being in the *healthy* BMI range was right before I came out to Hawaii over 3 years ago and I ate nothing but saltine crackers and watermelon to get there. Not a good plan... of course the weight piled back on when I got pregnant, plus a LOT more. This time I'm not letting that happen. The weight WILL come off and it WILL stay off. No more excuses. I've been on the board for a couple months and it's been an invaluable source of information and encouragement! I track with fitday and eat 1200-1400 cals a day and try to walk 5k daily (when the baby and life allow)...

So Aloha!! I hope everyone has a great day :).

Eat those veggies
 

Welcome Brooke, For me counting seems the only way to go because I can keep it real that way. What a great man you have!! Yes you can do better. we all can ;) Congratulations on the birth of your baby girl. Dont forget yu need loads of good stuff to eat... FOR YOU!

Hey Hong Kong, Thanks for the answers to my questions. I have another. What is you fav lunch/dinner? I dont mean the BBAAADDD stuff I mean low cal and nutrtious.

How was the swimming? I hope you did some lengths and stayed cool. That is one of the main reasons I love to swim { no icky sweat} I think it was 110 here in Khartoum today! :cool: Over 40 celsius. I swam today too. I did 100 lengths I am so happy!!!:D I have been doing 50 to 60 but I pushed myself and did it! When my daughter was 6 I swam every day no matter what. Back then it was 200. I was hooked. My goal is to get there again. My daughter and I also went to the school and walked 2 miles around the track. Not sure how many kilometers that is.

My hardest most aggravating part of the day is night time. I just had half a pita bread with a teaspoon of spicy tomato paste and raw onions. It was good even though it sounds a little weird. It was a big mistake cause now I want more but I'm not going to even enter the kitchen any more tonight!

Okay , I'm outta here. Hong Kong go get a big string bag of those gorgeous vegs for me and enjoy! The veg situation at this time of the year here is dire. We have tomatoes, onion, cucumber, green peppers and lots of rocket. It gets better around November.

EXERCISE :carrot: Is going to make this journey , faster, empowering and healthy! Have a great day everyone!
Rowan

Hi Everyone, hope your week has got off to a good start:)

Rowan, I enjoyed the swimming, but only managed a few lengths ... I'm very impressed with your 100 lengths!! ... It puts me to shame, but I guess I have to start somewhere!:o

My favourite lunch is usually a salad of mixed salad leaves, with all the other usual stuff, and I like to top it with either cottage cheese and ham, or tuna. My favourite dinner isn't quite so simple to choose as I like so many things! I love spicy food, so I tend to make a lot of my own low cal/low fat versions of various dishes. I do also eat a lot of chicken breast which I like stuffed with fat free philadelphia cheese (which I can usually get in HK!:D ) which I mix with either garlic or a teaspoon of pesto, roll it up and bake, served with salad & jacket potatoe. I also like to rub a chicken breast with cajun spices, then cook it and slice it up on top of salad leaves tossed in lemon juice and a little olive oil, and lots of black pepper. I do enjoy fish, but unfortunately it is so expensive here in the supermarkets that it tends to be a treat. We can buy it much cheaper in the local fish market, but I make my hubby do that task occasionally as I don't like going there!!:eek: I much prefer to buy it at a supermarket where they prepare it all nicely for me!:D

So what sort of food do you eat in Sudan? Do you eat out often or cook mostly at home, and do you tend to cook the type of food that you would eat in the States, or do you cook more local type foods?

Well, must dash now to prepare dinner. Speak again soon.

Nichola

Hi everyone!

I lost 25 pounds counting calories and I have maintained for almost 2 years.

I need to lose another 15-20 pounds so I have started counting calories to lose.

Two weeks ago I started weighing and measuring my food.

When I want to lose I eat 1200-1500 cal. per day.

I lose about a pound a week, sometimes two.

Hello all! I am still here, just been on a small trip. Dh isa still on vacation, so I have to run. Later chicas!!

Hi all,
I'm just back from Atlanta, where we visited DGD. What a peach, truly. But I was totally off the wagon. I'm happy to get back here and see all these messages. Should be out walking right now since its a blessed 67degrees here.
I was putting off posting until I had more time to identify myself. I'll be back.

Hi everyone! This is my second time around calorie counting. I did it last summer/fall and lost around 12 lbs. :cp: Then I gained it all back over the holidays. I tried a couple diets in between but I can't seem to deprive myself of anything! :devil: So I'm back to counting. This time around I'm writing down everything I eat in a notebook and weighing in daily. In the 3 weeks I've been doing this I have lost about 5 lbs.:carrot:
My mini goal is to be under 150 by Labor Day. I would like to be at 125 (goal) by Christmas, but I'm not sure:cp: if that is rushing a bit. This is an awesome forum!!

I have been so off the wagon, but I am ready to start over. I need to write everything down again, and will do that today. I found a small notebook that I can carry in my purse, so when I am out I can strill write it all down. I am off to have a great last day of dh's vacation.

Later chicas!!

We need to get this thread more active again, ladies. ;)

We have our community garage sale tomorrow-so I am spending most of the day getting ready for that. I am hoping that we have some good sales and get rid of some things-the kid's old clothes, most of my maternity wear (only keeping a few essentials to get me through for the next few weeks) and home decor from our old house...(we bought a new house in February of this year.).

I am trying to get the kids school supplies, school clothes, and all that taken care of this month-before August. School starts here August 15th, but that is right around "baby time" so I want to be prepared and have all of their things ready, so that all DH or another family member would have to do if I was in the hospital is take them, and maybe take in the check for their school fees. I just have a funny feeling I will be having this baby around the time they are just starting school. Intuition, I guess, after already having two others.

I am really "nesting" now as well-going around and cleaning little things-sorting photographs into albums, organizing things in storage, doing this rummage sale, touching up paint in the house, cleaning out the refrigerator-and all of it, in my state of mind, is 100% necessary. :lol: I have done this with all of my children, though. Completely normal for me to "lose it" at the end. :rofl:


I have to do my prenatal strength training today for my exercise-so that will be a 30 minute workout today at the minimum. If I feel up to it, I might get some walking or dancing in later as well.

My current calorie level in the last few weeks of my pregnancy is around 2200 a day. I am living with it, but STARVING. :rofl: In the last two months, this is the time when the baby puts on it's fat layer-around 1/2 pound of chubby put on per week! So, nonetheless, about 1-2 weeks ago...I literally felt it coming on and started feeling like a bottomless PIT. :lol: I am trying to concentrate on higher volume foods to stay "full" like strawberries for 45 calories a cup, oatmeal, and other things of that nature so I feel more satisfied.

Activity wise, I am still doing really well. I taught dance class Monday night (1 hour), Tuesday night (1 hour and 15 min.) and have gotten a lot of walking in the past two days. Today I will strength train, and this weekend I will get in some prenatal yoga. I already have a couple postnatal workout dvds ready along with my treadmill/baby stroller so I can start in as soon as I am cleared by the doctor. I am hoping to get into shape enough to start teaching again when the baby is about 6-8 weeks or so old, and then start performing again very soon after that. :D

It will be nice to be on this thread, and have the numbers starting high and going DOWN again...rather than the other way around. :lol:

Friday weigh in
 

Down another 2 this week. That makes a total of 6 pounds in 4 weeks...not bad. I could work a little harder to get that number up (or down as the case may be) but this is working I guess. My major accomplishment was not gaining anything last weekend. I would work my butt off all week to lose 2 pounds and each weekend I could easily put it back on :fr:

Been trying to get in a walk or bike ride...also got those exercise DVD's from McDonalds and I have to say they are great!!!!

Trying to think of something exciting to make for dinner tomorrow night for hubby and myself. We used to go out to eat all the time but now money is tight so we stay home. I try to think of things that are different than the everyday meals. Any ideas?

Have a great weekend all!

Jane-

6 pounds in 4 weeks is awesome! You are losing about 1 1/2 pounds per week, which is exactly on track with the recommended 1/2-2 pounds per week range for healthy weight loss. :)

Since you are starting at a weight that is already below 200...you are probably not going to experience the high end (2+ pounds per week) like some of the women who start out above 200 pounds. This is completely normal, and as they get thinner, their losses each week will get smaller as well.

I know sometimes here we see someone who lost 8 pounds their first two weeks or something like that-but often if you check into it, they are often at a higher weight. (Or doing it too quick-meaning unhealthy.)

DH and I are going to be alone next week with the kids with grandma-so we are going to the grocery store tonight to get food for the week. We are in the same boat as you are...I am trying to decide "what to fix" this week for our dinners. :lol:

Aphil~enjoy the time with your hubby brofre the baby comes. Also try to get some extra sleep in.

Jane~Great job on the 6lbs. I wanted to try the McDonalds DVD's but I don't eat there hardly at all, so I have't gotten them. WIll have to try to get in and get them before thay stop the promotion.

I am totally frustrated, I work hard, eat mostly right,and I still am stuck right where I am. It would be ok if I was a little lower, but still being in the 230's is really bothering me. I know I have had some issues (hypothyroid, high cholesterol, and probably some hormonal issues) But it is so very difficult to lose anything at all. I know I just have to keep pluggin away, but it is very discouraging to keep bouncing around the same 7lbs for the last 8 months!!!

I am going to try to incorporate more swimming into my exercise routine, and I am hoping that the change will do me some good. I am off to keep working at this, Later chicas!

Well im counting cal's i didnt get really serious untill this week and its going GREAT im down 3.6 pounds and its really working great i've done this before and it worked back then too i lost close to 80 lbs then started gaining and wow i tried every FAST fix out there and nothing worked as for the cal def i havent gotten that far yet
Ups wife dont get discouraged i say try eating more may your body is in starvation mode?? just a thought maybe try a little more food this weekend i know that your problems probably contribute to you not losing but hang in there i've heard that once you start losing alot of health problems dissapear hang in there and we are here for you cheering you on


Jane 6 lbs Thats awsome WTG girl


aphril congrats on baby #3

I wouldn't necessarily recommend eating more food automatically-if you are having trouble losing. Starvation mode is only a problem in a small percentage of cases-and usually only happens if you are at a calorie level way too low for your current weight and body needs for a long period of time.

There are some instances where I definitely recommend that someone eat more...but I only recommend that after really looking hard at what the person is doing.

upswife-if you are having trouble losing, I would be glad to take a look at what you are doing, and offer some suggestions to you. It could be a problem or something that needs addressed with your exercise regime, WHAT you are eating (rather than how much), or how much...there are lots of little tweaks and things that can be done to help.

Thanks Aphil. I was actuall getting online this morning to reevaluate my work out. CurrentlyI get in to the gym three days a week(I keep trying for that fourth day, and I have managed to talk myself out of it) I get in about 30-40mins on the eliptical with an average heartrate between 145 and 153. THen I do some weight machines. I was reading about what sets of muscles should be workewd out together, and I am going to try to incorporate that this week. As I said I have been trying to get that fourth day in. I love to swin, and used to be pretty good, so I am trying to get in some laps. I sis manage to get in a couple yesterday when DH and I took the kiddies to go swimming. I streach after each work out, and would like to try some yoga to increase flexibilitybut the gym charges extra for the yoga classes, and the added gym membership is streaching us right now.

As for food, I have been doing better getting more fresh fruits and veggies everyday. Just mainly trying to watch portion size and getting back into writing it all down, and counting calories. I have been a little lax the last few weeks.

Thanks for any help.

Hi, all!

My name is Claire, and I posted in here a couple of years ago.

After being seduced more than once by the lies of quick weight loss if I gave some company or infomercial money and being disappointed every time, I'm back here, because in my heart of hearts I know this is the only thing that works.

It's a hard concept to embrace because it's not trendy, there are no infomercials, nothing glam or glitzy. But it works. And to show that it works -- every last weight-loss aid on the shelves has a little insert with it. And the insert contains -- drumroll please -- a diet that is based on counting calories.

The only mainstream thing I've seen about calorie counting and exercise in the last few years is Jim Karas' Business Plan for the Body. Unlike this site, you have to pay money on his site for him to tell you about calories. sigh.

A little about me -- I'm 53 and get mistaken for 40 or younger all the time, at one time in my life I actually did look like my avatar, but that was another lifetime ago. I have one married stepson and we are expecting our second grandchild in a few weeks. Hubby is also dieting to get rid of his pot belly and "chesticles" as he calls them, and with his exercise, he is beginning to turn back into Mr. Hottie Hottie McHot-Hot, LOL!

looking forward to getting to know (and get reacquainted with) everyone. I tend to be a little blabby, so if I become a post hog, tell me...

I'll go back and read the prior posts so I get an idea of what folks are like and their progress.

Aphil, glad you're still moderating this thread. You're one of the reasons I came back!

Cheers!

One other thing...

My short-term goals are to lose 10% of my excess bodyfat at a time. My ticker reflects this.

And in defense of losing the weight slowly -- your skin will shrink at the same rate of loss if you lose only up to 2 pounds max per week.

Since I have a lot to lose, that makes a big difference.

:cp: Absolutely true!!!!!

I am so glad that you are back, Claire. I definitely remember you, and am glad that you have returned to us! :hug:

If you didn't check my siggie...I am going to have a baby at just about any time (due date is in less than 6 weeks, but I am going to have him earlier due to size.) and then I will be back on the weight loss wagon with you ladies once again. :D

Aphil, I am so flattered that you remember lil ol' me.

Congrats on your impending blessed event. I hope everything goes smoothly and quickly!!

I used to belly dance years ago and hope to get back to it. I really enjoyed it. I also remember sewing on all those little coins with dental floss because I knew the coins wouldn't go flying in the middle of a shimmy! LOL!

Hi, all!

Well, here I am for today and all excited.

sunrise was gorgeous while I was driving to work and the temps have become more bearable.

This calorie-counting thing continues to be interesting. I use Fitday and log in everything I eat. A coworker caught me peeling the label off a can because it wasn't in Fitday's database and I NEEDED THAT INFO! LOL!!!

I have a decorative cord with a knot tied in it for every pound I lose, and another for every inch. When I lose a pound, I'll cut off a knot and put it in a jar. Same for the inches. Over time, it should look most decorative and no one needs to know what it's for.

Hope everyone is doing well today. I'll be back later!

Hi, I'm a newbie here. I have been calorie counting for about three years now. I had lost 200 lbs with another calorie counting site. I had some back problems, wasn't able to exercise, got discouraged and have gained back 100 lbs. I am trying really hard to get back with it after relapse. This has been the most easy and succesfull method for me(I tried WW many years ago) I don't have alot of time to log things in on a site so I just keep track in a note book. I have really been depressed and discouraged and am really trying to get back with my program. I have a problem with binge eating,but i am detemined to get back on track

Welcome, carbzilla!

That's awesome that you lost all that weight. Sorry you put some back on, but I know it will go away again and take friends with it!

This is a great thread and Aphil is a superb moderator.

So glad to have you!!

Cheers!

Claire

Welcome carbzilla!!!! THis is a great site. YOu may like the Chicks in Control forums too, they focus a little more on binging and eating disorders. I know you can lose the weight once you get back into the swing of things. Can you start exercising again, or does your back prevent you form doing anything??? ((hugs))

Hi Carbzilla,

Most of my weight issues extend from binge eating as well, and I found that one of the best ways to start out is not to go "too strict, too soon". If you go from eating whatever, to eating a very strict amount of calories right away-I have always had a hard time the first few weeks with that. Also, given your current weight, you don't need to go super low calorie right now to start seeing results. Start out at around 2000 a day for the first couple of weeks, and see how that does when you weigh in once a week.

Another thing that helps with the binging, for me at least, is to make sure that the calories are spread out a lot-if you have 2000 a day, then try for 400 at breakfast, 500 at lunch, 700 at dinner, and then you have 400 for the rest of the day to have "snacks". This might help you to keep from feeling deprived...which tends to lead to the binge monster. ;)

The third tip that I can add...is to make sure that you are eating something with protein in it at each meal...and you are avoiding refined carbs-which tend to "promote" binging. Fat free cookies, low fat ice cream, 100 calorie packs-these sorts of things are very refined, sugar filled, and are big "triggers" for someone who binges-because it is hard to stop at one serving. The foods don't fill you up, give you the sugar/refined carb rush, and pretty much can set off a huge binge.

Take foods, instead that are more complex carbs-whole grains, brown rice, fruit, veggies, etc. instead-and have some protein with it. A tablespoon of peanut butter (about 90 calories) along with some celery, carrot sticks, or apple slices is much more satisfying, and sticks with you a lot longer than the same calories in refined carbs-because you are having a combination of complex carbs/small amount of fat/small amount of protein.

I hope that some of this helps you get started again...

:hug:

Aphil

Darn those Carbs
 

Welcome Carbzilla:welcome2:
Even when I was on other food plans, like one from OA, I counted calories on my own. I had the low carb conversation with someone at the health store yesterday. He encouraged me to give up the refined sugars no matter what it took, and then he said it would be so much easier for me. (of course I've heard all this before).

I've been much to easy on myself, getting a couple of pounds off over the weekend and then eating too much during the week. Claire, I'm glad to hear about Chicks in Control - will go there. I should get to Overeaters Anonymous, its a fine program. But the only nearby meeting I could go to is an AM meeting, and I haven't pursued that. (Too many chuckles from DH until
he sees progress).

There's a Sugar Buster group here too.

:cheers: Here's to a great day.