I’ve been forgetting to mention this all week, so I’ll mention it right now before I forget. I’m up for a calorie challenge! I like MsRD’s idea of having a weekly goal so we can do some adjusting during the week if we need to. When do we start?
Yesterday was ok. My menu turned out a little different from what I had posted (not really surprising), but calories came in at 1592, if I remember correctly. Not nearly enough water though—only about 48 oz. And no exercise.
For dinner I made some grilled chicken and whole wheat pasta with some improvised Thai Peanut Sauce, and some snap peas. The peanut sauce was yummy (I just mixed peanut butter, soy sauce, and coconut milk), but next time I will use less PB, as it was just a little too sweet for my tastes. Overall it was pretty good though. I was rather impressed with my improvisation.
Today I am hopefully taking the afternoon off (it will depend if we get busy before lunch). Steve and I are going to lunch, probably Applebee’s, since we have a gift card. Then grocery shopping, perhaps a bit of other shopping (I really need some new pants, and I got paid more than I expected, so I may indulge myself), then home to get to work.
Oh crap, I just remembered that I forgot to get something out of the freezer to thaw for dinner. Drat!
Steve bought us a new vacuum yesterday and vacuumed the whole house! I couldn’t believe it! Of course, with all the fur Ella sheds we’ll have to vacuum again tomorrow anyway. But he actually vacuumed the entire house! And bathed the dog, and washed his car (he would have washed mine too if it had been there).
So we’re going to go on a cleaning/fixing spree this afternoon. I’m planning to sand the walls in the kitchen and paint them, that being the big project for the day, and if possible paint the banister and trim in the stairway.
Question of the Day Do you allow yourself “free” days or meals? Do you think it’s a good idea?
I allow free meals sometimes, but I try not to make it a whole day affair. It actually happens more often than I want it to, unintentionally, of course. But a large part of losing weight, at least in my mind, is learning how to have a healthy relationship with food ALL the time, now just while we’re on a “diet.” There are going to be days when I’ll have pizza for dinner, and I have to accept that I’m not going to be a nutritional saint. I figure if I start dealing with food that way now I’ll be that much further ahead when I actually get to the maintenance stage. Sure, it may take a little longer to get there, but I think in the end I will be able to handle it better. (Does that make any sense?)
OK, I was just interrupted by about 8 different things, and I need to get to work, so I’m going to post and get moving. Have a good day, chicks!
~Elisha
I am new to this site but am thilled to have discovered it. Accountability is the key...and I think this may be what I need for my last 20 lbs. Every pound has been a struggle. My weight shot up to 167 and got down to 114 only to shoot up to 121 this past week. My goal is 105....yes....I am only 4'9 so 105 is reasonable...even 99 is acceptable. According to height/weight charts, I could get down to 92...so 99-105 is my goal. I am also looking for an email buddy...someone who will write (or at least try to) on a daily basis. Let me know how you are doing, triumphs, struggles, failures and successes and I will do the same. Each day is a battle...sometimes it is a minute by minute attempt. I try and work out at Curves four to six days a week and have cut my food consumption down. Lots of veggies, some fruit...lots of water and Crystal lite.
Today wasn't so good....but just like a person shooting arrows, you don't always hit the center of the target...so at this point, I am aiming for the side of the barn. Are you with me ladies? LET ME HEAR FROM YALL.
NO FREE DAYS.....just make smart choices with every meal. Ok, dying for a slice of pizza? Fine...HAVE ONE SLICE, NOT HALF OF THE PIE. Get the idea? Free days are NOT good....that is a bad habit that we have all fallen into. Are you rewarding yourself with BAD FOOD? Not a good idea. Go ahead and splurge if you will...but on GOOD food...something you love (that is healthy) but expensive....or, save the money for that hot new bathing suit you are dying to buy and wear this summer. Got the idea. Focus on other rewards...not food. You can do this!!! GOOD LUCK.
Past two days have been good. I have missed two jujitsu classes, because I'm trying to heal these darn injuries. I might go to see the doctor -- I still have swelling and pain a week after I fell on my wrist.
***
Bobbi -- Welcome! Yeah, I don't do well if I take days off. I end up taking weeks off. Our little group is kind of like a small email group -- some days busier than others, but there are plenty of posts on 3fc for you to read daily. Are you following any specific plan?
Elisha -- Ooo, Thai peanut sauce. I keep meaning to try to cook some. Glad yours turned out.
MsRD -- Yep yep, you are WOMAN! <insert very loud roaring sound that is suspiciously like a wall-sander>
Joy -- Hmm. Weird eye-thingy. Hope you're feeling better now.
Julie -- Don't worry about the weigh-in; it was a day early. Yay for the new orthotics. Those things can make a big difference in your ability to be mobile. My mom is still struggling with hers. Thankfully yours seem to be working fine.
*** Calorie challenge -- How about if we do the challenge weekly, like we used to do for exercise? I know some people here don't post over the weekends. So let's start Monday.
Personal goal limit: 10,850 Group goal limit: 10,850 (Add yours to the total!)
***
In other news...
The Strattera I was taking made me too ill. Now I'm trying a new drug, Provigil. Provigil is usually used to treat narcolepsy, but recently doctors have been prescribing Provigil for attention problems. Hopefully, the Provigil will help with my inability to concentrate. I don't like taking one medication to offset the side-effects of another medication. And I am a little wary of taking a stimulant. But such is life for a bipolar woman.
I guess I haven't checked in for a few days...OK, let's see here...
Yesterday was good food wise, up until I realized I still had some of those choc. chip cookies around...and I ate a FEW of them! OH NO!! This no sugar thing is getting out of control! I did have a good breakfast & Lunch (Grilled CX salad from McDonald's), so plenty of veggies. I need to find out how a McDonald's b-fast Burrito breaks down (fat, protein, carbs) if anyone knows off hand! That's what I had for b-fast!
And beleive it or not, we had Burger King for supper!!! So, 3 meals out...I did have a Whopper (no cheese and light on the mayo)and a side salad along with a few onion rings. Probably not the healthiest, but I was at least trying to be consicious of getting in the greens!
I worked out for 40 minutes yesterday (none on Thursday) and I plan a 45 minute workout for today as well!
Water has been lacking. I think I need to drink more than 70 oz. each day (which I am not really getting to, usually more like 60) because my hands are so dry. One of the nurses at work mentioned that I'm probably dehydrated. Seems logical! So I'm going to try to up my water consumption this week starting this weekend!
On Thursday I had my yearly Mamogram and had blood drawn for a full blood test. Hadn't had that done since 01, so we shall see how my cholesterol is. I'm sure it's better than it was then! I think I'm done with Dr. appts for this year! Sheesh! (Physical Exam, Dentist, Orthotist, blood tests, Mamogram all in the same week!!!!)
Anyway...have lots to do today so I need to wrap this up!
TBJ...did I miss that you hurt your wrist??? Yes! You need to go see a Dr. I hope it's not broken! Wrists can be complicated...so many tendons...like the foot! Hope the new med works for you.
Welcome Bobbi...Way to go on your weight loss success!!! I know the way to do it is just what you've been doing...but as you know...it's so much harder than it sounds! Great Job! If you want, I can PM you during the week. That way we are all right here anyway! Hope you are having a great weekend!
Elisha...Your Thai Peanut sauce sounds great! We had a resident last year who was a chef and he would cook for us once a week. I'd go buy whatever he wanted and he would use the electric skillet to whip us up some great food! He made us something with Thai Peanut Sauce in it and it was sooooo good! I miss him and his cooking. He died around Christmas this past year. I think I still have some of his recipes...I'll have to go dig them out! Hope your weekend is productive and happy!
MsRD...As usual, your post made me tired just reading it! Where do you find the strength and energy??? Geesh! All that would take me a week to accomplish...at least! LOL! I'm so proud of you and I certainly would count all of that toward your weekly minutes of exercise, girl! Remember to do your stretches!!! That should help keep the body from seizing up!
Joy...YES! You need to go get fitted for those Orthos, especially if your insurance covers them! Mine did not and it was $250.00 Yikes! Save a buck, chickie! Oh and you'd better be checking in here this weekend...stay accountable!!! (((((((Joy)))))))))) We don't want to lose you again...I may have to find that tazer...who has it anyway???? LOL!
Jennifer and anyone else, hope your week has been what you wanted it to be! Have a great weekend!
I guess I haven't checked in for a couple of days either. For some reason I'm not getting an email when there is new mail ???? So I thought nobody was here so... I didn't do any replies. It seems like when ever I change my signature it undoes my subscription or something.
Also, I haven't been calculating my calories for a couple of days (alas another reason/excuse for not posting). Food hasn't been TOO bad, probably mostly in-line except for my McDonald's lunch yesterday (Crispy Deli Chicken Ceasar Sandwich, fries, coke, & Oreo/carmel Flurry). On a positive note I have been doing very well this past week with not eating after dinner. 5 out of 6 nights....
Last night, I started to watch the movie "Crash" and fell asleep in the chair at about 9pm. I woke up at 1am and still had to do the dishes and make DH's lunch... and was fully awake ... so I played on line and ate a bag of lite popcorn.... could have been much worse - but it was definately after diner.
Exercise has been NON-EXISTANT. I keep finding excuses in this area too! UGHHH ... hence my ticker has not moved... This afternoon I plan to do some exterior house washing (very good exercise). Elisha, my dog keeps looking at me forlornly too ....
Water has been okay ... but only about 60 oz daily.
MsRd CHICKIE - YOU ARE THE WOMAN I know that I have the energy somewhere to keep up with you .....
Elisha Sounds like you've got the protien eating thing under control. MMMM peanut sauce... have you tried adding cracked red peppers for some SPICE.
Julie DH & I decided to withdraw from the 10K on April 23 as we have done NO training. Probably a good thing health wise, but I do need a new motivator... But alas the Spring is here and I do have MEGA work outside to do, which, I will consider as exercise because I only have time to do one or the other "yardwork vs. planned aerobic exericse".
Jennifer How goes the moving?
Bobbie42 PM me for my email address if you want an email buddy or we can use PMs ... Love your analogy .... YES, THIS CHICKIE WANTS TO HIT THE BARN.
TBJ Aloha, chickie. Thanks for starting the calorie challenge. I've added my total to it.... I know I take lots of meds for various and sundry illnesses (too many to list) but most of the meds I take interfer with weight loss ... UGHH ....side affects.
CALORIE CHALLENGE: March 27 - April 2 Personal goal limit: 12,600 Group goal limit: 23,450
Well it's already 10:15 am.... I'll have to leave the catching up of the "Question of the Day" until later tonight or tomorrow. Have a great day/weekend chicklets.
I too have been absent for a couple of days......been on vacation and trying to get all those jobs done around here that I never seem to have time for! But, for the big news......(sound of 4 trumpets here)......I weighed in and have lost 2 more pounds! It feels so absolutely incredible to see that scale go down! Now.....only a week left of the month.....maybe that 5# goal is within reach!
Bobbi..........You are at my goal weight.....and I am so glad to hear it is doable! Are you doing any special weight loss plan?
TBJ.....Injuries have to be twice as frustrating when they are keeping you from doing something you really want to do! Patience, chickie. I hope those new meds work out for you.
Julie....I always says my energy comes from daily doses of vitamins and caffeine Seriously though, I really feel my daily 30minute WATP has boosted my energy and endurance...just a little side benefit.
Joy....Yardwork definitely should be counted as exercise! It is still too cold here to be interested in yardwork.....though they say next weekend, it might hit 60 degrees. I could live with that!
Jennifer......Hope you got the AC going and the moving saga is continuing!
Calorie challenge.....starting Monday, am I right?......put me down for 11,900...and hopefuly I can shave some off that too!
First day on the meds went well. No nausea. Hallelujah. Today I upped the dosage to the minimum effective amount. We'll see if it works. Probably will be able to tell when I volunteer for the judge on Tuesday.
I hope it works. The next alternative is an amphetamine.
Yes, uh, my wrist. Heh heh, another jujitsu injury. This is the fall I took. Not painful at all, if you do it correctly. But instead of slapping my hand out to the side, I, er, fell on top of it. It's hurt for a week, so I went to the doctor today. Funny thing is, he told me he always wanted to try jujitsu, but now that he's seen me twice, he's having second thoughts. He might try a class at my dojo, though. That would be cool.
***
MsRD -- for those two pounds gone! It's great to hear about some success in our little group. What do you think has helped you lately? You could pass along the secret...
Joy -- Sorry to hear that your meds affect your weight loss. I used to take lithium. I gained 50 lbs. on it (up to my highest weight), and I could not lose the fat no matter what I tried. So glad to be off that
Julie -- Ooo, yeah, lots of eating out there! <wicked tazing sound> But hey, your exercise looks great. Remember when you were only doing 20 minutes a day? Now you're up to 40. Good job.
***
All right, our Group calorie limit is now at 35,350.
I'm looking forward to this challenge... posting calories keeps me accountable.
I have no question for you today. I’m feeling a bit down about the whole weight loss thing today. My eating over the weekend was horrible, absolutely horrible, and now my house is crammed full of unhealthy but really tasty food. I brought some of it to work today just to get rid of it, and will most likely bring more tomorrow.
I tried to do better yesterday. I ate so many vegetables at lunch that I made myself nauseas. And I tried to drink more water yesterday, but it still wasn’t enough.
The scale said 219.4 this morning. I am so mad at myself. Right now I don’t want to ever eat again. But the only thing I can think about is food. I feel helpless.
I keep telling myself that it’s only food, that it has no power over me, but at the same time I feel sucked in and I can’t resist. How is it that I can be so powerless over something inanimate?
I don’t want to be at work. At this point I really hate my job. But I have no choice. I can’t afford to quit, or even to get a different job (unless, of course, I could get a job that would pay me more, but that is doubtful). Steve complained about me not contributing more money to the household. But my entire paycheck went to getting caught up on credit card and student loan payments. I paid off one of my credit cards, and I will never have the bill ever again. He would have been more upset if I had put it off in favor of giving him money he didn’t really need in order to pay a bill he had already paid. Next month will be better for me. I always say that, and something always comes up, and it never gets any better or any easier.
Today is my grandfather’s birthday. He’s been gone almost 2 years, and I still can’t believe it. I hope I don’t break down in tears at random times throughout the day. I wish I had thought to wear my waterproof mascara today. That’s just one more reason I can’t cry.
I tried to get a decent amount of sleep every night this weekend. The minimum I got was 7.5 hours, and that was last night. I almost fell asleep on the couch yesterday afternoon, but I had to get up to go bowling, so there was no time for a nap. Today I am still tired. I think I will go home and go straight to bed this evening. (Not really, but I wish I could.)
I do want to get in some exercise today. I fear that if I tell my doctor how tired I am all the time she will just tell me to eat better, get more exercise, and get more sleep. Same thing with losing weight—if I tell her I’m watching my intake and exercising and still not losing weight, she will just assume I’m lying to make myself look good and tell me to eat better and exercise more. That’s what happened last time, when I actually was watching my diet and exercising and not losing. She gave me this incredulous look and said with a somewhat sarcastic tone, “wow, that must be hard,” and told me to work harder.
My mind is going in so many directions today, and none of them are pleasant. I’m going to go scan the classifieds and then get to work. Have a good one, chicks.
~Elisha
Monday.....a busy day, and it isn't over yet! I am so proud of me.....really stayed on plan today. It took some extra effort and just being aware of what was going into my mouth.....and it tallied up to 1200 calories for the day! Water was ok....and I will do 30 minutes WATP after this.....just having one successful day has given me such a boost!
TBJ.....Owie owie for your wrist injury. I have to tell you, though, after watching the video of the jujitsu move, I would have injured more than just my wrist! You must be in good physical shape just to survive such a move! I don't know if I have any 'secret' to my 2 lb loss.....calories were a little too high each day last week, but I did make sure I got at least 30 minutes of exercise in each day.
Elisha......Weight loss is tough, chickie, and we can all relate! As for the doctor, I would take in your journal......point out the amount of exercise and calories for weeks on end.....and if you don't get an answer to your tiredness, then find another doctor!
Joy.....I think I read somewhere that popcorn after 1am is not considered as 'after dinner'. ....maybe more of a pre-breakfast type of thing! You could have done so much worse.....believe me, I have!
Gotta go.....neighbors have just stopped by for a visit!
OK...I had forgotten all about the calorie challenge! I struggled with the exercise challenge last week. Came in a little low at 180 minutes...Sorry, I have been MIA...so much to do to get ready for vacation, that checking in here has been put on the "back burner"! Sorry chickies...I love you and all, but priorities, ya know!
Anyway...Hmmmm....Calories...OK...I am going to go from Monday to Friday here only because I'm pretty sure I won't check in again until sometime next week when I am fully rested after Friday! That did NOT make sense at all, but maybe you know what I mean! So...Total calories M-F 7500Making the group calorie total at 42,850 I need to add mine up for the day...hang on here...
OK...Grand total for today...1650 which is not too bad (vur only leaves me with 5850 until Friday, so I'd better watch it!) especially since there was a donut and an ice cream bar involved today! I know, I know...the "no sugar" thing has gotten out of control! I promise you...This has been the hardest thing for me to do! What sent me over the edge this weekend was going into Walmart for just 2 items and then passing the individually frozen treats...I caved and bought a frozen choc. covered cheesecake on a stick!!! The worst part is...I didn't even really enjoy it! What is up with that?
MsRD...YEA on the 2 lb weight loss this week! I'm so proud of you!!! I wish I could say that the scale was being kind to me, but I kind of haven't worked for it in a few days...need to get going again! I think you all will be seeing the "under" side of me in a couple of days!
TBJ...Oweee on that wrist! I watched that little clip you attached and that would have really hurt if you had landed on our hand! You didn't say if it was broken or what.
Elisha...Hang in there...Sorry you are having a tough time of it. Ihope you get the answers you are looking for and I'm with RD...bring in your food journal and exercise journal. Heck, sometimes I look at mine and it suprises me at what I haven't been doing! But don't be too hard on yourself, chickie! There really might be something physically going on with you. My sister (the one with all the heart problems) just found out that she is anemic, which was part of her problem with her fatigue (in addition to her heart problems) so now she is also taking iron along with all of her heart meds. I guess what I'm trying to say is continue to pursue the medical route and keep doing what you need to do! I feel the same as you do with the "being stuck" part! You are not alone! We just have to be consistent...and we know that!
Joy...Yea on the "no eating after 8" thing! I know that is your demon, like sugar is mine! ARe you recording your calories today? How did you do? How about exercise?
Oh...and since I mentioned that "E" word...I have to confess that I haven't done any formal exercise since Saturday, but I did take a long walk on Saturday with the family (40 minutes) and most of it was fast walking when I could...Yesterday, I spent time running in the yard with DD, so that had to count for something! Nothing today I stretched the wrong way this morning and must have pinched a nerve in my neck/shoulder area because my neck/upper back has been tight and painful all day! OUCH! I'll get in 45 minutes tomorrow!
Today in a nutshell Food - 1167 calories Exercise - 15 minutes walking Water - 40 oz.
Julie Keeping a active life counts.. walking with family... running around with DD in yard... sounds like exercise to me ... formal or informal
MsRD WTG with the calories and exercise. We can keep saying it or we can just do it... the proof is in the pudding... you're down 2 pounds and you've been exercising consistently. :balloon:
Elisha I hope you are over your "funk". Sometimes if you just drag yourself outside and get started on that walk your find that the energy builds as you walk. ???? Couldn't hurt :/
TBJ Time to baby yourself a little and lick your wounds.... You'll be better in no time..... How's that calorie challenge total going?
I did manage to pull off a good doggie walk yesterday... but promptly stopped at Wendy's on the way home... and I didn't make good. choices. Probably no benefit there.... This morning I weighed in and was officially 2 pounds over my highest weight.
More exercise, more water and the same amount of food on the plan for tomorrow.
Let’s see…. Today started off bad and has just gone downhill from there. I’m in a horrible mood, pissed off at everything, and I just want to scream.
So the dog wakes me up at 5am. Apparently she needed to go out. So I took her out. She stood there and looked at me, then started chewing on her leash. So we went back in, and I shut my bedroom door and crawled back into bed. About 2 minutes later, she starts barking incessantly. I go downstairs and she’s just sitting in the living room barking at nothing. So I put her in the garage. That worked until a dog down the street barked maybe twice and set her off again. I took her more food and water and left her in the garage.
On the plus side, I was up early, so I got on the bike and pedaled for 22 minutes while reading a chapter of Harry Potter. That did make me feel a little better. Then I proceeded to eat about 1000 calories for breakfast. I just kept grabbing random stuff, like I couldn’t stop.
Also on the plus side, I found my vitamins and took them this morning. Perhaps that will give me a bit more energy. I'm not holding my breath though.
So ever since I’ve been taking this SAM-e stuff… I don’t know. I don’t seem to be as depressed, or at least not for as long. Certainly not for days at a time like I’m used to. But now I’m angry, and frustrated. Do I want to curl up on the couch and cry, or do I want to scream and break things? Both, really. I don’t know which is worse.
And today I hate everything. I hate my clothes, my body, my shoes, my hair, my skin, my job, my dog… everything.
But I realized something… ToM will be here Wednesday or Thursday, so until then I’m stuck with the PMS monster.
Question of the Day
And no exercise.
But he actually vacuumed the entire house! And bathed the dog, and washed his car (he would have washed mine too if it had been there). 
Yeah, I don't do well if I take days off. I end up taking weeks off. 
Our little group is kind of like a small email group -- some days busier than others, but there are plenty of posts on 3fc for you to read daily. Are you following any specific plan?
Hope you're feeling better now. 
I know that I have the energy somewhere to keep up with you ..... 
PM me for my email address if you want an email buddy or we can use PMs ... Love your analogy .... 
YES, THIS CHICKIE WANTS TO HIT THE BARN. 
that I never seem to have time for! But, for the big news......(sound of 4 trumpets here)......I weighed in and have lost 2 more pounds! It feels so absolutely incredible to see that scale go down! Now.....only a week left of the month.....maybe that 5# goal is within reach!
.....You are at my goal weight.....and I am so glad to hear it is doable! Are you doing any special weight loss plan?
those new meds work out for you.
should be counted as exercise! It is still too cold here to be interested in yardwork.....though they say next weekend, it might hit 60 degrees. I could live with that!
and the moving saga is continuing!
He might try a class at my dojo, though. That would be cool.
for those two pounds gone! It's great to hear about some success in our little group. 
