July Feathers let's chat...
 

Well, Feathers have we done well in June? I've done ok, I lost a pound, better than gaining it I guess... I also lost inches and I feel really good :D

This month my aim will be to lose 2 lbs. Keep exercising, get in some more biking which should be easier I'll be off soon for four weeks :carrot:

What is everyone else doing?

Hi Ilene, hope it's OK if I join in here :) I have posted on the 3FC forums before, but haven't been around much lately.....as you can probably guess I gained some lbs back that I had previously lost. My goal is to ultimately lose about 15 pounds, but I'm not tied down to that number since I would be comfortable weighing more - as long as it's muscle! :D

Anyways, for the past two summers I have focused on losing weight, only to slowly gain it back during the school year. I just graduated college, and find myself in the same situation for the third time. :( Even though I logically know what I need to do, I am finding it difficult for some reason to re-commit to my health. Maybe it is because I know I'm not returning to school in the fall, so I know there is no "wow" factor in store for me when my friends see a slimmer me...I'm not really sure. But now I am living at home, looking for a job, and feeling like I am in limbo here!

I think I am less motivated to stay OP with eating and exercising because as I said, I have not committed myself to any specific goal. I have been pondering signing up for a 5K, but am not sure that even that will motivate me. I guess I am looking for a good kick in the butt to get myself into gear, from here or anywhere! ;)

Hope everyone has a good holiday weekend to look forward to...

Hi all, quietly sticking to plan here. Got me an email buddy, which is working really well. We email several times a day, swap menus, tips, frustrations, photos. Kind of like here, just more personal and one-on-one.

I've dropped a few pounds, but still retaining water like crazy, big beachball of a tummy etc. Gotta drink water I suppose. Hate that.

Anyway, cheers....

:welcome: back little lion...

Joan -- I find if I eat too many carbs I get a bloated tummy when I cut back and eat more veggies instead of carbs my tummy goes right down...

Well I had a great workout at the gym this morning...Afterwards I went to the mall and there was a great sale on dress pants 20$ less 20% ... so I tried a few pairs on and I fit in 6s :woohoo: was I ever happpy :dance:

Hello everyone,
June was not a bad month for me. Lost 3 pounds so now I'm just 2 pounds away from my original goal of 115lbs. Still I decided to lower my goal to 110ls and I think I can probably reach that weight by the end of the summer...
Feeling very positive, had a great run this morning (it was 95º outside today and very humid but still love it!!!)

Glad to hear you are doing well.
Happy 4th of July for those of us in the US!!!

Cheers,


Caribbean Girl

Still having trouble with the night time control when I sit down in front of the TV. Will try again today - tonight!!! I am eating good stuff - just too much.

Hi Feathers!

Welcome, Little Lion! Your avatar is adorable. :) I find that exercise goals are really fulfilling. Maybe training for a 5K, or heck, even a 10K, will be a good hobby for you during your job search?

I had a great month in June -- lost just over 5 lbs, despite my indulgences during vacation. I guess it helped that I kept on track with exercise. Now I'm at goal and trying to figure out my maintenance range and how that all works.

Happy 4th of July to my fellow Americans! We're having friends over tomorrow -- I'm making lots of healthy food and even a reasonable dessert (angel food cake trifle with strawberries and blueberries). And I'm planning an 8-mile run for the morning. :dizzy:

Happy 4th of July my Little American Feathers :cheers:

danni -- I'm the same at night, I find that a few almonds and green tea, either hot or ice cold helps to curb those munchies...

Way to go thesame7, 5 lbs is awesome, specially at your height and weight, those last few must be excruciatingly difficult :bravo:

Had a nice walk this morning with my client, this afternoon I am going rollerblading with DD. Tonight I am getting together with some gals and I know it won't be a pretty night food and booze wise... I expect tomorrow to be a write off :cheers:

I am staying off the scale for a few days until I can face it. But I'm still
working on eating better most of the day. Our family picnic is today.

:twirly: Happy Fourth of July Feathers

I've decided "good bloat" is my friend. Meaning when I eat lots of fiber (and maybe even a little salt)--like a burrito with a little meat, salsa and cheese on a whole-wheat tortilla--I get so full I don't eat. I'll worry about the water weight another time.

I also recommend Bearitos organic popcorn. No oil, and there's a no-salt variety too. Just the corn, great for munching out, very satisfying.

Considering I was up till 2am and drank a whole bunch I feel pretty good... I paced myself and drank lots of water in between my glasses of wine... I will even go for a bike ride soon and roller blade with DD later... It's all good...

Ok, made it through the fourth, cheated a little bit here and there, bites of chips and so forth, no drinks....

no weight loss but no gain.....I'll take it!

Hello Feathers!

Well, I think I made it through the weekend intact. We hosted on the 4th so it was lots of healthy food -- veggies & hummus, boiled shrimp & corn, angel food cake trifle for dessert (with tons of strawberries and blueberries -- red, white & blue!).

I had a near-miss with that trifle, though. I took my daughters to the fireworks ("This is the most beautiful thing I've seen in my whole life!" -- DD, age 6), and on the way home I was thinking about a second helping of trifle. I was rationalizing that I had eaten well all day, that there weren't that many calories in it... and then I realized that this is what I do EVERY TIME I LOSE WEIGHT! I get to where I want to be (and I haven't been this low in 20 years) and I just start eating out of control again. And the thing is, it always seems to take a little time before the weight comes back on (maybe b/c I run a lot), so there are a couple weeks where I really think I might get away with it... and I keep eating and eating and BOOM! Back where I started.

But sitting in my car, in the post-fireworks traffic, I actually realized this. And told myself I could have more trifle for dessert on [I]Monday[/I (if I could fit it into my calories)]. I went home, had a glass of water, and went to bed. PROGRESS! :carrot:

Hey, ladies-- I hope everyone has had a good July so far. I lost my 32 year old cousin in a car accident early Wednesday morning, so it's been kind of a difficult few days. He was more like a brother than a cousin because his mother had passed away a few years ago and my mom had kind of taken on that role. He's one of the biggest encouragers that I have had in this journey to health, and I will miss him. :(

Needless to say, watching my weight/food has kind of taken a back seat over the past several days with all the family gatherings and food, and I am up to 133.0. I'm going to pick back up and keep going because I know that's what he'd want to see.

bama girl, :hug::hug::hug: thinking of you and your family...

bama girl - so sad for your lost. :hug:

bama girl :hug: so sorry for your loss :(

thesame7 -- such a cute avatar of you and your boy !! Way to go into talking yourself out of eating the cake... I am the worse self saboteur :rolleyes: so I know what you mean, when you get to a goal, the eat your way back up within a couple of weeks... Well, thank goodness we nip it in the bud and get back on the wagon ASAP!!

I'm holding my own food and exercise wise... Yesterday I missed work because of a sore tooth... Went to the dentist at 7:30am without an appointment and they were extremely nice and looked at me right away... It's a wisdom tooth, I have all of my wisdom teeth, and they are all in my mouth and out...(that's why I'm so wise :devil: ) But this one I think is falling out and has a bit of an infection, so I'm on pain killers and anti-biotics... I slept all day yesterday... I feel better today and am at work... No exercise and food was scarce yesterday... so no biggie, I was down a pound this morning though :D ...

Bama girl, praying that you and your famiy will find some consolation in your pain... So sorry to hear such sad news....

Hugs,

Caribbean girl

Thank you all so much. I appreciate your kind words and I love this place because the support is amazing.

I hope everyone's doing well today. I'm back down to 131.2 again, so I'm thinking a lot of what I gained over the weekend was just water. It's kind of weird how my scale likes certain numbers, though, because I have been 131.2 before in the past two weeks.

Bama girl, I know what you mean about certain numbers. Right now my scale does NOT want to be out of the 160s! It very grudgingly gave me 159 this morning, and then after one cup of coffee shot up to 159.5, like it's champing at the bit.

Ilene, I know about self sabotage, too. Why is it that once we achieve a certain number we don't keep the pressure up?

I am definitely in the self-sabotage boat. Now that I have about 10 pounds left, I feel myself seriously slacking.

Sooooo I lowered my goal... again. I guess you never know what a given number is going to look like until you get there. I thought I'd be thrilled to get down to my high school weight (and I am!) but being here reminds me that I spent a lot of high school wishing I could lose 5 lbs. :rolleyes:

I was thinking that I'd hopefully "drop a few pounds as I settled into maintenance" but about a week of that showed me that if I really wanted to lose the pounds, I needed to make that my goal, not just hope they'd come off if I lifted weights once or twice a week. At any rate, my goal is to maintain, year round, under 125, so I think getting to 120 should do it. I say "year round" because winter is so hard for me! I don't like going outside in the cold so I end up inside all the time, eating too much and not moving as much as I should.

Time for breakfast and then off to the gym! :sumo: (Sorry, saw that sumo guy and just had to work him in -- I love sumo!)

How's everyone else doing this Thursday?

Same7, go for it. Get to a nice low, so that you have a five-pound margin of error for splurging!

Agreed. Good for you for pushing yourself!

I got out of the 130s!!!!! :carrot::carrot::carrot:

Finally! I'm so happy. 129.6 this morning and hopefully counting. I can't believe I am less than 10 pounds from goal. But I actually might lower my goal as well because I can get down to about 105 healthily. No lower than that, though. It all depends on how I feel at 120... in 9.6 pounds! :D

How is everyone today?

It's been quiet around here, hasn't it?

I hit a new (good) low today, 122.2! I'm guessing it won't "stick" but it's fun to see for even a moment. :D

I was so tired this morning -- second morning in a row the little guy was up at 5:30 -- that I contemplated walking instead of running, or just taking a day off and running both weekend days (I usually only run one weekend day, and my husband is working this weekend, so it's hard to fit in). I finally got my butt in gear and ran 4 miles, and I'm planning on a little yoga later. I'm not really a yoga type of person. I like to measure things -- I love mapping my runs and recording my times, just to see it all on paper. But I could use the stretching of yoga, and maybe I will find it a nice stress reliever. Does anyone else do yoga?

We are having pizza at the pool for dinner tonight -- I really have to limit myself to one slice, so I better bring a salad. And some fruit. And some string beans from the garden...

Have a good weekend Feathers!

Hey Ladies! I hope you don't mind me jumping in here. I really need to invest more time once again at 3FC. I learn so much from each of you--and I feel like you all "get it."

I have just finished day 3 of getting strictly back on my plan. Most of my cravings I am getting over. In some ways, the last 3 days felt as when I first began my new life. I would like to start food journaling again. I know it works for me. I specifically purchased foods this week to help me stay on plan--old faves like cole slaw mix, cauliflower, 45 calorie hot dogs and sauerkraut, etc. Those are some of my "go-to" foods when I don't feel like cooking.

I also joined a gym in the new town I have moved to. Tomorrow morning I am doing kickboxing. I plan to add some crosstraining to my running. I know in my mind and heart though, most of it comes down to my caloric intake.

Heres hoping everyone has a 100% on plan and successful weekend.

Hello, TBG! Wow, it's impressive to see your stats! What an amazing thing you've accomplished!

I'm finally back on plan. My vacation led right into my wedding anniversary + July 4th weekend, and while I didn't go crazy with either of those, I didn't quite get to where I needed to be. Through both I stayed OP with exercise -- it was just the food. This past week has been much better as far as calorie totals -- now I just need to focus on some clean eating to keep the junk out.

My scale has said exactly 122.2 for the past three days. Mind you, I am not complaining at all! It's just funny to me when it doesn't fluctuate, even a tenth, for three days in a row! This is at least the second time this has happened, maybe the third, in just the past couple of months. I'm in no rush to get to my (new) goal because really the only reason I lowered my goal was to set myself up to maintain right here. So, today at least, I like my scale. :goodscale:

I'm taking my daughter to a birthday party today. So far I have been VERY good at resisting cake, pizza, etc at kids' parties. I keep reminding myself that it usually isn't very good. If I'm going to eat cake, it's got to be a good bakery or homemade cake, not a supermarket cake. But the family hosting today's party just moved here from Japan this spring, and if they have any Japanese treats, I'm done for. I love all things Japanese! Well, except for the curry donuts. We lived there for a year, and I really lusted after the donuts at this one store. I finally broke down and got one that looked to be mocha-cream or light-chocolate-cream filled. I was so excited and bit into it and it was -- curry filled! I literally gagged and spit it out - thank goodness I was in my car, or they'd still be talking about the rude gaijin at the San-A. :o

As I sit at my kitchen table typing, I'm watching a bunny eating a dandelion in my garden. I love when they eat the weeds!

I hope everyone has had a good weekend -- I am planning on a long run when my husband gets home from work in a couple hours (he had to go in this morning). Hopefully it won't be too hot by then! :running:

Hello fellow featherweights!! Hope everyone is doing well.
Personally I was feeling a little down after the 4th of July weekend my scale went up 2 pounds!!! This is the 1st time in almost a year that I actually gained weight instead of loosing or just maintaining. I have to admit that I drank too much wine and ate lots of carbs last weekend so no mistery as to how this happened.
Today I am almost back to my pre-4th weight of 117. So far this has been my lowest weight in a long time.
thesame7lbs I am on the same boat as you as my little one turns 6 on Tuesday and the willl be pizza and cake so wish me luck!!!

Bama girl congrats in breaking it to the 120's!! Feel good doesn't it?
I lowered my goal to 110lbs, 105 sounds a little bit too low for me but I think that I older than you so that's an important factor to consider... I'm sure you can do it as you sound as a positive and determined person.

Anyway, I am off to watch the World Cup final!! Go Spain!!!


Have a great week everybody...


Caribbean Girl

Bama Girl, I'm very sorry about your cousin.

Happy Monday, Feathers!

Weighed in at 122 even today. Even though my goal says 120, I feel like I've arrived! Not like I'm "done," because I know maintenance is as much work as losing. In fact, it seems harder. Isn't harder to balance than to roll? ;) But like I've been swimming in the open ocean toward a little island. I've just hit shore! Now I have to figure out how to survive on this island.

I'm thinking about some sort of maintenance reward -- like giving myself a reward for every x days I stay under 125. Maybe the first reward at 30 days, the next at 60, the next at 90... now I just have to think of what the reward should be. I'm kind of a shopper, so it might be hard to find something I wouldn't buy anyway. :o Maybe it needs to be a non-purchased reward, like a day to myself without guilt. Or maybe a massage or facial -- I never really do that sort of thing.

This should be a good week for staying on plan -- my husband is working evenings so I'll just make the kids whatever they want for dinner and have whatever I want for myself! No trying to concoct a meal that works for everyone. My husband is super-supportive and never complains about what I cook -- but since he's on the thin side I try to make some things to give him some caloric bulk -- rice, pasta, etc -- that I don't really eat. It'll be nice to not be tempted.

How's everyone else this fine Monday?

And, oh, the birthday party. They had this beautiful cake. Must have cost $100. Tons of beautiful fresh fruit, on top, between the layers. So much fruit, in fact, the kids didn't really like the cake -- I think even the kids who love fruit (like my DD) were not used to it being on a cake. So all the parents scarfed it down. I entered two pieces worth on my Fitday!

CarribeanGirl, my #2 is turning 5 in three weeks, so I have more pizza and cake in my future -- and we have another little girl's party between now and then!

Maintenance rewards sounds good. I like the idea. I'll think up some staying-on-my plan rewards.

The children's parties sound nice.

This morning was full of gardening, more than I had planned, so am staying out of the sun the rest of the day. A neighbor gave me some nice tomatoes and summer squash, and I gave him a miniature butterfly bush.

Had a hummingbird at the feeder this morning, and a neighbor had one stay a while. There are so sweet.

Hope you all are having a splendid day! :)

Hi everyone!

Congrats Bama on your minigoal and same7lbs on resisting the indulgence!

I messed up bad this weekend; like I do every weekend. Not as bad as my past weekends however. If I can only learn to stay on track on the weekends, I really think I could lose! I must have consumed around or over 3,000 calories yesterday! Oh and ate a slice of cheese pizza RIGHT before bed!:nono: EEeeekk! Oh well, this is a lifestyle change and eventually I WILL get the hang of things :)

Just got back from my lunch break and I spent it at the gym :woops: I went out drinking last night so I have been hungover but I KNEW I had to get my butt there to make up for the damage. I ran/jogged/speed walked 3 miles and then did 10 minutes on the stairmaster. Actually, Same7lbs, I thought of you while I was working out (ok creepy sounding:o ) but you are a big runner and you motivated me to keep going! I normally only do 30 minutes cardio, and I was able to run at longer intervals today! It felt great! I am not very happy with my calories for the day however. I wanted to be around 1200-1300. Looks like it will be about 1500.

I think rewards are a FABULOUS idea! You deserve them when you are working very hard and patient on something! YOu go girl!:carrot:

Hey ladies.

Thanks for your nice words 7 pounds! It has been a long journey and will continue to be. I continue to learn about myself along the path and from so many of those here at 3FC.

The fruit cake sounds yummy! Sometimes, you gotta indulge! I really like your idea of maintenance rewards. I always read about weightloss rewards--but not maintenance rewards. I am going to give that some careful thought for myself as well.

Just another hot summer day here. Ran for 50 minutes at the gym and additional 10 minutes of walking. I was also very careful with my foods. Coffee for breakfast with 40 calorie almond milk and Splenda. 190 calories at lunch. 25 calorie ham--1 slice. Iced Coffee this afternoon. Homemade lasagna about 700 calories. I made it carefully. I needed a low day today after my catastrophe yesterday!

Am doing well staying on my plan. Am off to cut the grass.

Wishing you all a very lovely day! :)

Hello everyone,

Had my first day officially eating at maintenance calories yesterday. Aimed for 1800 knowing I will eat high this weekend - party on Saturday and husband's birthday on Sunday.

It's gloomy here today and I couldn't get myself out the door for a run early this morning (DS tried his best, though, waking me up at 5:15). I'll have to go later, probably at the gym since it looks like rain. :(

I'm drinking an almond milk latte this morning. :coffee: I have no idea why almond milk is supposed to be good for you, just figured I'd try it. Can't decide if I like it or not. Anyone have any experience with it? I got unsweetened vanilla. Maybe I'll try some sort of smoothie later.

I hope everyone else has more get up and go than I do this morning!

Happy Wednesday everyone!

Today is day 3 of my new lifestyle :D

Recently given good advice by thesame7lbs, I have decided to had more fruits and vegetables to my daily grind. I LOVE fruit so I am afraid I might overdo that so I am trying to monitor it. Today I am allowing myself a pint of blueberries (yum!) and one wedge of watermelon. For my vegetables I have decided to add 1 cup at lunch and 1 cup at dinner :broc:. I 86ed the franks (you were right same7; not sure why I thought they were okay EVERY DAY :yikes:) .

So far this morning its a beautiful day in Florida so I might just take my normal gym routine outside . I just hope its not too hot :sunny: and I have enough time (I go on my lunch breaks during work).

Happy early birthday to your hubby same7! :bday2:

Chelsey

Same7, congratulations on your first day of maintenance calories.

I had a good morning of gardening and exercising. Was able to get a nice, long walk in after my Callanetics and chores. It was cloudy before and after sunrise, which made it easier to be outside after 7:30 or 8:00.

Best wishes to all! :)

Chelsey, we posted at the same time, so am adding my congratulations on your new lifestyle!

Same7, you should be so proud of yourself! I want to get back to working out so badly, but I have to wait until whatever germs have taken up residence in my respiratory tract have gone away. Boo. I haven't been able to eat much the past few days because I have been so sick and asleep since Friday, and I never thought I'd say this, but... I miss being hungry! Chicken broth is so boring.