Happy Father's Day!
Busy here-just got back from a church service-now running off to dance class-and then leaving immediately from there to drive an hour to see my father and my father in law! Hope everyone is having a great day!
Aphil
Thanks for the congrats everyone...it really felt good to finally make the 160's!
This is my first post in this thread. I was doing south beach, but I found it to be too inflexible. I did like the focus on eating healthy foods and I am still trying to do so and also counting my calories. I also try to "front load my calories". My Dr told me to "eat like a queen for breakfast, a princess for lunch and like a pauper for supper" -and I really do lose better that way.
I have been exercising about 5 times a week (I like yoga, my bellydance for beginners tape and leslie sansone 2 mile tape)
My highest weight was 315 pounds, I lost weight down to 230 about a year ago and gained it back ALL the way up to 290 I just stopped eating healthy and exercising and my old lifestyle brought my heavier body back!
I am trying to relose the weight now (my goal is 145 or so- I am 5 '4' and that is the high end of my weight range on height/weight charts)
I weigh 273.5 now and I am determined not to give up this time!!
I love reading everyone's posts! They are so inspiring!!
Welcome Beth!
Good for you for commiting to exercise 5 days a week...it really does help you lose faster, get firmer, and feel so much better. I too like the Leslie Sansone 2 mile vid, and I still use my basic belly dance tapes for exercise when I am between classes and performances!
How many calories are you eating per day? When I started at 211...I could lose fairly easily in the beginning eating around 1800-1900 calories per day. Now at 169.8 I stay around 1400-1600 per day. I too like counting calories-and just trying to eat as healthy as I can with those calories-rather than a plan by this person or that-where I am not allowed to have this at all....or all of the little rules. Since I am a moderator I read all of the diet books I can...and I subscribe to Shape and Fitness magazines...and read a lot of the posts all over the boards...and some of these plans I just could not do! Some of the plans are great-just too structured for me...others are just sort of "out there." Like on LA Weight Loss...they are not allowed to have grapes or bananas as a fruit serving...because grapes are too easy to eat too many of...and bananas are a higher calorie fruit. And on Somersizing you are only allowed to eat fruit alone on an empty stomach-not eaten with anything else. Silly rules if you ask me. Yes...bananas may be a little more caloric that a peach...but they are also very filling...and very healthy...and LESS calories than something I would have probably eaten before...and they are usually pretty inexpensive...and I have eaten them throughout my weight loss...as well as grapes...and have done just fine!
For me anyway, plans like calorie counting and Weight Watchers Points counting just works so much better for me...I just spend my calories like cash...and when they are gone they are gone!
On the busy note...right after the fourth of July we are doing a set of performances at some area libraries as an educational show for the kids. We are going to dance, then do things to teach them about belly dance and Middle Eastern Culture. Like we are going to show them a ME drum and let them learn how to use it, and then dance a song that is composed of all drums...then we are going to talk about balance, and then the sword dance is next...etc. Since it is a library, we are going to make bookmarks with the kids with Arabic writing on them. Well...I was going to be doing the sword dance as a duet with the dancer I normally do sword with...and she can't make it...so now I have to rechoreograph something over the next 2 weeks...because I will be performing my first SOLO. I am SO excited! I am performing in a floorwork piece as a duet those days...and in the drum song with the whole group as well. I am really looking forward to it. Our costumes for kids shows are much more demure-we wear black harem pants, coin scarves, and instead of midriff tops or filmy skirts, we are wearing caftans with embroidery on them. Most of them go to knee length or just below, but mine is cut and hemmed to hip length-like a tunic length top that you would wear stretch pants or stirrup pants with-below the butt. This way I have more freedom of movement for doing floorwork and swordwork on the floor. So-that is what is going on with that.
Father's Day went well. We stopped by to see my dad-and got him a card from the kids with a Gander Mountain gift card. (Hunting/Fishing/Camping store-his favorite) Then we went by the in-laws and got my father in law his card from the kids with a TSC gift card. (Tractor Supply Co.-farm stuff-animal stuff-Carhart stuff-sort of like a Big R or Farm & Fleet type store) Yes...we have MANLY men in our family.
We harvested the radishes in our garden over the weekend. They went really well-some nice big ones! The carrots will be done soon...and my green peppers and wild flowers are growing...but are not going to be ready for a while yet. I wasn't sure if I would like doing the gardening thing, but I am really enjoying it...going outside with Jason and weeding it, watering it, fertilizing it, etc. while the kids play. It is kindof fun to eat something you grew yourself too-as silly as that may sound.
On the fun side-while we were at Wal-mart this weekend-I was reaching up on a shelf to grab something-and Jason said "Your butt is getting small." That made my night! I don't feel like it has gotten all that much smaller over the past year-it was about a year ago when I hit a size 16 (tight) and about 175-180...and I am only 6-10 pound smaller and a tight 14/loose 16...so I didn't think it was such a big deal. I know I have been frustrated with all the plateaus I have hit...and a few times where I slipped up here and there...I have been noticing a lot more muscle mass and such though. He said "Yes it IS smaller...and different. It is more "bubbled" now, and more compact." That made my day even more! Okay...maybe I'll think of that comment when I am doing all my bun and thigh exercises and am wincing through the burn!
All I can say is...the smaller comment made me feel good...but the "bubbled and more compact" comment made me feel even better...because I know that was from all the exercise I have been doing...not just the weight loss!
Way to go Bubble-butt! I sent you a pm, glad to hear you're doing so well and still finding an exercise that you enjoy. I need to get back on the exercise thing, but each Monday it gets put off...no motivation here right now. I am busy in the garden, though it seems to rain every day-we are having alot of flooding in this area-the strawberries are wonderful and the radishes are just about ready.
I have been watching my food intake during the week, but fail big time on the weekends. And I have not been to WW since Jan. when I made lifetime, I'm kinda a failure now and don't want to face the leader who showed so much faith in me...please send me some willpower...and don't hold back I can take it!!!
My heart-felt YAHOOs also to you, aphil!!! Great work! and so nice of your husband to give those comments/compliments. Now for you to receive one from a handsome stranger,
and I wish we could see one of your bellydancing performances!!
Idealperson - HI!! Great to hear from you! Keep checking in here, it sure helps keep me in line.
Hello Beth, welcome! You've got gorgeous hair, if that's you in the avatar. I think we have a wonderful bunch of people here. It's how I was able to get in shape, and stay that way, for over a year and counting.
Hey, I found a fantastic second-hand shop about 20 miles from here (aphil and I LOVE to find bargains ) and today I bought:
Pair of Faded Glory hiphuggers, flared legs, 8 petite
Pair of Gap army pants, size 8
Pair of Ralph Lauren Polo "Saturday Jeans", no size tag ?
Pair of black "lei" pants, size 7
Pair of no-name cream-colored dressier shorts, size 6
Pair of American Eagle denim shorts, size 8
Limited short-sleeved black shirt, size S
Two camisole-type tops, the type with the built-in spandex-y bra
Pair of black slip-on shoes, with heels about 4" (for photo-ops )
and a clock-radio, for my spare room at work
---------all the above for $22.50---------------------------------------
WOO-HOO!
Can I add how lovely it is to go shopping now, with better eating and regular exercise in place
*and I'm not stressed about the size 8, instead of being able to be in a 6 - I think they look good, and I'll continue to work on getting more fat off and more lean muscle*
Hello to everyone else, and have a great night!
Last edited by VermontMom; 06-21-2004 at 09:02 PM.
Sorry been out of commission, had company out the kazoo and so many dental appointments for me, doctors for hubby and "the teenager" that I have felt defeated energy wise most days. Been faithful to the diet and exercise though, but still hit a plateau. Sucks to be me, now I know it is a plateau because I double checked all my calories so I know I'm not over eating but it is a bummer! Finally dropped a half pound yesterday, but today it is back there on that &^%%$$ scale, but I figure it is me holding water. Anybody got any suggestions on how to do a break on these things and keep it on the level. I am pumping water like crazy and just figured I'd do my best to hang in there.
Vermontmom, way to go on the shopping. I think I'll do that for my clothes once I get to my goal weight!
Aphil, my congrats to you too. I know how that feels and it sure makes you motivated to keep moving on to the next goal and mini goal. I also like the calorie counting because I can eat the fruit and vegtables, plus I like the benefit of it being more normal "to me" so I don't end up buying a lot of other foods and can still make meals for my family, even if they are low-calorie, they just eat larger portions. also I don't really have any forbidden foods, but I still watch what i eat to stay within my calories and eat the healthy way. Have not tried to new coke, I try and not drink them because it forces me to drink more water, plus the sodium intake. I am on hormone replacement therphy and that alone makes you hold water so I'm trying hard to not add to the problems.
Auntbeff, you can do it! I enjoy this site and love the up attitude I get from everybody and it keeps me on track and everyone has some good advice for when you hit a klitch in your program.
all else welcome new folks and hi to everyone else.
Hey guys-check out the dreamsicle cake recipe in the WW desserts recipes section of the boards...I am going to make this one the next time we have a family gathering and I have to make something...Kindof a "diet" version of the old Jello cake recipes that were popular in the 80's...
IdealPerson-I pm'ed you back-great to have you back here. It really does keep me in line!
Holly-the next time someone videotapes one of our performances-I'll send ya a copy! Good for you on the bargains...I absolutely love the second hand stores and rummage sales! LOVE THEM! I have found so many cool things...our Goodwill store is great for that kind of stuff. I have found many a pair of Old Navy/Gap/other cool brands for $3.50 a pair...barely worn...Tupperware, nice button up shirts for my husband, baby clothes...a couple of weeks ago I found a brand new athletic half top to wear for dance class. It is sortof like a sports bra cut...but with short sleeves, rather than being tank/sleevless. Sort of like a half top that is supportive like a sports bra...I found a gob of maternity clothes in places like that when I was pregant...cute ones too. We went to a rummage sale Friday and I got a brand new Bath and Body Works set that had the body spray, lotion, body wash, and a bath fizzie for $2. Never opened...I know that gift set was at least $15-$20 in the store! Probably an unused holiday gift!
Maggi, if I base it on my experience, my recommendation for getting out of a plateau would be to eat more! In the past, having a day or two 'over calories' actually seemed to boost my metabolism and allowed the weight to start dropping again. Its almost like my body was saying 'hey! She isn't going to starve me afterall!' and so it lets go of the fat it was holding on to to protect itself from starvation.
As for my diet... I was real good Monday but today was my niece's birthday and I was way OP. But, tomorrow is another day! I am still determined, no matter how many times I fall off this damn wagon!
Speaking of falling off the wagon... I recently read a good article. I'll share it in a separate post.
Silence-I liked the article so much, I moved it and put it as a "sticky" by itself on the general diet plans board here. Everyone cruising through can check it out now-not just the people who surf this thread alone. Check it out chicks-it's a good read!
Our local street fair/carnival started last night. Jason wanted to go up there with the kids and I. We let the kids go on a few "kiddie" rides...and then he wanted to get something to eat. Man that was hard. I did well though...I had a Diet Pepsi and a single slice of pizza...even though everyone around me was downing the lemon shake ups, caramel corn, and corn dogs all around me! (even my family!) Jason said "do you want to get a funnel cake or elephant ear to take home and share? I told him NO WAY. He said "why not? You don't eat this kind of stuff every day." I explained to him that the immediate gratification of eating it would be great-it would be good, I would get a nice sugar rush and all that...but I explained to him that I was having a hard time keeping my willpower intact as it is...and struggling with that. I told him that while I may be in "mental anguish" right now, (ha ha) that when I got home and went to bed that night-I would feel empowered and proud of myself for resisting the temptation...for making it through the day without a slip. I told him that if I ate the sweet fried things...that the happiness from that would only last a few minutes...and then the next couple days I would be kicking myself...and feeling guilty about doing it. Basically-that the long term happiness of NOT having it would outweigh the happiness from eating it. He actually understood! He never said another word about it...and we went home "funnel cake free."
Wow, Aphil, talk about will power! I could never deny myself a funnel cake
I forgot to mention that I tried a Coke C2 yesterday. It was much better than I expected! I cannot drink diet coke... to me, its just nasty! But this wasn't bad at all. It really is just like half coke and half diet but I barely tasted diet. Its 70 calories which is more than most of my diet beverages but still better than a regular coke if I'm craving one. I'm guessing that for folx that are used to drinking regular coke, it won't be very tasty but for those of us used to artificial sweeteners, its not bad
So, I'll try to check back in later and let everyone know if I made it through day 3 of this (yet another) fresh start.
Maggie, sorry I just blipped over your post without offering any words about what to do about plateaus. $#@&*!! plateaus! Psychologically, take comfort that you are doing exactly what you should...especially that you said you double-checked your calories, and that you are doing the water, AND exercise...actually, a few months ago when I realized I had to get serious about getting rid of a few "winter pounds" was when I got those pure cardio/aerobic tapes, and started doing more of those, as compared to the strength videos. BEST OF LUCK TO YA!
aphil, GREAT self-control on resisting the fair-food...I loved your explanation, and would have listened to every word, but honest to goodness, if I had said that to my husband, he'd prolly shake his head and say, "chicks!!! sheesh!" (however, I would be secretly thinking, yeah, and who dropped weight and has KEPT it off :lol)
I've waited a week to report this, but I believe I am down to 143 now : This might be the summer that I get to 140, and see how that feels!!!
Holly-way to go!!!! I know how these last few pounds have been really tough for you-great job!! I also liked how you "waited a week to report it." Gotta make sure there isn't some "mistake" huh?
Maggi-plateaus...let's see. We need to make sure that you have actually hit one first...some people think they have hit a plateau when their weight loss slows down-usually in the later half of their weight loss. The first 10-15 pounds come off pretty quickly and easily...when you get closer to your goal weight and size...it takes a bit more effort. If you are still losing...but it is just slow-like maybe a half pound a week...then that is normal.....if you are following everything strictly and are still not showing a loss after a month...then you have hit a plateau after all.
When I hit a plateau...I find that if I "tweak" my diet and exercise a little...that it really helps to get things going again. I lost the first 10-15 pounds really easily just by cutting calories to 1500 a day...it didn't really matter what I ate. Over time I have had to really refine my diet-less "diet treats" and more high fiber fruits, veggies, whole grain cereals, and low fat dairy products. More beans for protein and less meat. This sounds silly and somewhat gross...but you can eat 1500 calories...and then you can eat 1500 calories consisting of more "whole foods" like fruits, veggies, and whole grain cereals-with the higher fiber content..."less" of the calories stays in your body if you "catch my drift." It can be simple changes-like instead of eating Cream Of Wheat hot cereal with 1 gram of fiber...eat a bowl of oatmeal for 3-4 grams fiber instead. Instead of having a 110 calorie glass of orange juice and no fiber...have a whole apple or nectarine or other whole fruit-and get 50-100 calories (depending on fruit) with 2-5 grams of fiber. Some of my favorite high fiber cereals are:Kashi GoLean Crunch, Kashi Good Friends, Barbara's Grain Shop (tastes nutty like Grape-Nuts but much healthier), and Bran Flakes. You are getting the satisfaction in your tummy of eating the same amount of calories...the same amount of fullness...but "less" calories are absorbed. Plus-it's good for the digestive system.
Another "tweaking" that I do...and I continually do-is my exercise program. I think that this advice can be useful for everyone here...it sure has been to me:
What you will find is that if you do the same 2 tapes over and over and over...or you walk the same 2 mile path every day over and over...is that your body "gets used to it." It is no longer challenged. You can go through the routine without thinking...and you have no muscle soreness...if you pay attention closely...you will find that you may not even break a sweat any longer! You are still burning calories...but you are not going to see the calorie burn or the muscle contouring as much because your body is not challenged.
If you do Leslie Sansone Walk Away The Pounds for instance...and you do the 1 or 2 mile video...then maybe it is time to buy the 3 mile one...or if you use the treadmill...maybe it is time to either go 5-10 minutes longer...or maybe bump up the speed a notch. If you walk outdoors, then go for longer...walk a little faster...or try a new path. The different hills and inclines can make a difference in the way your muscles are worked.
If you do cardio tapes in your home...have a couple of them and switch around...because most likely, they have different "moves" in them. You may do a floor aerobic tape one day...and maybe a line dancing or step aerobics one the next...or an indoor walking type. This keeps your muscles "surprised."
When you do strength training-when things start to get a little easier as you gain strength...it is VERY important if you are to continually to see results that you challenge yourself. I remember a year or two ago when Holly and I could not make it through some of the harder strength training videos...now I am selling my "easier" beginner level ones and use the advanced videos only. If you use the same strength training videos and are no longer challenged during them (the last couple reps of any of the exercises should be VERY difficult to complete-you need to muscle to be fatigued in order for it to strengthen and gain shape) then you need to increase your weight. If you are using 1 or 2 pound hand weights...go up to 3, and then 5, and then 8 or 10 eventually. Women cannot get "huge" like bodybuilders with regular workouts...we gain shape and definition (think Madonna's arms) but it stays more compact. If you are doing strength training on your legs and buns and the exercises just aren't difficult any longer...then maybe you need to add ankle weights-which can be found at any sporting goods store. You can start off with light ones...1/2 to 1 pound...and go higher as you get stronger. When I do my ab crunches now-I have added resistance by not just putting my "hands behind my head" to cradle my neck. I use a small 2-3 pound neoprene (bright plastic coating) covered hand weight and hold each end...with my neck supported by the middle of the weight. It DOES make the crunches more intense with the added weight!!!
In a nutshell...we are all stronger and more fit than we were when we first started our exercise programs...and we need to "up the anty" to challenge ourselves again. It really DOES make all of the difference in the world.
This week was the week each month that I take my body measurements and test my body fat percentage...and this is another reason that I am all for body measurements and the "clothes-o-meter" and don't like to get so hung up on the scale as much. This past month...I have only lost about a pound and a half...BUT...when I tested this week...I have lost 1% of my body fat this past month...and here are how my measurements changed over the past month:
upper arm/bicep: -1/8" (I was thrilled about this one...it is one of my problem areas that is hard to reduce...I have noticed that the bicep and tricep muscles are really getting shaped and defined...and the fatty stuff is going down a bit)
bust: -1/2" (yes...I am happy about this one... )
waist: -1/4"
hips: -1/4"
thighs: +1/2" (yes, my thighs have actually gained slightly in size here...BUT...the muscles are getting a lot more shapely and defined...and they don't look like flabby BLOBS anymore...they aren't where I want them o be yet...but they ARE recognizeable as legs. I have really been working them as of late with my strength training and my dancing!)
Let's see what changes I can make happen over this next month...next month is my 2 year anniversary from my highest ever weight of 211 pounds...so I am trying to really "work it" this month and see what I can achieve by then...
aphil, again, CONGRATS!!! on your measurements!!! and thank you for that tip about using weight for crunches - I have not heard of that before, and now you know what I'll be trying when I work out after typing this
and I share your joy about seeing definition in the leg area - "now recognizable as legs" :lol - they'll just get better and better from here on!!
Again to reinforce what you just said, about having to "surprise" our muscles in our routines...ain't it the truth! It's so very easy to fall into the lull of the familiar routine...I do have to concentrate and ask "was this easy? have I popped a sweat?" As one instructor in a step tape says, after about 6 minutes - "are you out of breath? could you NOT carry a conversation? if so, slow it down a bit! BUT if you're not warm and perspiring, you need to PICK IT UP!"
We're really busy at work this weekend; a family reunion is the focus; instead of the usual 50-60 for lunch/dinner, we have 103 - so it's hustle/hustle. But we have a good staff, everyone helps each other (kitchen/waitstaff/front desk/dishdog ) so it's manageable.
Have a great day! drink a cup of water before your first cuppa coffee today, get your exercise in, just say no to junk; your body will say THANKS!
Hello everyone! Congrats aphil on your loss! There's something about those 10 pound markers that get me completely pumped back up! Also to Holly! You'll be at 140 in no time! You've got to feel such accomplishment at maintaining your loss. I cant tell ya how many times I lost weight just to put it back on in a couple of months.
I have been doing pretty well lately. I have started hitting the weights hoping to regain some definition. I did squats and lunges today along with working out my calves and stomach. After that I went to the grocery store. You should have seen me trying to lug all those bags up our stairs! I definitely felt the work out then! I am following the work-out cycle from the Body for Life model (for those of you familiar with that). Although he only requires 20 minutes of cario three times a week, so I have raised that to 45 minutes 3 to 4 times a week. I also warm up and cool down on the treadmill for 10 minutes each before lifting. Hopefully I will see some results soon! I am trying to stay away from the scale for awhile and just judge my progress on my clothes and some measurements. I tend to stay more optimistic that way! Enough rambling for me, everyone have a great day!
Wow-I had a wonderful weekend! I stayed 100% OP all weekend...and my Monday morning weigh-in showed it. I lost 1.4 pounds this past week...so now I am at 168.4. I had temptations all weekend long too...it was difficult some days...but I am so glad that I did it!
On the "news" front... ...I got some goodies for anyone who eats the Kashi products. (I know Holly and I love them) on their website they have a club and if you join their mailing list you can get a coupon off Kashi cereal to print out on your computer printer. My printer is out of ink right now, and I emailed them and told them I could not print the coupon-and they mailed THREE to me! It was here in like 3 days! I got 2 cereal coupons and 1 coupon for the TLC crackers.
On other news...I got the performance "plans" for the upcoming performances this next week. On July 4th I am performing with a nearby dance instructor and her students in a show...and the instructor and I will be doing a sword duet...and each of us will be doing our own solo...as well as "leading the pack" of students in a dance to a Shakira song. The next week at the public library education shows we are doing...I am in a floorwork duet and doing a sword SOLO...as well as dancing in the group numbers. Looks like my hard work is finally paying off! The 4th of July show is in my hometown-about an hour away from where I live now...and a lot of my family and old friends and such will be there at the festivale-most whom have never seen me in costume...or seen me dance-so this will be a shocker for them! There is going to be videotaping...so if anyone is interested in me mailing them a copy...pm me...I'd be glad to when I get mine.
On the silly front...I wanted to take a poll from everyone here...is it wrong to think that the new pastor at your church is absolutely stunningly gorgeous???? I don't know...but he is. He is all dark and everything...*think Antonio Banderas or "The Rock" type hair/eye/skin coloring*...kinda distracts from the biblical lesson a bit.
*checks to make sure there is nothing "extra" in her coffee*
Everyone-have a wonderful and on plan day!!!! You can do it...I know you can!
Aphil
ps-Silence, there have been a coupe really nice responses about your article that I put on the "sticky" in the forum. Check them out if you want! It has really inspired a few people!
I just stopped eating healthy and exercising and my old lifestyle brought my heavier body back! 
Yes...bananas may be a little more caloric that a peach...but they are also very filling...and very healthy...and LESS calories than something I would have probably eaten before...and they are usually pretty inexpensive...and I have eaten them throughout my weight loss...as well as grapes...and have done just fine! 
) and today I bought: 
:lol)
(Aphil is having her morning coffee)
