Holy cow, December!! I didn't realize it was this week that the months change! Where's that little dropping-dead smilie?? There he is. That's what I feel like. Hooo, boy.
Anyway, I thought I'd start up the chat for this week, since it's pretty quiet in here and I wanted something to do. I guess everyone is still in their tryptophan-induced food comas.
We've got plenty of threads about discussing our holiday strategies for losing weight, but I'm still scared. Christmas has broken my diet for three consecutive years. (okay, okay, take responsibility: I'VE broken my diet AT Christmastime.) But I'd at least like to be back at the weight I was at when I last saw my fiance... I've gained five pounds, which might not be enough to really notice that much, but it's a mental thing. I'm convinced that part of my problem with letting go of my weight this time around is stress... stress with school, with relationships, with being away from the FH for so long. Sigh. None of these things will be getting any better any time soon, either.
Well, I'm not going to give up. I know this is going to be a long battle... Any hope of being at goal weight by my wedding day is kind of out of the question and unrealistic. Why set more unrealistic goals for myself, when I know that just leads to disappointment, which leads to poor eating? I'll see how I do with the New Year's challenge... if I can't get my weight back to 194/5 by then, I'm going to stop setting dated challenges for myself and just set weight increment goals, to be acheived whenever I can manage them. I don't want to be too lenient on myself, as that's when I slip up most, but then again, being really hard on myself hasn't been working either.
Where's that balance? Where's the "I can just happily exist like this" balance?
Anyway, enough of my rambling. I'll get there, I promise.
By the way, anyone seen ValRock or Canadian Mickey around lately? I'm worried about those two, the last I remember hearing from them they were sharing bad news, I hope that if either of them are lurking they'll pop in just to say hi. I worry. And Steph/Lockitup hasn't been around in a long while, too... where'd she go? I hope you MIA ladies are doing okay out there in the real world....
Hey ladies, it certainly has been quiet around here lately! I've been lurking guiltily while indulging my turkey/cheese/christmas cookie binge :/ I've gained about 5 lbs over the last week, hopefully at least SOME of it is water weight??? Please? I just went grocery shopping, so i'm going to plan out some meals for a few days, I MUST GET BACK ON TRACK and quit grazing in my kitchen every 5 minutes. On a better note, i've been getting a head start on making christmas gifts, i'm not buying anything this year (except supplies to make stuff) wish me luck!
Brito- I DEFINATELY feel your concern for the holidays, i'm sooo worried that i'm going to slip again too We need to be strong!
Brito – Your not the only one getting worried with all these holidays. I’m also glad I haven’t been the only one wondering why it’s been so quiet around here lately. It gets me worried because without the support here I am likely to get off track. I am also very concerned with Christmas coming up. This is my first year that I will be on a diet for the holidays. It is also for the first time in 2 years that I will be spending Christmas with my family. I went on study abroads for the last two years so I haven’t had a chance to over eat. I’m flying down to see my parents this year who I haven’t seen in over a month (I didn’t get to see them for Thanksgiving). I am always tempted to over-eat when I have my Mom’s home cooking especially when she is planning on making Christmas cookies.
Denice81 – Good job on recognizing that you need to get back on track and starting to plan again. I can’t imagine that you gained 5 pounds of real weight (after all a pound is 3500 calories) so I hope it’s just water weight.
Anyways other then that I am starting back up at school this week after missing two weeks because of having my gallbladder removed (with some wonderful complications). This is my last week of classes then I have three weeks of finals. I’m still fat intolerant so I have to eat a very low fat diet (which might be helpful with all the temptations around the holidays and with finals coming up.)
I hope everyone has a great week and hopefully it will get more active around here.
its a short but crazy week for me this week. 2 work functions this week that i am organising, getting ready for christmas at work and home, work in general and its a short week because we go away for the weekend on Friday and come back on Monday. We are off to the WA Ironman about a 3 hour drive from here. I am looking forward to the break but it will definately be an active break - lots of bike riding and walking in store.
i have a kick butt workout routine that i devised over the weekend. i like the look of it - i know its gonna kill me though. first workout is tonight with a kickin' leg routine and some cardio.
its so hot here today - the air con was broken at work and has only just come back on (its 1pm). i would much rather be at home in our air conditioning with my doggies.
I've been so busy and so stressed out. Not more than anyone else, I suppose, but I'm finding it hard to deal with because I don't really have a support system here. I miss my boyfriend so much.
I did manage to get down to 131.6 lbs not too long ago, and I'd love to see the 120s soon, but that's probably not going to happen - just no way I can fit any gym visits into my schedule over the next 3 weeks, got to prioritize... and the priority is school, school, school.
So much to do, so little time.... eeek! Just need to survive the next 3 weeks somehow!
Well, my weigh-in today said 190, not surprising. My eating was ok this past week, but I did no exercise. =/ Oh well, today is the start of a new week, and although no PUSH dvds are going to happen today (due to working 1-10), it will happen tomorrow. And the day after. Although it will be different.. boyfriend and I got a fake tree (I hate fake trees, but we dont want to put a real one in the apartment), and it takes up a bit of my workout space! . I think I can work around it, though.
Brit - I know Steph is still around somewhere... at least, she's still on MySpace *G*. I have to send her a message, ask her where the heck she is. I sent one to Lizzie too, a while ago.. I miss her =/. Canadian, I have no idea. I hope she's ok!
denice - *hugs* Don't let that get you down. Look at it like this.. you're getting back on track now, rather than when you gain back 30! And we all know you can do it.
Remember - Eek! I'm glad you're all right now. *hugs* And it must have been fun to study abroad, even though you didnt get to go be with your family.
Daisy - Come to the states, where it's getting nice and cold. =P. Seriously though, have fun this weekend. .
Elyn - welcome!
Sushi - I know the feeling. Ahh... this is the time of year that I am NOT sad that I had to take a year off of college. *hugs*
I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving break.
I'm back on track this week. I did 30m on the elliptical yesterday, after being off the wagon for a few weeks, and it really helped my mood.
Looking forward to doing it again tonight!
I'm stunned. I did Thanksgiving with my dad's side of the family last week, and they eat WELL. I mean, look at this:
Wednesday night was pizza (pre-thanksgiving, gotta stick with "plain foods" right? ). Thursday, of course, was the food extravaganza. My family does puupuus like mad (hors d'oeuvres, but puupuus is the Hawai'ian word for it and that side of the family is from Hawai'i)...so we started with chips'n'dip at around 1 pm, added the cheese'n'crackers and mixed nuts at 1:30, this heavenly cheese-chili dip at around 2 (a HUGE thing of it that I just gorged on), amazing stuffed mushrooms at about 2:30...we were grazing for several hours non-stop. I tried to be good. Mostly. The dip was my undoing, though. And then there was the turkey and all that, which I did surprisingly well with. No gravy, and didn't go back for seconds AT ALL. Woohoo! But there were two kinds of pie, and gods know we all had to try both of them. Plus the caramel sauce on the one, and cool whip (which I adore) on the other. Friday night, we went out to Tony Romas and did ribs, and I had a margarita. Yay for empty calories, but it was darned good. Saturday night my aunt cooked up this huge crab feast, 1 lb of crab per person, in this amazing wine and herb sauce, with tons of bread for dipping. Gorged myself on that, too. It's a wonder I could fit into my car and drive home Saturday.
But this morning, I weighed in at 185. I LOST a lb, somewhere in between the two kinds of pie and the crab feast. Dunno how the heck that works...
So now, it's all about school. Whoopee. I am thisclose to getting kicked out of college at the end of this semester. I'm hoping I can squeak by, but I'm not counting on it. But my SO is coming out to visit in two weeks; we haven't seen each other since July, and I've missed him terribly. I'll be good to see him again!
Okay, about the December Challenge: am I the only one who finds those challenges less than helpful? It tends to make me more discouraged, rather than less. I don't know why. You'd think accountability would be a GOOD thing, but for me, when I've fallen off a bit, seeing the proof there in writing makes it that much harder to get back on again. It makes it harder for me to forgive myself for my lapses. Does anyone else get this?
Alrighty, sorry for the novel, but I had a bunch of stuff I wanted to say. Tata!
So today was kind of a miracle -- I inadvertently planned for a really terrible lunch. I had McDonald's. I was hardcore essay-writing this morning for a paper due this afternoon, so amidst all the coffee that was keeping me going, I had a mini bagel and a yogurt. Right before leaving to peer edit with a friend, I had 1 oz lf cheese and about 10 wheat thins, since I was in a hurry. After editing was over, we went to McDonald's and I didn't even try to be healthy about it. I came home and had a huge spinach salad with leftover turkey breast, a tablespoon of sunflower seeds, and a small toss of dried cranberries. Went into Fitday expecting the worst, and I barely made it to 1400 cals for the day!! That was totally unexpected. (Don't get me wrong, the McD's was OVER half of that.) Just goes to show that there is always room to make up for mistakes.
In other positive diet related news, I have a potential gym buddy again. My one real friend here is also overweight and I didn't know if she thought it was an issue or if she was really sensitive about it or anything, so I never brought up any diety thing. I mean, the girl lives on grilled cheese made with wonder bread, so I assumed she wasn't interested. Out of legitimate curiosity, I asked her if she knew where the gym was on campus (I sure don't), and she expressed real interest in going swimming, that we could go together as motivation, even if we didn't do the same things. Yay! I'm so much better at getting exercise in if someone is there to help me get out the door and to the gym!
Hello to everyone :waves:
Nikaia: I sometimes feel the same way about the challenge. I'm really good at keeping up with it for the first week, then I fall behind and stop logging my exercise on the thread. That doesn't mean I don't do any, it just means I have given up on my goal and just want to forget about it. That's what I do. Instead of feeling discouraged that I won't make it, I forget I even participated. It's great motivation when I can stick to it, but right now I'm being pretty lenient with myself in letting it just slide to the back burner when I know I'm not up for it anymore. I just stop looking at the thread so I don't constantly remind myself I'm a failure or anything. And holy cow, that's a lot of food!!!
spill: good job on getting that elliptical in!
Fae: I can just imagine you kickboxing around a christmas tree. that's awesome good luck!
trns: RAIN. I love rain. Who doesn't love rain? As long as I don't get soaked right before having to sit in class for two hours, I'm happy
sushi: I'm with you on the survival, girl! I have two essays and three exams left till they let me go for term, and I think I can do it. Well, I think I can do 80% of it. The other 20% is really freaking me out
Elyn: Hi!! Welcome!
Daisy: oooh, Ironman. I LOVE watching those (in my former life, when I had TV). I'm not big on bodybuilers but those guys who are just 100% BEEF and amazingly strong without all the (imho) pointless focus on the external appearance of their muscles really have my respect. Have fun!
RHTS + Denise: We can make it through the holidays, ladies! Remember... who said it? (Sorry, I've already forgotten!) holiDAYs, not holiMONTH.
Jamie:
I saw Steph post in a separate thread earlier today. As for Amanda, the last post she did was in last week's chat on the 13th about the split. As for ValRock, she was also on earlier today posting about her NSV's.
I also think that setting goals without limiting time frames might work. I know it's worked for others, that way you can see the achievement without it being attached to a so-called "failure" (which I definitely don't see not meeting time goals as a failure, but rather a need for better time management, if that makes sense).
With the holidays, it's hard for me, but my MIL is allowing me to make a couple dishes that are a little more calorie smart, and she will put them on the table with the rest. She is also trying to do a few things to make it easier on me, in quiet, of course, so the men don't know!
It sounds like you need a "Jamie Day" to do something for you, relieve a little stress, and perk up your spirits. What kinds of things do you like to do that you don't often get to do?
Denice:
I like how you put it, "grazing in my kitchen." That's exactly what it reminds me of! I'll be doing something, and I'll slowly graze towards the kitchen and munch on something, very robotic!
RememberHowToSmile:
It's good to see that you are up and about again! The LF diet will definitely help with the loss, I do believe! Good luck with finals; eep! I certainly don't miss those!
Daisy:
Hot?! It's -35C here during the days!!! I'll give you some air conditioning!
What does the routine look like?
Elynlovesyou:
Hey, and welcome to the chat! I just recently joined myself
Sushi:
Good luck! Are you able to fit 15 min increments in between studying? Anything to keep moving will help you maintain Fantastic loss!
trnsfrmnreplace:
I love the rain I'm originally from the West Coast as well (Vancouver Island, Canada). I remember how warm it was, not like the ice rain over here I also loved how it seemed to kick up the dust, and everything looked so squeaky clean!
FaeReverie:
Way to go on meeting your TG goal!
spillthebeans:
WB I also love the feeling right after exercising. It's almost euphoric!
Nikaia:
Nice with the loss I think the challenges can go either way, really. It depends on how well you work with time restraint. The way I see it is I didn't meet my goal, but I came super close. I was aware of why I did not reach my goal, and instead of wallowing in the failure as I have done so many times before, I simply roll it off my back (easier said than done, I know), and get geared for the next challenge. I think one of the main reasons challenges work for people is that you have a small support group within the larger support group, and you are all working towards a similar goal, with a similar ending. It's like making the support a little more detailed.
--
Went to visit with my mom this weekend. I know she was upset, but really, I feel like super crap after the way I was treated. I always feel reduced to a child when I'm around her. I don't think she comprehends that I am an adult, and can make decisions for myself (ie: What I eat, and what I don't eat. I don't need people pressuring me in to eating deep fried foods, thanks). Ugh. Done.
Went to set up the tree tonight, and realized we were missing part of the base (fake tree). Then remembered that it broke last winter So later this week I'll be heading out to pick up a new, pre-lit tree. I love real trees, but with the cats, I don't want them to choke on pine needles
Not much else to report. A little crabby this evening, but had a LOOOONG day of heavy housework. I might have a soak tonight.
Also, I'm thinking about canceling my gym membership. I like it, I just don't have time, then I feel like I'm not doing all that I can do to lose weight if I don't go 3x a week. Plus, with the weather so low (-35C), walking to the gym, then to work just is not a pleasing option. What do you all think? I'm not on a contract, I pay month to month. It would basically mean I don't go in December. I also have a DVD similar to WATP, plus pilates equipment. Thoughts plz!
Whoa! I'm too tired to reply to everyone indiviudally (v. sorry)... The short of it: if you're new, Welcome! If you're getting early Christmas-eating anxiety, I feel your pain.
As for the fitness challenges, I like seeing other people's minutes add up and know that others are getting off their butts and that I'm not getting up at the crack of dawn alone (at least, in theory).
Other than that, anybody have any good potluck recipes that won't kill the calorie budget, but that people will actually eat? I've made healthy dishes before and they've been "overlooked"... hahaha!
some of the guys have had Krispy Kreme donughts sent over from Sydney and I DECLINED! Never had a KK donught before so I thought I had better not open that door - who knows what monster will be released. So I just had my beautiful cherries - they are my favourite fruit at the moment but at $19/kg they are a once a week treat.
I did my leg routine last night and yes it was a killer. I challenge anyone who wants to get a blast on their legs to do some jump squats and reverse squat with toe touch. I could literally feel the muscle in my quad strengthening.
Got a work function tonight - hopefully not a late one as I have another one tomorrow. On my best behaviour
**Weekly Chat, November 27th - December 3rd**
There he is. That's what I feel like. Hooo, boy.
We need to be strong!
). Thursday, of course, was the food extravaganza. My family does puupuus like mad (hors d'oeuvres, but puupuus is the Hawai'ian word for it and that side of the family is from Hawai'i)...so we started with chips'n'dip at around 1 pm, added the cheese'n'crackers and mixed nuts at 1:30, this heavenly cheese-chili dip at around 2 (a HUGE thing of it that I just gorged on), amazing stuffed mushrooms at about 2:30...we were grazing for several hours non-stop. I tried to be good. Mostly. The dip was my undoing, though. And then there was the turkey and all that, which I did surprisingly well with. No gravy, and didn't go back for seconds AT ALL. Woohoo! 
But my SO is coming out to visit in two weeks; we haven't seen each other since July, and I've missed him terribly. I'll be good to see him again!
good luck!
