I know I have posted for days because I have been hiding...been very bad... friday night had takeout Indian, sat night we went to my favorite Thai resturant and I had spring rolls, dumplings, entree, on sun night was our neighborhood party at the local italian resturant and I had a big meal plus wine. I probably ate more in the past four days calorie-wise than I did in the past week. Last week I was so proud of myself but weekend are so hard. One of my biggest problems is when I go out to dinner.

This week I am going to try to have oatmeal every morning and soup at least once a day...I think that is what has helped me lose so far.

Lady, I loved your story about trying on prom dresses. I once gave a baby shower where all the guests had to wear either old prom or bridemaid dresses...it was a beauty pagent theme and the mother- to- be was crowned "Miss Conception" ...we all stuffed our dresses with pillows and had to parade around ...I was "Miss Understood" . It was a great party.

Cyan, I loved your photos! I love to travel too. What was your favorite trip? It sounds like you are very motivated. Are you going to try to give up cheese again this week?

Reina, I am so happy to hear you lost. It seems the combination of weight watchers and curves is working for you.

Taiwan, it was great hearing from you.

Lisa, or should I say "Miss Vice-president" I loved your idea about the candy bars... just make sure you do not eat any.

Miki, I found that some weeks I am just more motivated than others and I figure that if this is a war against fat than if I lose a few battles it is ok as long as I win the war.

Hope everyone is going to have a week filled with willpower, healthy eating!

Hi...another quick post. Josh had a basketball game tonite. We just got home. Tomorrow nite is his last one, but today Luke started his practice so we start all over again.

Had an English muffin with a teaspoon of margarine on it toasted for breakfast. Had a grilled chicken sandwich for lunch. Tonite, we had English muffins topped with pizza sauce, fat free cheese, and turkey pepperoni. I put them under the broiled until the cheese melted. That pepperoni only has 80 calories for 17 slices! It only takes one or two on half of an English muffin. The kids loved them.

I havent exercised yet. It's going to be hard to fit it in on the nites we dont get home until almost 9 like tonite. I know I could get up extra early, but I get up at 6:30 already. Just cant seem to sacrifice any more sleep than that. Well, better run. Still lots to do before bedtime. I'll post more and include everyone later.

Miki

it's Tuesday. I don't know what my problem is. I really don't feel like exercising and I know if I did my energy level would be so much better. Now that Josiah is active and wants Mommy all the time it's so much harder to exercise. I have watched what I eat (and not just watch it go into my mouth). I did fine until last night when we took our guest out to eat. So far today I am doing fine. I decided to drink a glass of skim milk w/ my fruit bar for breakfast instead of always having the low calorie drink. skim milk has 0 fat as the other drink had 3g of fat, though the calorie difference in only 10 more (the skim milk that is). So we'll see.

Well, Josiah is trying to crawl onto my lap. Gotta go.

Its Tuesday Morning, bright and sunny but boy is it ever cold out there.

I didn't exercise last night...I was so tired...so I went to bed early and boy did I ever need it...I slept like a rock and this morning I feel well rested.

I did ok food wise....1551 cals and 51 grams of fat...Yay...I still want to bring down my fat grams to about 40.

So tonight I will exercise..cycle for 20-25 minutes, lift weight and calisthetics for another 20 minutes. I am still planning out what I will eat for dinner...Ah decisions decisions.

Well Ladies have a great day.

Taiwan...keep exercising...you have worked so hard and long to lose the weight ...dont stop now...you can do it...if you get into a rut now, it will be harder to get back on the wagon...so even thought you are not motivated...just do it anyway and you will see...5 minutes into your routine, you will be happy you started...trust me on this one.

Miki ... very creative with the alternative pizza! I think I hear your airwalker calling out for you

Debee...I know what you mean...about going out to restaurants...I always eat what I want and my food choices are never the wisest but boy are they yummy...I love Thai food too and I usually have their coconut curries which are loaded with fat. Indian is also one of my favorites...and I love their butter chicken. I love chinese...and I never pass up on the general tao or the beijing shrimp...all loaded with calories and fat. I suggest no more restaurants for the month...ok except for Valentine's...but that's it....I try to limit my restaurant visits to twice per month but I am aiming for once per month. And, don't hide from us...we are here to help you...so post away and air out your thoughts ...its good for the soul.

Big hug to you all and post post post

Cyan

Good morning ladies!
Well, I have to say, I am at a loss!!!!! Literally

I got into another pair of jeans today that were very tight !!!

I am so excited to see that something is working for me. And I do have to say! I have learned this from experience. It is the mental attitude that really helps you achieve your goals!!! Now that I am working out, and eating right, I am willing the inches away. The weight may be coming off slowly, but the inches are starting to show, and I have only been working out 2 1/2 weeks straight!!

I do have to say this week, I am losing my mind! I am giving up carbs this week, and now I look at my pantry and I have no clue what I am making for breakfast, lunch and Dinner! I am far more hungry during the day and alot more tired at night! How do I find a happy medium

Cyan, I don't know how you did it with the cheese! I am LOSING MY MIND!!!!!
Cyan, good article!

Debee, I know those restaurants can kill your goals! We are always in restaurants because of our crazy schedule. I love the baby shower idea! that sounded like a lot of fun!

Taiwan, I know you are probably still exhausted from your new year celebration, so I am sure you will find your way back to the exercise regimine that you had

Mikki, I love the pizza idea! Sounds like lots of fun for the whole family! And everyone is eating great! This may sound funny, but since you are out late with the basketball games and all. Do some extra walking, walk out to the parking lot 4-5 times during the breaks and before the game. This gets you moving and you can't say that you didn't exercise that day! Moving is exercising,so what little you can do, will make you feel like you aren't just giving up the exercise all together.

I am updating my birthday calendar and I just realized that I don't know any of your birthdays! Give up the dates and we can have a virtual B-day party for you! Minus the high calorie, high fat cakes!
You all have a great day.

Hi Everybody!

This is from a private post from Annie that she asked be passed on to you girls:
I haven't had time or the energy to read any of the posts on the board. I'm just so behind in all that, I hope everyone knows that they are in my thoughts and well wishes. Hopefully one day I will be up and around like I used to be and be able to participate on the board on a regular basis. There's just so many health issues with me right now that half the time I spend most of my day in bed.

Betty – How are you doing?

Cyan –you will see 140 again. We knew this wasn’t going to be easy, right? Maybe concentrating on one change at a time will help. You have the exercise routine back; now work on giving up the cheese. Once you get that under control, you can eliminate or change something else. The time is going to pass whether we diet or not, we just have to remind ourselves how important this is and that We Can Do It! I like that you posted your current and goal weight above you avatar and I followed your example. It will be good for me to see it each time I post.

Vice President Lisa - Congratulations!! The mounds idea is way creative! Just don’t eat them, ok? LOL BTW, that was a good advice you gave Miki. We forget that what we are doing is affecting our interior as well as our exterior. I needed to hear that. Thanks. Glad to hear you’re not so stressed and things are working into a routine for you.

Debee – Glad you’re out of hiding. That’s the first step. Believe me, I know! LOL Don’t be discouraged, just knuckle down and get back on track and you’ll see a loss this week.

I’m litterally sitting here laughing while imagining all you parading around in prom dresses with pillows for tummies! Wait, let me get my breath……Miss Conception! What a hoot!

Taiwan - keep reminding yourself how you felt when everyone was complimenting you on how much you lost. You don't want to give that feeling up, do you?

Cjunk – How’s that swimming coming? Did you get the new suits?

Miki – Hang in there. I know you can do this. I was very discouraged this weekend, but when I think of the consequences of quitting, it’s worse than the frustration of not losing.

Reina – 1.6lbs! You Go Girl! The great thing about the point system is you never have to feel hungry. And I’m so glad you found your exercise nitch in Curves. There is nothing quite like the wonderful feeling you get when you can get into a smaller size! Congratulations! Watching you succeed will help me get motivated again. I loved the flirting story, What a wonderful boost to your ego. You are so right – that mental attitude is everything. Mine was really shi….. ahm …poor this past week and one of my goals is to get positive again. As to those carbs, try limiting not eliminating them. They serve a good purpose in your daily diet. Just be very specific on how many and how much you will allow yourself; i.e.: 1/2c pasta, or 1 slice bread twice a day, etc. You get the idea. Oh, and as long as you asked, my birthday was Feb 8.

Me – This was not a good week. I started out strong, then wasted two days over eating and not counting calories or fat. To help me get back on track I’m going to use Cyan’s posting of What Is A Serving as my inspiration. My plan is to read on the package what the actual serving size is on everything I eat and limit myself to that. Yesterday I was really angry and fell into my old habit of malted milk balls to make myself feel better. Only this time I couldn’t limit myself to just one serving, so I counted out 28 balls (1and1/2 serving), ate them and then threw away the rest of the box. YEA!!!! Good thing, too, because later last night I was cussing myself out ‘cause I was craving them again, but I was safe because those addictive old malt balls were out in the trash can!

With your kind permission, I am not going to post my measurements and weight on Fridays anymore. When I started this new life style, I chose Monday as my weigh in day, so I have been weighing both Monday and Fridays. For some reason it is messing me up psychologically. I find myself expecting to see the weight loss on Friday that I used to expect on Monday, even though it hasn’t been a whole week. So, I will post my progress on Mondays instead, ok? I set a new goal for myself, too, Cyan. My goal is to lose 5 lbs before my yearly physical on March 8th. Last year’s physical resulted in me being put on blood pressure and cholesterol meds. I can’t wait to see my doctor’s face when she sees me 25lbs thinner and no longer needing the blood pressure meds!

Have a great day



Lady

Hi everyone!

Well, tonite was Josh's last game. I think it will be several weeks before Luke's start so that's good. We need the short break.

My calories were low today along with the fats. Thanks to all of you for the support and encouragement....because of ya'll, I am once again getting motivated...yeahhh! (One reason I had gotten so irritated about not losing is that my hubby started trying to lose again also, and for the last 2 weeks, he has lost 4 each week and hasnt done ONE MINUTE of exercise!! That just isnt fair, ya know?? lol ) I am going to get off here shortly and do my AirWalker altho as late as it is, I'll probably only get in 15 minutes tonite. Tomorrow nite should be better. No ballgames or anything. Luke's math test is tomorrow so I wont have that to help him study for which will help. Homework drives me CRAZY!

Wish I had more time. Hoping soon I'll be able to get back to posting individually. WHen I cant do that, it just seems like something is missing. Like I didnt get to spend 'quality time' with all of you.

Everyone, have a good day tomorrow and try to--no, DO make wise choices.

Miki

Hi everyone,

Starting last Friday this has been a stressful week for me and our family. The kids are still sick and I am finally on antibotics for my sinsus infection...also with the recent developments with the war many people in the philly area are very nervous since we are in between two major terrorism targets ..new york and washington d.c. Since I am an emotional eater, I have been so bad this week. THe constant eating out this weekend put me off track and then Monday and tuesday I just ate out of stress. I know I am on a bad downhill spiral and do not want to ruin all the hard work and willpower it took to lose those ten pounds. I need to get a grip and stop this mindless eating. Starting right now I am going to try to get back that positive mental attitude I had when I was losing (I am convinced that mental attitude is the kkey to losing weight) Help me get motivated please!

Ok...here is what I did yesterday...I exercised for 30 minutes on the bike and lifted weights for 10 minutes afterward. My eating was a little out of control and I clocked in at 1729 and 62 grams of fat. I burned off 388 of those horrible calories.

Everyday I struggle with overeating...it is an ongoing battle...I am easily tempted my food and often put myself in situations where I know I will cave in and eat delicous fatty foods. I always sabotage myself and undermine my efforts. So, I will make a concious effort to change these self undermining patterns and replace them with non sabotaging behavior. Yes it is a challenge for myself.

Debee...I can sympathize with you. It is a scary time for North Americans...for everybody in the whole world... War is very scary, and the effects of war are far reaching from every thing from death to and unstable economy. So I can understand why your stress levels are high. I think its safe to say that we are all anxious latley. But, this is the time where you need to address your fears and stress and apply positive behaviors to it. I know, here I am telling you what to do and my calorie concumption is high too.

Maybe a good idean to relieve some of your anxiety would be to talk about it..with anyone or post your thoughts here. Also, it seems like you had a tough week, children sick and a sinus infection is nothing to sneeze at...no pun intended. So take care and dont let all your efforts be invain...there are ups and downs in this cycle ..soon you will be on an up cycle and the weight will come off...just keep exercising and eating in your target cal range.

All of you lovely ladies...keep going...slow but sure, we will melt our fat away.

Talk to you later

Cyan

Hi Everyone!
I found this in Better Homes and Gardens and thought it might be helpful:

TO CALCULATE YOUR CALORIE NEEDS

1. Begin with a base of 655 calories
2. Multiply your weight (in pounds) by 4.3
3. Multiply your height (In inches) by 4.7
4. Add 1, 2, and 3
5. Multiply your age by 4.7
6. Subtract the total of #5 from the total of #4 to get your
Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) in calories

7. To determine your daily maintenance calories, use your
RMR (#6) and multiply it by:
1.2 if you don’t exercise
1.3 if you exercise 2-3 hours a week
1.4 if you exercise 4-6 hours per week
1.6 if you exercise 7 hours or more per week

To lose 1/2 pound to 1 pound a week, subtract 250 to 500 calories a day from these maintenance calories.

Note: Experts warn that your calorie intake should never go below your RMR and ideally, should be at least 150 calories above it.

This is a good guide. I did the calculations and came up with a daily calorie intake of 1162 to lose 1 lb a week. That makes sense, because I have been eating an average of 1100 cal per day and have been losing a pound a week.

Lady

Master your Metabolism

I've been dieting constantly on and off for years since I was a teenager, and have lost and gained the same 50 pounds more times than I can count. This last time I gained back even more. Have I ruined my metabolism?




Jonny Bowden, M.A., C.N.S.

Jonny Bowden, M.A., C.N.S., our Weight Loss Coach, is a respected expert in the fitness field. He hosts our Shape Up Community Challenge and is also the author of Shape Up!




The idea that people can "ruin" their metabolisms is a very disempowering notion. To put it simply, you can't. You may have some metabolic issues due to yo-yo dieting, and understanding how your personal metabolism works can only help you in your weight loss journey. Let me explain.

For the sake of example, let's say you lose 50 pounds just by dieting. Let's further assume that about half of the weight you lost is fat and half of it is muscle. (These percentages aren't exactly right, but they're good for the purpose of illustration.) You've now lost about 25 pounds of muscle and 25 pounds of fat. Now let's say that you go off the diet and regain that 50 pounds. This time, almost all of the regained weight is going to be fat, and virtually none of it is going to be muscle. So at the end of the day, you weigh the same as before, but your body composition is significantly different. You now have a significantly higher percentage of body fat.

Why does this matter? Simple. Most of your calories are "burned" by muscle tissue. Fat is basically metabolic "dead weight." When you lose a lot of muscle, you lose one of your biggest allies in the war against fat. This shift in body composition is one of the things people refer to when they talk about their metabolism being "ruined" by dieting. To bring your metabolic rate up, one of the best things you can do is regain some of that lost muscle by adding weight training to your routine.

The other thing that frequently happens with yo-yo dieting is that you train your fat storage enzymes to be more efficient. When you repeatedly starve yourself, those enzymes simply become better at their job, an evolutionary strategy meant to keep you alive during times of famine. But by exercising consistently, eating fewer calories than you burn, and by eating the right kind of calories, you can re-train the fat-releasing enzymes to come out of hiding.

And speaking of the right kind of calories ...

Most people in your situation have been trying to lose weight using a low-fat diet. Unfortunately, that's probably exactly what you should not be eating. Low-fat diets are typically high-carb diets, and high-carb diets virtually guarantee that your body will constantly produce high levels of insulin, also known as "the storage hormone." The body does not burn fat in the presence of high levels of insulin. The solution? A moderate-calorie diet that is higher in protein and good fats (such as olive oil) and lower in carbohydrates than your average low-fat diet.

The point is that there are specific positive actions you can take right now to work with almost any metabolic issue you may have as a result of your dieting history. Put these strategies into action right now, and maybe the next time you lose that 50 pounds will be the last time you have to do it.


The Right Diet for Your Metabolism

How do I choose the best diet for my particular metabolism and body type?




Jonny Bowden, M.A., C.N.S.

Jonny Bowden, M.A., C.N.S., our Weight Loss Coach, is a respected expert in the fitness field. He hosts our Shape Up Community Challenge and is also the author of Shape Up!




It's a great question and there isn't an easy answer -- in some ways all of us are completely alike; in some ways all of us are slightly different; and in still other ways, each of us is completely unique.

So it is with metabolism. When we speak of "slow" and "fast" metabolic types, we are really referring to the quickness and ease with which our bodies convert food into fuel and nutrients. Many factors come into play when determining what food plan is best for a given individual: genetics, ethnic background, hormone levels, thyroid, food sensitivities and allergies, enzymatic activity, dieting history, degree of insulin insensitivity, amount of body fat, age, and neurotransmitter levels -- and that's before we even begin to talk about psychology, tradition, comfort eating, social eating and even addiction history.

So picking the perfect "system" or "diet" can be a minefield. There are a dozen different methods that purport to be able to recommend the perfect diet according to "type." Of course, supporters of these methods never seem to agree on exactly what the "types" are or how they should be defined. Some systems of body typing, like Aryuvedic medicine, have been around for thousands of years. Some newer methods are very promising but require blood or hair analysis, which isn't practical for many people. Others, like the blood type diet, are pretty flimsy. Still others, like the "body type" diet, are just plain difficult to apply, since so very many people don't fit neatly into any of the categories.

So what's a person to do? To me, starting with the simplest plan makes the best sense. In the case of weight loss and health -- and I see them as very related -- the basics are pretty simple: Protein from the best sources you can find; vegetables, in (mostly) unlimited amounts; high-fiber, low-sugar fruit in moderation; and good quality, naturally occurring, traditional fats like butter, extra virgin olive oil, nuts and seeds.

This diet, known in the research as the "paleolithic" or "caveman" diet, served us well for the vast majority of the 2.5 million years that we and our ancestors have been on the planet. It's what our digestive systems were designed to work best with. Except for those who continue to advocate the "high-carbohydrate/low-fat" diet which is really, historically speaking, the biggest fad diet in history, most of the better writers and thinkers in the field now agree that the closer we can get to the paleolithic ideal, the better. Most of the quibbling is over the details -- how many carbs, what percentage of fat, and so on.

So let me suggest to you that instead of letting yourself be overwhelmed by all the "diets" and "systems" out there, you look instead to what they all have in common and use that for your basic recipe. Luckily, the stuff everyone agrees on can be stated pretty simply: The best things to eat are those that you could have hunted, fished for, gathered, grown or plucked.

In a nutshell, that's a recipe for success that will work well for just about any metabolism and body type.

Hi,

Just a quick note. I have tried very hard to control my eating and mood today. Every time I hear the news and the missles around Washington D.c and the precautions that they are doing in Philly around the Liberty Bell I just get more upset. All my friends are buying duct tape and plastic wrap and like I said before we are very nervous in this part of the country. Also on 9/11 my cousin died in the pentagon so terrorism is personal to our family.

I forgot to mention that yesterday when I was taking my son Jake to the doctor's I was in a car accident. I was stopped at a light about 2 miles from the dr. office when a car rear-ended me. Jake and I are ok but a little sore today. Now I have to deal with reporting the accident.

Last week I was so on track and now it seems like every thing is falling apart. I am craving chocolate and can not stop eating any comfort food I can find. I am trying to put on a "happy" face for the kids but I am very unmotivated and nervous. My husband works in the tallest building in Philly and today they had emergency drills. Sorry I am rambling but all day today I have been trying to reassure my friends, husband and kids and have not been able to address my own fears. Cyan, thanks for the kind words. I know it is scary for everyone in North America.

On valentine day we were suppose to go to the lake house with friends and go skiing but they canceled because of everything that is happening. I was really looking forward to a fun weekend. I hate having to live in fear like this.

debee,
Wow, I didn't realize that in the states it was that serious. My parents haven't mentioned anything, though I do worry about them since they live on the coast and though they are upstate from the Dover AirForce Base, it still is an important place. Try to watch yourself, go for a walk or do the yoga before bed with the kids again, it will help you relax. I know that yesterday was one of my best eating days since being back from vacation and I feel much better. I know if I exercised I would feel even better, helps relieve stress.

Praying for you.

Debee, so sorry to hear how anxious you are feeling. I know it has to be tough living so close to things. I can definitely understand your family being affected by all this since what happened to your cousin. You're in my thoughts and prayers, and I hope soon you will have some peace of mind. As for preparing with the tape, etc., it's always good to think ahead and be prepared any time. Just try not to let it consume your daily life. I think that's just what the terrorists enjoy seeing....having the satisfaction that they are disrupting "the mighty USA". I cringe when I think of such heartless people. Try to think of the drills, etc as positive things, safeguards for your husband and those he works with. There is an advantage this time that those on 9/11 didnt have. We have notice and time to make preparations and plans. As hard as it is right now to eat right and think healthy, if you DONT do that and lose all you worked for, it will just add to your distress. I know from experience that you will regret it if you give up now and let that happen. We are all here for you anytime you need us. Come here and vent but Please! do your very best to stay on track. Even tho eating right, etc seems kind of trivial compared to all going on in the world, it is important and you want to set a good example for your kids as well as feel better yourself. I promise if you get back on track, especially with exercise, you will feel LOTS better, physically and mentally. It's a great stress reliever. I hope it doesnt sound like I'm being unconcerned or harsh. I do care about you and the rest the ladies here. Every word of what I just said I'm also trying to convince myself of. I havent done great with the exercise either lately. Let's hang in there together ok? I'm really sorry that your trip was cancelled. Sounds like that would have been just the thing to do to be away from it all and give your mind a rest. I hope you and Jake are feeling better. Do try to get into your exercise again, but dont overdo it. After all, you are sore plus you've been sick. Take care of yourself and get well first.

Cyan, I still wish we could just combine our efforts. I can do fine with my eating these days, but I am sooo unmotivated with the exercise! (re: my sermon to myself up there disguised as a note to debee lol )

Lady, please let Annie know she is in my prayers and that I think of her often. I miss her great posts. She has such an uplifting personality. Her posts are a big encouragement to me. Thank you for that helpful info you posted. I'm going to do all that soon as I have time.

Reina, I would never have thought of walking out to the car a few times at the ballgame. Thanks for the idea! And you go girl with those jeans!

Lisa, hope you did well on your test. That "mounds" idea was so cute! Made me want one tho So come on, tell us...did you eat some??? lol Oh and Lady's malted milk balls..mannnnnnnnnn, they are probably my FAV!! Ya'll gotta stop talking about that stuff lol.

Taiwan, I am so happy that you're back and able to regularly post again. I love hearing about Josiah. He sounds adorable. Good for you on your eating right yesterday!

Where is Betty and Cjunk??? I miss them.

Well, better run. Almost my bedtime.

Miki

For everyone's information...I did NOT eat any Mounds Candy Bars. One of the reasons I chose them was because I don't like them. YUCK!!! Coconut and chocolate shouldn't go together.

I did HORRIBLE on the test! I was very stressed out afterwards. I went home and hit the books and looks like I'm going to have to kick it up a notch in the studying department.

Food wise, I've done okay this week...except for today. I didnt' snack during class so afterwards I was so hungry I was shaking and light-headed. I went and got a Sourdough Bacon Swiss Burger with onion rings. Shame on me. I also had a double cheeseburger from Burger King for dinner and a Twix CandyBar during my class tonight. I will do better tomorrow.

I'm going to stop taking the Zoloft. I was put on a starter pack where each week I take more. Last night I went from 50 to 100 mg and today I was so tired I couldn't keep my eyes open during class. I even fell asleep for a couple of minutes. I then went home and slept. I almost didn't get up in time to pick up my daughter from school. It also seems to have obliterated any sex drive I had. Not making the hubby happy in that department.

Well, that's all for now.

Debee, glad you and your son were not hurt in the accident. I know it's scary times here in the states, but we're doing the right thing and I think the precautions being taken will keep American's safe.

See ya'll later!
Lisa