Ended yesterday with about 1700 calories. Exercise: 20 min. pilates and 90 min. gardening. :)

Amarantha thought I'd join all of you with the calorie counting. I will start today but the clambake is on Saturday so it will be a washed out day. I will try not to be too bad but its only a once a year thing and my birthday celebration from my sister inlaw.
The calorie, fat , fiber count I think is important. I have done okay with the low carb but not great and its been really slow for me as things get added in the shouldn't. This sounds like at least worth a try for me. Do you suggest counting just calories or fats too? Let me know if you have any extra thoughts on this. Anyone with any ideas I'd appreciate them so I can get a good start.
Skyfirefly Present wt. 168.5 highest wt. 179lb. lowest 166 in the past month.

Good Morning, Ladies!

Congrats to all who made their targets yesterday!

Abba, congrats on the scale victory. It can be very tough to lose that last little bit of weight; I'm still trying to get rid of my last 10 pounds. Together, we are stronger.

Jenn, we are here to support you, not make you second guess yourself! Your stats speak volumes; you're doing great! You're an inspiration to me, and I wish you all the best. :)

I think I came in under 1200 yesterday. I had 620 calories allowed for dinner, and ate half a Chili's cobb salad (with grilled chicken) and a cup of blueberries. Since Chili's won't release their nutritional information, I can't be sure, but I think I stayed on track. Anyway, I burned over 600 cals yesterday at the gym, so I ended up ok.
Today started out fine. Last night I made low cal blueberry coffecake for a family dinner tonght. I had a slice for breakfast and then went running for an hour, even though I didn't really feel like it. Glad I did, now. The real challenge will be not blowing it tonight at dinner, where I will face all sorts of high-cal Italian food. Send me good thoughts, fellow calorie-counting goddesses!

Hello Ladies:

I am keeping with my daily calorie limit of 1600. Although I should be making better choices. That needs more work on my part. Also got a bit of walking in today - not sure of calories burned - maybe around 100.

Have a great weekend!

Lynn

I'm happy to say that I've had 2 very good days--I could get used to this! :)

Friday-July 16
calories: 1515
exercise: 20 min. yoga/pilates***30 min. step video

The thing that I'm really happy about is we were out in the world all day, but we ate really well! Went out for lunch at Qdoba's and had them leave off the cheese, and we didn't miss it at all, so that was a revelation!

Saturday-july 16

calories: 1370
exercise: 45 min. cardio/sculpt video

Again, we were gone all day but held out for real food when we got home. I did bring fruit fo us to eat, so we didn't starve. That's definitely not allowed in my universe!

I have to drink more water. My water intake has been pretty dismal lately. Other than that, everything's on track! :D

:bravo: :queen: E for two good days!!!! :wizard: I shall reread thy post about being out and about and eating well next week as that's going to be my goal ... I have several business lunches and need to learn how to calorically cope with these better!!!

Edited: 1945! :yikes: Exercise cals: 180

Eydie, that's fantastic! Seems like planning ahead is the key to healthy eating. There's a big party in my honor tomorrow, and it's going to be catered with all of my favorite foods. So I'll want to stuff my face, right? I just have to remember that I am the center of attention and don't want to look like a pig. And i'll have to remember how sick I'll be of the food, no matter how good it is, because we'll be up to our ears in leftovers. And I don't want to stretch my tummy out because I want to look good in my dress. Parties really are my weakness as far as eating goes... a combination of being around lots of food, and being uncomfortable with some social settings makes for a Piggy Abby.
I don't think I posted yesterday. It was kinda bad... 1644, but I did my basic routine (sit ups, push ups, running for 5 mins, etc) AND walked around the development (about a mile and a quarter, covered in a leisurely 20 minutes).
Today my calories were kind of low- 1133. But I never felt hungry. I did my basic stuff, and later my boyfriend and I discovered a new game called the Eye Toy where you use a webcammy-thing to play games on your TV screen via the playstation 2. I wouldn't classify it as exercise, bt my breath got pretty heavy and my arms were tired after playing for a while.

Calorie counting question = recipes
 

I was wondering if anyone knew of a website where you can type in all of your ingredients for a recipe and get an accurate calorie count for a serving size? Thanks

A broad abroad: Fitday might do that, dunno. There's also MyFoodDiary.com (I think that's what it's called), which does have a small fee attached. I'm not sure if those specifically have what you're looking for.

Abba, your numbers look good, IMO! :bravo:

I bought a new scale with a bodyfat analyzer per the trainer's request and the numbers don't look so good. It weighs a little higher than the other one, but anyhow I'm hocus pocus focused focused and ready to go as best I can for a new week!

Calorie Target for Sunday: 1700!

Empress, where do you find these EAS shakes? I love coffee-flavored anything--and I had no idea that the calories would be so low. Are they pre-made in cans or is it a powder you have to mix? :coffee:

3rd good day for me--I ended the day with 1400 calories. Took the day off from exercise today except for 15 min. yoga. Truth is I'm VERY sore for some reason---I think I may have overdid it with my new "Firm" videos. I guess I threw myself into it a little too much?

Yo!
 

Jenn, you're doing great! Isn't feeling fit the BEST? :D

Amarantha, thanks for the info. I'll definitely look for those the next time I brave the wilderness that is Wal-Mart! Hey, it sounds like you've got some great food plans for this week! I'd love to know what else you some up with.

Weighed myself this morning and it looks like I've been able to drop a couple of pounds--so I'm back down to 137 lbs. So I'm happy--can't let up now! :)

Keep counting, friends!

Weekend Progress - sort of
 

Hello, Ladies!

Congrats to Jenn, and everyone else who had a good weekend. I think I was lucky enough not to gain (much, anyway). Friday night was BAD, calorie-wise, but it was dinner and a concert with friends, and I knew it was coming. My Friday morning exercise counter-acted most of it, I hope.
Saturday and Sunday there was no exercise for me; if I don't get out of bed in the morning, it just dosen't happen. Anyway, my eating was sporadic, but evened out, I think. I kept my portions smaller. Saturday I skipped dinner because I'd had so much other stuff. Didn't miss it.

Fitting into my 'thin' pants now. This is the danger zone for me, I lose weight and I feel happy. When I'm happy, I eat. :0 I want to stay in these pants this time! Besides, they are still a little snug. Must Focus!

My goals for this week:
1) exercise EVERY morning (and tonight as make-up),
2) keep track of calories more closely,
3) get weight bench and set it up downstairs for strength training
4) non-diet goal: get financial aid straightened out for school starting next month (those rat b@#*ards).

Hi all,

I've been away from this board or a couple of days (had a busy weekend) so here it goes:

Sat = 2000 calories - went to a concert and stood for the entire time and danced (as much as I could) and cheered the entire time (that must count for something right? :lol: )

Sun = ?? 2000 - no exercise

This is a new week so I am already back on track today. I'm going to the gym tomorrow (another concert tonight) no if, ands or buts.

It sounds like everyone is doing really well! Congratulations everyone!

Lynn

Today at work I was able to keep out of the candy jars--noticed that the impulse was there, but didn't give in, so I'm proud of that.

Ended Monday with 1440 calories and my left hip is really sore so I only did 20 min. of yoga and some tai chi. Hopefully I'll feel more ambitious tomorrow. I have an early morning walking date so that'll help!

Yo!
 

1710! :encore: Decided not to post exercise cals anymore, too inaccurate!

Target for Tuesday (production day): 1750ish! :chin:

Low cal food idea: Since newspaper is next to a pizza parlor, I am packing a new Lean Cuisine deep dish one to microwave (maybe I'll take two) and hope it'll keep me away from the saturated fat laden variety the restaurant sells. LC has several varieties of these, calories approximately 360. Don't know how they taste. Haven't been able to get over to Trader Joe's to get the 250 cal low fat ones they sell, which taste as fresh as homemade and come in Greek (with spinach and feta) and Tuscany (traditional cheese) styles.

Oh, I wish I stilled lived near a Trader Joe's! Those pizzas sound yummy.

Well, I did not exercise yesterday. Again, if I don't motivate myself in the a.m., I'm not going to go out in the evening. I hate running after eating. I tried late evening running once, and discovered that my neighborhood is NOT pedestrian friendly (very few street lights). Not doing that again.

I bought an exercise ball yesterday for cheap. Yeah! I really like them, and now I have my very own. :smug:

Today I went for a run. Now the challenge is not being a little piggy during dinner tonight (going out again).

On a personal note, I picked my little kitty up from the vet this morning. She's been at the vet's for over a week. They couldn't figure out what was wrong, and did a zillion tests. Finally they figured out she had encephalitis. They still can't say why she got sick, but we can treat her inflammation, and she's SOOO much better now. She was acting so weird, we were pretty scared that we were going to lose her. It's good to have her home. :flow2: :flow2: :flow2:

Gotta go do some work that pays. Have a great day, everyone!

Random Weight Loss Tip:
Hi again. I wanted to share with everyone some interesting information. Calcium helps burn fat. I mean in a major way. Here's an article about it

http://my.webmd.com/content/article/23/1728_56703

I remember hearing about this awhile back. The numbers are pretty impressive, I think. So, get your calcium!

;)

Amarantha, you're doing great! Some of those frozen pizzas are really good--let is know if you have a LC favorite.

Jennifer, glad to hear your cat's back home. Worrying over a loved one can be so stressful. I know what you mean about working out in the morning, I do much better with that too!

Hey, I'm into Day 5 of staying on program. So far so good!!! ;)

Finished Tuesday with 1450 calories, and took a 3-mile walk this morning. Hip pain is still keeping me from doing more. Dang!
On to Day 6!

Yo!
 

Yo! Edited: Final count 1770. Killer day but stayed out of the pizza parlor (barely).

Eydie, the LC wasn't good and I didn't eat it. I think it might have been good but I was arguing with managing editor and also the microwave wasn't working properly and the thing had thawed before I put it in and it just didn't appeal to me. I have to get to TJ's soon. Congrats on Day 5. I'm on Day 3 of my new initiative!

I did go to gym, BTW! :tread:

Jennifer, glad the kitty is better! Thanks for posting the link! I LOVE dairy products, so hopefully all that calcium's helping my cause!

My challenge tomorrow and Thursday is to fend off food at a chamber lunch and then at two lunches in the same day interviewing people. This restaurant doesn't have broccoli. I need to just eat a calorie friendly thing and let it go at that.

Wisertime, you are doing good!!! Hope you got a chance to make it to the gym!!! :bravo:

Thank you dear. But I did not go tonight. Something keeps popping up. But so far I have nothing going on for tomorrow so I plan to go.

I seem to be doing ok though since I have managed to lose 3 pounds this month!

Tues calories = around 1800.

Everyone here sounds like they are doing fantastic! Glad to hear it!

Lynn

I havent dissappeared! A one-day hiatus turned into two, but at least it wasn't three!
Today was 1325 and lots of walking!
My weight has shot up two pounds in the last couple days. I made my goal of 117, and kept it there until the goal date, but then two days later it was up. Argh. But I guess if they came on pretty quickly, it should come off quickly too, right?

Congrats, Lynn! Whoo-ho, you go.

Amarantha, good work on the gym, and best of luck on your double lunch challenge. Hopefully you can find something enjoyable and calorie-legal.

Abba, glad you're back. I know what you mean about rapid weight change. Yesterday I was down two pounds. This morning I'd put back a half pound. There is no way I ate an excess of 1750 calories yesterday, so at least some of it is water. We just gotta keep going and that scale will eventually co-operate. :goodscale

Last night's dinner went ok. I ate a lot, but how many calories can sashimi contain? I think I ate maybe a quarter to a third of a cup of rice, the rest was super lean protein. And I had a glass of wine after dinner. So, not great, but not bad. And no sweets yesterday. Yeah, me.

I did not run this morning. :( I really didn't want to get out of bed. My kitty came and layed on me this morning. It was nice. Really, I was worried that she was never going to forgive me for leaving her at the vet's for 10 days. But, I think she's still the same sweet kitty. I will go for a run tonight (even if for only half my usual time). If I don't exercise, I'm never going to lose this weight!

Abba, I think you're right about quicky gained weight coming off quickly. True for me anyway. I'm sure there's some scientific reason for it--anybody know what it is? In six days of being back OP I've managed to get back down to my goal weight of 135 pounds. Maybe I'll try to scrooch down to 130 pounds!

Lynn, congrats on being down 3 pounds!

Jliotta, how was the evening run? I didn't want to work out today but I listened to my higher self and did it anyway and I'm glad I did!

Finished today with 1515 calories and did 20 min. yoga, 20 min. dumbells, and a 30 min. step tape. :)

Yo! Congrats on being back at your goal weight, :queen: E! :cp:

Congrats on your three pounds loss, also, Wisertime! :bravo: Three pounds in a month is an excellent pace! Huzzah!!! :cp:

Abba, you're doing great! Your weight is bound to fluctuate during the week. It'll likely be down again soon!

The first of the business lunch things went well. The food is good and healthy choices were available and I stayed away from dessert as well as the chips!

Calories are a little high because of a desire for a high protein granola bar when I woke up from a nap awhile ago. Still having a hard time adjusting to all the extra work I'm now doing but still consider this an OP kind of day. Went to gym!

Calories 1880! My weekly average is in the 1700s, so I'm good!

Ended Thursday with 1500 exactly, and 20 min. yoga and 30 min. Pilates.

Will be out all day in the big bad world tomorrow. I'll have to start planning my strategies now. I know we'll be having lunch out, and I'm determined to make good choices!

Amarantha, I consider any day with a calorie count of 2000 or less a screaming success! Youre doing so well!

This thread has been such a big help! :D

Yo!
 

1112 today.
You were right about the fluctuations, the extra weight came off and a little extra... and now I'm at 116.5, so I officially lost five pounds since June 18! That's more or less a pound a week. I know you're not supposed to get on the scale every day, but I'm doing it as an experiment and using a spreadsheet to "smooth" it and show the gradual change in weight. It really works as motivation for me.
My calorie count has been pretty low, much lower that my 1400 goal. I didn't even post yesterday's count because I was afraid people would be concerned about me being anorexic or something (it was something in the upper 900s). I am NOT doing this intentionally. I'm still in "figuring out my baseline" mode, meaning I eat regularly all day and don't record it until nighttime. Sure, I try not to eat when I'm not hungry, and I also try to make mostly smart choices, but I'm not really trying to get very low calorie numbers. So, two things could be happening: I could just not need that many calories, or I could be underestimating. It's probably a combination of the two.

Yesterday- 1497. Over goal, but at least it balances out the lower-calorie days.

Hi everyone,

Fridays calories = about 1000. Sat breakfast calories = about 700 :fr:

I have decided to make my August focus not so much quantity but quality. I feel like I have been pretty good about cutting calories/junk but I need to make better choices. I should be eating more veggies for sure. You ladies seem to be doing excellent so let me ask....did you find it difficult changing over to healthy eating habits? Did you make small changes or dive right in and change everything at once? I feel like if I do the latter, I will blow it and I don't want that to happen! Any tips. advice would be appreciated.

Everyone have a great weekend!

Lynn

Friday's calorie total was 1800---and I feel really good about that since we were gone all day. Also, I got up really early and did my workout [30 min. Pilates nad 20 min. upper body stuff] because there's no way I would've done it at 8:00 PM when we got home.

I'm thinking of posting my food journal again here if that's okay with everybody. Don't want to bore you to tears! The accountability thing really helps me.

Youre doing so well, Abba and making good choices!

You're doing splendidly, Amarantha! What workouts are you favoring these days?

Lynn, to answer your question---I'm an all-or-nothing kind of gal myself. I just have to jump in and do it with no tapering off! When I was at my heaviest, I had a 'healthy' diet: vegetarian for almost 20 years, good whole foods---the only thing is I ate way too much and also had an occasional secret junk food habit! :o I've tried lots of things over the years and counting calories has been the best thing for me--and exercise, of course. :)