This will be a quick one.....much to do at work, alas, and miles to go before I sleep. And miles to go before I sleep.
Quick stuff on me, to get it out of the way: still doing the daily morning HIIT stuff, and I did another additional 45 minutes at steady rate yesterday. I've lost 3 pounds since this time last week, so that's ALL good! I'm now down to 227, and 57 pounds lost.
Lorraine's in Rhode Island till Friday for training; she'll return for the weekend and then turn around and go to Pittsburgh for another week. Then she's back for a month, only to turn around and go to Vegas for another week. Life is good in Hollywood Video! Sad for me, though. And for the animals, who will be FREAKING OUT in all manner of unspeakable and disgusting ways until her return. Poor Louie is going to get the crap beaten out of him, I'm sure. They really are like kids, and when one of us is away, all **** breaks loose. Oh well, what are you gonna do, right? All's fair in love and war. Gen, wanna say that in French just to make me happy? I'll throw in some Italian, just so we can all feel continental: Tutto e' giusto nel'amore e la guerra.
Gretchen, big, goofy grouphug going out to you! Anyone wanna join me in singing cumbaya or roasting some marshmallows around the fire? No? How about fresh red peppers? Anyway, no worries about this weekend; I totally got that you had lots of stuff planned, so in the words of my dear, sweet Lorraine, "Don't you worry your pretty little face about it." I am here and not going anywhere....so why don't we look at something about 3 weekends from now, what with Lorraine being out of townskies? Is that ok with you? By then you'll weigh like 110 pounds, and I'll be down another few myself! Glad that Lean System 7 is to your liking. At the risk of sounding like a wet blanket, you might want to do some research on the citrus thang....that's about to get banned for being unsafe. I don't know much about it, just that it's on the FDA's hit list as the next ephedra. I totally don't agree with them on the ephedra thing, and have absolutely no concern about it's safety in moderate doses, so I wouldn't automatically poo poo the citrus extract thing, but I would look into it just so you can proceed with full knowledge. You're a smartypants, and you'll do what you think is best, I'm sure.
Lynne, where are you? I miss your smiling face!
Summer, you party animal -- can't wait to hear how it went at the nutritionist once you get your computer transition sorted out!
Candra, how's it going, Miss I Jump Rope and Lose Lots of Weight?
Gen, my love, you go on with your running, walking, biking, lifting-to-failure, elliptical-riding, no extra bread-eating self. You are just a MACHINE, and I can't WAIT to hear about your next adventure! (I still laugh about that running/walking story, when they forgot to tell you to stop running! I laugh with love and no small admiration.....)
Toodleoo, ladies.....I send you all gratitude and my undying admiration.
do you realize that by exercising today i can eat 800 more calories? is that insane or what??? the question is will i eat that much? i haven't lost any weight in over two weeks! i'm full now and have no snack foods in the appartment besides fruit. i rarely have a desire to eat fruit. i put them in smoothies. that includes cereal, crackers, cheese, bread, peanut butter, yoghurt, anyting that doesn't need to be cooked. not even quick stuff like canned soup. after dinner snacks, they would do me in i tell ya. i want cake. i have no cake.
so today i biked, lifted, climbed and ran.
i want to hear what you guys did. i want to hear from you period. wassup???
sarah i didn't know you had a blog. i started reading it. very cool, very good stuff.
candra, you're doing so great, don't worry if you haven't lost recently. it's not always constant but if you do what you know is good then it will come. have you been school shopping yet? any cute new outfits?
summer, so, so what did the nutritionist say? sounds like a fun party.
lynne, how are you doing?
gretchen, a few years ago i bought some kind of thing that doesn't allow you to absorb fat from your food. i was concerned because knowing a little biology (my major), i figured that it would have a strange effect when using the bathroom. so i asked if it would and the guy said no. of course i wanted to believe him so i did. he was wrong and i had to stop taking them or become a pariah in the commuity at large, if you know what i mean. so be careful with that stuff, if it's the same kind of thing.
I'm glad you read my blog, Gen! I started it sometime in July, and I have really been enjoying it. So if ever you're wondering about how ol' Sarah is doing and she hasn't posted an update here, you can at least get a glimpse into Sarahland in my blog! It's not really a full-blown diary or journal, per se -- I don't give a HUGE amount of detail into every facet of my daily life -- and I see you nodding gratefully! -- but I do share snippets and I try to give an accurate sense of my state of mind. (And the state of my weight as well.) Like I said, I'm enjoying it, and I just LOVE IT when I get comments!! *hint* *hint* Gretchen has one too now, so you should check out the link in her siggy as well! Gen, I wish you had one, because I just love how you view the world and yourself within it. I wish you lived closer, because I enjoy the heck out of you, I really do! Tell your mom i said she made a good girl. She gave a gift to the world. Hey I saw the movie "Taking Lives" the other night, which is supposedly set in Montreal, and holy cow is that an absolutely LOVELY city! No WONDER you do everything outside!! I'm really glad that you asked 30,000 of your closest friends if they minded my moving to Canada, because I am completely sold on Montreal now. Can Lorraine and I, and our 8 animals, stay with you till we get settled in?
Summer -- I can't wait till you come back! I grew accustomed to your face, dearie....
Candra -- how's it going? I agree with everything Gen said, as usual. Are you back on plan?
Lynne -- Hope everything's going well with you, and that you're finding it easier to stay on plan without the houseguests. I see by your signature that you're now 2 pounds down; congrat's on the 2 pounds! I'm looking forward to hearing more about your plan. Are you still on WW or doing your own thing?
Gretchen -- it was great talking to you last night -- I posted a comment on your blog today. I am really looking forward to the 100 lb get-together in October. Gen, it's a very long way for you.....but if you're up for a trip to Pittsburg on the weekend of October 16th and it's doable for you, I would be INCREDIBLY excited to meet you there as well!!! A few of us will be there...keep you eye on the forum to see who's coming. In addition to the 100 lb folks, Jack and Meg are supposed to go as well......very cool!
I'm tired!!! This early morning working out is a killer!! I'm not sure I can maintain it on a daily basis.....I hate to sound lame, but that "Woohoo I feel energized from exercising at 6 in the morning!" feeling just hasn't kicked in yet! I sure am enjoying the One Week Challenge at the 100lb forum though....the participation has been great, and it really seems like most of the participants have gotten a lot out of it! That is so cool.
Hugs to everyone -- I love you guys! One for each of you!
Computer stuff will be ongoing all week so I am posting while I have a chance.
I went to the nutrionist on Monday and it was good. She said I was eating pretty healthy but not good enough (obviously). She was surprised that I needed someone to talk to because I don't look overweight but after weighing myself and looking at my diet she assessed me and my habits. She said with my body shape (when I gain it all goes to the middle) and my height 5'2" that I should lower my carb intake and increase my veggies and protein. This is not eliminate carbs like Atkins are go on strict 2 week phase like south beach just lower the carb intake to 75- 100g/ day - 75 preferably...I was easily doing twice that and she told me to get chelated calcium magnesium supplements to go along with my multi-vitamin and add some falx seed oil (tastes awful!) as well. I go back for a check up in two weeks. So I feel better that it is not full elimination - just a cut back. She also recommended trying pilates more often along with the exercise that I am doing
Candra not losing is better than gaining and sometimes that just means your body is getting adjusted. So keep up the good work.
Gen you are the work out yeah for you! sounds like you need fun recipes so fruit can be more fun for you and better than cake! I totally understand those cravings though... I understand way to well. When I have those cravings I am trying to replace it with something not completely eliminate it so I don't slip up and binge.
Sarah darling how are you? How does Lorraine like the new position? Travelling alot it looks like but I hope she is happier. How is your job - the crazy busy season over? how are you feeling? You sound like you are doing wonderfully
Gretchen congrats on losing 5 pounds and I am glad you are feeling good. I am glad you understand my concern...I just want happiness and health for you!
Lynne how are you? how is the exercise going? I hobe the flow of guests is ebbing for you!
I am back to work...
Quote:
Most women's magazines simply try to mold women into bigger and better consumers. Gloria Steinem (1934 - )
Hey girls... Checking in today.. I have been busting my rear with Leslie Sansone!! We've been walking away the pounds every single night and it feels great! Since Sunday I have lost 2 additional pounds which brings me up to the 70 lb loss mark. I'm lovin this! My original goal way way back probably like me 3rd or 4th post was to lose 50 lbs by September 26-- 1 Month before my sisters wedding. I could have never imagined I'd be 20 pounds beyond that in AUGUST!! I'm going on 6 months here and I cannot believe how quickly this time went on. I am just elated!
Sarah, you're such a sweetie. I have truly found a great long-term friend in you for sure! I feel like we have known each other forever! You know you've found a great friend when it just clicks that easy! I am totally excited about the gathering in Pittsburgh not to mention the shopping spree at IKEA!! I need to make my reservations today!
Gen- thanks again for all your concerns. It is much appreciated. It's great to know that there truly are people who care about your well being.
wow gretchen, congrats to you! seems like you are doing all the right things because you smashing right through your goals.
friday and saturday were a mini marathon for me. friday i did upper body weights in the afternoon and later in the evening did outdoor hill jogging, up up up oof. i was breathing so hard a couple walking turned around to look at me and i said "it's HARD!" and they said "you go girl" so on i went. of course my step mom barely broke a sweat
then i got up early this morning for a another go on the mountain. and that was after a half bottle of wine and a pint and a half of beer the night before. oooooh i can't drink like i used to so it was hard going but better than staying in bed i say. of course it nice to know my dad will make breakfast for us when we get back. it's so hot and muggy (typical summer weather for us up here) that it's really hard. the 5k is next week end and i tried to do some of the course today...i don't think i can do it...i was really dying out there...it's more up up uphill. i think i may have lost some weight...finally after the big push last week but i'm afraid to find out. oh well.
two things.
1) my cold is going away after 2 days???? unheard of. so exercising seems to be really boosting my immune system. can't think what else it could be.
2) exercising changes your period. now some people experience a reduction in frequency and duration but me? oh no not me. my like clockwork four week cycle since the age of twelve when i became a woman for the first time had now become a THREE week cycle! now who needs that??? that's extra days of bloating and an increase cost in tampons. sheesh.
It is weird - I have not received any e-mails to let me know that anyone has posted. So I am sorry to have missed you all this weekend.
I have been concentrating on the advice the nutritionist has given me (I am trying to be better about taking advice ) and I have not done badly thus far. Though I did go the Irish Festival this week and had a couple drinks but all in all I was pretty good!
My exercise as of late has been alot of pilates, yoga and tennis. I know I need to incorporate weights. I just need to find something fun with weights that makes me want to do it. I gotta say with Yoga my arms have not looked this good in a while - they are actually cut.
Gen way to be the marathon exerciser! I bet you feel wonderful! I wish I could go hiking with you because that sounds fun! You can do the marathon - no nay saying! Put your goal at running 2/3rds of it. I hope it won't be as muggy for you so it is a little easier.
Gretchen on the 70 pounds! Way to over reach the goals. That is so amazing.
Sarah I hope you had a nice weekend with Lorraine before she had to go travel again. How are you? How are you feelng? How is the home zoo?
Lynne I hope you are relaxing more now that the summer season is wrapping up! How is the exercise?
Candra how are you?
I must run. be well lady loves.
Quote:
If you can't be a good example, then you will just have to be a horrible warning. - Catherine Aird
Just checking in briefly here. I hope you all had a good weekend..
Gen, It sounds like you busted your hiney this weekend!! Good for you! That is so awesome that your cold is gone in two days. What a difference being healthy has on our immune systems. Just another added bounus to being consious of health! This lifestyle definitely has a ton of perks!
Summer- I also consulted a nutrtitionist when I began the journey. Actually to be more accurate (wink wink Sarah) I was about a month or more into it. I found it to be very beneficial. She challenges me. I challenge right back. I always have tons of questions!
Sarah- you hanging in there? I am sure you are like 259% (like that number?) On plan today.. I have no doubt. I read your blog today. It's amazing how we immediately attack ourselves for a little off plan action when in reality, it's not as bad as you think. I think we pretty much summed all that up during the conversation we had on Saturday. Don't you think? I was thinking about it today and I think that truly, was your body's way of saying "wait a minute here" I am working so hard and getting so little food!! HELP! You'll see... It'll all work out. You've been my biggest cheerleader so now it's my turn!
I've been doing my Walk away the pounds videos as you all know.. Well, I've started the 3 mile tape and have incorporated that into my existing schedule. My plan is to walk both the 2 and 3 mile tapes each day. 2 Mile in the am before work and 3 mile in the pm. It feels great too!!!
Before I forget, I wanted to mention that I PM'd Lynne to make sure she was ok, and as it turns out, she's having all sorts of technical **** breaking loose at her house! She said to say that she misses us and will check in just as soon as she can manage to stay online long enough to do so. So, take a moment to say prayer for her to your own personal Technology God! (And I'm not talking about Bill Gates here!)
Summergirl, you sweetheart -- I get so happy whenever you post! I found those recommendations from the dietitian really interesting...and I'm glad that you are following them! I have to say that I agree with her: you DON'T look overweight! But I completely respect your desire to get more fit, so I'm glad that you're figuring out how to incorporate weight training into your already very busy exercise routine. (Now isn't that the pot calling the kettle black!? I just DO NOT know what my problem is......I just need to get off my a$$ and pick up a damned dumbbell or jump on that CrossBow!! Ok, PMS rearing her belligerant head -- I've regained control.) Anyway, it sounds totally positive, Summer -- and I'll be interested to hear how you're feeling with your carbs reduced somewhat. I find that I have more energy and feel lighter when I cut them back a bit. Disclaimer: I'm still always aiming for a 40P/35C/25F breakdown, so it's by no means "low carb." It's just not the high carb/high fat diet that I'd go for, left unattended and free to eat whatever I wanted. Uh oh, talking about myself again......but enough about me -- what do YOU think about me? Anyway, Summer, kudos on the cut arms -- ooooh la la! Your husband must be loving it!
Gen, my love -- how have you been???!!! I feel like it's been forever! You are just an exercise MACHINE these days!! Krikey you have just got to be so SOLID now! Do you feel stronger?? I really wish you would just break down and weigh yourself......you're killling me here! Would you do it just to put me out of my misery? I think you just HAVE to have lost weight. Seriously. You have been just BUSTING, you know??
Gretchen, you old so-and-so, you are just too, too good to me. You're SO sweet to comment in my blog......I love that so much!! I agree, when I looked at the calories, I wondered what I'd been freaking out about! See, the problem is that I have been having trouble sending my DietPower files to my home computer -- and this part is for Gen and Summer, who will understand what I'm saying here although you might not: the Travel Bag feature is working just fine, but for some reason I'm unable to unzip the file on my new laptop at home, so I can't log my calories at home, only at work. Additionally, my personal items are not entered there, as I intend to just migrate the whole history via the Travel Log. Soooooooo, that means that I don't know my caloric intake from Friday night through Monday morning until I log it all at work on Monday morning. I can't wait till I get it sorted out, because it's a real pain. ANYHOO.......if I don't figure it out by this weekend, I'll just make a point of noting my weekly caloric average going into Friday night, so I can make more informed decisions over the weekend. Case in point, it seems like I must have entered Friday night with a week average of like 1100 or something...off the top of my head. So going up to 1800 on one day didn't end up being the end of the world!
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I interrupt this post to apologize to the group for the extreme length of the above explanation, and to Gretchen for putting her into a coma referring to things that she neither knows nor cares about......
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Candra, how are things going with you? Long time! Hope things are going well by you.
Lynne, if you can read this......COME BACK! We'll be here once you get things sorted out.
I am down 2 pounds from last week, for a YTD total of 59 pounds. For those of you who haven't had an opportunity to visit my blog yet, stop on by! It's FASCINATING stuff!! Ok -- I'm thinking not, but check it out anyway! I have some great links there, if nothing else.
I'm going to do my HIIT biking tonight after I walk Louie for 20 minutes or so. I'm also going to look online for that Leslie tape trio, since Gretchen is so out of control with her. What the ****?
Sending you all big hugs and buckets of affection......
so i'm kinda freaking out here because i don't feel so well. low low low. what's going on??? i though about it and figured it must have something to do with a phone call i got last week. not a bad call but brought back a bunch of things to mind related to my bought of depression (evil thesis supervisor) and feel like i'm sinking again. not good. so sarah i've fallen off the exercise bit. the food is NOT good. and i haven't been to work in two days. since there's nothing to do but clean (but i'm not really laughing) i must say days of our lives is truly the worst show ever! and sleep, boy do i sleep. again not good. now i'm almost sure i've lost weight, my stomach seems flatter, i will not weigh myself until i've burnt off these cheetos (love em too), chocolate and shrimp chips.
i know this is temporary, i'm sure it is. i can't let my mind ruin my life. anyone know how to temporarily get rid of a mind for a few days? oh i know how but i'm not going there either, munchies ya know?
tomorrow i will go back to work and then i'l be back in my routine and then everything will be fine right?
maybe i will clean after all.
sarah i've been reading your blog and coincidink: i'm reading the history of the seige of lisbon (actually it's preempted at the moment for guns, germs and steel but will right back at it) and the third man is one of my favorite films too, gotta love that zither.
summer, i think that nutritionist gave some good advice. i should follow that too. i made a graph (wish diet power had graphs) of my caloric intake and calories burned during exercise. a definite pattern there. i think that was one of my problems (was? is!). exercising is great but then i would just eat more, unconciously or maybe conciously hmmm. that's why i'm not losing very quickly. i haven't entered any data in three days and my budget went down to
-1300, yes that is a negative sign. apparently i can't get the required amount of nutrients when my budget falls so low
so i will be reseting the programme soon.
is it the pilates that made your arms more cut? that means that you are getting some nice muscle but also losing fat because if the fat covers your muscles no matter nice they are underneath that nice soft blanket will cover them up. make sense? you know the drill, it's not the weight it's the body fat especially at your size.
candra must have started school, i hope she's doing ok, i don't think she likes it too much.
gretchen as always: superstar!
lynne, looking forward to hearing from you when you get back. and if you are reading this you must be back so: bienvenue!
tout est juste dans l'amour et la guerre
now where did i put my innner warrior?
gen
i need help!
i'm trying to figure out what to eat to get my carbs down to 100g like summer (how do atkins people do it????) but i'm stuck at around 130g (41%). otherwise i don't get enough nutrients, i still can't my vit C up without supplemnts. at this amount my cals are 1123 and i know i will be starving on that. protein is 116g (41%). fat 22.2g (18%)
breakfast:
i've got the just right cereal down to 1/2 cup (i can't cook breakfast, it's got to be cold and easy) with 1/2 banana and soy milk with protein powder.
lunch:
v8, can of tuna, miracle whip light and light thousand island dressing for tuna (can't eat it dry), 1 piece of whole wheat bread (down from 2) 5 baby carrots
supper:
2 chicken thighs, 1/4 chickpeas, 1/5 tomato, v8, 1 cup frozen veggies and 1 cup broccoli, 1/4 of a red pepper.
i need fribre and nutrients. i'm still not getting enough vitC and am resigned to taking calcium supplements because i have a milk addiction and have sworn off it.
i can see where i can cut some carbs (chickpeas, veggies, bread) but i think i will be hungry and the cals are already low.
so any ideas for substitutions? i can add some frozen shrimp for supper
i wont go on and on now, you get the drift.
thanks
gen
Gen, I'm going to respond more thoroughly to this later from home (and if you want to sign on later we could even make a chat date if you'd like! I'd LOVE THAT!!!) First and foremost, GEN I WISH I COULD HUG YOU. I am SO sorry you're having to go through this period; please know that you are in my thoughts and heart, and if you ever want to talk, either online or on the phone, I'm here for you man. I really care about you, and I hate to see you have to go through this. I wish I could give you comfort....if you can somehow muster the energy to drag your *** to the gym or onto your bicycle to cycle outside -- oh wait, you're going back to work tomorrow, so save that for the weekend -- anyway, maybe through sheer will you could force yourself to bike or do the treadmill or elliptical or something cardio-based, so you can maybe get some endorphins going....could you go with your sister? Or a friend? Or even alone, maybe just some solitary, mindless, soundless, repetitive-get-in-the-zone cardio....it's a thought. The key is just getting yourself there. The bad food will only make you feel worse......I sure wish I were closer, because I'd be knocking on your door with chicken soup, flowers and I'd take you for a walk, followed by something stupid or funny like Austin Powers or maybe Monty Python.
In answer to your nutritional question:
* I definitely think you should substitute All Bran Extra Fiber for the Just Right -- read the labels; it's a lot better. Or Kashi Go Lean. Both of these cereals are high fiber, low sugar, and low carb. Kashi Go Lean has the added bonus of being high protein as well. I'm going to try the Kashi when I run out of All Bran Extra Fiber, but I can tell you that the All Bran gives me 16 grams of fiber and 7 net carbs in a 1/2 cup serving. So I'm off to a great start right off the bat. Every morning I have 1/2 cup All Bran, 5 oz. skim milk, 20 oz. water, and a protein drink for breakfast -- it totals 195 calories, has 1.5 g of fat, lotsa protein, and 16 g of fiber.
* I'd substitute an apple for the 1/2 banana -- it's got far fewer carbs and fewer calories, so you could give those calories to
* I'd add a lot more vegetables, to help you out with the fiber and nutrients. Spinach, tomatoes, kale pack a wallop while costing like no calories.
* If you substitute chicken breast for chicken thighs, you can cut some calories and apply them to a mid-morning or mid-afternoon snack, so you don't get as hungry and keep your metabolism up. You could have some yogurt and a protein drink, for example.
I'll think of more. Why is it you need to go so low on calories? Is that without any exercise? Genebear, I'm thinking of you.....I'm serious about chatting -- anytime, any way, any topic.......
Gen Big hugs my dear. I empathize I really do. You just barrell through it and surround yourself with positive things. You can get through this - just see it as a bump in the great road to health that you are on. As for the 100g of carbs I am eating alot of salads with protein and for snacks in the afternoon - it is nuts or lower carb yogurt. For Dinner My Plate is half full of veggies or salad. I have a vegetarian cookbook so it is making vegetables a little more interesting. I check my carbs on diet power in the nutient summary and if I have a question I enter it before I eat it to see what it is. BTW your inner warrior is not hiding - just resting. Soldiers gotta have a break too!
The arms are from Yoga and Pilates - now if my tummy would just follow I'd be My yoga workout was so good but so hard yesterday and my thighs are feeling it. 90 minutes of Vinyasa is sometimes overkill. but I it. If you want to PM your e-mail I have a friend that gave me the spreadsheet that creates a graph and chart of your progress along with lots of other stuff.
Sarah Hi girl. good luck with figuring out diet power but you are the expert I go to when I have questions so I am sorry I cannot be of more help! The dietician was interesting and I am willing to try and see how it goes. She said "Not all calories are equal" which I found very interesting because we are always told a calorie is a calorie - it is calories in versus calories out. I call this my experiment for now and if it doesn't work I am getting my @ss to an endocrinologist. on the 59 pounds. Busting through the barriers what an inspiration. I will have to make my way towards your blog.
Lynne I hope you are up on the website soon! Keeping my fingers crossed for you!
Candra I hope school is going well and that you are finding it easier to exercise with activities to choose from at school!
Gretchen you are a walking maniac! Keep it up! I will soon be suggesting marathons to you.
Alright crazy ladies. I must skedaddle - a little thing called work is calling.
Quote:
When women are depressed they either eat or go shopping. When men are depressed they invade another country. -Elayne Boosler
Ok, so at the risk of betraying my total dorkiness, I'm cutting and pasting here some info that I posted on a couple of other threads at the 100 lb forum on the topic of calories not equal and interchangeable. I'm hoping you find this helpful in some way. Here goes:
__________________________________________________ _______________ "Is a calorie just a calorie?" We were discussing this on another thread, and I answered no, but promised to do some research on it and return with supporting documentation; well, I did bring back something in the forms of a link to Dr. Hussman's site and a pasted copy of his explanation of thermogenics......but here's more -- and I think it's great! Unfortunately, I can't just cut and paste or simply provide a link, so I'm going to type what I've just read in the July issue of FitnessRx for Women (a fave of mine.) This is from page 126, and I'm quoting Brad Schoenfeld, CSCS, author of Look Great Naked. I hope you guys find it as interesting and informative as I did.
Q: "I've heard that "a calorie is just a calorie." Is this true?
A: "Not exactly. In a general sense, it's true that first law of thermodynamics dictates that energy is conserved whether you gain, lose or maintain your weight. Simply stated, if you consume more calories than you expend, you'll gain weight. It doesn't matter whether the calories come from protein, carbohydrate or fat: Eat too much and you're sure to pack on the pounds.
That said, some nutrients do have the potential to make you fatter than others. Saturated fat, for example, is easily converted into stored body fat. This has been demonstrated in numerous research studies: Given the same caloric intake, eating saturated fat results in a greater deposition of fat into adipocytes than either protein or carbs.
On the other hand, unsaturated fats, especially the omega-3 variety (abundant in cold water fish and flax oil) have thermogenic properties. They work their "magic" by up-regulating various fat-burning ezymes and down-regulating various fat storage enzymes, thereby accelerating the rate at which your body can burn fat.
Moreover, there is also a difference between dietary carbohydrates; specifically, refined and unrefined carbs. Due to their effect on insulin levels, refined carbs tend to be lipogenic (i.e., fat promoting.) You see, insulin is a storage hormone that turns on various fat storage mechanisms and blocks certain enzymes that are responsible for lipolysis (i.e., fat breakdown.) When insulin levels are high, excess nutirents are more readily shuttled into adipose cells, resulting in a corresponding increase in body fat.
Furthermore, the rush of insulin clears sugars from your circulatory system in such an expeditious fashion that it creates a rebound effect, producing a sudden and dramatic drop in blood sugar levels. A hypoglycemic state is induced, causing severe hunger pangs and food cravings. This creates a vicious cycle that encourages binge eating. As a result, more calories are consumed (especially in the form of sugar-laden foods) and fat storage is heightened even further.
Alternatively, unrefined, nutrient-dense carbs are processed slowly. They enter the bloodstream in a time-released fashion, keeping blood sugar levels in check. As a result, insulin is stabilized, reducing the potential for unwanted fat accumulation.
Finally, of all the macronutrients, protein is least likely to cause fat storage. One of the biggest reasons is that a large percentage of calories from protein are burned off in the digestion process -- a phenomenon called the thermic effect of food. Of all the macronutrients, protein has the highest thermic effect, burning off approximately 25 percent of the calories consumed. In comparison, less than 10 percent of the calories from carbs are burned off in digestion; dietary fat has virtually no thermic effect whatsoever.
What's more, protein tends to curb appetite. This is largely a hormonal function. When protein is consumed, a hormone called cholecystokinin (CCK) is secreted. CCK acts on the body's hunger mechanisms, quelling the urge to eat. Given the law of thermodynamics, these appetite-suppressing effects will, in and of themselves, help promote weight loss.
And protein also has an indirect effect on regulating metabolic rate during times of caloric restriction. When you diet, glucose (sugar) becomes in short supply. This has a negative impact on the brain and central nervous system, which rely on glucose as their main source of energy. Sensing a threat to its survival, the body's internal feedbacksystem begins to break down protein stores into glucose (through a process called gluconeogenesis.) Since skeletal muscle is not necessary for sustenance (as opposed to the internal organs and other protein-based tissues,) it's the first thing to be cannibalized for glucose. Why is this important? Well, muscle is metabolically active. For each pound of muscle, your body burns about 50 calories a day at rest. Accordingly, when muscle tissue is lost, metabolism slows by a similar amount.
So the bottom line is this: While it's important to watch the amount of calories you consume, it's also important to scrutinize the types of nutrients in your diet. By taking both these factors into account, you'll be well on your way to achieving your ideal body!
__________________________________________________ _____________ Ok, well, as always, in looking for good information on fitness and nutrition, one of my first stops is Dr. Hussman's website. I'm pasting below a bit of information from his discussion of nutrition.
Let's talk about your metabolism. Yeah, I know it's too slow. No doubt, you've got the fat gene too. Probably from both sides. I'm kidding, of course, but it's amazing how many people talk quite authoritatively about their metabolism being slow without actually knowing what metabolism is, or what they can do about it.
There are three components to your metabolic rate:
Base Metabolic Rate or BMR. This is the amount of energy your body would use simply by lying around in bed all day. You increase your BMR by building more muscle, which is metabolically active. You'll find a calculator to estimate your BMR in the "How calories work" section below.
* Unrestricted Physical Activity or UPA. This is the amount of energy your body uses during daily activity. You increase UPA through exercise, and also by doing physical activity throughout the day (take a walk, take the stairs, choose a more distant parking spot).
* Thermal Effect of Food or TEF. This is basically the second law of thermodynamics at work - converting energy from one form to another is never 100% efficient. So eating typically throws off a modest amount of energy as heat. You increase TEF by eating small, frequent rations containing mostly protein and carbohydrate. Unfortunately, since the body stores excess dietary fat directly as body fat, there is no need to convert it, so eating fat generates virtually no thermic effect at all. Now, don't kid yourself that eating more food is a way of burning calories. But for a given "budget" of calories you eat in a given day, it's better to spread those calories out across several small rations containing protein and carbohydrate, rather than blowing the budget on a couple of larger or higher fat meals.
Metabolism includes two groups of chemical reactions in the body:
Anabolism - which is creation or "building up", and
Catabolism - which is destruction or "breaking down"
There are a lot of people who simplistically believe that you can't build muscle and burn fat at the same time, since building muscle is anabolic and burning fat is catabolic. This is wrong, but it's wrong in an interesting way. Clearly, you can't be anabolic and catabolic at full-throttle in the same instant, but you can certainly affect your body's ability to accomplish both during the day.
There are dozens of chemicals and hormones involved in regulating metabolism, but for practical purposes, two that you have the ability to do much about. They are insulin and cortisol.
Insulin is one of the main anabolic hormones in the body. The only way that glucose (sugar) can get into the cells to be used as energy is for it to be accompanied by a little insulin guy. Insulin does two things: it says "Hey, we've got sugar in the bloodstream here. Stop burning fat so that we can get rid of this stuff first." And then the insulin helps to transport the sugar into the cells.
So insulin is "anabolic". It helps the muscle cells to get fed. Well, muscle cells and fat cells. If your muscle glycogen stores are full, insulin feeds your fat cells instead. If you spike your insulin higher by eating a significant amount of simple carbohydrates (such as sugar) when your energy stores are full, the excess carbs are converted to fat and escorted to your hips. The insulin then causes a subsequent plunge in blood glucose, often followed by fatigue. Brain cells can't store glucose, so that plunge in blood glucose can also cause dizziness. So, too much sugar and you may find yourself saying "I'm fat because I'm tired, and I'm tired because I'm fat." Bottom line: insulin is triggered by the consumption of simple carbohydrates. Except when you want to intentionally spike your insulin levels, you should choose carbohydrates that trigger a minimal release of insulin. These are called low-glycemic carbohydrates.
Hello, dahlinks!
Anyone wanna join me in singing cumbaya or roasting some marshmallows around the fire? No? How about fresh red peppers? Anyway, no worries about this weekend; I totally got that you had lots of stuff planned, so in the words of my dear, sweet Lorraine, "Don't you worry your pretty little face about it." I am here and not going anywhere....so why don't we look at something about 3 weekends from now, what with Lorraine being out of townskies? Is that ok with you? By then you'll weigh like 110 pounds, and I'll be down another few myself! 
Glad that Lean System 7 is to your liking. At the risk of sounding like a wet blanket, you might want to do some research on the citrus thang....that's about to get banned for being unsafe. I don't know much about it, just that it's on the FDA's hit list as the next ephedra. I totally don't agree with them on the ephedra thing, and have absolutely no concern about it's safety in moderate doses, so I wouldn't automatically poo poo the citrus extract thing, but I would look into it just so you can proceed with full knowledge. You're a smartypants, and you'll do what you think is best, I'm sure. 
I laugh with love and no small admiration.....)
. I havent lost anything but I havent gained anything. well I got to get to bed. 
Congrats to everyone
I sure am enjoying the One Week Challenge at the 100lb forum though....the participation has been great, and it really seems like most of the participants have gotten a lot out of it! That is so cool. 
Absence makes the heart grow fonder
and looking at my diet she assessed me and my habits. She said with my body shape (when I gain it all goes to the middle) and my height 5'2" that I should lower my carb intake and increase my veggies and protein. This is not eliminate carbs like Atkins are go on strict 2 week phase like south beach just lower the carb intake to 75- 100g/ day - 75 preferably...I was easily doing twice that 
and she told me to get chelated calcium magnesium supplements to go along with my multi-vitamin and add some falx seed oil (tastes awful!) as well. I go back for a check up in two weeks. So I feel better that it is not full elimination - just a cut back. She also recommended trying pilates more often along with the exercise that I am doing
yeah for you! sounds like you need fun recipes so fruit can be more fun for you and better than cake! I totally understand those cravings though... I understand way to well. When I have those cravings I am trying to replace it with something not completely eliminate it so I don't slip up and binge.
so it was hard going but better than staying in bed i say. of course it nice to know my dad will make breakfast for us when we get back. it's so hot and muggy (typical summer weather for us up here) that it's really hard. the 5k is next week end and i tried to do some of the course today...i don't think i can do it...i was really dying out there...it's more up up uphill. i think i may have lost some weight...finally after the big push last week but i'm afraid to find out. oh well. 
-- I've regained control.) Anyway, it sounds totally positive, Summer -- and I'll be interested to hear how you're feeling with your carbs reduced somewhat. I find that I have more energy and feel lighter when I cut them back a bit. Disclaimer: I'm still always aiming for a 40P/35C/25F breakdown, so it's by no means "low carb." It's just not the high carb/high fat diet that I'd go for, left unattended and free to eat whatever I wanted. Uh oh, talking about myself again......but enough about me -- what do YOU think about me? 
pal, 
My yoga workout was so good but so hard yesterday and my thighs are feeling it. 90 minutes of Vinyasa is sometimes overkill. but I 
A calorie is not a calorie!
