Your Top 5
 

So last night I was watching the movie "High Fidelity" in Spanish, and that got me thinking "what are the top 5 things that have helped me lose weight?"

1. Planned exercise, at leat 5 times a week.

2. Always having healthy food at home, never junk food

3. Little post-it notes around my place full of encouragement

4. My fiancee, who sometimes gets it wrong (ex. avocadoes don`t make you fat) but is always looking out for me.

5. 3FC, most of the time I don´t post since the keyboards are so bad I can´t type. But I`m alwaaaays watching :dizzy:

5a. The corner orange juice vendor, whenever I feel weak and want to go buy myself some chocolate, I always pass this guy who sells freshly squeezed orange juice with no sugar. It has saved me countless times.

What`s your Top 5? It could be Top 5 Healthy Recipes, or Top 5 Greatest Butt Workouts Ever, or even Top 5 Inspirational Quotes. Let me know!

Hmm so many options! I think I'll start with my Top 5 Inspirational Quotes!

1) This is the quote that inspired my blog and my username here on 3FC. “I believe that we learn by practice. Whether it means to learn to dance by practicing dancing or to learn to live by practicing living, the principles are the same. In each, it is the performance of a dedicated precise set of acts, physical or intellectual, from which comes the shape of achievement, a sense of one’s being, a satisfaction of spirit. One becomes, in some area, an athlete of God. Practice means to perform, over and over again in the face of all obstacles, some act of vision, of faith, of desire. Practice is a means of inviting the perfection desired.” -Martha Graham

2) “Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” - Maria Robinson

3) "To grow roses in concrete, one must first change the concrete." Michael Fullan

4) “Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities have crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day. You shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.” -Emerson

5) "All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” - Walt Disney

I have lost 21 pounds in the last 54 days ~ so based on that "loss" here are my TOP 5 ~

#1 ~ Eat breakfast ~ a healthy one!

#2 ~ Eat a healthy snack between breakfast and a healthy lunch

#3 ~ Eat a healthy snack between lunch and a healthy dinner...do not try to eat enough to pop your belly!

#4 ~ Drink a lot of water

#5 ~ Exercise every day (rest a day if needed)

And this little trick comes before even number 1 ~ come to 3FC and find the support group/s that work for you!

#1- Learning how to count calories and to read labels

#2- Learning what foods work for my body to lose weight

#3- Learning that incorporating exercise is the key to permanent results

#4- Support from my family who have cheered me on. Especially my boyfriend, who has supported me and not been afraid to give me a verbal kick in the *** when I'm feeling sorry for myself.

#5- Finally telling myself that I can do it--and not giving up even when I fail.

1. this place...all the support and friends here at 3fc

2. my dog...who always convinces me a walk is needed even when i'm tired

3. exercise

4. water, water, and more water.

5. bringing lunch and snacks to work..ensures i don't run out to get a "quick (yet unhealthy) bite"

Hey! My top 5 are pretty similar to everyone else's:

1. Counting everything I eat in my daily calories. Yes, everything!

2. Working out 5 or 6 days a week--aerobic machines, weights, walking every day.

3. Watching that I get enough protein and don't go over on fat, in terms of percentage of daily intake.

4. Allowing for some favorite foods along the way (and counting them. Yes, counting them).

5. Being accountable to you folks via my ticker, my posts, etc.

Jay

Mine are the top five signs I've been off-plan for too long:

1. My pants are snug, nothing seems to fit.
2. I have an accumulation of leftover ketchup packets and napkins in my car, from regular fast-food consumption.
3. I have no vegetables in my refrigerator and no meals planned for the next few days.
4. My back started aching at night, again.
5. My budget is showing an increased amount spent on restaurant food, and a decreased amount spent at the grocery store.

Yikes!

1) Breakfast is the key to everything. If I choose a low GI breakfast, I'm set. If I don't - the day can and usually does turn rubbish.

2) Exercise, exercise, exercise. I can't get over how much better I feel if I've got some exercise in during a day. I sleep better, I'm more relaxed.

3) Being accountable. I post here every day, and I account for everything I do - whether it's on plan or off. Before I've not posted on the bad days and now I do. I don't want to post about too many bad days, so the key is sticking to plan.

4) Support. I post mainly in the 100 lb club, a fantastic place where you get lots of support and encouragement, but also get a kick in the backside when you need it.

5) Belief. I'm going to do it this time and even if I have an off plan day, it doesn't mean I've blown everything and therefore should give up.

Here are my top five things that have helped me to lose over 100 pounds:

1. Exercise, particularly cardio...and more particularly -- my newfound addiction to running.
2. Counting WW points every day, but giving myself a break once in a while for sanity.
3. Letting go of the all-or-nothing mentality. In other words, I haven't eliminated any kind of food from my diet but have instead allowed myself whatever I want within my point range. This is the only thing that will work for me FOREVER.
4. 3FC, 3FC, 3FC -- posting and reading every day.
5. Realizing that I'm not defined by my past and I can redefine myself at any stage in my life.

Not necessarily in this order, but here are the top 5 things that have helped me:

1) Eating breakfast - I quit eating breakfast when I was 13 years old. I never realized how that messed me up.

2) Packing a lunch - Fast food for too many years

3) My husband and kids - They have been wonderfully supportive; from the very beginning when I was too fragile to have trigger foods around and all the way through. They have cheered me with each pound.

4) WATP - I didn't think I could exercise; these videos helped prove me wrong.

5) A belief that I HAD to lose weight. I have known all along that no matter what, I had to lose weight, even if it meant eating less and exercising. ;) I decided early on, that if what I was doing wasn't working, I would try something else that did work.

My top 5 things:

1. Realizing that I could not go on living how I was. I knew I needed to do something, and it all boiled down to making the decision to lose the weight. I finally decided I didn't want to be fat any more and as they say, the rest was history. Once, I made that decision, that absolute commitment to a better and healthier life, I found will power and strength that I never knew I had. So for me, the mental game was THEE most important factor - bar none.

2. Ridding my house of the junk and adding in healthy foods, keeping it well stocked with tasty, nutritious, low calorie food. Getting in enough protein and fiber, 2 weightloss powerhouses. They've been vital to my success.

3. Planning out my meals and snacks. There is no way that I could have done this with leaving my daily food intake to chance. I absolutely had to (and still do) have my food mapped out for me.

4. Counting calories. My version of portion control and the ONLY thing that keeps me from overeating. Period.

5. Exercise. Something I always dreaded, never thought I could do. Surprise! When you want something badly enough (to be fit and healthy and thin) you do whatever it takes. It takes daily exercise.

Hi!! I´ve read ur posts for quite a long time, sometimes I post some comments but usually I just read (my english is not very good so I get kind of embarrased..)
But I loved this thread and I know this is kind of different to all the previous posts but here are my top 5 workout songs, the ones I use when I really don´t want to put on my sneakers and start running! Some are really old but I still use them!!!

5.- Noche d Entierro- The Benjamins (regaetton)
4.- In Tango - In Grid (electronic tango)
3.- Boys Boys Boys - Sabrina
2.- I Touch Myself - Saucy Monky

1.- Eye Of The Tiger -- that´s the one I use when I want to stop running and it fills me with energy!!!

And I use latin music.. it´s "happy" and I like it!

1. Breakfast
2. The realization that I can eat anything I want, just not everything.
3. Reading - I read something on here about the Thin for Life books. I ended up buying both books and find them quite inspirational. I also bought the Volumetrics book and I read lots of library books. I read something everyday about diet, lifestyle, maintenance, cooking whatever. Sort of like reading the bible or the Big Book of Alcoholics anonymous. :lol:
4. This is not a race. There is no hurry. I believe that I need to change lots of my habits and this can't be done in a couple of months.
5. This website because I really look forward to reading how others are doing on their trudge along the path to a healthy lifestyle. And hearing how everyone's cats are doing. :lol:

My top 5 that seemed to help me the most....

5. Planning meals ahead. I always do a lot better when I know exactly what I'm going to be eating that day.
4. Counting calories. And learning to read labels and measurements, I never realized how important this was.
3. Drinking pleanty of water. I used to hate water, now it's basically all I ever drink now.
2. Exercise. 5 days a week, for 45-90 minutes has does wonders for me.
1. Patience. The weights not going to disappear in a week, just beacause I'm trying for a 1lb-1 1/2lb loss a week and don't see it doesn't mean I should give up.

1: Knowing that if I didn't get healthy my son would lose yet another parent.

2: Buying my treadmill and using it daily.

3: Cutting out fast food - this was huge - I'm in the car all day.

4: Actually weighing myself in February for the FIRST time in YEARS and not dealing with the unknown but actual numbers - it's fun watching it go down.

5: My incredible endocrinologist who encourages me and gets excited for me everytime I see him - he is open to suggestion and when I ask for something and give data to back me up - he lets me try things.

JayEll,

So THAT'S what you look like?! :-D I was always wondering!

Top 5 Things In Losing Weight

1) The right attitude. You have GOT to believe you can do this, and be willing not to be a slave to every weight fluctuation. You have got to have a belief that, even if you fall down, you can pick yourself back up.
2) Exercise. Every day. At least moderately, for half an hour. It does so much for you - even if you don't lose, it makes you feel better - its silly not to.
3) Dress well. It may seem impractical to spend money on clothes in your CURRENT size. But if you dress well for NOW, this says to yourself "I'm worth this effort! I can look good!" and it'll reinforce that famously necessary positive attitude! You're telling yourself you want to and deserve to make yourself feel better.
4) Water. Yeah, classic but true.
5) Stress reduction. If you are in an emotionally negative state a lot of the time, the possible stress bingeing, the tiredness of being emotionally drained, and the overall negativity will wreck havoc on your efforts.

((6) Having said that, heightened emotional trauma takes about 4lbs/week off me, which STAYS off, simply because I don't eat as I feel so sick with anxiety. But that doesn't go in the top 5, because its a nasty way to have to go about it!))

emily
xxx

Hey Cousin,

The avatar was temporary... for something on another thread... but I'm glad you saw it. :)

Jay

It was nice seeing a face with those awesome losses JAY....even if it wasn't a current picture. Such a cutie...wink

1. Get out and doing the exercise every morning. I feel so awesome afterwards, I've done a good thing toward my weight loss goal, and it inspires me to eat better for the rest of my day.
2. My WW meetings. It's like every single week I get a fresh start and I feel as motivated as I did when I first started, without as much of the self doubt. Even if I had a bad week, I receive confirmation that I can do this.
3. This forum. Seeing what works for other people and telling people what works for me makes me feel like I'm still succeeding even if I had a low loss week or a gain.
4. Paying attention to how I feel after I eat something. More and more I notice how gross I feel after eating something not healthy, and so the next time I have a craving for it, I try to remember how I felt after the last time I ate it and if I felt like my stomach felt like it was trying to digest pieces of rubber.
5. Feeling like I'm being an example for other people. I try to own up to my bad weeks, and when I tell the people (my mom, a woman at work) if I had a good week or bad week, I feel like I'm being honest to myself and I'm more aware of what I'm doing. If that makes sense.

1) eating 3 balanced meals each day, with two healthy snacks; and eating lots of whole foods and fiber each day to feel full

2) getting regular exercise; daily; hand weights, toning work, and esp walking ...

3) avoiding fast foods; no junk foods; and always having healthy foods at home

4) keeping busy; positive mind-frame; and perserverance

5) coming here to 3FC for support; reading posts; and finding helpful ideas and tips as often as possible (preferably daily)

1. Eat breakfast. Gotta start the day right, my dad always says.
2. Eat slowly. I never gave this much thought, but I would automatically eat the big portion on my plate and then feel too full. Once I started stopping a little short of that, I realized I could be happily satiated for a little less.
3. Where exercise is concerned, just do it! I just have to put my sneakers on. I just have to drag my butt over to the fitness center when I don't want to. I just have to do it.
4. Plan plan plan! I don't need to cook everything on Sunday, but I know exactly what's crossing my lips this week. Every day. Every meal.
5. Just keep moving. This is the mindset I'm most proud of. I don't care if the parking spot is at the back of the lot. I really don't like elevators. I've been known to get off the train 2 stops before I have to. I just keep moving.

1. Recording my calories each day. I try to stay within a particular limit (or close to it) so this really helps for me.
2. Exercise. I walk on days when the weather's nice, but have workout videos for days when it's not or I have limited free time. Also, I have a stationary bike my friend bought me from a yard sale for $5. Old, but it does the job. I have other little "tools" such as skipping rope and dumbbells either people have given me or I bought. I try to mix up things I do and routes I walk so I don't get bored. Also, I joined a softball league when I lost 50 pounds, a game I always enjoyed but couldn't play for years.
3. Eating more fruits and vegetables.
4. Not forbidding any foods. I normally choose low-cal, healthier food since I started this "diet", but if I want something bad enough, and really, really need a treat, I'll have it. And move on.
5. Substituting behaviors. One of my biggest contributers to being overweight was fast food. I really like Subway, so if the folks at work were picking up fast food, I (not wanting to be left out) would order a Subway soup and sandwich instead of say, poutine (fries with gravy and cheese, for you non-Canadians) and a cheeseburger, as I would have before, and I still feel satisfied that I had take-out with my coworkers, not "cheated" that I had to eat something bland while they had something tasty. Also, I had a softball game one night, and since the weather was nice and the field wasn't that far, I rode a bike to and from the game from my friend's house rather than take my car. That, along with playing the game itself, was my day's exercise right there.

Top 5 things that make me feel good about the lifestyle change I am making.

1. I will not get adult onset diabetes like my family, or have high blood pressure, high chloesteral or cardiovascular disease. I am making life better for myself.. I will live longer and better.
2. I will be an example to my parents who raised my brother and I as overweight children and I remember having double big macs as early as 5th grade!
3. I will be able to handle MS flare ups with strength, stamina and endurance. I will know that the depression and fatigue isnt because of my fitness/weight.
4. I will prove to myself that I am strong and can accomplish what I put my mind to even after an MS diagnosis.
5. I will be able to go back to my family doctor next year and brag about my weight loss without joining WW.

I love this thread, it is giving me good tips! Great attitudes, guys and ladies.

He he, here`s my Top 5 things that keep me from posting on here:

5. I get busy and I don`t have internet at home

4. The internet cafe is full of kids watching pr0n :yikes:

3. The internet company decides not to work

2. No electricity

1. These stupid keyboards!!! I`m going to buy myself a keyboard and take it with me where I go. Gaaah!

Anyway, back on topic, here are my Top 5 Best reasons to exercisize

5. Tha belly is going down!!! I just got fitted for my wedding dress and I`ve dropped another inch!

4. It`s nice to be alone with the street sweepers and the drunks in the morning.

3. New route has no dog poop.

2. This monday the motorcars had a bit of a violent riot and I had to run away, AND I COULD!

1. Running has made me stop smoking. Anything more than one cigarrette a day and I wheeze through my runs. I think my next goal will be to completely stop.

Here are my Five Reasons to Get Back On Track This Fall:

1. I have a super-cute vintage winter jacket as well as a vintage Christmas skirt that can really only be worn on Christmas, that I would like to wear this year.

2. Lifestyle discomfort: stated earlier in this thread as my five ways of knowing I'm off track!

3. I just renewed my gym membership. Time to use it!

4. I've been "plateauing" for a full year. While I'm glad I haven't gained, I'm ready to shake things up again.

5. I'm in a good spot for this. I don't have any "eating buddies" right now, most of my friends are willing to exercise with me, I have the time, money, and energy to invest in this right now.

Okay, so here are my top 5 reasons why this is the time I am going to lose my weight:

1. When I graduate next Spring, I don't want the reason that I didn't get the job to be because of weight discrimination.
2. I want to look hot in lingerie for Valentine's Day.
3. I want to be able to keep up with all the young chickadees on campus and not be "the fat girl" in the class.
4. I want to be able to shop at the mall without ducking into Lane Bryant or Torrid.
5. I want to be able to wear high heels without getting blisters or feeling like the heel is going to fall off. :eek:

Plus, health reasons, self esteem reasons etc.

Top 5 Reasons to Try Again:

1) I've lost it before. I can lose it again. And this time I can maintain the loss.
2) I already know what to do.
3) My body is an amazing thing. It responds to the stimuli I give it. If I eat healthy and move, my body will be healthy.
4) I must be a good example for my children and patients.
5) I deserve to be healthy. I deserve to take care of myself, even with all of my other obligations.

I'll post the 5 "Cs" in my signature:

Commitment -- stick to it. You could also say Consistency

Consciousness -- be aware of my eating and my exercise

Control -- Watch those portions.

and the last two go together:

Choices have Consequences -- yes, I can choose to eat that brownie, but it doesn't come without a cost.