The Official KTMS Weight Loss Challenge

[AriesOmega]

This is it. Day one. Lets see what we can do to get healthier.

I am doing this for better health, fitness and to look better. All joking aside I want to be healthier. I can see me getting huge and it becoming a problem..it was for a while. When I was in the Army I was thin, toned and fit. I got out and ballooned out to...lets say WELL OVER 330 lbs (150 kg). I have given up soda about 2 years ago and I quit smoking while I was in the Army many years ago, so smoking withdrawl isn't a factor with me.

For exercise, besides being very active with my kids such as going with my son on cub scout hikes, I started practicing martial arts again. I have done it before so it's something that keeps my interest. For me the gym is boring. Put me on a treadmill, even with a TV and iPod I still feel like a hamster:)

I have know been studying at my current dojo for a few years now and have been losing the weight, but I am ready to make a commitment to lose more. I don't eat fast food. It is rare you see me go to MacDonalds and when I do it's usually the small stuff of the dollar menu. For that matter I rarely eat out and once again, when I do it's something small. I been eating healthier as well. More salads and vegtables. I pack with me apples and other fruit as snacks when I go to work. I still drink coffee...just coffee...not a latte or any other Starbucks mixed drink things. Just coffee, cream, Splenda. I find I have to use a whole lot less Splenda then sugar.

I am starting at 287.8 lbs (130.82 kg) and stand at 6'2 (1.82 m) or so. I plan to get down to 200 lbs (90.71 kg) but will go in milestones. First milestone is 260 lbs (117.93 kg). I plan to post up on here pictures of things I do such as karate, hiking and my weight loss. I also plan to post up a typical meal for us once I figure out what THAT is.

[Brynja]

Ok here we go.

I am doing this for health, and some vanity reasons.

I weighed in this morning I am 172 lbs. 5'3 and measurements are currently
37-31-38. My goal is to get to 140 and see how I feel, either staying or going to maybe 125.

So far today I hate

1 chicken breast, and some veggies. Working out after school and doing a bitof weights as well. I had oodles of aerobic activity this weekend :o

[Cat of Ulthar]

Ok, I am doing this for health reasons and to fit into my pretty clothes again, so vanity. The most important of those pretty clothes is my wedding dress! I bought that last August when I was about 70 kg and I want to be around that again.

I am currently 85.5 kilos and 1.80 m.

My resolutions are: Going to the gym 3 times a week, take care of what I eat, drink less alcohol and more water and herbal tea. I hope this will let me lose weight.

A tip for drinking more water: I put a plastic cup next to both sinks in the house. Every time I use the sink, I drink a cup of water. It is not a big cup, so it does not make me feel like I am drinking too much (I don't like water), but every time you use the sink (after going to the toilet, washing up, washing veggies, watering the plants and the cat) adds up. I found otherwise I tend to forget or drink too little. A big bottle seems daunting.

[Name Lips]

I'm doing this for better health, to not feel like a fat fuck, and to improve sex. I currently weigh about 290 lbs. I'll get a more accurate reading at the gym tonight.

My previous regime was to eat whatever I wanted and spend every available free moment in front of the computer. Preferably I'd combine the two.

The changes I've made so far are to

-go to the gym and swim twice a week (mondays and wednesdays)
-eat more fresh produce and virtually no pre-processed or fast food

future changes, once the above are proper habits, include:

-hiking
-cutting out snacking - especially (but not limited to) my "midnight meal"
-specifically balancing my diet to be lower in fat (but for right now the fast food and preprocessed crap should make a big difference).

[The Theocrat of Poon-Tang]

Good luck, guys. Remember, your body is stronger than your mind when it comes to this shit. Your mind will try to fuck with you, and the ones that don't let it are going to be the ones that are very happy a few months down the line.

And remember, too, this is a lifestyle change. If you go like hell to lose weight and then stop, you'll be back in this position within a year. That's why it's important to find excercise that you enjoy doing and can stick with, and eat foods that you don't find revolting. It's a slow burn, not a mad dash. Get yourself to where you want to be and then maintain.

Finally, watch those calories! It's pure science - if you take in more than you burn up due to your body's basic functioning and excercise, you'll still gain weight. It doesn't matter if you're eating garbage or gorging on "health foods". If your aim is to lose weight, then you will live this simple truth. Aim for a realistic deficit each day.

[Random Encounter]

Ok, I weighed in this morning before breakfast and I'm at 200.6 lbs.
Last summer when I was buying all my fem clothes I was at 185, so I want to get back there so my clothes will fit again. Mostly worried about inches around my waist and getting back to a size 12/14.
I started trying to control my portions last week. I eat out a fair bit and I'm learning that half of a typical serving at any american restaurant is enough to satisfy my hunger even if I'm not "full". So I've been ordering food I can easily cut in half and saving the rest for another meal.
I'm also increasing my physical activity in ways I can keep doing as a habit, I take walks around the parkinglots of the building I work in and the 3 adjacent buidlings every morning and I've been doing 100 jumping jacks before I shower every other morning. I would love to play around with a Wii Fit but it doesn't fit into my budget to buy one.

[AriesOmega]

I found this recently. Maybe it can help out someone.

http://lifehacker.com/5257812/six-best-exercise-planning-and-tracking-tools

[Lady Fury]

After about an hour of self loathing I finally got the nerve to post in this thread. I want to lose the weight for medical reasons. My abdominal muscles are shot. I saw my doctor last week because we both thought I had another hernia. Thankfully it's just torn up scar tissue from all the c-sections and abdominal surgeries I've had over the last 8yrs. I've had 10 surgeries in all. He told me that the only way some of the pain might go away is if I can find a low impact way to exercise and take off the extra weight. I'm always tired and sore from my fibromyalgia and I know my current weight isn't helping me. It's not that I eat a lot it's the fact that I rarely eat or do any aerobic exercise that has kept me fat.

My first goal is to try and move around more. I chase kids all day but my body is use to that so it doesn't count for any caloric burn up. Then my next goal is to find a way to eat 5-6 small meals a day. That's going to be the hardest thing for me.

Anyways I did weigh myself. I can't bring myself to post my weight because I do know that others might take it and post it elsewhere to make fun of me. So I just want to keep it to myself for now. Sorry. I thought I could be stronger and post it but I'm not that strong enough yet. :(

[AriesOmega]

It's okay. It's a support group more then a challenge to be honest.:D We'll be here to help you.

For what you are talking about I have been told swimming is good. The water helps you do what you need to do and it's low impact. I can tell you my joints hurt less from doing a workout in water. Check out your local pool for times you can go in...heck they may have a class you can do if you want.

[Lady Fury]

Swimming pool? You've got to be kidding. I will not put a swimming suit on until I'm looking much better then what I am now. :o

[Cat of Ulthar]

Yeah, there is no need for you to post your weight here. We don't need to know, and if you lose some you can still say "I lost 2 pounds" or something. As for the exercise, I think the doc should have given you advice on what is safe and good for you to do; but swimming sounds good as that is very low impact and works out your whole body. Also you don't notice you are sweating so much.

[AriesOmega]

Yeah, there is no need for you to post your weight here. We don't need to know, and if you lose some you can still say "I lost 2 pounds" or something. As for the exercise, I think the doc should have given you advice on what is safe and good for you to do; but swimming sounds good as that is very low impact and works out your whole body. Also you don't notice you are sweating so much.

Agreed. Cat has it right...and she is pro water? What kind of cat are you?:D

Also once you are in the water no one noticed what you look like from the neck up or shoulders up anyhow.

[Lady Fury]

I live in a college town. The only pools we have open are at the college. I'm sure I'll figure something out. I'm going to go on a long walk today. Well actually it's a kind of therapeutic window shopping trip out of town. I'm only taking 3 of my kids with me so it should be fun.

I ate lunch today for the first time in over a month.:)

[Xavier Lang]

Reasons - Health and Vanity. I'm jogging in a 5k this summer with my wife and I'd prefer not to feel pathetic while doing so.

Weight 227.5lbs
Height 6'4"
Goal ~200.

I understand the not wanting to post your weight. I've been a lot heavier than I am now. I'm actually at a much better weight that I've spent much of my adult life.

[Pigs in Space]

Go Team! And good luck all!

I still drink coffee...just coffee...not a latte or any other Starbucks mixed drink things. Just coffee, cream, Splenda. I find I have to use a whole lot less Splenda then sugar.
This is good - those latte's can have up to 400 calories in them. I shit you not!

I weighed in this morning I am 172 lbs. 5'3 and measurements are currently
37-31-38. My goal is to get to 140 and see how I feel, either staying or going to maybe 125.
You'll be tiny!

So far today I hate

tee heee!
My first goal is to try and move around more. I chase kids all day but my body is use to that so it doesn't count for any caloric burn up. Then my next goal is to find a way to eat 5-6 small meals a day. That's going to be the hardest thing for me.
I can help with that, I've been doing it for a while now. It's easy. Just leave half your food on the plate. That's all. It won't go off in the 2.5 hours you wait to eat the other half.

I ate lunch today for the first time in over a month.:)
/me yells at lady Fury. (in a motivational way).
Eat all your meals, dammit.

[Brynja]

After about an hour of self loathing I finally got the nerve to post in this thread. I want to lose the weight for medical reasons. My abdominal muscles are shot. I saw my doctor last week because we both thought I had another hernia. Thankfully it's just torn up scar tissue from all the c-sections and abdominal surgeries I've had over the last 8yrs. I've had 10 surgeries in all. He told me that the only way some of the pain might go away is if I can find a low impact way to exercise and take off the extra weight. I'm always tired and sore from my fibromyalgia and I know my current weight isn't helping me. It's not that I eat a lot it's the fact that I rarely eat or do any aerobic exercise that has kept me fat.

My first goal is to try and move around more. I chase kids all day but my body is use to that so it doesn't count for any caloric burn up. Then my next goal is to find a way to eat 5-6 small meals a day. That's going to be the hardest thing for me.

Anyways I did weigh myself. I can't bring myself to post my weight because I do know that others might take it and post it elsewhere to make fun of me. So I just want to keep it to myself for now. Sorry. I thought I could be stronger and post it but I'm not that strong enough yet. :(


that is absolutely ok. You share what you feel comfy with. :)

[Cat of Ulthar]

Swimming pool? You've got to be kidding. I will not put a swimming suit on until I'm looking much better then what I am now. :o

Honey, my mentor took up swimming as a low impact exercise, and if you think you look bad in a swimsuit... she is *huge*. Severely obese. Check if your local swimming pools have certain times for therapeutic swimming, you will see people there who make you look anorectic.

[Brynja]

Ok this morning it is V8 (low sodium) and orange

mid day snack is a fiber one bar

lunch is a low cal low fat burrito from costco (240 cal 1 gram of fat) and an apple

snack is 6 cubes of cheese

dinner is tilapia and broccoli

[AriesOmega]

Last night I went to martial arts class. I had a banana before class and after the wife called me on the way home and told me she had not cooked, get something on the way back and fend for yourself.:(

So I got some fast food. Happy meals for the kids since it's been about a month or so since they have had that kind of stuff. At MacDonalds they give the option of a juice box instead of soda whicht he kids like better. For me I had two cheeseburgers, small fries and a unsweetened tea that when I got home I cut with a little fruit juice.

Over the weekend I feasted since I knew this was coming up and I gained a little weight but lost it last night it seems. I have had no change in my weight. After watching this TV show...Dhani Tackles the World...I think instead of 200 lbs I'll try for 230 lbs. He is my height and looks fit at 230.

Today I had coffee, water, yogurt and fruit. I plan on having a tradtional Costa Rican dish called "gallo pinto (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gallo_Pinto)" for lunch. Dinner is up in the air right now.

[Name Lips]

Couldn't make it to gym last night (helluva way to start off the challange) because I couldn't find my swimsuit. Typically I go to class, then go to the gym afterward if I have time. Doesn't help that my swimming buddy has come down with a bad case of "broke" and can't pay his gym membership.

Homemade spaghetti and meatballs last night. My meatballs are fabulous. (Let's get the inuendo out of the way now... wouldn't you like to taste my fabulous balls? My wife loves them and recommends them to all her friends!) Today I've had a cup of coffee, a PB&J sandwich (shared with 2 year old son), and am planning on making cream of celery soup and grilled chicken for dinner.

Visiting relatives in the woods this weekend, planning for hiking.

[AriesOmega]

I had the sudden realization that I really like cooking... so why the fuck am I not cooking more? So I've taken to buying only "ingredients" and virtually no pre-packaged, pre-processsed foods. It's almost impossible to eat around here now without actual cooking - I open the fridge and see veggies, cheese, meat, milk, eggs, and butter... It's kind of strange.

Good for you!:D I had that realizaton about a year ago. Food tastes better when you do it at home. You know what goes into it, you know how clean the kitchen is. It is more satifying to me then going out to eat or doing some prepack stuff.

Around that time I started watching cooking shows on Food Network and calling up my dad and asking about how to make this or that. To get better at it cook,cook, cook. Learn what works and what doesn't. Try new spices and ingredients. Experiment, experiment, experiment. If you go to a resturant and they make something you like...try to reverse engineer it at home.

[seizure salad]

Hey guys:) I dont get on here much, but squashy told me about this thread, and since i started my challenge a few months ago, i thought it would be good to join you.
My weight gain started as soon as i came home from the hospital post brain surgery fall of 03. I went in @ 125lbs, fairly toned from the gym, and still pinchably soft. the surgery caused some body chemistry changes and i began to experience the weight gain side effect from one of my meds emmediately. Shortly after i was able to go back to the gym and eat healthy, get my life on track on all levels, i started changing meds. That was just over two yrs ago. the med changes have been horrible on me, and are finally starting to be ok (with the exception of last week-will have separate thread for that one).
Good news= three months ago i was at the personal place of being well enough to join the gym; start making some smart eating changes/choices; and am on much less of the weight gaining med. Also, my hormonal imbalances have already started to improve since i started this change three months ago:)

Start weight 2/09= 185lbs. Height= 5ft 3in petit build.;Current weight= 165lbs.; Goal weight= 130lbs.

I have done a lot of research on nutritional/dietary choices; i already know that i need to be low/good carb esp. for my body type/genetics. and I have learned about some of the ways certain dietary choices can effect epilepsy. One good thing i learned is that if you have some phsylium shortly before eating it bulks things up which helps digestion and weight loss. My food regimen mostly consists of (what i already said about carbs); increased veggies, esp leafy greens; certain fruits (like strawberries and apples); regularly eating nuts; lotsa protein; and much less sugar and junk. with my coffee i use a tsp sugar and 1svg stevia extract. i also use stevia with my plain greek yogurt(soo yum w berries, granola, and nuts). cannot eat most 'diet' foods, most sugar substitutes mess with the brain chemistry. i also watch my soy intake due to its effect on hormones (hormonal fluctuations=more seizures in me). I am pretty good at getting lots of H2O, and am glad to be one of those rare folks who loves it.
Since joining the gym my goal has been to go three times a week. Because of my health i understand that sometimes that is not soemthing i can do. My 'gym routine' is to usually stretch; use the spare room to dance(my passion) for about 20min; then use the bike machine about 20min; then use the weight machines; and stretch again. i am trying to find a good way to switch things up. i have not been to the gym for the past 6wks because April was filled with a horrible cold, and as soon as i fealt up to working out i sprained my ankle. I will be there today to weigh in and atleast stretch. When i can, i also get out dancing once a week, and now that its nice out i try to get in the woods for a walk/hike regularly. I just enrolled in belly dance classes (its been 61/2 yrs since the last one) with a friend who teaches and performs tribal fusion belly dance.

Good Luck to all!

[Random Encounter]

I started keeping a food journal yesterday. And it's amazing the effect it has had on my eating habits. I look at a snack and think "if I eat that I'll have to write it down" or if I do snack I look at the list of things I ate and decrease later snacks or meals to compensate. So not even making a conscious choice to change my diet and just writting things down has helped.

I also found a picture of the buildings around which I take my walks on Google maps and by printing it with the scale bar showing and using string to mark my path I figure my morning walks just before work are .75 miles, 1.5 miles if I do 2 laps.

[Name Lips]

The problem I have with a food journal is that I frequently eat one or two bites of random things during the day. *munch* 1 bite of cold pork roast dipped in dijon mustard *gulp* one gulp milk *chomp* 2 spoons of corn leftover on kid's plate... Sure I can get a feel, kind of, for the quantity I'm eating... but I have no idea how to calculate nutrition or calories from it.

Heck now that I think about it, I have no idea how to count calories of homemade dishes at all. Tonight I'm slow-cooking a pot of pinto/black beans with several leftover bits of meat, an onion, and loads of spices. I'm also baking some corn bread. I cook everything by throwing together stuff without measuring, and it turns out great. But other than a general notion of whether or not something is "healthy food" I don't know how to quantify it.

[Random Encounter]

The problem I have with a food journal is that I frequently eat one or two bites of random things during the day. *munch* 1 bite of cold pork roast dipped in dijon mustard *gulp* one gulp milk *chomp* 2 spoons of corn leftover on kid's plate... Sure I can get a feel, kind of, for the quantity I'm eating... but I have no idea how to calculate nutrition or calories from it.

Heck now that I think about it, I have no idea how to count calories of homemade dishes at all. Tonight I'm slow-cooking a pot of pinto/black beans with several leftover bits of meat, an onion, and loads of spices. I'm also baking some corn bread. I cook everything by throwing together stuff without measuring, and it turns out great. But other than a general notion of whether or not something is "healthy food" I don't know how to quantify it.

Oh I'm not counting calories. Just writing down what I eat. (6:30pm Handfull of popcorn, 7:00pm can of pinapple chunks - these together making up dinner last night actually)

[Cat of Ulthar]

Thanks SS for posting dancing! I entirely had not thought about dancing but that is an excellent way to exercise which I would actually enjoy (as opposed to going to the gym). I should look into dance workshops around here.

[The Theocrat of Poon-Tang]

The problem I have with a food journal is that I frequently eat one or two bites of random things during the day. *munch* 1 bite of cold pork roast dipped in dijon mustard *gulp* one gulp milk *chomp* 2 spoons of corn leftover on kid's plate... Sure I can get a feel, kind of, for the quantity I'm eating... but I have no idea how to calculate nutrition or calories from it.

Heck now that I think about it, I have no idea how to count calories of homemade dishes at all. Tonight I'm slow-cooking a pot of pinto/black beans with several leftover bits of meat, an onion, and loads of spices. I'm also baking some corn bread. I cook everything by throwing together stuff without measuring, and it turns out great. But other than a general notion of whether or not something is "healthy food" I don't know how to quantify it.

Those "one or two random bites" will absolutely destroy you when it comes to losing weight. You have to control your snacking, or it will be a fruitless battle.

When I was doing it I allowed myself one bowl of animal crackers mixed with raisins in the evening as a snack and that was about it. If I splurged, it was on something splurgeworthy, like an ice cream cone with the kids from Dairy Queen. Ask yourself if all of those bites you're taking off of their plates are splurgeworthy. From what you're describing (and what you may be leaving out), it's my conservative guess is that you're probably snacking on 500 calories a day and not even knowing it or thinking twice.

That is simply a habit you HAVE TO BREAK. Don't bother excercising or doing any of the other stuff, because it will be pointless if you don't get that snacking habit under control first.

[Lady Fury]

Down 1.2lb this morning. I got home really late last night. Took the girls with me to Spokane and walked around the North Town Mall for nearly 2hrs. I forgot to eat dinner. It's past 2pm and I still haven't eaten a thing. I know I need to eat but the pain from walking around and lifting kids in and out of the van has totally destroyed my appetite. I have to go to the store sometime today so I know that will make me want to eat something. I'm planning on making boneless skinless chicken breasts tonight with some sort of veggie and most likely rice as a side dish since the kids do like that. My personal goal today is to try and take in a 1000 calories between now and 2hrs before bed. I don't think I'll be doing any extra walking today other then the store.


One other thing that I want to change is my addiction to coke. I usually only have one or two a day but I know that water is a much better option and will probably make me feel much better in the long run. I need to detox my body in hopes that it will start to feel better. I am taking my 3000iu of vitamin D daily which is something I haven't been so good at doing.

I got the sweetest comment from a gal that was in the elevator yesterday with me and my girls. She said I had the prettiest hair and my girls were absolutely beautiful. It made me smile.

[Name Lips]

Those "one or two random bites" will absolutely destroy you when it comes to losing weight. You have to control your snacking, or it will be a fruitless battle.

When I was doing it I allowed myself one bowl of animal crackers mixed with raisins in the evening as a snack and that was about it. If I splurged, it was on something splurgeworthy, like an ice cream cone with the kids from Dairy Queen. Ask yourself if all of those bites you're taking off of their plates are splurgeworthy. From what you're describing (and what you may be leaving out), it's my conservative guess is that you're probably snacking on 500 calories a day and not even knowing it or thinking twice.

That is simply a habit you HAVE TO BREAK. Don't bother excercising or doing any of the other stuff, because it will be pointless if you don't get that snacking habit under control first.

I know you're right, but I want to argue with you anyway. (<- don't you wish more people on the Interwebs would admit stuff like this?)

By and large I find I have good success breaking or adding one habit at a time. Perhaps I'll "lose" they KT weight loss challenge, but if I have just 1 or 2 healthier, sustainable lifestyle changes to show for it it'll be worth it.

You say not to bother exercising or doing any other stuff, because snacking will ruin my results. While there might be some truth there, I have to argue that snacking and not exercising has got to be worse than snacking with exercise. One habit at a time. It's manageable. If I can hold down cooking real food, including produce with every meal, and exercising a simple 2 times a week... then it will be easy to add one more change.

But I expect I'd be setting myself up for failure if I tried Total Lifestyle Change all at once. I might lose a lot of weight over the next couple months, but inevitably the behaviors would start slipping due to burnout. They won't have been part of my life long enough to become actual habits, actual changes to my lifestyle.

In fact, truth be told, my initial plan was One Change Per Year. It might take 10 years to really hit a healthy lifestyle, but if I can maintain it my whole life... that's a good thing. I'd prefer that to being "really healthy" for a single year, and then having it all slip away.

[The Theocrat of Poon-Tang]

That's fine, man. I just don't know why you'd want to do all that hard work and then cancel it all out with a bite of your kid's cake here, some other snacking there. I know I would be disheartened if I worked out for a solid hour and then pissed it all away and actually gained a little weight.

Dude, you can do both. Don't be such a pussy, man up, stop snacking, start excercising. Your wife deserves someone who's not going to get winded walking upstairs.

That's my tough love, by the way. :) You know I'm rooting for you, bro. You also know that I mean everything I wrote. Seriously, time to step up. You'll have more energy after excercising, you'll start to want to eat healthier. It will be a good cycle, instead of the one you've been in.

[Snatch]

Just lending my support to everyone here.

Go Everyone!

[Cat of Ulthar]

Yeah, one thing I found, is that if I go shopping after I've been to the gym (which makes sense as the supermarket is on the way), I feel the urge to stock up on healthy food like fruit and veggies and mineral water and fruit juices, and an aversion to unhealthy stuff. Maybe that works for other people too? If it's not in your house, you're not going to eat it.

[Brynja]

vaulted off the deepend yesterday around 4. I got an irregular pap back, so I have a biopsy for today.

I will be forcing myself to eat properly (or at all for that matter)

[Cat of Ulthar]

vaulted off the deepend yesterday around 4. I got an irregular pap back, so I have a biopsy for today.

I will be forcing myself to eat properly (or at all for that matter)

Ow fuck Brynja. :( I am so sorry, you must be nervous as hell. And I hate them grating around in there. It makes me queasy just thinking about it.

Massive :hug:. I'm sure it's gonna be ok.

[Brynja]

Yea this is one of those punch tag type thingies. It won't be more than a sharp pinch

[AriesOmega]

I am so sorry to here that Brynja:(

Many good thoughts, prayers and vibes are going to you know.

:hug:

[The Theocrat of Poon-Tang]

vaulted off the deepend yesterday around 4. I got an irregular pap back, so I have a biopsy for today...

I'll be hoping and praying everything comes back normal.

[Atropine Mama]

vaulted off the deepend yesterday around 4. I got an irregular pap back, so I have a biopsy for today.

GODDAMMIT

Keep us posted, please? My heart is with you today.

[Lady Fury]

vaulted off the deepend yesterday around 4. I got an irregular pap back, so I have a biopsy for today.

I will be forcing myself to eat properly (or at all for that matter)


It's going to be ok. I had irregular paps many of them. I've had the cone biopsy thing done that hurt like hell. (Valium is what they gave me to take before the procedure. The should have knocked me out. :mad:) Anyways after that I had a bunch of tissue frozen off. This happened right after I had my first daughter. After that my paps came back normal. You'll just have to go in every six months instead a year to be checked just to make sure the cells are still normal.

I had them take my cervix when I had my hysterectomy. I figured I didn't need it anyways and that it wasn't worth the risk or the pain.

My thoughts are with you and I hope that everything will end up well.

[AriesOmega]

Before I say anything. Once again Brynja prayers, good thoughts and vibes are being sent your way.:hug:


I got a call from my dojo. There is a regional tournement coming up this weekend in Connecticut somewhere. I have too many things going on to go to it but many people are driving up to it. When these come up the week before they usually have a great set of lessons to help out for that. Today is about sparring and endurance. Long story short...I am going to sweat. It is going to be a cardio workout.

[doc]

vaulted off the deepend yesterday around 4. I got an irregular pap back, so I have a biopsy for today.

I will be forcing myself to eat properly (or at all for that matter)

I hope you're ok, {{hug}}

I have one thing to say Jelly Doughnuts !!!

[Snatch]

Brynja -> :hug: <- Snatch

[The Theocrat of Poon-Tang]

How has everyone been doing with this?

[AriesOmega]

I been doing good. Weighed in on my Wii Fit Tuesday and lost another 1.8 lbs and my center of balance is almost 50/50. I think next week or so I'll start posting up pictures of the scale readings, me actually in action doing my thing, recipes for good food, meal plans and all.

Our meal last night was


grilled chicken wrapped in turkey bacon for my wife since she doesn't eat red meat or pork
Steak for me
Lean burger and lean hotdogs for kids
Spinach salad with tomato,cucumer and carrots
Baked potatos...did them on the grill


I feel that food on a grill is better tasting and better for you then other methods.

[Pigs in Space]

wtf is turkey bacon? Some bastardized gentic engineering disaster? Like an Owlbear?

[Brynja]

I gained 3lbs this week.

I suck.


So medical crisis averted (biopsy clear) so I am back on the horse

[AriesOmega]

I gained 3lbs this week.

I suck.


So medical crisis averted (biopsy clear) so I am back on the horse

:goodvibes::boogie::woot::yay:

I am so relieved. You don't suck. You reacted in a normal manner. The weight gain is normal during times of stress. But things are better and you can come out fighting.


wtf is turkey bacon? Some bastardized gentic engineering disaster? Like an Owlbear?

Something my wife is trying to convince me that is just as good a bacon and better for me. It isn't as good as bacon. It's different...I compare it to apples and pears. Yes they are fruit but not the same thing. As for better for me or not...I dunno. It tastes okay...not baconey good...but acceptable.

[Pigs in Space]

You know, you could just... not eat bacon.

[The Theocrat of Poon-Tang]

I gained 3lbs this week.

I suck.


So medical crisis averted (biopsy clear) so I am back on the horse

Glad everything turned out okay biopsy wise.

Now *whipcrack* back to eating gruel and toiling all day for you! ;)

[Xavier Lang]

So medical crisis averted (biopsy clear) so I am back on the horse

Good to hear!

[Random Encounter]

I was down to 199.5 yesterday morning when I weighed myself. But today I'm back up to 200.0.
Feeling a bit stressed this week which hasn't helped my energy levels and a couple birthdays at work meant cake. I had one piece and passed on the other cake entirely.
I'm worried that I'm not eating enough small meals and my body is trying to store what I do eat when I have a regular meal afterwards. So my next step will be changing my eating habits again, this time to include several small meals throughout the day instead of the 3 big meals I eat now.
Also I've been too busy or too tired to look into a yoga or dance class at the local recreation center.

[Lady Fury]

I gained 3lbs this week.

I suck.


So medical crisis averted (biopsy clear) so I am back on the horse

That's wonderful news about the medical crisis. As for the weight gain try not to stress it. Your body is most likely retaining fluid from being stressed out. Mine tends to do that when I'm stressed.


End of the week and I'm down 5lbs! Cutting out coke and trying to eat more seems to be working. Also I've been more active this week. Hopefully this Sunday won't ruin my diet. I have friends coming into town that I haven't seen in years and we are having a bbq on Sunday. Should be fun.

[Harry]

I've eaten nothing but Oreos for almost three days. Oh, sorry. Oreos and Pop-Tarts.

Having a bad week.

[Squash Cop]

oops stole mouse from squash cop; this is seizure salad.. he has started to bike to work(weather permitting) and is about to start taking kung fu with his neice.

I started keeping a food journal yesterday. And it's amazing the effect it has had on my eating habits. I look at a snack and think "if I eat that I'll have to write it down" or if I do snack I look at the list of things I ate and decrease later snacks or meals to compensate. So not even making a conscious choice to change my diet and just writting things down has helped.

good idea, i have started keeping a food journal too. i write down if i have had 1svg or if its something like a salad put lg salad ( what was on it) :) if i have just a couple bites of something, i include that. some days there is alot of small ammts and other days i eat more regularly, but overall keeping track helps ALOT.

[Morbidity]

Just thought I'd post to encourage you all along.

I'm currently in a team of people from my office (7 of us) who are participating in a global corporate challenge thing. The idea is that you need to take 10,000 steps a day (or equivalent in another exercise) to keep you healthy. So we've all got pedometers and are tracking it. For those of you who struggle to work out an appropriate exercise, why not buy yourself a pedometer and have an aim of 10,000 steps a day. It encourages you to go for the half hour walk, but also gives you benefit for time you've spent walking around doing stuff.

Lady Fury, regarding ruining diet with friends. Unless you have friends over all the time, have you thought about dieting when you're not with friends and not when you're with friends. I don't mean going absolutely insane when you're with friends, but just allowing yourself some treats? I've always thought that you need a day off a week from any diet or it just becomes a burden and horrible and provided you don't go completely insane with the calories, one day shouldn't ruin the hard work of the rest of the week.

[Lady Fury]

We all took our kids to the park after the bbq today and ran off all we ate and some. It was a blast! I had a wonderful weekend and I did have a few treats without going over board. I didn't feel deprived at all. :)

[Xavier Lang]

Damage from Holiday weekend:
Weight 230.5, up 3 lbs over the last week.
Skipping 3 workouts and eating myself silly at Bella's birthday gathering didn't help. Things should get back to normal this week, but June is birthday month around here, so I may not make much progress until July.

[Brynja]

This weekend was a good eating weekend. Got positive results back on my tests so I was happy.

I did some gardening on saturday, went for a walk saturday afternoon, had pretty rambunctious sex late saturday into sunday. and more sunday afternoon. went walking on monday night.

i will weigh in this friday again

[Cat of Ulthar]

I just weighed again... exactly the same. 13 and a half stone. At least I haven't gained weight, but this means more exercise and more watching what I eat.

[AriesOmega]

I been behind in weighing myself and keeping up with my workouts. I did paint a master bedroom (pictures to be shown later) thing is I have not been eating a complete meal. Last week at martial arts class I was paired up with a guy who was 10 years younger then me. I got the crap pummeled out of me...thing is I was able to endure the hits and had more endurance then him.:D

There was no classes over the weekend or Monday. Classes are resuming today and I plan on going.

[Lady Fury]

Down 8.5lbs since the start of last week. I've been a lot more active and I think that helped. Now I just need to adjust my sleeping schedule. I've been staying up until the sun comes up and that's not good. I really need a job.

[The Theocrat of Poon-Tang]

I'm curious why you guys weigh yourselves only once a week. If you catch your body when it has a little bit more water on the time you decide to weigh yourself you will think you're doing worse than you are, and will get discouraged. If you weigh youself when you're slightly dehydrated, you'll think you're doing better than you are, which could set up future disappointment.

I still weigh myself twice a day, morning and evening. When you weigh yourself every day you will have a better idea where your true weight is, and you will understand how eating, excercise and sleeping all affect your weight and make if fluctuate.

If you have the guts to be committed to losing pounds, why are you scared to better understand how your body processes what you're doing?

[Brynja]

I was told by the phys ed dept to just weigh once a week. I am willing to change but I do feel it could get discouraging.

[Atropine Mama]

Just lending my support to you all. I'll be joining you later this fall or winter.

I agree with Theo on weighing every day, but I also understand that doing so can be discouraging. Last year my biggest success came from documenting every calorie that went into my mouth, and weighing first thing in the morning after I used the toilet. YMMV.

[AriesOmega]

I just don't have time. I tend to weigh in twice to three times a week after I go to martial arts class. I been using the dojo's scale and the Wii Fit. The Wii Fit has been telling me I need to use it more.:lol:

I probably should...it's pretty fun.

[The Theocrat of Poon-Tang]

I was told by the phys ed dept to just weigh once a week. I am willing to change but I do feel it could get discouraging.

Respectfully, I think they're wrong, for the reasons I stated.

I do understand about it being discouraging, but my point is that you need to be mentally strong to follow through with this. If one isn't mentally strong enough to confront the task head-on, then they most likely will fail at it anyway.

Besides, as I stated, you are one ill-timed weigh-in from being mightily discouraged. Face it, you already know around what you weigh. Now see how your body reacts when it is full, when it is hungry, after sleep, etc.

My own experience says that I weigh the most in the evening after dinner, and the least when I first wake up. Usually there's a 2-3 pound variance throughout the day. At the very least do this a few times so you can understand what your weight variance is as the day goes along, so you aren't ambushed down the road. I often wonder how many people "on the right track" got off of it because they decided to weight themselves once after a dinner or when they were holding a bit more water than they thought.

[Random Encounter]

I've been weighing myself each morning before I shower, but my weight still fluctuates up and down day-by-day but the fluctuation range is trending downward. I just don't feel the need to post my weight every day. But I am checking it every day.

Today I was at 197.6, lowest it's been since we started this. Still need to call the rec center about a yoga class.

[The Theocrat of Poon-Tang]

I've been weighing myself each morning before I shower, but my weight still fluctuates up and down day-by-day but the fluctuation range is trending downward. I just don't feel the need to post my weight every day. But I am checking it every day...

Excellent! And that's what you will gain from weighing yourself every day, is that you will notice which way you are trending.

[Name Lips]

Still involved, but haven't managed to get an official weigh-in. Trying to eat lots and lots of fresh produce and stay active.

Made some spaghetti sauce last night out of crushed tomatoes, fresh tomatoes, bell peppers, onion, mushrooms, and garlic. Almost totally fat free, and amazingly tasty.

You might have guessed that as a fellow who loves food and cooking, my main strategy is to incorporate that into my plan. Learn to cook healthy stuff I like.

[Lady Fury]

I weigh myself every morning before my shower. So far the numbers are steadily going down. I hoping I don't reach that plateau for a few months. That's what brings me down and usually ends up being my down fall for continuing on with a diet. Stupid I know but at least I recognize it as my weakness and can hopefully combat it this time around.

[doc]

I've got a Sara Lee New York style cheesecake waiting for me in the frige at home, I'm going to spoon Strawberry pie filling all over it and eat it all!




What doc means to say is that he is an asshole for posting like that in this thread.

[Morbidity]

Interesting comments by folks on weighing in every day. I was told once a month at the same point in your cycle.

Theo I was wondering if your view on daily would change for women if you took into account their cycle. I'm sure someone told me that female weight can naturally fluctuate quite a bit during the month. I've never actually bothered to track it to see if it's true.

The one time I was seriously training and thus weighing in regularly the trainer did it once a month.

BTW: For those who have started exercising as well as dieting, do hip and waist measurements as well as weight as you will get some fat/muscle transfer so the hip/waist ratio reduction might look more impressive than the scales.

[Lady Fury]

I heard about the cycle thing too for women. I know I used to fluctuate up to 8lbs because of that. Thankfully no more cycles for me so I know if I fluctuate it's because I'm not eating well or drinking enough water.

[Brynja]

Interesting comments by folks on weighing in every day. I was told once a month at the same point in your cycle.

Theo I was wondering if your view on daily would change for women if you took into account their cycle. I'm sure someone told me that female weight can naturally fluctuate quite a bit during the month. I've never actually bothered to track it to see if it's true.

The one time I was seriously training and thus weighing in regularly the trainer did it once a month.

BTW: For those who have started exercising as well as dieting, do hip and waist measurements as well as weight as you will get some fat/muscle transfer so the hip/waist ratio reduction might look more impressive than the scales.



At first I lost inches now I am in weight. It seems to shift back and forth i lose one or the other

[AriesOmega]

Sorry...I need to vent....this is going to be a bit of a :soapbox:

I been under some stress at home and been snacking for comfort:(

The wife seems to hate that I am doing martial arts. She says it's inconvient for her. I keep telling her I can change what days I go but she just throws her hands up and complains of her fustration of dealing with the kids at night for the hour I am gone and how tired she is after work. I mean the kids are no picnic for me either and I work as many hours as she does and I do more around the house but I don't get all angry at her. I even have dinner on the table when she gets home 4 to 5 days of the work week and weekends I pretty much do all the meals. Last night was a bad fight about things. I am so tired of fighting with her on stuff.

Part of me is like fuck it! I'll quit martial arts, get fat again, unhappy, become diabetic and fuckin die an early death. The other part is like screw you! I am not going back to how I was. I feel great! My clothes fit better. I feel good about myself. I have energy to do more.

I think part of her unhappiness is she doesn't do any type of workout. She was hitting the gym but stopped due to the cost. I got her a Wii Fit that she used for a week. She originally when I started this was on board, especially about not having junk food in the house. Now we have four cartons of ice cream in the house. Her excuse is "they were on sale and it's low fat". I think I need to put my foot down and tell her to use the Wii Fit. Block off some time three times a week. Clothesline the kids if they are trying to bother her why she works out. For that hour she is left alone.

Anyhow when I realized I was comfort eating I and stopped...but I still went up 1.8 lbs.:mad:

It could be worst though...I could have gained more. I could have went through with telling my dojo I quit.

[Brynja]

Find an activity you can do together- have your oldest watch the youngers for a bit while you two go do that.


Don't put your foot down, that is the fastest way to get your wife to think you think she is fat or you are being sanctimonious- even tho your intentions are good.

[Black Angel]

I'm with Brynja - that sounds to me like she wants to have you around more, regardless of what you are doing (not necessarily fitness related). Try to do something together & make time for each other, without the kids if possible. I think if you were making more time for her, and spending time together sometimes (date-style), you would find she is happy for you to go to martial arts at other times.

[AriesOmega]

Thanks Brynja and Black Angel. Not to derail the thread. Last night I took on that same 22 year old that handed me my ass last week. I schooled him last night. We did grappeling. I might be big but unlike the big guys in my class I am very flexiable and fast. Yes...the guy has technique and youth on me but I schooled him good last night. I felt a better and not so old after that.

[The Theocrat of Poon-Tang]

Theo I was wondering if your view on daily would change for women if you took into account their cycle. I'm sure someone told me that female weight can naturally fluctuate quite a bit during the month. I've never actually bothered to track it to see if it's true...

I certainly don't doubt that, but my only answer would be "wouldn't you like to know what that fluctuation is?" In my opinion it's all about understanding your body and how it reacts. Granted, you don't want to get obsessive about it, but weighing yourself daily and getting a better idea which way you're body is headed really worked for me and still does. I stopped losing weight almost a year ago, but to keep it off and stay within the same 5lb range I still weigh myself every day.

In my opinion monthly weigh ins are too far apart. Going by your question, Morbidity, what would happen if your weigh-in was during your cycle? You may have some temporary water weight that will go away very soon but instead you may think that you're not progressing as well as you like. That can be discouraging. They also tend to take on an almost ritualistic quality which I don't think is healthy. When you do the weighing daily it almost becomes a part of your overall routine, not something you build up angst and worry over.

[doc]

What doc means to say is that he is an asshole for posting like that in this thread.

Like y'all didn't know this ??



Wow folks, still an asshole.

[doc]

I'm all for y'alls weight loss, and I have seen the error of my ways and I promise not to tempt you anymore by posting any more about desserts etc.

[Brynja]

People were warned not to be asshats in this thread.

Perhaps when doc returns he will truly have understood the error of his ways.

[Brynja]

Ok so serious but kinda ha ha funny question.

Does sex/wrestling intensely for 45 min to 1 1/2 hr count as aerobic exercise?

If so I have found the exercise for me!

[AriesOmega]

Ok so serious but kinda ha ha funny question.

Does sex/wrestling intensely for 45 min to 1 1/2 hr count as aerobic exercise?

If so I have found the exercise for me!

Yes it does!;)

I am not sure how much...but if you are sweating...it counts.

Hmmmm....:scratchchin:Thats an exercise the wife and me can do that we are BOTH at the same physical level. I can see it..."hunny I love you and we need to work out. Killin two birds with one stone" :lol:

[Brynja]

See now you are thinking!

I know the ginger and I do a whole lot of pinning and wrestling before we get with the main event.

[AriesOmega]

Brynja---> :victorydance: <---AO

Thank you! I have now remembered another good workout to do. A lot more interesting then running I tell you.

You see (points to his head) not just a hat rack. It's hollow but there is something rattling around in there.

[Brynja]

Of course not all sexy time activities are aerobic but our antics could certainly be classified as such

[Lady Fury]

Ok so serious but kinda ha ha funny question.

Does sex/wrestling intensely for 45 min to 1 1/2 hr count as aerobic exercise?

If so I have found the exercise for me!


This is the best kind of exercise! It also promotes flexibility which in turn strengthens your core muscles and helps speed up your weight loss.



AO, a lot of what you wrote about your wife rings true for my situation. I don't know how many kids you have but I have 4 and I know I hate not having help in the evening with them. It's tiring to get 4 kids bathed and ready for bed. I'm sure your wife is just frustrated. It sounds like she is out of shape and to see you get to go out and work some of your weight off while she's stuck at home isn't very fair. My husband will go on long walks every night right at bedtime. I don't know if he does it to get out of helping or if he does it because it's the perfect temperature outside to do so. I have to agree that finding something you two can do together would be beneficial for your health and marriage. Getting the kids involved is also a good idea because it helps them develop healthy exercise habits.

Don't beat yourself up over 1.8lbs. In the grand scheme of things that is just a tiny bump in your weight loss journey. We all have days where we say to hell with it and eat somethings that aren't so good for us. We're human, not super human. Just remember what your triggers are and try to find a healthier alternative or if it's possible just take a few bites of the food you wanted and put the rest away. The taste buds are satisfied after the first 3 bites anyways.

My exercise last night was folding lots and lots of laundry and putting it away. I know that doesn't sound like much but some of you have seen pics of how much laundry accumulates in a few days at my house. The constant getting up and down to put clothes away raised my heart rate just enough for me. I know soon it won't be a work out anymore and that's what I'm hoping for.

I'm still having issues eating during the day. It's nearly noon and I still haven't had a bite of food because I'm not hungry. Should I eat even when I'm not hungry?

[Brynja]

Yes eat regularly.

Dont gorge but do fuel yourself

[Lady Fury]

I should try and get myself to eat when the kids eat. They have 5 small meals a day. Breakfast, snack at 10am, Lunch, snack at 3pm, Dinner. If I don't feed them like that then they tend to sit around all day in front of the tv. And with that I have my "Ah ha" moment. :o

[Brynja]

<3

[Snatch]

Ok so serious but kinda ha ha funny question.

Does sex/wrestling intensely for 45 min to 1 1/2 hr count as aerobic exercise?

If so I have found the exercise for me!

For the sake of science (http://calorielab.com/news/2008/02/12/calories-burned-during-sex/)

[AriesOmega]

Thing 1: Snatch...I love you. ;) I mean in plutonic, brother/sister way. This is a GREAT link! Whenever I bring up the benefits of sex or ANYTHING I usually need to have some kind of proof. Example...Jackalopes are not real. She said yes they are...she seen stuffed ones. I had to go to the internet to prove her wrong. Thank you Snatch...this works.

Thing 2: I noticed the tags on this thread is
"shakeitshakeitshakeit" and "worthless without pics"

Next week that changes...for me at least.
I am posting....PICS! Nothing risque. Just the scale and things I am doing to lose weight. Okay...at least some the things I am doing. :naughty:

[Snatch]

I'm still having issues eating during the day. It's nearly noon and I still haven't had a bite of food because I'm not hungry. Should I eat even when I'm not hungry?

The basic concept is this: You want to keep your blood sugar even throughout the day so you don't have high peaks and low valleys of energy. Generally, you shouldn't go too long without eating because your body goes into a kind of "starvation" mode -- it stores fat, and your metabolism slows down as a survival tactic. In addition, when you go a long time without eating you generally will eat anything that's put in front of you and often over eat as a consequence.

On the other hand, many people don't learn to respond to their body's internal cues and instead eat just because it's mealtime and there's food in front of them. In the ideal situation, you want to eat small meals (or feedings) fairly frequently (every three to four hours) throughout the day. Small meals keep you from being too full and tired, from eating more calories than you can use and from being on a blood-sugar roller coaster.

So the real answer is to learn to listen to your body, eat when you are hungry and not go too long (more than four hours or so) without food. For most people that means eating at mealtimes plus a couple of nutritious snacks during the day.

Do you often go without eating breakfast or without eating for the whole morning?

[Lady Fury]

I've never been one to eat breakfast because it makes me sick. I usually don't have lunch either for the same reason. I think what made things worse was going 6 mos without any food when I was pregnant with my son. It took me nearly 6 mos after that to learn how to eat again. (Have a PIC line in me for nutrition took away all my hunger pains and my stomach shrunk. I had to go to a specialist to get my stomach working again. For a while there I wasn't digesting the food I was eating. That really sucked.) I do get hunger pains now but they aren't strong like they were before the whole not eating thing.

I'm sure most of my exhaustion comes from not eating. It just so easy not to eat.

On a side note I just cute up some apples for the kids and had a few slices as well.

[Snatch]

Thing 1: Snatch...I love you. ;) I mean in plutonic, brother/sister way. This is a GREAT link! Whenever I bring up the benefits of sex or ANYTHING I usually need to have some kind of proof. Example...Jackalopes are not real. She said yes they are...she seen stuffed ones. I had to go to the internet to prove her wrong. Thank you Snatch...this works.

Don't forget to tell her you'll die if you don't get any. It's a biological thing.

[Snatch]

I'm sure most of my exhaustion comes from not eating. It just so easy not to eat.


That is likely a significant factor, although with your recent health history it's understandable.

It's likely your metabolism is slow for a variety of reasons, and your lack of appetitie and desire to eat would be contributing to it. Eating should never make you feel ill, unless the food is bad, or you over-eat, or somehting is physically wrong with you (i.e. a virus or bacteria).

Try eating small snacks in the morning (like cheese and crackers or a moderate sized apple) and see how that goes. Everyone is different when it comes to what is normal routine, but you should be hungry in the morning after a night of fasting while sleeping.

[Lady Fury]

I learned a very valuable food lesson today the hard way. No gallbladder means certain foods are not going to be eaten or drank again.:grey:

[Brynja]

Well lessons learned!!!

[Brynja]

I am making breakfast atm.

Garlic, shrimp, salt and pepper in white wine cooking.

Oh and capers.

[Random Encounter]

I just had a bowl of Frosted Flakes. I can't imagine having seafood for breakfast.
Then again I can't imagine eating seafood either. :ack:

I did pay attention to labels at the store when I bought the Frosted Flakes though. I was about to buy Safeway's "Eat right" brand of frosted corn flakes, which was the same price as Kellogg's brand but in a smaller box. But looking at the labels showed that Kellogg's had fewer calories per cup of cereal, more vitamins, less fat and less salt than the "Eat Right" version. So I could get the healthier cereal in a larger box for the same price as the unhealthier cereal that was labeled as "healthy".

[shiningbrow]

Honey, my mentor took up swimming as a low impact exercise, and if you think you look bad in a swimsuit... she is *huge*. Severely obese. Check if your local swimming pools have certain times for therapeutic swimming, you will see people there who make you look anorectic.

LF, swimming is some of the best low impact exercise you can get and it's wonderful not only for the abdominal muscles, but for stress relief and overall self confidence and mental health. Saying you won't swim because you are worried about what a bunch of 18 year olds will think of your older more experienced body is like saying you won't take a foreign language class until you manage to get fluent at home first! You have to overcome that self-consciousness and do it for you, your children and for your spouse. People need you in good shape and you will be surprised how good it will make you feel. Besides, lap swimming, in my experience is not an occasion to check out other people's bodies, it's simply to see how long you can swim. Everybody looks like a martian anyway, with the rubber caps and goggles! It's a great way to burn fat and excess calories and great for the heart. Most universities have some shower areas with curtains/privacy, if that's a concern. The important thing is for you to get out there and do it.

Now, having pontificated at great length, I confess, I could stand to drop 10 pounds myself, but I don't think that anything short of changing eating habits and taking more regular, systematic exercise will do it. I have to lay off the afternoon cookies and the late night cheese snacks and that will help alot.

[seizure salad]

I finally went back to the gym a few days ago and did a gentle work out, it fealt great! however i think i wasn't careful enough with my ankle, as it feels worse. the othre week my meds made me crazy for three days and my digestion/appetite is still really messed up; i have been forcing myself to eat at all. i am probably not having enough caloric intake, and am having a glucose control protein shake daily to take in something. i am hoping the meds didnt mess with me so much that my period is really late:) i think i am officially down a size in pants, and my bra's are getting a lil big too :) current weight is 160 (half way there!)

take care all, keep up the good work!

[Dr_Avalanche]

Alright, I'm getting on the bandwagon as well. Until about a year ago I was doing well, was down to about 185 lbs, but then I guess I started feeling too good about myself and allowed myself too many small exceptions from my diet etc etc. Now I'll start over, cutting out carbohydrates, minimizing alcohol to at most once a week, preferably less. And hopefully increase the exercise dose a bit too from nearly nothing to at least something.

I'll be weighing in every Sunday morning, starting today: 208.6 lbs, waist: 96 cm.

[Cat of Ulthar]

AO, a lot of what you wrote about your wife rings true for my situation. I don't know how many kids you have but I have 4 and I know I hate not having help in the evening with them. It's tiring to get 4 kids bathed and ready for bed. I'm sure your wife is just frustrated. It sounds like she is out of shape and to see you get to go out and work some of your weight off while she's stuck at home isn't very fair. My husband will go on long walks every night right at bedtime. I don't know if he does it to get out of helping or if he does it because it's the perfect temperature outside to do so.
That's not very fair. Of course he needs to stay in shape too but it sounds like it would be better if you would alternate: one evening he goes on his walk and you take the kids to bed, the other evening you walk and he does the kids.

I have just had a roleplaying convention so that was loads of beer and eating like a starved lion (freeforming makes hungry!). On the other side, I have walked up the mountain where the castle was located and the Cartographer and I went for a walk even further up the mountain on Sunday evening. Also running around like a mad woman in a freeform for up to five hours may have served to burn some calories. :) And the best thing of all was the disco Sunday night! That was every young geek's dream: A disco full of nerds. No matter how you look and what your moves , no one is going to think you are uncool. :D So dance to your hearts' content! I may have gained some weight but I am not too worried about it, I knew this was going to be a gluttinous weekend and as it is my one con a year I did not restrict myself from anything.

I did however get the "Oooh, you are pregnant, that is wonderful!" approach from one... ex... mate.;) He felt very awkward afterwards.

[Brynja]

Down 1 lbs. :)

[Snatch]

I learned a very valuable food lesson today the hard way. No gallbladder means certain foods are not going to be eaten or drank again.:grey:

I hear ya...

It's a bit of a learning curve.

[Random Encounter]

I weighed in at 195.7 yesterday and today.
First few pounds went fast but now they're coming off slowly. I'm stepping up my walking and I'm going to be mowing the lawn with the push mower instead of the electric mower this summer for the extra full body workout that gives me.

[AriesOmega]

Sorry about the late update. Monday...dropped 2.8 lbs! I been working on portion control and listening to my body more to tell me when it's enought.

I been drinking water as well. I had this old Army canteen that I been using at work. People were ribbing me about it. I broke down and bought a reusable waterbottle and all. I find drinking water helps out with things for me.

[seizure salad]

had yum lunch today : glucerna meal in a can (8oz 150cal) w/6oz plain Kefir; chopped strawberries(4); doz blueberries; 1/2 a banana; 15 crushed almonds; handful Kashi cereal; added a svg metamucil. i was able to down half of it, and when i went back two hrs later the metamucil had mad it all thick like a shake mmm. I just came home from gym, weight up 4lbs; but i am getting my monthly so its prolly water weight.

tonight is potluck @ a friends, squashy is making a stir fry (his stir fries are amazing), & i think i will cook a lil quinoa :)

[Lady Fury]

Minor setback. I've been unable to eat much for the last 4 days. I have a feeling it has to do with the heat wave we are currently having. I tried to call my doctor today but his office closed. I need a refill on my anti-nausea medicine. Hopefully that will help me start eating again. I tried a very small much lunch but was only able to eat a couple bits before I completely full.

I've lost only 1.5lbs over the last 3 days. I guess that's better then a weight gain. I've been playing outside with the kids for my exercise. (They play hard. I don't remember running around that much as a kid. Wish I could tap into their energy level.)

[Northcott]

Theo I was wondering if your view on daily would change for women if you took into account their cycle. I'm sure someone told me that female weight can naturally fluctuate quite a bit during the month. I've never actually bothered to track it to see if it's true.

Unsolicited advice here, but... Theo's hit the bullseye. Seriously. Weigh in regularly. Period and such included... or stop when you feel that time coming around, if you don't want to see the results, but pick it up again after. Even without the cycle, the body can jump up and down by several pounds in a day, just from water weight alone -- to say nothing of other factors.

[Northcott]

Sorry...I need to vent....this is going to be a bit of a :soapbox:
(remainder snipped for space)....

Just so you know, that never entirely goes away. Or at least it doesn't if your mate just doesn't share your commitment. Sometimes it's the more intimate issues, like wanting more attention -- but sometimes they just have a different set of values than you do.

I have a very similar problem with my wife, and always have. I'd be willing to go psycho hardcore on the nutrition thing. She's entirely against that. I can also count on her to look in the mirror, complain about how she looks, swear to Heaven that she's going to go hardcore... and then the very next day buys a fucking tub of ice cream. It drives me absolutely batshit crazy. :what:

[Northcott]

I just had a bowl of Frosted Flakes. I can't imagine having seafood for breakfast.
Then again I can't imagine eating seafood either. :ack:

I did pay attention to labels at the store when I bought the Frosted Flakes though. I was about to buy Safeway's "Eat right" brand of frosted corn flakes, which was the same price as Kellogg's brand but in a smaller box. But looking at the labels showed that Kellogg's had fewer calories per cup of cereal, more vitamins, less fat and less salt than the "Eat Right" version. So I could get the healthier cereal in a larger box for the same price as the unhealthier cereal that was labeled as "healthy".

Dude... you're shovelling sugar down your throat by the spoonful at breakfast, and you're getting sick at the idea of seafood for breakfast? ;)

Throw that "less fat is better" mentality out the window. Fats, like carbs and proteins, come in different levels of quality. Carbs have their uses, but frosted flakes? Outside of a post-workout snack with a high-protein shake, don't touch that stuff if you're looking for fat loss. The sugars in that will race toward storage.

If you're doing breakfast, and absolutely need to do something carb-heavy, then go for something higher in fibre and lower in sugar. Oatmeal that you season yourself is a good choice. Avoid the pre-packaged crap. If it comes to something pre-packaged, and you can afford it, I've found that Fibre 1's honey-nut cereal has one of the best fibre/sugar ratios out there. Roughly half the sugar of most other cereals (5-6 grams), and 14ish grams of fibre. Take with skim milk.

Yes, I just decried the low-fat thing, but if you're sucking in a carb-heavy meal, skip the fats. If you're downing a fat-heavy meal, reduce the carbs to greens and fibrous vegetables. Steak and ceasar salad without croutons? Good. Steak and potato or pasta? Bad.

[Cat of Ulthar]

*takes notes*

[AriesOmega]

Anyone got tips or advice on post work out stuff? I ask for two reasons.

Sometimes after a particulary rough class in which we do lots of sparring or grappling I find out a while later I messed up a wrist or something and it hurts for days after. So far Tiger Balm and one of those magnetic bracelet things seem to help.

Second is I know after a workout you should do certain things. I stretch out again after class as a cool down and drink water. I usually go to classes around 8pm and end an hour later. I don't eat dinner before I go. I may have some kind of light snack...but I don't want to have dinner and feel weight down and sluggish while at class. I usually eat after...but I hear thats bad since it's so late.

Any advice or observations?

[seizure salad]

Anyone got tips or advice on post work out stuff? I ask for two reasons.

Second is I know after a workout you should do certain things. I stretch out again after class as a cool down and drink water. I usually go to classes around 8pm and end an hour later. I don't eat dinner before I go. I may have some kind of light snack...but I don't want to have dinner and feel weight down and sluggish while at class. I usually eat after...but I hear thats bad since it's so late.

Any advice or observations?

My manager usually goes to the gym to lift weights after work (9pm) and he has started to eat several hours before gym time in order to have the propper fuel in him, but to not be full @ the gym. i know eating too late isn't supposed to be good; but i am of the opinion that a late snack helps in addition to early dinner as long as you don't immediately go to bed :)

[The Theocrat of Poon-Tang]

I believe after a workout getting some lean protein helps recovery and muscle growth. I myself try to have some peanut butter crackers with a glass of milk. Keep in mind the peanut butter does have fat in it, so make sure it fits into your daily calorie budget.

If that doesn't appeal to you find a source of lean protein that isn't quite as high in fats.

And actually, this is a relatively new discovery, but they say that caffeine an hour after workouts also helps recovery. Now, if it's in the evening, obviously watch out unless you want to be up all night.

[Lady Fury]

I think I have enough courage to post this now. I need to get this weight loss thing kicked up a notch if I'm going to be teaching high school kids how to drive.(I haven't said yes yet but I'm leaning towards yes).

My starting weight was 212.3lbs which for me is what I weighed before I had my first child. I was all the way up to 250 the day I had my last child. Lost 30 of it then stayed there until I had my abdominal surgery. I managed to lose another 7 or so pounds but that 7lbs keeps coming and going. It's very frustrating. I want to be 150lbs which is what my ideal body weight should be for my bone structure and height. (At least that's what my doctor is telling me.) I'd like to just be able to control my abdominal muscles again. The only way that's going to happen is if I lose the weight so they can go in there to tighten them. The doctors don't want to do that right now because of what happened after I had the skin and fat removed.

It's very frustrating and embarrassing to be this big. I hate it that people have to wonder if I'm pregnant or just fat. It has stopped me from going to school functions for my daughter because I hate to have to bind my mid section up so tight that I can't breath. I do that every time I have a job interview or meet people for the first time. So there you all have it. Not even Singularity knows what my weight has been. As of today I'm weighing in at 201.6. I really am mad at myself for letting myself go so long. I read in my medical chart when I was pregnant with my son that I was morbidly obese. I cried for a week straight. I was 7 months pregnant at the time. What an awful thing to write down. And just to refresh all of your memories my son was born premature and he was 10lbs 4 oz and 24inches long.

I don't want pity. That's not why I'm writing this. I just wanted to give an incite on why it took me so long to be able to write down that number.

The last time I weighed 150 was when I was in college. I'd settle for 160 if that meant I looked healthier. I also need to quit using the "I had 4 big babies" as a crutch to cover up my embarrassment of being fat.

I ask one favor for those here that post at CM, please don't use this information as fuel to beat me down. I know I can take a lot but this for me is a very sensitive issue and I've typed this post a dozen times over the last few weeks and this is the first time I've been able to hit the submit reply button.

[AriesOmega]

I think I have enough courage to post this now. (snipped)

:clap:
:highfive:

That was very brave of you to come forward like that. It's stuff like what you admitted and all that motivates me. We are all different shapes and sizes. You post has motivated me to post my pics finally. I kept talking a good game and Lady Fury kicked up a notch and now I have to do it or lose it.

This is my sign in screen for the Wii Fit

http://www.kaytastrophe.com/vb/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=70

Yes...I have a pudgy Mii on this. The Wii Fit adjusts the appearance of you Mii. If you are skinny...your Mii is skinny. If you are fat you Mii is fat.

This is a shot of my BMI.

http://www.kaytastrophe.com/vb/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=71

This is my weight.

http://www.kaytastrophe.com/vb/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=72

Lastly this is my "fitness age" which is +10 years older then me. Meaning I am as fit as someone 10 years older then me.

http://www.kaytastrophe.com/vb/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=73

[Morbidity]

Just posting to give some general encouragement.

LF you've posted a good long-term goal there, did you have an interim goal in mind? I'm thinking of maybe a 3 month target.

[Lady Fury]

Just posting to give some general encouragement.

LF you've posted a good long-term goal there, did you have an interim goal in mind? I'm thinking of maybe a 3 month target.

My biggest goal right now is to eat more often. I'm up to 2 to 3 small meals a day where I was eating maybe once a night. I want to get up to 5 small meals a day. I've been trying to snack when I give the kids snacks. Tonight I had a piece of cheese and an apple slice. Something I wouldn't have done before. My 5yr old said she was proud of me. We are all trying to eat healthier. I'm no longer buying frozen mini pizzas for the kids to eat. Instead we are trying to eat fresh food and since it's prime berry season they are willing to try all sorts of new stuff.

After I get my stomach working again then I will start to count my calories. I want to get myself eating 300-400 calorie small meals throughout the day. Maybe my anemia and vit D deficiency will get better once I start eating more foods rich in iron and vit D/calcium. I'm lactose intolerant so I have to be careful with the dairy. I try some Almond milk. Not bad actually and I can mix my morning vitamin powder into it. So far I've only had it twice in the morning. Mornings are so hard for me.

Exercise. Currently it's very unstructured but I am moving more. I've been going outside for an hour a day with the kids to play around in the yard. Some times we play tag or hide and go seek other times we just sing and dance, which for me is a work out. I'm also trying to lift with my legs instead of my arms and back which takes the majority of my pain out of the equation. I actually am feeling more energy. Something I haven't had in years. I'm getting 8hrs of sleep which may also be why I have improvement. When I was working I was getting only 4hrs of sleep. I know I need to make sure I get my sleep when I start working again otherwise I'll be back to square one.

It's a lot of learning and breaking of bad habits. And I know my smoking isn't helping things either. I wish I wouldn't have picked that back up after my son was born. (But that's in the past now and I need to look forward to a better future.)

One more thing, Singularity is wanting to join in on the getting healthier thing. He took my 5yr old on a long walk tonight and is making an effort not to ask me to buy him his favorite snack foods.

I really appreciate the support and encouragement. I know a lot of you know exactly what I'm going through and it's nice to know that I'm not in this alone.

[Cat of Ulthar]

Bravely sharing
It's very strong of you to post all this here. I salute you. I am sure that it is going to be hard, but with all the good decisions you posted in your last post, it sounds like you are really making an effort and fortunately seeing progress. You are doing great honey, I am impressed by your strength.

I ask one favor for those here that post at CM, please don't use this information as fuel to beat me down. I know I can take a lot but this for me is a very sensitive issue and I've typed this post a dozen times over the last few weeks and this is the first time I've been able to hit the submit reply button.
Anyone even thinking about using this to beat you down is sincerely lacking of a funny bone and will be lacking some more bones when I am done with them. :mad: I am sure Brynja will wield the banhammer with great force if anyone misuses the trust we have in this thread; and I have a feeling Morrus might have something to say about it as well.

You post has motivated me to post my pics finally.

Shows a good declining line! Well done, keep it up!

[Lady Fury]

I finally got in touch with my doctor yesterday. We switched up my medication a little and last night was the first night in a very, very long time that I slept straight through without waking up in pain. I woke up hungry this morning and not nauseous. I'm feeling very encouraged. I had a light breakfast of blackberries and a slice of toast with 3 spritzes of no-calorie butter spray.

And the best news of all for me is I'm down under the 200lb mark. I haven't seen that number for nearly a decade!!! :yay: The exact number was 198.7. I'll take it! Doctor said he'd be happy if I could get down to 170 by then end of the summer. I said I'd be on cloud 9 if I could get there by then. I told him what I've been doing to change the lifestyle and he approved. He just cautioned me on not over doing it physically.

Yesterday was a very active day for me because my daughter's school had their end of the year bbq. We took all the kids and our puppy as well as my mother in law and father in law. I don't think I sat down once during the 3hrs we were there. The kids were all fascinated with the puppy and I had a line of people just coming up to me and Charley. Charley did so well. I'm so proud of that puppy of mine. And at the end of the evening they had a raffle and we won 5 free games of bowling. So now I have another activity planned for the kids that's physical. :)

One more thing, I haven't been camping in a long while because of my pain but now I have a camping trip schedule in 2 weeks. We are going to take our kids and our friends are coming with theirs. I feel like I'm getting my life back. It's amazing how taking off just 10lbs and adding some extra vitamins and better food choices can make a person feel so much better.

Thank you AO and Kay's for having this Weight Loss Challenge. I don't know if I'll ever reach the number I want to weight but I have confidence that I will end up being a lot healthier and stay that way. I never thought telling people would make it so I followed through with my goals.


(I'll stop rambling now. :o)

[Dr_Avalanche]

Sounds very good, Lady Fury.

Personally, this was a week of weak impulse control. I think I said something a week ago about drinking less alcohol, and eating less carbs. Tuesday: 20 pieces of sushi. Wednesday: Summer party at work, with free wine and beer. Thursday: Going out with a friend, and more beer. Saturday: National Day/Soccer World Cup qualifiers party with hamburgers, fries and - more beer.

In other words, no wonder I gained a pound instead of losing any.

7/6: 209.4 lbs

This week, no parties, and smaller portions, and water instead of beer or soda. Yup. Hopefully some exercise too.

[Cat of Ulthar]

Yeay Lady Fury!!! :bounce:

I have weighed in this week at the same weight, 85.5 kilos. Not bad after the weekend, I assumed I would have gained some weight. This week doing well food-and alcoholwise, and some working out.

[Random Encounter]

Congratulations Lady Fury! It's nice to hear good news on your health for a change. :)

Odd thing. I was stuck at 195.7 Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Which was weird as I know my wieght fluctuates through the day it's odd that it would be exactly the same 3 days in a row. Well, Saturday I was really active in the morning doing yard work and getting ready for our gaming group to come over, but in the late afternoon evening I sat around and munched on the snacks people brought. Yesterday I was really lazy and played X-Box all day.
So this morning I go to check the damages from the munching Saturday and the lazy laying around Sunday,.......192.0. :what:

I guess I didn't eat very much on Sunday but I know I didn't burn many calories either. Maybe I lost more than I thought pushing the lawn mower Saturday morning, since I didn't wiegh in Sunday morning I wouldn't know.

This morning I didn't have time for breakfast before my carpool arrived so instead of walking around the parking lot at work I walked the 2 blocks to Panera Bread and got an orange juice and breakfast sandwich to go. It felt good to walk somewhere with a purpose instead of doing laps.

[Xavier Lang]

Monday 233.5 (long weekend of overeating at various celebrations for my wife's birthday.)

[Brynja]

worked out yesterday, ate well.

breakfast- oatmeal and a pear
lunch- costco frozen burrito
snack- fiber one bar
dinner- white wine x2 and grilled veggies

[Northcott]

I believe after a workout getting some lean protein helps recovery and muscle growth. I myself try to have some peanut butter crackers with a glass of milk. Keep in mind the peanut butter does have fat in it, so make sure it fits into your daily calorie budget.

If that doesn't appeal to you find a source of lean protein that isn't quite as high in fats.

And actually, this is a relatively new discovery, but they say that caffeine an hour after workouts also helps recovery. Now, if it's in the evening, obviously watch out unless you want to be up all night.

Pure peanut butter (most of the manufactured crap has hydrogenated oils and heavy amounts of sugar added) contains healthy monosaturated fats, and some protein -- though the protein is, like other legumes, incomplete. Still, something's better than nothing.

What needs to be borne in mind, however, is that fats slow the absorbtion of protein. Normally this is a good thing, as you want a steady insulin level in the body rather than the spikes caused by carbs. However, you're loading carbs down with fats -- it's kind of counter-productive to your goals if you're trying to lose weight.

There's indication that the body can absorb significantly more protein after intense physical exercise than it is normally capable of processing. This requires efficiency of digestion and absorbtion. Milk is good for this, as it contains 20% whey and 80% casein proteins -- the former being swift-absorbing, and the latter slow. Along with the lactose and the insulin spike that milk causes, that's shuttling nicely into your system.

Another way to go is a specifically constructed drink for that purpose: this is the one time that a low fat/high carb/high protein intake is actually highly beneficial. Your body can use the proteins, and the higher carbs will spike your insulin levels to shuttle that protein to your muscles quicker. For best effect, a quickly absorbed protein like whey is a good choice. For the cheap man (like me) this means that a little Quik mixed in some skim milk with whey protein powder is a win. For somebody with the cash to blow, something like Biotest's Surge is about the best out there. Or for those who want something solid in their gut; rice and lean meat, sandwich with lean meat, etc.


There's also mounting evidence that the nutrients taken in during a prolonged, intense workout may be just as important (or moreso) than those taken in the 1-2 hour window after a workout.

[Northcott]

worked out yesterday, ate well.

breakfast- oatmeal and a pear
lunch- costco frozen burrito
snack- fiber one bar
dinner- white wine x2 and grilled veggies

If I might offer a touch of constructive criticsm: get more protein in your diet. No other macronutrient helps build and maintain lean tissue. Try to get decent protein sources in at every meal, especially if you're working out to 'tone up'.

[AriesOmega]

I been away with work and now school. I am taking online college courses right now.

Anyhow I been not working out but my weight has maintained and all which is good. I think it is because I been doing lots of yard work, home improvements and the like. It is the end of the year for school, soccer and other activities so I been busy. I am going to the dojo to work out tonight.

[Brynja]

If I might offer a touch of constructive criticsm: get more protein in your diet. No other macronutrient helps build and maintain lean tissue. Try to get decent protein sources in at every meal, especially if you're working out to 'tone up'.

No problem, I assume all comments in this thread are constructive.
So like fish, chicken, lean beef, some nuts etc?

Yesterday was:

B- oatmeal with a bit of honey (less than a tsp)
L- tuna and saltines (8) and some mozz cheese
S- watermelon
D-pan cooked chicken breast stuffed with pears and a thin slice of raclette cheese and shredded brasciole, argula salad with smoked salmon, capers, salt/pepper and lemon juice with some olive oil, grilled veggies in a white wine

[The Theocrat of Poon-Tang]

For the cheap man (like me) this means that a little Quik mixed in some skim milk with whey protein powder is a win.

I too, sir, am a cheap bastard. So cheap I intend on stealing this. ;)


There's also mounting evidence that the nutrients taken in during a prolonged, intense workout may be just as important (or moreso) than those taken in the 1-2 hour window after a workout.


Interesting. Unfortunately, though, I'm working out in the unfurnished portion of the basement - not conducive to chowing down. The only intake I usually have is Fitwater.

Ed, have you heard about that study that shows caffeine helps your muscle recovery? If so, any opinions?

[Lady Fury]

I had breakfast yesterday and today. This morning I had a whole wheat piece of toast with 4 squirts of no calorie butter spray and topped it off with 2 egg whites scrambled. Filled me up. :)

It's a nice day out again so I plan to spend it outside with the kids. We've been filling up a trailer with yard waste that we are going to haul off to the dump soon. We have a lot of down branches from the winter. I need to borrow the neighbors chainsaw this afternoon so I can chop up the larger branches. I think I may save a few logs to take camping next weekend.

So I'm taking baby steps with this whole exercise and eating thing and I notice a huge difference in my energy level. Also I went to bed at 10pm last night instead of 3am. I fell asleep on my own which is really hard to do. So I'm a happy lady right now.:)

[Brynja]

It is likely the improving nutrition, exercise and what not :)

[Black Angel]

That is a breakfast of champions LF! Good work.

[Northcott]

No problem, I assume all comments in this thread are constructive.
So like fish, chicken, lean beef, some nuts etc?

Yep! Not to forget eggs and cottage cheese. Don't eat the eggs with carbs, and you've got awesome little dietary bombs. A ton of nutrients crammed into those things. Some people can't handle casein (and I remain convinced that the widespread intolerance for dairy in our society is due to the combination of grain-fed cows and pasteurization) -- but if you can handle it, then cottage cheese rocks. A nice, slow-digesting, high protein, low fat source that you can mix with your own preference of healthy fats and flavouring. Protein shakes are great for portable, easy nutrition too.


Yesterday was:

B- oatmeal with a bit of honey (less than a tsp) (Low protein, high carb)
L- tuna and saltines (8) and some mozz cheese (moderate in macronutrients)
S- watermelon (Watermelon rocks! But again... no protein)
D-pan cooked chicken breast stuffed with pears and a thin slice of raclette cheese and shredded brasciole, argula salad with smoked salmon, capers, salt/pepper and lemon juice with some olive oil, grilled veggies in a white wine(and finally at dinner you take in a heavy dose of protein)

You are, by the way, eating a Hell of a lot healthier than probably 90% of the population. Full props for that. You're rocking on your mission, and you're staying focused. That's awesome. What I say isn't to knock that down, but to add some more building blocks to your effort.

Protein is a metabolically expensive macronutrient: which is to say, you get a low caloric impact, plus your body expends more energy in utilizing it, and it's far less likely to store as fat. The other two macronutrients (carbs and fats) affect insulin levels, which affects how the protein is used. When you're not in a peri or post-workout phase, you want a steady nitrogen level, indicative of an anabolic state. This is acheived by making sure that the proteins are being digested slowly, and taking them in throughout the day. Whey is digested crazy quick. Casein much more slowly. It's why milk has a great one-two punch. Most meats digest slowly. Egg whites go quick, but whole eggs go slow (high fat content).

If you're working out as part of your body reshaping efforts, and seeking a toned, firm physique rather than just skinny, then protein is essential to your dietary effort.

[Northcott]

I too, sir, am a cheap bastard. So cheap I intend on stealing this. ;)

Dude! Steal away! :) I swiped the idea off of Dr. John Berardi, who suggested chocolate milk as a post-workout drink if somebody can't afford Surge. I haven't bought Biotest products in over a year due to finances... but damn! They work. They work damned well*. When I get cash again, I may put in another order just to get some more of those Spike tablets.

*With the caveat that some products work better for certain individuals than they do for others, simply because of variables in biochemistry. Creatine, for example, is a supplement that's proven to work. However, the impact it has on individuals can vary greatly. Some take it for the first time and end up feeling incredibly energized, pumped, and make quick gains (until their body acclimates). Others take it and feel nothing, and don't draw in a discernable/visible benefit.

Interesting. Unfortunately, though, I'm working out in the unfurnished portion of the basement - not conducive to chowing down. The only intake I usually have is Fitwater.

My gym's in my basement, too! Crammed in the same room as my office. :) Protein shake in a shaker cup works wonders in that case.

Ed, have you heard about that study that shows caffeine helps your muscle recovery? If so, any opinions?

No, I hadn't heard that! I'm dead curious about it, though. When my sleep cycles started going to shit, I started chugging coffee to keep myself going. At my worst I was putting down a couple pots a day. :grey: I've since cut back.

My initial hunch would be that it might have something to do with the insulin-releasing effects that caffeine may have... but that's just a guess out of left field, as I haven't seen any of the reports on that.

[Northcott]

Oh yeah... and I'll be shameless and take this opportunity to pimp True Protein. Sorry for the triple post.

TrueProtein.com was started by a hardcore bodybuilding coach and some of his pals. They took a look around at the supplement industry, decided it was a giant rip-off, and started buying the ingredients for what they needed wholesale, rather than repackaged, sub-standard stuff that a lot of supplement companies sell. Eventually they moved into expanding that operation to sell to the public, instead of just buying for themselves and clients.

As a result, TrueProtein.com is a fantastic place to get cheap protein if you know what you're looking for. That's something I can guide people through if you're interested.

Also, and just so that I'm upfront about this: the promo code I put in my sig will get anybody an additional 5% off their order (on top of the reduction in price you get for larger orders). But after a certain number of such orders come in using my code (something like $300 bucks worth, or some such), I get a pound of free whey protein (or something like that). Vague? Yes. But only because I've completely bloody forgotten what the deal is. ;)

[Brynja]

Ok yesterday was:

B- the leftover bits of raceltte, and tidbits of smoked salmon

L- cup of garden veggie soup, chicken with salad greens, pineapples and stawberries and walnuts

S- *shame* one small sticky bun

D- arugula salad, capers, olive oil, salt and pepper. one glass of white wine.

Workout: 40 min on ellipitical

This morning ...


B- Carrots with some peanut butter and water.

(Work out from 5-6. Ahem. Much cardio and a smile)

[The Theocrat of Poon-Tang]

Creatine, for example, is a supplement that's proven to work. However, the impact it has on individuals can vary greatly. Some take it for the first time and end up feeling incredibly energized, pumped, and make quick gains (until their body acclimates). Others take it and feel nothing, and don't draw in a discernable/visible benefit...


I remember taking some Creatine several years back, and it didn't do much for me. However, I wasn't nearly as dedicated and serious as I am now, and not in nearly as good of shape. I may try it again someday, but I am more apt to do the chocolate milk/Quik thing instead.

[Xavier Lang]

Monday 233.5 (long weekend of overeating at various celebrations for my wife's birthday.)

Thursday - 226 Looks like I didn't do much damage over the weekend in the end.

[doc]

My weight yesterday was 186 on a 6'4 frame, need to eat more red meat/ veggies and less suger, started to do sit ups again . Got up to 25 before I quit that's 1/4 what I used to do every morning but then I was younger and stronger

[Random Encounter]

I was down to 193.4 this morning. Getting there a little at a time, which is what I'm looking for. If I was losing weight any faster I would be worried that I'm doing stuff I can't keep up in the long run and end up yo-yoing.

Since I don't want that to happen I'm making the small changes to my routine that are easy enough to train into habits, while still being effective at getting my wieght down where I want it to be.

[Cat of Ulthar]

So I am new to this whole protein carb etc lark, so bear with me.

Northcott, am I correct in understanding that eating a boiled egg is ok? And it's better to eat it on its own, without bread?
And I hear nuts are so good, so does that mean I can go wild on the cashews as snacks?

[doc]

So I am new to this whole protein carb etc lark, so bear with me.

Northcott, am I correct in understanding that eating a boiled egg is ok? And it's better to eat it on its own, without bread?
And I hear nuts are so good, so does that mean I can go wild on the cashews as snacks?

Nuts are high in fat, especially walnuts "According to one source[5]"One ounce of black walnut has 16.7 grams of total fat and .57 grams of omega 3’s. One ounce of English walnuts has 18.5 grams of total fat and 2.6 grams of omega 3’s."( according to wikipedia) but thier also high in protien

I like black pepper on my hard boiled eggs but stay away from the beer when eating them

[The Theocrat of Poon-Tang]

So I am new to this whole protein carb etc lark, so bear with me.

Northcott, am I correct in understanding that eating a boiled egg is ok? And it's better to eat it on its own, without bread?
And I hear nuts are so good, so does that mean I can go wild on the cashews as snacks?

Cashews are a fairly high calorie food. I personally love them, and will eat some when I can. I love peanuts, too.

But I also watch my intake. Anyone trying to lose weight by "going wild" on eating cashews and peanuts and not cutting in some other places is going to be extremely disappointed when they find out they have put on weight.

http://caloriecount.about.com/calories-cashew-nuts-i12087

[doc]

I like Hazel Nuts myself and they have 60 % fat, they are good on a salad

[Brynja]

I take a handful of nuts only and at that only once a day at most. Past that I run the risk of knoshing til they are gone

[Northcott]

I remember taking some Creatine several years back, and it didn't do much for me. However, I wasn't nearly as dedicated and serious as I am now, and not in nearly as good of shape. I may try it again someday, but I am more apt to do the chocolate milk/Quik thing instead.

Quik + skim milk + whey protein is win. Doesn't taste bad, but I find it a bit 'thick', in that it sort of coats the tongue. I drink it during workouts, but keep a glass of water on hand, too. (Whey protein drinks are reasonably priced, if you look around. Most stores will horribly over-charge, however. Or you can order on the 'net from discount stores, or True Protein, and pick it up cheap. I generally refuse to pay more than $8/lb for the stuff, in Canadian funds.)

Creatine is now dirt cheap. This suits me just fine. I just got in my latest shipment of junk from True Protein: 16 lbs of Milk Isolate Protein (I use it for meal replacements rather than post-workout stuff, because of the casein), some creatine, and some l-leucine (the amino acid that is apparently chiefly responsible for nutrient partitioning). I'm going to experiment over the next couple months with it, and see if it has the increased anabolic effect that everybody's screaming about.

Creatine's proving more useful in that, even if you don't feel it, it's having an affect on your energy systems, allowing an extra rep on a set. It's also being increasingly linked to neural health, and given how scatterbrained and perpetually fatigued I am, I need all the help I can get! ;)

[Northcott]

So I am new to this whole protein carb etc lark, so bear with me.

Northcott, am I correct in understanding that eating a boiled egg is ok? And it's better to eat it on its own, without bread?
And I hear nuts are so good, so does that mean I can go wild on the cashews as snacks?

Yes, the boiled egg is a healthy choice. Especially a soft-boiled one, if you're buying from flax-fed chickens. Preserves the Omega-3's more effectively (though only a small amount makes it into the egg). And it's much better to eat it without bread. Nuts are also a very healthy choice, loaded with nutrients. As pointed out, they pack a Hell of a caloric punch, however. Enjoy them in moderation.


Longer version: Avoid combining carbs and fats in meals. If you can reduce carbs after about the mid-point of your day, it makes it a little easier to lose weight, too. You're better off making use of them in the mornings, or during/after intense workouts that require an anabolic effect (sprinting, weight-lifting, etc). They're also excellent for recharging after endurance-based workouts, but I don't know that the process aids in losing fat/increasing lean mass to the same extent -- and may even sabotage it, as the net fat loss and caloric expenditure from aerobic workouts rarely matches that of higher-intensity exercise, and certainly lacks the higher protein requirement.

CLARIFICATION: Lots of stuff has carbs. Carbs are not, in and of themselves, bad. Neither are fats. I want to slap people who say "avoid fatty foods". Fats have many key metabolic functions in your body, and cutting them out is fucking inane. One of these days, I'm going to drop-kick a "dietician" when they start spouting that high-carb/low-fat crap in front of me. High carb intake is the fucking reason for the obesity epidemic we're seeing, and the terrifying climb of diabetes in our society. It's fucktarded.

So when I say "carbs", I generally mean "starchy and/or sugar-laden foods that are low in dietary fibre". Breads and potatoes fall into this category, along with sugar, honey (I don't give a fuck if it's "all natural", it still kicks your insulin in the balls), and other sweet stuffs.

Broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, peppers, leafy greens, and other veggies don't fall into the 'carb' category. These don't really do a damned thing to your insulin levels. Nice and loooowwwww. So you can eat fats without them storing -- which is a great time to take in healthy monosaturates, EFAs (especially Omega 3's), and even small to moderate doses of saturated fats. Yes, even the much-villainized saturated fat has a purpose in your body.

Some die-hards include fruit in the carb category... I think that's a tad too hardcore, unless you're some pro dieting down for a contest, don't worry about it (just avoid the really freakish insulin spikers, like bananas, later in the day).

Moral of the story: Veggies = good... except tubers. Though the sweet potato and yam are so packed with nutrients that they're kinda hard to naysay. If you're going to grab grainy foods, grab multi-grain/whole-grain.

To people who are trying to diet the weight off by eating less and feeling hungry -- I say: FUCK THAT NOISE! Why be hungry? It sucks! Eat a fucking apple! Dinner and/or lunch aren't filling? Try eating a carrot and a cup of broccoli along with it. I guarantee all that fibre will leave you feeling much more full. Plus you're getting a metric fuckton of nutrients that you'd be lacking if you went for the "stay hungry" route.

You'll be hard pressed to find somebody who got obese by eating lean meats and fibrous vegetables. :)

[AriesOmega]

Another week...another pound and change. I went to class twice this week. Saturday I was NOT in the mood to go. I tried to find excuses not to get my lazy ass up and go but I got there. We did grappling drills and rather thent he usual, get tossed and feel like crap...I felt good. I rolled with it and actually bounced back fast. Usually I move slow getting up and all.

I dunno if it means I am a masocist or that I in better shape now. Either way I feel good. I also found out I actually enjoy grappling. I have never done much before I came to this dojo, so it's something new to me.

[Lady Fury]

I've gained 2lbs. I know it's because of the medication I'm taking but it still brings me down. I'll be done with it tomorrow so hopefully the water weight will come off fast and I can get back to losing.

[Brynja]

Down two pounds and a 1/4 inch in my hips.

Cutting out the carbs has been helpful, just having whole grains and avoiding pasta.

[Cat of Ulthar]

I've gained 2lbs. I know it's because of the medication I'm taking but it still brings me down. I'll be done with it tomorrow so hopefully the water weight will come off fast and I can get back to losing.

Don't worry about it Lady, the changes you are making to your lifestyle are very good, and this med weight will vanish in no time.

[Random Encounter]

Down to 189.8, so still dropping.

Hardest change for me so far was cutting back on pasta. I didn't realize how much of my diet was pasta based until I started this. I haven't cut it out entirely but I've cut way, way back on my pasta intake.

[AriesOmega]

Down to 189.8, so still dropping..

:D

w00t!

Still dropping too...279.2 lbs.

[Name Lips]

OK. I know I haven't been active in this thread... but I've just now gotten back to the gym with my swim buddy.

Official weigh-in: 293 lbs.

Will post a new weigh-in every Tuesday after my workout.

Simple regime so far is simply swimming every Tuesday and Thursday. I'm going to make an effort to work outside in my yard. I'm also going to try to go for hikes on the weekends (went for a short walk in the forest today, but Emerald was in flipflops so we didn't get far before she called it).

I'm also eliminating fast food entirely. That by itself should make a huge difference. It's hard to pack as many calories into a homemade meal, from fresh ingredients, as you find a Burger King Value Meal. Also, no soda. I'm even going to give up sweetened tea (the amount of sugar we're going through on iced tea is just insane).

:)

[AriesOmega]

Official weigh-in: 293 lbs.

w000t!

Simple regime so far is simply swimming every Tuesday and Thursday.

Pale whale jokes aside I don't care if I pale as a ghost under my clothes. This summer I am going to try to swim at least once a week. Sounds like it's working for Name Lips

I'm also eliminating fast food entirely.

Ahh...hard...it's either they put crack in some of the food....or I just really like salt. I mean I don't salt potatoe chips but I do like McDonalds fries better then Burger King since they are saltier. Anyone also a salt fiend here?

I'm even going to give up sweetened tea (the amount of sugar we're going through on iced tea is just insane).

More power to you. I have weened my self to 75% unsweetened and 25% lemonade.

[Name Lips]

I like unsweet tea. But the trick is to get to it before Emerald dumps a third a cup of suger into the pitcher.

[Northcott]

Try Splenda instead of of sugar in your iced tea... and add less of it than you would sugar. Much less. I find I prefer the taste when it's not as powerfully sweet. I find it quenches thirst much better, whereas really sweet drinks leave my mouth feeling tacky/sticky/nasty. You'll probably find that just a hint of sweetness ends up working better for you, once you've adapted to it.

(Edit: I didn't read far enough! 'Tis Emerald who'd be better off with this tip!)

[ascottlane88]

I'm doing this for better health, and to improve sex. I currently weigh about 290 lbs.

plus I have to get it down so I can join the army.

[Cat of Ulthar]

Hello! :wave:

[seizure salad]

Update: gym weight yesterday 155.6 ! Down 4lbs :). Time to go to salvation army for a pair o pants that fit. I thought it would be up due to my appetite still being f*cked from my last med change. I am still forcing myself to eat; it has become an infuriating burden. I have been to the gym at most once a week w/out the energy to do much; it shall pass :-) I started belly dance class a few weeks ago & the last class I was overwhelmed to the point of tears & had a seizure. Luckily the teacher also has another beginners class that has a less experienced group of attendees.

[AriesOmega]

I haven't keep up my entries to this. I am going good though. I made it to the dojo three times last week. I didn't go to class Saturday morning since my son's Weblos pack had an overnight camping trip. I took both kids out and ran around until they were tired. The wife stayed home since it was in the 8o's with lots of humidity. I was not liking it and if thats the case the wife would hate it out there. The kids and I ran, played kick ball, hiked in the forest, played in the forest and did all kinds of stuff for a good 48 hours.

Today I was getting dressed and noticed my closed were a little looser then normal. I am going to the dojo today for a class and a good work out.

[TiQuinn]

Okay, so I've started doing some weightlifting to get back in shape, and I've got a question for the experts here. After just a single session, I've got stretch marks forming on the tops of my shoulders. It almost always happens when I start lifting weights. What surprised me though is that it happened almost immediately.

Any thoughts? What gives? Good? Bad? Am I doing something wrong?

[The Theocrat of Poon-Tang]

Okay, so I've started doing some weightlifting to get back in shape, and I've got a question for the experts here. After just a single session, I've got stretch marks forming on the tops of my shoulders. It almost always happens when I start lifting weights. What surprised me though is that it happened almost immediately.

Any thoughts? What gives? Good? Bad? Am I doing something wrong?

When it's happened before, did the marks go away?

I'll defer to Ed here, but I would think that as long as you're not getting any tightness or pain in the muscle itself, it's probably not something to get too worried about. Sometimes when you're doing something new (or very infrequently), stuff like this happens until your body gets used to it.

[TiQuinn]

When it's happened before, did the marks go away?

I'll defer to Ed here, but I would think that as long as you're not getting any tightness or pain in the muscle itself, it's probably not something to get too worried about. Sometimes when you're doing something new (or very infrequently), stuff like this happens until your body gets used to it.

Yeah, just when I've stopped lifting. Granted, I've never really stuck with it long enough to see if it went away while I was lifting. I usually get it in the same area around my shoulders each time though.

[The Theocrat of Poon-Tang]

Yeah, just when I've stopped lifting. Granted, I've never really stuck with it long enough to see if it went away while I was lifting. I usually get it in the same area around my shoulders each time though.

I think the key here is that in the past you've not stuck with it long enough. If I was a betting man, I'd say that if you did, they probably would go away.

More incentive for you to keep lifting - for science's sake! ;)

[AriesOmega]

This question the women may know better. What if you have stretch marks now and want to get ride of them? When I said I "ballooned up" I really mean it. I got stretchmarks and now that I am slimming down I want to make them fade and all.

[Cat of Ulthar]

Get cream for pregnant women. Unfortunately once you have stretch marks it's hard to get rid of them, vitamin E cream is your best bet I think. TiQuinn, you should start using pregnant women's vitamin E cream to prevent stretch marks.

[TiQuinn]

Get cream for pregnant women. Unfortunately once you have stretch marks it's hard to get rid of them, vitamin E cream is your best bet I think. TiQuinn, you should start using pregnant women's vitamin E cream to prevent stretch marks.

ROCK ON! Can't WAIT to bring that shit to the gym with me!

[Black Angel]

You don't have to apply it then and there.

Once stretch marks are established they are very hard to get rid of, but they do fade with time to a slivery colour, rather than the initial red/pink. Prevention, or treating them early, like others have suggested, may help. Rose hip oil and cocoa butter are 2 other treatments I have seen used with some success (mainly the rose hip oil).

[Northcott]

Okay, so I've started doing some weightlifting to get back in shape, and I've got a question for the experts here. After just a single session, I've got stretch marks forming on the tops of my shoulders. It almost always happens when I start lifting weights. What surprised me though is that it happened almost immediately.

Any thoughts? What gives? Good? Bad? Am I doing something wrong?

Given that stretch marks generally come from growth so fast that the skin can't adapt, which generally only comes in sudden gains of fat or with steroid-like muscle gains... I'm confused. Only steroid-free dude I've ever seen gain stretch marks from lifting weights was a 300 pound freak of nature.

And as I'm pretty sure you're not a juicer, I'm at a loss. Sorry!

Regular application of a skin cream is probably your best bet, as others have suggested.

[Lady Fury]

I haven't lost any more weight in the last few weeks. I am thinking it's because I've been so busy with my life that I'm building up some muscle mass. I have been able to get more water into my diet and I can tell because my completion is beginning to look a lot healthier.

[TiQuinn]

Given that stretch marks generally come from growth so fast that the skin can't adapt, which generally only comes in sudden gains of fat or with steroid-like muscle gains... I'm confused. Only steroid-free dude I've ever seen gain stretch marks from lifting weights was a 300 pound freak of nature.

And as I'm pretty sure you're not a juicer, I'm at a loss. Sorry!

Regular application of a skin cream is probably your best bet, as others have suggested.

Great. I'm a genetic freak. :D

I've put on some weight over the past year, but.....my shoulders? Weird shit. This has happened before, so I kind of expected it at some point. But usually it happened after a month or two where I was lifting steadily. I never would've thought it would happen after one session of weight lifting. It also wasn't trying to lift anything stupid heavy either. Bizarre.

[TiQuinn]

So here's been the breakdown of my meals over the past week:

Breakfast:
Either a small bowl of Kashi GoLean Crunch with berries and kefir OR a couple of scrambled eggs cooked with olive oil (optionally with some cheddar cheese) OR oatmeal with berries.

Lunch:
Various salads with either grilled chicken or fish, or a turkey sandwich on whole wheat.

Dinner:
Turkey Piccata with Spinach, Steak with Ratatouille, or some other combination of meat with a substantial portion of veggie.

Snacks (2 or 3 a day):
Handful of almonds or other nuts, Orange or other piece of fruit, a tablespoon of peanut butter or hardboiled egg after weight lifting.

That and a shitload of water throughout the day. So far, I've not been hungry which was one of my goals for the dieting. I'm also trying to make sure that veggies and fruits make up a good portion of my diet, as in the past they've been neglected. It's pretty hard not to get all your veggies though when you make ratatouille. :)

Exercise:

Alternating daily between weightlifting (5 minutes warmup on an ellptical, 30 - 40 minutes on weights, and some stretching after) and either 40 to 45 minutes of elliptical or walking trails around my house (1 hour +).

When I get more time, I'll post exactly what I've been doing weight lifting-wise.

:)

[Northcott]

The only thing I can think of, and this is really grasping at straws, is that perhaps your skin just isn't that flexible/elastic (anymore? We lose it with aging), and that the range of motion required in your lifts was well beyond that which your body is now used to indulging in, and so some minor dermal "WTF does Ti think he's doing?!?" was going on.

I dunno. :) But really, stretch marks are a small price to pay. Should I suddenly pack on so much muscle and lose so much fat that in the next year I'm entirely transformed, but have some stretch marks around my pecs, shoulders, arms, and thighs? I'll live with it. Fuck, I'll brag. ;)

[AriesOmega]

It's been quiet. Sorry for not posting. I been doing school and stressed at home. I am going to the dojo tonight. The sensai of the area should be in...not just an instructor...they guy who founded the schools in the area. Needless to say it's a sweaty workout when he comes. I plan to weigh myself tonight. More to follow.

[Lady Fury]

I'm down a total of 14lbs since I started all this. I know I could be losing more if I could find the time to exercise more. With summer here, I'm constantly taking the kids to the park behind our house.

I have a question is granola a good snack to have? I've had a new found craving for it. I've been buying in bulk and whenever I give the kids a snack I try to snack on a half a cup of low fat apple cinnamon granola and a bottle of water. It fills me up. I've noticed an energy increase as well but I don't know if that's just because I'm actually keeping my blood sugars even through out the day.

[TiQuinn]

Granola could be good in moderation but most are usually chock full of sugar so really watch out.

[Dr_Avalanche]

I've been away from home a couple of weeks, so I didn't hit the scales until this Sunday. My eating habits has been so so - in particular the rock festival wasn't a highlight - but I've been walking tons, and found that I had lost a pound since last time. Not much, but in the right direction. Otherwise it's a good time for dieting - it's so hot the appetite is all but gone.

[Name Lips]

290. Lost 3 pounds in the last week. Interesting because it was a Family Drama week and I didn't make it to the gym properly.

[Northcott]

I'm down a total of 14lbs since I started all this. I know I could be losing more if I could find the time to exercise more. With summer here, I'm constantly taking the kids to the park behind our house.

I have a question is granola a good snack to have? I've had a new found craving for it. I've been buying in bulk and whenever I give the kids a snack I try to snack on a half a cup of low fat apple cinnamon granola and a bottle of water. It fills me up. I've noticed an energy increase as well but I don't know if that's just because I'm actually keeping my blood sugars even through out the day.


Keeping bloody sugar level relatively even is key, so that's probably why. See my prior rant about "low fat" foods for what I think of most granolas and their ilk. Chances are they're jacked with sugar.

[AriesOmega]

Yesterday we did drills in martial arts class until we hit muscle failure.

In this school, we have these drills with predetermined movements to them. One set of drills for offensive related drills and another numbered set for defensive related drills. We went through each one and if the drill normally did NOT have a take down, we had to add one. In the case the drill did have a take down we had to add one in. This school is more about pugilism rather then grappling so it made more work for both partners since someone is being tossed and all.

I was good and tired afterwards. My diet has been crap but I haven't changed weight so thats good. I have found myself not wanting as much to eat most of the time. Like today I was satified with just a bowl of soup for lunch. Does anyone else have a change in eating habits?

BTW. Congrats Lady Fury on weight loss!

[Northcott]

When you go through those swings and changes in appetite, you've got to rein it in and push through with what you know is right regardless. Not feeling like eating? Fuck it. Make sure you eat at least three squares a day, and keep trying for those 4-5 feedings spaced throughout the day.

Physical composition is based upon a triangle of effort: work, nutrition, and rest. Neglect any point of it, and you're minimizing results. The 'work' portion is actually the easiest to acheive.

[Dr_Avalanche]

Lost another pound this week. Not much, and the training regime right now is nearly non-existent, but at least I'm eating right.

[TiQuinn]

Question: I know you should have something to eat after weight lifting...some good protein. But what about aerobic exercise? Same deal?

[Random Encounter]

I'm down to 182.3 this morning. Had a few days in the last week where I ate larger meals than I should, but I have kept up with the walking every chance I get at work.
I also bought a huge tub of oatmeal and have been making that for breakfast most mornings, so I'm eating a lot less sugary cereal.

My weight seems to have stabalized a bit. When I first started this I was seeing 1-3 pound loss every other day or so. Now I'm staying in the low 180s and I'm happy when I don't see a gain. I wanted down to about 180 when I started but mostly I wanted to be rid of my gut. My waistline has gone down in size enough that I need to go buy a new belt to keep my pants up. I still have a gut but it's not nearly as pronounced as it was before and I think I could go to the pool without being embarassed about taking off my shirt.

[The Theocrat of Poon-Tang]

Yesterday we did drills in martial arts class until we hit muscle failure.

In this school, we have these drills with predetermined movements to them. One set of drills for offensive related drills and another numbered set for defensive related drills. We went through each one and if the drill normally did NOT have a take down, we had to add one. In the case the drill did have a take down we had to add one in. This school is more about pugilism rather then grappling so it made more work for both partners since someone is being tossed and all.



Good, man. Remember, too, that muscle confusion is a good thing. Every once in a while on your own do an excercise totally different from what you normally do. Mix those in ever so often and you will see results!

[cyphersmith]

I'm down to 182.3 this morning. Had a few days in the last week where I ate larger meals than I should, but I have kept up with the walking every chance I get at work.
I also bought a huge tub of oatmeal and have been making that for breakfast most mornings, so I'm eating a lot less sugary cereal.

My weight seems to have stabalized a bit. When I first started this I was seeing 1-3 pound loss every other day or so. Now I'm staying in the low 180s and I'm happy when I don't see a gain. I wanted down to about 180 when I started but mostly I wanted to be rid of my gut. My waistline has gone down in size enough that I need to go buy a new belt to keep my pants up. I still have a gut but it's not nearly as pronounced as it was before and I think I could go to the pool without being embarassed about taking off my shirt.

What kind of oatmeal are you using? From the way you're stating it, I would guess it's rolled oats. Better for you than that would be steel-cut oats. Biggest hassle there is that they take a while to cook, but I have found that it freezes very nicely.

[Northcott]

Question: I know you should have something to eat after weight lifting...some good protein. But what about aerobic exercise? Same deal?

I honestly don't know, man. Sorry. I know that the infusion of protein and carbs during and after intense anaerobic exercise is key to building lean mass, but I don't think aerobic exercise creates the same metabolic requirements. With an educated guess, I'd say "no", but I'll freely admit that I may be wrong in that.

What I've read along a similar vein, however, is that when one is doing long-term physical activity (such as working a very physical job), that the demands for nutrients increase over the long-term, rather than the short-term need created by intense training. So if the aerobic activity is sufficient, I'd say it merits an increase in overall nutrient uptake, but that it should be spaced out rather than compacted.


What kind of oatmeal are you using? From the way you're stating it, I would guess it's rolled oats. Better for you than that would be steel-cut oats. Biggest hassle there is that they take a while to cook, but I have found that it freezes very nicely.

From what I understand the difference in nutrient quality is negligble. I personally find the taste and texture of steel-cut oats to be far superior, though. They have a pleasant, nutty kind of flavour that compliments various flavourings quite nicely.

[Xavier Lang]

Weight still in the 230s.

My wife and I participated in a 5k walk/run on July 4th. I was able to keep my pace to better than 10 minutes miles, so that was nice.
My legs were upset for a few days afterwards even with a good stretching after the run, but they have calmed down.

[Brynja]

I had to get new bras today. I am now a 36c. This time last year I was 42 F :D

[Black Angel]

I had to get new bras today. I am now a 36c. This time last year I was 42 F :D

Obviously showing the benefits of your exercise regime! :naughty:

Good work!

[Brynja]

Yea my boobies are shrinking much to my dismay. Though I am nearing the
20s in my waist again. Havent seen that since i was 24

[AriesOmega]

Doesn't matter if they are big. Doesn't matter if they are small. What matters is if you like them. Doesn't hurt if guys still look at them and dream too.:D

[TiQuinn]

Just an update today: Stepped on the scale today, and am down 22 pounds overall. ROCK ON!

I've had a noticeable difference in my clothes, and it's not going to be long before I'm going to have to start getting some new ones unless I want my pants falling down all the time.

It's a good problem to have. :)

[The Theocrat of Poon-Tang]

Just an update today: Stepped on the scale today, and am down 22 pounds overall. ROCK ON!

I've had a noticeable difference in my clothes, and it's not going to be long before I'm going to have to start getting some new ones unless I want my pants falling down all the time.

It's a good problem to have. :)

I thought that was actually one of the side benefits of losing that much weight. I got to get a bunch of new threads and remake the image just a little bit.

Congrats on the weight loss! Are you at your goal, or are you trying to lose any more?

[TiQuinn]

I thought that was actually one of the side benefits of losing that much weight. I got to get a bunch of new threads and remake the image just a little bit.

Congrats on the weight loss! Are you at your goal, or are you trying to lose any more?

I've got a ways to go. I let things go over the past 4 or 5 years, and got up to my heaviest at 282. I'm down to 260 as of today. My goal is to get down to 200 and re-evaluate there. So in the course of things, I could be buying clothes a few times. Like I said, a good problem to have. :)

[The Theocrat of Poon-Tang]

I've got a ways to go. I let things go over the past 4 or 5 years, and got up to my heaviest at 282. I'm down to 260 as of today. My goal is to get down to 200 and re-evaluate there. So in the course of things, I could be buying clothes a few times. Like I said, a good problem to have. :)

Well keep up the good work, then! :)

If you're confident you can get all the way to your goal, don't go hog wild buying clothes on the way there. Maybe a sensible pair of jeans and slacks to last 6-months before you have to get your next pair. Look especially for items on the clearance racks to hold you over until you get to your goal.

When you get to your goal - that is the time to treat yourself to some fine threads. :)

[Random Encounter]

I've not been very good about remembering to weigh in before my shower in the morning. There was so long without a real change in the numbers that I got disillusioned with it.
On the plus side all my belts are now too big. I pull them in to the inner-most notch and they are still too loose to do me any good. :D

I'm still watching my diet a little, nothing major but little changes I can make into habits and keep up. And I'm still walking at work on every break and before my shift starts.

I actually looked in the mirror without a shirt on the other day and realized that while I can still see a little bit of the gut and love handles I now wouldn't be embarassed to take my shirt off at the pool anymore.

[Morbidity]

Congrats TiQuinn and Randome Encounter on the progress. Just thought I'd post to let you know I'm following how you're going.

[The Theocrat of Poon-Tang]

Wow, almost a month since the last post in this thread!

I hope you guys are still "on the wagon", so to speak. :)

[Lady Fury]

I was meaning to post an update sooner. I'm in need of new clothing or a really good pair of suspenders. I don't want to buy all new jeans just yet because I'm hoping to lose another 10lbs before that. I've been losing 1-2lbs a week over the last 2 months. Slow but easy. My biggest change was adding exercise to my routine. Not only is it good for weight loss but it helped my energy level and was able to do something I hadn't done in years, dancing. I was able to dance 5 songs in a row before I sat down and for me that's damn good.

[Brynja]

I totally fell off for the month of august but have only gained 3 lbs back. School starts tomorrow so I will have regular access to work out :)

[TiQuinn]

Wow, almost a month since the last post in this thread!

I hope you guys are still "on the wagon", so to speak. :)

Down 35 total to my lowest weight in years, though I probably gained a few back this past week on vacation with friends (beer + bbq + no working out).

Back on the wagon tomorrow for a bright and early workout (5 am). :)

[Northcott]

I may have finally found a way to inspire my wife to help me go hardcore with the nutrition regime -- I hinted that I might shave off my facial hair if I hit my goals. I've had this chin hair for three and a half years, and she hates it. Me? I really like it... but I think I'd like dropping back down to 10% bodyfat and slapping on another 20lbs of muscle even more.

[TiQuinn]

Rough week with lots of late, stressful days at work and some missed workouts and not great eating. But I managed to get in a couple really solid workouts and didn't gobble down pizza the way my co-workers did, and managed to get down to 248 which is where I was before last week's vacation!

So all said and done, down 35 pounds and hopefully next week will be better for getting to the gym.

:)

[The Theocrat of Poon-Tang]

How's everyone doing here?

Remember, it's not a sprint, it's a marathon. If you've fallen off, get yourself back up, and keep on keeping on.

[TiQuinn]

Down 40 pounds, still doing good even if I've slowed down from my earlier rate. :)

[The Theocrat of Poon-Tang]

Down 40 pounds, still doing good even if I've slowed down from my earlier rate. :)

Excellent! And that always happens, the old "plateau". That's usually when people seem to get frustrated. If you can work your way through it, you'll be fine. :)

[Brynja]

I am down total of 13 since we started, but I am also fighting off being fat and happy in a good relationship :)

[Xavier Lang]

Hard to say. My weight hasn't improved, but my muscle has, so I think I'm just maintaining. We are heading into the worst part of the year for me. Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas are all eating holidays and with the cold and the dark its more difficult to exercise. I need a good indoor during the winter exercise.

[Pigs in Space]

The holiday is nearly over, and I've been eating buffet breakfasts and dinners for 3 weeks in a row now.

I am going to be on the horse for a bit when I get back.

Will have to manage my bloody left achilles tendon, which is a little injured. Let's see.

[The Theocrat of Poon-Tang]

Hang in there, people. Remember, if you had a bad stretch and put back some of your weight, you can't give in. Keep at it, eventually when it turns into a lifestyle change you will be better for it.

Okay, that's my motivational speech of the week. ;)

Remember, when all else fails, eat a little less and move a little more.

[Brynja]

I am down 2 lbs, been sick but eating not to much. I have continued to keep my carb count low but not entirely gone so I don't go on a carb binge.

[AriesOmega]

I been under so much stress in looking for a house to buy, dealing with getting the house, closing and now moving into the damn thing. I have stopped martial arts classes for a little bit. At least until we get in and settled.

I been trying to watch what I eat. Still no soda, easy on any snacks I do eat. I try to take the long way when walking, stairs instead of elevator. Even with the stress I haven't gained anything if at all.

[Northcott]

I've been keeping my diet mostly clean again, trying to get more sleep and rest (which I'm normally horrible for). I'm leaning out a bit, and continuing to make slow, steady strength gains. All in all, two thumbs up from this end.

Having a minor headcold's zapped my energy somewhat, but after taking some decongestant I was still able to muck through a moderate workout last night.

[TiQuinn]

Down to 238 which is just awesome.

Exercise has been tougher and I think I'm starting to get into a bit of rut so I need to shake that up a bit. The food situation has been fantastic though. Haven't had a problem yet with my diet, and I think I've really hit on something sustainable for me for the long term. I've had quite a few people at my work ask if me if I'd lost weight or comment on how much I've thinned out which has just been the cherry on top.

I've got to say that the biggest thing that I've learned and that has helped me through this so far has been regular daily check-ins on my weight. Every single morning. It's gotten to the point where I know immediately whether I've had a good day and whether I haven't, and it also really helps me keep track of what I could do better. If I slip up and eat a pizza that day, maybe it has an impact, maybe it doesn't. But if I do slip back a little bit, it's reaffirming and encouraging: I know where I slipped, and I know that it's not the end of the world. Typically, when I was weighing once a week, it could really be a let down. I'd have to rack my brain to figure out what went wrong:

"Not enough exercise?"
"What did I have for lunch the other day?....I can't remember."

I've learned so much this way too. For example, if I have a beer or two with my friends after work, I know that I'll pay for it. Alcohol is a one way ticket to packing on pounds for me. But I also know if I work just a bit harder at the gym that day, I can balance it out too.

So all in all, this has been just absolutely great for me. :)

[Lady Fury]

I gained 6lbs back. Not happy about that. I'm guessing all the iv fluids and steroids have something to do with it. And this bed rest and no exercise restriction is really taking it's tole. Once I get doctor's approval I'll climb back on the wagon.

[Northcott]

Docs have you on corticosteroids?

[The Theocrat of Poon-Tang]

Down to 238 which is just awesome.

Exercise has been tougher and I think I'm starting to get into a bit of rut so I need to shake that up a bit. The food situation has been fantastic though. Haven't had a problem yet with my diet, and I think I've really hit on something sustainable for me for the long term. I've had quite a few people at my work ask if me if I'd lost weight or comment on how much I've thinned out which has just been the cherry on top.

Wait until the ladies start noticing you. Hopefully your wife won't get on you too much about it. ;)

You should always try to shake things up after a while, by the way. Your muscles do get used to certain things, so vary the types and the number of sets. Muscle confusion, I think they call it.

I have been doing circuit training a couple times a week. I write out a plan and then I go bang-bang from one excercise to the next. It really gets your heart rate up and your muscles know about it. The good thing is that I actually finish a tad quicker because I'm not wasting a few minutes here and there in between excercises or sets.


I've got to say that the biggest thing that I've learned and that has helped me through this so far has been regular daily check-ins on my weight. Every single morning. It's gotten to the point where I know immediately whether I've had a good day and whether I haven't, and it also really helps me keep track of what I could do better. If I slip up and eat a pizza that day, maybe it has an impact, maybe it doesn't. But if I do slip back a little bit, it's reaffirming and encouraging: I know where I slipped, and I know that it's not the end of the world. Typically, when I was weighing once a week, it could really be a let down. I'd have to rack my brain to figure out what went wrong:

"Not enough exercise?"
"What did I have for lunch the other day?....I can't remember."

I've learned so much this way too. For example, if I have a beer or two with my friends after work, I know that I'll pay for it. Alcohol is a one way ticket to packing on pounds for me. But I also know if I work just a bit harder at the gym that day, I can balance it out too.

So all in all, this has been just absolutely great for me. :)

I absolutely endorse this method. I check my weight in the morning, after dinner, and sometimes before bed. I now know how much I lose during sleep, during a typical excercise. I also know how much is "water weight", which is key when you see that suddenly you've gone up 3 lbs! For the life of me I don't understand why people don't do this. At first it helped me lose the weight I wanted to lose, but more importantly it has helped keep me at the exact same weight for almost a year and a half.

To me this is always the true test on whether or not someone is serious about losing weight and keeping it off. People term the process of losing weight a "battle". How can one win a battle if one can't even bring themselves to step on a scale to get necessary information needed to fight it! Step on the scale, know where you stand, get to know how your body reacts to excercise, food, sleep and drink!

[Lady Fury]

Docs have you on corticosteroids?

Yep. I've been off of them for a few days now. I'm hoping getting the stitches out of my bendy parts will help make it less painful to walk. Speaking of which, I'm late for my appointment.

[Northcott]

Yep. I've been off of them for a few days now. I'm hoping getting the stitches out of my bendy parts will help make it less painful to walk. Speaking of which, I'm late for my appointment.

That would be it, then. Corticosteroids are like the opposite of anabolics -- while they do a great job at managing inflammation, they're a son of a bitch on your metabolism. They'll fuck your energy levels, make it harder to lose weight, etc. Not that I'm saying you should get off 'em... you're obviously on them for a bloody reason. Just don't beat yourself up over it if there's some fluctuations in weight. Keep an eye on your diet, keep in mind the tips you've picked up from this thread so far, and be patient with yourself. Baby steps for now.

To me this is always the true test on whether or not someone is serious about losing weight and keeping it off. People term the process of losing weight a "battle". How can one win a battle if one can't even bring themselves to step on a scale to get necessary information needed to fight it! Step on the scale, know where you stand, get to know how your body reacts to excercise, food, sleep and drink!

I think that's a great approach for some, but so many women are ruled by the scale that it's a dangerous tool for them. I can't count the number of women I've known who flip out over the number game -- getting hung up on weight rather than the quality of that weight.

I think the dedication you've shown to your own progress is awesome. I remember when you started, and it's been fantastic to read about how much progress you've made. Congrats!

[AriesOmega]

Sorry for the cross posting of this in advance.

I don't know about everyone but I been having trouble staying motivated for weight loss due to stress, moving and now the winter season coming.

Anyhow I came across this here and it's a great find IMHO...http://www.kaytastrophe.com/vb/showthread.php?t=7406

[Dire Wolf]

Thanks for the cross post... I love Spark People and it is really working for me. I too am trying to lose weight and so far I am doing pretty good. I started back on September 14th and have lost to date 23 lbs. I started at 293.5 and now weight 270.5. I want to get down to 200 by my next birthday (September, 2010) and then will re-evaluate my goals. I've been on Weight Watchers on the past and it really worked for me but when they stopped holding the meetings at work I stopped following the program and Shazam! the weight came right back on. So, I've started following WW again on my own but I also use Spark People for support and motivation. I've also found a really cute girl at work to walk with on my lunch hour so that helps!

[Atropine Mama]

Okeedokee, guys, it's time for me to get on the fucking wagon. I need advice on keeping my cravings for sweets out of commission. It's my downfall. HELP!

[The Theocrat of Poon-Tang]

Okeedokee, guys, it's time for me to get on the fucking wagon. I need advice on keeping my cravings for sweets out of commission. It's my downfall. HELP!

Don't quit cold turkey, that will most likely not work.

Find out how many calories you burn on average in a day ( http://www.weightlossforall.com/calculate%20cals.htm ). Try to excercise a little if you can, to make your body burn even more calories. Walking a mile or two for 30-40 minutes will do wonders if you don't want to do traditional gym excercises. The point is, just move a little if you can.

Then try to eat a couple hundred calories under what your body is burning each day. This is a very achievable goal. You can include a few sweets in there, too, but you just can't go overboard with it. One candy bar is 300 calories, so if that's your sweet, it probably should be the only one. A 20 ounce non-diet soda is also around 300 calories. Again, don't overindulge or the calories will pile up.

[Northcott]

Cravings for various types of carbs are very much like an addiction reaction, and your body will try and punish you for ignoring it. The cravings can get remarkably powerful in some people. You have two choices in kicking them: 1) pray you have the willpower to go cold turkey, or 2) wean yourself off. However, weaning can be a treacherous process that provides a slippery slope to fall back down. It generally requires having something to wean yourself with, and that makes a binge after a bad day very tempting.

Both methods are valid. Which one works for you is entirely an individual thing.

One thing you can do is substitute sweeteners. I love coffee. I like my coffee sweetened. I use Splenda. People who bitch about the taste of sweeteners are people who are generally dumping too much sugar into their foods to begin with. Many North American foods are horrendous for this. It'll take some time, but eventually your taste buds will get used to having less sweet foods, and naturally sweet foods will begin to seem more satisfying and flavourful.

Some fruits are very sweet-tasting as well, and some even have a similar insulin impact as candies -- banannas, for example. They at least come with a healthy dose of nutrients, however. They're a decent step to take.

[TiQuinn]

I found that to start out with I needed to keep something "bad" to keep me from going to completely off the deep end. Bend rather than break, and all that. That one "bad" thing for me is regular sugar in my coffee in the morning. Sometimes just having that one thing can be enough to stave off cravings rather than going 100% cold turkey. You just need to monitor it and moderate it to make sure it doesn't cause you not to lose weight.

[Limper]

Not that I joined the challenge but I have dropped 30 lbs since January.

Not going to the gym currently as I need my energy to take care of the house, hugely pregnant and miserable wife and my son but I'm still shedding the pounds.

Hopefully after we get settled in with son 2 I can get back to lifting to addd some muscle mass back on.

[The Theocrat of Poon-Tang]

Not that I joined the challenge but I have dropped 30 lbs since January.

Not going to the gym currently as I need my energy to take care of the house, hugely pregnant and miserable wife and my son but I'm still shedding the pounds.

Hopefully after we get settled in with son 2 I can get back to lifting to addd some muscle mass back on.


Good for you, man, flying under the radar and quietly getting back into fighting shape. :D

[Limper]

Good for you, man, flying under the radar and quietly getting back into fighting shape. :D

Two sons and a scrappy wife... I've no choice but to get and stay in fighting shape.:)

[Dire Wolf]

That's great Limper... keep the momentum going!

[Northcott]

Way to go, Limper!

From my end, things are going well. Wife's determined to get rid of my chin hair, so she's been very good for not bringing junk food into the house, outside of agreed-upon 'cheat' meals. My abs are starting to show up again, and my lifts are going up.

I'm scheduled to have my tonsils yanked in the new year (though I'm really freakin' hesitant about that), and I want to push myself as far as I can before that, so that I'll hopefully have some kind of 'rebound' effect when I get active again after my recovery.

[The Theocrat of Poon-Tang]

I'm scheduled to have my tonsils yanked in the new year...

Are they inflamed or something, Ed?

[Northcott]

Prone to infection. Last year it got so bad that they damn near completely closed over, and would cut off my air supply if I turned my head to the right (the left tonsil was the worst). I was on a couple courses of antibiotics with various side effects -- one of them leaving me curled up in crippling pain for a couple days. Apparently that's one of the rarely experienced side effects. Felt like I had bones broken all over my body. Freaky shit.

Eventually they put me on some monster antibiotic that apparently kills shit dead... but there's a chance in taking it that you develop one of those "super bugs" in your intestinal tract, which you either get treated pronto or die.

So as this is the third year in a row where I've been stuck on antibiotics for an extended period of time due to my throat, they sent me to an ear, nose, and throat guy who's recommendation was simply to cut the fuckers out. My only problem with this is that everyone I've known who had their tonsils yoinked has had weight problems after, some of them quite serious, and several of them after being tested showed up with thyroid conditions. So far as I know, there's no proven link, but the freakish commonality of it among people I know has me a little twitchy.

I also have an innate distrust of Doctors. Every effin' time one has told me "this is no big deal. It's just standard procedure, and you'll be fine in four to six weeks", I've ended up hosed. So when this guy tells me -- almost word for word -- the same thing... I twitch.

[The Theocrat of Poon-Tang]

Prone to infection. Last year it got so bad that they damn near completely closed over, and would cut off my air supply if I turned my head to the right (the left tonsil was the worst). I was on a couple courses of antibiotics with various side effects -- one of them leaving me curled up in crippling pain for a couple days. Apparently that's one of the rarely experienced side effects. Felt like I had bones broken all over my body. Freaky shit.

Eventually they put me on some monster antibiotic that apparently kills shit dead... but there's a chance in taking it that you develop one of those "super bugs" in your intestinal tract, which you either get treated pronto or die.

So as this is the third year in a row where I've been stuck on antibiotics for an extended period of time due to my throat, they sent me to an ear, nose, and throat guy who's recommendation was simply to cut the fuckers out. My only problem with this is that everyone I've known who had their tonsils yoinked has had weight problems after, some of them quite serious, and several of them after being tested showed up with thyroid conditions. So far as I know, there's no proven link, but the freakish commonality of it among people I know has me a little twitchy.

I also have an innate distrust of Doctors. Every effin' time one has told me "this is no big deal. It's just standard procedure, and you'll be fine in four to six weeks", I've ended up hosed. So when this guy tells me -- almost word for word -- the same thing... I twitch.

I had mine out when I was a kid, I can barely remember it. FWIW, I've never had serious weight issues. Funny you should mention the thyroid, though. I'm thinking of having mine checked. I have been having trouble sleeping, and a full night's sleep study ruled out apnea. A thyroid imbalance was brought up as another possible explanation.

Either way, best of luck with it. Sounds to me like they would be better out of you, but it's your body, man. :)

[King Vyper]

I am not part of the program, but I started working out in Mid May and watching what i eat. I have lost 20lbs to date.

[Northcott]

I had mine out when I was a kid, I can barely remember it. FWIW, I've never had serious weight issues. Funny you should mention the thyroid, though. I'm thinking of having mine checked. I have been having trouble sleeping, and a full night's sleep study ruled out apnea. A thyroid imbalance was brought up as another possible explanation.

Either way, best of luck with it. Sounds to me like they would be better out of you, but it's your body, man. :)

Yeah, it's not an entirely rational response -- I recognize this. I'm debating it. My wife's pushing for it. I'm not thrilled with going under the knife again and losing a couple more months of physical activity... and possibly needing a 2nd surgery after, according to the doc. Fuck. That.

Then of course there's my borderline paranoid association with thyroid disorders -- which, when more severe, can cause weight issues. My sister has a pretty nasty one. She was a scrawny little twig of a child, until she had her tonsils out. Ballooned up within a year after.

We'll see! I've got a couple months left to decide.

[TiQuinn]

Then of course there's my borderline paranoid association with thyroid disorders -- which, when more severe, can cause weight issues. My sister has a pretty nasty one. She was a scrawny little twig of a child, until she had her tonsils out. Ballooned up within a year after.


I can understand that. I know someone whose thyroid is completely out of whack, but was also completely undiagnosed for several years. She was just told by family and doctors that she was fat...too much eating, too little exercise, etc. Got to the point she said she was eating very little and was gaining weight still. Actually had an doctor tell her that she had to be "grazing" because it's simply impossible for her to gain weight the way she had. Finally, decided that there was something medically wrong, and went to a different doctor, who took some tests and determined she needed to go thyroid meds right away. She's dropped 40 pounds off and continuing, but she suffered quite a bit of emotional damage along the way from some of the assholes she was surrounded with.

[Northcott]

Man, that's a horrible story. I'm glad to hear she's doing well now.

My sister made it much harder to diagnose. She's prone to drama queen antics and histrionics, along with a complete inability to be accountable for her own actions. Her thyroid is indeed horridly out of whack. That's been proven and now she's on meds for it. But when she was ballooning up, she used to scream at me for my ability to eat as much as I wanted and yet stay lean and fit -- ignoring that I was leading a very active lifestyle on top of excercising several times a week and choosing healthy foods whenever I could. Meanwhile she was eating 'less', but that less was often stuffing her face with fucking cake.

Back on topic: This weekend is nutrition Hell. My daughter's birthday, split over a couple days of celebration with different family factions, along with a metric shitton of work. By Tuesday I'll be back on track.

[The Theocrat of Poon-Tang]

But when she was ballooning up, she used to scream at me for my ability to eat as much as I wanted and yet stay lean and fit -- ignoring that I was leading a very active lifestyle on top of excercising several times a week and choosing healthy foods whenever I could. Meanwhile she was eating 'less', but that less was often stuffing her face with fucking cake.

I've seen people like your sister. I call them the "I eat just as little as you do and still gain weight *frowny face* " people. What a lot of them don't tell you is that everything they eat is drowned in ranch dressing.


Back on topic: This weekend is nutrition Hell. My daughter's birthday, split over a couple days of celebration with different family factions, along with a metric shitton of work. By Tuesday I'll be back on track.

On these occasions I resolve not to deprieve myself of cake and everything, but I do always try to at least hit the punching bag later on for a half hour or forty minutes to mitigate the extra calories. Punching the bag is a mindless, enjoyable cardio workout for me. I incorporate a little bit into all of my workouts, but if I'm rushed or just want to burn off a huge meal I'll solely do that and it usually does the trick.

[Xavier Lang]

Reboot. I'm back on the exercise wagon again finally. I'll see how bad my weight is tomorrow morning. Too much stress and cold weather, blah.

[The Theocrat of Poon-Tang]

Reboot. I'm back on the exercise wagon again finally. I'll see how bad my weight is tomorrow morning. Too much stress and cold weather, blah.

Weather shouldn't be an excuse, and once you start doing it, you'll be amazed at how stress relieving the right excercise can be. You just have to find what works for you.

I wish you nothing but the best. :)

[Name Lips]

There really is no excuse for not exercising.

That said, mine is that my workout buddy ran out of money and couldn't afford the gym, and it's lonely going by myself.

[Atropine Mama]

Yarr, my excuse is that I haven't made it a priority yet. I'm getting the caloric intake down first. I'm pretty active, but not in the calorie-burning way, it's just that I'm rarely sitting down, doing nothing. Getting to the point where I sweat is really uncomfortable and I need to get over that. After I kick the sweets addiction.

Halloween is a really bad time of year to avoid sugar.

I hate Halloween.

FUCKING. HATE. HALLOWEEN.

[Northcott]

I love Halloween. Hate the candy. Hate Christmas to New Year's more, however. It's a constant fest of people trying to jam shitty foods in your face -- and if they know you're trying to eat right, those toxic fuckers will try even harder. "Oh just have one drink. Have some cake. It won't kill you. I'll be offended if you don't. Here, have some stuffing and mashed potatoes with extra gravy. Blahblahblah."

People who cannot understand the drive to change will usually try to sabotage it, if they're of a toxic inclination.

That said, I once heard a very wise sports nutritionist say: "It matters less what you eat between Christmas and New Year's, than what you eat from New Year's to Christmas."

When you fall off the wagon, the trick is to jump right back on.