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Member Comments
By deee2 on November 20, 2009 at 11:06 PM
Wow, I almost forgot to track today! I weighed in at 140.4 this morning, but am thinking I better cut back my calories a bit until I'm outside on my bike. We're having cold and HIGH WINDY days... temps in the 40's and the winds today were between 40 and 80 mph with damage all around. Not to us, thank goodness. And, I didn't do the indoor bike today. SHAME ON ME! Tomorrow is a new day, and I sure don't want to lose ground.
Live STRONG :)
By squashed on November 20, 2009 at 07:11 PM
There has been a bit of a discussion about that was then but now it's now.... and I wish to add these comments :
A teacher asked me "what possesses you to cycle and run the distances you do? " My answer after a brief moment of reflection ( I honestly had not even thought about this) was ......" Well I guess I do it because ......I damn well can!!!!!"
But that was not the case prior to 2009. Overweight, tired, stressed , bored, over 50 and just BITCHY !!!!!
YOU have to decide enough is enough - not your husband, lover, children, parents, doctor, friend, ...... YOU! You have to decide to want it for yourself- no-one else. And you will commit to it NO MATTER what it takes.
You have to be kind to yourself too because it's not an easy road to take. There will be tough hills to climb but the down hills will be worth it, you will be screaming WEEEEEEEEEE all the way down! That is when you begin to see your life changing . It's not about the number of the scale at this point, it's more about how you really feel? Do you agree?
We are not saints here at this site, I speak for myself of course, but we are a TEAM who share similar goals and just want to be healthy and happy people for ourselves and for the people we love.
By deee2 on November 20, 2009 at 11:02 PM
squashed, that was such a NICE POST!! I 100 percent AGREE with you. I still say "I'm NOT DONE YET" but I don't mean losing weight anymore... I mean LIVING and feeling alive and having goals and moving because, YES, i damned well CAN!!! I love it! It just feels so good to feel so good!!!!!!! :)
KUDOS to us as a TEAM! :)
By Sharilou on November 20, 2009 at 07:35 AM
Staying steady at 155, so feel pretty good. My stress level is high, so keeping the stress eating down is my goal. Plus with higher stress comes higher cortisol and the propensity for my body to store fat. That is part of my battle, but I will fight to LIVE STRONG. Deee, Ellis, Squashed and the rest of you...I can't tell you what it means to come here as often as I am able and see your inspirational words. I am so glad I found this group. You guys are my heroes!
By ellis7333 on November 20, 2009 at 05:20 PM
Sharilou, I worked for MCI WorldCom for 16 years so I know what you mean by stress. I got up to my highest weight (198) in the midst of the financial debacle in 2001. The key for me has been to resist stress eating cravings. When I was stressed way-back-when, I would dream of a 3 day vacation in Hershey, PA at the Hershey candy factory where I would envision myself diving a perfect 10 swan dive into a vat of lukewarm milk chocolate, swimming to the bottom of the vat and gulping as much chocolate for as long as I could. Sick puppy!
Now, my idea of eating is broiled salmon with chili arbol powder and hickory seasoning, a huge salad and a crisp glass of chardonnay. I may have an occasional 2 squares of DARK chocolate (Lindt Excellence Chili is my favorite!) but that's it.
Sharilou, you CAN and WILL do it. You have Deee, Squashed, 6Bones9, Sweetveee, Lab, Argeebargee, Gymmie and me rooting for you and we're here to assist in any way we can.
Knock and it shall be opened. Ask and ye shall receive. LIVESTRONG!
By deee2 on November 20, 2009 at 11:01 PM
Hey, thank you! And WE appreciate YOU! By the way, I love your new avator! I am so impressed with what you've accomplished, and everyone here ...... are just SOOOOOOO helpful to me!
By ellis7333 on November 11, 2009 at 03:05 PM
I'm at my lowest weight in 27 years at 167.8 today. Interestingly, I'm not trying to lose any more weight but it continues to fall off. I'm not complaining!
By deee2 on November 11, 2009 at 08:44 PM
might be time to add a few calories, ellis!! We don't want you flying off in the wind you know! :) How tall are you?
By ellis7333 on November 12, 2009 at 01:43 PM
deee, I know what you mean! I'm 5'11" btw.
By deee2 on November 12, 2009 at 03:29 PM
wow... 5'11"?? I'd say you are DONE, just not done MAINTAINING!
By Sweetveee on November 17, 2009 at 05:26 PM
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm...your RESTING calorie intake is to be around 1633...A friendly note from Sweetveee, take that in to consideration as you decide to EAT to LIVE....
p.s. I most recently moved to a safe spot that had an old rug in the bathroom that I chose to scrub up and keep because it said, "Live Fully, Laugh Often, Love Deeply"...it reminded me of my mantra, "EAT to LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE and LOOOOOOOOOOOOSE !!! I felt it was a "wink and a nod" from the universe for me to sit still for a FULL year and heal...as sooooooon as I get fast internet there, I will be back H-E-R-E !!!
By hellokitty on November 18, 2009 at 09:37 AM
Whoo hoo Ellis! Perhaps time to consider a lowest "threshold" weight to not go under and a ceiling weight to not go over? Just a thought. However, if you're happy, I'm happy for you.
By Argeebargee on November 19, 2009 at 12:48 PM
Wow, Ellis! Congratulations! You must look and feel great. Maybe you should let it fall off until after Thanksgiving and then up the calories just a little.
By ellis7333 on November 19, 2009 at 02:48 PM
hellokitty, absolutely! I have set my lowest threshold at 168 and my highest threshold at 174. I may need to modify at some point this winter as I'm starting my freeweights routine in January regain upper body mass I lost this cycling season. Normally I lift all year but haven't since last Winter as I wanted to concentrate on cycling. As I add muscle mass back on, I'll sure to gain some weight back.
Sweetveee, I'm so glad to hear you're in a safe place. Thank you for the friendly kick in the butt regarding resting caloric intake. I'm trying to amp up my meals to include more protein as well as dense carbs and MUFA's.
By hellokitty on November 20, 2009 at 06:43 AM
Ellis-
Would love to hear about your lifting regimen for the winter whenever you have a chance. I love to hate lifting weights, but have been trying to get really strong.
By ellis7333 on November 20, 2009 at 05:13 PM
hellokitty, believe it or not, 8 Minute Abs & Arms is one of the tools I utilize in Winter. 8 minutes of lifting 20-30 lb. dumbbells without resting between sets is all I need to build muscle mass. It's actually incredible that 8 minutes a day is all that is needed to build solid muscle mass.
That said, coloradofit, one of my friends on LIVESTRONG, has recommended P90X and I'm contemplating making the plunge. She swears by it and her pictures bear out the results. She is ripped! My plan is to start lifting between Thanksgiving and Christmas and carry that through April. I like to lift at 5 am each day and that gets my metabolism revved up for the day. I'll maintain my body fat at 12% or decrease if possible while building upper body muscle mass. I will also ride the bike 20 miles per day on the CycleOps kinetic trainer to increase leg strength. More on that if you like.
LIVESTRONG!
By ellis7333 on November 20, 2009 at 05:06 PM
Up a bit today to 170 due to sodium intake last night (bar burger & fries). Hey, it's the first time I've splurged in a long, long time. One meal does not a diet undermine.
By deee2 on November 19, 2009 at 04:51 PM
Weighed in at 139.8 this morning! My doctor is pleased and I'm thrilled. My goal now is to maintain between 139 and 143. My goal weight was 145.
I'm doing it, and you can too! :)
By hellokitty on November 20, 2009 at 06:16 AM
Great job Dee! It's always good when the doctor is happy. (So NOT fun when the doctor is displeased.)
By ellis7333 on November 19, 2009 at 02:39 PM
169.6 today. Holding despite traveling on business. I'll take the WIN!
By deee2 on November 19, 2009 at 04:51 PM
I'll say it's a win!!!!! Great job! :)
By anotherrainyday on November 16, 2009 at 09:27 PM
Question: I weigh myself everyday, and i can never EVER maintain! im always up a lb, down a lb. What is going on here? Its getting me really down :( I always stick to my caloric limit but i still will randomly gain a pound... Any thoughts?
By hellokitty on November 17, 2009 at 06:52 AM
I'm not at maintenance yet, this time around. In the past when I lost weight, if I weighed daily, the number was never the same. It has to do with many factors: your hormone level, your sodium intake, your exercise, your water intake, your sleep patterns, etc. If the number goes up more than 2 pounds and stays up, then it might mean you need to re-consider what you're doing. Otherwise, I think that 1 pound increases and deficits are normal.
By Sharilou on November 17, 2009 at 07:20 AM
hellokitty is right. There are a lot of factors that can affect your day to day weight. I weigh myself every day because I need to see if that one or two pounds is staying there over more than one day. If it is, I know that it is more than excess sodium in my diet or the fact that I am a woman who has not gone through menopause yet. When that pound stays, I really exam what I have been eating to see if maybe I have too many carbs or if my environment has changed (too many snacks around or available, holidays, travel, family visiting) and see what I need to change to stay focused on my long term goal of staying healthy.
Keep going. You can do this! Don't let it get you down, use it to remind yourself of how far you have come and how successful you are.
By squashed on November 17, 2009 at 09:16 AM
Daily fluctuations have been the norm for me from the moment I reached my goal weight. It used to really freak me out at first but now I look at the bigger picture. I keep a close eye on my WEEKLY weight and take evasive action if I notice an up trend by more than 2lbs. This usually involves cutting down on my portion sizes and cutting back my wine with dinner. I don't increase my exercise since I exercise like a crazy woman any way.
Good on you for sticking to your calorie limit too. Many of us find this really hard to do consistently.
By deee2 on November 17, 2009 at 10:25 AM
Same here, I fluctuate daily. Today I weight 139.8, two days ago it was 141 something. I don't worry unless an uptick STAYS an uptick. Then I would lower my calories and/or up my exercise. Hang in there! :)
By 6bones9 on November 18, 2009 at 05:28 PM
I would call that maintaining....up one, down two, up two, down...you have to consider the daily fluctuations. I think a couple random pounds are normal...as long they get equalized with the random pounds lost too.
By Argeebargee on November 19, 2009 at 12:45 PM
The same is true for me. So many factors go into it: We are people, not a crate of books. Therefore, from day to day, we may have more water in our systems, we may need to go to the bathroom, we may be a bit dehydrated - so I don't expect to weigh the same weight every single day, just expect to be up and down and look at maintaining over time. This is why it may be best to weigh in only once a week, or if you just can't wait that long, every 2-3 days.
By Argeebargee on November 19, 2009 at 12:41 PM
Weighing in at 138. I'd like to lose a couple of pounds before Thanksgiving so I can have a nice meal without guilt, so I plan on being very conscientious between now and then!
By Sharilou on November 19, 2009 at 12:27 PM
Still maintaining at 155, but stress eating, I know. I am going to enlist the help of my kids to stop the night time snacking. I do pretty well during the day. Identifying the time of day and the triggers is one of the biggest steps in keeping from regaining weight you have lost. So, it's time to clean the enviroment and the mind!
By deee2 on November 18, 2009 at 07:54 PM
Weighed in at 140.2 this morning. Tomorrow's a doctor's checkup, he should be pleased. I know I am! :)
By ellis7333 on November 18, 2009 at 06:08 PM
Weighed in at 169.6
By Sharilou on November 18, 2009 at 01:20 PM
Still slightly under goal at 154. I am thinking I should buy an electronic scale that gives me a more exact reading. What do you all think? I hate the thought of switching scales, but now might be a good time.
By ellis7333 on November 17, 2009 at 02:21 PM
Weighed in at 169.3 today.
By ellis7333 on November 16, 2009 at 05:43 PM
Down to 169.3 today. I feel FANTASTIC!
By ellis7333 on November 16, 2009 at 06:05 PM
Actually, that is erroneous. I was down to 168.8 today. 169.3 was yesterday's weight.
By hellokitty on November 17, 2009 at 06:48 AM
Wow- that's amazing Ellis!
By deee2 on November 17, 2009 at 10:28 AM
awesome job, ellis. Now, go back to 170 and then back to 168.8 and you'll be happy and continue to feel FANTASTIC!!
By Sharilou on November 17, 2009 at 07:13 AM
151 today. I started tracking my food on the plate because I have never actually counted calories, just protein and sugar. I really do eat a lot of calories, I guess, (over 1900 yesterday, but the plate says I can have 2000)but not really a lot of actual sugar. I am down 4 below goal, but that will pop back up to goal I am sure. Keep strong new members. The key for me was finding my triggers and filling those times/places with other activities.
By deee2 on November 17, 2009 at 10:26 AM
I'm with you, Sharilou. I'm below my goal by five pounds, but I DO track every morsel that enters my mouth. Years ago I lost by tracking, then quit and gained it all back. It's too easy for me to do. Tracking sure makes the difference for me!!!
By hellokitty on November 16, 2009 at 05:46 AM
I'd like to accept the dare if it's ok that I haven't reached my goal weight yet. You all come highly recommended as a positive group of folks by my 2 week challenge pal Gym. I'm exhausted by the Lose Weight dare. The whole thing gives me a headache, which stinks because I've had a terrible headache for the last 2 days.
A little about me: I'm a serial exerciser and I'm 3 pounds from my goal weight of 130. I love to run but I've been sidelined by an Achilles injury that I've been rehabbing for the last 12 weeks. I've taught spinning, muscle pump and boot camp classes for the last 10 plus years. I also really like to lift weights and have a 2009 resolution to do 10 consecutive unassisted pull-ups. (I'm at 9.5)
By Argeebargee on November 16, 2009 at 07:24 AM
Welcome, Kitty!! I'm impressed with your level of exercise and hope you're thinking of food as fuel to get you to 10 unassisted pull-ups. I'm looking forward to hearing that you're a ccomplished that!!
By Argeebargee on November 16, 2009 at 07:24 AM
Welcome, Kitty!! I'm impressed with your level of exercise and hope you're thinking of food as fuel to get you to 10 unassisted pull-ups. I'm looking forward to hearing that you're a ccomplished that!!
By Argeebargee on November 16, 2009 at 07:24 AM
Welcome, Kitty!! I'm impressed with your level of exercise and hope you're thinking of food as fuel to get you to 10 unassisted pull-ups. I'm looking forward to hearing that you're a ccomplished that!!
By Argeebargee on November 16, 2009 at 07:24 AM
Welcome, Kitty!! I'm impressed with your level of exercise and hope you're thinking of food as fuel to get you to 10 unassisted pull-ups. I'm looking forward to hearing that you're a ccomplished that!!
By Argeebargee on November 16, 2009 at 07:24 AM
Welcome, Kitty!! I'm impressed with your level of exercise and hope you're thinking of food as fuel to get you to 10 unassisted pull-ups. I'm looking forward to hearing that you're a ccomplished that!!
By deee2 on November 16, 2009 at 08:03 AM
Welcome, kitty!! My goodness, you are SO CLOSE to your goal! Then you'll find yourself bouncing a bit below it, too! And, I also have tears in my Achilles tendon, which is no fun. But I LOVE riding a bike and LOVE, LOVE, LOVE being at my normal and goal weight! Glad to see you here!
By 6bones9 on November 16, 2009 at 02:47 PM
welcome hellokitty, after being exhausted by the other dare and losing a bit of focus I am trying this to regain some of my momemtum. So congratulations..and good luck on the pull-ups! You are so close!
By ellis7333 on November 16, 2009 at 05:46 PM
Welcome hellokitty! We're glad to have you on our TEAM...a team of positive, upbeat, "WE CAN DO IT" folks who are dedicated to the POSITIVE side of weightloss and maintenance.
Argeebargee....Argeebargee...Argeebargee...Argeebargee...Argeebargee...Argeebargee...(sorry, I couldn't resist ribbing you about your multiple entries below. :-)
By hellokitty on November 17, 2009 at 06:47 AM
Thank you all for the warm welcome! Argeebargee's multiple posts were like a cheering section for me. Yep. Food is fuel. I wholly believe in that approach. If you don't put gas in the car, it won't run. Right?
By Sharilou on November 16, 2009 at 07:22 AM
Staying strong at 153. I actually referred to myself as skinny this weekend. I don't think I have done that in the past 5 years. I am coming up on my 5 year anniversay of starting my weight loss journey. It is a very exciting time for me. Maintaining a weight loss for this long is an accomplishment. To those of you just starting out on maintaining, I would like to say, YOU CAN DO IT. This is not a diet, it is a change in attitude. I am POSITIVE I can LIVE my life to the fullest and be STRONG.
By deee2 on November 16, 2009 at 02:40 PM
that is totally AWESOME, Sharilou!! How fun to realize you're THIN now, not BIG. My hubby told me to 'get my boney butt' out of his way this morning!! LOL He was joking, but I've never been called/told I had a boney butt! LOL
You're a great influence on us and I can't wait to say I've been doing this for five years! :)
By deee2 on November 16, 2009 at 08:05 AM
Weighed in this morning at 141.2. I find it fascinating that I jump up and down maybe three pounds now that I'm at (under) my goal weight. While I was losing, I only ticked upwards one time. But, I am HAPPY because I think this is NORMAL. Who'd ever think *I* would be NORMAL? My hubby says that's a first for me, but I don't think he's talking weight! lol Have a grand day!
By Argeebargee on November 16, 2009 at 07:18 AM
My weight is steady and I got thru the weekend without giving in to temptation. At a buffet breakfast, I helped myself to fruit, a bagel and coffee and avoided all the donuts and other pastry. The fruit was great, it wasn't hard to avoid the pastry especially when I imagined that it was stale. Anything that it takes!
By Sharilou on November 16, 2009 at 07:23 AM
Great job. Using fruit to fullfill the sweet crazing is a great idea. I have found that pastry no longer satisfies me.