100+ Pounds to Lose Group

by JessyJean on Feb 12, 2012 at 8:11 pm

 This is me in a nutshell! I feel a lot smaller than I am. Maybe this is why I let myself get so big. I don't FEEL I look fat until I see the whole picture and realize I am. 
 
Eventually your mindset will change and perhaps it will be easier to accept yourself as you learn to LIKE what you see on the outside (as well as the inside). At least this is what I hope for.

by CharityShantell on Feb 12, 2012 at 11:03 pm

Hang in there. If it makes you feel any better, I started at almost 350 and I'm now approx. 260. And I juuuust barely asked my husband to take monthly pictures of me in fitted workout clothes. I really wish I had started at 350, as painful as it has already been at 270 and 260.

I have so few pictures of me at my highest. I wish I had more of an example to compare. Today I was organizing papers and found a picture of me at at least 350. I mean, my face is just HUGE compared to now. I'm in shock. And I get so sad looking at that poor girl. Even now. I think I always will. 

When I shop at this one thrift store, I have to wade past lots of bigger sizes because they sort them by color and style, not by size. So when I flip past a size 28 or 30 pants (which used to be super tight on me) and I see how gigantic they are, I just get so sad for that tortured person I was and for every person who is that size now.

Just hang in there and keep taking pictures. Don't LOOK at them if it's just too terrible to face. But sometimes when I get to complacent I think it's good for me to face the painful reality.

I'm sorry, I guess I had a lot to say on this subject and I fear I'm rambling a bit. But bottom line is we feel your pain. Just keep working hard for you. Now can be your time to shine. Just keep your eye on the prize, put your nose down and keep plowing

:o)

by brotherchris66 on Feb 13, 2012 at 5:18 am

 I use pictures to keep me going. I look at my beginning picture to remind myself where I started and the progress pictures to keep me focused. For me, a picture diary is an excellent motivator. Remember that the real essence of who you are is not your body. If you are a good person, you will be good whether you are 300 lbs or 150 lbs.

by BrookeHughes on Feb 13, 2012 at 6:30 am

Hi there. I'm new here also.
Seems alot of people are in the same boat of how they feel and see themselves.
I know what you have said is exactly how i feel. Hopefully this site will give us all the push on the days you cant push yourself. The only person that can change you is you. Good luck.

by KarenTN on Feb 13, 2012 at 6:34 am

One think that jolted me to get back to losing weight (after gaining back 25 ish of the 32 pounds I had lost in 2010/early 2011) was pictures.   I was in Las Vegas in December and several of my friends were there that weekend too,  and there were pictures.    And when I saw some of them posted on various people's facebooks and such,  I was all like OMG,  I have to do something!

by KarenTN on Feb 13, 2012 at 6:35 am

that is thing,  not think

by jiclark00 on Feb 13, 2012 at 6:58 am

I was reading your post and had to make sure that I didn't write it myself. I feel the same way about not feeling as big as I look.  My husband says that whatever the weight is I carry it well. But I dont want to carry it at all. I know he is giving me a compliment but i dont like the person I see when I look at the pictures.  When I look in the mirror the person I see isn't the same person I see in the pictures.
Last year a friend of mine took a picture of me at my step sons birthday party and i didn't recognize myself. I couldn't believe my weight had gotten so out of control.  I made up my mind to do something about it and started planning for change. I had dieted in the past but fast food always got the better of me. Jan. 2011 i made the decision to change my life. feb. 2011 we found out we were pregnant. I couldnt even enjoy taking tummy pictures because i was so fat i already looked 9 months pregnant. i only gained 10 poundsthrough my pregnancy. I gave birth to my beautiful 7 lb 9 oz baby girl on november 11, 2011. since then I have lost 40 lbs. I am goiing to continue untill i reach my goal weight of 150lbs. only 125 lbs left to lose.
I have started  taking my measurements instead of taking pictures. i took an initial picture but i think when i reach my first goal of 250lbs then my second goal of under 200.
 

by w8in on Feb 12, 2012 at 11:38 am

 Went to the gym twice this weekend and resisted picking up beer at the store today. I'm a craft beer lover and limiting my beer intake is the only thing I struggle with on the road to a better me. Found a new (to me) bread yesterday from Sara Lee that's only 45 calories per slice. Doesn't taste bad when toasted.

by peekajinx on Feb 12, 2012 at 11:57 am

 I'm not sure if it's a bonus or not, but because I'm a stay-at-home mom and my school is 7 days a week, I don't notice the weekends. Everyday is the same for me. I guess it works out since I don't have the break in the week that might allow for sinful urges. :]

by JessyJean on Feb 12, 2012 at 5:10 pm

 Great job you two! I went hiking Friday, Saturday and Sunday! Phew! Did good and I'm pleased with myself for the weekend.
 
w8in- There are a few different kinds of that bread available. I like them all. They are yummy.
peeka-  Maybe that's the best for you! No excuse to do something you shouldn't. It's just another day :)

by Livvysmom2 on Feb 12, 2012 at 10:23 pm

 I have not stopped eating this weekend.  I'm not looking forward to my Monday weigh-in, but am looking forward to a fresh start.  I'll begin my week by making a delicious roasted root veggies and chicken dish that the whole family loves and just happens to be good for us.  :-)  Good week wishes for every to All. 

by CharityShantell on Feb 12, 2012 at 10:57 pm

I had such a great weekend. I rested some, but was pretty active all weekend and my BodyBugg calorie burn estimates show it. I also spent wonderful quality time with my personal family and my church family. And this coming week I get to travel on business which happens to be near extended family. So I'm feeling incredibly fortunate.

PS - I hate Monday weigh in's. Even when I was part of groups on here who had Monday weigh in's, I made it clear that I was reporting Friday morning's weight, lol.

by EJMM on Feb 12, 2012 at 7:27 am

Nice loss of 4 Lbs this week, Plus glad you caught yourself munching and stopping after 10 minutes....Wow, to think what 20 or 30 minutes would have none.

by peekajinx on Feb 12, 2012 at 11:58 am

 Great job on the 4 pounds! and great job on stopping the munchies! Those are the worst, especially when it's late at night.

by KarenTN on Feb 12, 2012 at 5:19 pm

Here is my trick for fighting off the night time munchies.    I try to plan all of my calories early in the day.   Then,   after I have consumed the last thing on my list,  I go ahead and brush my teeth.  

by brotherchris66 on Feb 13, 2012 at 5:21 am

 Woo hoo! I use the same trick as Karen. I usually have my entire menu for day planned out before I leave for work in the morning. I even enter it into LS so I can make sure I have all my macro nutrients in the correct proportion.

by rainbow1957 on Feb 12, 2012 at 7:31 am

Welcome to the group.  I love cookies.  I give myself one day a week to eat processed sugar.  The difference now is I look at the label and see what the serving size is.  That is how many I eat.  A suggestion also for you is instead of the crackers and breads, eat veggies like carrots, celery, broccoli, etc.  Good luck on your journey.      

by EJMM on Feb 12, 2012 at 7:44 am

You can still have it ...just not very much, As with any addiction you have to wean it from you lifestyle and replace them with alternatives that are a whole lot healthier.

by shoelace1 on Feb 12, 2012 at 7:55 am

Welcome to the group.  I hope you are successful in your weight loss journey.  In the frozen vegetables section of the grocery store, Green Giant makes frozen Broccoli or Cauliflower in cheese sauce that comes in little boxes.  You can eat the entire container (2 - 2.5 servings) for 100-150 calories.  They are a little high in sodium so I usually save them to eat when I am really craving a warm cheese dish.  You could even serve them over rice to make it a more substantial meal.  They are sooo good. 

by EJMM on Feb 12, 2012 at 7:04 pm

Wow one box of Green Giant Broccoli & Cheese Sauce 1075 Mg Sodium... 140 Mg is low sodium, 1500-2000 Mg sodium per day,

 

by EJMM on Feb 12, 2012 at 8:05 pm

Hi jodiedewitt , Check out this web site, Nice info... http://www.newsmaxhealth.com/healthwire/willpower_resist_snack/2012/02/03/431764.html

by Yvenya on Feb 12, 2012 at 7:58 am

I bought a scale months ago. I don't know what  I would do without it. It's an invaluabe tool. I have two scales. The first one I have was giving me trouble, so I ordered a new one. While I was waiting for my new scale. My husband's magical hands fixed the old one. Computers and gagets love him. He did the same @#$% things I did and managed to get the scale to work, where I got no results.

by shoelace1 on Feb 11, 2012 at 4:34 pm

Welcome to the group.  I hope you are successful with your weight loss. Everyone here is very supportive and I think you will like the site.  One of the big things on this site that helps me is MyPlate where I can log all of the food I have eaten.  It really opened my eyes to the calorie content of what I eat.

by peekajinx on Feb 11, 2012 at 7:54 pm

 I really love this site, whether it's the support, MyPlate, challanges, or just reading some of the articles. I hope you find it as useful as I and others have!

by BrookeHughes on Feb 12, 2012 at 7:59 am

Thanks so much for your welcomes.
I could'nt believe just how many calories were in certian foods.
My biggest problem is i think will be trying to eat enough through the day and not going over on carbs e.t.c
I never eat alot in the day and i think thats why i dont lose weight .

by libraryhag on Feb 11, 2012 at 2:49 pm

Oh, I would totally get it now. I have never heard that quote but I love it!!

by Noressa on Feb 11, 2012 at 3:43 pm

 I'm not a tattoo person but for this, I'd totally wait till your goal weight, honestly.  I cut and dyed my hair and that worked out really well for me as an end goal!
 
I'd suggest maybe getting a few prints done up in different styles and maybe frame them in places you love... And it'll give you a better idea what script you like for your tattoo? :)

by peekajinx on Feb 11, 2012 at 7:57 pm

 I'm kind of neutral. I think it would definitely be inspirational now, but I like Noressa's idea about posting it in different scripts so you know how you really want it to look before you get it. Not to mention the reward of seeing it everyday, then when you reach your goal, you can go get the tattoo and it have really true meaning behind it. I've heard the quote before. I really love it as well. My personal quote if I were to get one tattooed is: "Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly."

by laylasmommy8710 on Feb 11, 2012 at 8:36 pm

 thanks ladies!!!  i originally set my "reward" to get my belly button pierced but i had a c section so i dont know if that would be possible.  i know the c section area is quite a bit lower then my belly button but i dont know how that works exactly.  ive heard they cut muscles and such and so if those muscles are cut wont that make my belly sag even after the weight loss?  im still tossing it in the air.  yes i LOVE this quote and its quite inspirational but is it cuz its something new or am i really going to want this on my body permanently?  i already have a word tattoo on my hip that i got as a stupid 19 year old kid and its by no means any inspiration or anything so who knows.  im really wanting the tattoo now but what if i get it now and dont happen to reach my goal weight?  or if i get it now will it really push me to go to the gym on those days i dont want to?  will it help me pass those sugar cookies up?  im probably overthinking this and the answer is so simple and i should just wait.  que sera sera.

by deb1207 on Feb 12, 2012 at 1:09 am

I would wait.
 
No, you are not over thinking it.  We each do like getting rewards for reaching goals. I dont think you can count on a Tatoo as a motivational tool that way. Flash forward 2 years from now: you have the tatoo. You know its there. You like it, but is it motivating you? 
 
How about this? Think of 5 rewards, each one with a higher value than the last. None are food related. Maybe stuff a little more expensive than you would normally spend.
 
Concerts? Gym membership? Trip?  Something you normally do not let yourself buy. Kindle? Clothing? Money that goes to a class you always wanted to take but wouldnt let yourself? Just some ideas.
 
 
 
 
 
 

by kayjay5 on Feb 12, 2012 at 4:54 pm

When you are in the 100+ to lose group, I would wait.  Everything shrinks when you have that much to lose and the tattoo may not look the same after you lose the weight.

by karenloh on Feb 11, 2012 at 11:33 am

That's a great story.  Thanks for sharing.  When I've lost weight before I used to DREAD people noticing and saying something about it.  I have no idea why because this time around I can't wait for there to be enough of a difference for people to notice.  Maybe because I'm doing it the right way this time and can tell people that.  16 down and 45 to go on my first goal.  CONGRATS on the good results Chris.

by CharityShantell on Feb 11, 2012 at 1:35 pm

More precious than money. Congratulations and thanks so much for sharing!!

by JessyJean on Feb 11, 2012 at 2:13 pm

 How nice! What a great thing to pay forward. You can really make someone's day and encourage them to keep going.

by shoelace1 on Feb 11, 2012 at 4:42 pm

What a wonderful thing to have happen.  I have looked at the pictures on your profile before and have noticed the difference.  It is obvious that you are working hard to reach your goal. I hope that I will lose enough weight where people start noticing.  Keep up the good work.

by brotherchris66 on Feb 11, 2012 at 12:55 pm

 I don't think it is possible to target fat in any particular area. The one exception maybe fat on the belly that can sometimes be affected by cortisol levels (stress hormone). All of the research pretty much says you just have to burn fat and it will come off first in the last place it was put on. Higher estrogen levels make it difficult to take it off the butt in women and lower testosterone levels in men make it difficult to come off the belly.

by CharityShantell on Feb 11, 2012 at 1:37 pm

Don't worry, just give your body time to get rid of the extra skin. Especially if you're young, your body will most likely catch up. Your skin is the biggest "organ" of your body and it completely regenerates pretty regularly. Chances are it will tighten up. Meanwhile, I don't know if you're doing strength training, but if not it would be great to add that to your routine all over, not just for your thighs. Congratulations on your loss!

by EJMM on Feb 11, 2012 at 3:34 pm

Do two sets of 10 to 12 reps on each leg (unless otherwise indicated), two or three times a week. Leave a day of rest between workouts... good luck!


Inner-Thigh Lift



(1) Lie on your right side, supporting your head on your hand. (If this position bothers your neck, fold your arm down and rest your head on it.) Bend your left leg, placing your foot flat on the floor. Your right leg is extended and slightly forward.


(2) Using your inner thigh muscles, lift your right leg toward the ceiling at least 6 inches. Hold, and then slowly lower. Repeat on the other side.
Seated Leg Raise



(1) Sit on a sturdy chair. Rest your feet on the floor with your knees bent 90 degrees. Rest your hands on the chair at your sides.


(2) Exhale as you lift and extend your right leg. Hold for 30 seconds as you breathe normally. Then inhale as you lower your right leg and exhale as you repeat with your left leg. Hold for 30 seconds while breathing normally.
Single-Leg Squat 
Standing with your feet together and arms by your sides, shift your weight onto your right foot. Rest the toe of your left foot next to your right foot for balance. Keeping your back straight, bend at your hips and knees, and slowly sit back onto your right leg, raising your arms straight in front of you as you lower (hold onto the back of a chair for balance, if you need to). Stop when your thighs are almost parallel to the floor, and hold for a second. Then press into your right foot through the heel and stand back up.
Seated Pillow Squeeze 
Sit on a sturdy chair. Rest your feet on the floor with your knees bent 90 degrees. Place a pillow between your thighs. Exhale as you squeeze the pillow between your thighs, as if you were trying to squeeze the stuffing out of the pillow. Hold for 1 minute as you breathe normally. Rest 30 seconds to 1 minute between sets.

by Noressa on Feb 11, 2012 at 3:41 pm

 Different people are different.  I will tell you that I'm 33, I've lost my weight over the course of 2 and a half years now and my thighs are still wiggly.  And I do weights, and you know there's some muscle under there (boy can I feel it!) but the skin is still loose and the fat is still there.  You can make more muscle and give your skin a frame to live on which is what I'm doing, or keep what you're doing.  The end result though is pretty similar.  In most peoples bodies, the more muscle you have, the more fat will show as a layer (so I'm going to kepe having big looking thighs for a bit.)  The less you work out, the less muscle you have, the less it has to hang on to...
 
So really the ansswer is time.  (And for some, surgery.).  Your skin while it does lose some elasticity, will shrink to a "normal" state given time. My legs and arms are definitely smaller now, this is a given.  But I do still have flappy wobbly bits...  And in time, as the larger bits before have gone, these too will go.

by SanguineDream on Feb 11, 2012 at 5:58 pm

You should start weight lifting/ strength training! As you lose fat your skin will attach itself to the muscle on your body! Also make sure that you are drinking at LEAST 32 os of water a day!

by EJMM on Feb 11, 2012 at 5:49 am

Sounds great...oh and Happy Birthday!! Enjoy, and I hope you find it enlightening :)

by bezoarman on Feb 11, 2012 at 6:27 am

 Great job on achieving your mini-goal!

by libraryhag on Feb 11, 2012 at 8:10 am

Great! Keep going

by brotherchris66 on Feb 11, 2012 at 8:53 am

 Good job. Keep setting those mini goals!

by KarenTN on Feb 11, 2012 at 10:35 am

Thanks.   I have a couple of small goals set.  I want 241 by my Dr appt.  in about 5 weeks ( I know his scale will be a little higher than mine because I will be fully dressed. But I will meet this goal or not based on my own scale) and 235 by the time I go on vacation on April 23.   I am aiming for 225 by July 4.   I am trying to set these goals to be as acheivable as possible.  Because I don't want to not meet one and get discouraged.    More goals will be set when I see where I am on July 4.  

by karenloh on Feb 11, 2012 at 11:31 am

I love mini-goals.  I'm shooting for five pounds in February and am about half way there so life is good.  Keep up the great work.  Here comes the 4th of July!!

by deb1207 on Feb 12, 2012 at 1:24 am

Karen L; I love that 5 lb.. in Feb, mini goal. Achievable. Not a pie in the sky goal.
KarenTN:
I had set mini goals too. Almost every month I did everything I was supposed to, ate within calories and exercised daily. Some months weight went down and things made sense, other months scale barely budged.
 
I made one of my goals, To Exercise doing Something Every Day. Not a weight based goal.  I had to tell myself that no matter WHAT, had to KEEP on KEEPIN ON.
 
Its great to have dates and  weights to shoot for, and some months you might even do BETTER than what is predicted.

by Noressa on Feb 10, 2012 at 2:12 pm

 We plan our "big event" meals these days, it's awesome!  It means that we get tasty delicious food that we don't feel bad about eating and it fits in our lifestyle!  This valentines day for example?  Steaks, cream of mushroom soup (made with fresh mushrooms, cream and brandy!) and seafood stuffed avocado.  It will be totally delicious and totally healthy!  Great job on planning for what's important to you, it's a good step to keep ahold of and carry on with!

by peekajinx on Feb 10, 2012 at 4:49 pm

 Happy Birthday and awesome job on planning ahead! Last year for my birthday, instead of cake we cut a thick round slice out of the middle of a watermelon and stuck some candles in it. Healthy alternative and it looks just like a round cake! I got the idea off a walmart giftcard of all things.

by birdie201 on Feb 10, 2012 at 5:41 pm

 Happy Birthday!
congrats on planning ahead
Peekajinx that is a great idea for cake. i hate cake dont eat it never will. so we never have it on my birthday but i just lvoe the watermelon thing <3 

by deb1207 on Feb 11, 2012 at 2:35 am

 Happy Birthday! Have a wonderful time!

by karenloh on Feb 11, 2012 at 11:35 am

Super fantastic job Karen and Happy Birthday.  Sounds like you had a great day!

by Noressa on Feb 10, 2012 at 11:48 am

 Exercise questions, Oh, goodie I have this!
 
The soreness you're experiencing is called DOMS, or Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness.  There is a lot of data on it but what it boils down to is if you aren't used to working out, if you increase a workout intensity, if you use different muscles then normal in a workout, your muscles get sore!  If you're just starting now after not having worked out in a long time?  DOMS can last several days!  The good news is, it gets better!  The bad news is... Well, it hurts and you're sore. ;)
 
Things you can do:  
1) It's perfectly fine to work out more while you have DOMS.  You don't have to, but it won't hurt your muscles.
2) Drink more water
3) You can not exercise till the soreness is gone if you'd like, then repeat until you are no longer getting DOMS from your workout. 
4) Drink more water.
5) Don't burn yourself out on the workouts!  This is a very easy thing to do when you start exercising and it really derails you!
6) FLO will increase your weight on the scale.  Eat plenty of protein while on her to help replenish your blood. :)
 
Strength Training is what I and a few others here do.  I love it and am currently in the grip of DOMS myself :p  (I took a week and a half off of training and when I came back started working a new muscle group.  My legs, back and thighs are killing me!  But I'm going back tonight!  DOMS is it's own special kind of pain.  Kind of a "We missed you, welcome back" from your body, once you realize what's going on.  "Hi!  We're muscles!  We missed you and we're going to show it!"  Hah. XD

by KarenTN on Feb 10, 2012 at 11:54 am

Do you take anything for this time of the month?  Pamprin?  Motrin?    Anything like that?   That really helps me with the pains that come with Aunt Flo's visits.   As far as muscle soreness after working out,   make sure you get some good stretching in before and especially after you work out and that will help with the soreness.   Also, with the strength training,  it is good to have one day be primarily upper body,  the next time be primarily lower body exercises,  and alternate.   Gives the arms and shoulders a little extra rest while you are working on legs and abs. 
 
Tell your husband he needs to be more supportive than that.   Telling you you are going to fail is not supportive
 
I know the children keep you busy,   but it would probably be a big first step to cut out the fast food.   You don't have to never have your favorite pizza or burger again.   Just have it way way less often.  Like once a month, even.   You also want your children to learn good eating habits from you.     
 
 

by kayjay5 on Feb 10, 2012 at 1:22 pm

Suggestion on the pizza (or any high calorie food), consider having a big serving of veggies or salad first.  Then have 1-2 pieces of pizza.  Also, sometimes waiting while everyone else eats means there is less available to you.
 
There is nothing wrong with pizza or fast food now and then as a treat, you just have to keep the portions small and try to keep within your calorie allotment.
 
And to add to Noressa's remedies:
Ice.
Massage.
Roll on a lacrosse ball (they are cheap) or roll it over the sore parts and yes this hurts but feels better later and faster.
 

by deb1207 on Feb 11, 2012 at 2:50 am

Hi!  You are off to a good start, and your efforts are really admirable. I agree with KarenTN up there that stretching is a really good idea. And with the Strength Training to make sure you are lifting the appropriate weight, too much weight can cause soreness. Its also good to have someone who knows about fitness: teacher, instructor or trainer, to see what you are doing, and make sure you are doing whatever you are doing, correctly, not causing any injuries to your body.
 
Good DOMS info Noressa, thanks!  On the pizza, I am not big on pizza but when shopping I found that the Kashi pizzas, and some of the Trader Joes pizza options are lower calorie, still delicious, and nutrient wise, healthier. 
 
On the fitness, your efforsts are admirable! Yet sometimes when one starts exercise and diet routines, its so exciting, and one feels so inspired, its like you want to do everything. At some point its good to really ask yourself what of all the activities do you think you can continue over the long term, for months? So many people are just so gung ho in the beginning, and then they burn out, and after a while, as Noressa says, and they just quit.
 
Your life is busy and sounds great, my suggestion is to ask yourself which activities you like, and then to select the ones you really get something out of. Now seems like you are in an exploration phase, still learning what you like, but after a while, you can create a really satisfying routine!
 
Whatever you decide, KEEP your Strength Training. Its so good. Building up muscles changes your muscle fat body composition. That changes your metabolism. I was very stubborn in the beginning and didnt want to do strength training. Now I am so glad I did. Wishing you the best on your health journey!

by Noressa on Feb 10, 2012 at 11:43 am

 Depends on time!  If you have it, I definitely had some success with the P90 before I got a gym membership.  I'd also reccomend looking into the exercise ladder from The Hackers Diet.  (It's free and online.)  It's a small time commitment but a daily workout.  P90 will be faster results, it all depends on your schedule. :)

by peekajinx on Feb 10, 2012 at 12:27 pm

 I think I've heard mention of the Hacker's Diet before. I need to look that up. As nice as fast reults are, I'm not expecting too much because I don't want to set myself up for disappointment if I don't see fast results. I just need to find something I can incorporate into day-to-day life and I know I will see results eventually. I'm a stay-at-home mom, but I'm also a full-time student with an incredible workload in each class. Regardless of how busy I might be though, this is very important to me and I will make time, even if it means waking up earlier or going to bed later. I did just try the P90 Sculpt 1-2 right after making this post just to try it out and it certainly got me sweating! It's a bit difficult to do when I had a 2-year-old that kept asking what I was doing, and at one point when I was sitting on the floor, he grabbed on to my leg and wouldn't let me get back up. (Toddlers have amazingly strong grips!) It was cute though because my son started watching me and trying to copy my movements, which is all the more reason I need to start being a good role model with a healthy lifestyle!

by vontrapp on Feb 10, 2012 at 1:17 pm

I started my weightloss journey with P90 and lost 40lbs. It's a great program. Just push play, eat CLEAN and the rest will take care of itself.

by Tuesdaypm on Feb 11, 2012 at 10:28 am

I started with the Wii fit and workout videos. I was too shy to go to the gym (so impressed by those that do) and liked that I could do then in privacy and I didn't have to factor any drive time into my workout time. I like biggest looser and zumba but I would recomend getting workout DVDs from the library to see what you like before investing any money. If P90 works for you thats all that matters. Now that I am under 200(started at 245) I did get a gym membership and am now doing stuff there but I still go back to my videos when I just can't get my stuff together to make it out to the gym. Its all about what works for you and you can always change it up at any time.

by karenloh on Feb 11, 2012 at 11:47 am

Tuesday has some great advice there.  I have invested in four different kinds of DVDs and don't really like any of them and don't have room in my room to do any of them.  I wish I had rented first and tried to find something that works better.  If I get some stuff moved around in my living room, I maybe could make more room but ugh.  I'm happy just doing some walking once in a while until my weight gets down some more.   Strength training will be next.

by peekajinx on Feb 11, 2012 at 8:07 pm

 Tuesday, the thing is I have NO money to spend otherwise I would definitely be at the gym. I was embarrassed too when it came to working out in front of others, but got over that quickly. I miss going. Whenever I can afford it, I'll go back one day. As for the videos, I'm not exactly going to the store and buying them, although I would be more than happy to put forth the money to support the producers when I do. I did try the P90 workout yesterday, and now today, and I am so sore from it! I think I might just stick with it. I really enjoy the attitude of Tony Horton. I also liked that I was able to print off a calendar with all 90 days listed on it and what I should be doing that day, as well as marking my rest days and when I should take progress pictures. I've posted it on my fridge so I can X off the days as I do them. I guess we'll see what happens with this. If it is something I get burnt out on too quickly, I guess I will explore other options.

by karenloh on Feb 11, 2012 at 11:48 am

Great tip.  Thanks for the reminder Charity.

by CharityShantell on Feb 11, 2012 at 1:39 pm

You're welcome. I'm gonna paste it on my fridge, lol. When I get overly hungry I can sometimes eat more than I need to before my brain figures out that I'm full. :o)

by Bananny75 on Feb 10, 2012 at 9:44 am

congrats on the 4 lbs! Every pound counts....and you earned them fair and square :)
 

by birdie201 on Feb 10, 2012 at 9:46 am

 Congrats hun! Im sure you will reach your goal! sounds like  you are doing a great job already.

by Equinox1728 on Feb 10, 2012 at 9:48 am

Good work! You are going in the right direction. Hang tough.

by rmkiser1970 on Feb 10, 2012 at 9:53 am

 Thank you guys.  I never thought I would say this. But. I miss my work outs!  I feel like a big part of me is gone.  I hope to be better by next week so I can get back into my routine.

by Terra_Incognita on Feb 10, 2012 at 9:55 am

I'm glad you're starting to feel better kiser! Keep on keepin' on my friend.

by Noressa on Feb 10, 2012 at 10:01 am

 Portion control doesn't go away as an issue for some of us. ;)  I'm 105 pounds down and I still weigh my food!  But 4 pounds is really good work, great job. :)

by brotherchris66 on Feb 10, 2012 at 10:04 am

 Good job. Now back to Fitlinx!

by CharityShantell on Feb 10, 2012 at 10:14 am

That will be sooooo exciting to get into the 3's!!

And I'm soooo happy for you that you have a trainer. If you really miss it, try walking around your neighborhood or mall for 30 minutes. Nothing wrong with getting a little blood flowing, unless you're totally laid out.

We've had multiple kids sick this week and I am just praying and hoping it doesn't "get" me!

by peekajinx on Feb 10, 2012 at 11:23 am

 Great job on the amount of weight lost so far! I'm sure you will make your goal, you don't have too much farther to go. I'm rootin' for ya!

by EJMM on Feb 10, 2012 at 7:29 pm

Wow...41.6 pounds in 5 weeks is very impressive! Keep up the great work!

by JessyJean on Feb 10, 2012 at 7:41 pm

 You're an amazing inspiration. Keep it up and congrats on your loss so far.

by deb1207 on Feb 11, 2012 at 2:57 am

  Portion control was the VERY FIRST thing I addressed. For people addressing Portion Control, one thing that really worked for me in the beginning was using this stuff called Soy Slender, chocolate flavor.Its a drink that comes in a box (dont have to refrigerate til you open it). 
 
It worked for me because I needed to slow myself down, learn how to taste and enjoy what I was eating, and take some time to ask myself how full was I? I find often, when one is hungry, the body says You Are Hungry! but it doesnt tell you HOW hungry. 
 
So maybe you have not eaten in hours, and then you end up starving, and you want to grab the first thing, ANYTHING in sight, you are so hungry. 
 
With Soy Slender I would pour a cup, sip it, and just feel myself getting less and less hungry. I could feel myself fill up. The Soy Slender has 70 calories per cup, 7 grams of protein 5 grams of carbs and 4 fiber. 

by libraryhag on Feb 11, 2012 at 8:14 am

I think you are doing great. Keep us posted.

by KarenTN on Feb 10, 2012 at 9:02 am

I think there are 2 reasons many people weight once a week or even once a month instead of daily.  
 
1)  it is very easy to become scale obsessed and get on and off the scale every 5 minutes all day long hoping for some change in the number
2)   Someone might get on the scale on Saturday,   get all excited about losing 2 pounds,  go celebrate with some food,  and gain it back by Monday
If you weigh every day and you feel like that helps you stay on track,   you aren't breaking any rules that I know of.   It's really all about what works for you.
 
I weigh on Tuesdays.   I was weighing on Mondays,  but I decided to wait an extra day to flush out any water weight from high sodium weekend badness.   I will weigh tomorrow,  but only because i had a mini goal and the date to meet it is tomorrow and Tuesday I was only about half a pound away
 
 

by Noressa on Feb 10, 2012 at 9:04 am

 I'm back to once a day from once a month.  But I'm tracking it now as a moving average instead of a place in time.  It helps to see the line through the daily variations.  I do keep it on a downward trend and that's whats important... But it also helps me see how sodium and my time of month really do both affect my weight.

by kayjay5 on Feb 10, 2012 at 9:08 am

It's definitely a personal decision - there is no right or wrong.  If you hop on daily and can tolerate the ups and downs, there is no reason not to.  But if the inconsistencies of the scale are discouraging to you, find a timing that works better.

by EJMM on Feb 10, 2012 at 9:14 am

my wife said I'm worth my weight in gold...each week I lose value

by rmkiser1970 on Feb 10, 2012 at 9:44 am

 LOL EJMM.  That is funny.  But, in this case, it is good to lose value.
Peek, as far as weighing everyday, it is really a personal decision.  I like to weigh each day because I like to adjust my calories accordingly.  But, the secret to weighing everyday is that you cannot get upset if you have a small gain.  Use what you said and maybe find out what you did wrong - if anything.   Usually, it is just going to be water gain.   And, if you miss a day of weighing, no big deal.
But, if you find yourself getting upset because of a small gain or you start to obsess about doing it, then change it to once a week or a month.    An obsession will only discourage you.
 
 

by Equinox1728 on Feb 10, 2012 at 9:56 am

I perfer to weigh in daily, it keeps me on track.

by Terra_Incognita on Feb 10, 2012 at 10:04 am

Heya Jinx:) I'm with kayjay. There isn't a right or wrong way. I, personally, do not want to get on the scale everyday. I think I would get scale-shock because it's kind of an emotional number-thing for me. Perhaps that will change when I'm out of the 200s or closer to the range I'm supposed to be in? I don't know. You'll find what works for ya!

by brotherchris66 on Feb 10, 2012 at 10:07 am

 Personally, I weigh on the scale more often than I take seriously what I read on the scale. I will tell you that I crunched the numbers for myself yesterday. Over a month the scale showed a loss of 5 pounds. The true story is that I lost 12 pounds of fat and gained 7 pounds of lean mass. My bodyfat percentage change was huge. That is more important to me, personally, than the number on the scale.

by CharityShantell on Feb 10, 2012 at 10:19 am

Yep, there's absoutely NO "should's" when it comes to weighing.

Right now I record my weights every day (if possible) on my 2012 calendar. But I keep two weights REALLY prominent, written at the top of the page:

-January 1
-The first of the current month

This way I can look at the overall picture for my year-to-date situation and my month-to-date situation.

This is reeeeally important for me because if I pick one weekday to weigh in, I typically only have 2-3 "good" weigh in's per month. I just fluxuate a lot with sodium, muscle repair, ovulation, TOM, a few hundred extra calories, etc. etc.!

Overall this is working for me right now. But I respect those who hide their scales for a month, etc. It is VERRRRRRY hard to deal with day to day weights sometimes, and spikes UP can really get me DOWN.

But overall I'm a datahead, so I make it work for me by keeping the global picture in the forefront as well as recording the daily weights.


:o)

by EJMM on Feb 10, 2012 at 10:59 am

I have an idea, If your continually weighing yourself during the day...put the scale on top a 4 Block Bench Step! your bound to like the number...

by peekajinx on Feb 10, 2012 at 11:11 am

 lol @ EJMM for the loss in value remark. and the bench step isn't a half bad idea! lol
 
I think some might have mistook the meaning of my original message. I'm happy with how I do me weigh-ins because it works for me. I don't feel I'm obsessed with it and I don't jump on several times a day. I have a specific time of day I weigh myself and I record it and leave it at that. I know how weight fluctuates so I take all of that into account both with gain or loss. I just find it helps me pinpoint other things, especially since I had a big jump today and I know I ate too much of my homemade veggie pizza yesterday. I don't let the spikes get to me since I know I am on the right track. I'm sure it will be back down again tomorrow. For days like today, it just serves as a reminder that I need to stay on track. I think what I was aiming for in my original post was just to find out what works for others. I guess it would have been better to just ask "When do you weigh in." It's all opinion and what works best for you!

by vontrapp on Feb 10, 2012 at 1:28 pm

I try and weigh myself once every other week usually on a Wednesday. Just to make sure I'm on track.

by karenloh on Feb 11, 2012 at 11:56 am

I'm right with you peekajinx.  I do the exact same thing and it works great for me.  I record it on a piece of paper and then my diary and then move on to the next thing.  The ups and downs are usually understandable and the overall trend being down is uplifting.  It really keeps me honest and accountable.  Thanks for posting.

by Noressa on Feb 10, 2012 at 9:06 am

 I type in the name of the thing that I'm after and that usually helps bring it up.  That said, if the values are similar to what I'm after, I'll often find out what the values would be of the item it seems to think I want and then put in that amount.  (Usually a decimal.)  And if that doesn't work, I find another food/item with the numbers I want and put that in, then comment that item xyz is really item abc in the description.

by CharityShantell on Feb 10, 2012 at 10:28 am

I use recipes SOOO much because I am one of those people who cooks WITHOUT a recipe. And the way that I track it, is I create an LS "recipe" for each batch I make of whatever.

I don't worry so much about the brand name of the ingredient as long as the calories are right. So for example, I bought a 2% cottage cheese that has 90 calories in 112 grams or something. Well, I can't find the brand I bought, but I see lots of other brands that have the same weight and same calories so I just use those and move on. I have to let go of some of my perfectionistic tendancies for the greater good of finding enough time to track accurately, and not getting discouraged about the journey.

I also use decimals constantly. And I conver from ounces to grams and vice versa ALL the time for things like vegetables and fruits.

(FYI, 100 grams has 3.52 ounces)

:o)

by rainbow1957 on Feb 10, 2012 at 4:19 pm

Thank you.   This all helps. 

by kayjay5 on Feb 10, 2012 at 6:26 am

sometimes they just register wrong.  My jumps around if I move or don't have my feet in the right spot.  I don't think it was a gain, just probably not the right number the first time.

by brotherchris66 on Feb 10, 2012 at 7:23 am

 That is one of the reasons I hate scales. I don't want to be gross but I have weighed myself, used the restroom, and gained in the process. My tape measure and body calipers don't have that kind of fluctuation.

by Noressa on Feb 10, 2012 at 9:07 am

 It comes down to "Place the scale on the same place always
Put pressure on the same parts of your feet
Balance yourself the same
Then look at the number.
 
It's all pressure pads, so any change to the above is going to make the number plates off of any digital reading.

by rmkiser1970 on Feb 10, 2012 at 9:18 am

 Scales tend to do that.   When I weigh, I always weigh twice.   If the number is different, I will weigh again and then take it from there.   The way stand on the scale, a difference in location, etc. will all cause it to fluctuate.

by CharityShantell on Feb 10, 2012 at 10:30 am

My expensive scale often registers a smaller weight the FIRST time and only the first time. UGH.

And I do the same thing as the others. I always stand with the same position and posture when weighing. And (sadly) I usually want to confirm it with 2 identical readings before giving up, especially on the monthly weights.

by birdie201 on Feb 10, 2012 at 5:43 pm

 thats the thing im not getting identicle weights. i stand the same, and its in the same location. but when my husband does it he gets the same reading everytime. Appearently the thing hates me as much as i hate it lol
 
Thanks everyone for your input.

by birdie201 on Feb 10, 2012 at 7:58 am

 Woo Hoo Congrats on quiting smoking hun. its such a hard thing to do. I will be honest it will get harder. My husband quit a few years ago and he still gets the cravings. Exspecailly when people smoke aroung. His parents cant seem to get it threw their heads that everytime he has to do a cigerette run for them it just adds to his cravings. But the best thing to remember is what you want in the long run. 
I know exactly how you feel when it comes to the kids. My little girl is so active she bounces off walls. So i know both you and I and everyone on here can do this if we set our hearts straight. Good luck hun! 

by peekajinx on Feb 10, 2012 at 8:33 am

 Congrats on quitting smoking! That is a huge step forward to a better you! As for the weight loss, it's going to be a tough road, but I find the more support you have, the more likely you are to succeed which is why I like this site so much! I'm sure you can do it!

by rainbow1957 on Feb 10, 2012 at 8:37 am

Congratulations on quiting smoking.  I quit almost 25 years ago.  Welcome to the group.  I'm sure you will find it very encouraging and supportive.  If you have questions, don't be afraid to ask. 

by Noressa on Feb 10, 2012 at 9:08 am

 Welcome and good luck! :)

by rmkiser1970 on Feb 10, 2012 at 9:31 am

 First, congratulations on quitting smoking!  You will feel so much better!  Also, welcome to the group!   I will say (from first hand experience) that you need to continue coming to the group.  Even if you don't think you need it anymore or even if you are having a bad day, come to this group.   Everyone here is so supportive.   
 
The reason I said I know from first hand experience is because I started losing weight in June 3, 2011 and I weighed 452 at the time.   By September 22nd, I was down to 389.8.  And, I felt fantastic.  Only problem is I quit checking into the group and then soon I quit logging my food.   Long story short by January 9th, I was up to 449.6.  3 months of hardwork and success (62.2 pounds in three months) all gone.  I was angry at myself. But, the one thing I learned is that I needed the support of the group whether I knew it or not.   I am down 41.6 pounds in 5 weeks. So, I am on my way. But, I could not have done it without the help of this group.

by Bananny75 on Feb 10, 2012 at 9:49 am

Thank you all for the warm welcome and words of encouragement; I have to make sure I get here everyday, I like you all already!

by Equinox1728 on Feb 10, 2012 at 10:04 am

Congratulations on quitting smoking. You have done something great for you and your family. Keep up the good work. You won't be sorry.

by EJMM on Feb 10, 2012 at 7:43 am

I found this web site that may help make sense... http://expertscolumn.com/content/weight-loss-tips-stop-comparing-yourself-everyone-else

by nevamoore on Feb 10, 2012 at 7:59 am

Just want to say, I think you did a fantastic job. I just started today and I did 10 minutes on the cycle and 5 minutes on the elliptical. Boy am I feeling it. I will try more later. I will be so proud of my self when I can do as much as did. Great Job!!!

by peekajinx on Feb 10, 2012 at 8:39 am

 Don't beat yourself up over not doing as much time on the ellipitical, you'll get there! Really you shouldn't beat yourself up about anything, it will only become detrimental to your efforts to improve. Think about the exercise like you thought about the extra calories, "I'll just do better tomorrow."

by Noressa on Feb 10, 2012 at 9:09 am

 You're doing awesome, honestly.  Great work so far with your goals and I'm excited to see what month end holds for you :)

by rmkiser1970 on Feb 10, 2012 at 9:40 am

 First, congratulations on trying to quit smoking.   Proud of ya :)  And, one slip up won't hurt you too bad because you are getting back on the right track.  If you didn't slip up, you wouldn't be human :)
Now, as far as comparing yourself to your friend.   I know how frustrating that can be.   I know when I go to the pool to do water jogging, I feel so bad because the others in the pool are swimming lap after lap.   But, I find I have to stop myself and tell myself a few things.  First, not everyone is equal.   But, in this sense, that is a good thing because we are each individuals.   And, that is what makes us unique.  Even if you are the same build and have been working out the same time, that doesn't mean you both can do the same level.   Second, I have to realize that these people have been doing it longer than me and I need to work at my own pace.  And, one day I will be swimming lap after lap.   The same as you will be doing the hour or more!   
What I recommend is that you don't let it get you down.  Use it as motivation.   And, also think back to what you said earlier. It can't be undone now.   If you feel you can do an hour, then do it the next time.  The past is the past and nothing changes that.  But, you control the future.  Hold on to that and make that your goal. Good luck :)
 
 
 

by laylasmommy8710 on Feb 10, 2012 at 10:10 am

 thanks guys!!!  i find that i play down what i do and i think its because im afraid of being conceited or vain.  i dont want to be one of those people that are like "oh you did that?  good for you but i did this."  my friend was telling me i did a great job and instead of saying thanks i just said i did an ok job.  next time im going to do 60 minutes.  i even told my friend i wanted to do that last 10 minutes and she told me hop on i still had time.  i was being lazy.  i kept bumping my time up by 5 minutes.  we were going for 30 minutes and then planned on stopping but then we just kept going up.  i am quite proud of myself for doing the 50 minutes and i will be doing 60 minutes next time.  today is my rest day so saturday i will be doing the full hour.  :)  thanks for the encouraging words guys!!

by laylasmommy8710 on Feb 10, 2012 at 10:14 am

 ejmm-that was a great article!  totally hit the nail on the head!  thanks for sharing that with me!  i think ill have to read that everyday to keep myself from putting myself down and downplaying what i do.

by EJMM on Feb 10, 2012 at 7:56 pm

Thanks, Im glad I could help....also your doing great not just ok!

by brotherchris66 on Feb 9, 2012 at 6:03 pm

 Track everything you eat. I mean everything. Drink lots of water and get moving. These couple of things will get you headed in the direction you want.

by birdie201 on Feb 10, 2012 at 5:43 am

 i do track everything i eat. I have been making it a point to do it. The only thing i forget to track is the water i drink. but other than that i mark down every little bite of food. EVen if it is litteraly a bite of food i mark down lol
 
Thanks hun. <3 

by rmkiser1970 on Feb 10, 2012 at 9:49 am

 Hey Birdie. Congratz on making it this far.  I will make one recommendation to you that I had to do.   Watch the Lean Cuisine or Healthy choice because they are usually loaded with sodium.   I found they were putting much sodium in my diet and causing me to retain water.  I also recommend adding snacks.   I literally eat something every two to 3 hours.   I will split my breakfast into two parts eating one part at 8 AM and the next part at 10 AM.  I will have my snack around noon then eat part of my lunch around 2PM.  Then, I eat the other part around 4 PM.  I usually eat dinner around 7 PM and then have a snack around 9.   This is what I found helps to keep my metabolism in check.   I won't say this will work.  But, I have found I lose more weight and retain less water when I follow these guidelines.  I hope it helps :)  Just do what works for you.

by birdie201 on Feb 10, 2012 at 5:48 pm

 Thanks hun i will keep that in mind <3 i did buy some healthy snacks. my thing is im an extremely picky eater and im trying to change that and try new things 

by KarenTN on Feb 9, 2012 at 7:14 am

was it exactly 2000 calories?   If so,  check that calorie goal again,  make sure you are signed in and put in your current height/weight and the correct activity level.   Because I am just under 250 and I get less than 1500 now to lose 1.5 per week.  So 2000 sounds high,  unless you put moderately active as your activity level.  I say recalculate

by KarenTN on Feb 9, 2012 at 7:19 am

2000 is the default,   so you really need to get a recalculation.  I went in and,  I don't know how tall you are,  so I plugged in 5'5",  but I put in 260,  2 pounds per week , and lightly active,  and I get 1601 calories per day.  It would be less if you had sedentary as your activity level

by monteereeves on Feb 9, 2012 at 7:31 am

 Well that may have solved part of the problem.  It was set in very active. I changed to lightly active. I guess that applies to me since I'm trying to work out an hour a day and my job has me standing about 8 hours a day. Now my new calorie goal is 1707. Im 5'4" and 260 trying to lose at least 100 lbs.  So if I eat 1707 then burn 500 that day, do eat an additional 500 or is it better to leave it in a deficit?  Which gets better results?  

by Noressa on Feb 9, 2012 at 7:53 am

 The thing that gets the best results is the thing you will follow.  When I wasn't active and just watching calories, I was eating 1250/day.  I decided that was too low to be sustainable so I increased it to about 1700-1800 and lost relatively decently.  (I'm a slow loser.)  That pace decreased when I added in workouts, but my body composition is benefiting from it!  I'm currently eating between 1300-1700/day with 3 workouts a week and losing.  Still slow since I've already lost 100 but still losing... Which is better then the alternative!

by Tuesdaypm on Feb 9, 2012 at 7:54 am

LS often over estimates activity so I would say eat back what you feel you need to energy wise but not all the calories. Its all an estimate anyway so play around with the numbers as you get a feel of what you need to get through your day comfortably. Give it a few weeks your body may be in shock if you changed up your life suddenly. It will work out just keep going:)

by KarenTN on Feb 9, 2012 at 8:01 am

If you set your activity to lightly active,   the calculator is taking a certain amount of activity into account already.   So you probably shouldn't eat back exercise calories.   If you feel like you have had an extraordinarily active day,  then you maybe could eat back some calories.  

by libraryhag on Feb 9, 2012 at 11:34 am

Sometimes the scales are a big fat liar. Or maybe I should say our bodies are. Stick with diet and exercise and the weight will come off. It took me almost 3 weeks before the scale really started to move. And again, this week it showed that I had gained 2 lbs. I just ignored it and sure enough I got on the scales today and those 2 lbs were gone. I know it sounds lame, but be patient.

by kayjay5 on Feb 9, 2012 at 11:37 am

Just for reference, check this out regarding the definition of lightly, moderately and very active.  It's surprising.  Most people (particularly those in an office job) are lightly active if they workout an hour a day.
The Mifflin-St Jeor equations are:
Male: BMR = 10×weight + 6.25×height - 5×age + 5
Female: BMR = 10×weight + 6.25×height - 5×age - 161
These equations require the weight in kilograms, the height in centimeters, and the age in years. To determine your total daily calorie needs, the BMR has to be multiplied by the appropriate activity factor, as follows:

1.200 = sedentary (little or no exercise)
1.375 = lightly active (light exercise/sports 1-3 days/week, approx. 590 Cal/day)
1.550 = moderately active (moderate exercise/sports 3-5 days/week, approx. 870 Cal/day)
1.725 = very active (hard exercise/sports 6-7 days a week, approx. 1150 Cal/day)
1.900 = extra active (very hard exercise/sports and physical job, approx. 1580 Cal/day)

NOTE: A 150-pound (68 kg) person walking at 4 miles per hour uses about 300 Cal per hour (5 kcal/min). The activity factor lightly active corresponds to walking 2 hours per day, moderately active corresponds to walking 3 hours per day, very active corresponds to walking 4 hours per day, and extra active corresponds to walking 5 hours per day (20 miles). Sedentary would include those sitting at a desk all day with no other activity or those confined to a wheelchair or mobility scooters who are not able to exercise.
 
http://www.scientificpsychic.com/health/cron1.html
 
Also, if you set your activity to anything other than sedentary, do not also track your fitness.  this is essentially doubling your activity calories and can stall weight loss.

by deb1207 on Feb 10, 2012 at 12:10 am

 In a study cited at the website below, the Mifflin St. Jeor equation was found to be the most accurate estimate of a BMR. 


http://www.worldofdiets.com/how-many-calories-should-i-eat-a-day/


Quoted Here:


"In a study published in 2005 by the ADA (American Dietetic Association) which examined the accuracy of various methods to calculate BMR, the Mifflin-St Jeor equation was found the most likely to give an accurate estimation of BMR. However, even this equation was found to do so within a 10% error margin and has various further limitations that may make it even less accurate than that.
 
 

by Noressa on Feb 9, 2012 at 7:51 am

 My coping skills are making chocolate and baking.  The more upset, lonely and or sad I am the more I do these activities.  Somehow the act of making them removes them from the "I should eat these" mindset and makes them more of a "I should gift these".  Find some project you love doing that you won't eat or be tempted to eat and keep what you need aruond to delve into it.  Baking and doing chocolates is mostly a mindless task for me, so I can think things through while I make things to share.

by Tuesdaypm on Feb 9, 2012 at 8:02 am

So my first thaught was "Don't frozen cherries hurt your teeth?" :)
You need to find what works for you. I have found that if I can get out and go for a walk with my doggie and a good podcast on my ipod or a drive with loud music and the windows down I can change my mindset for a little while. The good part of this is it gets you away from the fridge and gets your mind somewhere else. Its okay to have bad days that happens to everyone. The improtant thing is you are back and have learned from the last week.

by karenloh on Feb 9, 2012 at 8:37 am

This may sounds backward but for me I have had to learn to FEEL those negative feelings.  I found that trying to push them away was 90% of my sense of struggle.  When I settled in and just felt the feeling of failure or loss or frustration or anger, it was 10% of the intensity of what I used to feel.  Breathing helps.  Distraction helps.  Crying helps.  Talking to a friend helps.  But let yourself feel the loss and let yourself accept that you are a striving, achieving person who can give yourself a break once in a while and still be okay. 

by EJMM on Feb 9, 2012 at 1:54 pm

Sorry you had somewhat of a tough week,but like you said your back! and starting fresh again today.I'm sure i speak for many that you were truly missed!

by Yvenya on Feb 9, 2012 at 5:12 pm

Thank you, everyone!

by Noressa on Feb 8, 2012 at 1:39 pm

 I don't worry about working out.  For food, I keep home made chicken broth at home.  I'll make up a pot of chicken soup and have nice hot broth with veggies and chicken.  It definitely helps me in the "I don't wanna cook" phase, as well as being low calorie and by virtue of me making the broth well, it's darn tasty too!

by KarenTN on Feb 8, 2012 at 2:16 pm

a snus infection is part of what derailed me after losing 32 pounds.   I had lost them at about this time last year,  and then went on a vacation gained a couple back there,  then hit a plateau,   well,  in the early spring I got a sinus infection that would not go away.   and the only thing I could really taste was ice cream!  and it soothed my throat too!   long story short,  that thing hung around for weeks and I gained a lot of weight back.   don't let this happen to you!  The ice cream diet  does not work

by EJMM on Feb 8, 2012 at 2:50 pm

chicken soup...that's the ticket, Specifically, it has anti-inflammatory properties that could explain why it soothes sore throats and eases the misery of colds and flu, So I'm in agreement with Noressa.

by brotherchris66 on Feb 8, 2012 at 3:56 pm

 I had a nasty viral sinus infection last week. I stayed in and rested. Although I was horrified by the amount of sodium I consumed, I ate lots of chicken noodle soup and it really soothed my throat which was sore from the nasal drip. It passed enough that I could get back to life in about 3 days.
 
I hope you get to feeling better soon! Being sick sucks

by JessyJean on Feb 8, 2012 at 9:08 pm

 I think you know the answer to your question. You can't work out when you feel this crappy. Losing weight is all about taking care of yourself, and right now that means getting over your infections.
 
Hope you feel better soon.

by CharityShantell on Feb 8, 2012 at 10:37 pm

It's been one of the hardest things to learn for me. I was always a "slacker" with exercise so I automatically feel like a slacker. This weekend there was a hike planned at a women's retreat I attended. I wanted to go, but some things happened and when I got honest with myself, I had to come to terms with the fact that I was just TOO tired. I still created a 1000 deficit in calories for that day just by walking all over the campgrounds, up stairs and hills, etc. and just an overall active day. I had to give myself a "pass" on the hike, even though I love hiking. I truly needed the rest. I don't know if I'll ever completely find the balance of pushing myself and cutting myself slack at the right times. I just wanted to add this note to affirm that your concern is very common among those who have gone from sedentary-obese to active.

by kayjay5 on Feb 9, 2012 at 6:33 am

It does become a bit of a mind game.  You start to wonder if you are using the illness as an excuse not to exercise.  I generally try to put parameters around it - maybe a time limit.  I will take X days off and then start with a light workout.   Or do something that gets me moving but isn't too strenuous. 
 
It's important to take care of yourself and heal but also to keep your head in the right place and know that you have to get back at it.  And #1 is probably getting adequate sleep.  That's always important whether sick or not.

by Noressa on Feb 8, 2012 at 8:19 am

 I do weight lifting, 3 times a week, 30 minutes to an hour each day.  For short term goals, cardio is likely your friend more than anything, but for long term weight loss, lifting is ideal as it helps build muscle... Which burns more calories!

by peekajinx on Feb 8, 2012 at 8:21 am

 I personally do a ton of walking. I hope to move to light jogging when I lose more weight, and I look forward to the day I can do a full out run!

by EJMM on Feb 8, 2012 at 8:26 am

Walking or walking my dog...I think Walking Can Be Underestimated. Walking can not only help you achieve weight loss but also a lot of health benefits as well. just my opinion

by SpartanDad4 on Feb 8, 2012 at 8:39 am

I have 5-6 days a week of cardio consisting of either a low-impact aerobic DVD or walking.  Then I lift weights 3 days a week.  A few days a week I will workout both in the morning and in the evening.  I mostly take Wednesday off from working out (though I may do some auxillary lifting which though I log it I don't count toward that 3 days of lifting).
As I don't want to fall prey to the overestimation of calories burned, I log all my cardio as walking at either a 2.5 MPH or 3 MPH pace and since I do not time my weight lifting sessions I only write in 5 minutes.

by brotherchris66 on Feb 8, 2012 at 8:59 am

 High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) for cardio 3-4 times per week. Resistance training 4 times per week.

by JessyJean on Feb 7, 2012 at 10:21 pm

 Welcome Miss Lina! This place is a wonderful tool! Feel free to jump right in and I'm glad you're here.

by karenloh on Feb 8, 2012 at 8:11 am

This place really helps my motivation too, especially the people who have lost weight and kept it off long-term.  Gives me a lot of hope for the future.  WELCOME and keep tracking!

by Noressa on Feb 8, 2012 at 8:18 am

 Plateaus seriously suck.  Keep doing the right things and eventually your scale will agree with all your hard work!

by peekajinx on Feb 8, 2012 at 8:23 am

 Congrats on the 20 lb loss! Plateaus really do suck, but don't give up! You'll get through it!

by Noressa on Feb 7, 2012 at 7:41 pm

 Yes and now.  Your body was used to having all kinds of energy at hand and now you're restricting it, so it acts in kind.  Something you can do is have more protein for longer term energy as a carb heavy snack will give you a rush of energy but fade on you really quickly. :)

by CharityShantell on Feb 7, 2012 at 10:02 pm

Yeah, it could be an adjustment. I like what Noressa says - I try to have at LEAST 100 grams of protein a day on a diet that's around 2000 calories. 150 is even better. So check your plate, and if your total protein consumption has been routinely under 100, that would be an excellent start.

by JessyJean on Feb 7, 2012 at 10:28 pm

 Your body takes a little while to become adjusted to your new way of eating. It's going to fight you! You can do this though. Something that really helps me to stay full and add protein (but is VERY high in sodium) is beef jerky. One package is like 240 cals and has 45-50g of protein. 
 
Also sugar causes crashes so make sure you're not having too much of that!

by deb1207 on Feb 7, 2012 at 10:53 pm

 Its hard to know from the question why you may be feeling low on energy without knowing what you have been eating. Sometimes eating a whole lot of carbs that have sugar can make one tired. Sometimes not eating enough protein can make one tired. 
 
Take a look at your plate, near your food diary, to see what percent you are eating of Protein, Carbs and Fats. Also, if you are NOT eating enough calories for the amount of Activity you are doing, then you would feel tired. 
 
In general, protein perks me up. I would take some notes every day in the Food Diary section so you can compare how you feel eating one thing or another. Hope your energy improves. 

by wynet6280 on Feb 8, 2012 at 4:12 am

Thanks

by karenloh on Feb 8, 2012 at 10:58 am

I don't want to sabotage you but my goal is also about 1988 per day and I routinely go over by a few hundred calories and still lost 8 pounds in January.  Granted, more than 8 pounds would have been wonderful, but I need to find a way to eat that I can sustain for the rest of my life and that means having energy and NOT being hungry. 
 
Take care of yourself WHILE you are on this path.  Eat healthy foods and you can eat more of them and feel more energetic.  I have found that if I eat 500 calories of McDonalds I feel like crap but if I eat 350 calories of chicken and veggies with curry sauce I feel fantastic.  I'm still learning this myself.
 
Take care and keep up the good work!!!

by lily31667 on Feb 9, 2012 at 5:49 pm

Are you drinking enough water? Dehydration will cause low energy.
7-8 hrs sleep at night..restful sleep.
When is the last time you had your iron checked low iron = low energy also.
I'm just asking, I know for myself being overweight wasn't my only health issue..I rarely took a daily multi vitamin, lived off of 4-5 sleep, and yes needed an extra iron supplement (which I now take with a full glass of water).
Good Luck!
~Laura~

by JessyJean on Feb 7, 2012 at 4:48 pm

 Try to relax a bit. I was told last year I had prediabetes and needed to lose weight. Your tests might not come back positive. If they do it's not something that is awful. You will have to get a grip of your eating habits and control yourself a bit more but it's definitely doable!
 
Try not to stress too much hun until you know for sure!

by EJMM on Feb 7, 2012 at 5:17 pm

Just be positive and hope for the best, I agree with JessyJean...try not to stress,Your test will more than likely came back negative.

by Noressa on Feb 7, 2012 at 7:40 pm

 There's a lot of information about diabetes out there.  Your first and best bet is to accost your doctor and have them sit down and explain things to you.  They'll often just hand you information and send you on your way. You NEED to talk with them.
 
The next part is partially determined by if it's type 1 or type 2, or if you're pre-diabetic.  What you do need to take away from it is this:  Your blood sugar is going to determine a lot of things.  How you feel, what you keep on you (hypoglycemic, hyperglycemic).  This isn't a death sentance, this is however going to be a new way of looking at things.
 
Things to keep in mind/do while dealing with diabetes:
Become very familiar with carbs.  What has carbs?  Well, fruit, veggies, grains.  These are the most common sources!
Realize everything will impact your insulin!  Carbs, protein and fat!
Learn to eat low glycemic index carbs over anything else, though try to reduce your carb intake to definitely less then 150g/day, if not lower.
Join some diabetic communities.  There is no "cure" but there are better ways of taking care of yourself so that you a life just as good as the one that was pre-diabetic.
Ask questions!  Familiarize yourself with what's going on.  The more you know, the less confusing it all gets.
Take care!

by Noressa on Feb 7, 2012 at 8:26 pm

 Also, watch this video, it will explain what is going on. :)
 
http://www.khanacademy.org/video/glucose-insulin-and-diabetes?topic=healthcare-and-medicine

by w8in on Feb 7, 2012 at 8:45 pm

 Like you I didn't know anything about diabetes either when I was diagnosed 3 months ago. But like Noressa said, there's a lot of information out there. Just start out at www.diabetes.org , the site of the American Diabetes Association. If you test positive for diabetes, ask your doctor if there's a training program available or if he/she can refer you to a local group that has meetings. In any event, diabetes is manageable by changing your eating and exercise habits and losing weight does wonders to lower your sugar level.

by kayjay5 on Feb 8, 2012 at 9:36 am

Hang in there!  You are doing the best things for your body now by eating healthy and exercising!  Any weight loss is just an added benefit and will help if there is a diagnosis of diabetes.  Try not to let it get you down and hop back on the wagon - there is plenty of room :)

by rainbow1957 on Feb 8, 2012 at 10:29 am

My friend was diagnosed with diabetes about a year ago.  She was very confused at first but her doctor referred her to a coach.  My friend had nothing but great things to say for having a coach especially at the beginning because she took the time to explain everything to my friend.  But if a coach isn't available to you, then like others have said, there is lots of information out there about it.  I'll repeat what others have said, try not to stress about it.  Take it all in stride. 

by Livvysmom2 on Feb 8, 2012 at 11:59 am

 Please don't give up.  You deserve this time for yourself.  Please also try Jackson's Challenge for those of us with 100/100+ to lose.  This group & Jackson's Challenge are incredibly supportive.  Hope to see ya there!
Linda

by Noressa on Feb 7, 2012 at 10:54 am

 Hah!  Celebrate! (With healthy tasty things!)

by Livvysmom2 on Feb 7, 2012 at 3:48 pm

 How many calories will your "happy dance" burn? 

by peekajinx on Feb 7, 2012 at 8:52 am

 Great job on your weight loss, and looking at your video, what a change! It reminds me that I should probably take photos too. Sometimes it can be very motivating to notice those little changes.

by Noressa on Feb 7, 2012 at 8:57 am

 Yay!  Congrats on your progress so far!

by w8in on Feb 7, 2012 at 9:23 am

 Thanks for sharing. Great progress!

by libraryhag on Feb 7, 2012 at 10:16 am

That is so great! Congrats!

by karenloh on Feb 7, 2012 at 10:52 am

That is soooooooo fantastic.  CONGRATS.  Keep up the amazing work.  You are an inspiration.

by rmkiser1970 on Feb 7, 2012 at 11:02 am

 Congratulations!

by EJMM on Feb 7, 2012 at 11:43 am

Extremely inspirational! Thank you for sharing, 60 pounds is fantasic...bowing down to your awesomeness!!

by Livvysmom2 on Feb 7, 2012 at 12:56 pm

 Woo Woo Woo Three Cheers!

by BethBowers on Feb 8, 2012 at 10:38 pm

 Thank you everybody! It means a lot! :)

by Noressa on Feb 7, 2012 at 8:23 am

 It took me a month.  I had a trainer, was working out hard with and without th em, eating right and in one month time lost 0 or 1 pound, I think, according to the scale.  
 
Take measurements now!
 
In that month I lost I think it was 6 or 8 inches all over, while the scale didn't budge.  When you increase intensity or start a workout, your body retains water (and as a woman, you will have hormones affecting it as well).  The water is your bodies attempt to cushion everything and help protect itself against damage while it repairs.  I see this every time I change my workouts up!
 
Measure, measure, measure.  Especially if you're starting something!  This way you won't get as angry at the scale for not recognizing your hard work.  That'll have to come from your body instead. :)

by SpartanDad4 on Feb 7, 2012 at 10:23 am

I've had experiences similar to Noressa.  About a month, maybe a bit more.  I will also say the scale usually shows an uptick (or less of a decrease) the day after a hard lifting session as well.
I know that many of us use the scale as our primary source of feedback.  I do.  But it's times like this that it's vital to have secondary sources as well:  measurements, how clothes are fitting, pictures, etc.  These secondary sources can help keep us from getting too discouraged.

by CharityShantell on Feb 7, 2012 at 10:52 am

Congratulations on taking the class!

Just hang in there. It is sooooo worth it to feel stronger and to raise your resting metabolism. It's also said by many that when you're reducing calories, you run the risk of losing lean body mass as well as fat, so it's really important to weight train. I admit, I sometimes switch to cardio for the last few days of the month so I can have a good monthly weigh in that does not take into account swollen, water-retained muscle fibers, LOL.

 

by rmkiser1970 on Feb 7, 2012 at 11:06 am

 I have also noticed that if I use the resistance machines for the weights that my weight loss is almost nill the next day.  This weekend, I was sick and had not worked out for a few days and this morning, I had lost 6 pounds.  So, that was sort of odd.  With that said, measuring is an awesome tool to use. Sometimes it is better than the scale.

by deb1207 on Feb 8, 2012 at 1:07 am

 What a great question Wacekmama!
 
OK, about 2 years ago one of my close LS friends encouraged me to do Strength Training, and I took a 6 week course for women at the YMCA. Back then I was scrawny, no muscle, nothin. I had lost maybe 70 pounds. But I had NO muscle feel anywhere. 
 
Here is what happened. Every DAY that I did Strength Training I GAINED a pound. I was voraciously hungry, I wanted to eat everything in sight. But I told myself, as my teacher told me, Trust your Body. Do what it says. So I ate protein, and I ate til the hunger was gone. I think I gained 7 pounds in a pretty short time. 
 
It took a few weeks of watching the scale go up, and then it started to subside. I knew that with building muscle:
1) It enormously improves your metabolism, long term, so that by building muscles, you actually change your body composition: and then your body needs more calories, and you burn more calories per hour. 
 
2) The muscles you build give you strength to do other things. They give you power, that can improve almost anything else you do: elliptical, swimming, gardening, hiking. 
 
Anyway, do not fear. Dont worry about this short term gain or not losing. Just keep lifting. Its so good for you. Eventually your body will lose some more, and will cooperate with you and help your health journey in the long run.
 
 
 
 

by Noressa on Feb 7, 2012 at 8:19 am

 Yay!  Great job!  4 pounds is a pretty nice start to a week, neh? :)

by wacekmama on Feb 7, 2012 at 8:25 am

 Whoot!

by libraryhag on Feb 7, 2012 at 10:18 am

Terrific!!

by EJMM on Feb 7, 2012 at 12:05 pm

Your off to a great start!

by vontrapp on Feb 7, 2012 at 1:07 pm

score!!

by Noressa on Feb 7, 2012 at 8:18 am

 I like that. :)  And it would get me up from my desk every hour or so~

by Noressa on Feb 7, 2012 at 8:12 am

 You have a pretty big reason to succeed, that's definitely a great source of strength.  I'm glad your knees are better, the first thing my aunt did when she started losing weight was get knee surgery to walk unassisted for a long period of time.  I don't wish that on anyone!
 
I'm glad your doctor is with you on this, congrats. :)

by w8in on Feb 7, 2012 at 9:27 am

 That's an average of over 3.5 lbs per week lost! Great work! 

by SpartanDad4 on Feb 7, 2012 at 10:25 am

Good for you!  Keep it up.

by Tuesdaypm on Feb 7, 2012 at 6:42 am

No advice just a you can do it even if it takes a long time. AND Happy Birthday enjoy it!!!

by KarenTN on Feb 7, 2012 at 6:44 am

I am going to have a piece of chocolate cake on Saturday for my 'cheat'.   
 
And I am going to find a way to work in the calories for a piece of the Red Velvet cake we are having at work on Friday.    Even if I have to do 2 a days at the gym this weekend

by kayjay5 on Feb 7, 2012 at 7:39 am

Congrats!! :)  If you consider that many people gain 10-12 lbs per year, losing just under a lb/week is definitely a win!

by wacekmama on Feb 7, 2012 at 8:09 am

 I once had a dream where I was eating up my scale with a baseball bat, " office space" style. In other words, been there done that. You tell those 5 pounds who's boss! Best of luck to you.

by Noressa on Feb 7, 2012 at 8:14 am

 Not sure if this will make you feel any better...  But I've been at 162-164 now for 5 weeks.  This morning it read 161.8.  5 weeks of hard work and doing things (mostly) right for .2 pounds result.  It's been like this for most of my journey down and I don't anticipate it changing.  Some of us just lose slower and as infuriating and frustrating as it can be...  It's just the way our bodies are.  You're doing fine!  Keep at it and it adds up!  (Or down, depending on how you look at it!)

by BILLIEJOEISEVIL on Feb 6, 2012 at 8:40 pm

 I am no expert, but it sounds like 1900 is a huge overestimation.  Are you using Livestrong to get that figure?
 
Anyway, I've heard that eating back half of the burned calories is the way to go (mostly because of overestimation!)

by JessyJean on Feb 6, 2012 at 10:22 pm

 Yes I use livestrong. Hiking/climbing hills with under a 10 lb load. I carry a backpack with water and a few other things that comes to 9.4 oz. It burns me 1026 cal/hr and I'm doing nearly 2 hrs.

by EJMM on Feb 6, 2012 at 10:51 pm

This is just my opinion, it depends on how you feel, If you feel great and have plenty of energy! and your losing weight, Then why eat back calories. In my humble opinion, the best indicator is your body!

by deb1207 on Feb 7, 2012 at 1:39 am

  Jessy, I use another way to calculate so I am sharing mine with you. The proof of what works will be in how you feel, and your results.  
 
Basically, I look up my BMR or Basal Metablic Rate to find out how many calories my body needs to maintain itself, at my weight, when doing nothing, resting. Not counting activities, not counting digestion. 
 
For you, dont know your Height, so  I am going to rough guess 5 ft 6. 
 
http://www.freedieting.com/tools/calorie_calculator.htm
 
 
It put your Basal Metabolic Rate at 2225.
 
2. Activity Factor is to guess how Active you are on Average, every day, and multiply by that number. As in: 
 
 



Activity Factor
Category
Definition


1.2
Sedentary
Little or no exercise and desk job


1.375
Lightly Active
Light exercise or sports 1-3 days a week


1.55
Moderately Active
Moderate exercise or sports 3-5 days a week


1.725
Very Active
Hard exercise or sports 6-7 days a week4


1.9
Extremely Active
Hard daily exercise or sports and physical job



 
3. A LOT of people find the numbers are too high. So first, some people just use 90 percent of the BMR because they say its a rough estimate, and that it could be 10 percent off.
 
Lets play it Safe, and take that 2225 and take 90 percent. I got 2002. 
If, 2002 is your BMR, and IF we think of you as Lightly Active on average (some days more some days less), then: 2002 x 1.375 = 2752.
 
4. Losing Weight: 500 Daily Calorie deficit = lose 1 pound. 750 = 1.5 pounds. 1000 = 2 pounds.
You want to lose 2 pounds a week. So thats a Daily 1000 calorie deficit to aim for. 
 
I got 2752 - 1000 = 1752 calories a day, to lose 2 pounds a week.  Just around what YOU got. BUT:
 
5. I do not believe in that eating calories back. No. By using the Activity Factor and the BMR, everything is already factored in. No reason to eat the calories back.
 
It has worked for me. I have lost 100 + pounds and kept it off. Try one number, and see if you get the result you want and how you feel. You can always tweak the numbers. 
 
Dont believe all the charts about eating back, and what you are supposed to burn. Its much more complicated than that. Every persons body has a different muscle to fat ratio. How muscular we are affects how many calories our bodies need. 
 
If you are feeling REALLY full from eating, then dont make yourself eat. Just try out one number, see how it goes. If you lose, and feel ok physically, keep on. If you are too tired, and have no energy, might not be enough calories. I think you are doing fine as you are listening to what your body tells you. 
 
 

by KarenTN on Feb 7, 2012 at 6:15 am

Livestrong is notorious for overstating calories burned.   Their number apparently includes the amount of calories you would burn just sitting around for that period of time in addition to the extra calories you burn through exercise.   I would cut that number in half.   

by kayjay5 on Feb 7, 2012 at 7:41 am

I agree that LS overestimates considerably.  I've done all kinds of "tests" comparing my burns on a heart rate monitor vs LS numbers and LS is anywhere from 50-75% higher.

by Noressa on Feb 7, 2012 at 8:16 am

 I really suggest getting a heart rate monitor. :)  It'll give you an accurate burn and there's not this second guessing!
 
My take on eating back calories?  If you're hungry, eat some.  The day after a large exertion I'm usually ravenous!  And if I'm at quite the defecit, then yes, I'll eat some more then I would have.  If I'm not hungry...?  Well, then I don't worry about it.  Be 80% 20%.  Good 80% of the time will vastly outweight the 20% that you do things you wouldn't normally. :)

by SpartanDad4 on Feb 7, 2012 at 10:30 am

What I've done is set a personal caloric cap based on what a man my age would need to consume at my ultimate goal weight to maintain that weight.  I figure getting used to eating that amount alleviates the constantly moving target that comes in trying to find my caloric cap as my weight drops. 

by rmkiser1970 on Feb 7, 2012 at 11:21 am

 I never eat back my calories. However, with that said, if I go over my calories by a little, then I know I have worked out and I don't worry about it.   I know according to the calculations, I am supposed to eat around 2000 calories (I think Livestrong says close to 3000.  Anway, I usually struggle to eat even 1500 calories.   The most important thing to remember is that you need to listen to your body.

by CharityShantell on Feb 7, 2012 at 11:46 am

I'm glad you're getting a lot of responses. I didn't get a chance to read them all carefully, so please excuse me if any of this is a duplication.

1) It seems like maybe your calorie goal is set to include activity? I checked the calorie calculator, and although I don't know your age or how tall you are, a 323 pound woman at 5'7" and 41 years old would be 1600-something calories for "sedentary" activity. And unless your activity is set at sedentary, you shouldn't really eat back calories, typically...

2) I emphatically agree with everyone that LS burn estimates are way too high. I wear a bodybugg and my 1-hour workouts (at 265 pounds) only burn about 400-500 calories, really no matter what I'm doing. And on LS, if I put in "Circuit Training", for example, they want to more than DOUBLE that.

3) In general, your net will really matter when you're within 20-40 pounds of your clinical goal weight. I started at almost 350 pounds and now I'm a bit over 250. The fact is, I just concentrate on a "gross" calories consumed range that I feel comfortable with. And if my extra activity makes me SUPER hungry, I just allow myself another 200 or 300 (or rarely 400) extra calories. But really, that's if I've been working out for hours and hours.

Hope all these great comments help!

by CharityShantell on Feb 7, 2012 at 11:54 am

PS - I especially love what SpartanDad4 said (along with everyone else's great comments). That's what the guys at www.fat2fitradio.com say. Eat at the calorie level of someone who is at your goal weight, OR eat no less than your "BMR", whichevver is higher.

by JessyJean on Feb 7, 2012 at 3:09 pm

 Charity, You are close I am 321 (this morning woohoo) 5'6 maybe closer to 5'7 and I'm 26 yr old. I do have my activity level at sedentary because that's what my life is. Aside from the workouts I do, I do a LOT of sitting. So I figured this activity level is appropriate for me. 
 
So I think what I'm going to do is eat back SOME of the calories but nowhere near all. Yesterday I ate back 50% and still lost over 1 lb. The weight is coming off fast! My goal is only set to 2 lbs per week but I seem to be losing at a much faster rate (at the moment).
 
Thanks everyone for your thoughts and support. You guys are amazing.
 
PS- Congrats Charity 100 lbs is amazing!

by CharityShantell on Feb 7, 2012 at 10:09 pm

Thanks Jessy!

Ok, then I really don't understand the 1900-calorie goal? I put in those stats and got under 1700 calories for someone like you and lose 2 pounds a week. Color me confused.

Either way, if you're truly hungry, eat some back if you're set at sedentary.

:o)

by JessyJean on Feb 7, 2012 at 10:25 pm

 The 1900 is the amount of calories I burn off when I do my typical 4 mile hike for 2 hrs. (According to this site and a few others I've checked). My net daily calorie goal is just under 1700 now, but I'm not reaching that due to exercise on those hiking days.

by shoelace1 on Feb 6, 2012 at 5:34 pm

It happens to the best of us.  Just use your frustration as future motivation.  I know that you will be successful.

by Terra_Incognita on Feb 6, 2012 at 5:40 pm

Clio! Hey! How are you? I second what shoelace said. You're certainly not defeated. You just had a hiccup in your step-up. Don't quit. I could go into some cliches about getting back on horses but I can feel my own eyes rolling :) You know what to do!

by yoga_fool on Feb 6, 2012 at 5:58 pm

 I'm right there with you, today sucked. Back at it tomorrow. More good days than bad, thats what I aim for.

by rainbow1957 on Feb 6, 2012 at 6:18 pm

I'm pretty sure we all have days like that.  Don't beat yourself up over it.  I handle it by tracking it all.  That way I'm being honest with myself.  

by w8in on Feb 6, 2012 at 6:24 pm

 I agree with what everyone else has said. Don't worry about it too much. If you get back on track tomorrow you should be fine. It's not a race and no one can avoid the bumps in the road. What is important is that you've been good for the past 35 days and intend to stay good in the future. You've already won most of the battle.

by EJMM on Feb 6, 2012 at 7:34 pm

There's nothing wrong with you, It's more likely you were  keeping things bottled up and that can only cause more stress! So you need an outlet....Well it's out of your system now! Back to your weight loss plan. Life is good and so is your willpower!

by deb1207 on Feb 7, 2012 at 1:42 am

 This happens from time to time with many people. The key to remember is:
 
KEEP ON KEEPIN ON
 
Just go right back to what you were doing before. Dont feel too bad about what happened. Some people use one time off track to self sabotage. Some say stuff like: 
 
1. Well I screwed up yesterday, the week is hopeless, may as well keep Eating!
2. Oh, I will never make it, look what I did, I cant make it, so I may as well give up now!
3. What is wrong with me? Guess I wasnt meant for this. Why even try? 
 
INSTEAD: Just say ---
I am on a journey working towards a goal. I will KEEP on KEEPIN ON. 

by phialove24 on Feb 7, 2012 at 8:08 am

 Don't give up!  Don't give up!  Don't give up!!  Everytime you find yourself cheating, brush your teeth or do something to take the taste of that food from your mouth....drink lots of water and forget it happened!  and then KEEP ON GOING!!!  :-)  God bless you!!

by KarenTN on Feb 7, 2012 at 8:14 am

that brushing teeth idea is one I use.   I try to plan my day out to the last calorie in the mornings,  and after I have had my evening snack,   I go ahead and brush my teeth,   even if it's just 7PM.   After I brush my teeth,  the kitchen is closed for the night!

by Noressa on Feb 6, 2012 at 2:55 pm

 No longer!  I realized a while ago that I would personally only want to devote a certain amount of time for working out.  For me, that's 3 days a week, 30 minutes to an hour a day.  That's it.  I have so much going on in my life I am not willing to commit to more.
 
But you know what?  For those 30 minutes to an hour?  I work out.  It's my life, it's my health, it's my workout, it's my well being.  
 
Find what you'll do, how often you'll do it and make that the #1 priority in the time you give it.  The only things that stop me from working out are heavy TOM days, being sick, or on vacation (where I'm walking so hey, it's still a workout.).  Outside of that there's no reason to not do my workouts.  They take a small amount of my life and offer SO much in return.
 
Other people here are different, some love walking, some love running, tennis, all kinds of things.  For me?  Weight training and some cardio are the winning combination. :)

by kayjay5 on Feb 6, 2012 at 3:57 pm

I find my moods are much more stable if I exercise.  I love lifting heavy things :P  and I walk 3-5 miles almost every day.  Just good for ya!

by peekajinx on Feb 6, 2012 at 5:50 pm

 The only thing that keeps me from beign active is my incredible work load in school. Like right now, I want so badly to go on a 2 mile walk, but I have projects due tonight (and instead I am here procrastianting, but only for a few minutes :P... ) I used to have Kinect and would work out by doing some Dance Central for a little bit several times a day, but since that was stolen, my exercise has gone way down :/

by wacekmama on Feb 7, 2012 at 8:23 am

 I've found that group classes are much more motivating to me than working out by myself in the gym. I work harder, and I stay for the whole hour long class if I can fit it in my schedule. 

by Livvysmom2 on Feb 7, 2012 at 12:55 pm

Thanks All.  I like the idea of the "me" time 3 times a week.  Baby steps, right?  In the past I've over-done it with too much enthusiasm and ended up so sore that I quit.  My pledge is 30 mins 3 times a week with a goal to increase my wokout times in small intervals.  We CAN do this!   So far I've lost 7 pounds (only 93 to go)!  My mini goal is to bring that number up to 10 before Valentine's day and excercise will my ride. Thanks again!

by BILLIEJOEISEVIL on Feb 6, 2012 at 1:48 pm

 *Edit: It's been 5 weeks, not 4!  But the celebration continues, anyway!

by CharityShantell on Feb 6, 2012 at 2:08 pm

EXCELLENT! Congratulations!!

by libraryhag on Feb 6, 2012 at 2:31 pm

Wonderful. Keep going!!

by Noressa on Feb 6, 2012 at 2:41 pm

 YAY!  Heck, who cares how many weeks, it's going down, that's a plus!

by kayjay5 on Feb 6, 2012 at 3:58 pm

congrats :)

by Terra_Incognita on Feb 6, 2012 at 5:49 pm

I don't know why but everytime I read your screen-name I think I'm reading "BillyJoel is Evil" for some reason. Then I think that this girl really isn't into the Piano Man at all.  Then I start singing and all sorts of animals start yowling which makes me think that you're onto something. I digress. WOOT WOOT! That is AWESOME!!!

by BILLIEJOEISEVIL on Feb 6, 2012 at 8:43 pm

 Ha!  I've used this screen name since high school, and it was a reference to Billie Joe Armstrong (lead singer of Green Day).  I was madly in love with him, and my boyfriend--now husband--was jealous.  As a joke I created this name and he thought it was cute.  I've been using it ever since!!  lol
 
I don't know why Livestrong made it all capitals, by the way.  I didn't do that on purpose! 

by deb1207 on Feb 7, 2012 at 1:44 am

 Congratulations! 

by Noressa on Feb 6, 2012 at 11:01 am

 Figure out what you'll do and when you'll do it! :)  I didn't start working out until 5 or 6 months after I'd started losing weight. :)  Weight loss is 80% diet, so keep up with eating well and add the workouts in when you feel you can add workouts in!
 

by libraryhag on Feb 6, 2012 at 11:18 am

I used to go to yoga classes 3 times a week. I just got a special for a month of classes at a new studio. I think I will start that in March. I am so out of shape that just walking can be a chore sometimes. But I am getting better about staying on my feet. Thanks for the advice.

by rainbow1957 on Feb 6, 2012 at 11:38 am

What I've been doing is just trying to move a little more every day.  At lunch, I go out and walk a few blocks.  Not fast but just walk and take in the sights.  I also will get up from my desk every so often and walk around the office.  At stores, I park at the very far end of the parking lot.  Welcome to the group. 

by libraryhag on Feb 6, 2012 at 2:32 pm

Thanks, I need to get up more often. I sometimes get glued to my chair and don't realize how much time has passed.

by Noressa on Feb 6, 2012 at 9:51 am

 I stick them in my freezer far away, and then unopened bring them in to work about 2 weeks after everyone has brought theres in.  They aren't for me!  They're for others to enjoy.  That's why the boxes stay sealed.  If I open them then they're mine.  (How I process it!)

by rainbow1957 on Feb 6, 2012 at 11:39 am

I don't even take them home.  They go straight into the kitchen at work. 

by EJMM on Feb 6, 2012 at 11:54 am

Cookies keep well, and they make great gifts for a birthday..ect

by CharityShantell on Feb 6, 2012 at 2:10 pm

Take them to a homeless shelter or other type of nonprofit? Send them home with families who visit the E.R.? I wouldn't keep them because I might have a weak moment and eat them.

By the way, the "FiberPlus" bars that are coconut flavor taste a bit like samoas. YUM!!!
 

by KarenTN on Feb 6, 2012 at 2:57 pm

I have had those fiber plus bars and maybe just a little bit.   I tried a couple of years ago to freeze them individually.   Samoas are my favorite!    The idea was to eat one if I had the calories to spare.    It did not really work out that way.   I am just going to skip buying any this time.   No one in my dept at work has girl scouts.  

by DoriAnne on Feb 6, 2012 at 7:17 pm

I would take them to either a homeless shelter, or a nursing home, or just to a store whose employees you love.

by EJMM on Feb 6, 2012 at 7:56 pm

Hey...You could try to give them to a realtor...Real estate open houses,Girl Scout Cookies and Spring Water!

by JessyJean on Feb 6, 2012 at 8:26 pm

 First post to the group.
 
You can donate your boxes of cookies to the troops. At least our troop here in Southern Arizona had this option. Perhaps give them back to the troop and tell them you want to donate them? If not any foodbank wouldn't mind having these :)

by rmkiser1970 on Feb 7, 2012 at 11:59 am

 If there is a hospice house in your area, take them there.   The families who are there with their loved ones always need something to eat.  I also like Charity's suggestion - a homeless shelter.   This is the first year I have not bought any.  I hate to turn anyone down.  But, I simply had to do it this year.  Now, if it would have been the child instead of the parent asking me, I would have had to buy some.   I find it hard to tell a child no when they are trying lol.

by paulaG28 on Feb 6, 2012 at 7:54 am

Good for you!!!

by Noressa on Feb 6, 2012 at 8:16 am

 Holy cow that's awesome!  30 pounds almost, gone gone away :)  The fact that you've got your non scale victories speaks louder than any number on that dratted machine. :)

by libraryhag on Feb 6, 2012 at 8:27 am

Congrats. I hope I can stay consistent for that long.

by karenloh on Feb 6, 2012 at 9:06 am

Me too. What an inspiration!  CONGRATS.

by peekajinx on Feb 6, 2012 at 10:35 am

 Congrats! Even if you say you could have lost more, that is still just over a pound a week! Definitely a victory!

by BILLIEJOEISEVIL on Feb 6, 2012 at 4:17 pm

 Hooray!  That's a big accomplishment.

by Terra_Incognita on Feb 6, 2012 at 6:19 pm

YAY LILY! WOOT WOOT!

by DoriAnne on Feb 6, 2012 at 7:21 pm

Good job! Keeping it off is the hardest part. Way to go!

by lily31667 on Feb 6, 2012 at 7:43 am

If you live in a safe neighborhood, try to get out and walk,,even if you can do only 10 min at a time. Go 1x in the morning, 1x at lunch, 1x just after dinner. Soon you will be walking farther, longer and faster.
And don't worry about people seeing you out walking. I do it. My neighbors pass me in their cars and I always assumed they were thinking "look at the fat lady" but after months of running into them in stores and other places they recognize me..and 99% of them tell me, they see me walking and think "gee, I need to get out there walking like her".
Now they wave and encourages me, because if they see me walking and losing, maybe it will eventually get some of them out there too.

by Noressa on Feb 6, 2012 at 8:23 am

 Ok, a few things:
 
At the gym, the only people paying attention to other people at the gym?  Don't usually go to the gym.  Now, I'm not saying people won't see you.  But what I am saying is most people don't really care what you're doing at the gym because they're often focused on what they are doing.  I started going to the gym when I was 267.  I was one of the heaviest people at the gym.  (Not the heaviest, but you know, there weren't many of us.)  I paid for a trainer for one month, didn't lose any weight (but lost inches!) and kept going back.  At the end of a year, I'd only lost something like 40 pounds, but the other regulars knew me.  I had people coming up, really amazingly fit people saying "You're doing an amazing job, keep it up."  When you're trying to take care of yourself, people notice and want to cheer you on.  Go to the gym if you can.  Even if you're larger than most of the people there, it doesn't matter.  You're there for your health, nothing else matters.
 
Now, for resisting foods.  Try putting them back in moderated amounts, instead of resisting all together, or if you can, try making replacement foods that taste just as good if not better for slightly larger amounts.  Unless you're addicted, carefully putting food (and tracking it!) back into your life if it's a food you love is better then always resisting it because eventually you'll likely snap and over-indulge even if you feel like you "don't want to."  So allow for it at times, either a cheat day, or fit what you can into your calorie limits.  And then consider changing up what you're doing for a bit to make things that are healthier that will help reduce cravings a bit more!  Portabella pizza for instance might stave off a pizza craving longer then having no pizza for months. :)
 
Lastly, look up "The Hackers Diet" and the important chapter is "The exercise ladder" in it (all are free and available online.)  This has a very short workout you can do every day with no extra equipment. :)

by lily31667 on Feb 6, 2012 at 8:59 am

A lot of people in their posts mention a "cheat" day. I just wanted to make sure that it was clear that this "cheat" day is not a free for all, eat all you can eat of everything you've gone without all month or week day. And I knowing myself would recommend a one day a month cheat day only because sometimes my cheat days turning into cheat weekends etc..so the key is knowing yourself..which leads to another point. I fiind some days it is easier to be good than others..if I'm having a patch of  bad days around my cheat day..I push it back a week to get level headed again..a cheat day at the wrong time..once again will become a free for all for me.
I've gained and lost the same 7lbs since Thanksgiving because of this!
If you are going to have a "cheat" once a week then I would recommend you do a "cheat meal" rather than a whole day..
On your cheat day..it means eating something you miss..like ordering pizza for the family and having your share..but keep it under control..add 300-500 to your daily calorie limit that day..not 1000 calories and still exercise..
Anyway, just a little advice from my own personal weakness files!
And I agree with Noressa go to them gym..I'm assuming since you said university that its available free or at a lower cost to you..so take advantage of that while you can..and really 99% of the people won't notice you, or will become an acquaintance that will cheer you on. You may even make a real good friend..and you may even make another overweight gym goer..feel more comfortable by being there too.
Time Warner Cable has an exercise on demand channel, check it out.

by sarahsingh87 on Feb 6, 2012 at 9:26 am

 Thank you for all your suggestions. It does make me feel a little more confident about going to the gyme. And yes, i think "cheat day" is a misnormer, because it's kind of hard to cheat yourself. you know what you are doing to your body. and thats the great thing about tracking on this website it makes you hyper aware of everything that goes in.  
I totally agree with the point about replacements. http://www.cspinet.org/nah/wwheat.html is a website that looks like crap but it seems to be a really good summery of good carb brands/true whole wheat  brands which seems like a much better idea.  
 
 

by peekajinx on Feb 6, 2012 at 10:51 am

 I highly recommend going to the gym! If I had the money right now, I would go. I used to be really self conscious too, but the people there (including those 20-something models) are so helpful and encouraging! Rather than receiving a bruised self esteem from seeing all the fit people at the gym, you will more likely come out with a new, polished self esteem. Besides, most gyms offer some awesome, fun classes which might boost your desire to work out. Doing the same exercises every day can get boring and (in my own experience) you might start making excuses that you'll do them later.

by CharityShantell on Feb 6, 2012 at 2:13 pm

I do lots of exercises at home. You can even google them on youtube.com and follow the people on the video. Or if you have a smart phone, look for apps that are based on fitness. It might take a bit of homework, but you can work up some GREAT routines. I do them on the floor of my master bathroom while I watch a show on netflix or something. It keeps me occupied, and it's nice and private while I'm working hard.

by kayjay5 on Feb 6, 2012 at 4:09 pm

My suggestion is to have a list of possible options for just moving your body.  Walking, biking, bodyweight exercises (pushups, situps, squats, lunges), resistance bands, exercise and yoga DVDs, jump rope, hula hoop, etc.  It doesn't have to be expensive (library for dvds to try out) and overtime you can build up your own gym.  I've slowly added weights, bars and bands through ebay and know people have found used equip through craig's list also.
 
Do some internet searches for bodyweight exercises.  There are progressions for most exercises.  Youtube is a great resource for example:
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s40-qyUK-5Y

by DoriAnne on Feb 6, 2012 at 7:36 pm

Back when I was in my late teens, early twenties, there was a circuit training class through my college and I took it as an audit class for about six semesters in a row. I was very nervous when I started, but when I realized that I could lift more weight than all of the women and some of the men in my class, I LOVED it! I didn't care how big I was, I felt like a BEAST. Now don't get me wrong, the cardio kicked my butt, but I eventually got good at it, and fit right in; big or not. So my advice would be just to go and forget what the shallow people think of you. Their opinion doesn't matter anyway.

by SpartanDad4 on Feb 7, 2012 at 6:11 am

I've found that the "walk away the pounds" series of DVDs are a great start back into regular exercise.  I have a DVD with a 1 mile, 2 mile, 3 mile and 4 mile workout.  It's simple, easy to do and it doesn't take a lot of space.  I have a space that's about 3 ft by 5 ft and it's just fine in that space.

by rmkiser1970 on Feb 7, 2012 at 11:55 am

 As far as the gym, I used to think the same way you do.  I don't want people seeing me.  But, like someone said earlier, they are focused on themselves.   I started going to the gym when I was 449 pounds and I am now down to 406.  I don't think about it anymore.   I figure if they don't like my fat jiggling, they shouldn't be looking in the first place.   Do what is best for you!  They will probably respect you because they know you are doing it for you.
I also have the cravings you were talking about.  Last year, when I was losing weight, I didn't give in to my cravings and I finally caved in and gained all but 2 of my pounds back.   This time, I am doing it differently.  I don't have cheat days.  But, what I do is bring those cravings into my eating plan and make sure it fits into my calories for the day.  So, if I want lasagna, I have it.  If I want pizza, I have it.  But, I don't let it take me over my calories.  I hope that helps.

by Noressa on Feb 6, 2012 at 8:25 am

 You can also make plans for the weekend.  Cook things that are super tasty and healthy!  Make meal plans with your girls for delicious things that should be treats but are low calorie!  Orrrr  Take yourself to a park and play/walk for an hour.  Who says going out and enjoying the sunshine can't be a treat. :)  There are a lot of things you can do that don't involve food, but you can also turn it to help make food work for you and what you need.  They're all an investment of time and care, just different angles to look at it from!

by KarenTN on Feb 6, 2012 at 6:46 am

when I get a salad from a salad bar,  my salad  often looks a lot like that.   But I don't add chicken to mine.  
 
Spring mix.....2 to 3 cups.   I have more spring mix in my salad than all of the other ingredients combined.   Red onion.   maybe 1/8th of a cup.  Cherry or grape tomatoes....about 6-8 tomatoes.  Dried cranberries if available....maybe 2 Tbsp..   If I add walnuts,   it is very sparingly,   unless I have a lot of extra calories to eat that day.   1 Tbsp.   Feta cheese.....maybe 1/8 cup.
 
I will also add some of the following to a salad if I see it:
 
Olives.....green or black, 1-2Tbsp of black olives or 4 or 5 green olives
Pumpkin seeds.....about 2 Tbsp
Mushrooms......  2-3 Tbsp
 

by Noressa on Feb 6, 2012 at 8:27 am

 You could always, you know, ask them. ;)   I think in general though, it's typically one ounce of everything up to the greens, then appx. 2-3 cups of greens.  Chicken is often 3 ounces, and tomatoes and onion I'd say an ounce again.  All the ounces add up, but there is a lot of flavor in that.

by lily31667 on Feb 6, 2012 at 9:13 am

I have a salad recipe close to this..all the stuff above in Karen's post is pretty close to right on with measurements..but I add spinach and oranges..and I like the crumbled blue cheese instead of feta..
Also sometimes I use cashews (not glazed) instead of walnuts.
If I don't use oranges I make a citrus(y) dressing. 1 tsp lemon zest,2 tbl each of freshly sqeezed lemon juice and orange juice, 1 tbl dijon mustard, 1 tsp honey, thyme leaves chopped, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil..whisk all but oil in bowl til well blended, add oil gradually while whisking to make a smooth dressing.

by lily31667 on Feb 6, 2012 at 9:15 am

Oh forget to tell you..you can then take the extra dressing and glaze some of your chicken breasts that you precook on Sundays with it..for a different flavoring too!

by EJMM on Feb 6, 2012 at 2:16 pm

3 cups Iceberg & Romaine Salad Or spring Mix
1 1/2 cups Classic Cole Slaw Mix
1/2 cup  La Choy: Chow Mein Noodles (I use fiber one original cereal)
14 g  Almonds Natural Sliced
2 tbsp Newman's Own Lighten Up Low Fat Sesame Ginger Dressing 
1 tbsp Lemon Juice Raw Or Orange
4 oz Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast

by Tuesdaypm on Feb 5, 2012 at 4:31 pm

Hey remember that diet is like 80% of weight loss. If you are eating good food you will likely see yourself having more energy. Also, don't wait for motivation that fades just make a decision that your life changes from this day forward and embrace that. Sure you will slip up and some days will be hard but if you look at it as a life change than you can look at it as a day off and next day you are back to your real life. Having a tredmill would be great if you want to use it. Do you have a favorite show you watch or podcast you listen to? Maybe you could only allow yourself to watch/ listen when you are walking on your tredmill. You don't have to jump into everything at once it took me a while to figure out what works for me and I am still changing my diet and exersize all the time. Just start somewhere and you can build on your sucess. Good luck and check back here often you will likely pick up some unexpected tips aling the way.
 

by deb1207 on Feb 6, 2012 at 5:22 am

Welcome to the group. I can understand how you feel, and so glad you joined.  Though I know you would really like to get started and make progress this time, its good to know that you dont have to figure it all out in one day. So breathe a sigh of relief and take it a step at a time. It will be an evolving learning process for months and maybe years.  I felt a similar feeling when I started about 2.5 years ago. Here are a few ideas to help you get going. 
 
1. To start, one thing I did that I recommend is: Track what you eat for a few days WITHOUT a diet.
Just track what you eat every day to take a look and see how and what you eat. Be honest,  just to see how you eat, as LS has great tools to help you look at protein, carbs, fats, fiber, sodium. And to get you used to Tracking. It can be very eye opening. It was for me. There are a lot of ideas we each carry with us about what we think we are supposed to do. Its good to see what you are doing. How much you are eating, not as a Guilt Trip but as a place to Start. 
 
2) Figure Out Calories: Use a calculator like this one to see, for where you are at now, with NO exercise at all, how many calories the body uses to STAY where you are at. Put the Setting on Basal Metabolic Rate, stands for BMR. The number you will get is called BMR which is what your body uses to maintain your weight now, at rest. 
Calorie Calculator
or Cut and Paste:
http://www.freedieting.com/tools/calorie_calculator.htm
3. Factor in Activity: After that, you can get a rough estimate of what your body is using, based on that BMR you Take the BMR number and multiply by what is called your Activity Factor

Activity Multiplier
Sedentary = BMR X 1.2 (little or no exercise, desk job)
Lightly active = BMR X 1.375 (light exercise/sports 1-3 days/wk)
Mod. active = BMR X 1.55 (moderate exercise/sports 3-5 days/wk)
Very active = BMR X 1.725 (hard exercise/sports 6-7 days/wk)
Extr. Active = BMR X 1.9 (hard daily exercise/sports & physical job or 2X day training, i.e marathon, contest etc.)

EXAMPLE: If your BMR is 1800, and you mostly do very little Exercise: thats 1800 x 1.2 = 2160. 
This tells you that 2160 is about what it takes to stay at your weight. You then Figure:
To Lose 1 pound a week = 500 cals less per day = 2160  minus 500 = 1660 Calories. 
To Lose 1.5 pounds a week = 2160 - 750 = 1410 Calories
To Lose 2 pounds a week = 1000 cals less per day = 1160 Calories. 
 
4. Be Active but Be Easy
Dont worry about being a super active person right now. Do something more than what you currently do, but not a big deal. You dont want to injure yourself, and it makes no sense to try to make yourself do what you dont like to do. But consider Activities that dont seem like Exercise, like:
- Turn on some music and dance in your house 15 minutes a day.
- Go to Target or some other store and walk around 15 minutes without stopping. 
- Swim if you like it. It can feel so good, it stretches your body and it has less possibility of injury than many other exercises. 
As you lose weight, exercise will become easier. 
5. What to Eat
There are many Nutrient combinations and theories and nobody is right, different ideas work better for different people. But you can get some ideas on Nutrients here:
http://www.freedieting.com/tools/nutrient_calculator.htm
After you do that, sit down and make up some ideas of what you  might like to eat for your 3 meals a day, and some snacks. If you run out of ideas, look at peoples food diaries on Livestrong. Steal away! People dont mind. Learn from others. 
 
6. Your Food Challenges
Everybody has food challenges. I recommend writing down your Specific food challenges and figuring out the best way to deal with them. 
Example: if you love Cheese, what works best for you? Have a moderate or small amount every day? Eliminate it temporarily, completely to avoid Temptation? Let yourself have it once a week, like Cheesy Sundays or something?  
 
Honestly write down all those challenges. Without Guilt. Look at them and make some decisions. Is there a lower calorie alternative for something you like that could satisfy?
7. Health Ideas
Keep Fiber at 25 or MORE,.  Helps metabolism and digestion. 
Keep Sodium Below 2500., good for blood pressure, inflammation, avoids water retention. 
Keep Sugars Lower than 35 if you can. Helps with hunger issues, blood sugar issues. 
When you are Hungry: go for protein.
 
Good luck!
 

by KarenTN on Feb 5, 2012 at 11:55 am

a few years ago,   I was around 290 and got an elliptical at home.    Do not be discouraged if you cannot use it for very long the first time.   It is a rough machine.    But at 297.5 the low impact aspect of it is probably better for you than a treadmill.  
The first time I used my elliptical I couldn't be on it for more than 8 minutes.    But I persisted and tried to add 30 seconds to my time each time I used it.    Now I go to the gym and do 30-35 minutes on the elliptical,  usually followed by 10 or so on the bike or stairmaster.  
Is there some reason you feel like you need to give up caffeine?  
 
good luck to you.    I hope your husband decides to join you in this journey

by Aurelia31 on Feb 5, 2012 at 1:50 pm

 You are making once of the most important life choices for yourself.  As far as your family....maybe if they see all the positive changes you're making, they will follow suit.  An important componet of marriage is supporting the other mates goals and helping them to accomplish it.  Remind him of this everyday when he complains that you made spicy chicken salad vs manacotti.  Each persons weight loss has to individually come from inside them, so tough love would probably not work in this case for them.  Good look on your eliptical...just be kind to your knees...you will need them for the next 147 pounds:) 

by DoriAnne on Feb 5, 2012 at 8:15 pm

When I started my journey a year ago I was horribly addicted to diet soda/caffeine.......like a twelve pack a day kind of addicted. Dt. Mt. Dew was my first beverage in the morning, and it continued through the day. Even had an open one at all times on my nightstand. Well the one thing I am proud of about "falling off the horse" with my weight loss is the fact that I haven't touched a diet soda more than 10 times in the past year. I drink water all day, and if I get bored, plain iced tea. Now the old me would've scrunched up my nose and made an eww face but now that I have been doing it for so long, I actually crave water. Me, the girl who hates water craves it. My point is, it can be done. It's just got to be repetition and time and eventually your tastes will change for the better, and when that happens it's soooooooo much easier! You can totally do this!

by Aurelia31 on Feb 5, 2012 at 1:15 pm

 They are great b/c they are a daily motivator and I think look nice in my house too:)

by w8in on Feb 5, 2012 at 7:45 am

 You can make the change, Muhammad. It sounds like you're ready for it. Welcome to the group.
Next to eating better, start out by going for walks and make sure your father knows you're doing it. If he sees you're trying he will get a more positive attitude about you and you'll see he'll support you. Good luck!

by EJMM on Feb 5, 2012 at 8:47 am

I'm proud of you! you made the first step toward your weight loss journey!, Success hinges on the simple act of making a decision to live,Change,Grow. Your right  you can't stay that way forever and you won't! you made a decision.

by KarenTN on Feb 5, 2012 at 11:16 am

I hope you are here to learn what to do about it.    Have you set goals,  made a plan?

by Aurelia31 on Feb 5, 2012 at 1:41 pm

I would say take your first step (literally), get on a pair of sneakers and see how far/long you can walk before your feet and knees start to tell you to turn back. (obviously don't hurt yourself) While you're walking, try to visualize the person you want to be and I PROMISE you, you will walk faster and longer. Your mind is the most important part of your weight loss in my opinion...and remember, I know it's important to make your Dad happy, but this weight loss is about you. It's your life! You can do it Muhammad! Just visualize your future.

by EJMM on Feb 5, 2012 at 8:08 am

Sounds like you showed infinite amount of willpower and self discipline  at the movies with Water, Plus you had one of my favorites, ribs and wings...Ahh my kriptonite!!, One beer at the restaurant....You are very strong my friend

by w8in on Feb 5, 2012 at 8:24 am

 Not really, because I had 6 beers at home afterwards :-)
Just checked the scale this morning and after being 4 lbs down earlier in the week I'm now back to the same weight as Monday's weigh-in. Ouch :-) Let's hope some of it is related to te huge amounts of sodium I must've had yesterday. Back to eating around 1500 calories and a gym visit today.

by EJMM on Feb 5, 2012 at 9:08 am

Hey I was pointing out the positives...( positive and negative reinforcement to increase good behavior and decrease bad behavior).I chose the high road...LOL, Stay positive.
P.S. I will not go to the dark side, Your friend Darth EJMM

by Aurelia31 on Feb 5, 2012 at 1:57 pm

You're right, that sodium is the worst and it's hard to track if you're at the movies getting the popcorn b/c you have an idea of the nutrition info, but it could still be wayyy off.  Hope your gym trip went well!   

by deb1207 on Feb 6, 2012 at 5:29 am

 On the very PLUS side, you planned your cheat day. You knew what you were doing, and you were ready for the consequences. OK, not quite ready, but you werent in total shock.
 
I think overall you approached this very well. There is a big difference between consciously deciding you will have a Splurge day, and just going spontaneously out of control. 
 
Now for some thinking. How did you like you day of Indulgence? What was the most satisfying part? The food? The Beer? 
 
How satisfying was it? Did you feel it was worth it to do? Would you prefer to have 1 day a week, where say, you have 2 beers? Rather than 6 and all the other stuff, once every few months? 
 
How do you feel about putting back on some of the pounds you had lost ? Worth it or not? I am not trying to give you a tough time, trust me. I just think sometimes its really good to know ourselves. 
 
I like the:Rob Peter to Pay Paul idea, that once you figure out what part of the Treats you really like, you can plan ahead, you can take calories from one day and then give them to yourself another day to have some mini treats once in a while. Just an idea. 

by w8in on Feb 6, 2012 at 6:32 am

 Deb, those are all very good questions and I've been doing some of that evaluation myself this weekend.
The popcorn at the movies...I could do without it, but it's just not the same. Candy or something else doesn't do it for me when in the theater. I did bring chewing gum to chew on while my wife was finishing her larger bowl of popcorn and some chocolate she brought.
It was great to pig out on the food, but not as exciting as I had expected it to be. Was it worth it? Yeah, I think it was. Ever since my wife and I had started scheduling my cheat day, my cravings to eat "normal" (the pre-lifestyle change) became worse and worse. And yesterday it was fairly easy to pick up the behaving part again. I even resisted the urge to stop and buy one or two bottles of beer for the evening. I haven't cut beer out of my diet, but I did cut back my intake with 50%. Obviously on Saturday I went back to my old habit of finishing a 6-pack on a weekend night (and no beer during the week).
I feel like my I should be fine again for a while and may be ready for another one of those days in 2 months from now. I just hope I can stick to that schedule. This morning I had lost 2 pounds again from yesterday, so part of the damage has been reversed. I bet my hour of walking on the treadmill yesterday helped too.
About gaining the pounds...yeah, I was disappointed and a bit regretful yesterday. I had reached the 40 lbs lost in 2 months milestone earlier in the week and now I had gained 2 pounds on that again (while I knew earlier in the week I was at a 43 lbs loss, now I was at a 38 lbs loss). So I was regretful and a bit angry with myself, until I figured the weight gain was partially from the massive amounts of sodium and I knew that it could have this effect and as long as I get back on track, all I did was lose a week's work. And that's not a big deal in the bigger scheme of being healthier. It's good to remind ourselves we're not in a race. We're living better. And with living better comes indulging every now and then.

by Noressa on Feb 6, 2012 at 8:55 am

 I still on a rare occasion go to the movies with my parents, buy candie and just have at it.  The best part these days is... At a certain point eating all that sugar?  I'm done.  I'll have it, yay, tasty sugar...  And then my body just says "Ok, stop."  That wouldn't happen before.  I'd happily munch a full bag of candy down and want more.
 
But then I also started tracking the calories.  And you know what?  Wow, does candy have a lot o.0  Once I started being mindful of how much I was eating (nutrition density) vs. how full it made me...  I didn't mind cutting candy and such back.  Now 20 M&M's is a TON!  And a super rare treat when visiting my parents.

by CharityShantell on Feb 6, 2012 at 2:17 pm

I have popcorn with my husband at the movies. It has averaged out to around once every 2-3 months. I did it the whole time I lost the weight and it did not get in my way. I wouldn't do it differently. There have been times that I have not had popcorn at the movies as well. It just depends. I don't think having popcorn at the movies is necessarily a sign of sickness or weakness. Sometimes it can be a calculated choice that we compensate for in other ways.

by yoga_fool on Feb 4, 2012 at 6:21 pm

 When I get into moods like that I try to eat as healthy as possible, even if it's not the best choices;like celery and peanut butter, yogurt, and as many bananas/apples/oranges/fruit as I want until I don't need to eat anymore.

by karenloh on Feb 4, 2012 at 6:44 pm

I agree on the apples, bananas, pears, fruit of any kind thing.  I also eat Pure Protein bars because they seem to fill me up more than other things.
 
But when I have the munchies for no reason - not hungry - then it is SOOOOOOOO difficult to manage what I eat and to stop eating.  I have to try to distract myself with something, anything - music, call a friend, go to a movie, something.  The brain just won't shut up about it sometimes.
 
Good luck.

by KarenTN on Feb 5, 2012 at 12:14 am

baby carrots and hummus.   

by w8in on Feb 5, 2012 at 5:25 am

Baby carrots and hummus for me too. Or a few of Stacy's naked bagel chips with a wedge of light Laughing Cow cheese. Surprisingly low (well, not high at least) in calories.

by kayjay5 on Feb 5, 2012 at 6:08 am

Air-popped popcorn and lettuce lol.

by DoriAnne on Feb 5, 2012 at 12:44 pm

Usually when I have a day like that, I'm anxious and worrysome, or mad at the world so I turn to highly crunchy food. Celery and almonds are my favorites.

by wacekmama on Feb 5, 2012 at 6:48 pm

If it gets really bad I break out two pieces of sugar free bubble yum and drive everyone in the house crazy with the bubble blowing and popping. But it keeps my mouth too busy to munch!

by brotherchris66 on Feb 6, 2012 at 7:23 am

 Eating fats will help with satiety. For example, avocados are high in plant fats but are incredibly satisfying when it comes to making me full. A whole-wheat pita with some guacamole or hummus usually does the trick. Eating carbohydrates, or worse, salty carbohydrates, will often just leave me wanting more of what I just had. I also try to eat protein any time I eat carbs. 2 tablespoons of natural peanut butter with an apple is another good one if you want something sweet.

by karenloh on Feb 4, 2012 at 6:45 pm

Thank you.  I'm sorry for your friend.  Be well.

by w8in on Feb 4, 2012 at 8:05 pm

by wacekmama on Feb 5, 2012 at 5:12 am

 Thank you. Goodness knows we all need as many clean slate fresh starts as possible on this journey, in every way possible.

by CharityShantell on Feb 5, 2012 at 3:33 pm

I'm so sorry for your loss. My father died of complications of obesity 2.5 years ago and I love and miss him. Blank slates are a beautiful thing.

by Noressa on Feb 6, 2012 at 8:30 am

 It's all good, EJMM.  I'll reply to you elsewhere.  But while you meant well, understand not everyone is going to be approaching it from the same angle you are, nor are they at the same place for where they start or go.  Your apology is definitely accepted. :)

by bezoarman on Feb 4, 2012 at 10:05 am

 You've still lost the weight you thought you did, that's the important thing.  What you are doing is working and you can continue to do it.  Heck, my scale doesn't agree with the doctor' office, but that is still the one that I use to log my progress.  Just keep going like you have been, using your scale.
 
Lost weight is lost weight.  People will soon comment on you looking slimmer, regardless of what your home scale says compared to others!  
 
Hang in there.  I'd be much more upset if the scale that I started on said I was ten pounds heavier!!

by SanguineDream on Feb 4, 2012 at 10:20 am

 Thank you! That's what I was thinking about doing anywas so that really helps me out to have confirmation from someone else :)

by Yvenya on Feb 4, 2012 at 2:25 pm

My scale is consistantly 6 pound off from the doctors office. I thought I had a defective scale, so I bought a new one. This new one is still 6 pounds off from the doctor's office scale. I just think that there is a gravitational vortex at all doctor's offices that makes us pounds heavier than at home. I agree with bezoarman.

by karenloh on Feb 4, 2012 at 6:47 pm

LOL Yvenya.  I think you are right!  It's NEVER the other way around at the doctor's office.  I can even jump on the scale right before I leave, fully clothed and all, and still weigh more at their office.  It's a conspiracy!  :-D

by kayjay5 on Feb 5, 2012 at 6:12 am

Really, the number you are looking for is the difference between what you weighed when you started and your weight today.  As long as it's the same scale, same conditions (time of day, clothes you are wearing) then the number is just...relative.
 
I never pay much attention to the scale at the dr's.  I'm never there first thing in the morning which is my lowest weight and I am fully dressed which I am not at home.  Clothes especially in the winter can add 3-5 lbs easily.