100+ Pounds to Lose Group

by becmac79 on May 28, 2012 at 10:03 am

You might also want to join "Jackson's 100 pounds challenge" group.  They report weekly weigh ins so it's a good way to track your progress towards losing 100lbs.  Good job on your first week!  I myself am also on my 1st week and had a 9lb weight loss... not expecting results like that all the time but it's a great motivator to keep at it... I do not enjoy cardio but have been waking up at 5am to work out and I think it's part of why I did so well this week.  Welcome and good luck!

by EJMM on May 27, 2012 at 6:28 am

You can have the four beers, just include them in your eating plan for the day. Losing weight for good is a lifestyle change, so make having some beer apart of it! No need to be angry at yourself. Besides four beers is only a temporary fluid gain. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

by lily31667 on May 27, 2012 at 9:26 am

Don't be angry. Learn from this. What can you do next time to avoid the weight gain? Count the beer cals, have half the beer? Eat half the portions served? Alternate 1 beer, 1 water? Lower calorie beer? And yes, maybe plan some extra exercise in the week you will be eating out more. I don't think you did as much damage as you think 2.6 lbs in 1 week, is probably water retention from the higher sodium used in restaurant foods.
Times with family and friends, other occassions will come up. Part of this lifestyle change is working them in, plan ahead, learn from mistakes, move on.
I think the anger we all feel afterwards comes from realizing that the beers, the food etc. doesn't mean as much to us as the weight anymore. And that's good, remember how dissapointed you are now..next time remember, "I'd rather maintain or lose weight this week than have this beer" or "Getting on the scale next week and maintaining or losing is going to make me feel better than this beer."
I bet your family and friends didn't even notice or care how much beer you had or what you ate, they were just happy you were with them. Remember that next time too. That's the celebration being together, not eating, not drinking.
You will be down next week!

by Jeffhynes57 on May 27, 2012 at 5:23 pm

 Thanks for encouragement. I added the calories in...i just went over :) Today i was back on track and i will get this weight plus to weight i am due to lose off this week! I washed the cars, cut the lawn (push mower) and started digging out a patio unde rmy deck so i killed the excercise today. I am back to digging tomorrow and the wife and i will be hitting the strength training. I won't let one bad week ruin my success!

by deb1207 on May 28, 2012 at 1:34 am

Thats a nice happy back on track post Jeffhynes57! Good for you!
Anger comes from splurging, or I think after weight gain for so many reasons. Anger because its so easy to put weight back on, it comes back so fast, and maybe we want to believe that once we think of ourselves on the plan, that the pounds will "magically melt off" on their own?

Anger cause we knew at the time, what we were doing, that we knew, and the other voice in your head, said, So I'll gain weight, So what!? Eat drink be merry. But then we really weren't ready to face the consequences?

Anger cause we think, what the heck did you do that for? It only caused you to backslide, and it wasnt worth it, self!

Anger because you thought you had it more together, and then suddenly you find you have a loss of control, that the voice in your head that says HEY LETS PARTY! overpowered the other voice?

I think its the greatest thing if you can jump back on, say Keep on Keeping On, realize that you might have these times once in a while. One thing you can do though if you want to, is set up some strategies for how to miminize the damage or what to do in the next situation. Keep on keepin on.

by NDLadyT1 on May 28, 2012 at 10:17 am

I can totally relate.  I have been eating terribly everyday since last Wednesday.   I get so frustrated because I'm doing the all or nothing thing-  AGAIN -  and that's just not healthy.   One good thing - I tracked my food everyday even all the bad stuff.  Also I didn't have any regular soda- but I was sure thinking about it.  I didn't exercise at all either, although I did plant a small garden and some flowers one afternoon.  That probably counts for exercise cuz I was hauling a few bags of soil to.  Anyway -  today I'm trying to do better.  Ate an OK breakfast and went to the gym.     I think I'll actually have an easier time of it when I go back to work tomorrow after a mini vacation.  The routine helps me stay on track and most of my co-workers are trying to eat healthier to.  That is a big blessing!

by lily31667 on May 27, 2012 at 9:29 am

Awesome job!
Okay so what's that cauliflower crust recipe?

by becmac79 on May 27, 2012 at 7:04 pm

It was super easy.  1/2 a head of cauliflower = 2 cups grated.  Microwave for 8 minutes and then let cool.  Add 1 egg, 1 cup shredded fat free mozzarella, 1 tsp oregano, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp salt.  Mix all together and then put onto a well greased pan.  I used some spray olive oil.  Form into the shape of a pizza crust.  Makes about one 9 inch crust... so it fed 2 adults with no left overs.  Bake at 450 for 15 minutes.  Mine came out nice and golden on the top but when I tried to free it from the pan I noticed the underside was pretty pale so I flipped mine and browned up the other side... but honestly, since it doesn't get crisp, it's not really necessary,  Topped mine with 1/2-2/3 cup Hunt's canned pasta sauce, about 4 oz of cooked chicken breast, a handful of raw spinach and about 5 raw mushrooms... then topped with 1/2 cup shredded fat free mozzarella.  Bake at 350 till veggies are cooked and tender.  If you don't use all the veggies then you could probably stick it under the broiler for a few minutes to melt the cheese.  Fat free mozzarella doesn't melt like regular cheese tho....  I'll say that the cauliflower crust was more just something to put the toppings onto... it had a nice flavor but wasn't pizza crust like.  Once you were chewing it, it tasted like pizza tho.  I was thinking maybe next time, I might try pressing the mixture into a glass square baking dish instead of the free form circle and then cutting it into squares... it's necessary to eat with a fork because it's tender but all in all, it was pretty delicious.
Tonight we went to a bbq and 2 of my friends there were also counting calories so I marinated 3 chicken breasts in lime juice, fresh cilantro, chunks of jalapeno, chopped garlic, cumin and a little bit of corriander I toasted and then crushed (optional spice).  I let it marinate 24 hours which might have been too long given all the acid but we cooked it quick on a grill kabob style so it worked out well for us.  It was juicy, flavorful, not spicy... I paired it with veggie kabobs using mushrooms, yellow squash, zucchini, and pablano pepper chunks that I lightly sprayed with olive oil.  Grilled these along with the chicken and also input the recipes into the "my recipes".  The chicken served 4 people (at least) for 156 cal, 3.5 fat and 30.5 protein... veggies made about 6 kabobs so we each got 2 and they were 148 calories, 7 grams fat (because of the oil) and 8 grams protein.  They were FANTASTIC!  Everyone wanted chicken, even the non-dieters!!!  One of my friends made deviled eggs using hummus instead of mayo and also mixed a ranch packet with greek yogurt for a very tasty veggie dip.  The eggs were about 100 calories for 2 halves and the dip was seriously like 15 calories per tablespoon.  Healthiest BBQ we ever had!  AND I skipped the mini-cupcakes that the kids were eating!  Ha ha ha!

by becmac79 on May 27, 2012 at 7:04 pm

It was super easy.  1/2 a head of cauliflower = 2 cups grated.  Microwave for 8 minutes and then let cool.  Add 1 egg, 1 cup shredded fat free mozzarella, 1 tsp oregano, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp salt.  Mix all together and then put onto a well greased pan.  I used some spray olive oil.  Form into the shape of a pizza crust.  Makes about one 9 inch crust... so it fed 2 adults with no left overs.  Bake at 450 for 15 minutes.  Mine came out nice and golden on the top but when I tried to free it from the pan I noticed the underside was pretty pale so I flipped mine and browned up the other side... but honestly, since it doesn't get crisp, it's not really necessary,  Topped mine with 1/2-2/3 cup Hunt's canned pasta sauce, about 4 oz of cooked chicken breast, a handful of raw spinach and about 5 raw mushrooms... then topped with 1/2 cup shredded fat free mozzarella.  Bake at 350 till veggies are cooked and tender.  If you don't use all the veggies then you could probably stick it under the broiler for a few minutes to melt the cheese.  Fat free mozzarella doesn't melt like regular cheese tho....  I'll say that the cauliflower crust was more just something to put the toppings onto... it had a nice flavor but wasn't pizza crust like.  Once you were chewing it, it tasted like pizza tho.  I was thinking maybe next time, I might try pressing the mixture into a glass square baking dish instead of the free form circle and then cutting it into squares... it's necessary to eat with a fork because it's tender but all in all, it was pretty delicious.
Tonight we went to a bbq and 2 of my friends there were also counting calories so I marinated 3 chicken breasts in lime juice, fresh cilantro, chunks of jalapeno, chopped garlic, cumin and a little bit of corriander I toasted and then crushed (optional spice).  I let it marinate 24 hours which might have been too long given all the acid but we cooked it quick on a grill kabob style so it worked out well for us.  It was juicy, flavorful, not spicy... I paired it with veggie kabobs using mushrooms, yellow squash, zucchini, and pablano pepper chunks that I lightly sprayed with olive oil.  Grilled these along with the chicken and also input the recipes into the "my recipes".  The chicken served 4 people (at least) for 156 cal, 3.5 fat and 30.5 protein... veggies made about 6 kabobs so we each got 2 and they were 148 calories, 7 grams fat (because of the oil) and 8 grams protein.  They were FANTASTIC!  Everyone wanted chicken, even the non-dieters!!!  One of my friends made deviled eggs using hummus instead of mayo and also mixed a ranch packet with greek yogurt for a very tasty veggie dip.  The eggs were about 100 calories for 2 halves and the dip was seriously like 15 calories per tablespoon.  Healthiest BBQ we ever had!  AND I skipped the mini-cupcakes that the kids were eating!  Ha ha ha!

by EJMM on May 26, 2012 at 8:20 am

Sound like you have a love-hate relationship with exercise and weight loss is never normal..LOL. But as you well know, Exercise in the absence of healthy eating and calorie control will not be very effective ... Exercise becomes more important once you have lost the weight. Keep up the great work!

by lily31667 on May 27, 2012 at 9:37 am

7 lbs is great, and yes it will slow down in most cases. But remember it's not just the number on the scale, you said it yourself, you FEEL great. It's gets better and better when you start to realize that your physical life just becomes easier. I remember the first time I ran yes RAN up the basement stairs after taking down a load of laundry. I used to PULL myself up using the handrail. I think we need to make sure we remember those times, because after the weight is off for awhile, sometimes we forget what it was like getting ourselves up off the couch at 50 lbs heavier and how much we hated it..I HATED IT! But knew I was there because of me and could change it.
Got off on a tangent didn't I?

by charlierogers on May 25, 2012 at 6:47 pm

Don't feel bad about one night of over eating - just know that you will slip on occasion but get back on track the next day.  Just park the car a bit further away, take the stairs, build in a bunch of little things that will result in more movement.  I did not start an exercise 'program' until I had completed almost 2 mths of a better diet - I did increased yard work and additional things like taking the stairs.  The weight I lost in the first 2 mths gave the me motivation to start regular intense exercise. I started out with 10 minutes every other nightm 3 nights/week and worked my way up - time spent - 30 to 45 minutes every other night and then almost a mth later added some resistance training.  Again - total time per week does not have to be more a couple of hours to make a huge difference.  I rely on personal trainer dvds to motivate me.  People at work will also motivate you if they know you are trying to get in better shape - maybe a walking buddy at lunch time? I have times when I feel like it's too much and that I am not making any progress so I might as well blow it and have that piece of pie but then I get back on track and when you least expect it (and are really about to give up - you find that you have either lost some wt or an inch here and 1/2 and inch there - which gets you going again).  Hope that helps a bit.  

by jocgabe on May 25, 2012 at 6:50 pm

My first thought is that you cannot beat yourself up about binges, you have to just start again, we all slip off the wagon from time to time the important part is that you are seeking help which means you are motivated just need encouragement. You can do this and you must say everyday to yourself that you are worth it, you deserve it and you can do it and will do it. Just start a new day and see if that helps at all. Good Luck

by EJMM on May 25, 2012 at 7:08 pm

Hey sashmlr don't feel down your doing a great job on your weight loss and eating healthy, So you had a couple of slip ups. just go back to your plan. I believe in you and you need to believe in yourself...here's a link you should read, http://www.diet-blog.com/09/stopping_diet_slipups_becoming_diet_disasters.php

by SkytheLily on May 25, 2012 at 10:50 pm

My husband also works the opposite shift. He's pulling a 12 hr shift tonight, wont be home til 9am. I dont get to sleep til late because Im alone and mostly find it hard to stop eating snacks throughout the time I'm up. I need help with every aspect of this journey. I think I am going to take the advice people gave (on this) and use it. Sound good to start slow and suceed!

by deb1207 on May 25, 2012 at 11:11 pm

Many of us have felt at times unmotivated or bad after a splurge or binge. Here is an idea that seems to work for me.

The day after a splurge or binge I do not want to have to think about anything, I dont want to do anything, I feel just sort of like a jerk, ya know? And I tell myself to accept that you sometimes just have an overwhelming desire to eat whatever, and as much of it, and no matter what your inner self tries to tell ya, your Rebel Girl self say, NOPE! I WANT IT NOW!
 
So, have a clean and light eating plan ready. Keep on keepin on. Dont think what should I eat the next day. You already work it out beforehand. You figure out what is a nice, satisfying but not over the top breakfast. What snacks work for you? Lunch? Dinner? And you dont try to go spend 3 hours on the Elliptical, you just do a moderate amount of exercise

I call it GO TO foods, and MAINSTAYS and KEEP ON KEEPIN ON. I think, we cant depend on ourselves to feel motivated. It doesnt happen every day.

Instead, make it easy on yourself. Make sure you have the foods you like to eat, the healthy ones, right there. So if you have an urge to eat, you just go eat it.

My fridge and kitchen has this almost all the time: Strawberries, Plain yogurt, variety of sugar free syrup, mozzarella cheese cut into small 1 oz pieces, avocado, almonds, baby spinach, dark cocoa roasted almonds (oh they are delicious!), almond milk called PureAlmond Silk, Eggs. Always have eggs no matter what. Chicken breast, tomatoes. Protein powder. walnuts.

There is enough right there that I can always  make an omlet, or a big salad, or eggs, or munch on nuts, or if I really don't feel  like cooking, have just some yogurt, and nuts.

Its important to go back and feel safe. To feel you can trust yourself. Give yourself things you can find in the kitchen that you can trust yourself with. Wishing you the best

by becmac79 on May 26, 2012 at 5:27 am

I know how hard it can be... my husband works offshore so he is gone for weeks at a time.  We have a 2 year old son and I work full time.  My hubby is currently on a 6 week hitch and won't be home till July.  I'm using this time to be selfish.  I wake up early and get my workout done before my son wakes up... I bring my food for breakfast, lunch and snacks to work and that is ALL that I eat, no cheating.  When I get home, rather than worry about what I can feed my family, I worry only about what healthy food I can make myself.  Sometimes my son eats it... sometimes he eats something more toddler friendly... but kids are easy to please usually .  I'm MORE worried about letting bad habits come back when my hubby is home!  I'm worried I'll rather stay in bed than get up and work out... that I'll want to eat bad foods or drink alcohol with him because it's fun... I hope you are able to find your focus soon...  Good luck!

by sashmlr on May 26, 2012 at 7:12 am

Thanks everyone for the support. I am feeling better now and feel like I am back on track. I have been finding it really hard to get exercise and I think I might be at the point where I need to go ahead and join a gym because they have childcare and I can go do my workout without having to worry about doing it when my daughter is sleeping after a long day of work (plus then my only option is the treadmill and I HATE the treadmill). I'm going to go check it out today. Thanks again!

by EJMM on May 26, 2012 at 3:42 pm

Cool ...I'm glad your feeling better and back on track, YOU ROCK!!

by jocgabe on May 25, 2012 at 6:50 pm

Absolutly get on the band wagon with us. I have been on this for 3 weeks and am down 10lbs, maybe not alot to some but i too have lost and gained numerous times, i can drop massive amts of weight but gain it all back. I find this program great because i put everything down and if i am over my calories i DO NOT beat myself up about it, just get back on the next day, i try not to weight myself daily as that is too discouraging. Good luck and you can both do it together.

by becmac79 on May 25, 2012 at 7:04 pm

I had gastric bypass... 9 years later I have gained most of the weight back.  At the time of my surgery, it was a really booming thing to have done and I met many people who had it done as well.  Most of us have regained.  I'm realizing now that my issues with food and lack of activity are what need to be tackled, not the size of my stomach.  Being honest with yourself... committing to doing it the hard way and forcing yourself to learn new habits.... well, those are my personal goals.  I wish I had done this before I had my son... it's a lot harder now... but I'm doing it!

by EJMM on May 25, 2012 at 7:37 pm

HI Sky. Welcome to the group, I wish you the best on your 100+Lbs loss. This is a geat group! also check out the Jackson's 100 pounds challenge that has been a great help on my weight loss journey as well. Now JUST DO IT!! No Procrastinating.

by Ameeburkett on May 25, 2012 at 2:29 pm

SO BASICALLY I HAVE A PERSONAL DRILL INSTRUCTOR FOR THE SUMMER...LOL...GOD I LOVE HER!

by Noressa on May 25, 2012 at 3:12 pm

 Hah, that's so awesome. :)  I'm glad she's being supportive and that you've got her energy to help you along all summer. :)

by Jeffhynes57 on May 25, 2012 at 7:40 am

Bed Bath and Beyond have a couple of scales (including the one from the biggest loser show brand) that go to 400 and are around $50 bucks. If you grab one of the coupons they send out all the time you can knock 20% off that price. My wife and i picked up a nice glass digital scale that has a 400 pound capacity for around $38 after coupon. Good Luck!
By the way i only weigh myself once a week (Sunday mornings). I am no expert but i tried to weigh myself mid-week once and showed i had lost nothing. By Sunday i was down several pounds. I figure once a week is enough to track progress without the day to day variations causing you stress.
 

by robl552002 on May 25, 2012 at 7:44 am

Yes, I plan on wieghing myself one time a week and not 3 times a day like a couple girls I have dated in the past ;)

by lily31667 on May 25, 2012 at 9:38 am

Oh the dang scale addiction..I actually had to take my scale to my Mom's. Or else I was weighing myself everyday, sometimes 2x day. Not healthy.

by FatKatts2 on May 25, 2012 at 7:27 am

Enjoyed your post and it's a good topic, for sure. This may sound strange, but my best source for relief is, well, first would be prayer, even on the go, and the faith that even when things look bleak and like they won't turn around, I know God is doing something that will help me be a better person somewhere down the road.
Then, amazinging, going to work just to get my mind off of whatever it is helps (but not all the time, if work is being stressful, of course.)
Eating isn't something I really do for big stress but more for everyday irritations and boredom. But when I DO eat for stress, it's the really bad stuff...like ice cream Sundae, or regular chips or something super duper indulgent with mega calories...
 

by EJMM on May 25, 2012 at 7:35 am

Accept the disappointment for what it is; part of life, use it as a stepping stone to grow from. Look at it this way, you were in a car accident and your car was totalled and you lived to tell about it, now is that disappointing

by Noressa on May 25, 2012 at 8:15 am

 I wrote this out in your journal, but I'm going to write part of it here too.  I hate the feeling of frustration.  What I do is what I need to feel like I have control of the situation.  I write out what it is I ***can*** do. What can I manage, touch, affect, move.  And then I act on it!  And then?  Then I can relax.  Because even if I'm still upset or frustrated at something there is no longer anything else I can do for that situation.  Not until other things happen.  And it's that release of "I have done what is within my power to do" that lets me move on past that immediate frustration.  It's no longer worth my time to be stressed or upset.  Even if I was, there is no longer anything I can do to affect it.  So instead I can start moving forwards.

by becmac79 on May 25, 2012 at 9:03 am

Such a good post!  My parents are both heavy (tho they were thin in their childhoods-20's).  Everything I grew up with revolved around food.  Oh it's Friday? Pizza and ice cream, taking a trip to a specialty grocery store... better get those fancy chocolates and pastas!  Someone died, bring on the casseroles!  My dad, a pilot, ate something fantastic while in San Diego... we all must try it as he tries to replicate the recipe at home!  I'M BORED.... eating is entertaining! 
This trend is so strong in me that it has rubbed off on my always thin husband who, while not obese, is still about 30lbs over weight at the moment.  Of course, losing it for him takes all of 3 weeks offshore and he has NO real concept of what it's truly like to be so heavy.  Know what I hate?  How losing 10lbs on my body is barely noticable but on a thin person it's like they are a whole new person.  Frustrating!
But back to dealing with stress and eating emotionally...  This is something I'm coming face to face with and accepting as a VERY damaging habit... and being that I've been at work all week I'm nervous about this weekend.  I have already declined meeting friends at the State Fair this weekend... can't ride rides with a toddler, not interested in chasing him through crowds.... and the big one.... don't want to eat all that fried Fair Food!  I'll be taking my son swimming and to Fresh Pickin's (local outdoor produce market here) and shopping for veggies and fruits for the up coming week.  Sunday we have been invited to a BBQ which is a very big thing we do around here.  I'm trying to decide if I want to give myself a "food break" and go ahead and have a few beers and eat a hot dog.... or if I should maybe buy some tonic and pretend it's a vodka tonic and look for something healthy I can bring to eat... I just don't know.  I've already volunteered to bring some sausage I have in my freezer because it gets it out of my house for someone else to eat besides me!  Being home, watching TV or whatever is when I'm most nervous because I tend to snack through out the day.  I'm still planning on getting up at 5am, as much as I'd like to sleep in with my son... because I know that getting my exercise out of the way will motivate me to make good choices throughout the day.  We'll also be taking a trip to Academy for a set of dumbells up to 40 lbs to help with my lifting at home.
 

by NDLadyT1 on May 25, 2012 at 11:59 am

I read a quote about disappointment today.   "Obesity is a mental state, a disease brought on by boredom and disappointment.," by Cyril Connolly - The Unquiet Grave.    I know I am an emotional eater but I never really thought about the emotion of disappoinment.  Another proverb says "Deferred hope makes the heart sick"     I think for me disappointment is the biggest emotion behind why I overeat. 
During my latest attempt at weight loss I have been trying to "will power" my way through diet and exercise but I have stumbled a lot.   I was recently been diagnosed with diabetes so my mantra has been "Quittiing is no longer an option".   This attempt has been like a three legged stool where exercise and healthy eating are two of the legs.  The chairs been wobbly and I've fallen because it's not balanced.  I think dealing with the emotional/mental issues is the third leg which will give my stool balance.
So, practically speaking, I'm going to try journalling, prayer and try to find a support group that fits. 

by deb1207 on May 24, 2012 at 7:11 pm

Its a very good thing to keep in mind KJ, and one that most people, perhaps especially those younger than I am or you are, don't think about.

My father is going to be 89. I take him to a class in Range of Motion, where the 3 of us do a lot of great exercise. We do practical things like: we sit with a ball in our hands, and then must get up and down from the chair, lifting ourselves up and down without using our arms, several times, over and over. 

We pivot, to mimic when a person has to get out of a car, when the person must angle at a diagonal, and step to get out. We balance. We bend. We do finger and arm exercises that strength muscles for opening jars, bottles, wrappers, etc.

These might seem silly to some people, but as KJ mentioned she does not want to have to help her with bodily functions as she gets older. I feel the same way, but I also think of all the other activities we do every day. That either we can grow to be old and independent and strong. And some will grow to be old, wheelchair bound, in pain, with surgeries, and always dependent on someone else for the smallest thing, even getting a glass of water.

My father ran 6 marathons, many in his 70s. After that, he did fast walking with his running club, and did Tai Chi 2x a week. So he has a good sense of balance, and muscles. Yet, a few years ago, when he was walking fast with his buddies, we discovered that he has this condition that happens when he over exerts himself.

He will involuntarily start walking at an insanely fast speed, I mean crazy, like 5 mph, until he is all bent over and shaking like in a frenzy. He can't stop it, and then, it's like a short circuit, he falls. This happened to him maybe 2x a year, but enough times that we knew he could not really walk alone.

His last fall resulted in a broken shoulder and a few  other broken or injured parts, hands, etc.

But what saved him? What saved him was that he had been in great  physical shape for years, so that when he ended up in Physical Therapy, he responded amazingly quickly. He was back and walking much quicker than others, his shoulder healed much faster.

Exercise GIVES us life. I have NO patience, NONE, sorry folks. NO patience for people who act like Exercise is just a burden, something to do like eating Cod Liver Oil.

I think its a real gift that we each HAVE a body that can respond when we move, and as KJ says, a remarkable set of genes that can get us to our mid 80s and maybe beyond, in good health.

Yet, few people go around saying how grateful they are for the opportunity to move. To be thankful. Instead, they moan and groan, they call it the "E' word. They make light about how they cant get off the couch.

I have tried so very hard to tell people that Exercise is not JUST about CALORIES , and weight loss, and the goal weight. Its about Energy, Healing, Strength, Longevity, and Independence. And Mental Health. Here I go again. Maybe somebody on a couch will agree  or may hear this?

by Noressa on May 24, 2012 at 11:58 am

 You can use a can of diced tomatoes.  It's typically 25-30 calories per 1/2 cup, and so one can is usually ~85 calories.  Reduce the liquid down on the stove in a saucepan if it's too watery for you, add more spices (garlic, onion, etc) and you're set.

by EJMM on May 24, 2012 at 12:50 pm

On my recipes go to Spaghetti Squash Siciliano, just leave out the ground turkey and of cause the Spaghetti Squash. you can add 1 or 2 Tbsp of tomato paste if you like to thicken it up.

by kayjay5 on May 24, 2012 at 2:03 pm

If you want quick and easy, you could go with a jar version BUT read the labels.  Many have things you don't need (ie sugar) and then a bunch or preservatives.  There are organic options that would do the job.
If you want to make it, it's pretty forgiving and simple.  I usually get cans (again read the labels) of tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (say 1-2 of each) and one of tomato paste (the little ones) and put it in a sauce pan then start adding herbs and spices (salt, pepper, oregano, parsley, basil, etc).  I also add veggies (pepper, onion, zucchini) but it's optional.  I usually add a bit of shredded carrot or a bit of stevia to cut the acid and make it a tad sweeter.  Then let it simmer.  The longer you can do that the more the flavors infuse the sauce - add water if it gets too thick.
 
I usually make a big pot of it and freeze it into small containers so I have it ready to go.
 
You can do the same with fresh tomatoes it's just a longer process to cook them down.

by FatKatts2 on May 24, 2012 at 4:22 pm

check out Dreamfield's low carb pasta (reommended for diabetics.) has a ton of fiber...more than whole wheat pasta but tastes like traditional pasta...can make you a little gassy, but we use it in our diabetic home. Comes in a black box. Also have elbow macaroni and rotini as well as spaghetti.

by lily31667 on May 24, 2012 at 5:12 pm

I haven't gotten to where I make my own sauce yet..but reading labels I've switched us to cans of pizza sauce..less sugar, lower calories.

by Ameeburkett on May 24, 2012 at 5:18 pm

i found a recipie its very very good... cook your noodles in chicken broth just a few cups and garlic and other seasonings.... it tasts almost exactly like a alfredo, but healthyier......also I use califlower crust for when i make pizza now....its amazing and i prefer it to bread crust.
 
2 tsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp butter
¼ tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
3 cups chicken stock
½ lb spaghetti or angel hair pasta
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
¾ cup heavy cream
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
 
i didn't use the heavy cream or butter  at all and it was still amazing,... hope it helps

by Ameeburkett on May 24, 2012 at 5:19 pm

Oh and i ate it with chicken pesto meat balls. simple to make also...

by Noressa on May 24, 2012 at 11:11 am

 Yay!  I fell in love with weights, I'm so glad to have given them a try.  Hope you enjoy the yoga. :)

by EJMM on May 24, 2012 at 11:18 am

Sounds exciting...good luck!

by FatKatts2 on May 24, 2012 at 4:24 pm

good for you, girl!
 

by Noressa on May 24, 2012 at 8:49 am

 I did that a year or so ago now.  I'd buy new veggies at my farmers market and then ask them what the heck to make with it!  I now use kale, chard, fennel, sweet potatoes, peas, green beans, turnips, radishes, eggplant, aspragus, artichokes, bell peppers, mushrooms, parsnips, kohlrabe with pretty frightening regularity. ;)  It's really awesome to have a lot of flavors to choose from and it makes making tasty dinners even easier.  I put a few ingredients I want the flavors of in Google Recipes, search, then find something tasty and different!

by kayjay5 on May 24, 2012 at 9:24 am

Just something to think about...
Is your usual fair that varied or do you have your favorites that you eat over and over?  I think most people tend to eat the same stuff pretty regularly.  If so, then why do you get bored eating healthy (real) food and not processed stuff (I'm guessing this might be your regular fair)?  I'm not criticizing how you ate or how you used to eat, more like asking if you are truely bored or just missing the "engineered" flavors in the processed foods that are so readily available.  
There is a ton of research out there that indicates processed food is engineered/designed to get people to want it, love it, crave it and as a result overeat.  I do think it takes a few weeks to change your taste buds/palate and eventually real, whole food becomes very tasty and yummy.  It's not easy (well, not comfortable) but worth it. 

by karenloh on May 24, 2012 at 9:35 am

I think it takes more than just a few weeks.  I think it also takes learning how to add flavors to your healthy food with the right spices and marinades and sauces.  Variety in ingredients is great but still gets dull if you don't add some other stuff to it.  That, to me, is the tricky part that I don't do well at all.

by kayjay5 on May 24, 2012 at 10:05 am

I had to drop many processed foods out of my diet entirely to reset my palate.  I still struggle a bit with artificial sweeteners but have managed to change over to stevia recently.  A splurge now and then when out but about 90% of my meals are home cooked.  And I will admit the slurge/indulgences are hard to come back from - they do impact cravings that day, sometimes the next.
 
I try to keep my seasonings and marinades simple and non-processed - I don't buy the mix/bottles but make my own.  Salad dressings are still processed but I try to keep it low-cal with relatively recognizable ingredients! lol  I can't seem to get off everything...

by lily31667 on May 24, 2012 at 10:06 am

Processed foods YES! That's part of it..and I'm trying to not go to the processed diet foods like Smart ones and Lean Cuisine to cut calories, really I look at the labels they aren't any healthier just smaller portions in the box and more expensive.
Just like those breakfast/protein bars/fiber bars etc. are just glorified candy bars..so I'm avoiding them too.
So I know I need to  make healthier stuff myself, but  I usually stick with what I know how to cook, or already know how it tastes.
I feel like I'm learning to eat and cook all over again.
I guess that's the point huh?!

by Noressa on May 24, 2012 at 10:16 am

 Yup!  2 and a half years ago when I started losing weight, I didn't know how to cook beyond the basics!  I was using packaged foods to control my eating.  It took a really, really long time, but now I'm making the vast majority of my meals.  It helps to find a few things you'll want to cook.  Then, as you have time, branch out.  Add a new ingredient.  Pick a flavor that you want to taste, then find a recipe based on that.  The majority of cooking is pretty tolerant of mistakes. :)  You can make some truly delicious meals with very little effort.

by becmac79 on May 24, 2012 at 10:25 am

It's a personal goal of mine to have a very unprocessed diet as I enter into this self-challenge.  Healthy eating, in my experience, is easiest to come by when you make your own foods. For breakfast I stick to the same thing usually...  I eat an apple sliced into as many slices I can get to for myself to eat it nice and slow, an english muffin with 1 tsp peanut butter on each side, and a 6oz cup of low fat yogurt (greek is my fav and has the most protein).  I find this combo holds me till lunch very well.  At lunch I do eat a Healthy Choice which I know packs in a lot of sodium... but it's quick, tasty and gives me variety.  I keep a big bag of frozen veggies in the freezer and add a cup of veggies to my HC meal.  For dinner I usually eat about 6 oz of white meat... fish, chicken, pork and I typically grill in a grill pan... then I eat a large filling portion of 1-2 veggies.  I use stuff like sugar free pudding, cinnamon graham crackers, vanilla almond milk sweetened with Splenda, gingersnap cookies, low cal popsicles etc... for my sweet cravings and 100 cal mini bags of popcorn or 25 plain almonds for salty cravings.  This diet really keeps me from being hungry... and if I do hear a growling in my tummy I reach for water first because I once read that thirst is very commonly confused with hunger.  I really recommend looking into new options and taste testing them... it makes dieting not feel like dieting.  No, you can't go grab that Quarter Pounder and fries when you want... but if you commit to eating foods you buy at your grocery store... you really will find it aids you in losing weight.  Just knocking out alcohol, soft drinks, and fast/restaurant foods this week has jump started my weight loss and I feel SO much better.  No heavy stomach, feeling tired after meals, gas etc... My best friend is a chef and while she was in school, we lived together and I learned right along with her... so I consider myself quite a good cook (good and bad foods) so if you ever want ideas just let me know because I'm really good at thinking outside the box when it comes to eating healthy.  Good luck!
 

by FatKatts2 on May 24, 2012 at 4:25 pm

well now you have to try Sweet Potato oven fries...mm.mmm.mmm. They have a ton of fiber in them too. Love sweet potatoes, avocado, asparagus...those are my faves.

by lily31667 on May 24, 2012 at 5:15 pm

I was thinking that on the way home. I seen Hungry Girl make sweet potato fries. And didn't consider it then because I never thought I would like them.

by deb1207 on May 24, 2012 at 7:24 pm

Hi Lily, you said your struggle comes from "boredom with the same old low cal healthy foods I know.
I get tired of grapes, bananas, apples and peas, chicken breast, lettuce, celery."

I think sometimes we just end up thinking a certain way, we only think of certain foods because thats what we know, and the vast range, the rainbow of other healthy foods? that are available? They dont even come into our consciousness.

If you asked a bunch of us LSers, right now, right here, to name the "low cal healthy foods", I bet you would come up with a variety of answers.

Also, what is so great about low calorie foods? In my mind, one can eat a lot volume wise, of low calorie foods, Or less, of more calorie dense foods, and both are fine, as long as you eat the appropriate amount, and do the activities that work for you to reach your goals.

Anyway: Here are some ideas I would say for healthy foods for daily Living:

Squash, Sweet Potatoes, Almonds, Dark cocoa roasted almonds, walnuts, strawberries, Spinach, avocado, Eggs, Turkey, Scallops, Shrimp, Salmon, Mushrooms, Tomatoes.

I never ever eat grapes, bananas, apples and peas,  lettuce, celery. Here are some ideas for Quick easy and delicious meals:
1. Spinach Salad with slivered almonds, strawberries, avocado, turkey, tomatoes. Use any dressing. Or make yur own.

2. Omlet: zucchini and onion, cottage cheese omlet (its good, tastes like blintzes), basil and mozzarella cheese omelet, turkey bacon and swiss omlet.
3. Grilled cheese with basil and tomato sandwich with avocado.

If you run out of ideas, feel free to visit other peoples diaries. I am always finding great stuff there I would never think of! Good luck.

by kayjay5 on May 25, 2012 at 4:54 am

I too had to learn to cook at 45 lol.  I realized I used packaged foods for almost all my meals which really wasn't cooking.  I spend time hunting recipes down on the internet and I get Clean Eating Magazine.  After a while, I could read a recipe and know if it would apeal to me or not.  Now I tweak most recipes to my taste.  I have found I really enjoy cooking.  AND my family generally likes what I make (there are a few that are hold outs if they know it's "healthy"). 
 
I particularly thought my Christmas Eve meal was ironic.  I was in charge of lasagna and everyone was worried that I would make it meatless (for some reason my family believes the only way I could lose weight was by becoming a vegetarian...I'm not).  I made 2 versions - one full-on, high calorie lasagna with meat and pasta and a second version with spaghetti squash, no meat, less cheese etc.  Guess which one they liked, took the leftovers and asked for a recipe?  Yep, the spaghetti squash version.  Gah.

by deb1207 on May 24, 2012 at 4:26 am

Dont  get discouraged. Its a long journey. And it will always be a long journey, so you might as well enjoy it. Find foods you like to eat, and integrate them into your plan. Even after you lose weight, you are still going to be conscious of what you are eating and doing (I did it, I lost the weight, and I am STILL doing it, so its not like there is an END). Decide you will do it. Decide you can enjoy it.

Carefully sit down and choose the foods that you can enjoy. Within your calories.


I suggest going to a class called Silver Sneakers at your local YMCA. I go 2x a week. Its a Range of Motion class, its geared for people at THEIR ability, and at their level. You work as hard or as easy as you want. We have people in the class ranging from 90  pounds to 700 pounds. We have people with arthritis, people who cannot walk, every age from 20 to 100.

This is a very good class if you have arthritis. It will get you moving, but in a safe environment where they are very aware of pain, and can make sure you do only the things that will not hurt you.

Sit down also and give yourself a heart to heart talk. You are not the fattest person in the world. Plenty of people have had to  lose 100 or more pounds. You can lose 1.5 pounds a week. So it will take a year or 2. Whats the rush? 

Really, give yourself a talk. Ask yourself what you think you mostly did that either got you to this weight, or keeps you at this weight. Is it eating at buffet restaurants ? Is it a  particular type of food?  Do you do little snacks here and there? Or do you eat volume ? Do you skip lunch ?Do you skip breakfast ?

Is Sweets your issue ? Or? Is it basically portion control? Once you write it down, and really take a look at yourself, you can design an eating plan that will work over time. Decide what foods you can enjoy now, and which ones are too challenging to have in the house.

Select your Mainstays. These are the steady eddies, the foods you plan on eating often, cause you like them, they are good for you, and they can keep you going as you lose weight.

Wishing you the best.

by FatKatts2 on May 24, 2012 at 5:37 am

Actually, according to what all the doctors I have spoken with tell me about weight loss, you are right on track.  What you have done so far is a smidge over 2 lbs per week, which is "perfection" according to the doctors. Doctors don't like anyone to lose any more than 2 lbs per week, max. I was told 1 to 2 lbs per week is the healthiest way to lose.
I too, have severe arthritis (3 different kinds) including severe chronic tendonitis in my feet, knees and achilles tendons (it's a genetic thing for me.) I just got in the mail yesterday two DVDs I ordered from Amazon.Com of exercises (including PIlates) that you do sitting in a chair. It includes aerobic as well. I am so excited to start it. Ideal, of course, would be swimming pool exercises, but I don't have access to a swimming pool.
It's not time to get discouraged yet. Looks to me like you are doing just fine so far.
 
 

by Noressa on May 24, 2012 at 6:59 am

 Jocgabe, I went over my history of weight loss over the last two and a half years and I've been losing 2 pounds per MONTH!  Much less week. :)  You're doing well, honestly!  It's not a race to lose the weight, you're doing it in a way that is likely to be sustainable.  Patience is a virtue in this regard.  Yes, it would be amazing to lose weight fast, but at least from this side looking in, you're doing fine. :)

by lily31667 on May 24, 2012 at 8:34 am

Do you have a YMCA near you?..they have arthritic pool classes. Most Y's have a financial aid program also, if cost is a factor..
Good luck don't give up!

by karenloh on May 24, 2012 at 9:38 am

Learn to love the journey as much as the destination.  If I just focus on being thin someday, I will give up in a heartbeat.  It's too long - too far away.  I need to stay focused on the process of tracking and talking and making good choices and moving.  The process is the thing and 9 pounds is AWESOME!!!  Don't get discouraged.  Be pleased!  You are doing amazingly well.

by libraryhag on May 24, 2012 at 10:49 am

Yeah, what karenloh said. Be excited by the fact that you are doing the right thing. Don't get too tied up in the numbers.

by jocgabe on May 25, 2012 at 6:57 pm

Thank you for all your support and encouragement. Must have been having a bad day, i know so well that slow wins the race as you tend to keep it off better. I life in a very small community of 3500 so no YMCA, but i will start swimming aerobics in June when we get some heat up here in ontario, canada. That is so great on all the joints and helps to get the weight off. Again thanks to all of you and I will keep my chin up and be proud of every tiny ounce i take off and not gain.

by Noressa on May 23, 2012 at 3:27 pm

�Without some medical guidance from a certified medical practitioner, I will never recommend a woman go below 1250 calories/day. �Losing weight isn't a race. �Were you measuring your food and putting in everything you have with the proper serving sizes? �That is my first question.
�
Anecdotal information: �I started at 267 and the lowest I've set my calories at is 1250. �At my higher weights, I was losing at ~1800 calories/day with no exercise. �It wasn't the fastest, but it was tangible. �I'm now eating 1450 calories/day and still losing weight. �(I'll be raiding that calorie goal when I get back into weight lifting.) � Your body takes time to adjust to change. �If you've upped your caloric intake, it's responding likely by saying "Hey, let's store this" for a bit. �
�
There is one person here who is doing essentially a VLC diet (very low calorie) and he has the help of a medical expert by his side. �If you continue to want to do this, then I suggest you go that route. �If not, increase your calories, make sure you're getting your proper nutrients, and continue to track everything you do. �It's harder as a woman to lose weight then it is for a man, this is a fact, as testosterone gives them the upper hand. :) �Hormones, sodium, time of the month and stress in addition to an increase in workout intensity will all make us show a gain on the scale. �Do yourself a favor and if you h aven't already, start taking measurements. �These will be a better overall indicator of your health. �(Yes, if you don't get enough protein, your body starts to take it from you since it's the available source. �Your requirements will be even higher during your time of the month as you need to make more red blood cells. �Anemia is a very real concern.)

by becmac79 on May 23, 2012 at 6:41 pm

Post gastric bypass I suffer from Malabsorption and it leaves me deficient in Vitamin B 12 and Iron for the most part.  This MAINLY has to do with the fact that the part of my stomach that remains doesn't break down food anymore... it doesn't really produce stomach acid.  Food goes from my "pouch" straight into my intestines and the portion of intestine that was removed with the surgery, was the portion that did a lot of the absorbtion of minerals and vitamins from food.  This is why my hair fell out quite a bit a year or so after surgery.  Eventually you begin to tolerate more foods, take vitamins etc. and the hair falling out stops.  I still take a prenatal vitamin... best vitamin I've ever taken.  I take other vitamins as well but they are more specific to my needs.  As an over all vitamin I say go with prenatal and calcium.  I also agree with Noressa in that lower than 1250 calories is probably too low.  Something just isn't adding up.  I'd suggest talking to your family doctor because if you're only eating healthy foods, exercising and eating fewer than 1250 calories and still gaining weight... I would lean towards something possibly wrong with your thyroid which should be tested asap.  Hope that helps!  Good luck!
 

by EJMM on May 23, 2012 at 8:24 pm

I think it depends on what a person considered eating healthy on a VLC intake or Low Calorie. The bottom line is you have to meet your nutritional needs. It's not easy and very time consuming...you can be a vegetarian and be eating unhealthy. Just my opinion.

by melissymoo on May 23, 2012 at 10:26 pm

 Tyvm for the feedback all! I am currently eating 1250 but subtracting 300 from exercise. I am losing weight at this level, but when i tried a higher level (1450, 1750 without counting exercise, i was slowly gaining) I measure by weight or volume or percentage of the whole depending on the nutrition/serving information. Craisins for example are 1/3 cup serving size so I'll use the measuring cup... Chicken salad I don't have nutrition info for so I've been using the scale and logging it based on what I found in the my plate app - 3.6 oz = 240 calories for rotisserie chicken salad. However there's a lot of variation in what's listed - Annette's rotisserie chicken salad is over 3x those calories at 260 per 1 oz. That's a huge difference and a lot of what I find on the my plate app is like that. 
My thyroid checked out fine last month. I was low on vitamin D ( probably from the non- commuting home job ) so I was prescribed vitamin D supplements. I log my measurements every few weeks. Last i checked bust and hips were down a bit but tummy was stubbornly constant. Pants are getting looser tho =)

by melissymoo on May 23, 2012 at 10:46 pm

 Also on foods I'm eating more vegetables and protein than I ever have pre-diet, taking vitamins is new for me too. I'm consuming less dairy though so I think calcium would be a good idea - I was planning to ask about that at my next drs visit in June. 

by deb1207 on May 24, 2012 at 4:19 am

Melissymoo, sorry for this late reply:

I am Debbie, Noressa & I  have been pals for a long time, many of us have been here on LS for a few years, if there is any way we can help you, happy to: 

 I have lost I think its 130 pounds & kept it off. And I have researched this calorie thing a lot, and happy to share with you.

1.Every Body is Different. Your BMR  or basal metabolic rate: the calories to maintain weight based on no activity, NONE,  is Based on A Variety of Factors: 

a) Your Percentage of Muscle and Body Fat: the  more Body fat you have compared to muscle, the LOWER your BMR.

b) Your ability for whatever reason to metabolize carbohydrates and sugars. Some people who have metabolic issues, or Insulin issues, (not diabetic, though some are, but issues related to sugars and carbs)...Some People, if they eat the "same" # of calories each day....If they eat far fewer carbs, and more Fats Proteins, they will get a far different result. For example: 

COMPARE: This persons eating: 
DAY 1: A person eats 1400 calories of: BREAKFAST - Cheese omelet with ham for breakfast, and tomato slices. LUNCH: Huge Spinach Salad with Avocado, Slivered Almonds, Grilled Chicken, Mozzarella Cheese, Tomato.
DINNER: Baked Salmon with Broccoli Au Gratin, salad, Dark Cocoa Roasted Almonds for Dessert, with 8 Strawberries.

DAY 2: 1400 calories: BREAKFAST:Oatmeal.  LUNCH: Grilled Cheese sandwich with Fries. DINNER: Chicken, Broccoli, baked potato, bread. Small serving of Ice cream for dessert.

So, going by the book as to what your BMR is, its not as reliable as your own experience. I like this website: 
 
TRY this website: and use the Advanced Options.Then you will see, how your BMR changes based on percentage of body fat.

http://www.freedieting.com/tools/calorie_calculator.htm
 
 
CALORIES
I wrote to a nutrition and metabolic researcher some years back about calories being low and shutting down the body. She wrote back that its not like the body shuts down, but that it can happen where your body, for a day, or for a short time, goes on Conservation Mode. This means it slows down because if your cals are too low.. it sends a signal that HEY! this girl ain't getting nough to eat. We better not burn it too fast,.

I believe the Ratio of Nutriients that you eat affects how many calories your body uses to maintain and consequently lose weight.

For me, this is based completely on my own experience: When I was eating by calorie amount, healthy unprocessed foods mostly, as an example: to maintain my current weight - i ate about 1450. When I ate this way, I ate: about 45% carbs, 35% proteins, and 20% fats. I would eat typically about 150 grams of carbs a day.
 
Now, as I have changed my ratios. I eat most  days: 50% Fats (nuts, oils, butter, avocado, cheese, eggs, fish,meats and dairy), about 30% Protein (eggs, fish, meat, poultry, a little from nuts) and 20% from carbs (strawberries,spinach, lettuce, tomatoes, vegetables, squash, broccoli, occasionally bread).


Even if you are trying to lose weight, Calories are a good thing. They give you energy to live! Its good to incorporate Fat into your diet. Many of us it seems are afraid of fats, but pouring out like 5 nuts at a time. 5 almonds as a snack, its great. They help your body function.

If you want to know how many calories you need to LOSE say, 2 pounds a week, or 1.5, or whatever you want to do, try this:

Imagine your BMR  is a certain number. Look up that website above and Choose a number.  1250 by the way is not extremely low. I know many many people who went to nutritionists, and doctors, and who could safely eat on that amount. But it depends on many factors. Your size, your height, age. What you eat. What you Do. Your fat to muscle ratio, etc. Anyway: 

So, select a number. Lets say its 2000, just for a #. Now, Look at this: Its called an Activity Factor Multiple. If you are hardly doing any exercise, you mutliply 2000 x 1.2.

And if you are doing kind of "some" exercise, 2000 x 1.33. If you are fairly active, do 2000 x 1.5
And if you are very active, do 2000 x 1.75. Something like that. The range is 1.2  thru 1.8.
Imagine you are "moderately active" which we can give 1.33. So you mutliply 2000 x 1.33 and you get: 2600. This is the # of calories they think you might need, to maintain, if you did a moderate amount of Exercise per day.

But you want to lose 2 pounds a week. So thats 1000 calories. So we go 2600-1000 = 1600. Thats it. Thats the number. You do not add in or count back, or do whatever for Exercise. Eat back or whatever they call it.

Just use a multiple that you "guess" is the right one, based on your activity level. And see if you lose. If you dont, then a) You could change the Nutrients, eat more Fat, and Less Carbs.  or b) Change your calorie level down maybe 100 calories and see how it goes.

wishing you well...Also, I was given a Vitamin D prescription too, I am also low. And, some sites believe it is easier to lose weight when you eat more fats than protein, and the least with carbs. You can try things with that too Good luck.
 

by EJMM on May 24, 2012 at 4:35 am

Well it sounds like to me your eating healthier than before and your pants are looser, plus your seeing the doctor next month. Your making great progress!, that's how I look at it.... Now let me show you one example that would not fit in my lifestyle due to carbs, Craisins and dryed fruits, Craisins have sugar added so I stay away from them, too many carbs in dried fruit...
1-cup serving of raw cranberries contains 4 g of sugar, while a 1-cup serving of Craisins yields around 88 g of sugar. 1/3 cup Craisins is about 29 g sugar and 37 g carbs. So on a 1200+ calorie plan that would be fine, but on a 900 calorie plan...not so good. Hopefully this makes some kind of sense and I didn't offend you in anyway.

by melissymoo on May 24, 2012 at 5:13 am

 Deb thanks for the detailed calorie info. I read one of your previous links and connected my afternoon slump with consuming carbs midday (like oatmeal or granola) now that I've cut those out I'm not feeling tired mid-afternoon. the tip to not subtract for exercise is good to know too. The My Plate app itself does this so maybe I shouldn't log my exercise there... I haven't been clear about that since I started. Having lower than usual muscle to fat ratio seems likely for me since I've been moving about as much as a patient on bed rest over the past few years on this job. Lately my nutrient ratio does end up about 50% fat 30% protein 20% carbs. I eat 7 almonds daily since its nearly 50 calories and easy to add. 
EJMM ty for the tip about craisins! Now I wish I hadn't gotten the bulk bag at Costco. I'll have fresh fruit when I can get plums or little cuties. My husband sliced and coated all the strawberries with sugar for strawberry shortcakes much to my chagrin so I haven't touched those this week. 
How does dairy fit in to your diets?

by Noressa on May 24, 2012 at 6:56 am

 Very well!  I have a portion of cheese pretty much every day!  Right now it's havarti, it was feta earlier this week, I had brie the week prior.  I love and adore cheese. :)  Milk, not so much as it's high in sugar...  But if you're not watching that then you can probably drink milk without any worries.  That said, I've fallen in love with almond milk. :)  It's 35 calories/cup and sugar free sweeteners are amazing in there!

by EJMM on May 24, 2012 at 8:10 am

Never was a big dairy person, but this link has some info.. http://foodallergies.about.com/od/dairy/tp/balanceddairy.htm

by NDLadyT1 on May 25, 2012 at 11:45 am

Here are a couple suggestions that might help.  Try to get 3 servings of low fat or non fat milk products daily.  Some studies show nutrients in dairy are beneficial to blood sugar regulation which will help with weight loss.
Set a timer to go off every hour and get up and walk around for a couple minutes.  Take a fifteen minute break every couple hours and walk or do some other exercise.  This may even help your mental clarity in your job.  I sit at a computer all day for my job.  My co-workers and I try to walk the stairs at least 4 times a day for a couple minutes.  You could even walk in place if there's nowhere to go.
Try going low carb a couple days a week.  Some new studies are showing if you eat 50 or less carbs two consecutive days in a week and eat a balanced diet the rest of the week you will lose faster.
 

by Noressa on May 23, 2012 at 2:44 pm

�You can do this. :) �You are doing this... And you're aware! �Absolutely some great steps :)

by jocgabe on May 23, 2012 at 3:43 pm

I hear you two steps forward and 5 back, but if we keep going forward we will get there, small losses stay off big losses creep right back on. We are all here for you keep it up.

by Noressa on May 23, 2012 at 11:22 am

�I've done that, EJMM! �I was on a fast and I was drinking a flavored water! �Come to find out it was 120 calories in the bottle... Not the 0 calories the sugar free one next to it had. �Sigh. I lived, another day, another lesson to watch labels.

by FatKatts2 on May 23, 2012 at 1:54 pm

I like the little WHUT? face. HAHAHA!

by EJMM on May 23, 2012 at 9:03 pm

I hear ya on the label Noressa , but the two girls giving out  the samples at the wegmans supermarket told me 1 carb. should have had my wife check the label before putting them in the cart. going to have to start carrying a magnifying glass to read that crazy small print...LOL. Oh well I was a sucker for a pretty face.

by Noressa on May 23, 2012 at 8:22 am

�As a way of life, I wouldn't do this. �I know we have some people who do cleanses and go them, but it's not something I can do. �To eliminate yeast, I'd probably suggest eliminating wheat products and going with a lower carb approach, getting most of your carbs from dairy and fresh veggies. :) �Which seems to be what they do, only with their products. �Try a more paleo approach vs. their diet. �If you're low protein, and especially if you have issues with anemia (I don't know if you do) then don't attempt that. �Obviously I'm not a doctor, but with your note, it seems like something you're worried about. �

by Trixiegrrr on May 23, 2012 at 9:01 am

Thanks Noressa! Very good points.
I'd never do it as a way of life. It suggests that you just follow the diet long enough to eliminate your symptoms. So it'd probably be at most 2 months. For the 1st really strict stage they say 1 to 2 weeks. They don't actually sell anything. They do review some products though.
hrmm.. I'm going to the Dr tomorrow I think I will ask him to be sure before I set out on this adventure :)�
�

by Trixiegrrr on May 23, 2012 at 9:04 am

also as a side note.. I've been away a while and WOW�YOU LOOK�AMAZING NORESSA!

by EJMM on May 23, 2012 at 9:27 am

Well...I'm not a big fan of diets, I personally would try a lifestyle change in stead. because it's�not a lifestyle change,�so it's unlikely to be a long term solution. Just my opinion, but what do I know!...LOL

by FatKatts2 on May 23, 2012 at 11:02 am

I've had to battle intestinal yeast problems a lot due to having to take a lot of powerful antibiotics periodically. I have always had good success overcoming it by taking probiotics. In fact, my doctor usually "prescribes" it right along with the antibiotics. I have taken some pretty high doses of probiotics and it always eventually works. I�had yeast so bad at one time, that my tongue was coated with yellow (yeast.) �But the probiotics got rid of it.

by lily31667 on May 23, 2012 at 11:49 am

Ask your dr to prescribe some probiotics etc..if not check a health food store for the good bacteria like in yogurt etc. (but most yogurt has sugar) you wan't to cut back on sugar too, it feeds the yeast..
Also make sure it's refrigerated..the good bacteria dies pretty quickly in that store shelf stuff, then its of no use.

by Trixiegrrr on May 24, 2012 at 10:25 am

 Thank you very much FatKatts2  & lily31667 !  I got some probiotics so we shall see if they do their job.

by FatKatts2 on May 24, 2012 at 4:29 pm

hope it works well for you...also, like one on here said, avoid sugar if you can...makes it worse. (and I LOVE sweets but I am diabetic and can't eat them anyway.)

by mgregg2970 on May 23, 2012 at 8:12 am

Don't let that setback get you down. You saw the problem and you are on the road to fixing it. Good job going to the gym. I am rooting for you to get to the 7 lound weight loss by the 27th of June.�You can do it!!
I am really sorry about your dog. I feel�your pain. Enjoy the dog you still have. Extra hugs�coming your way! Have a great week.�

by Noressa on May 23, 2012 at 8:25 am

�It's a sad time in your life, and any of those people who have pets understand. �It seems like you're ready to start a bit more focus on this again, and that's a good step! �You know what needs to be done. �Get the support you need, talk to people around you, let them help you make the choices you know you want to make now. �(hugs) �This isn't easy, and dealing with a loss makes it that much harder. �But we're here, don't be afraid to get support. :)

by FatKatts2 on May 23, 2012 at 11:10 am

Losing a pet that seems irreplaceable is so hard. I lost a very special cat a few years ago. But when I get sad over it (even though I have a new cat)..I try to shift my thoughts over to all the good things I did for him to make his life as wonderful as I could. He had the best life a cat could have, I suppose (best I could afford) but he was loved very much and he knew it, right to the very end. So, comfort yourself with knowing your knew/felt �he/she was truly loved. That will help make the pain go away. The pain going away doesn't mean you don't care about your pet...your pet wouldn't want you to be in pain.

by KarenTN on May 23, 2012 at 12:02 pm

the thing with mine is that I have guilt, too.�� I went out of town and instead of kenneling my dogs where they would be safe,� I sent them to stay with my ex,� who I refer to as their daddy, who lives on a farm.�� She disappeared 4 days later.��
�
If she had gotten old and sick and had to be put down,� it would have been very hard to cope with,� but I wouldn't have the guilt about not making sure she was somewhere safe.�� I seriously may never forgive myself
�
the ex is convinced that someone took her and something unspeakably horrible happened to her.�� I want to believe we will find her,�� but it's almost a month now and it gets harder every day to hope.�� I don't think she got lost.�� The day I adopted her,�� she found a way out of my fence.�� i was worried sick.��� An hour or so later,�� she was in the front yard.��

by FatKatts2 on May 23, 2012 at 12:18 pm

Well, actually, someone may have "taken", that is adopted her. Or maybe she followed someone home and they are taking care of her. I assume you put up flyers, etc? I don't know how big the area is...out in the country, or in a town.... But she probably found her way out again, and went exploring the farm and surrounds.. I don't know why anything horrible would necessarily have happened to her, as the ex has suggested.�Anyway,�I don't think you should�feel guilty...you thought she would be allright or you wouldn't have left her there. Not like you intended any bad should happen to her. She was just doing what comes naturally if she went off exploring. She probably tremendously enjoyed the farm and running free..she might�be just fine with someone who is taking care of her. Hope you find her soon, though.�God bless. �

by deb1207 on May 23, 2012 at 1:07 am

�How about if you bring low calorie but satisfying foods to work with you? I like this:�

1. PureAlmond Silk - 35 calories per cup. Its almond milk, sells in 1/2 gallon size. Its creamy and delicious if you add sugar free syrup. needs refrigeration. I add syrup like coconut, chocolate, etc.�

2. Soy Slender Chocolate - this is a light chocolate milk that really does taste good. The great thing about it is that it has protein, fats and fiber in it, and carbs. And 70 calories per cup, but it both evens out blood sugar and provides some fiber. If you drink this, it will fill you up and you wont want to snack on dumb stuff.�

3. Pure Protein Bar- they sell these at Target. The chocolate peanut butter flavor is the best, they cost about $1 and they have a lot of protein & carbs in them. If you eat one of these at 200 calories, you willl not be able to fit in other calories. They are delicious! and no sugar.�

4. Oskri Almonds n Cranberry or Cashew n Cranberry bars - they sell these on amazon, they are high fiber and delicious. 140 cals and 12 grams of Fiber.�

by jocgabe on May 23, 2012 at 3:59 am

thanks for the suggestions, i like the last one, not much for anything thick and rich, i have texture issues, but i love the almonds and cranberry idea, will take that up. i do take carrots and raw veggies but sometimes it is just hard, but i have to stay strong.

by Noressa on May 23, 2012 at 8:29 am

�I'm a bit more drastic then that I think :) �I've taken wheat almost entirely out of my diet, I eat a low carb diet and mostly whole, fresh foods. �So when I see them, in my brain I just say "That's not for me". �It's food, sure... �But I'm not eating that food. �(I do have cheat days and a cheat week every now and then.) �But for the life I have chosen? �Candy is mostly out unless it's sugar free. �I don't eat things with wheat unless it's a cheat day. �I'm trying to be 80% good, 20% not so good.
�
So how do I resist if I feel tempted? �I have Atkins and other low carb bars at my desk at work. :) �I have lots of kinds of sugar free gum. �I keep beef jerkey around, and string cheese. �All in flavors I love, all in tastes I enjoy. �It's not so much a difficulty when if I need a snack, I have what I know I love... And that fits in my lifestyle! �So not only do I get to enjoy what I like flavor wise, I get to feel good about my choices too! �Double positive reinforcement!

by FatKatts2 on May 23, 2012 at 11:20 am

YES, YES, and YES. Home evenings and weekends are not my problem. Sitting at my desk at work, being under stress,(bored, angry, or�frustrated)...THAT�is my problem time for snacking/eating. I�keep snacks in my desk but I try to have them be at least "healthy" if I can. But they MUST be satisfying...not just something to fill a hole�in my tummy. �Low fat, high fiber if possible. I don't do raw vegetables...they make me feel more hungry after I eat them, than before I eat them. But I do like fruit, esp the juicy kind. Small (pre-packaged) bags of low fat things help. For chocolate cravings my new find is EXTRA sugar free mint chocolate chip ice cream flavor chewing�gum...REALLY�tastes like the ice cream! Really satisfies my chocolate craving when I'm stressed or bored. Baked Lays Chips if I MUST have crispy/salty/potato flavor. Fat Free Sugar Free hot chocolate for comfort. Hot coffee for comfort. sweetened with Splenda or even Fat Free Sugar Free creamer if I want it sweet....black if I want it "strong.". Chicken broth for comfort, esp with celery in it.� ICE�WATER is suprisingly satisfying to me lately...and satisfies hunger. �

by FatKatts2 on May 23, 2012 at 11:25 am

Oh, and by the way...I gained almost all my weight from the snack table at work (EVERY birthday and special times celebrated with high calorie party food.) and at other social occasions where food is used to celebrate. Gained 150 lbs that way. I�know how hard it is to resist! Especially when you don't want to feel left out, different, etc....My husband once asked me if I knew what caused my weight gain...I told him" Social Eating. I just wanted to be a part of the fun, the gathering, the celebration, etc. But it took me a long time to realize.

by jocgabe on May 23, 2012 at 3:42 pm

Wow FatKatts(hard to use that)thank you so much for all your words, it is nice to hear when someone else understands the workforce eating problem. What happened to the days when you could not eat at your desk or have food laying around for customers to see. We need to revisit our habits at work. I know i lost more weight when i would just not eat snacks during the day as i found that all i thought about was food and when was my next snack. I love the Atkins Coconut bar but i cant eat just one, it is a trigger for me. I have benn taking a nice naval orange and that is a wonderful treat too. It is amazing that we gain weight just from being social at work but those calories add up when you are sitting on your butt like i do. But thanks for all your suppor tlove to read everyones take on it.

by mgregg2970 on May 23, 2012 at 8:16 am

I am so on this wagon!!! I found I have great loss if I do not eat before 8. I drink a ton of water when I sit in front of the TV at night...it takes away the hungry horrors. Also I notices if I eat a dinner with all veggies and fruit I have a better weight loss the following day.

by Noressa on May 23, 2012 at 8:32 am

�Good wagon! �Eat when you're hungry is a great thing. �If you aren't hungry when you've having snacks in front of the TV, maybe it's a good habit to start breaking. ;) �But if you are, consider maybe changing the snack? :) �Gum helps me on that, and honestly hot tea with a bit of artificial sweetener. :) �It's warm and cozy and hits my sweet tooth. XD

by Ameeburkett on May 23, 2012 at 12:16 pm

ACtually I work from home, and till 1030pm so as long as i go to bed as soon as i log out of my computer I am ok. It's when I can't sleep and I stay up to watch tv i have problems....And it's strange because i don't snack during theday when i am working. even though the kitchen is 10 feet from my desk....LOL��� Anyway back to work!

by mgregg2970 on May 23, 2012 at 8:24 am

My advice is to keep coming to this site and post anything that you need to get off your chest. That has helped me so much. Great job losing the weight. Doesn't feeling�good make you want to keep doing this �weight loss journey? Keep in mind how you feel when you get the urge to eat something you know you shouldn't. Feeling good and being healthy is the new key to a happier�you!! Keep up all the good work...your mind and body will thank you. I am enjoying life so much better now that I am 25 pounds lighter...I cannot imagine what it is going to feel like when I lose the next 75. Have a great week.��

by Noressa on May 23, 2012 at 8:35 am

�You're doing the hard part now, which is getting started on the whole process. �Keep at it, even when you fall off the wagon, so to speak. �Even if the improvement is slow, it will still be improvement to your life as a whole. :)

by mgregg2970 on May 23, 2012 at 8:25 am

I never eat all my calories and I never feel deprived. You are doing fine.

by Noressa on May 23, 2012 at 8:38 am

�If you're trying to build muscle, you should absolutely try to eat all your calories up. �If you're hitting 1250 calories (minimum recommended for a woman) and you're getting enough protein, then you should be fine. �If you notice you're tired, have no energy, can't focus and it's harder to function? �Consider trying to find more ways to increase your caloric intake, usually with high cal, low quantity foods (Nuts, cheeses, oils, etc.)

by becmac79 on May 23, 2012 at 9:36 am

I'm not meeting my calories (especially when factoring in the increased calories after working out.� I'm "allowed" 1700 cal/day but end up with 2100 after working out and have been eating about 1400-1600 on average) but I'm actually noticing that I�feel less sluggish, more energy... a little more pep to my step... lighter because my stomach isn't rolling over after eating high fat over processed foods.� I�think my body is liking the clean burning foods I've been eating... and I'm happier, in a better mood, thanks to endorphins from my early morning exercise.� I�did another 20 minutes today.� I'm going to keep going with a goal of 20 min per day (working full time and then coming home with a toddler after work and my husband being offshore keeps me super busy) and I will up my minutes next week and try to follow that pattern.� I�AM going to get my dumbells out and start some arm exercises after the 20 mins on the elliptical. Got up at 5:15 this morning, was done by 5:40 leaving me 20 extra minutes to do the weights before I�need to hop in the shower.� I�think I can manage this.

by Noressa on May 23, 2012 at 9:58 am

�You should be fine then. :) �Lack of energy, feeling like you're having difficulty finishing your workout, getting up, doing your tasks... Keep an eye out for that. �You have a kidlet, you should be able to tell if you're not able to play as much as you'd like! �It's pretty �much a sign that you're not getting enough energy and might be burning yourself out! �But yeah, if you're averaging 1400 to 1600 and still feel great, then you're doing well. :)

by Noressa on May 22, 2012 at 3:16 pm

�Keep doing good things and you'll lose weight in a reasonable fashion. ;) �While there are extreme things you can do to make the scale read lower, the best thing overall is to keep doing things that you will continue to do and are good changes in your life. �It'll drop those 4 or 5 pounds. �Possibly not by the 4th, but they'll go. :)

by Noressa on May 22, 2012 at 3:16 pm

�That wounds like a fantastic start! �Good luck and welcome. :)

by deb1207 on May 22, 2012 at 3:46 pm

Hi Rob, welcome. You know you have a lot going for you! You said you maintained your weight for the past 2 years. That is really good, because if you look at what and how much you have been eating recently, without judgment, and what you have been doing, then you have REALLY�good information about the #�of calories combined with activity or lack of it, that has kept you at 352.

Next, then you can ask yourself, What Over the LONG run, the LONG�run, what combination of eating and activity can first get me to lose weight, but then, be such a pleasant, fulfilling, and liveable, doable, regular part of my life, that I�will keep it off, NO�QUESTION, because by the time I�lose it, everything I�do and eat will just be part of me?�

If you go to www.freedieting.com, the calculators there will enable you to plug in your weight age sex etc. and give you a #�of calories for how much they think you eat, to maintain your current weight.

Then, just an idea to consider. Think about this:�

Mainstays
Treats
Challenges for Now
Go To Foods
�
What am I�talking about�?�Well, if you think about it, you can come up with some set foods that are your mainstays. Mainstays are foods that you, if you dont feel like thinking about what you are going to eat, that you can just FALL�BACK on, so its mindless. For me, its omelets. Its salads that have turkey cheese sometimes nuts and avocado in them. Its chicken breast.�

Next, it would be nice if we could eat everything in the world, but to lose weight, something has to go. So a Treat, is something you really like, a lot, and something where it is not SUCH�a challenge to control the amount of, that if you wanted to, you could let yourself have ONE, maybe once a week. ONE. It doesnt sound like pizza is this, that sounds more challenging.

But maybe you have something you really like, a piece of apple pie. Or a sub sandwich. Or pasta. Something� that you know you can fully enjoy, you can eat it, have a good time, and be done. Thats a treat. Pumpkin pie ?�Ice cream?�Something like that. Or some rich cheese, I dont know. You will know.

Then, learning portion control and challenges. Some foods are just easier to exercise or learn portion control, so for now, just for now, not forever, good to acknowledge, well these foods just get me in trouble. At least this worked for me. I�just stopped eating the most challenging foods for a while. Most of them I�have let back in, in limited quantities, but the most challenging ones, still not in the house.

And then, good safe tasty Go To foods. What do you eat when you are a) coming home from work and really hungry RIGHT�NOW?�or b)in the car on the go or c) during break at work, and no time have to run to a meeting OR�d) you are home, its Sunday, and you feel like eating, but honestly you really are not that hungry.

My GO�TO�food is PureAlmond Silk, almond milk, which is 35 calories a cup, I�add sugar free syrup like Buttered Rum flavor or Coconut or Chocolate or Pumpkin and it tastes to me like Baileys Irish Cream or an Amaretto. I�drink this stuff all day.

WIshing you the best. Also, its great you are 27. That means that you have a great young body that can respond to what you do, and eat, and you can create new vitality now that can last a lifetime!�Rooting for you!

by becmac79 on May 22, 2012 at 4:58 pm

You are totally preaching to the choir when you mentioned alcohol.� I�lost over 100lbs in 2004 but it gradually came back and I�blame alcohol for a large portion of it.� You get so used to drinking your calories... it's not good for any of us.� Then in 2009 we moved to Louisiana, the STATE of alcohol.... drive thru daiquiri shops on every corner and lots of fried food.� My husband is thin and has been his whole life.� I'm using his current 6 weeks offshore to detox from drinking our usual "couple of glasses" of wine or "several" beers.... cutting out alcohol 100%, sticking to the healthy foods I�know and love, and now trying to incorporate cardio daily.� I'm hoping when my hubby comes back I'll have lost enough to convince him to keep the alcohol out of our fridge, at least during the week!

by robl552002 on May 23, 2012 at 6:20 am

Thanks for the responce and tips Deb!� My fallback food is a turkey wrap or an apple.� Quick and easy and depending on what kind of hungry I am (heartyness=turkey wrap sweet=apple).
BecMac- I have that issue as well. �When I am hanging out with friends and doing things on the weekends it is hard to not only eat healthy but stay away from the beer.� I am not a mixed drink or liquor kind of guy, so I just drink miller light. �I think it has 104 cal's and it is my fav.��The problem is 2 sided, since i am 350 lbs it takes more than a few to take the edge off, and two drinking lowers my will power and then the fried foods and whatever else sounds good comes into play.
I do enjoy drinking with friends and it isnt something I can cut out, but it will be my reward�like Deb was saying.� I just have to limit the amount and make sure i stay on track durring the week.��Before, I would say that I was going to work out 5-6 times a week, eat nothing that had fat in it, and not drink anything but water.��This is NOT something I personally can maintain and I know it.� Therefore, I will put healthy fuel in my body, be more active, and still have a responsible social life.

by lily31667 on May 23, 2012 at 6:32 am

Alternate..your drinking with water..1 beer..1 16 oz water etc..

by becmac79 on May 23, 2012 at 6:43 pm

Deb,
Bought some unsweetened vanilla almond milk today.  I've had it before but never the unsweetened.  Tried it alone... it was tasty as is... but tonight, having several hundred calories left over after a full day's eating, I decided to have dessert of a cup of almond milk mixed with 1 Splenda and 2 cinnamon graham crackers.  Very satisfying and LOW fat and calories... and the almond milk has all sorts of good stuff in it!  Thanks for the advice!

by Noressa on May 22, 2012 at 11:07 am

�There are a couple of things you can do. �One is keep increasing the time. �You'll see a benefit there, definitely, and just building up your cardiovascular health that way. �The other thing you can do is look into HIIT which will decrease the amount you work out, however the intensity is varied. �Both approaches work! �I am doing standard cardio right now, but after my podiatrist clears me hopefully in my next checkup, I'm going back to weight lifting + HIIT. :) �I'm lazy by nature, but I want to be healthy! �So anything that reduces the time investment I have and still has me doing well, is worth it!

by Ameeburkett on May 22, 2012 at 5:28 pm

I�do a lot of compound movements.... like stand with my feet shoulder with apart then slowly crawl out to a plank with my hands hold it for 5 seconds then crawl back on my hands to a standing posistion... do this 15 times i gaurantee you will not only feel it but be sweating!!!!��� there are plenty others on line but this one is simple and works well...And I would say any exercise you are doing now that you weren't before is going to have an affect, it may not be a HUGE�one, but you will notice and like noressa said...just add time slowly.
�
�

by deb1207 on May 23, 2012 at 1:16 am

�When I first started exercising, all I did was swim. A while later I did some walking. And it was months later that i began to use the Elliptical.

With the Elliptical I feel that whether you should go longer depends on how you feel when you are doing it. For me, I always watch TV while on it. I call it my Guilt Free TV time, and I watch any ol silly thing I want to.�

I personally would not increase the time (yet), but would give it say a few weeks. Because its so common to be all gung ho in the beginning, but to burn out later. Maybe you can think of some other activity you like to do. Exercise bands are a great option. Or do you dance?�

I am very happy for you, and think you are right to already be integrating Exercise. I have lost my weight, and maintain it now. Right from the start, this time, I pledged to myself that I would Exercise every day and never miss a day. And I never have. But without the exercise, I really dont think I would be here now.
�

by becmac79 on May 23, 2012 at 10:57 am

I agree... I want to have exercise be my norm from here on out because I truly believe it is the key to most weightloss.� I call myself a boomerang bypass... because I had gastric bypass and lost all my weight but eventually my stomach stretched enough and I found ways to eat extra calories and it all came back... mainly because ONLY my eating was changed by the bypass.� I did not become a workout hound when I had the chance.� The only time I've been active with success was before my wedding in 2006 when, even tho I was heavier than my lowest post bypass, I was trimmer and in better shape.� That's when I found elliptical and it's why I'm going back to it... because I've seen it's results and I�can do it and zone out like you mentioned... and BAM it's over.� Gonna still go at it slow... I'll up the time in a week or so... but I am commited to workout every day... Weekends will be hard.� I don't have to get up early and my kiddo likes to sleep in... and ideally my workouts should be when he's sleeping so that means getting up early when I don't have to... BUT�I�WILL!� I�keep imagining myself thin again, paying attention to bodies I like and want, thinking about where I'll shop and what I'll buy... and I work with a ton of women and several of them are on stupid shake diets that I feel are unrealistic because as soon as they stop the shakes they will gain again most likely... so I want to be the one to show them what some hard work can do and also be envied!� LOL� Shallow but it's true and it keeps me going...

by Noressa on May 22, 2012 at 9:04 am

�Good job. :) �Onwards and downwards. ^.^

by mgregg2970 on May 22, 2012 at 3:06 pm

Yeah!!!! Let's hear it for the boy!

by FatKatts2 on May 23, 2012 at 11:45 am

The little train that could......

by FatKatts2 on May 23, 2012 at 1:56 pm

I�meant "engine"...is that right? Been a LONG time since I read that book.

by FatKatts2 on May 22, 2012 at 7:55 am

we all have them, don't we?

by Noressa on May 22, 2012 at 8:52 am

�This whole weekend was for me. ;) �Though, granted, some of it was "Oh what did I eat and why is my body rebelling this way." and then eating a ton (I mean, seriously, 2 full pieces of french toast plus potatoes in addition to sausage and eggs and orange juice and that was just breakfast, with full lunch and dinner later!) of blockers because I couldn't stop myself from being gassy and the only thing stopping the acid from eating me alive was those stupid carby starchy blockers... �But yeah. �I accepted it. �It was a busy time, my body was rebelling beyond reason and so I responded... Beyond reason. XD �I'm back on track, I have another offtrack planned in a couple weeks and then I'll be pretty dang good for a while again. :)
�
Could I feel bad about this? �Possibly. �I've maybe eaten 2 pounds worth "over" calorie, not taking into consideration being on my feet 10+ hours a day for the museum. �But I mean, it doesn't seem like much, so without a way to track my burns, I just assume the worst. ;) �But by accepting it I realize hey. �Sure I could have made better choices. �I could have updated things. �Or... �I'm going to just enjoy it. �And I do, I love enjoying it. �So in keeping with my 80/20 lifestyle decision, I'm at peace! �Mostly. �(I'd be more at peace if my stomach was done being upset with me, but I'll take what I can get!)

by FatKatts2 on May 22, 2012 at 7:41 am

Well, I have learned it's "one day at a time" or better yet, "one meal at a time."� I, too, have had many starts and stops. But, remember, each time you start again, you bring with you all that you have learned all the previous times. And what you have learned in between. Each time your understanding and committment grows and gives you more ammunition for the present battle. You know yourself better, your strengths and weaknesses. What you like and what you don't. You know your limits better and can plan a way to work with them. It's a slow climb, but just keep trying. Eventually, if we keep gleaning from what we learn, we'll make it.

by Noressa on May 22, 2012 at 8:57 am

�Sometimes life gets in the way. :) �I took 7 months off last year for things. �And you know what? �It's a great feeling to get back on track. �I'm to the point now where I accept when I drop out of my lifestyle of eating, but I always look forward to "coming back" to where I am now in terms of eating and living. :) �It's a massive change from where I was before, but it's totally worth it. :)

by FMK2012 on May 21, 2012 at 1:33 pm

�Don't get discouraged, watch for trends. �I personally weight myself every day (sometimes additional times a day, just for curiosity's sake) to watch the trends and it's amazing the variability in pounds in someone of my weight (currently 286.6). �My weight jumps up and down like a yoyo depending on the day's eating habits and timing, salt intake, etc. �I'm 3 weeks in on my tracking and have lost 10 pounds total, but my weight fluctuates literally 3 pounds over the course of a day and over the course of the week, so picking off how much actual weight I lose in a week is a guesstimate at best. �However, when I look at the general trend of plotting of my weight on a graph, you can see a steady downward drop when all is averaged out. �I'm a data person, so I track way more than is necessary, but I also know to not get caught up in the actual number. �I watch the trends. �I also do body measurements and remeasure at every 5 pounds. �That has been very telling so far, corresponding nicely with the weight loss.�
�
I wouldn't sweat the poor loss for 1 week, look at it as a blend of several weeks for the trendline. �My week 2 was pretty poor, but the following week went over prediction, so it all evens out.
�
Congrats on the first 10, that's where I'm at, too. �:)

by libraryhag on May 21, 2012 at 2:40 pm

You are doing great! Keep us posted.

by kayte2277 on May 21, 2012 at 6:36 pm

thank you both-- I'm guilty of multiple weighing too :) I�just need to remember it took time to put it on and it will take time to take it off.� It was a lot more fun putting it on.�

by kayte2277 on May 21, 2012 at 6:36 pm

thank you both-- I'm guilty of multiple weighing too :) I�just need to remember it took time to put it on and it will take time to take it off.� It was a lot more fun putting it on.�

by FatKatts2 on May 22, 2012 at 7:49 am

yeh, actually sounds like you are doing great to me!

by mgregg2970 on May 21, 2012 at 2:52 pm

I feel for you. I have been down the road of weight loss many many times. I have lost both my parents fairly recently so I know� all about eating and grieving.
This time I am doing it differently and it is working. No more diet food! Full of extra sodium for flavor. No more bread...that is what gets me in trouble. I have cut down on my diet soda to two cans a week. I am drinking water,ice tea or sugar free koolaid. Oh yeah...the biggie....no more chips. That is my downfall. I would eat a whole bag of those Baked Chips and say they were good for me. What a joke.
Now I eat clean. Fresh fruit, cut up veggies,nuts,cheese and meat. I change my breakfast everyday. Before I ate the same boring thing. Peanut Butter on Bagel and coffee. Now it is either oatmeal, nuts and fruit, eggs and bacon, special k, fruit salad, or my all time favorite Vitatop muffin...deep chocolate!
Also a new trick my friend taught me...no eating after 8. If I have dinner with a desert at 6:30 I am not hungry when I sit in front of the tv for the night.
Hope all this makes sense to you. I agree with the Dr. The lapband doesn't really work...need to learn how to eat the right way. Good luck...keep checking the site...so much support is flying around.

by FatKatts2 on May 21, 2012 at 12:06 pm

P.S. You can add extra Splenda to the hot chocolate to make it richer.

by libraryhag on May 21, 2012 at 2:41 pm

I love Emerald cocoa almonds. They have a real chocolately taste. I get them in the 100 calorie packs so I don't overeat.

by FatKatts2 on May 22, 2012 at 7:51 am

Almonds are SO good for you, too. Great for lowering cholesterol.

by Noressa on May 22, 2012 at 9:00 am

�Fatkatts2, if there's a Trader Joe's near you, they have a sugar free chocolate called Simply Lite I think and it's pretty dang tasty. �I've had the milk chocolate and dark with almonds and enjoyed both. :)

by FatKatts2 on May 21, 2012 at 12:09 pm

Do you want any carbs? A good ol sandwich on whole wheat bread with lots of lettuce, tomato and any other veggies and good meat is always a good standby.�Subway is good for that if you are in a hurry. Have that with fresh fruit, maybe some baked chips....you can make your sandwich the night before and have it ready to grab on your way out the door.

by FMK2012 on May 21, 2012 at 1:26 pm

At work I like to keep hard boiled eggs for a snack or to put on my salad, as well as baby carrots, cottage cheese, canned chicken, and some 100 calorie packs of things to use as snacks instead of the vending machines, such as nuts, cheerios, dried fruit. �I keep dressing here as well, and just have to bring in lettuce. �Top dressing the lettuce with any of the above makes a nice fresh lunch. �Don't have a lot of room for frozen dinners or other storage at work, so generally just try to load up a salad or combo of chicken and veggies for lunch. �I've also made lettuc sandwiches (using a leaf of lettuce in place of bread for a rollup). �I flavor it up with bacos, garlic powder, pepper, and eat with raw veggies.

by EJMM on May 21, 2012 at 1:33 pm

Buy some packaged good quality tuna or salmon in water. Chop up a little celery and onion, roasted red pepper, 1/4 avocado mashed up,mix in juice from 1/2 lemon and your good to go ! Put it on some romance letters or some flat bread...like Flat Out's Whole Wheat Flatbread. Makes a nice roll up with the letters or spinach.

by Tuesdaypm on May 21, 2012 at 3:18 pm

Tuna salad like EJMM said either on a salad or a sandwich with lots of veggies is good. Last week I got a bunch of chicken breasts and cooked them ahead of time then each morning I shredded one and added a tbsp of BBQ sause. I ate that in a sandwich but it would have been good on a salad too. Nothing wrong with putting together a few snacks as your lunch-string cheese, hardboiled egg, apple and low cal toast with a tbsp of peanutbutter or 1/2 avacodo smashed on top. Soup is also a good way to change things up:)

by bezoarman on May 21, 2012 at 4:40 pm

�Romance letters? �Interesting recipe!!

by EJMM on May 21, 2012 at 6:23 pm

LOL..crazy spell check. Romaine Lettuce, thanks for pointing that out bezoarman..ROFL

by mgregg2970 on May 21, 2012 at 5:56 am

Hi Nikki,
I looked you up on facebook. Believe it or not we have the same last name. I requested you as a friend. The swelling fingers sounds like you have too much fluid in you. Drink tons of water.
Good for you for beinging down 19 pounds. Was that in 3 weeks?
I am such a chocoholic and my life saver is those Emerald Cocoa Roast Almonds. Low sodium. Also the Vitatops...dark chocolate.
Have a great week...Pattie
�

by karenloh on May 21, 2012 at 11:12 am

19 pounds is AWESOME!� Congratulations and keep up the effort.

by FMK2012 on May 21, 2012 at 3:34 pm

�Congrats on the progress! �:)

by jocgabe on May 20, 2012 at 5:02 pm

I am so very sad for you and no one can ever understand your grief, but good for you to get back into life as so many people would just give up and as you know life is very very precious. One day at a time that is all you need to do. Don't worry about the scales just take it one day at a time, soon you will be ready to get on the scales, but just stay with it and keep those precious children close to your heart. I will be keeping you in my heart.

by FatKatts2 on May 21, 2012 at 10:33 am

Nikki, I am so sorry for your losses. Only you and God can understand EXACTLY how you are feeling, though I'm sure there are others. I was wondering if you are able to find a group who maybe walks together...or some other physical activity. That might be what you need to keep your spirits up and moving forward...just the companionship might be a blessing to you. You are special just for trying. I�wouldn't pay any attention to the scales.

by nikki430 on May 21, 2012 at 12:16 pm

�hi���� thank u both for your hearfelt msgs i appreciate them i know i can do this its just you have to cook make up menus and make sure you have the right food its not easy to lose weight bc of just that its so much easier to pick up fast food but i have eaten more than i was i used to starve and never lose an ounce the last three weeks i kept thinking when i get on the scale im gonna gain 20 lbs lol but did i get a shock im just gonna keep doing what i was doing i eat alot of chicken spinach broccili and graham crackers to snack or a banana or you can get those jello puddings they are only 60 cal and they are great thanks again and good luck to everyone� nikki
�

by FatKatts2 on May 20, 2012 at 2:27 pm

YOu go girl! Enjoy the pool...that's some of the best exercise you can get.