Cheer OurSelves On!!! GO Diet GO Group

No Excuses!

posted by sacla27 on 6:32 pm

Today was Day Two of my "NO EXCUSES!" personal challenge and it went well. I was completely shocked that Cesar dressing was so not good for you, I had no idea until I added it today after eating a Salad while out on a business lunch, thinking I was being good. Whoops! But all in all I ate extremely well again today AND I started my workout program with a 30 minute kettle-bells workout with Ms. Michaels on DVD (I totally loved it!) and 15 minutes of yoga (my back already feels better.)
I have "NO EXCUSES" written in permanent marker on ALL the mirrors in my house and it helps remind me to be strong   I realized with some reflection that I always made up excuses as to why I wasn't working out (I'm too busy, I'm too tired...) or not eating well (I'm traveling for work, I'm in a hurry...) and that inner dialogue caused me to gain 20 pounds due to complacency. My goal is to loose 30 pounds by the end of the year. Go Me GO!
-Sarah

Fall Challenge

posted by hipmamac on 3:52 pm

Hi Sorry I was at my sister's wedding this  weekend and got home last night.  I will post both this week and last week on Friday or Saturday.  Weigh-in is tomorrow!
Thanks,
Carolyn

motivational quote of the day

posted by freyja5683 on 7:10 am

" We were not made to be controlled by circumstances, but made to control circumstances. Know who you are and be in charge."
Written in 2011 by Osemeke Uwakina --- Nigeria

Day 1

posted by Conniemp64 on 8:08 am

My goal is to start my new eating plan today - no gimmicks, supplement free the old fashioned way - looking for tips and motivation!

Happy Wednesday!

posted by hipmamac on 6:57 am

The fall challenge weigh-in for week #3 is tomorrow! Drink plenty of water and get some exercise!!

motivational quote of the day

posted by freyja5683 on 6:55 am

It's usually the last ounce of effort that tips the scales of success. - Rick Beneteau

4th day Juice Fast

posted by gonchan24 on 3:36 am

On to the 4th day. This morning I woke up rather calmly. I mean more calmly than most days I think. I made some great melon juice last night, and had spent a while doing it only to have forgotten that I had also just washed my bottles and that there was still soap in them. Therefore, I had a lovely mixture of melon soap juice last night. Yuck. The days seem to be getting longer and longer. I guess today I am supposed to start feeling normal. I am not really that hungry. Today is my busiest day at my job. I teach for 5 hours in a row, then teach a night class at my local community college. If I can do this I can do anything. Looking forward to Friday.

3rd day Juice fast

posted by gonchan24 on 3:26 am

First full day of juice fast completely over. I have been juicing now for well over 30 hours. I was OK for most of the day yesterday. Drank a lot of juice and water, and went to the bathroom about 50 times. During the day I had a pounding headache. I think this was because of a lack of water or juice so I drank some and took a nap after work. Then I went to work out, and I felt great. I was not really hungry for most of the day, but a had a really big hunger pang during the day. I reflected. Drank some green juice and fought on. I am pretty surprised at the psychological effect this fast has had on me. It seems to be clearing my mind, and this is what I wanted.

starting fresh!

posted by mandybalak on 8:38 am

I have been trying to lose the same 10 pounds for a couple years.. losing a few, then gaining them back..feeling really healthy and then falling off the wagon twice as hard!
I had my body fat and measurements done on October 1st! reality slapped me in the face hard! I have 26% which is outside the comfort zone for someone with my BMI. In the next 12 weeks I'd like to get to below 20%! I need to quit drinking as thats when everything falls apart! So.. go me go.. I can do this.. 12 weeks to transform myself! I need to be kind to myself and challenge everyone else to try and be kind to themselves too. I catch myself being so hard on myself that I sabotage my success. No more. I am eating for energy and working out to feel fit!

First night without eating..done.

posted by gonchan24 on 3:46 am

Well, I started my juice fast last night. I have to admit, it kind of sucked. But then again, I am proud of myself for not eating anything. I drank a heaping cup of green juice, a lot of water, and some herbal tea. SIX AM I got up..chugged some water and a half a cup of fruit juice. Feeling pretty good this morning. Not really hungry..yet. Will get back later on today.

Week #2 Results!

posted by hipmamac on 8:59 pm

FALL CHALLENGE WEEK # 2
September 29th

CANDIGIRL2002
STARTING WEIGHT 197.5
CURRENT WEIGHT 193
+/- Lbs this week -4.5
GOAL WEIGHT 160

DIETINGDEB
STARTING WEIGHT 162
CURRENT WEIGHT 163
+/- Lbs this week +1.0
GOAL WEIGHT 157

ETSME
STARTING WEIGHT 258
CURRENT WEIGHT 258.4
+/- Lbs this week +0.4
GOAL WEIGHT 246
EXERCISE 4/7 DAYS (Exceeded goal)
WATER 735/672 oz

FREYJA5683
STARTING WEIGHT 160.2
CURRENT WEIGHT 158.4
+/- Lbs this week -0.2
GOAL WEIGHT 150
EXERCISE 7/6 DAYS (Exceeded goal)
WATER 448/448 oz

HIPMAMA
STARTING WEIGHT 146
CURRENT WEIGHT 144.5
+/- Lbs this week same
GOAL WEIGHT 136
EXERCISE 2/7 DAYS

HUNGRYAMY
STARTING WEIGHT 142
CURRENT WEIGHT 142
+/- Lbs this week same
GOAL WEIGHT 135
EXERCISE 4/5DAYS

SHAROANY
STARTING WEIGHT 170
CURRENT WEIGHT 169
+/- Lbs this week +3.0
GOAL WEIGHT 160
EXERCISE 1/7 DAYS

SUB0KUIPERS
STARTING WEIGHT 201
CURRENT WEIGHT 193.4
+/- Lbs this week -2.2
GOAL WEIGHT 175

THENEWJB
STARTING WEIGHT 228.1
CURRENT WEIGHT 230
+/- Lbs this week +1.9
GOAL WEIGHT 220
EXERCISE 0/4DAYS

TRIFITKITTY
STARTING WEIGHT 156
CURRENT WEIGHT no scale
GOAL WEIGHT 145
EXERCISE 4/7 DAYS
WATER 448 oz

TOP 3 STARS OF THE WEEK!
CANDIGIRL2002 -4.5lbs!
SUB0KUIPERS -2.2lbs!
FREYJA5683 -0.2lbs! ( also exceeded exercise goal!)
ETSME Also Exceeded her exercise goal!

Juicing here I go!

posted by gonchan24 on 3:31 pm

I am on a five day juice fast. Yes, I got inspired by the movie Fat, Hopeless, and Juice...or something like this. Anyway, I was inspired, and decided to take on this very interesting challenge. I have gone to the community produce market, and have bought nearly every type of fruit and veg. imaginable, and am ready to rock. I have been prepping myself mentally and physically for this for the past week and all is go. I start tonight. I am doing this, yes, firstly to get healthier. I am about 20-30 pounds overweight because of my eating habits (I work out profusely 3-5 times per week boxing and Capoeira) and would like to lose some of it, however, this is not my main goal. Im not really expecting to lose anything, although it would be nice if I did. I am, however, more interested in the challenge and the ascetic benefits of the fast. I d really like to see what this does to me mentally. Wish me luck! I am going to need it! ON TO THE JUICER (sound of whip cracking on sedan carriers back)!!

Am I am member?

posted by Kellystclaire on 1:48 pm

I am not seeing stats, and my name doesn't show up on the member's list. I'm ready to cheer people on :)

Questions about Gold Membership

posted by sub0kuipers on 8:55 pm

Hello, I updated to Gold membership but I have no idea what the pro's are to having Gold Membership.. can anybody fill me in on what is different?
thanks

something to share

posted by dietingdeb on 3:51 pm

Are Cooking Oils Good for You?
By Joy Bauer, RD, Woman's Day
Tue, Sep 27, 2011
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Nutritionist Joy Bauer, RD, shares all the information you need to know about fats and oils, including learning how hydrogenated fat is hidden on labels and the difference between virgin and extra-virgin olive oil. Armed with these essential tips, you'll be ready for any situation in the kitchen.

Q: Are there any oils I should avoid totally?

Yes: The worst type of oil is an ingredient in packaged foods including some stick margarines, baked goods, chips, crackers and candy. I’m talking about partially hydrogenated oils—or trans fats, which is how they’re listed on Nutrition Facts panels on labels. Partially hydrogenated oil is vegetable oil that has been chemically altered so it’s less likely to spoil. Food manufacturers often add it to their products because it can help foods stay fresh longer.

But even in very small amounts, partially hydrogenated oil can wreak havoc on your heart health. It lowers levels of HDL (“good”) cholesterol and raises LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, and it even increases your risk for diabetes. The American Heart Association recommends that no more than 1% of your total daily calories come from trans fat. This translates to less than 2 grams for women, who typically need fewer than 2,000 calories per day. If a food contains trans fat, it’ll be listed below Saturated Fat in the “Total Fat” column.

Q: For the record, which is better: butter or olive oil?

From a health standpoint, olive oil is the better choice. But butter still has its place. All oils are a mixture of fats including monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and saturated fatty acids (SFA)—but in each
oil (and in butter, too, which is basically a solidified oil), one type of fat dominates.

Olive oil is predominantly rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fat, which decreases your risk for cardiovascular disease by lowering LDL cholesterol and increasing HDL cholesterol. On the other hand, butter is mostly saturated fat, which increases LDL cholesterol and causes inflammation in your body. So generally, it’s best to use olive oil.

However, the distinctive smell, flavor and consistency of butter works best in certain baked goods—including cakes, cookies and pastries—so it’s OK to make these occasionally and enjoy the butter. Another butter-vs.-oil difference: Because butter is solid at room temperature, you have more control over how much (or how little) of it you spread on bread; with olive oil, it’s difficult to gauge how much oil is absorbed. So dip lightly!

Q: What’s the difference between regular olive oil, virgin and extra-virgin?

Simply put, olive oil is made by crushing olives to make a paste that’s then put under a press. If the oil that comes out has a low acidity and a good taste and smell, it’s labeled extra-virgin or virgin. (Virgin is slightly lower quality than extra-virgin.) These types are ideal to use for bread dunking, drizzling on veggies and other foods, and making salad dressings, since their delicate flavor and aroma will be lost when heated (some chefs still prefer to use extra-virgin for cooking). The deeper the color, the more intense the olive flavor.

If the oil is highly acidic or not great quality, it’s refined and mixed with virgin or extra-virgin oil to make “regular” olive oil; this all-purpose oil is good for cooking.

The heart-health benefits of all types of olive oil are pretty much the same, although the virgin and extra-virgin ones have extra antioxidants.


Q: How can oils be healthy if they’re so fattening?

Oils may be “fattening” in the sense that they’re pretty high in calories compared with other foods. All oils have around 120 calories per Tbsp, so you can easily gain weight if you use too much. Even butter has fewer calories than oil (100 per Tbsp of butter) because of its water content. What’s more, “whipped” butter sold in a tub has even fewer calories—about 60 to 70 per Tbsp, thanks to the air that’s been incorporated into the mix. And tub “light” margarine spreads have only 30 to 50 calories per Tbsp.

But since oils contain fats that are good for you, you’re better off getting that 120 calories from a healthy oil rather than stick or tub butter. By the way, if you’re inclined to cut out fats entirely, don’t: We do need some fat to be healthy. Without it, our bodies can’t absorb fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E and K, and we miss out on fatty acids that are essential for the health of your skin, hair, heart and brain—and just about every other part of your body.

Q: How should I store oils?

Heat, light and oxygen degrade oils, which makes them turn rancid more quickly and actually promotes the formation of cancer-causing compounds called free radicals. The more polyunsaturated fats an oil contains, the more susceptible to rancidity it becomes.

Oils rich in PUFAs, such as walnut and flaxseed, are best stored in the fridge in tightly capped containers. MUFAs, such as those found in olive oil, are a bit more hardy, but you should still protect oils that contain them by keeping the lid on tightly and storing them in a dark place far from the stove or other heat source. Saturated fats, such as butter, can withstand more heat, light and oxygen, but you should still refrigerate sat-fat–rich butter, because it contains milk solids, which can go rancid. If you store oils correctly, most will last about six months to one year.

When you’re shopping for oils, reach for bottles at the back of the shelf, since that’s where they are more protected from harsh lighting that can make them go bad. Check the bottle for an expiration date (most oils have one), and every time you open a bottle, give it a whiff to make sure it doesn’t smell rancid.

I'm Baaack!

posted by Etsme on 8:45 am

Hi All! After a shaky start this week, I'm back in the program! I'm watching my food consumption, exercising & starting to feel better!! I'm glad to be back where I belong!

I would like to join the group

posted by volcm17 on 8:34 am

I see it says I have to send someone my stats; I dont see that persons information. If you read this could you send me a msg so I can add my stats? Thnx!!

motivational quote of the day

posted by freyja5683 on 7:34 am

" Success is not a miracle; it requires one man with one mission, who can challenge destiny."
Written in 2011 by Saba Hussain --- India

Fall Challenge

posted by hipmamac on 7:17 am

Weigh-in day is tomorrow, remember to send me your current stats.

Thanks,
Carolyn :)

motivational quote of the day

posted by freyja5683 on 8:00 am

Being challenged is inevitable, being defeated it optional!

newbie at this!

posted by breannahenry on 5:06 pm

this is my first week joining livestrong and ive already lost 5 lbs! im trying very hard to keep a very strict low carb diet and healthy exercise so far so good just hope i can make it through the hard times as ive always struggled with my weight

Stats for Week #1 of the Fall Challenge

posted by hipmamac on 6:51 pm

YEA MEEEEE!!!!

posted by Candigirl2002 on 4:38 pm

Despite my injury, I ended up doing 42 minutes of 10lb slimdown Xtreme lower body workout with Chris Freytag!!!  I loved it.  My leg did try to hurt half way, but I ignored the burn and kept moving!

Starting stats for The Fall Challenge

posted by hipmamac on 7:34 am

Here are our starting stats, the first weigh-in is tomorrow!  Please message me with your current stats tomorrow  and every Thursday until December 1st.
Last Chance for late starters...any takers?
Carolyn
 

Fall Challenge

posted by hipmamac on 7:33 am

Ok so we have about 5 of us doing the challenge (weight loss).  If anyone else is interested please message me.  The first weigh in will be Thursday :)
Carolyn :)

today my daughter got married

posted by dietingdeb on 4:12 pm

my daughter, day,(dana) got married today.  it was a beautiful ceremony that my husb did.  he got his minister lic online.  anyway  it was held at a common w/ the ocean in the background.  it was a wonderful ceremoney.  diet restarts tomorrow. lol

I skipped on Costco samples today! :)

posted by boxofmochi on 1:25 pm

I'm so proud of myself lol.  I'm usually a total sucker for those things, and they're so deceptively "small-portioned." Instead, I opted to stay at home and have some asian Watercress soup, and some homemade 100% whole grain oatmeal + flaxseed bread with almond butter instead.  And some Lady Grey tea too (my new favorite! DELICIOUS with a touch of vanilla almond breeze milk!) As a reward, I'm spending a bit more time on my computer, surfing and just doing whatever I want instead of making up for the costco calories at the gym. 

I'm on a roll, not quitting now :) but I got a question...

posted by sub0kuipers on 11:30 am

Hey Guys, I just joined this group,  at the moment I weigh 198.6 lbs and my goal is 155ish. When I started my diet I was 207. So I am pretty excited! I'm on a roll, and I'm not about to quit now.. I think I would like to reach my goal by January. Do you think that this is too fast to lose that much weight? Because I am using livestrong, and tracking my calories but I'm just not hungry enough to eat all my leftover calories! And I don't want to eat just to eat, but then I'm loosing about 1/2-1lb a day, sometimes 2 lbs a day.. I'm kinda worried that I am losing weight too fast, I heard that it is not good for you at all.. I lost 7 lbs last week...Any suggestions would be appreciated :)
Thanks

Newbie!!

posted by Candigirl2002 on 3:36 pm

I'm new to this group and I thought I would joined to keep focused on my ultimate goal of losing 50lbs.  So if I'm made accountable then I will force myself to get up and make moves.  I'm in my first year of Nursing School and its very demanding, but I will not graduate at the same size as I am today.  So group members please encourage me to keep moving,  Thanks.
 
Also I'm wondering if I strength train and do cardio will my weight stay the same?  I mean I'm gaining muscle, but I surely don't want to see the number I am ever again in life.  By the way I have a 2 year old daughter which helped me bloom to a size 10 from a 6.  Please I need to know  workouts that burn the most calories. 
Candigirl

STATS :-)

posted by trifitkitty on 8:16 am

Starting weight (current weight) 156lbs
Goal weight   145lbs
Exercise (if tracking) GOAL = 4 days week
Water (if tracking)  2 64oz bottles a day

Confused

posted by screaminz2002 on 4:17 am

So I get on the scale this morning and I have lost two pounds. Hmm that can't be right. I move and adjust the scale. Same reading.. Are you telling me that I blew my calories this bad and still lost 2 pounds? I have been pretty much dreading this week. My HRM has been telling me I needed a recovery week and I have a stress fracture in my foot so.. I figured I would take one.
My plan was that I wouldn't count calories and I have been pretty bad. Not 2 cheese burger bad but definitely 1 cheeseburger/ fries kind of bad. Not to mention the beer. What else do I do with my evening time besides catch up on work while drinking beer? Opening day of football season found me ingesting potato chips and dip along with more healthy beer. I just don't get it. Will it suddenly come on next week or something? Have I kicked started my metabolism enough to compensate for a bad week? Can I get away with weeks like this every so often? Being bad felt pretty good but I know it's time to hang up the fork and get back to work..

HELP!

posted by jessilynnb21 on 1:17 pm

So I have been keeping up with counting calories and doing really well. Since the beginning of July I have lost almost 40 pounds, go me! My goal is to lose 60+ and hopefully at the rate I am going I will be able to accomplish this by December. I have one main issue though. I am losing pounds and inches but I am moving slow on the inches lost about the waist. My chest and up as well as my thighs and down are much smaller. My midsection however is still fairly large. I am getting into ab workouts but I feel as though there has to be something else I can do. Any ideas let me know.
An additional fact is that I am in college and am on the college meal service. I eat whatever is available to me that I am still capable of tracking on the site.

New Group for all :) come join! we'd love to have you!

posted by mjvelasquez13 on 9:18 am

Meet new people, share stories, recipes, & have fun ! Group

How often to weigh?

posted by annaban91 on 5:30 am

I am trying to decide how often I should weigh myself? I have always heard weekly but now I have been hearing monthly. Monthly just seems like a long long time! What are you thought?  Thanks!

I started a new group! would love for you all to join !

posted by mjvelasquez13 on 2:19 pm

 
Meet new people, share stories, recipes, & have fun ! Group

FALL Challenge Who is in?

posted by hipmamac on 9:09 am

STATS by Thursday Sept 15th and 1st Weigh-in the following Thursday!  Weigh-in is every Thursday September 22nd to December 1st (11 weeks)
Starting stats please list:
Starting weight (current weight) 146lbs
Goal weight   135lbs
Exercise (if tracking) 5 out of 7 days
Water (if tracking)  448 oz per week
Please list the following for weigh in message:
Last Week Weight (LW) 146
Current weight   (CW) 144
loss/gain            -2.0 lbs
Exercise (if tracking)  5/7days
Water (if tracking)  448/448 oz

Sept 1st Weigh-in

posted by hipmamac on 9:02 am

August 25th Weigh-in results

posted by hipmamac on 8:47 am

Results from August 17th Weigh-in

posted by hipmamac on 8:37 am

Cheers to wearing jeans!

posted by jessilynnb21 on 11:06 am

So I am currently sitting at the computer wearing a pair of jeans that I have not been able to fit into in about a year and a half. yaya for me. They are not perfect but still pretty happy with it. My only issue is that from my breast up and my thighs down, I am losing inches. Around my middle I am losing but not on pace with everywhere else. Any suggestions? I don't workout too much, about 30 minutes a day but I am not really sure how to start losing from my middle.

Sorry!

posted by hipmamac on 6:29 am

My Parents don't have wireless...so I was unable to hook up my laptop and post to the group for the summer challenge.  For some unknown reason, I could not post a message on this group from their computer???  Will post later today for the weeks missed :)
Carolyn
 

Eating tiny breakfast = gaining weight?

posted by Kelly-Kels on 7:38 pm

Vaccation

posted by mlierin on 9:42 am

So I am leaving for a vacca to Europe for 2 weeks. I hope I will be a good girl, and stick to my 1200 cal a day diet. I am little worried I will gain some weight. I am going to visit my family and my parents i havent seen in 7 years and I know it will be a mad house, where everyone will try to make good food and if i dont eat, I will offend them. I hope I wont gain much! Think of me online diet friends. Ill post later this mont how did it go !!!
Much love and happiness
Jane

Namaste from India

posted by reddeadgun on 1:28 pm

 Hi all,
 
this is devang, I have recently joined this group to cheer and buck u up ..... so BUCK UP !!!!

LOVE LOVE LOVE

posted by mlierin on 4:54 pm

I love Livestrong.com .... even though its kind of scary seeing how many calories everything has !!!!!! But it sure helps a lot, because before I had no idea. I thought I was eating low calories, but I WASNT !
Yesterday my husband took me out to a Mexican place, oh I made the mistake of eating that stuff. Even though I hardly ate half of the plate, drank one margarita and munch on bunch of chips ... I was thinking "Oh I will be fine" What a surprise when my calorie intake for that day, hit over 2000 calories !!!!! WOW !!!! I suerly am not going to eat crap again !
 

JEANS NEXT WEEK!

posted by jessilynnb21 on 8:14 am

Not saying it is exactly stellar to be bragging that I will finally be wearing a pair of jeans in college but after 2 and a half years with just gym shorts, I think it is saying something. I started on Livestrong July 5th and since then have love 25 pounds, 35 since I have started trying to lose weight. In May I was a size 20, leaps and bounds above the size 9 I was 5 years earlier. The jeans I plan to wear are a size 15 but that is quite an improvement in my mind. Still eying the mini skirt in my closet that is a 13. Hoping to make it there by sometime this month. Here's to hoping!

Next Challenge

posted by tammybees on 6:13 pm

When is the next challenge with this group? I need to join!

Weigh in day is today

posted by freyja5683 on 6:28 am

Okay everyone doing the challeng, please send your stats to Carolyn, she will post them when she is able to.
Thank you and good luck to all!

motivational quote of the day

posted by freyja5683 on 6:28 am

"Nothing is impossible, the word itself says 'I'm possible'!" - Audrey Hepburn

Hey!

posted by mindyc05 on 7:39 pm

Deb! I'm glad to see you are still on here!!! I am just checking in. I have been using TDP on and off since 2007 and it works great if you stick to it along with diet and exercise! I had a baby back in Aug '10 and got laid off back in July '09 so I have a lot of weight now that needs taken off! I recently joined WW because I had never joined it before and I know that once I lose this initial 35-50 lbs I gained that I'll be able to keep it off because I have before. Anyway just wanted to stop in and say keep up the good work!!!