Lose Weight & Gain Self Esteem Group

by krisnic03 on November 19th 2009 at 8:16 am

Awesome accomplishment! Definitely celebrate that milestone!

by ccpretzel on November 19th 2009 at 11:49 am

Yea baby! What a fantastic feeling :) Well done!

by corbinforbes on November 19th 2009 at 3:20 pm

Thank you.

by desrtrse on November 19th 2009 at 8:33 pm

wtg!

by CharityShantell on November 20th 2009 at 9:21 am

Yayyyyyyyyy! Thanks for sharing your success with us! Sooo happy for you. :o)

by amyzwicke on November 20th 2009 at 11:36 am

Real proud of you Corbin!  Way to go!!!

by krisnic03 on November 19th 2009 at 6:13 am

desrtrse - I peaked at your food log and you might not be eating enough calories. I know it sounds crazy but when your body feels like it isn't getting enough calories it will stop burning the stored fat. Have you tried uping your calorie intake alittle to see if that helps? I know that if I workout a lot and don't up my calories by body stops wanting to lose the weight. Hope that helps - just don't give up! Mix things up and see if it helps kit start things again.

by corbinforbes on November 19th 2009 at 7:45 am

Hang in there.  I was looking at your "Food Diary" and I agree with Krisnic03, you might want to try and up your calorie intake, your body could be in starvation mode. 
 
Also, I could be wrong about this but could also be right.  I was looking at your exercise numbers.  For "arts and crafts" your putting in numbers like 1000 calories burned over 330 minutes.  1000 calories burned might be a really high number.  If your standing and then sitting you're not getting a constant workout.  To get a good workout you need to be doing something cardiovascular for at least 30 minutes. 
 
I realize the numbers you are putting down are what Livestrong has as the approximate rate per the minutes you are working, but if those minutes are not constant than you might not be burning what you think you are burning.
 
If you have the time, try and get some walking in.  If you can walk just a half hour a day and eat well you should find yourself losing the weight.  I would also not count the "art and crafts" as calories burned.  That way you are not looking at your numbers and getting down on yourself.  These are just my opinions; hope it helps. 

by desrtrse on November 19th 2009 at 8:43 pm

because of the numbers burned listed here I do not up my caloric intake. My arts and crafts is actually working in clay and actually is a lot of strenuous work when I am at the wheel for hours, that is a lot like isometric muscle work and I do focus on specific muscles when I am doing it. Also I easily spend an hour at the table reconstituting clay a lot which is heavy duty "kneading" work. So I am not just sitting and doing scrapbooking or anything like that. Other times I am leading workshops and working with kids or teens at the local prison, so again that is very strenuous and active work for hours non stop. I list as arts and crafts cause closest thing. Anyway I am aware of the high numbers there and that is why I don't really eat extra calories. I also add a ballet workout using weights cause I can't really do the running or a lot of concentrated walking cause of injuries(I used to be major ballet dancer). But thanks for the comments, always welcome! I am trying to switch some things up a bit and plan to add some low impact aerobic because my work schedule will be settling down a bit in december. I am always open to another point of view. thanks!

by amyzwicke on November 20th 2009 at 11:45 am

You can do it.  You are right Debbie...change up the workout a bit; maybe change some of the food items you are eating.  Sorry to hear you are frustrated.  I heard if you add a few calories (100-200) and then the next day do a little less it will  "shock" you body so it will jump start and start losing weight again.  It never hurst to try.  I sure hope it turns around for you.  It is SO frustrating when you are not losing weight because you start feeling like...why am I doing this.  Good luck...

by corbinforbes on November 17th 2009 at 6:54 am

You'll do great!

by amyzwicke on November 17th 2009 at 6:43 pm

Look...remember...even if you don't do it completely you tried.  You never fail as long as you try and do your best.  I know how crazying things get (I teach 8th grade science)...it feels like everyone at work sucks out every bit of energy you have.  Sometimes it is really hard to regain and replenish that energy.  Take a deep breath when you are ready to eat more and then maybe take some tea or Fat free hot cocca (20 calories) and drink that instead of eating or chew sugar free gum when you feel like you want to eat.   YOU CAN DO THAT MARATHON...and when you doubt that you can say "I can do that marathon" 20 times in your head.  Positive thinking leads to positive behavior.  

by desrtrse on November 17th 2009 at 7:14 pm

Hey no stress, it is only a walk right?! You will do fine I am sure, just plug in your fav walking tunes and go into the zone! Remember to have fun!!!

by krisnic03 on November 19th 2009 at 6:16 am

Thanks for all the comments and encouragement! I have a new mix on my i-pod clothes are packed and I'm ready to head to Philadelphia! Still nervous about the event but after seeing Rebecca on the biggest loser complete her half marathon - I got another kick of motivation... so here I go. Another step towards being the person I have always dreamed of!

by SteelReserve on November 15th 2009 at 9:08 pm

I eat fast food often, but what I do is just order a chicken sandwich, or a regular sized burger. Nothing oversized and no fries and soda. If it's pizza, just eat like 2 slices. That's what has been working for me.

by desrtrse on November 16th 2009 at 7:52 pm

or you could ask him to bring you the salad, many places have one and a grilled chicken breast and just don't use the dressing that comes with it. I have gotten the spray on low fat dressings and they are really good and it is 10 cals a spray. So sorry your husband isn't more sensitive to what you are doing. You can toss the fries out in the yard for the squirrels and birds, they love them!

by Jonigirl45 on November 17th 2009 at 2:40 am

My mothers comment would be to toss him out with the fries.  LOL  no offense.....trying to make light, however,  you know I know its tough when its a bumpy time.  On the bright side, you didn't gain and you didn't do five days in a row.  You're aware, and that's huge.  There's a recent study that fast  food has 3 ingredients to make you hungrier; sodium, fat, sugar.  I never get full on the stuff, so maybe cook something you normally eat and eat a small amount of the fast food with the healthy food so at least you might have a feeling of being satisfied on both fronts.  
Hang in there. You're an inspiration and your worth every effort you put out for yourself. Have a great day!

by CharityShantell on November 17th 2009 at 9:02 am

I lost 85 lbs in 1998 and then met a guy. Should have known he was bad news when he started making excuses why I shouldn't work out. And why I should eat WHATEVER with him. 2 years of mental/emotional torture later and I finally left him. But I gained all the weight back and more. I wish I could go back to that day and IGNORE the SOB.
Wow, had no idea I was still so bitter! I'll have to work on that ;o)

by CharityShantell on November 17th 2009 at 9:03 am

P.S. - Don't leave your husband over that, LOL. Prayer works better. :o)

by amyzwicke on November 17th 2009 at 6:40 pm

Thanks everyone for your wonderful advice and funny comments!  They made me smile and laugh so much!!  Of course...I won't divorce my husband.  He is just use to the way we use to do things which was eating out all the time and that is how we would share our time together.  It is just hard for him to take sersious the changes I have made.  I am doing better.  Today I had 1/4 of the sonic french fries and 3/4 of my grilled chicken sandwich and I was just fine.   One day at at time!  Thanks for listening everyone!!!

by desrtrse on November 17th 2009 at 7:20 pm

I have never really been a big fast food junkie but  did sometimes use the quick drive through when too tired to cook. However, I completely kicked myself of that habit just using the ingredients in that stuff to totally turn me off to it, and I will never eat it again I can promise you that. Yes it is filled with salt, sugar, and so man additives that there is not much nutrition in it. I don't even consider it anymore and if I did I would just ask myself if I want all that bloating and water weight on my body along with all the toxins and that makes it a no brainer for me. I much prefer to grab a piece of fruit and drink water when I am having a hunger attack or too tired and that will get me through and give me energy to get home and cook a good healthy meal. So consider what is really in those fries and fast food sandwiches and it might help you turn it down, totally!

by corbinforbes on November 13th 2009 at 4:57 pm

Awesome! Congrats!

by desrtrse on November 13th 2009 at 5:52 pm

congrats!  , keep up the good work!

by amyzwicke on November 13th 2009 at 6:22 pm

Way to go!!!!

by Jonigirl45 on November 15th 2009 at 6:16 am

Awesome feeling!  Way to go Steel!

by Jonigirl45 on November 15th 2009 at 6:27 am

I need and would appreciate some support right about now.  I'm not one to ask for help, however, I know you all know what I'm struggling with and I'm hoping you have some insight for me. 
I went through a relationship break up last month and turned to food--again.  So, I'm up 11lbs and could climb back up, and up.  Please tell me its worth it to get back on track or hit the gym or whatever.
  When I quit smoking years ago it took many attempts before I was able to put them down for good.  This food rollercoaster reminds me of that, yet worse. I don't know how to make myself feel better without food. Seriously, and I'm in my late 40's. You would think I would have this figured out by now.  This is where I think my self esteem gets really beat up. Help!
Thanks you guys for letting me vent and be comfortable enough to share this----I'm humilated and disappointed in myself.

by krisnic03 on November 15th 2009 at 10:42 am

Jonigirl45-
I know what it is like to turn to food for comfort and then be upset/digusted with myself afterwards. Just remember you are worth it! No one else can direct your life - you are in charge of how you react and what steps you take. I know that on those days when I am really down in the dumps it is hard to remember that.
To help myself get out of that down mindset I go to the gym or put in one of my kickboxing videos. There is nothing like beating the crap out of an imaginary person or object to help get rid of that stress/depression.
Always remember that this is a journey and to take it one day at time - and sometimes one minute or hour at a time. We are always here to listen  - so vent away whenever needed!
I hope this helps! Stay strong and remember you are worth it!

by amyzwicke on November 15th 2009 at 7:31 pm

JONI...KRISNIC03 is right!  You have to redirect your emotions and use them to work out harder and make you a better person.  Make a list of things you have to do before you eat...like drink an 8 oz glass of water, go walk aroud the block or around your house, drink tea or fat free hot cocca, call a friend that you trust and tell them you want to eat, come on here and other forums to just remind yourself what you need to focus on......and once you have done all of that if you still have the craving...then do it all over again.  YOU are right this is a struggle..this is an addiction for many of us and it is VERY hard to stop.  You will hit many bumps in the road...just get back on...YOU CAN DO IT!!!

by sainthokie on November 12th 2009 at 8:50 am

It's my understanding that the combination of your diet and exercise should put you at your daily targetted calorie intake. This target stems from how much weight you want to lose per week. I have mostly read that trying to lose around 1% of your body weight per week is considered perfectly healthy and can be maintained for a long period of time. For me, I have my target set at a loss of two pounds per week, which allows me 1,999 calories a day. I try every day to make sure that my intake + exercise gets me to that goal. As I drop in weight, so will my target. Does that help?

by krisnic03 on November 12th 2009 at 9:26 am

I usually get to my suggested goal of about 1,500 but with some of my workouts it makes my net calories as low as 300 some days. I had a friend tell me that wasn't a good idea/safe. But I try to eat just when I'm hungry so... right now I'm thinking that just listening to my body is the best idea and if my weight loss stops then start changing things around. Thanks for the helpful post!

by desrtrse on November 12th 2009 at 5:28 pm

I think it is an individual thing depending on how your body functions. If I ate more to conpensate for what I burned, I would not have been loosing my 2 lbs a week. But that is me, my metabolism is wierd and eating more does not stimulate it. So if you are healthy and know how your body reacts, and if you are loosing and feeling well , that is what you should go by. It is not healthy to have several days in a row at a low net for the normal person. If you are doing that and notice feeling low energy than you should up the cals for sure.

by amyzwicke on November 12th 2009 at 8:12 pm

I agree with desrtrse...don't eat if you are not hungry.  If you body isn't asking for food then you don't need it. Don't worry about your net calorie.  Worry about the total amount you consume before you exercise as long as it is the standard 1200 or more you are good.  As long as you stay around the 1500 you say you are at you will be doing great.  So what if exercise takes it down to300 or 500...if you are not hungry don't eat.

by krisnic03 on November 12th 2009 at 7:21 am

I love shopping in my own closet too! There is not very many things that make me happier then putting on those pants that were just a little too tight and having them fix or be too loose! Congrats and keep it up!

by corbinforbes on November 12th 2009 at 2:04 pm

Very happy for you Amy! Keep up the great work!

by desrtrse on November 12th 2009 at 5:40 pm

I know how much fun that is! Congrats girl, good going! Gives some inspiration to continue.