Healthy Weight Loss

[Medusa]

Weigh-in today revealed a 7-pound weight loss.

I have significantly increased my activity this week. Before I started paying attention, most of my day was spent in an office chair - either at work or here at home. As part of my "reduce stress in all areas of your life" crusade, I am working 20-less hours a week at my job (still working 50 though!) which means I have more time for other stuff. Part of that "other stuff" has meant time with the treadmill, working on household projects, a little fishing (YES, I love to fish), and more general outside time.

I had thought that reducing my stress would mean hours laying in that biggo recliner that I complain so much about and reading or snoozing. There has been a tiny amount of that but I have discovered that I'm a "busy" person - as in, I like to be "doing something", whether in a chair or up around the house. I don't really know how to relax all that much by traditional standards so I've been taking advantage of my extra time and energy this week. It's apparently paid off.

I've been doing treadmill for about 20 - 25 minutes a night. I'll probably switch back to my bike this week just to keep it interesting.

[Nina]

I pride (?) myself at being a Loner...I think it is not so good, and nothing for me to be prideful of...

I am close to 100 pounds less than I was many years ago...still I am not small, just smallER (I have the last 15 pounds to lose and they are the most challenging I find)...being smaller is comfortable and fun and good for me, and it is scary and exposing and complicated for me...

(oh, this Isn't the bare your soul to internet strangers thread??)

all the nina-babble aside, I feel, this morning at least, that in a few days I want to, and will, take charge of what I am eating...there are Reasons I need and want to do it and there are reasons, I need and want to do it...

I did join WW on line a month or so ago...even bid on, and won, a points calculator on ebay...I have a big book of what foods equal what points...sad truth is that I don't do things by format...I should, and wish I did, but I know I won't...my goal is to do it by nina-matt...I will take the basics and see what I can do with it all...mostly for me I need to eat on a regular schedule and eat more protein...I wait way too long in between eating and then I am too starving to eat and it's a whole ugly cycle...

I think I am going to be in a one way competition with Medusa...she won't know, but I will...perhaps it will be less 'competition' and more inspiration 'n stuff...

I really do admire folks posting and being kind to others and kind to themselves by honoring and nurturing the earthly body...

[Sachita]

Cake is my weakness too. Actually anything that contains sugar or carbs. I'm an emotional eater so if I get depressed or sad I will eat massive amounts of sugar. Therefore in order to approach healthy weight loss I have to have a spiritual and emotional plan. Lots and lots of meditation. Lots of days waking up and pushing myself in the right direction. Sometimes I get tired of the up and down. I can gain 20 pounds rapidly.

What has been working for me quite well is eating every 3 hours. I started with eating whatever I wanted but no more then 8 oz but every three hours. Then I focused on what I was eating. I can't get into diet foods and I rarely drink diet soda any more. I cant keep bad things in the house. I have zero will power. But I can eat every three hours and when I'm busy Healthy Choice makes quite a few 8oz healthy frozen dinners. I also juice using green veggies. This give me quite a kick and easy to pick stuff from my garden. I may not have time to prepare it properly but I can juice and guzzle.

I also buy 8oz containers and keep food ready to eat. It can be rice and beans or anything. Even ice cream! But I try to make wise choices and things that will sustain me because I know I'll get hungry. Beans are great for filling you up and keeps you healthy.

But the most important thing for me is to be active. Sometimes I get really busy with my blogs and online work that I have to hire people to help around the farm. Every time I do I gain weight. So now I wake up at 5am, drink coffee and try breaking my work up throughout the day. Even if it's walking across the lawn to water some flowers or pull a few weeds. I have to stay moving.

But I honestly swear by juicing and consuming as many fresh green veggies as you can. Some more then others. The micro nutrients will push you into high gear. Within a few days you start feeling better and over time you naturally see and feel a shift. The more live your food the better.

[Mister Bent]

Originally Posted by Medusa

Weigh-in today revealed a 7-pound weight loss.

I have significantly increased my activity this week. Before I started paying attention, most of my day was spent in an office chair - either at work or here at home. As part of my "reduce stress in all areas of your life" crusade, I am working 20-less hours a week at my job (still working 50 though!) which means I have more time for other stuff. Part of that "other stuff" has meant time with the treadmill, working on household projects, a little fishing (YES, I love to fish), and more general outside time.

I had thought that reducing my stress would mean hours laying in that biggo recliner that I complain so much about and reading or snoozing. There has been a tiny amount of that but I have discovered that I'm a "busy" person - as in, I like to be "doing something", whether in a chair or up around the house. I don't really know how to relax all that much by traditional standards so I've been taking advantage of my extra time and energy this week. It's apparently paid off.

I've been doing treadmill for about 20 - 25 minutes a night. I'll probably switch back to my bike this week just to keep it interesting.

That's great progress, and not so much the -7 lbs, but the ability to make the really important changes in activity and decrease in stress (which, ideally, will also lower your cortisol levels, leading to easier weight loss). I think that's your real victory - it's harder to make those changes than to switch from soda to flavored water!

It's no secret that I am a huge Weight Watchers proponent, and one of the reasons is because it is about behavior modification, not "diet." It operates on the notion that humans are omnivores, not designed to eat solely meat protein, or solely vegetables. It also emphasizes the importance of increased metabolism. It's why the personal points calculator asks how active you are during the day. Even standing most of the day earns more points than someone mostly sitting.

Household projects, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, mowing your own lawn, going fishing, even getting up and tidying around the house are all far more beneficial than sitting on the computer, or watching tv. "Doing something" ANYthing, is as important, or more so, than simply eating less.

[Medusa]

Woot!

I had posted in another thread about these a while back but wanted to re-share.

These bottles are awesome:

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Base-Brands-16-Ounce-Reduce-WaterWeek/dp/B001QVGEBQ/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1310318745&sr=8-3"]http://www.amazon.com/Base-Brands-16-Ounce-Reduce-WaterWeek/dp/B001QVGEBQ/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1310318745&sr=8-3[/ame]


They are plastic, reusable water bottles that are bpa-free and sit neatly in that little caddy thing. These are showing $20 on Amazon.com but I got mine (3 sets now) for $5-$7 for each set at TJ Maxx. (which made my cheap little heart go pitter-patter)

Also, Target has the exact same size/shape/everything water bottles right now for 1.99. They aren't the "Reuse" brand but they fit the caddy and are great to help rotate.

Just having these bottles filled and cold in the fridge has been a HUGE help when I want something "convenient" to drink!

[Rockinonahigh]

Today is weigh in day so I just got off the scale and it said I am down to 252 thats four pounds less than nearly 3 weeks ago.I think it could have been a bit less but this last week I havent works out as much as the weeks before..havent felt to good so I rested more,I feel better today so tomorrow im back to the gym to lose some more chub.
I want to thank and congradulate the folks hear who are doing what it takes to be healthy,give incouragement to each other,give plenty of advice and ideas for us to try and share.Good job and cary on.

[Medusa]

Are y'all tired of me blah-blah-blahing yet?
I dunno. I usually don't share anything about my exercise routines or eating plans because it's such a personal and private journey but I did hit a pretty major milestone tonight and want to share.

I just got off of my treadmill and was able to walk 3/4 of a mile pretty vigorously.
I was able to do 20 solid minutes without feeling scared and, more significantly, without much more than mild pain.
Im pretty proud of that.

My goal is to do a mile. I'll be there by the end of the week.

Now if everyone would post their favorite workout music mixes, that would be great because Janet Jackson's "Feedback" and Petey Pablo's "Raise Up" are getting OLDDDD!

[lillith]

Originally Posted by Medusa

Are y'all tired of me blah-blah-blahing yet?
I dunno. I usually don't share anything about my exercise routines or eating plans because it's such a personal and private journey but I did hit a pretty major milestone tonight and want to share.

I just got off of my treadmill and was able to walk 3/4 of a mile pretty vigorously.
I was able to do 20 solid minutes without feeling scared and, more significantly, without much more than mild pain.
Im pretty proud of that.

My goal is to do a mile. I'll be there by the end of the week.

Now if everyone would post their favorite workout music mixes, that would be great because Janet Jackson's "Feedback" and Petey Pablo's "Raise Up" are getting OLDDDD!

So proud of you! I pushed myself pretty hard today too. I did mile walk, and then tried to run a half mile. I didn't do the half mile, only a quarter, but God bless, it was so much more than I thought I was going to do. You are absolutely right! It is scary as hell to do this. You are beautiful and amazing, and thank you for sharing!

P.S. I had a really emotional day today because of how much it feels good to do this. Sounds kinda crazy.

[Rockinonahigh]

Originally Posted by Medusa

Are y'all tired of me blah-blah-blahing yet?
I dunno. I usually don't share anything about my exercise routines or eating plans because it's such a personal and private journey but I did hit a pretty major milestone tonight and want to share.

I just got off of my treadmill and was able to walk 3/4 of a mile pretty vigorously.
I was able to do 20 solid minutes without feeling scared and, more significantly, without much more than mild pain.
Im pretty proud of that.

My goal is to do a mile. I'll be there by the end of the week.

Now if everyone would post their favorite workout music mixes, that would be great because Janet Jackson's "Feedback" and Petey Pablo's "Raise Up" are getting OLDDDD!

Medusa
I use anything with a good rythum and drum beats,Jerry Lee Louis,the original Rocky sound track esp the one with servivor on it,Ray Stevens is good I really like the corney ones cause it keeps me up beat...and sometimes the big band and music by Glen Miller and Benny Goodman yeah I telling my age a bit.Dont forget some of the old rock and rockabill stuff works really well to.
I never could feel comfy on a tredmill so I sold mine cause it just didnt feel stedy.At the wellness center I use a rowing machine,a recumbant bike I went 61/2 miles the last day I went to the club.I laso do a lot of weigh lifting as well as some balance stuff.The center is haveing tichi class start next week gonna give it a try being im a stumbling triping over my feet fool maybe I can gain some balance.
Take care
Rock

[Rockinonahigh]

P.S..Medusa
Go to the goodwill store and check the cd's and casets they have I got a whole lot of my music for .99 each..workout and motivation stuff a dollar or two.I love shopeing in the place
Rock

[Leigh]

I was pretty proud of Myself yesterday, only one small glass of cola and the rest of the day nothing but water! The water was cold so it actually was not that bad, so thats a step in the right direction

[Mister Bent]

Originally Posted by Medusa

<snip>

Now if everyone would post their favorite workout music mixes, that would be great because Janet Jackson's "Feedback" and Petey Pablo's "Raise Up" are getting OLDDDD!

Great idea!

I need to make a new playlist, myself.

[PinkieLee]

Happy Monday everyone!

What a fabulous way to start the day, than to see so many people with weight losses and folks making smarter choices for a healthier lifestyle. I'm telling y'all... that's even more motivation for ME!

For me, it's all about making smarter, healthier choices. If D wants a burger, I drive 15 minutes out of the way to go to Wendy's so I can get one of their salads that I absolutely LOVE (chicken almond berry). She wants ice cream, so I stocked up on the Smart Ones ice cream cups that are only 4 ww points (the cookie dough & brownie ones are the bomb) instead of going to Dairy Queen for a blizzard. We went to see Transformers on Friday night, so instead of the tub of popcorn we opted for the small (which was more than plenty).

Yesterday for lunch, we were both craving sloppy joes. Instead of the hamburger, I used ground turkey. Instead of the big ol' buns, we used the honey wheat sandwich thins. We each had a cup of Baked Cheetos (my favorite) and fresh fruit for dessert.

I know ultimately it's up to me to succeed on this journey. I can no longer blame friends/partners for encouraging my bad eating habits. I freakin' control what I put in my mouth... no one else.

I just wanted to say keep up the GOOD WORK y'all! We can do this!!!

[Medusa]

Ok Pinkie - Help a girl out! I am SCARED of ground turkey. Does it have a funky taste? How's the texture?

That is next on my list of things to convert in our diet because we were eating WAY too much red meat. I have several recipes that look like they might be good with ground turkey but I've been scared to take the plunge for imaginging that it will taste FUNKAYYY!