Healthy Weight Loss

[starryeyes]

I bought some smoothie mix at the store that I thought was 1pt, but turned out it was 6 for the whole packet (forgot to check serving size.. lol!!). After adding all the ingredients, it ended up being 12pp for the whole thing... (too much!!)

So.. I modified it.. and this is what I came up with for 5pp.

4oz light n fit vanilla yogurt (1pp)
4oz of nonfat milk (1pp)
12gm of peanut butter (2pp)
1 Tbs of nesquik powder mix chocolate (1pp)
1 banana
Ice

I mixed it in my blender, and viola... saved myself 7pp, and it tasted the same.. less sugar!!! :-D

Smiles!

[sylvie]

Good Morning Healthies.. ♥

This morning, i woke & felt something different, & wonderful..
i love how everything works together, exercise & eating right = healthy body, which in turns creates a healthy mind, heart & soul.. Know what i mean?

i'll try and explain how i'm feeling..
It's like, the sun shines brighter, & the fresh air feels more amazing..
The guilt i usually carry with me & dwell on i feel i'm finally starting to let go of.. i feel more at peace - Seeing my human ways & accepting my imperfections.. i'm more gentle, less criticizing, and just loving the way i walk on this earth..

i'm more energetic, increased self-motivation & i can stop & look in a mirror and admire the changes i am seeing rather than picking apart the imperfections... my confidence & self-esteem are growing & growing and that self-love within feels so good, & guilt-free..

----------------
Yesterday, i followed some of your footsteps & registered myself for belly dancing classes.. i start the Intro this Wednesday night at 8pm.. i am SO excited about this -- because not only am i trying something different, but i am going by myself, when at one time i would be scared half to death to even think about doing something like that on my own.. Look at me now!
She explained everything to me on the phone, and really i just cannot wait, sooo excited..

Also, Zumba is on my agenda for this week at the Gym.. i was supposed to go a week ago, and couldn't go in the end.. So, it's on my list of to-do's!

breakfast:
1 shredded wheat
1/2 cup skim milk
1/2 cup blueberries
1/2 small banana
1 raspberry yogurt

snack:
1/2 cup watermelon

lunch:
tuna with 1tbsp light helmann's
8 whole wheat crackers
tossed salad

snack:
laughing cow wedge (Medusa, these rock, i tried them cuz of you!)
1/2 whole wheat pita

supper:
salmon
2 mini oven roasted potatoes with fresh parsley & parmesan.
asparagus

[JustJo]

Good morning healthies

More movement helps....I've been going to Curves and getting on the Mobia...and I'm down 2 lbs. this morning.


More importantly, I feel better and can tell that this is doing me good.

I had my doctor's appointment yesterday and the results of the labwork drawn on Monday. My A1c is up a little without the Actos...I'm back to 6.6....which is where I was with Actos and without the improved eating habits.

We agreed that I should continue with my revised eating style, continue with the (new) exercise regimen, and see how things look in another 3 months.

[*Anya*]

Was afraid to weigh myself this morning after having gained a pound yesterday.

I should really talk about that because I am sure I am not the only one.

The scale and I have never, ever been friends. It really does not matter if it has said 110 or way more than that- I always felt heartsick that it was not less.

I do not mentally punish myself for small variations now, as long as it heads in the direction that I want it to go but that internal, initial fear of stepping on the scale is always there.

I have to pep talk myself into it every time: "You know you have been doing well, it will be ok" or even, "ok, so you had extra 1/2 and 1/2 in your coffee-that is only about 40 cals, you didn't gain because of that".

I wish I could just get on it without the mental tape rewind but I can't and may never but at least every day, I strip to my skin, no denial here, and step on that scale. It keeps me honest and keeps me focused.

Btw, I did lose that damn pound from yesterday.

[Cowboi]

Good morning all!!!
Just got home from the gym, chest, triceps, and cardio..done!!!
I have lost only 3 lbs, but I can tell that my jeans and shirts are more baggie.
Hope y'all have a fantastic weekend planned!!!
Keep up the good work!!!

[Leigh]

Originally Posted by starryeyes

I'm feeling frustrated this week! I ate two things I know I shouldn't have and I have not been moving my body. If I have a gain this week... I'm gonna die! Well, not really die but you know what I mean. I am getting off my butt and walking today in between jobs. I also am gonna be on track 100% till my weigh in Sunday.

I so know how easy it can be to get drustrated, thats one of my weaker points BUT you cant be hard on yourself honey ........ it all takes time, but if you always remember what your goals are then it'll start getting easier all the time to not be frustrated

Originally Posted by Tawse

Back in 2006 I lost 100 pounds... counted every calorie - every single one I could think of and basically remained faithful to eating as few "starches" as possible thus giving me more that I could eat throughout the day for the same amount of calories.

Somewhere along the line I decided I didn't need to count - I could gauge it well enough. And here we are 6 years later and I've gained 70 pounds of it back... Or I had as of Jan 3rd.

Both Gillian and I decided enough was enough. We simply can't be left to our own devices when it comes to eating. We have to log and count our food - or we go apeshit. So we started logging our food again on Jan 3rd with the goal of 1200 cal a day - as few starches as possible... drinking plenty of water (min 64oz pure water a day) etc etc...

And as of this morning I'm down 11 pounds and Gillian is down 13!!

It always amazes me how much better I feel when I eat right, I honestly feel better. No guilt - no distended stomach - skin is better - moods are more stable... the list goes on and on... and yet I will throw all of that away if unchecked.

Ughhh I know how that can be also, but good for you both to get back on track and be losing weight. Even just the smallest of changes I've found makes huge differences ~ more water, less junk food, more moving your body etc. Its obviously adding up and I commend you both for jobs well done!

Originally Posted by Deborah

Weight Watchers Pumpkin Pie
11 points whole pie
**************************************

1 reg can pumpkin
1 cup 1% milk
2 egg whites
½ cup Bisquick
2 tsp sugar
2 pkts sweet n low
1 tsp honey
2 tsp vanilla
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp cinnamon

**************************************
Spray pie plate with fat free Cooking Spray
Bake in a 350 degree oven for 50-60 minutes or until done (inserted toothpick trick)

I LOVE pumpkin pie! I cant tell you how many of these I have eaten...you can even use sugar free/low fat whipped cream/cool whip whatever

I have to admit that I'm not normally one for pumkin pie but that sounds really good, I may just have to make it

Originally Posted by JustJo

Hello healthies

I'm cleaning off my desk and purging filing cabinets this afternoon...something I've been wanting and needing to do for ages.

It got me thinking about how "stuff" accumulates....and also about how small changes and small, consistent effort adds up.

And then....a lightbulb moment....when I found my lab results from February 2006 (yea, I know....like I said I've been meaning to clean it out for a long time).....
So here's what small, consistent changes over years do.....in six years....

Blood sugar....was 298....now 103

A1c......was 8.3%.....now 5.9%

Triglycerides.....was 369.....now 126

HDL....the good cholesterol....was 40.....now 72

When I was first diagnosed, my doctor said I had the "fatal four".....high cholesterol, high blood pressure, high blood sugar and high triglycerides....and was essentially a heart attack looking for a time and place to happen.

Today, after many years of progressive, small changes.....not even close.

Wayto go Jo!

Such minor changes add up to such BIG things, making you not only healthier but much happier as well. Geting rid of clutter, cleaning things up that are messyand tossing things aside is another form or losing "weight" if you think about it ....... it all helps to create a healthier mind, body and soul. Your doing SO good hun, keep it up

Originally Posted by Miss Scarlett

Rockin, i agree with starryeyes...are you getting enough lean protein? My doc has me on 800 - 1200 calories per day. By staying away from processed foods and sticking to lean protein, healthy fat and veggies/fruits with every meal i'm able to average 800 - 900 cal/day...3 meals and no snacks because i don't get hungry.

i understand your frustration but don't be discouraged. Maybe you need to rework your food choices to find what works for you. i found through trial and error that certain things my doc says are ok just don't agree with my metabolism...

Isn't it just SO easy to get frustrated? Its amazing how that worlks, and I get that way very easily, but right now what I'm doing is not only do I have 3 close friends who are working out with me but I also am thinking about the goals that I have and thats helping to keep Me motivated. Now sure if I have an off week I'll get frustrated, it happens, but if you look at the bigger picture then it helps to not feel that way as much. I agree that trial and error is a good way to go, you learn more that way and who says that learning isnt fun?

Originally Posted by Thamca74

Joined weight watchers for the I don't know how many time
BUT I am determined to do this. I think that my fat feeds a negativity that I want to let go of. This protective shield is not protecting me from anything. I made it through the first day despite some stress that would have sent me to a binge-- So on to day 2!
Would love to hear from anyone who does WW.
Thamca

I'm also thinking of joining Weight Watchers - but with being on disability and only getting $400 a month to live on its tough (thank goodness I live at home). I've been thinking more and more about getting a job so I can do more, also to get me out of the house but also to help me to become more independant. I can truly identify with fat feeding negativity, especially around self-esteem and confidence (been there and got the t-shirt). I've hidden behind my fat all of my life, like it was protecting me from something but I just think it was hindering me from living the kind of life that I've always wanted. But I've decided that there are no more excuses, its time to leave all of the negativity behind and be positive

Originally Posted by Medusa

Hey all!

I hit the elliptical again last night. 15 minutes at high intensity. I was sweating hard!

I'm doing short bursts of exercise right now because I am trying to get into the habit of it rather than feeling like it's a chore. I have noticed that last night I started to feel kinda jittery around 8pm which is my normal workout time so I'm hoping that means my body is getting into the routine.

Feeling good!

Thats one thing I've found now since I began working out a week ago, I seem to feel weird when I havent worked out - like I'm missing something. I've been feeling *alot* better since I began to work out last saturday (so its officially been a week) and now My routine will be to go work out Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday (4 times a week). So far so good and I'm lucky that I have friends who are working out with me, its keeping me motivated and I'm not quite as intimidated as I would be if I went alone

Originally Posted by JustJo

Good morning healthies

More movement helps....I've been going to Curves and getting on the Mobia...and I'm down 2 lbs. this morning.


More importantly, I feel better and can tell that this is doing me good.

I had my doctor's appointment yesterday and the results of the labwork drawn on Monday. My A1c is up a little without the Actos...I'm back to 6.6....which is where I was with Actos and without the improved eating habits.

We agreed that I should continue with my revised eating style, continue with the (new) exercise regimen, and see how things look in another 3 months.

I have to meet with my dietician sometime soon, my personal trainer Heather advised me to do so in order to help vut out more junk food and start eating alot healthier. Hopefully I can do that soon, also I gotta drink more water (been slacking off abit) and just work more on overall health but I know that I can do it and I know that you can too

Originally Posted by *Anya*

Was afraid to weigh myself this morning after having gained a pound yesterday.

I should really talk about that because I am sure I am not the only one.

The scale and I have never, ever been friends. It really does not matter if it has said 110 or way more than that- I always felt heartsick that it was not less.

I do not mentally punish myself for small variations now, as long as it heads in the direction that I want it to go but that internal, initial fear of stepping on the scale is always there.

I have to pep talk myself into it every time: "You know you have been doing well, it will be ok" or even, "ok, so you had extra 1/2 and 1/2 in your coffee-that is only about 40 cals, you didn't gain because of that".

I wish I could just get on it without the mental tape rewind but I can't and may never but at least every day, I strip to my skin, no denial here, and step on that scale. It keeps me honest and keeps me focused.

Btw, I did lose that damn pound from yesterday.

Honey, I know so well about fear of stepping on a scale - for whatever reason we fear it, it'll always be there but I know that with hard work you will slowly conquer it just keep faith that you CAN and WILL do this! Pep talk is a great way to keep motivated and it can be so hard, but even just little pep talks will make a very big difference. Good for you for losing that pound, just tell it "okay pound, your not EVER coming back again" and stick to it ..... soon the pounds will melt off and you'll feel fabulous

Originally Posted by Cowboi

Good morning all!!!
Just got home from the gym, chest, triceps, and cardio..done!!!
I have lost only 3 lbs, but I can tell that my jeans and shirts are more baggie.
Hope y'all have a fantastic weekend planned!!!
Keep up the good work!!!

Thats definately one thing that I can say for sure ....... its hard to see such a minimal weight loss on the scale but even just a pound lost is one that will never be on your body again and 3 is fantastic! I don't think I'm going to weigh myself personally every week, I may do it every 2 weeks or so just so I'm not so fixated on the numbers but moreso on how I feel and how much better my clothes are fitting. Numbers are just numbers, overall how you feel is really what this whole weight loss thing is all about. In the last week since I've began to work out, I've lost 6 more pounds over and above the 20 I lost from summer until a week ago and absolutely *everyone* is noticing changes - my clothes fit better, I have (dare I say it) more energy AND I'm walking a heck of alot better than I was before.

Being healthy is great, and definately worth the work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Rockinonahigh]

Good morning all,I think im a wake but not really shure after comeing home at near the butt crack of dawn.I had a long night at the pool hall with league games an a small tournament wich I won all of them and some jingle as well.
I did remember to bring edibles so I didnt crash mu blood shugar while playing.I just ate a lite breakfast of one poached egg w/12 whole wheat toast,and have taken talipa felets out for lunch,not shure how im cooking them but when my son gets home from work in a couple of houre I will somehow.I havent been on the scale yet not shure I can focus my eyes that well yet but I will in a little while.You'all keep up the great work u are doing..u all rock...I feel more ZZZZZZZZZ's calling my name.

[Tawse]

Originally Posted by *Anya*

Was afraid to weigh myself this morning after having gained a pound yesterday.

I should really talk about that because I am sure I am not the only one.

The scale and I have never, ever been friends. It really does not matter if it has said 110 or way more than that- I always felt heartsick that it was not less.

I do not mentally punish myself for small variations now, as long as it heads in the direction that I want it to go but that internal, initial fear of stepping on the scale is always there.

I have to pep talk myself into it every time: "You know you have been doing well, it will be ok" or even, "ok, so you had extra 1/2 and 1/2 in your coffee-that is only about 40 cals, you didn't gain because of that".

I wish I could just get on it without the mental tape rewind but I can't and may never but at least every day, I strip to my skin, no denial here, and step on that scale. It keeps me honest and keeps me focused.

Btw, I did lose that damn pound from yesterday.

For me, I always weigh first thing in the morning -after the pee of course . No clothes no nothing. And for me it's only a "real" weight if I have had pretty much the same amount of sleep as normal. I usually consider Tues - Friday to be good accurate weights. The Weekend is just for "fun" because I sleep more. Monday is just a gauge because I typically don't drink as much water on the weekend and I may eat out - which means more sodium. So Monday is my "flush the system" day.

For me it's kinda funny - When I'm eating right I LOVE getting on the scale. Even if I go up .5 to a 1... I still look at the number and remember where I was last week, month, or in some cases year.. and I can't help but smile.

The body is weird. You'll flat line for a week and a half and then 3 pounds will fall off out of no where. I guess for me the hardest part is to keep on truckin during that week and a half.

[Zimmeh]

Congratulations on your weight loss and on finding roomies!


Zimmeh

Originally Posted by ruffryder

Hello everybody!

Moxie, I did the same weight loss challenge at a previous job and won like $200. I like a good challenge and its even better when you meet that challenge. I loved pizza, tortillas, bread, soda and knew if I was gonna win I had to cut all that out. So I did, also sweets and carbs. That challenge right there was what started me on a healthy journey seeing results and knowing it worked to just eat healthy and make wise choices.

Thanks Miss Scarlett, starry, And others who have posted great recipes for us to try! I appreciate that.

I stepped on the scale and lost 3 lbs since last week. I have a few lbs I still want to shed. I had lost quite a bit before I moved across country and gained some back over the months but i'm ready to get back on track. I'll be moving in with roomies this weekend and look forward to cooking healthy together and using the complex fitness center.

Weekend challenge:
Everytime you walk, step it up and make it a brisk walk!
Share a healthy snack with us?

While grocery shopping the other day I bought some snack bars. One is a strawberry cereal bar that is 90 calories, the other oats & chocolate high fiber bar. I also love apples! These are great for on the run, quick snack or breakfast.

Great choices everybody and inspiration. THANKS and keep it up!

[JustJo]

Good morning healthies

Sticking with the plan over here and it feels good. Ironically, I find it much harder to get on the Mobia, even though it's literally right here in my bedroom than it is to get in the car, drive to Curves, work out 30 minutes, stretch for 10, and drive home.

I think it may be partly that the Mobia is very intense exercise, so I can only sustain it for frustratingly short periods of time....and end up beating myself up over that. With the Curves, I show up....I do my circuits...I can do it, my heart rate is where it should be, I sweat a little, people are friendly, and the time flies by.

I'm sure it also helps that I'm doing Curves first thing in the morning, before I get distracted by the rest of the day. Whatever it is....it's working. I've been going faithfully Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings...and I can feel the difference already.

I also know that I'm lucky...since I have another incentive....greed!

My company pays for my gym membership, and also pays me $100 a month into my health savings account if I go to the gym 3 times a week. True, I can only spend the money on health expenses....but in a household where both my son and I wear glasses, go to the doctor and dentist, and I am on diabetic prescriptions...that's always a useful thing.

Ironically (again), I had this incentive available all of last year...and never joined a gym.

I think, frequently, it has to be a meeting of internal motivation and external support before things really click....at least for me.

Hugs to you all!

[PinkieLee]

Good morning & happy Monday healthy peeps! Look at all this continued success happening.... what a wonderful site to see first thing on a Monday morning! Congrats y'all, and keep up the great work!!!!

We went grocery shopping and loaded up on nothing but healty options for meals this week. Fruit (cherries, strawberries, bananas, cutie oranges and apples), fresh veggies (green beans, 2 small red potatoes, asparagus, baby spinach & tomatoes) and lean meats ~ plus stuff for breakfasts & lunches, too. Ever notice that eating healthier is more expensive?! $100 goes pretty quick!

I didn't get to the gym this weekend, but we did go out with friends Saturday night, and ended up dancing the night away! Sunday, I worked in the yard, pulling weeds & moving fallen limbs to a big ol' pile.

I agree with Tawse on the best weigh in days FOR ME are during the week (I do Thursday). I NEVER manage to drink enough water over the weekend and we do normally eat out at least once, so yeah, I need to flush that salt intake. I also normally will workout more during the week AND stay on track with meals when I am on a daily routine. But, what works for one, might not work well for others. Luckily, we are all getting pretty good at learning what's best for ourselves... and moving forward on our journey!

Meals planned for today...

Breakfast:
a toasted 100 calorie multigrain english muffin
a banana
a cup of coffeee with a splash of vanilla creamer

Lunch:
a lean cuisine meal
baby spinach salad with almond slivers & a light raspberry vinagerette dressing

Dinner:
probably grab a sandwich from Subway on my way to the 2nd job
an apple

Snacks:
laughing cow wedge (thanks Medusa with reduced fat Wheat Thins
yogurt

Have a great day y'all!

[starryeyes]

Hey all!!

Lost 2.4 lbs at my weigh in yesterday. Ya!! I didn't move my body enough, so this week I am going to focus on that.

I went out last night to a few bars with a friend and only had 2 drinks (Malibu and diet coke) and we split a yummy (but bad) chicken artichoke sandwich.

I also found a gourmet market that has fresh local fish and shark!! So I bought 2 shark filets, a wahoo filet and snapper. I am leaving on Friday on a trip (ya!!) so looks like I am eating fish every lunch and dinner. Hahaha!

Here's to a good week everyone!!

:-)

[Medusa]

Hey Healthies!

I had one of my weigh-ins yesterday and had a .8 gain. Not upset about it because this week is hormone-heavy and Im retaining water like a well! I intend to hit the elliptical for 20 when I get home and drink lots of water with dinner.

Today has been a crap fest as far as food and I have GOT to get to the grocery store after work!

Breakfast:
v8
5 reduced fat triscuits and a laughing cow

Snack:
grapes

Lunch:
Lean Cafe chicken panini (which I will NEVER buy again after learning it was 9 ww points! I can have a damn cheeseburger for that!)
pudding cup

Dinner:
This will probably be a grilled chicken salad or turkey salad.

Tonight at the grocery store, I am going to intentionally buy some things that will help me switch up my food routines.

Plan on getting some peppers and zucchinis for roasted veggies and am going to look for sandwich thins so I can bring a couple of turkey sandwiches this week

[princessbelle]

Howdy Healthies!!!!!!!

Tomorrow we get cable in our bedroom and the treadmill will be moved in there. It's not just for hanging robes on anymore people.

My mom gave it to me and it's a really great one. Has a radio and heart rate and calories burned and lights and bling.

I am excited about finally using it, seeing that i've had it now for over 2 years and have yet to turn it on. I did plug it in once.

Off to Best Buy then grocery shopping for us. We are up to two cases of water a week and sometimes that don't even last.

Oh anddddddddddddddddd I put on my new jeans this morning. The ones that i bought a couple of months ago and had to lay down to zip everytime i wore them so i put them in the back of my closet.

Today, they fit. No laying down to zip and didn't even have to suck in my breath and become 2 inches taller.

Happy days!!!!!!

[Medusa]

Belle - You reminded me! I am also in a smaller size. First time I've been comfortably in a 26 in over 2 years.

[PinkieLee]

We are such creatures of habit with food, so we are branching out this week

One of our new meals that we are gonna do this week, are chicken wraps:

spinach wrap (or wheat)
grilled chicken breast
baby spinach
tomato
avacado
black beans and/or corn

with fresh fruit on the side

Last night, we had broiled tortilla crusted tilapia, brown rice & grilled asparagus and fruit for dessert (13 WW points total)

I found a great recipe on WW this morning, for pizza on the grill, too! You use a medium sized wheat tortilla as the crust, a small amount of store bought pizza or tomato sauce, any veggies and/or COOKED meat topping (turkey pepperoni, browned turkey or chicken sausage) and shredded skim mozzarella cheese. Use the toppings lightly, so the crust will stay crisp. Grill for 5 -7 minutes till edges brown & cheese bubbles. Each pizza is only 6 WW points!! We are having friends over this weekend for a game night, so we are gonna have all the items handy & we can all make our own pizzas

[Rockinonahigh]

Afternoon everyone,im back in the house from a work out that was a bit diffrent that I have done before,I did work on the bench press thingy (40 with 30 pounds on the bar) then I did 20 squats useing my own weight for resistance...jusy grab hold of the fence rail then squat till your hips and knees are even,u will be surprised at how it dose work.Then two sets of 30 rapid as I could go deep crunchies with a 1 minit rest between reps,then did free weight work on my arm curles(30 with 15 pounds each arm) afterwards I did 60steps on the stepper.If thst wasnt enough I threw caution to the wind and ran six laps of the long side of my back yard(about 120freet one way)= 720feet thats over a quarter mile.I know the distance dosent sound like much but I havent ran in years,I use to run a lot and really miss it,hopefully this is a step into geting back into it.Corse I did some stretches and deep breathing before and after,I alos got a mild crash from needing to eat but that hit half way thrue me eating a pickup snack of apple slices and chedar cheese and a tablespoon of pnb with a big bottle of water(20oz).Thats all I got for today,I must have been out of my mind but I really do feel good afterwards.

[PinkieLee]

One problem I have is, sometimes new recipes that I wanna try, D doesn't like the main ingrediants. I wanted to make some stuffed cabbage or stuffed peppers, but she just turns her nose up in the air when I bring it up. HELP... that's the reason we get stuck in the food boredom ruts!

Also, we haven't had a challenge here lately... anyone got any suggestions?!

[Rockinonahigh]

I got a challenge...Breath deeply several time a day,it releaves stress and relaxes the diaphram plus expands your lung capasity.Carry on.

[JustJo]

Originally Posted by Rockinonahigh

I got a challenge...Breath deeply several time a day,it releaves stress and relaxes the diaphram plus expands your lung capasity.Carry on.

Thank you for this reminder/challenge Rockin!

I've been under so much stress that I seriously sometimes forget to breathe.....and a few deep slow breaths really does help me relax and feel better.