Healthy Weight Loss

[PinkieLee]

WOW, WOW, WOW seem to be the only words that come to my mind after reading June's post! It leaves me dumbfounded, that someone would have the NERVE to try & shame someone for making healthy choices for themselves! As for her betrayal of the "fat community"... I call bullshit! Whomever spewed such crap her way, has a lot to learn about "community".

Like Medusa, the dash site was a home that finally taught me to embrace & love every ounce of my being (heart, mind, body & soul). It was the first time, in my entire life, that I was finally able to be comfortable in my own skin. I thank the people that welcomed & loved me with open hearts & open minds... no matter what the scale said.

But within the last couple of years, when the scale kept climbing, and I noticed every little ache & pain become a daily occurance, I knew I had to do something. Not only was my physical health failing, my self esteem had finally hit an all time low.... no matter how big the fake smile was on my face.

We all started our personal healthy living journey at different times in our lives. Mostly, it was because we had a nice dose of reality (our failing health or a loved one's health) smack us in the face. Getting our bodies heathier, learning to move more & retraining our brain was what our focus was on... the losing weight part was just the added bonus.

[*Anya*]

I have read all the posts. I want to also state that I believe that we all have the right to lose weight for any reason we deem important to us!

Want to lose weigh for health? Terrific!
Want to lose weight to be able to move and navigate more easily through this world of ours? Terrific!
Want to lose weigh to help increase your own self-esteem?
Terrific!
Want to lose weight to get laid? Terrific!

No one has the right but me, to tell me that any reason I so chose for losing weight is wrong!

Why each of us chooses to go on this long and difficult journey is an individual and personal choice. Each of us has the right to select whichever reason best fits us.

My choice may not be yours and vice versa but I do not need to hate anyone to do the very best for me.

[JustJo]

Hello healthies

Day two at Curves...achieved.

[Kätzchen]

Originally Posted by PinkieLee

WOW, WOW, WOW seem to be the only words that come to my mind after reading June's post! It leaves me dumbfounded, that someone would have the NERVE to try & shame someone for making healthy choices for themselves! As for her betrayal of the "fat community"... I call bullshit! Whomever spewed such crap her way, has a lot to learn about "community".

Like Medusa, the dash site was a home that finally taught me to embrace & love every ounce of my being (heart, mind, body & soul). It was the first time, in my entire life, that I was finally able to be comfortable in my own skin. I thank the people that welcomed & loved me with open hearts & open minds... no matter what the scale said.

But within the last couple of years, when the scale kept climbing, and I noticed every little ache & pain become a daily occurance, I knew I had to do something. Not only was my physical health failing, my self esteem had finally hit an all time low.... no matter how big the fake smile was on my face.

We all started our personal healthy living journey at different times in our lives. Mostly, it was because we had a nice dose of reality (our failing health or a loved one's health) smack us in the face. Getting our bodies heathier, learning to move more & retraining our brain was what our focus was on... the losing weight part was just the added bonus.

Hey there Gorgeous!

Like so many of you here, I share in the daily effort to feed my body in healthy ways. I can especially identify with your feelings about low self esteem, no matter how beautiful our smile is.

You know, years ago before my heart condition was discovered, I think I tipped the scales somewhere around 375 lbs (between the age of 33 to 39) at the height of my body not functioning properly. Once my heart condition was finally diagnosed and an operation later, I began to lose weight as a natural consequence to my particular health issues. I've always been sort of a medium build - body wise. I'm about 5'9" now but at one time, I was about 2 inches taller (I have bone density problems now, I think).

Anyway, I probably tip the scales now at about 190-200 lbs. This isn't an optimal weight I'm sure, but my goal is to become as lean as I can for my age. If I'm able to get down to 180 - I'll feel successful because at my age, we seem to have to work harder to stay healthy - diet and exercise wise.

I really like that Medusa brought up sweet potatos because I usually keep a baked supply on hand in the fridge and like she was saying, they're pretty sweet all on their own. I like to sprinkle cinnamon on them too! They're rich in nutrients not readily found in other root vegetables and so dense in fiber - which is really important for me to keep my fiber intake up there.. it's just easier on my body to process foods I eat if I can eat lots of items rich in fiber.

Kudos to all of us!

[Cowboi]

Good evening y'all!!!
Home from the gym...today was chest and tricep day.
I can barely move my arms..

Keep up the good work y'all!!!

[Rockinonahigh]

Originally Posted by Miss Scarlett

It really is like carrying around another person. There have been times when carrying heavy things either into the house or office that i've reminded myself (as encouragement) that i used to WEAR at least this much...

I do the same thing even theo I have lost over 50 pounds,gald I dont have it any more,but im working on loseing another 50 by the end of 2012.I was told at the wellness canter that I should work out 2 hours a day 5 days a week..well I tryed amd cratered my knee and back wich took three weeks to be close to normal after that,I no longer got there but use the equipment I have at home cause I can workout with out being badgered about it.I must say I have also looked into other weight loss ideas but they just seam to dramatic for me.

[Medusa]

20 minutes of hard lovin' with the elliptical! Twenty minutes! And I can breathe!

And did I mention I still haven't smoked? It's been 2 weeks tomorrow!

I have to give huge props to Candace for being such an inspiration. I had been slacking for almost 3 months and seeing her photos and joy-filled posts made me want to begin again. <3

[Martina]

Originally Posted by Rockinonahigh

I do the same thing even theo I have lost over 50 pounds,gald I dont have it any more,but im working on loseing another 50 by the end of 2012.I was told at the wellness canter that I should work out 2 hours a day 5 days a week..well I tryed amd cratered my knee and back wich took three weeks to be close to normal after that,I no longer got there but use the equipment I have at home cause I can workout with out being badgered about it.I must say I have also looked into other weight loss ideas but they just seam to dramatic for me.

That's crazy. Very few people should work out two hours a day. Wow. That was some bad advice.

One hour a day and more daily activity -- as in cooking, cleaning, etc. That's what i hear.

[Rockinonahigh]

Originally Posted by Martina

That's crazy. Very few people should work out two hours a day. Wow. That was some bad advice.

One hour a day and more daily activity -- as in cooking, cleaning, etc. That's what i hear.

Thats what I think to,this was at a local hospital wellness center and they should know better.Today I did a work out that was ok being its been a while cause of my dam back,I have also been told to workout even tho im in pain cause it will stop with use(this came from my chiro)...a crock imho.I playd bb for 20 minits,then did 50 steps on my stair stepper,played ball with the pooch...I also dod 40 lifts on the weight bench with 30 pounds on the bar.I had dinner a bit ago so after it digest some Im planing on rideing the bike for 15 to 20 minits.I have some hand weights and a bowflex yet to use but tomorrow im going to give them a bit of my time.I could have played bb longer but my crapy left knee hurt every time I put my foot down to stride,I didnt stop when it started but after a while I had to...there is a pop snick thing going on under the knee cap when I stand or play bb...old minjuries are a bitch.I will do some kind of work out tomorrow for shure I am working out 30 to 45 minits as I get in better shape I can use more weights and intensity.

[canmarielan]

Originally Posted by Miss Scarlett

You're welcome PinkieLee. i like your chicken salad recipe too. i'll have to try it but with fat-free Greek yogurt or sour cream instead of mayonnaise.

One thing about my doc. He created these recipes and has actually eaten this stuff himself. He has his own weight struggles and practices what he preaches. Following the plan he developed (primarily diet and exercise) he lost weight and kept it off. He's constantly researching and studying.

i love this man. He saved my life.

This made me cry a little. I understand so deeply the "He saved my life" bit. My trainer has no idea about this, but he saved my life. YES i did the work. YES I am eating the right things. YES it is me who sweats and grunts and works until I'm dying. But, HE SHOWED ME THAT I COULD! He brought it out...and I'm forever indebted to this man. For the rest of my life I will be grateful.

Originally Posted by Medusa

I am trying to do some time-saving stuff for my food this week so this weekend I baked up 4 HUGE sweet potatoes and dug out the innards and slapped them in a huge bowl.
I have enough mashed sweet potatoes for all week and can use them a 1/2 cup or a cup at a time for side dishes on meals.

Sweet potatoes are one of the healthiest veggies you can eat from what I've read. They are packed with fiber and tons of vitamins and have the lowest glycemic index of all of the root vegetables.

I like mine mashed or baked with a sprinkle of cinammon (no sugar or honey necessary since these are naturally sweet). If you are on WW, an entire cup of mashed sweet potato (with no sugar, butter, or other stuff) has only 5 points. That's a LOt of potato so I usually do 1/2 cup with dinner or lunch.

I've even had a 1/2c with cinammon for breakfast with a piece of turkey bacon. YUMMY.

[COLOR="rgb(255, 0, 255)"]
YAY!!! I prep ahead of time with my starches as well. I do 2-3 sweet potatoes and a bunch of rice so that I have plenty to split up into my little individual meals. When the hard stuff is already ready, it's much easier to convince yourself to cook that meal instead of going off plan. [/COLOR]

Originally Posted by June

I'm kind of fired up this morning.

You know I love it when you get fired up!!! hahaa..

[COLOR="rgb(255, 0, 255)"]Thank you for your support, June. It means the world to me. [/COLOR]

Originally Posted by princessbelle

I agree to the size thing so much!!!!

My goal for loosing weight is of course to live longer. My mother is a diabetic. So, i know i can get it easily.

And more than that, being a nurse, i have to maneuver patients constantly. I have to bend and lift and get in the floor. It would be nice, again, to be able to hop up without embarrassing myself and get up slowly due to this extra weight. I want to be able to hop up steps carting all the medical bags and supplies i have to carry and not stop because i'm out of breath or tired.

Like many of you, my weight loss goals are not about how i will look. It is about how i will feel and move.

A way better reason.

People out there can be jerks no matter what you try and do. Especially if you are trying to make yourself a stronger person. Just shows their jealousy coming through. Sad really.

[COLOR="rgb(255, 0, 255)"]Hey Belle, congrats on your GREAT weight loss this week!! WHoooott!!

Additionally, I am a nurse as well. I have to say last week I did a dressing change on a diabetic stasis ulcer on someone's lower leg. I had to sit on the floor to do so and when I hopped back up without problem, it was one of the proudest moments of my life. KEEP GOING SISTER! THIS is yours to be had!!!![/COLOR]

Originally Posted by Medusa

That is incredibly fucked up.

Let me say this, I think it is incredibly brave of Superwoman (I'm calling her that until she decides to out herself) to do her journey in a visible, authentic way with unabashed resolve. It's brave not because there are vile haters out there in the world who let their own self esteem issues keep them from celebrating someone's health success, but because she is brave enough to do it with an audience. That, my dear friends, takes giant ovaries and that, to me, makes her a fucking BAD ASS. [COLOR="rgb(255, 0, 255)"]Your'e a bad ass, too sister!! Your belief in me keeps me motivated! [/COLOR]

On another note:

This is something that June and I have talked about at length. Back on the Dash site, when I was first figuring out I was a Femme at the age of 22, I felt such an enormous sense of affiliation and love with all ofthe fat people there who loved their bodies in ways I had never been witness to before. I was able to shed much of my insecurity about my own size by witnessing a few people I deeply cared about at the time own their size and space and demand the kind of respect for it that I had always been afraid to ask for.
It was and is amazing.
I am a firm believer that sexy comes and any size. I am also a firm believer that love should come at any size (both self-love and love directed). I do not, however, believe that any of us should be fetishizing size in a way that supports food addiction or destructive eating habits. That may look like many different things to all of us but for me, it means that I don't keep telling myself I'm fine the way I am while I shove Twinkies in my face and can't walk up a flight of stairs or am having a stroke due to high blood pressure while still shoveling over 6000 calories a day into my body.[COLOR="rgb(255, 0, 255)"] You and I have talked in length about this as well. I think our community is beautiful with ALL of it's variations. Gender, weight, appearance. SO BEAUTIFUL!!!! Healthy? Another question.[/COLOR]

It's hard for me to even type this because it feels like such a betrayal of my fat politics. The politics I have put a LOT of effort into over the years. Don't get me wrong, I am not ever going to dismantle my fat politics or start being negative about fat bodies but this re-examination has definitely churned some muddy waters for me.[COLOR="rgb(255, 0, 255)"]This is so difficult for me as well. I have tried to be so fat positive for so long. But, how do I mingle the two????[/COLOR]

There's another thing that I am remiss to talk about but I think it's important. I think that some of the fat politics that were happening in other spaces made a nice soft bed for willing food addicts to become even more unhealthy under the guise of....fuck, I've written and rewritten this sentence 10 times and am trying to say it in a way that won't sound like an attack. Let me just say that I gained a significant amount of weight when I felt that my fat body was more accepted/desired/fetishized/celebritized/etc. That's what happened for me and I own it and it wasn't because anyone else made it happen. I still hear the echos of fatphobia in "I'm not usually attracted to big girls but I'd date Medusa in a heartbeat" or "Medusa dresses so well for someone her size!" or "I wish I had Medusa's confidence!" (as if a confident fat woman was such an anomaly..and maybe it is but it felt like a headpat more often than not like "Oh look at you, with all of your ADORABLE little self-esteem!") [COLOR="rgb(255, 0, 255)"] I get this. To the core.[/COLOR]

Sometimes I still feel like a traitor for even daring to make my body smaller, for having a goal of a healthier body, for being so self-involved that I'd want to focus on me. I know some of that is just the old stuff talking. But I also know that some of it is because I am coming from a history and a specific Butch-femme culture where there were some people who I idolized who were severely overweight and who helped me to find the love within myself after a lifetime of hating, both by watching and witnessing them and by creating an atmosphere of acceptance and love. That's a hard thing to examine if it means I have to let go of my safety zone, and for me that's exactly what it means. [COLOR="rgb(255, 0, 255)"]You don't need me to tell you that you are not a traitor. If I am not than you are not. We are doing what is best to get our bodies healthy. We only have one body ya know? [/COLOR]

Sorry for the gush.

<3

I was going to chop your post as well, but then decided to use it to make my point as well.

Also, in case any of you hadn't figured it out, it was me who has been receiving hate mail. I haven't quite figured out who it was that sent it. Frankly, that doesn't even matter. I deleted that email out of anger, I wish I hadn't. Anyway, thank you all for your kind words of support! If you'd like to read my response, I posted it in a blog post.

Click here to read the rant!...

[Gentle Tiger]

I walked today; not 5 miles but I walked. That's all I have.

[*Anya*]

Congrats to each of you on your own journey to health.

Mine is going well. Control over my eating feels better than any baked good ever did.

I have been back on track for three weeks now. I went away this weekend, ate delish healthy food and even one breakfast not ordinarily on my plan. I had two poached eggs, one chicken sausage and a slice of toast with one pat of butter. I had several cups over the weekend of non-fat cappuccino (always feels decadent to me but no fat!).

Weighed this AM and I lost another 2 pounds, which is a total of 8 in three weeks. I have not once felt hungry or deprived.

Off to make breakfast now, egg white omlette stuffed with fresh spinach and tomatoes.

Hugs and never give up! Each minute (and each hour) is a fresh start for all of us.

[starryeyes]

Originally Posted by Gentle Tiger

I walked today; not 5 miles but I walked. That's all I have.

Ya! :-D :-D

[starryeyes]

Here is my 2 cents about the people who hate on others for making a change..

I experienced the same thing. When I started losing weight, I had tremendous support from some, but not as much as my "bigger" friends. When I look back at my journey, now 52 lbs lighter... Will be 82 when I hit goal, it was a F***king struggle. I can't tell you how many times I fell on my face, gave up, got angry, hated myself, and all that jazz. Our bigger friends might be experiencing the same. They might have that "big and beautiful" attitude, but inside are dying for health. When they see someone becoming successful, they are jealous because they don't have the strength that we have to change our lives and our identity. I was all about BBW... If you don't love me because I am big.. Your loss.. Etc. Losing what you have held on to for SO long is scary!!! There are times now I still go straight for the XXL section, and am shocked when it hangs on me. I do not have a "skinny" attitude yet. No one can change unless they are ready... And when you are, it just clicks! It's very interesting.

When you get that negative feedback from people, maybe try talking to them. Give them your perspective as to why you are changing and how much better you feel. Maybe you can plant a seed and get them on the right track as well. I have inspired at least 5 of my friends to join weight watchers, and they all have had amazing success. It feels good to help other people.

Anyways. I am typing this out on my iPhone, and I tend to ramble when I do. Haha. Don't let anyone get you down. This is YOUR life and YOUR health!! Dont let anyone take that away from you, and make you feel any less because of that. Love you all!!! Here's to health!!

:-D

[LaneyDoll]

Originally Posted by *Anya*

I have read all the posts. I want to also state that I believe that we all have the right to lose weight for any reason we deem important to us!

Want to lose weigh for health? Terrific!
Want to lose weight to be able to move and navigate more easily through this world of ours? Terrific!
Want to lose weigh to help increase your own self-esteem?
Terrific!
Want to lose weight to get laid? Terrific!

No one has the right but me, to tell me that any reason I so chose for losing weight is wrong!

Why each of us chooses to go on this long and difficult journey is an individual and personal choice. Each of us has the right to select whichever reason best fits us.

My choice may not be yours and vice versa but I do not need to hate anyone to do the very best for me.

How about this---
Wanting to lose weight because I have a 26 year old partner to keep up with?



Actually, I decide that 2012 would see healthy changes for me. So, my sister and I are joining Weight Watchers and the local gym. We are going to use the buddy system to tackle what needs to be improved.

I want to lose weight & get in shape b/c I can still fool people into thinking I am younger than I am. I won't be able to keep that up forever and I do not want to be the girl who "would be sexy except..."

I am glad I found this thread; I plan to be a more regular visitor.

[princessbelle]

Today is shopping day!!!!!

Thanks to those who put up wonderful ideas for low cal meals and tips to make this way easier.

We are planning on getting a few sweet potatoes and making some up for the week so they will be easy to fix at dinner.

A couple of great recipes acquired including tonight's menu of baked salmon, asparagus and corn on the cob.

Yummmmm...can't wait to try it!!!!!!

Keep up the good work everyone!!! You are all such an inspiration!!!!!

[PinkieLee]

Good morning healthy folks!

You know what I love about our group here.... no matter what hurdles may present themselves (emotionally or physically), each & every day we tackle them head on and MOVE FORWARD! There is nothing or no one that can keep us from our goals! We give eachother courage, strength, motivation, encouragement and support... and I thank y'all for that!

Today, D comes home for a few days, and of course she wants to celebrate out at her favorite mexican food place with friends... for $1 Tecate beers. I will not deny her treat... but I have already made a mental note of what I can and cannot eat or drink. I have limited my choices to either 2 chicken fajita tacos (no beans or rice) or a chicken fajita taco salad with no shell. I will toast her with ONE light beer and drink water or unsweet iced tea afterward.

Meals planned for today were:

Breakfast:
a toasted light english muffin with a lil' butter
a banana
and an iced sugar free vanilla coffee

Lunch:
a big ol' salad with turkey from Subway... loaded with veggies & a splash of oil, vinegar & pepper for the dressing.

Snacks:
yogurt and/or an apple

Make it a great day y'all

[starryeyes]

Breakfast: skinny Iced cinnamon dolce latte (2pp)
Spinach feta wrap (7pp)

Ok... I need to stop going to Starbucks so much, but it's hard. And, I am 5 drinks away from hitting my gold member status!!! My favorite drink is only 2pp, so it isn't that bad!

Lunch- Ahi tuna steak and sautéed eggplant and zucchini!

Dinner- ground turkey and vegetables.

I don't stray away from my menus and tend to eat the same thing over and over. This helps me not crave other things.

I did, however, buy some weight watchers carrot cakes at the store yesterday to send to someone.. But wanted to try one. One turned into two... And so I know I can't have those around. Same thing happened with the smart ones cookie sundae. I ate all 4 in one week. I do stay within my point allowance and exersice (I lost 3 lbs regardless of the sundae indulgence) but I know I am not there yet and ready to have them in my freezer. Maybe someday!

:-D

[Medusa]

I think my scales are broken

I sneaked a peak this morning knowing that my weigh-in is not until Sunday but I was feeling pretty chipper after my workout last night. The scales say 285 which is a 3-lb loss from Sunday, which means that I have essentially lost 10 pounds in the last 10 days. I don't think that's possible so I'm going to weigh in tomorrow on the "big scales" at my first in-person WW meeting at work.

Our WW session at work is 13 weeks and meets every Wednesday. The coordinator said that several people are also doing the WW online program but found that in-person meetings are great for feeling supported. I dont know that I need the support because I use this thread pretty readily but it will be interesting to see what others are doing to get on track.

Today's menu:

Breakfast was:
snack size spicy hot V8
2 Tillamook cheddar cheese packets (2 points each on WW)
a honeycrisp apple

Midmorning snack:
Fiber 1 bar

Lunch:
lean cuisine
side of mashed sweet potatoes with cinammon

mid-afternoon snack:
grapefruit

Dinner:
homemade chili with lean ground beef, onion, peppers, tomatoes, garlic, beans, and my secret spices
side salad with croutons, carrots, and lite Italian

Late night snack: sugar free double chocolate pudding cup

[Medusa]

Originally Posted by starryeyes

Breakfast: skinny Iced cinnamon dolce latte (2pp)
Spinach feta wrap (7pp)

Ok... I need to stop going to Starbucks so much, but it's hard. And, I am 5 drinks away from hitting my gold member status!!! My favorite drink is only 2pp, so it isn't that bad!

Lunch- Ahi tuna steak and sautéed eggplant and zucchini!

Dinner- ground turkey and vegetables.

I don't stray away from my menus and tend to eat the same thing over and over. This helps me not crave other things.

I did, however, buy some weight watchers carrot cakes at the store yesterday to send to someone.. But wanted to try one. One turned into two... And so I know I can't have those around. Same thing happened with the smart ones cookie sundae. I ate all 4 in one week. I do stay within my point allowance and exersice (I lost 3 lbs regardless of the sundae indulgence) but I know I am not there yet and ready to have them in my freezer. Maybe someday!

:-D

I hear you Starry! I usually keep sugar free popsicles or sugar free fudge bars in the freezer for the times when I want a little something. I know there is no way I could keep anything carrot cake-related in the house right without seriously obsessing about them. Carrot cake and pumpkin pie are my 2 most favorite things in the world!

Curiously enough, Jack has had a package of opened Thin Mint cookies on the counter along with 3 opened candy bars that she has been snacking on that haven't tempted me a bit.