Will 2013 be the year?

I have been overweight my entire adult life. In 2006 I looked my best, got down about 60 lbs from where I am now. Today, I am the heaviest I have ever been. I am also the happiest I have ever been. I am married to a wonderful man, who I met later in life - and who loves me for who I am - fat or not. Unfortunately, that has not helped in this department.

I also am in a lot of pain. In my 40's, I already am suffering from arthritis due to my weight and some bad genes too. SOOOooooooo.... I need 2013 to be the year I get into shape. But, I feel like it's such a long road and maybe I am afraid of failure? Lord, help me...... Any words of wisdom/advice?

Eat right and get some exercise every day, and just don't expect overnight miracles. The "eat right" part is important. Avoid "diets." Make a permanent change in what you eat. Avoid bad fats. Eat fruit and veggies. Learn portion control. (A steak that I used to eat in one sitting will now feed my wife and I for two meals.) And then get moving. Walk around the neighborhood. Ride a bike.

Just take it slow. If you make lifestyle changes instead of crash diets, you'll be please with where you are a year from now.

you didn't get overweight overnight, and losing that weight isn't going to happen overnight. If you eat poorly, then you need to get the foods out of your house that aren't good for you. Quit buying chips, soda, sugary cereal, switch to wheat bread, wheat paste, drink 1 ounce of water for every 2 pounds you weigh DAILY, take the stairs instead of the elevator, park in the farthest spot whenever you shop. Don't look at it as "i want to lose X punds" instead think "i want to get in better shape and feel better, be more healthy." if you have a scale in yor house, throw it away. Ask your husband for his support and encouragement. Find a partner to workout with, it is harder to tell someone else no.

Anything you do to improve your health can't be considered a failure, so put that out of your head.

B you are on the right track. First, you have taken ownership for the issue. You can't fix it till you own it. I wont even train people that tell me their weight problem is everyone else's fault. It wastes their money and my time. You have taken responsiblity for your issue. Now you can fix it.
You got the problem gradually over time, and that is just how you will fix it...over time. And that's ok, because you have time.
Do not allow yourself to think of this in the short term. It's not a diet and its not a 90 day program. It is a lifestyle change. You will have to re-educate your family and friends because while they will supprt your efforts, they will also try to derail you. Not out of malice, but because it is human nature.
I would very much like for you to find a picture of a physique that you would like to emulate. Pick something with your basic frame. If you are 5' tall, dont pick a body that is 5'10". If you are thick and muscular don't pick a toothpick. And pick what you like, not what you think everyone else will like. Visualization works!
Anyone that tells you that you can get into shape without discomfrot or pain is selling something. You have to sweat and you will get sore. And thats ok!:)
Eating is 70%-80% of this. You will need to learn a new way to eat. So that means so will your family. Better eating is not suffering! Its just learning tastey ways not to poison yourself.

Basics -
Exercise 30-60 min. everyday. Run, walk, aerobics, calesthenincs, something!
Do not skip meals...ever!
Drink water! (soda, even diet, just left your life)
3 meals is better than 2, 4 is bettter than 3.

I also insist on a "cheat day". From Saturday morning until Sunday afternoon, i want you to eat anything you want. But the rest of the week, you stick with low fat, high protein and NO sugar.

There are some genius's on this web site that love to help people, use them.

Good luck and welcome to your life!

How does that saying go... "Fat and happy?" There is some truth to it. But, imagine how nice it would be to find yourself "fit and happy"!! You'd have the best of both worlds. It is wonderful that you have a loving and supportive husband. This means you can get out together and do things as a couple that are fun and physical! There's no need to run a 10k together (but maybe you will some day!), but make a point of getting out and taking walks together, maybe riding bikes together, taking cooking classes for healthy meals together, etc. See where I'm going? All these things will change your lifestyle to one that not only benefits your waistline, but your marriage.

In my household, we cut the cable TV. It may sound drastic, but it was the best thing we ever did. We get out together more and actually enjoy each others company rather than vegging out in front of the boob tube. When we do watch TV, it is with purpose, like to watch a movie we've both wanted to see.

So, take small steps to improving your overall lifestyle to a healthly lifestyle. You will be amazed at how much happier you can be from your happy self now!

I see people at the Y who walk on a treadmill as such a slow pace they never break a sweat. I wish they would look around the room and see what others are doing. There are some ladies that must be in their 70s that are sweating every day. They're very fit, and I admire their commitment. You have to get your heart rate up and breathe a little harder.

Look up some info on target heart rate for exercise, and use a treadmill or elliptical that will measure your pulse. Or get a watch that monitors your heart rate. Don't overdo it, but get into that range that will improve your fitness.

I love this advice! How many times have I started exercising just to step on the scales and get discouraged because I am gaining weight instead of losing it? I am going to try to eat right (fruits and veggies and lean meat) and exercise daily whether it's 30 minutes or a hour doesn't matter just commit to doing something daily. Stop worrying about the number on the scale and focus on how I look and feel! Thanks for the motivation , I needed this today!

One other thing that I have found to be very successful....
Food journal's! For at least a few weeks, write down everything you eat or drink and how much of each.
It has two effects.
1. you will see what you actually eat. For most people it is a revelation.
2. It helps to curb your eating because you dont want to write it down.

I almost passed out calculating the suggested water consumption...I multiplied instead of divided the first part and needed either 33 or 34 glasses of water a day!

Sure was glad I realized what I'd done! I'm quite sure I surpass the recommended daily dosage.

To help with water consumption, I recommend buying a nice water bottle that will hold 16-32oz. of water. This will help you keep track of how much you are drinking, and help you drink more without having to get up and fill an 8 oz. glass every two minutes. I used to sip ice water, and rarely finished a glass. Now I CHUG cool water (from the fridge dispenser) a few cups at a time. Drinking lots of water helps you feel fuller longer, helps clear food from your teeth, and keeps your breath fresher. Water is hugely important, and was the best change I ever made to my diet.

And yes, BB1 is right, say goodbye to soda and potato chips. ( )

Agree with ^^^. We have a water cooler here at work and you can easily drink way more without the ice or extreme cold of 'ice' water.

Water bottle follows me everywhere I go, I'm a bit "known" for having it with me at all times. It's flown with me, gone on all my vacations, always around. 24 oz, at least 4 per day. Plus coffee, and anything I have with meals.

It's a lot

I used to pretty much ONLY drink iced tea...very sweet...nowadays, it's so rare I don't even remember how to make it myself. And, if I do get some, it's got to be half/half...can't stand the straight up southern sweet tea anymore.

Now beer..well...that's another story entirely.

I really appreciate everyone's input... and I will continue to read any others. I was afraid I was going to get some typical responses... because I have known for a long time I need to change my eating habits and move. But many of your were inciteful and encouraging and acknowledged it's not an overnight soluction and I REALLY appreciate it.

I know my biggest challenge is not thinking of the whole picture and struggling through the lack of instant results. I need to remember the baby steps and not give up when I get frustrated.

My biggest issue with my weight gain has been eating with my son and husband who are both 6'4" and big guys... and I think I started eating more like them. I have to remember I am 5'5" and do not have a man's metabolism!

I like the suggestion of throwing away the scale. We have a wellness program at work, and they measure a bunch of things, like blood pressure, waist size, lung capacity, but they never bring a scale.

I too like the suggestion of losing the scale - but a big part of me will fight that one. I am such a numbers person AND I have been known in the past when trying to lose weight... to weigh myself a couple of times a day (I know that's bad).

I, personnally, like a scale...I know changing fat to muscle increases weight, but I like to use it to see if the holiday eating has snuck up on me before it gets too out of hand! Of course, probably your clothes will tell on you pretty quickly and maybe more accurately than the scale will!

basil - my husband weighs every day. About 9 years ago he lost 50 pounds - and if he sees the number creeping back up he knows what he needs to do. For him it's worked very well - although sometimes he is a little obsessed.

I'm a scale watcher. It helps me stay on top of those 5-10 pesky "vanity pounds" that will sneak up when you least suspect them and that don't really show up in the fit of your clothes until they're closer to the 10 mark than the 5.

if you feel the need to step on a scale, once a week is sufficient, should always be the same time, the same day, and wearing the same clothes (if any at all), daily provides no benefit because of fluctuations...multiple times per day I think i may recommend you seek professional help

while you're at it, might i suggest you also check your BMI and have a test for your MBR (metabolic burn rate).

even if you use llight weights, you should use weights daily, because muscle burns more fat, and increases your metabolism. Cardio is great, but within 5-10 minutes of finishing cardio, the benefit is over. Muscle is like the furnace and it burns the fat over a longer period of time. you don't need to get big, even long periods of stretching (such as yoga) increases muscles.

I would say the scale thing is a little bit of OCD... or something like that. I have always been that way. Would love to shake it.

Exercise is going to be the hardest at first, because the arthritis pain will be hard to work through. I've tried several times this year and end up quitting... gotta work through it this time... and find the right exercise, like sticking with the treadmill. Going to an step aerobic class was a bad idea!

basil - be careful. I also have RA and when I try to exercise I almost always do way too much.

Try using a free online program like FitDay.com
It has all the regular foods and you can build your own too. So if you eat the same breakfast combo you can pick it and put it on your daily list.
This program shows you both caloric intake and a pie chart of how much carbs, veggies, sugars, etc you ate. I found it a great help in seeing what I needed to steer away from and what I needed more of.

It also has an exercise calculator that lets you see what you're walking and/or exercising off.

And thanks for the poke. I'd gotten lazy about using this and my body knows it. My New Year's resolution is to get back to using it and walking regularly, inspite of the snow!

I would recommend NOT using the scale at first. It can be frustrating because if you are building any muscle at all, you will actually be heavier on the scale. That can be very discouraging when starting out.

I suggest putting the scale away for awhile, work on the eating healthy and developing an exercise plan that you enjoy. Once you start feeling good and notice that the waistband is a little loose, break it back out and go from there.

A friend of mine invented FitBook. www.getfitbook.com It is a small bound book for you to log your physical activity and food intake. It is set up for you to set goals and keep track of those goals. Each book is for 12 weeks. At the beginning of each week you can set your physical activity schedule and go from there. In my opinion the FitBook is very reasonably priced (less than $20). You can purchase them either online, at most 24 hour Fitness locations, and Target.

Basil,

#1, look in to local swimming facilities to see if you can find one with a warm water pool. Exercise classes in these conditions is best for those of us with arthritis and weight problems. Water = less impact = less pain. Warm Water = therapy for aches. If you can't find a warm water pool, go with any other pool and get to swimming. It's the best non-weight bearing cardio you can do. If you can't swim, walk in the shallow end. The resistance makes a difference.

#2. Avoid the scale for your first 3 months. Instead, write down the measurements of your waist, and check it! You'll be pleasantly surprised over time. Scales can be deceiving, because as you build muscle early on, you'll gain weight, even while the fat is going away. Why? Muscle weighs significantly more than fat.

#3. Don't overdo it! Every other day at most to start out, and if you can afford it, get a trainer to help you. They're worth the money if they are good. Look for people at the gym who are not perfectly fit and ask them if they've used someone.

#4. Watch your diet. Make sure you're getting plenty of fluids, and avoiding carboloading after exercise.

#5. Pray! God is good, and He will give you the strength to accomplish this!

B_F... what a great list. I like #5 the best.

My favorite post-workout beverage: Chocolate Milk

During the week it's just plain milk. Chocolate on the weekends!

Exercise does not have to be in tht gym or typical at all.

Give yourself credit where it is due. I started by getting up from my desk and walking around the branch a few times a day. Sounds silly but we tend to sit here for 7-9 hours a day! Any movement is better than just sitting there. Maybe you won't hurt so much but will start to feel your muscles tone. THAT is a great feeling.

...and speaking of exercise...

2013 will be a new year for me to "learn" what my healthy is and how to stay that way.

Back to the drawing board.

::high five::

Exercise is a constant state of reinvention. Our bodies change, our lives change, our knowledge changes, our interests change...even our health needs change. Recognizing and embracing the changes can be key in successful adaptation.
I used to bodybuild, now I race. Some use to rodeo now they run. Some did nothing now they do crossfit. And some have been doing the same thing for 40 years. MonKee has a dibilitating health condidtion and still manages to do something. Jen has a broken femur and gets in the pool and swims. My dad is 80 years old, has a full time veterinary practice and serves or six(6) different boards and lobby's for education funds in DC and he still works out an hour everyday! (seeing your excuses melt away?)
Folks, you can walk, swim, ride, eliptical, stationary bike, lift weights, do pushups, do crosfit, play tennis, play badminton, play softball, run, do P90X, Brazillian Butt Lift your self silly....
Just do something...anything! And do it on a regular basis! Consitancy in your exercise and diet. That is what wins!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

^^^^ Yes. To all that.

I was under the impression as of today (tomorrow it will be different) that fat people live longer?

::Adds Brazilian Butt Lift to Netflix queue::

This will be the year!!

Of course, I agree with the above as well, and what's above that, etc. Anything will always beat nothing. Baby steps, add more as you go. My weight has been stagnant for nearly a year now, but I know I've gotten in better shape (ignoring the last few weeks of eating ) and will continue to improve even if the scale doesn't say so. I can't tell you how good it feels to put on things that used to fit and just laugh at how you look in it now. I put on a winter coat last week that's a couple years old, I'm relatively sure another person could fit in there with me. You'll find what you need, just start looking and try as many new things as you can!

::obligatory comment about before and after pictures::

Before and after the holiday eating? It wasn't that bad, sheesh! Only a few pounds.

<<< slacker over the holidays

could be he just wishes to live longer.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/02/health...eight.html?_r=0

I heard the other day that the average person only gains 0.8 lbs over the holidays.... so we need to be careful about using that as an excuse!

Saw on the news this morning before I left for work an 8 hour diet... basically choose an 8 hour window and eat all you want... then nothing for the next 16.

Aye! Diet fads.... good old fashioned portion control and good choices is where I have had the most success. Diets have always been a failure for me. And that is what I am shooting for this year!

By they way, I ate homemoade granola and almond milk this morning for breakfast and it was delicious (Both cow and soy milk give me an upset stomach). Fantastic recipe from Ellie Krieger on her show Healthy Eating and so simple!

3 cups quick oats, 1/2 cup each of chopped walnuts, pecans, almonds, 1/2 cup raisins, 2 tbsp cinnamon, pinch of salt. Mix together with 1/2 cup REAL maple syrup and spread on cookie sheet. 300 degree oven for about 30 mins. YUM!!!!!! And WAY less sugar than most granola recipes.

Enjoy!

basil...I also was never successful until I had a support group.

You can't be perfect and it's nice to know others mess up too.

I saw the 8 hour thing, F...A...D! The man is just selling something.
Portion control. Not skipping meals. Loosing the sugar. Balancing the diet. and ....
EXERCISE!!!
That is what lasts a lifetime.

I started counting my calories on an app on my phone - my fitness pal - and today is day 85, and pound 20 is long gone. I do not do any of the fad stuff, just watch the calories. The app also tracks exercise and nutrition based on the foods you eat. You can look back and see what you did well and not so well over any period of time. Plus you can add friends on there to help hold you accountable which is important to me.

Now I have added a workout schedule - kettlebells at least 3 times a week (had a hard time walking yesterday!!) and trying to do SOMETHING the other days as well. I am thinking every other day to start. I have always struggled with finding the time, but do have to admit that excuses are easy to find, you have to find reasons to do it instead of put it off.

It isn't supposed to be a 'diet' - it is supposed to be a lifestyle change. And if you bomb on a day and have too many calories (mine sometimes due to intake of alcohol) as long as you are honest with yourself, the next day you get back on track. It is a roller coaster like life, not a bungee jump where the pounds just fall off.

Well I decided this is the year to make a lifestyle change. I joined weight watchers and a local gym today! It feels so good finally taking control and making the commitment. I am all in this time and no more excuses! Hold me accountable BOLers because I know I will need the support! It will all be worth it come swimsuit time... Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels!!!

Good luck Heather! 2013 is our year!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Count me in on that! I have about 20 lbs I'd like to loos. Working out, and have gained muscle, which I know weighs more, but need to work on more cardio to loose the pounds.

I'm late to the party, but throwing my hat in the ring too! I just started back to the gym about a month and a half ago after losing 40 pounds then re-gaining 50. Just take it slow. I've realized a good deal of my problem is I want to see big results. This time around, I'm focusing on small goals (get below 220---yes, I just threw a ballpark of my weight out here on the internet). When I hit that goal, I'll make a new one (thinking another 10 pounds).

Before Christmas I was just a couple pounds away from my first weight goal, BUT I had already lost 2 inches in my waist! My pants are looser. That's what encourages me, seeing my clothes get bigger.

Hang in there and good luck basilring and Heather301, and all you others trying to get healthy. We can do this!!

Will do chenin... everyone is welcome to join this group!

Basil - you sound just like I did one year ago. What kick-started me was looking at a photo that was taken at a party in March. I gasped and decided right then and there I needed to do something. I did a lot of on-line research and found that my biggest enemies were sugar and wheat flour. They created a physical addiction that left me feeling weak until I got my next "fix" of sugar and bread.

I found that Ceylon Cinnamon capsules and Coconut Oil capsules enabled me to break that addiction and I have cut sugar and wheat almost entirely out of my diet. I developed an easy to follow daily food schedule that provides about 1200 to 1500 calories per day focusing on lean protein, fresh vegetables and fruit with an occasional serving of sprouted grain bread. The weight loss has averaged a consistent 1.25 pounds per week - and this is without incorporating an exercise routine. My weight loss since April 2012 is at 50 pounds which was my original goal, and now I have re-set my goal to lose another 30 pounds. I am wearing a size 8 or 10 and will probably be at about a size 4 when I reach my new goal.

My New Year's Resolution is to start an exercise routine and I am going to my first Personal Training session tonight. The money I am saving on food I now use for clothes and the Gym Membership!

PM me if you would like me to send you what I am doing food-wise.

I find it interesting that you mention the Cinnamon capsules. I just started taking vitamins (after a long period away from them) yesterday... I am taking a multivitamin, iron pill, D3 (for bone health) and cinnamon!

I agree with your thoughts on sugar and wheat... two dangers of the American diet. We overuse them and over process them.

Thank you for your post... I will PM you for more info. Thanks!

Speaking of sugars, I heard on the news this morning that fructose contributes to obesity by telling your brain you're still hungry. (I think I have that sort of correct.) So I looked up foods with fructose and found a good list. The article says you should limit fructose to 50 grams a day. I was distressed at how much fructose is in raisins, because that's one of my favorite snacks.

Here's the list:
http://shannonclark.hubpages.com/hub/High-Fructose-Foods

I would be interested in a study that compared sucrose, glucose and fructose when cinnamon is also taken. Cinnamon does amazing things to regulate sugar in your body:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/298346-the-benefits-of-ceylon-cinnamon/

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19159947?dopt=Citation

http://correct-weight-loss.net/2011/08/16/cinnamon-for-weight-loss/

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=newtip&dbid=31

The diet I am currently on is considered dangerous by some and tends to stir up controversy when I talk about it. However, it works for me because I get quick results. Plus my doctor was very impressed by my results and approved the plan to begin with. I've lost 41.2 so far and am still going strong. This particular plan also works well for me because it's retraining me on accurate portion sizes, it is mostly made up of lean protein, fresh vegetables and fruit, and it has also eliminated the sugar and carb addiction that I had. I've also eliminated half of the prescription medications I was on, so that's been a bonus! I would like to be at my goal by this summer, which is very doable!

Good luck to everyone that is also looking at 2013 to be "The Year of Health"!!

Chugging water actually doesnt help--it overloads your system with water and throws your stuff off balance and then your kidneys have to work extra to flush it out without getting the benefit of it. Best thing is to drink a few ounces at a time throughout the day at a pace that gets you at least 64 ounces daily.

My best trick is keeping a water tumbler with a straw at my desk. Sounds stupid, but I find it easier to drink moe often with I have the handly little straw to suck on. For my size tumbler, 3 fills is my daily dose.

Bed Bath & Beyond sells a heavy plastic cup with a lid that screws on and a heavy plastic straw. The cup holds 16 ounces of water. I find it handy to keep this near me during the day to sip on here and there. For me as well, it is easier to sip water through a straw rather than drinking from a water bottle.

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/1/1/9237...-2go-clear.html

The human body is an amazing machine folks. It can adapt to almost any stress we put on it if it has the right fuel and is maintained properly. Unfortunately, our own minds are frequently its biggest enemy.
There are a thousand tricks, menomics, gadgets, gizmos and yes (ick) diets. There is a tremendous amount of science out there and a ton of hocum.
The bottom line is simply this, eat a balanced diet. Dump the refined sugar and include water. Add to this a regular and consistant exercise routine and you will lose unwanted fat and be healthier.
Somebody comes up with a "new" plan/diet/gadget/book what ever every year and most of it is [self-censored]. The science is usually fuzzy and the logic is questionable. If it is extreme, it is probably bad. If you exclude anything from your diet that is in the basic food pyramid we all saw when we were 12 years old, its probably bad. If you eat only meat, its probably bad, if you exclude everything that is blue or poka-dotted from your diet, its proabably bad.
I am all for things that get you excited about losing weight and/or fitness, but keep in mind that when it comes down to the bottom line (no pun intended), It is about each of us taking ownership of our own health and our own bodies. If we are out of shape, it is because we did it to ourselves and the only way to fix it is to take ownerhip of the problem.
There is an upside to taking the blame though. As you lose weight and get more fit, you get to take ownership of that too. And that is pretty damn cool!
I am so very happy that each of you is excited about making an improvement in your lives! There is not one of us that cannot be better!

The main stumbling block for me was the physical addiction to processed wheat and sugar. I would try "sensible" diets only to feel weak, starving, with headaches and sometimes dizziness. If I ate some cookies or chips or cake, I would feel immediately better. My fear was that I was pre-diabetic and the cinnamon and coconut oil alleviated that physical dependence on sugar. My "diet" focuses on lean protein, fresh vegetables, fresh fruit, and essentially fatty acids. My "snacks" now consist of almonds, walnuts or fruit such as an apple, orange, blueberries or raspberries. For grain I will have steel-cut oatmeal or sprouted grain bread but the "old" food pyramid does seem to focus a bit too much on grain - at least for me.

I can't argue with the results in that I have the energy level that I had 30 years ago and the scale and clothing sizes are a testament in themselves.

I use and LOVE this app as well!! It is the only thing that has helped me shed those unwanted pounds.

Ate about half the dinner I normally would have last night. I was probably full, but certainly not stuffed (which is where I would have stopped before). I sat back and watched my husband and son keep eating and for now, that was ok.

I also did some crunches on the exercise ball. Not nearly the exercise I was hoping to do, but then I reminded myself it is still more than nothing.

I was taught as a child to clean my plate. I can remember a few nights where I was not allowed to leave the table, and sat there long after everyone else was done, picking at my peas or lima beans. As a result, I have a hard time stopping when I've had enough. I feel compelled to eat it. This is a habit I've been working on breaking.

Me too MyBrain! And what was worse was the plates started at my dad's spot and he filled everyone's plate. I was such a picky eater, so I sat at the table until bedtime many nights.

I am trying very hard no to do this with my daughter.

I love all these suggestions and wished I'd had some of them during our weightloss competition at work last fall! I did however lose 20 pounds in a few months by just getting active again and cutting out pop, most candy, and eating more fruits and veggies. I drink at least 4 bottles of water a day and have at least one with a green tea bag in it for flavor.

I sit all day in my compliance job so getting active was a huge part of my weightloss and how I've been able to keep it off and lose more. I also emptied my "snack drawer" to remove temptation. My husband has now started walking with me and we joined a local community center to help us stay motivated during the winter months. I never thought I'd hear myself say that I love to workout but I DO!! (also the comments from envious co-workers don't hurt either. )

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!! It's time to be Lean in 2013!

Ditto to the plate-cleaning issue. Still one I deal with, and now I feel compelled to clean the Mrs.'s plate as well! (She eats in a meal what I eat in a couple of bites, but puts as much on a plate as I do...)

Working on smaller portions, making less, and making sure the food isn't on the table. It really does make a difference if it stays in dishes in the kitchen and you have to return for leftovers. A lot easier to say no to food that isn't staring you in the face and begging to be consumed!

We are all good Americans. Which means more is better and we clean out plates. How do people rate a restaurant? By how good the food is and how big the servings are! "We have the biggest burger in town", "We have the biggest steak in the country!".
We have contests to see who can eat the most, we have a tv show to see if someone can eat the biggest whatever. We are a country obsessed with food and the only one to have the audacity to have both excess food and an obesity problem! We are, as a nation, fat and lazy. So it is no wonder that it is a common problem.
But you people all stand above the average in some fashion or another! I have met many of you and you are not the average schmo's! You have excelled in so many area's and are natural leaders. Lead in this one too. you really never know how many lives you touch when you set the lead of a healthy life.
Healthy, not nutty.

Another way to shrink your portion sizes is to use smaller plates! I use the kids' old small melamine plates (you know the ones with all the cartoon characters). They are half the size of normal dinner plates. I find that I can clean my plate, AND fell full, but not stuffed.

I use a salad plate instead of a dinner plate. It makes my meal look larger but I'm still sticking to small portion sizes.

God bless the US of A!

Do you do the cooking? If so, when you start preparing the meal, drink a full glass (16 ounce) glass of water while you are cooking. That way, when you're ready to eat, you're already registering that your stomach is somewhat full. Also, if you eat a few carrots, celery sticks, pieces of broccoli at the same time, you'll find you eat far less too! Finally, even if you feel hungry after you eat what you know is an appropriate portion, give yourself 20 minutes for your brain to recognize that you have eaten before you decide whether to dig in for seconds.

Finally, start your day off with PROTEIN! Whether it is an egg, a piece of ham, a bagel with peanut butter instead of cream cheese, etc. you'll find throughout the day that you eat less.

There is another way of looking at those huge portions - especially if you are dining out. Let's say the steak dinner cost $28. If you eat half and take the rest home, you can have the rest for dinner the next night, and voila - your steak dinner was only $14 for each serving! Not only that, but you don't have to cook the next night!

My Scottish/Jewish heritage always appreciates a bargain - and my inner Erma Bombeck appreciates having 2 nights off from cooking!

^^^what she said!

I do this alot- and it's even better when someone else is paying!

If you have a rushed schedule in the morning, I have found Zing Bars make a great way to start the day:

http://www.zingbars.com/flavors-and-types/

They are gluten and soy free, do not contain corn or corn-syrup, have a good deal of protein and have a low-glycemic index.

The bars are very dense so eat them slowly along with a hot beverage. Because of my schedule, I often have one of these in the car along with my travel cup of coffee as I am on my way to a work site. These are also great to take with you for out-of-town assignments so you can avoid most the fast food breakfast items (other than coffee!)

Had such a horrible headache last night... could that be due to the lack of Coke since Jan 1? Maybe, and that's ok!

Are you having caffeine withdrawal? THat's what it sounds like to me.

I gave up soda (and don't drink coffee or eat chocolate so in effect gave up caffeine) in February of last year. It takes about a week for the headaches and stuff to go away, it is absolutely detoxing your body from the addiction. It stinks, but if you can take it for the week it is SO worth it.

It could be a sugar headache too. The last time I did a big sugar detox, it was about 4 days of headache and then all my cravings for anything sweet went away. It also helped to eliminate my carb cravings.

Busy Bee... I had my tonsils out at 34 or 36... somewhere in there and I didn't eat much of anything for a week and not much more than broth or maybe a scrambled egg for a week after that. The first "junk food" I ate was a bear-claw-like-thing from the vending machine. I took one bite out of it and spit it back out. I couldn't believe how horrible the processed food/sugar 'carp" tasted!
Unfortunately, "carp" gradually worked it's way back into my diet.

I gave up soda completely for awhile... everyone said it would taste horrible the first time I tried it again.

The were wrong. It tasted GLORIOUS!

Maybe I didn't wait long enough to try it again.

I've never been a big pop (it's pop Mani!) drinker, so I can't make that easy cut out of my diet. On the odd occasion that I do have pop, it's usually cut with alcohol

I do try to avoid drinking my calories though, I'd much prefer to eat them!

For those that regularly drink coke, pop, soda, etc. Yes, if you quit, it is very common to get headaches. It goes away....along with the fat.

^^^ Midewesterner

Going cold turkey from 7-8 Mt. Dews a day a few years ago was a REAL bummer! We played in a band so I also had 2-3 Redbulls at night to stay awake from all the sugar crashes. It took me about 3-4 weeks to get over those headaches. This time I'd weened myself down to one Coke a day so it wasn't quite as bad.

<<<---drinks at least one pepsi on the weekend.

I try to save soda for specific meals that I enjoy it most with. If we're just having lemon chicken or something, water does just fine. For pizza tho? GOT to have soda. Compromise is the name of the game.

So, This hasn't made public news yet- So No mentioning on facebook (ahem MANI) ...

I'm 99% sure i'm join the Air Force Reserves in the next few weeks. This is my last "splurge weekend" and monday starts the weaning of soda and a workout program to get me ready for Basic.

The no soda is what scares me the worst. I'm a HUGE pepsi drinker.

::Goes to remove his "congrats!" from your page::

That's very exciting! I do believe their expectations are pretty reasonable (mockable by other branches), so hopefully you are able to get up to speed fairly quickly!

One of my brother-in-laws is heading south on Monday to attend basic for the National Guard, he's very excited for it. Best of luck to you in your (99% sure) new journey!

Oh exciting Loralie!!! ::HUGS:: Best of luck!

Congrats Loralie!! How exciting!!

I'm scared to death, but excited as well. With everything that has happened in my life the last 6 months, it's time for a change. I'll make a final decision next week.

Loralie - Congratulations! Thank you for making the choice to serve our country!

OK... made it until Saturday night and then had a coke with dinner. But, I was having about a coke everyday... so improvement. I had one on Sunday too :-( but planning on letting go again. We made fresh ice tea to put in the fridge and I have a water bottle of it with me to have with lunch.

Loralie....AWESOME!!!!!

Basil (hope you dont mind that I always think of Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes when I see your name)...But I digress.
Basil, No soda is always best, but if you are going to cheat with on or two on the weekends. Forget the Diet and see if you can find any of the ones that are made with cane sugar. They are prevalent here. INMHO they are better for you than either regular or diet Coke/Dr. Pepper/Pepsi/Whateva......
None is still better, but a cheat soda on your cheat day will not kill you.
I should mention that even though I am a big supperter of the cheat day. There are a small number of extremely eddictive personality types that cannot do this. For those that are truly addicted to soda, they have to quit. There is no "recreational use" for those few.

I don't do any diet drinks... because I have a severe reaction to Aspartame. I encourage anyone out there to NOT eat or drink anything with that ingredient. It truly is nasty stuff... turns to formeldahyde in your system and your body has no way of digesting the stuff.

Just saw Diet Coke made with Splenda this weekend. Not sure about that.

Anywhooooo.........

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formaldehyde
Several European countries restrict the use of formaldehyde, including the import of formaldehyde-treated products and embalming. Starting September 2007, the European Union banned the use of formaldehyde due to its carcinogenic properties as a biocide (including embalming) under the Biocidal Products Directive (98/8/EC).

We would not wish to give the deceased cancer.

I guess I've kept my pet frog Percy for the last 42 years for nothing?

Awesome on the cokes, basil. (I'm in the south, everything is a coke here.) When I quit drinking cokes, I went to sweet tea, then half & half tea. Now I'm stictly water, and feeling great. So stick with it, and you'll kick the coke habit soon.

Also, to report, I weighed myself this morning and was down to 219.8 in my b-day suit....which means I met my first goal. Yay me! I've also noticed that I'm losing inches/toning up so even though my weight is still high, I'm confident it's because I've added muscle.

New goal, to get below 210.

so if you drink diet sodas, you'll die sooner but be well preserved?

ETA: I fell off the health wagon over the holidays and put back on nearly half of what I'd lost in the preceding months. As of today, I'm back to tracking everything with DailyBurn.

Congrats Dani!!! And you are SO smart to set baby step goals. I tend to see the whole picture and get discouraged... need to change that trait!

Definitely change that trait - otherwise it's too easy to give up. You're doing great so far basil - and keep it up!!

You got it RR!!! You did it before, so just dust yourself off and start again!

if you "must" drink a soda, go with the 7 ounce can instead of the twelve or 16 (or larger) variety...

Or learn to enjoy the refreshment of sparkling water!

I do this but then drink the whole six pack

I also tried this with bite sized candy bars

7 ounce sodas come in 8-packs, not 6...

I'm dieting

I'm with all of you. 2012 seemed like year of proverbial "Chinese Water Torture" for me, but now I've got a new job and must change my routines. The idea that the weight came on slow, so the change will be slow, is great. You BOLers may be my support group!

I gave up pop on July 27 after I got some health results from my life insurance exam! I dropped 4 pounds immedialely the first week. I am at a hurdle of 10 pounds now and can't seem to get over it. Overall, I am happy with the 10 pounds. I was drinking a 32 oz everyday of pop. Once I stopped with it, I felt SO much better. I was less tired and had more energy. I turned to sparkling water when I craved a pop...I just wanted the fizz. I don't even drink those now. Mainly water and maybe a tea once a week.

I have never thought of sparkling water... and I do think it is the fizz I am looking for when I drink a soda. I might try that.

It helped both me and my wife. I think it works as long as all you are wanting is the fizz.

There is always Alka-seltzer!

and waste 5 calories?

let us not forget that 313mg of sodium is 13% or the RDA

Wardrobe is changing almost every month now. I put on a pair of pants this morning that were tight fitting at Thanksgiving, and they were too loose - especially in the derriere!

So those go into the Goodwill sack. Pant size is now 8 with one "curvy fit" size 6 pair!

Size 4 - here I come!

And now I have to tell Lane Bryant they can QUIT sending me their catalog. All of their clothes are TOO BIG for me!

YAY!!!!

::high five::

Awesome news Romeo... can't wait until I can do the same!

Be proud and show that off PR!!
Sart looking for good thrift and resale shops! We have great ones here. But you can build your new smaller wardrobe for a LOT less money.
I have brand new clothes that I picked up at these stores for next to nothing ($1200 suit for $10, $75-$100 jeans for $6). It takes a while to find the good ones, but its worth it.

Just a tip- I take turmeric capsules almost every day. Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory, so it reduces the daily pain I have from some very old injuries without damaging my organs the way ibuprofen does. I used to complain about working out because I was in so much pain...now I don't have that excuse anymore.

I don't know if it will help those with arthritis or RA, but it might. If you are interested, it is hard to find in the stores but you can find it online.

Good hint! I'll check on it!

PS
Your dog is staring at me!

Thanks - although in Southern California there are a LOT of thin gals who do the same so finding good items in the Thrifts is a challenge. Having said that, TJ Maxx and Ross, as well as JCP on a one-day sale, have some awesome bargains!

KTW... thanks so much for the idea. I do my best not to take too much ibuprofen because of those issues, so anything else I am willing to try.

I will check local health food stores, but in the meantime - is there a trusted site you use?

I had my first weigh in at Weight Watchers today. I lost 2.7 pounds!!! I am so excited! Thanks to my BOL buddies I am on the right path. Keep posting your tips, success stories and suggestions! You are all motivating me to make this lifestyle change!

Woohoo!

You guys are doing AWESOME!! Love the support system here too! Examiners on site make it hard for me not to binge.....

Dont binge on examiners!!
Eating even one will make you sick as he11!!!

But they are tasty when deep-fried and dipped in chocolate...

No! They are pure concentrated evil! It's like taking a stick of lard, rolling it in sugar, deep frying it, coating it in whipped cream (the real, fatty stuff), then dousing it with syrup!


::Sits and waits for Peepers to bust down the door trying to get a few::

Okay, now you're just trying to get examiners killed....

If you wrap that in bacon you got me!!! LOL!!

Seriously, this one needed a spew warning

See, told you not to eat one!!!

::drops this off in WI State Fair suggestion box::

LOL Yeah, I was glad I had just put my coffee down before reading this. Bazinga!

ARG!! I had a meeting with the AF recruiter yesterday to get everything started... or at least i thought i did. His office is 90 mins away, i drove all the way down there just to find out that i didn't get a voicemail he left me and he was home with his sick kid. 3 hours of driving- WASTED.

However, i have worked out the last 2 days, and plan on doing so again tonight... I wish i could do it at the same time everyday, but with my schedule it just isn't possible. at least i'm doing it- But D@*^ I HURT.

Pain is weakness leaving the body!

Drop and give me 50!

Sorry, I've only got a 10, three ones, a quarter, and some lint.

That's fine, you can owe me the rest


Today we had a weigh-in as part of our wellness program. The initial one was the week before Thanksgiving, this was the final. The goal was to gain no more than 2 pounds over the holidays. It gets a surprising amount of participation, though still only about 1/3 of the staff. Surprised at how well most people did! I personally failed, surely because I put on a pound or two of muscle over that time...maybe.

I think that is great that you guys get that much participation Matt! (I dont worry about yours. A week of solid runs and you will be where you want)
My scale did not move over the holidays. Which is nice except that I need to be 6-8 pounds lighter before all my races start. I've got one every other weekend starting saturday. But the first big one isn't until March. No more prime rib for me.

A week solid, running is more like it I'd need to burn about 10,000 calories to hit my original number, so 14-15 miles a day!

I think it's just a difference in water mostly. 7 weeks ago it was still in the 40's or better and I was sweating a lot more on my runs. Now I'm happy above 20 and really not losing much of any water weight over a run. That and I have gotten back to strength training in the last month as I shifted to more indoor exercise, so there is a small chance of muscle related weight gain.

Everything has its season. The important thing is that you are are adapting your workouts to the conditions that you have, not giving up on them because of the condidtions that you have.
Like it or not, you have developed a habit.

Had to axe my speed day, too hard on the lungs to do intervals in <15 degree temps . 3 run, 3 weight/cross-training days.

February or so starts the real race training, if I want to do a half marathon at the end of April, then the TM in May! I haven't seen you sign up yet, but I'm sure it's coming.

My first DU is in March. I may be roped into a 1/2 in April and yes, I may be in for the TM.....
But you may need to end the info for that again. Its the 18/19th right?

Race is the 18th, yes sir. I've got 2 making the trip with me so far, and then hopefully a couple of the locals will make the decision to join us, once they get off the fence about it! I won't say who, but he/she/they might be Mr & Mrs Mani

Bring the Ms. with you too!

Of this i am aware, but as i told my workout partner- I'm still gonna complain about it.

As a coach once told me "B*&$^ing burns calories, better save those for your legs!"

Drive twice as fast so the 3hr drive will only be 1.5

lol- it's 1.5 hours one way, and that is driving 10-15 over the speed limit as it is. He's supossed to be coming here next time. Which, Why he didn't do that to begin with i'm not sure, but whatever.

Overcome! Adapt! Improvise!
No wait...that's Marines.

2013 WILL be the year...I just signed up for my first 10K! And what a great one, the Cooper River Bridge Run in beautiful Charleston, SC!

Now to get race ready by April 6...this is where I will need BOL motivation. I downloaded a 10k training app, but I'm nervous I won't be ready in time. Any tips/training advice from the runners out there?

How much/far are you running right now, Quatro?

Rest, eat right, dont skip runs.
Understand that there will be days you dont want to run. Run anyway, because those will be the days that you will feel the best about you!
Understand that you will have bad runs. But those are the runs that make the good ones feel so good!

Last year I did the C25K program, completed that...and then the holidays hit and I stopped running. Boo to me, I know. So to answer your question mani, I don't really know how much/far I am running right now. According to the 10K app calendar, if I run every other day, the very last run/workout will be the day of the actual race. Thought that was a pretty sweet coincidence. The app looks just like the C25K program with a gradual increase in time/distance.

Thanks, bbb! Making myself run when I don't want to will be the hardest part.

BTW, my Weimaraner is thrilled I am running again!

Quatro, I got a great mental of the Weimeraner!
::Jumping up and down::...Lets go run!Lets go run!Lets go run!Lets go run!Lets go run!Lets go run!Lets go run!Lets go run!

If you were able to complete the C25k program... I bet you'd be able to do this one. I was just curious if you were starting from nothing (as in, haven't run in 10 years) or were already running periodically on your own.

"Rest, eat right, dont skip runs." Yes.
Make sure you have good shoes.

Best of luck to you!

A wise man once told me: If you can run a 5k, you can run a marathon. It's all mental.

its like you've met her before or something...

BBB?

It's very much mental, though of course your joints etc. do need to stay together. Do it right and you can do anything though!

Joints are way overated. I only have one or two left and I manage.

Basil- Sorry for the delay in a response. If you do a Google search for Puritans Pride- that is the site I use to order vitamins and such. They have great deals all the time.

I hope it (turmeric) works for you. I swear by it, but I am sure it works differently for everyone.

New sneaker weekend! I just got a fancy new pair of Brooks Glycerins (since the 8 miles I did yesterday made me want to tear my feet off, I figure the old Asics Cumulus' are overdue for the graveyard.) I'll break them in on some short runs (and trade off with my old Scotts, which survived so much better than the Asics.)

I have to really start working on my mileage, since the Shamrock run is in only 10 weeks... Half-marathon here I come!

I wish I could run well in Newton's. Lots of the people that use them are getting 1500-1600 miles out of them! Thats 3 times what I get out of any of mine.
<<<< Closet looks like a running shoe store.

I failed miserably this weekend... too much stress!

Waiting for the bandwagon to come along, so I can jump back on.....

I received a FB message from a guy who has been a friend since early childhood. Like me, he's basically a lifelong non-athlete. He said learning that I ran a few 5K races last year inspired him. He's now training for his first 5K. He's up to 2.5 miles. It made it easier for me to get up early and run today.

This made me feel lazy: I have a girlfriend who just ran her first marathon, and this weekend I saw that her MOTHER just registered for her first half marathon! I was like, awww iFAIL.

But her mom is what, 45? Not that old! You're working up your distances, and doing what you want to do. Not everybody's destined to do the long stuff, you have to want to get there before you ever start training to get there. If you want it, you can get it.

I just have some more Little Debbie snack cakes when I feel this way, it helps me cope.

Try 60.

In other words you run well for your age

Brain, That is great!!! I always say that one of the best things about getting into shape is that you never know whose life you may influence. It may be one of the best parts!!

For Basil and Mani, In a sense we all fall off the wagon after every run or every workout and after every meal. Each time is a new challenge to overcome. Just jump back on. It's sooo much better than beating yourself up.

What do you guys do when it's to cold/nasty to run outside and you don't have access to a treadmill? so far i've continued doing my stretches and the other exercises in my "routine" but the running is where i really need the help. i get winded so easily!!

I've been running outside (temps in the 20's, windchill single digits to teens), but its because I still have races going on and they are outside. Cold air is definitely tougher when breathing heavily. For me, its all about wearing the righ layers. I wear only tech cloth and its in layers (three up top, two below).
Top - tech cloth, skin tight tee. Underarmour coldgear long sleeve and a New balance running jacket that just keeps wind out.
Botton - nike compression shorts and underarmour coldgear running tights
Hat - Livestrong fleece
Gloves - New ablance running mittens
feet - smartwool running socks

I also have other Nike and Hind running gear.
I find a lot of my stuff at Marshall's for cheap! $10-$20 for the tights. $7-$10

lol- Good for you BB- But yea, it's been below freezing with windchills of 1. ;p I'm a big arse baby, so aint gonna happen. at least not yet.

Are there any park district classes you could sign up for during the winter months? They are usually pretty well priced if you are in their district.

To paraphrase a quote from a crazy person: It's never too cold to run, you just have insufficient running gear.

I've stayed outside as much as possible. The cold (same temps as Loralie's experiencing) doesn't get in my way, as long as the conditions are safe enough to run in. Snow is okay, but still plenty dangerous. Ice is a no-no, but I'll deal with some.

Saturday was windy as heck and my eyes wouldn't stop watering/freezing. I did 3 outside and came in for another 4. If you have no treadmill access, that definitely gets in your way. There are other cardio routines you can do for cross-training purpose, but there's really no decent way to train for running that doesn't involve running. You can always look at things like jumping rope too though.

Does your new bank have any discounts available with local gyms or the YMCA maybe? If you haven't considered this, ask around. We get half off at one of the bigger local ones here, that includes some 24 hour places too so lots of people take advantage of that.

Loralie, its really hard to do something that takes the place of running for "getting your wind", but you can do things that will help a lot! Silly as it sounds, good ole Jumping jacks done for 10 minutes at a time will help, a jump rope will help, squat thrusts, burpees, running in place....all of these are good. You can do combos too. Its just about engaging lots of large muscle groups for 30 minutes.

Matt, i got some yellow, wrap around shooting glasses for running at night and in low light condidtions (last night I passed a guy in goggles). It really helps with the watering eye thing.

Nice paraphrase, BTW

A wise man once told me, don't run unless someone is chasing you, or you are chasing someone else!

I usually have sunglasses on. They help to some extent, but it was all cross-wind and was doing me no good at all. Additionally, I fog them up pretty terribly when huffing and puffing along, so I occasionally go blind as well I've considered other options, but not really gone after it like I should.

I can identify with Loralie on the cold weather. Because I don't usually run outside, it would be really hard to just start running outside all of a sudden, especially when it's like 10F and windy. I know that I need time to adjust, to work my way down to those temperatures (as in, start when the weather is nice and keep going as it cools off).

A wise man said in a movie if you can dodge a wrench you can dodge a ball.

in my younger days I used to rollerblade at the beach in 10 degree weather. I found it was better than 95. The wind and not the cold was the issue. It is all in the layers and to keep moving. I would not reccomend it for new to outdoor. you need to build up to it

That's exactly my problem. I need to adjust to the cool weather, but don't have the time.

As far as your other suggestions, they are offering discounts to the local YMCA- but it's still more than i can afford- which sucks, cause i'd love to have access to a gym



Thanks- These will hopefuly help!! but i HATE HATE HATE Burpees with a passion. not doing those unless i'm forced. lol Jumping jacks and jump rope will help... when my downstairs neighbor isn't home!! lol

I second that.

I race people, using agreed upon stakes. It's like racing for pink slips, but instead of walking home without a car, you might be walking home in 10 degree temps with no pants

Great motivation to go fast!

For you, or for them? :p

A woman walks into her home after work. Its dark and just as she reaches for the light she hears the hammer lock back on a pistol and then a voice, "Down on floor!" She complies, but as soon as she hits the floor she is told to get back up. As soon as she is up the gunman tells her to hit the floor again! Over and over, the gun weilding fiend forces to repeat it again and again untill she thinks her heart will burst! Just as she thinks she may pass out, her husband hands her the gun and says, "Here, now you make me do the burpees!"

^^^ BBB's version of foreplay




For everyone! That's the beauty of it.

OK, now I gotta know - what's a burpee?

Aka Squat Thrusts. Standing up, drop down to a crouch, legs back to a push-up position, back to a crouch, stand/jump up. Repeat until you either fall over or run out of time

http://www.burpee.com/

um, yeah...those sound like fun.

Or, until the gun-wielding fiend puts the gun down

Variation on an old "cowboy joke"...
A cowboy wanders into a small saloon in a dinky little town in the middle of nowhere. He is imediately set upon by a crazed man pointing Colt in his face. The wild eyed man shoves a shot glass towards him and yell's "DRINK IT!". The cowboy takes the shot glass, closes his eyes and shoots down the liquid. He looks up and says, "Holy he11, thats the worst whiskey I ever tasted!" The crazed man says, "I know! Now you take the gun and make me drink it!"
geeze I crack me up!

it's what you get from chugging a two liter of Coke

I can't stand these, and my knees don't like them either.

My trainer makes me do something similar--bear walks/body walks (that's what she calls them). I find them much easier than burpees/squat thrusts. You plant your feet, then bend down to your hands and walk your body out on your hands to a plank position, hold for 2-5 seconds (whatever you can handle), then walk back up on your hands to a standing position. Repeat.....just keep your core tight the whole time.

I've been doing the Insanity videos and they have Suicide drills that are like a burpee with pushups and an 8 count "run" in the middle. Hate is not a strong enough word to describe how I feel about them, especially when I'm already gasping for air in the middle of an interval.

^^ Those are great!

Great, like when you're getting your keys out in the grocery store parking lot and they fall out. But, instead of just landing on the ground, they manage to fall under the car parked nearest you. Then when your digging around under there, you look up and there's a woman staring oddly at you and you realize the car is running and her kids are in there. You jump up startled and hit the muffler with your arm, burning yourself. She has a can of pepper spray out, you're cussing about the burn and she just starts spraying you!

Great.

That SAME thing happened to me!!! (said no one ever) Sorry - couldn't help myself.

That's why I love, love, love the Lexus Fob. I never have to dig through my purse or pockets for a key. I just walk up and the car unlocks itself for me.

I had a remote for one of my cars once, it was nice. I almost got one installed as a Christmas present with a remote start, but then I didn't.

Did my first bodypump class at Gold's last night. It was fun but there is something diabolically wrong with 5 minutes of squats!

Love bodypump! My excitement for yesterday was my gym got new bodypump weights in. We now use the official Les Mills Body Pump bars and weights. Pretty fancy!

OMG. I did weights and some extra stuff Monday night to make up for the fact that I wasn't running. I hurt bad today. There's this line under my chest (about where my bra hits) that hurts the most.

We measured at the gym last night. I'm only down about another pound, but I lost a total of 4 inches off my measurements! Woo-hoo! Down a total of 1 inch in the chest, 3 in the waist, 1.5 in the hip, and 1 in the calf since I started back to the gym. I was feeling discouraged because my weight wasn't coming down, but after the measuements, I feel much better. If my measurements keep going down, eventually the scale will too!

Be sure to stretch and drink extra water today Loralie. It will help with the soreness.

::high five::

Awesome Dani!

Loralie - Dani is dead on with the water and stretching, also if you do an intense workout - try to give your body a protein that same day and the next. Learned that one jumping into kettlebells!

Bananas help with cramping as well.

I weighed in today and lost .8 so far I have lost 3.6 pounds in the last 2 weeks! I just knew I had gained some weight because that Klondike bar was calling my name and I couldn't resist! It was sooo good but I just wonder how much I would have lost if I hadn't eaten it! I did go back to the gym today even though I wanted to skip and grab a burger! I got out of my routine this week because of Winter Storm Helen- snow and ice makes me lazy and hungry! Something about Spring and Summer gets me motivated knowing swimsuit season is quickly approaching! Glad I have you guys for motivation and to keep me on the right track!

Just bought two SIZE 6 pants last week!

Heather and PR...BOOYAH!!!
Weigh to go!!! (see what I did there)

Way to go you guys!!

So glad to hear all the success on this page! Awesome to each and every one of you!!!!!

Groan...., but thanks!

Way to Go PR! I want to fit in a size 6! Must stay strong and eat apples instead of ice cream!!

Heather - I have some frozen greek yogurt that's pretty good, too - and 100 calories a serving.

I've been working fairly hard for the past couple of weeks to eat better and start exercising. I want to lose 10 pounds or so. I have RA and exercising can be difficult, but I've been diligent. I tend to try too hard and then hurt myself - and then I quit. I'm walking on the treadmill 3 days a week and working out on other equipment 3 days a week or so.

And then last night my husband makes homemade toll house cookies. I had 1/2 of one.

Skittles, have you tried swimming? It's supposed to be easier on the joints, and doing laps burns tons of calories.

Skittles - I think it's ok to cheat every now and again but for some reason once I start cheating the temptation is so much stronger to do it again!

I am trying to watch what I eat and go to the gym 5 days a week. I keep telling myself nothing tastes as good as skinny feels. If I can just see a result by swimsuit season all of this hardwork and effort will pay off! Just knowing I have you guys to talk to and confess my faults and get encouragement makes all the difference!

A lot of you are discovering something that has been said over and over..."If this were easy, everyone would do it." So every time that you have a victory in decision making (that would be everytime you exercise or eat right), you need to be very proud of yourself! Because it is hard and not everyone can do it!
I really want you to think about that, you are doing something that only about 30% of the American population even attempts and probabably only about 3% actually do for any real period of time.
According to most studies, more people have a college degree than workout. Realize that you are part of a unique set and that what you are doing benefits not only you, but others. Your family sees what you do and they learn. And believe me when I tell you, at least one person that you have no awareness of is going to be affected by your improvements.
Passing along a fit lifestyle to someone else is a wonderful gift!

I try to do at least ten situps a day- When i actually workout, i'll do as many as i can for 2 mins (as well as other things of course), but there are days where it's really hard to find the time to do a full workout, so if nothing else i'll do those ten right before bed. and everyday they get a tiny bit easier, and a tiny bit faster.

This past year has been amazing for me. One year ago, my size 18 clothes were getting tight. Now my closet has size 8 and a couple of size 6 clothes and when I reach my goal, I should be about a size 4.

What brought this about was a complete revision of how I think about food. I think about food as the fuel necessary to keep my body going and not as a reward. I broke my addiction to sugar, refined flour and simple carbs. If I have a snack, I will have an apple, a piece of string cheese, an ounce of nuts or even some beef jerky instead of a candy bar, cookie or pastry. I do credit the cinnamon and coconut oil for helping me turn all of that around.

My scale is stuck. It's been on 190 for weeks, plus or minus 1. I either need to work out harder and longer, or cut calories, which might mean less beer.

So today, instead of my usual 3.1 miles on the treadmill, I ran 4.5 . The treadmill said I burned 700 calories. That's five Schlafly Pale Ales. I'm set for watching Sunday football.

I either need to work out harder and longer, or cut calories, which might mean less beer.

have you tried keeping the beer in the cupholder on the treadmill?

Now to be helpful tape the calorie count for the beer on the treadmill.

PR - Thats is AMAZING! Well done and there needs to be some size 4 bikinis in that closet!
Brain - You are right on the beer. Alcohol is a double whammy, its almost impossible to lose weight and drink alcohol at the same time...bummer.
Odd - Yes, you do that. But do it quietly and try not to disturb the others.

We need to reign in how we celebrate birthdays around here. It's terrible! Today we lumped together 4 of them, 3 IT guys and our head of indirect and are having Man Food day.

2 crocks of pulled pork for sandwiches, wings, cocktail weenies, bacon mac n cheese, several chips/crackers and dips, just a bad bad day to be sitting in line of sight/smell of the food, and walking by it every time I leave my desk.

USE THE FORCE MATT!

To...bring the food to me so I don't have to go to it?

Or you could telelkinetically smash Yoda in the face with cocktail weenies! (but I'd save the pulled pork)

Throw in deer sausage and toasted ravioli, and you have HEAVEN.

Guess who's idea the pulled pork was?

I'll freely admit that I phoned a friend (metaphorically at least) who I knew would be a good resource for "man food"

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Yeah, they probably didn't wash their hands when preparing the food. Oh...wait...that wouldn't bother you...I got nuttin'....succumb.....

Seriously. Some tellers want to handle icky stripper cash, then come on up and grab some food without washing their hands? I don't even care! I'll have them make me a sandwich and hand it to me!

Tales of my lack of concern for cleanliness are greatly exaggerated, mostly to mess with you.

I think it is hilarious that almost every banker I know - including me - has used/uses this example. Even though 80% of banks likely don't have a stripper or a strip club as a customer.

lol- I go through more hand sanitizer then anyone else behind this teller line. It's kinda rediculous. but as much as i love my job, money is just NASTY.

Oh for sure. When I see a child - or God forbid a grown up - stick money in their mouth like it is a third hadn...it makes me physically sick.

They have to bank somewhere. You may not know but that one very conservativly dressed customer...

Had a customer come in yesterday at the same time as one of our more... pundgent customers was leaving. He heard the teller say something about her money smelling - Which started a whole conversation about how he never realized money could be "smelly".

And I work with NEWTs, so alot of our money is pundgent.

**beagles needs brain floss to stop visually guessing which ones in her head**

NEWTs?

North End White Trash.

Not a nice term, but entirely fitting for the area my branch is in. For example, the empty bottle of vodka that was found next to the atm yesterday. Or the crazy lady who walked into our drivethru yesterday with a stack of baseball cards as big as her arm who left because she didn't feel like geiving us her ID and we had NO idea who she was.

Had a long time customer explain the cash.

Singles and fives get recycled back to the bar as they (the bar) do not wish to pay a fee for them
Large bills go to the owners

the rest can be deposited.

sounds like any tuesday at one of my old branches

lol- technically, it was a thursday, but yea. that was just yesterday.

It's bad when each teller has their own bottle of Air Freshener to spray after certain customers leaves.

Honestly, it was top of mind because of a situation earlier today. She was telling collections that she was behind on her loan because people just don't come to the clubs like usual during the holidays, but it will pick up soon when tax returns are going out! Of course I had to pull up her account and take a look at the ID... I don't think the seasonal business cycle is her biggest issue

Considering that I've been told that I would be a hot stripper if I ever decided to get into that field, it's my understanding that most strippers are not that great looking or thin.....

Try working across the street from a horse racetrack

How you doin??

I'm not quite sure how someone justifies bringing that up to another person...but oh well!

And to bring the thread back full circle- Has anyone tried/seen those pole-dancing for exercise classes? I think it looks like alot of fun, though i'm not nearly coordinated enough to do it. lol I've heard it's really hard and works all sorts of muscles that you don't even realize.

Matt, it was someone I know very well and somehow we had gotten on the topic of strip clubs.

Loralie, they used to have a class here at my gym. The peeps that did take the class said it was awesome. I never tried it....no way was I going to try that when the room had windows for the roiders to watch me make a fool of myself....plus I would probably have broken something i didn't realize I had. I've also heard that belly dancing is an awesome workout.

Super excited this morning....had my official weigh in at the gym last night. I'm down 5 pounds off of my gym weight from last week (fully clothed with shoes) and have officially broken 220! Hoping to do just as well this week on my eating and workouts so that scale moves some more next week!

Hope everyone has been having a good week!

That's fantastic Dani! Keep up the great work.

Way to go Dani!! That's wonderful!!! Do it to it!!

We have two girls at the Bank that do the pole dancing classes. I'm not sure if it was for the workout, for seducing their husbands or as training for a backup career..but it works!
If you want to see how its really done, youtube Jenyne Butterfly. Its not dirty, just an incredible athlete.

forget it then

Peeps, your imagination will fill in the holes.....

Pole dancing can be bruising and dangerous if you try the wrong move and come crashing down on your head!

Pole dancing would be the death of me. I can barely stay on a treadmill without falling on my face.

You could easily say the same thing about dancing or even walking for some folks I know....

I do not see how a waltz from the music of Chopin can be so dangerious.

Clearly you've never stepped on the edge of someone's dress and have her fall over. True, you don't get injured from the fall, but when she gets up, you better have a head start or she's going to pummel you!

So, you're going for hourglass weight loss? LOL

I ran into the front of the treadmill twice yesterday. I was staring through the glass wall of the gym out at farm fields and listening to music, and I guess my pace got faster than the treadmill. I guess that better than getting tossed off the back.

Heck yeah! Hourglass all the way....beats my current (soon to be former) pear shape.

AWESOME!!! Keep it up you are doing great!!

I saw a program on public television with a Dr. Fuhrman(?). He has a book called 3 ways to improve your life (or something like that) and it basically boils down to eating a lot more veggies, fruits and nuts and less meat, dairy, carbs, etc. It was a well presented common sense approach to better health. I started eating salads at lunch and am trying to stay away from the cakes, cookies, etc that I personally think should be one of the four basic food groups LOL. Just by watching what you eat you will loose weight and start to feel better. A friend of ours was grossly overweight, bad knees, bad back and pre-diabetic. He changed his diet, lost about 100 pounds and now walks several miles a day and recently started lifting weights. Did I mention he will be 60 this year? As everyone has mentioned, do not think of it as a diet but rather a lifestyle change for a healthier better you.
Best of luck on your journey - I have confidence that you can do it!

madukes,.... good luck with your changes as well. Did you end up reading his book too/would you recommend it?

A week from today is my ASVAB & Physical for the Air Force- and since i've started working out and eating a little healthier (and lowering my soda intake) in an attempt to get ready for MEPS- I've lost 7 lbs. super excited!

Woo-hoo Loralie!!!!

Yay Loralie! Keep knocking the evil out of your diet (soda be evil) and you will keep loosing. Great job!

::high five:: Loralie! You are doing amazing things!

I am fairly pleased with how I'm progressing. I want to lose a total of about 10 pounds. I've been exercising (treadmill & elliptical) for about 3 weeks now and doing lat pulldowns and using the roman chair about 3 days a week also. I'm also trying to eat healthier most of the time. I tend to slack off some on weekends.

I'm down about 2.5 pounds now; however I can tell a big difference in how my pants fit. They seem to be looser than 3 weeks about.

I know for some 10 pounds isn't a lot. I have always been small; however age and love of chocolate got the better of me. I don't want or need to get back to where I was when I was in my 20's; but I'll feel better about myself and be healthier if I can shed this excess weight. It will probably help my RA also.

Way to go Loralie!!! Actually - way to go everybody.

Great job Skittles! Keep up the good work!

So the conventional wisdom from all y'all's posts is that this is indeed the year!

I weighed in today and lost .8 for a total of 4.2 pounds! I am super excited because I haven't been motivated to eat right or exercise much in the last few days. It is a slow race but hopefully at the end it will be worth it!

I think I have reached a weight plateau this month as the scale has only gone down a pound since I started my personal training sessions. But the PT did a body fat measurement using calipers when I first started, and did another measurement on Sunday and said that I have lost 1% body fat this month. I was at 25%BF and now am at 24%. However, I don't think the BF measurement includes "the girls." So I am still looking to lose another 30 pounds.

My new pants are also fitting a little looser so I am going to try and not obsess on the scale for the next couple of week and focus on my exercise and how my clothes are fitting.

Just remember that when you are doing personal training, they are helping you build muscle, which weighs more than fat. As long as your measurements are declining in the right areas, don't sweat the number on the scale.

BTW, I was only able to workout one day since my last weighin a week and a half ago. We weighed in last night on my first day back in over a week, and I'm down another 1.5 pounds. Woo-hoo. Now to get back to work and exercise!

PR, its really hard not to obsess on the numbers thing, especially if you are a numbers person. But The scale is just one in a large series that have meaning. % of bodyfat is another. And yes the boobsie twins are made mostly of fat, but the equation that your PT is using should allow for that. They typically shrink in relation to the rest of your body.
Stick with how your clothes fit, how you feel and what the mirror tells you. If all these things are in line, the scale will eventually move and you and your mirror will get to be good friends.

Took measurements on Sunday - Lost inches in my waist and hips, biceps are the same but the calipers show muscle gain over fat. I can now leg press my own body weight, and next week we start on free weights. I cannot believe the change in my upper thighs. A year ago they were very "jiggly" and now they are rock hard!

Scale is being a stubborn little *****. I'm going to ignore until Sunday.

What is also interesting is with all of the supplements I am taking, the gray seems to be slowing down a little. I have not colored my hair since September, and I took this
photo today

Did I mention I got carded for beer a couple of weeks ago? I think the clerk was just being nice, but I'll take it!

MEPS was yesterday. I passed my physical, and killed the ASVAB so i'm officially joining the AFR. I got my 2nd 1st choice job (i don't qualify for my 1st first choice until later) and i leave for BMT in May.

excited, but also kinda freaking out! So, starting the Couch to 5k program this week. Heres to hoping i can get where i need to be before basic!!

AWESOME Loralie!!!

My brother-in-law is in basic right now for the National Guard. He's in really good shape, 21 years old, ran the Chicago marathon last year, etc. He's losing his mind sitting around all the time at basic, mad that he's not getting nearly as much exercise as he'd get at home. The longest jog they've done in the first 3 weeks was 2 miles. He was amazed at the number of people that couldn't even do 10 push-ups (18-20 year old boys).

Not to discount the difficulty of these things, but just trying to point out that you shouldn't stress about it too much. Get your fitness level up, you'll definitely be glad you did, but you don't need to be able to do a 21 minute 5k or anything crazy like that

Also, congratulations on passing and in the job selection. Might I ask what the choice is, or if you told me would you have to kill me??

Way to go Loralie!!

I found this amusing considering the poster's own age

I'm amazed you can read the tiny type, considering your age! You probably use a screen magnifier though

Perhaps he has the screen resolution set to 800x600?

If so, I have a computer loaded with Windows 3.1 and a big 'ol CRT sitting in the garage he can have.

My first first choice is Chaplains Assistant. But you have to be "prior service" to get it- so basically, i go make nicey nice with the chaplain as soon as i get sworn in, and if he likes me then he'll hold the open spot for me till i get out of Tech School. Here's hoping that's what happenes. In the meantime I'm doing Medical Materials (AKA supply clerk for the hospital -so basically inventory) but it seems fairly easy, and had the shortest tech school so I won't be gone from my daughter that long.

and a 2 mile jog will kill me right now!!

::bonks Matt with EZ Eyes™ keyboard::

Turd....

Gosh I hope that's been properly sanitized!


Good luck with your choices Loralie! And you'll be able to build to 2 miles with relative ease, no worries. Doing it in combat boots...that might be a different story

Congrats Loralie!! Remember to pm if you wants some ideas and tips for basic. Do you know where that tech school is located? If you stay in the San Antonio area, I will be more than happy to cook you a home-cooked meal or two during tech school. I will give you my info (pm) so you can write me you unit info so I can hit your graduation!!

How's everyone doing? I weighed at home this morning and am half a pound shy of my short term goal of under 210. Haven't worked out in a week and a half, but still losing.

Keep up the hard work everybody!

And way to go Loralie!

Way to go Dani! Stair-stepped goals are great, and do wonders for keeping you motivated.

I have pretty much stopped weighing, it's not doing anything useful for me these days. Unlike summer when my runs cause me to lose 3-5 pounds and I need to pay attention to it for water intake needs, winter runs don't seem to do much of anything numerically.

I need to get some of my food habits under control again, I've been munching a lot lately, particularly between dinner and bed. I don't know if my workout changes have changed my food demands that much or what's going on there really.

Ever miss a (few) workout(s) and feel like a total blob? That's me today.

Funny - I've been walking/jogging on the treadmill 3 days a week for about 4-5 weeks now. Yesterday I got on the Wii (haven't done that for over a year) and bowled a few games and hit some home runs. You wouldn't believe how sore I am today. Eeekkkk!

Been away from the thread for a while, so I was glad to see Dani inquiring and kinda prompted me to get back into the thread. Congrats Dani!

I'm down 7 lbs, but more importantly, recently purchased pants for the expanding waistline are now too big! I'm pretty much in the routine now of running 4 days per week and bodypump class 2 days per week. I slacked off Saturday and Sunday (had a Sunday Funday) so now I feel blobish.

Good news for weight loss is the wife and I agreed to give up beer for Lent ( I know)...this might be the hardest Lent I've ever had...but should do wonders for the waistline and geting me ready for the 10k in April.

Mani--I totally feel like that. I was very surprised I had lost weight over the last week+. Was definitely from my new food habits.

Skittles--Drink lots of water and stretch today!

Quatro--Awesome news on the new wardrobe!

<<<< Flu weight reduction plan...
I dropped 6 lbs last week.
I must say that I prefer running.

Thanks - I'm very diligent on drinking water while I'm at work.

Sorry you were ill BBB1. That's a horrible way to lose weight.

My PT has been kicking my butt now that we are in the "toning" phase of the workout plan. I am now aware of muscles that I never knew I had!

But the scale was a little kinder to me on Sunday - finally showed 3 more pounds lost. I am wearing a belt today with pants I bought at Express in December - they are now a little too big in the waist but I'm not ready to toss 'em yet!

25 more pounds to go! (Or 30 if I want to push my goal out a little more.)

PR - I ordered the cinnamon capsules on Saturday. I'm hoping they help curb my cravings for sweets or pretzels, although I've been pretty good about avoiding too many snacks for the most part.

Pray tell, please continue...what are these??? I'm intrigued...

PR can fill you in more than I can. They apparently regulate your blood sugar and I may not crave sweets or bready snacks much any more. That's what I'm hoping anyway. There is a link (may be in the Weight Watcher thread) to a website to purchase these - that's what I used to order. It was $15.00 for a two month supply (you take two twice a day) plus shipping of $9.00. I figured I could spend $24.00 on myself.

Just popped in real quick to say, if you search "cinnamon" for the past couple of months, you'll find a number of posts about it.

Skittles - let me know when you get it and if you notice a difference. Most people notice right away that they don't get cravings during the day after taking it.

I'm giving them a try because I'm a sugar freak. I did notice that when I burp it's cinnamon flavored.

The man will be pooping cinnamon rolls!

I'm not a cinnamon fan, so burping it all day would be an issue. Do you take it with food? If so, have you tried refrigerating them and taking it cold? That works with some things (fish oil for instance).

Now that is a mental image that will help me avoid cinnamon rolls, and thus remain successful in my new eating habits!

That brought a smile to my face...Cinnabon anyone? It's powdered cinnamon in the capsules and it's only right after I eat and then take them. I don't burp it all day...unlike the onion in the pot roast I had for lunch yesterday....

If you really want a treat, take coconut oil capsules along with the cinnamon, then you'll be burping the equivalent of a Samoa cookie! (sans the calories!)

I too take cinnamon capsules everyday and notice an occasional small burst of cinnamon

Where was the spew alert? There's coffee all over my shirt!!!

In the old west (and still a few places today) cinniamon rolls, donuts and fritters were referred to as "bear sign", because they looked like bear poop.
True Story....

Similar to a cow pie or rocky mountain oysters.

For those from non agricultural backgrounds (or the terminaly stoopid), don't eat a cowpie if offered. Contrary to what you may have been told, they are NOT just like chicken pot pies only with cow.

Now you tell me. It took me half a bottle of ketchup to choke down that one I had in Tulsa.

Yeah...about that bottle of ketchup.....
nevermind.

Reminds me of a popular song on the Dr. Demento Show:

Moose Turd Pie

Any natural supplements that curb the craving for salt? I don't eat sweets - but salt is my weakness!

I got the cinnamon capsules yesterday and started taking them. Hopefully they will keep me out fo the wonderful cookies my husband baked on Saturday. I've fallen off of the wagon for the last 4-5 days, but today I'm back on <hopefully>.

Outside the mental part of it (we like what we like), a craving for salt could be due to an imbalance of the Sodium to Potasium levels in the body. It can also be (and this happened to me), too much water. But you really have to drink quite a bit for that to happen. I was drinking two gallon jugs a day, plus coffee or tea with meals.
As for the mental craving, it just takes time of controling your diet to be able to conquer the desire. That part is more habit than anything.

Me too.

The wagon moves slow and is never over crowded. Just hop back on.

Thanks PITA - I think it is all mental for me :-) not the first time I have been told it is all in my head. Every day it gets easier!!

As of Yesterday, I am officially a member of the United States Air Force Reserve! I was sworn in yesterday afternoon.

There was a slight change, i'm not leaving until December or January, but that's perfect for me since i have a House to Buy and a Bat Mitzvah to plan before then, and will give me time to get in shape.

Super Excited!!

Congratulations - and thanking you in advance for your service.

Big conrats to you!!!!

Not really familiar with the "Bat Mitzvah workout"...

Seriously, Serve proud!

Alright Loralie!!! Way to go!

::bows to Loralie::

Congrats, Good Luck and thank you very much for your service. I'm honored to "know" you.

lol- Especially since my daughter has decided she wants a Candy themed bat Mitzvah. ugh

Nice - congratulations! (And we planned a crazy Broadway themed Bat Mitzvah for my niece last year; pushcart food and New York CheeseCake is still haunting me!)

Hey runners - Anything other than moleskin that can be used to prevent blisters? I always seem to get a blister on one of my little toes and the moleskin is too thick and causes issues.

stop running?

But I just started back up again

Vaseline or any other petroleum jelly-type product. No personal experience, but I've read you're fine putting it on the outside of your sock in the problem area and that should solve it for you. Plenty of alternatives, Jen's suggestion is one of my favorites, but it involves a trip to an "adult" website or store to obtain

"blister on one of my little toes"

Maybe your shoes are too tight.

this is the best advice, ever!

Dr Sholls makes a small "body glide" stick, perfect for getting in between toes. The running store here just started advertising toe socks that are suppose to help prevent blisters. I haven't tried them yet but I am interested.

Go with Jen's suggestion. Trust me, nobody knows more about blisters than that girl!
Also when you arent running, you still need to treat the blister. Its a wound like any other. Neosporin or something similar and a bandage during the day and keep it clean.

::Cuts little toe off::

There. No more blisters.


I've tried the BodyGlide and that didn't help any. And the sheos are not the issue. Guess I'm off to the adult store. But how does fuzzy handcuffs prevent blisters? Jen?

Christian? Is that you?

Bwahahaha!

The "body glide" I use is silicone based. It doesn't sweat off like the water based versions.

What kind of socks are you wearing? You need 100% synthetic, NO cotton. Also, dont wash them in bleach or use fabric softner. It messes them up. (dont ask, I just trusted the ultramarathoner who told me)

Okay folks, I now have an earworm in the form of the ending of Helter Skelter when John Lennon cries "I've got blisters on me fingers!"

So - thanks for that.

And yes, I had to share.

I did invest in good running socks last year - NO cotton!


I did suffer through using moleskin on my run yesterday since I had the son with me and knew it would be a shorter run. This blister is so icky looking but not video worthy when I pop it.

I am glad the blister is not video worthy. No one should have to suffer through that. Just be sure to pop it on the kitchen counter to give Freak the heebie jeebies!

video worthy

Popped blister = new meaning to the term "Shoe Goo".

moving away from the "shoe goo" & blister topic ...I have two questions for the runners out there.

1) Has anyone ever used the knee-high compression socks, and do they work? The ones for running, not recovery.

2) With my first 10k coming up in a little over a month, does this sound smart or foolish? 5k on 3/16; 8k on 3/23 and 10k on 4/6...is that too much or do you think an 8k two weeks prior to the 10k would be a pretty good judge of where I am?

Sorry for the questions, but I am new to races and want to make sure I don't burn out, but that I am ready for the 10k in April.

It depends on how hard you run the earlier races. I know other runners who participate in races all the time but are not attempting to PR or finish in any particular time. They just enjoy the events and run most of them as they would any other training run. I on the other hand know that if I am running in a race I will run it hard so doing them that close together would not be wise for me.

Haven't tried the copression socks while running but I love the recovery ones.

I have friends that wear compression socks or sleeves but it's typically for long distances (marathons and farther). I've never worn any. Sorry.

I think your race schedule depends on your current mileage base and your goals. There is not much rest/down time in there with a race 3 our of 4 weekends.

Funny, that's how I run all my races. Competition is just not in my vocabulary, LOL.

I have the calf/shin compression sleeves. I use them for longer runs and typically leave them on for about 30 minutes after. I would say that they work pretty good.
As for your schedule, I am with the others on saying that it depends on your current schedule and what your body is used too. I just finished a series of races that were every other weekend. 5K, 8K, 10K and it was no big deal at all. I think I could have done them a week apart without a problem. But my normal miles mimick this progression.

Normal people can't gauge what their body is capable based upon what ^^ he thinks is normal though

I run every race to PR, I'm there to compete. If I want to have fun and/or relax, I'll stay in bed or play some Angry Birds. I'm not an overly competitive person, but if I'm going to do something with a clock, I'm going to race myself.

If you're running 3-6 miles multiple times per week now, then your body can likely handle that race schedule, but it depends on what pace you're working with now and how much faster you plan to go for the races too.

Don't feel bad asking questions, everyone starts at the beginning and it's far easier to learn from others than to learn it all the hard way!

Nasty girl

Usually when people say that, it's a compliment!

Bwahahaha!

But now I have Janet Jackson singing in my head. I should be fine as long as I don't spontaneously break out the dance moves!

Thanks for the quick responses everyone! I tend to be more like mani or derwood's friends...I'm not aiming to PR or stay under a certain timeframe. I guess I'm looking at the 5k and 8k more as using them as a barometer of where I am for the 10k.

Now, by this time next year, after more races under my belt, that might change and the competition bug might bite!

I am down 1 more pound - whoo hoo! If I lose 2 more pounds I will reach my 5% goal. The weight is coming off slowly but I am so glad to get out of that plateau! I have found that doing more cardio makes a difference. I started doing 2 miles on the treadmill at lunch and after 2 weeks I can see a big change in the way my clothes fit. I haven't started trying on my summer clothes yet - don't want to get discouraged but my winter clothes are getting loose! How is everybody else doing? I need to hear some inspirational stories to keep me pumped!

That is great Heather!! Slow and steady is almost always better. It tends to be more permanent. And, as you have discovered, the scale is not always indicative of everything that is going on. I would be willing to bet that the change in clothing size feels disproportionatly large compared to 1 lbs of weight loss. The scale is important but how you feel and total measurements are often more telling. Keep up the good work!!!

Way to go Heather! Slow and steady is definitely the way to go.

My trainer hurt her wrist so I haven't had any official weigh ins in almost 2 weeks. My at-home morning weight is at 207, meaning I have hit my under 210 goal! I've also been able to get into pants I haven't been able to wear in over a year. I could go down another size, but I love that loose fitting feeling on my waist...it encourages me to make them baggier.

New goal, under 200....which will probably be the hardest.

You go Dani! So smart to make a group of achievable goals that keep you in positive mind set!

Way to go Heather and Dani!! You are doing amazing!

I think I might be breaking out of the plateau..,the scale went down a pound this week. The trainer did another body fat measurement with the calipers, and if you exclude "the girls", my body fat is at 24%.

My weight is still 30 pounds above the maximum "normal" BMI, but dang - I was able to zip and button a pair of size 6 pants at Express last week! I thought the fit was just a tad too tight for now, but it was a great feeling. The size 8 pants fit amazing right now.

Both my husband and daughter noticed I have biceps and triceps and I am starting to get some definition in my abdomen. Still a long way to go, but now I am enjoying the ride.

Added a song to my cardio mix - My Sharona by the Knack. Way-back machine, here I am!

My Sharona - LOVED that song.

Congrats PR - and the rest of you. My scale was down 6.5 pounds this morning so I'm 4 pounds from my goal. In looking at myself in the mirror I may need to adjust that downward a little, but I'm pleased with my progress. Especially since my RA has not allowed me to exercise lately. My knees got terribly inflamed.

I've been to the Y for four straight days - running, weight machines, running, weight machines. I'm up three pounds this week. Something went wrong. I think I need to review what I've eaten.

And going to the Y 4 or 5 days a week has had another unexpected result: My CEO is nominating me for the YMCA board. Headslap.

PR...Rockin a 6!
There is a good motivating song in that somewhere!
Keep going PR!!

MBH, you're up because that muscle you're building weighs more than fat! That's a wonderful thing!! The more muscle you have, the more calories your body will burn!!

Keep it up!! The scale will go down eventually, the imprtant thing is that you will notice your clothes fitting differently!!

round is a shape

Bought a kettlebell over the weekend. Now I need to figure out how to use it. Also increased the weights for my triceps. I'm going to have very nicely toned arms at some point.

There are lots of kb workouts in magazine articles, on YouTube, etc. I recommend compound movements whenever possible, they will work multiple muscle groups at the same time. Example: Squat with a shoulder press. Form is everything, so don't be afraid to move slowly.

Bought jeans with a 34 waist yesterday. Last time I bought jeans with a 34 waist was 25 years ago. My wife gave me a high five when I came out of the fitting room.

::high 5::

Heck - high 10, MBH - that's fantastic!

Toe touch for MBH!

Way to go MBH!!

Are you sure it was a "high five" and not a "good game" slap on the rear??

It's a great feeling to go down in those jean sizes. At one point I was flirting with going from a 38 to a 40, not acceptable on a 5'7" guy! Haven't gotten below a 32, but at this point unless my hip bones shrink, I probably won't. Toss most of those old ones so you can't go back!

Nice, MBH! One of my goals for this riding season is to get back into my 34s, all of which are stacked in the closet and awaiting my return.

Sounds like a great excuse to buy new shoes!

Good job MBH! It's a great feeling to fold up those old "too big" pants and put them in the donation bag.


Oh no - Now the Thrift Shop song is running through my brain.

Got twenty dollars in my pocket...

!!!

Okay - so here is a "Before and After" (in progress)

This is me - one year ago wearing size 18 pants and a 2XL top:
March 2012

And this is me - yesterday - Size 8 pants and Medium top:
Yesteray - March 2013

If I can do it - ANYONE can!!!

It was also my birthday last week - not sayin' which one!

(And yes - my cat photobombed the picture yesterday!)

Wow - what an amazing transformation, PR! You must be totally psyched.

Thanks Skittles! I also feel so much better!

WOW! Nicely done!

Which one of you were talking about cinnamon as a supplement? I had a question.

That would be me - what's the question?

Yayayay!! PR!!!

What's the difference in the cinnamon you are buying online, vs what you could buy say at Walmart?

And how much are you taking each day?

I'm not buying it, PR. Those are two different women. Or one has been photoshopped.

That is amazing PR!!! What a transformation and in a years time - thanks so much for sharing- you have definitely inspired me today! Maybe we should all take 2013 pics and then post our new 2014 images! A picture says a thousand words- don't know who's quote I am stealing!

MBH - LOL!!! Thanks for the ego boost! It was that first photo that shocked me to get serious about improving my diet and fitness. Okay, and for the record, last week was my 53rd birthday.

The cinnamon I buy on-line is Ceylon cinnamon. The cinnamon you buy at Walmat will probably be Cassia (or "common" or "Chinese") cinnamon.

With respect to controlling blood sugar levels, there is not much difference between the two. However, Cassia cinnamon has a 5% concentration of coumarin which is a blood thinner. It is also an ingredient in rat poison. A large enough concentration can cause liver and kidney problems. When used as a seasoning, the coumarin content is not an issue. However, if you start taking doses, you could have issues.

Ceylon cinnamon has only a trace amount of courmarin. I purchase the Ceylon cinnamon capsules and take 4 a day - 2 in the morning and 2 in the evening.

Very curious. Thanks for the info, I saw it last night and wondered what the difference was.

Now I want to know what cinnamon is made of...off to Google.

Dried inner-bark of a couple different trees and shrubs. When it dries, it curls up into the cinnamon stick shape. Sri Lanka is probably one of the best known locations.

You should probably plant some of the trees!

Oh yeah, because the weather in MO is so much like Sri Lanka???

You're practically tropical compared to us, so sure, why not! So you may need a decent greenhouse, that's fine, you've got space to build one and plenty of free time to tend to it!

You never heard of the great Seymour Tsunami of 1892?

You two crack me up.

She wasn't around back then, unlike some people around here...

I sat with a lady today at lunch that looked eerily like Jen. It freaked me out! Especially when she was eating these huge steak fries. Twilight Zone carp going on lately.

Mmmmm...steak fries!

You're just jealous cause I learned to swim early!
Now pass te steak fries!

She wasn't as tall though, and her kids were too young. You can't fool me that easily!

I have a 1 month old now. Sure, he's a grandmonster, but I could pass him off as my own.

It has been indicated that I may be lacking as a granddad since I refer to the youngest (2 1/2) as "The Beast". Sure, she smiles and looks all cute and everything, but I can see the evil plot developing behind that smile.

No doubt you could!

If she's anything like her sisters, mother or aunt...DUH!!!

So true!!

First road race complete! 8K in the pouring rain, 42 degrees with a wind chill of 37 which may not sound bad to some of you, but that is COLD for South Carolina! ::teeth chatter::

Finished in 46:46 with a 9:25 mile pace. I am happy with that, but looking back I had some energy left that I could have put into the last mile or the sprint...oh well. Came in first in my age group (31-40), first out of two but that's not the point...first in my age group, that's what's important!

Now on to the 10K in two weeks in beautiful Charleston, SC!

Way to go Quatro! That's amazing! Be proud of first place!

Any temp in the rain stinks for a race!

I had 28 and sunny with a light wind for my 5k Saturday, more pleasant than I expected it to be. Even went without my face mask and just used a hat. I couldn't believe the number of people in shorts...good way to mess up your legs, standing around in cold for 45 minutes then running a race. Oh well though. Good start to the year!

Well done Quatro, good time, and good warm-up for the 10k!

Way to go Quatro!! I just posted my race stuff in the WW thread. I dont think it was a fit weekend for racing anywhere! My toes were numb about halfway through the race.

Thanks, Mani, Matt_B and bbb! I appreciate the encouragement. The good thing (maybe the only good thing) about raining during a race is you can always hear when someone is catching up with you! When we were done, I had to ring out my socks.

We've been there (BBB carries around two gallons of ice water and periodically douses himself just to keep it challenging!), not great to have soggy socks...or other under-things.

Keeping your under things dry on a cold wet day is a simple fix. Leave them at home!

I'm jealous of all the racing!

You'll be back in it and kicking our collective booties in no time!

I hope so!

Speaking of kicked booties, how're you feeling today??

Patience lady, patience......

We all know you have plenty of that .....

::ducks and runs::

I'm not doing too bad. Joints are intact, muscles are still a little sore. I did and easy 3 yesterday and kind of let everything losen up. Today's run will be a bit more challenging, mostly because of the 30mph wind and cold weather....again.

I care not about the condition of your "booty", sir. That was directed elsewhere!

Good luck with your run though

My arms are not quite working properly. Putting on eyeliner this morning was QUITE the chore. I shall have to do more tonight to work it out.

all this talk of cold weather...they were showing St Louis on the weather channel this morning, there was a guy running in shorts and a fleece top in the snow...he ran past the weather clown who said "i don't even know how to address why someone would be wearing shorts today".

as a youngster, i can remember runs in 30 degree weather with just shoes, shorts, and gloves, no t-shirt even, just because our track coach said it was good for us...

If it's over 35, I would go in shorts, long sleeves, hat and light gloves...that's my cut-off.


Get after it Jen! Drop and give me...10?

I'm with Matt, if the sun is shining and it's above freezing I will go in shorts.

The drop and give me 10 is funny...I didn't see that until this morning, but did 10 more burpees after my run to "loosen up" the arms last night. I really feel it today!

I'm trying to make the shorts decision for Saturday morning's 5k. Should be in the low 40s, and sun is questionable.

I wish I could have run outside more to get ready for this race. (I also hope they get the snow cleared off the bike trail we're running on.) I ran a 5K on the treadmill in 27:15, and then slowed down to stretch it to 4 miles in 35:45. Not too bad for me, but it's not the same as a race. It's also going to mean no PR if I'm that slow on Saturday.

Go with whatever's comfortable for you. Do you tend to warm up fast once you get running? I tend to be sweating within the first half mile, so I tend to dress for that. Will you be standing around a lot before start time? Might be worth warming up in pants then tossing them pre-race. I've had luck with that in the past, if I have someone to take them from me or my car is close enough.

rip them off and toss them to a spectator as a souviner

You will usually find a lot of transients along the beginning of marathons. A lot of people buy "disposable clothes" for the beginning of the race if its cold (the old wind pants with snaps or velcro down the sides are a fave) and as the warm up they just toss them.
I'm really hoping the OKC Marathon has decent weather this year. Two years ago we had a lightening delay, then hail about 1/2 way in and then the temp dropped to 28. Last year was a bit warmer but rained the whole time. This year, I figure earthquake.

Next year volcano?

So here's a joke for all of your (courtesy of Facebook):


A guy calls a company and orders their 5-day, 10 lb. weight loss program.

The next day, there's a knock on the door and there stands before him a voluptuous, athletic, 19 year old babe dressed in nothing but a pair of Nike running shoes and a sign around her neck. She introduces herself as a representative of the weight loss company. The sign reads, "If you can catch me, you can have me."

Without a second thought, he takes off after her. A few miles later huffing and puffing, he finally gives up. The same girl shows up for the next four days and the same thing happens. On the fifth day, he weighs himself and is delighted to find he has lost 10 lbs. as promised.

He calls the company and orders their 5-day/20 pound program. The next day there's a knock at the door and there stands the most stunning, beautiful, sexy woman he has ever seen in his life. She is wearing nothing but Reebok running shoes and a sign around her neck that reads, "If you catch me you can have me". Well, he's out the door after her like a shot. This girl is in excellent shape and he does his best, but no such luck. So for the next four days, the same routine happens with him gradually getting in better and better shape.

Much to his delight on the fifth day when he weighs himself, he discovers that he has lost another 20 lbs. as promised. He decides to go for broke and calls the company to order the 7-day/50 pound program

"Are you sure?" asks the representative on the phone. "This is our most rigorous program."

"Absolutely," he replies, "I haven't felt this good in years."

The next day there's a knock at the door; and when he opens it he finds a huge muscular guy standing there wearing nothing but pink running shoes and a sign around his neck that reads, "If I catch you, your A__ is mine."

He lost 63 pounds that week.

Moral of the story?

Pink shoes > Reeboks > Nikes

@ PR !

Umm...I have pink Asics.

Stop laughing, they support breast cancer..... if you hold them just right.

What's the number? I'm going to call and sign my husband up for the 50-pound plan.

::refuses to answer door::

^^^ Needs to answer the door and start running.

Compression sleeves - does anyone know how long or how often you should wear them?

I had cramping issues on the dreadmill last night and put on my compression sleeves once I got home and left them on overnight - total of maybe 9 hours. Calves feel like a million bucks today. I just don't want to cause other issues by wearing them too much or for too long.

I don't think there is an exact science with it and opinions will vary greatly.

What Jen said. It varies on individuals and how tight your sleeves are etc. I wear mine while running and usually for about an hour after. That seems to work for me. But i only use them if:
I'm having an issue with calves or shins
Its really cold
Its a long run day.

^^^ what they said.

I've been thinking about compression sleeves/socks for a while now, and have read a few forums and blogs (runnersworld.com, active.com, etc) were people say they practically live in them or will wear them for 16+ hours after marathons, tri's, etc. I've also seen forums/blogs that say they haven't noticed any considerable benefit.

I'm having pretty bad cramping today myself. Calves were dead last nigth after doing inclines and don't feel much better today. Glad to hear they actually work, might have to look into the recovery sleeves/socks.

Foods/beverages that also help with cramping:

High Potassium foods like bananas and raisins
Magnesium and Calcium rich foods like black beans, broccoli, and dairy prodcuts
Water, water, water!

(livestrong.com)

::makes note to have a banana, broccoli and black bean quesadilla for lunch and dip it in queso::

^^^You may have more issues than sore calves after that lunch!

Never tried sleeves, I'm curious, but I'm curious about a lot of things that I never get around to doing so I doubt I'll ever do it!

Do you want to tell Peepers that he needs to eat more beans?

I think the amount of meals he frequents at Taco Bell will take care of any bean deficiencies.

<--------- never cramps

I finally got some calf sleeves and I wish I would have done it sooner. I've had tight calves and dealt with a lot of cramping since my high school football days. I ran a rather hilly 15k on St. Patricks day and put the sleeves on immediatly aftward for the rest of the day and they weren't the least bit tight or sore the next day. I couldn't say the same for my quads and hamstrings though. Compression tights may be next.

Stick your fingers in your ears, turn a circle three times and spit!! Are you just trying to jinx yourself!!

One compression suit to go please...

disclaimer: this is just me being cheap, or rather, frugal

What is the difference between the running compression socks/sleeves which run around $40-$50, and the medical compression socks which run around $10-$15? Aren't both graduated compression?

I'm sure there is much more to them than that, but just wondering...

I love my compression socks! I bought a pair for my first marathon last year and they worked great. I have a tendency to kick my inner calf/shin area when running and the socks helped provide some protection. Now that I am pregnant, I wear the sleeves some days when my legs start cramping up and they seem to help.

I have both the CEP compression socks and sleeves. I bought them off amazon.

I am ready for a changeup. I need some new strength training exercises for the kettlebells.

First 10k in the books! Officially ran a 56:22 which put me at a 9:05 pace. I'm very happy with that, my goal was under an hour.

Now I know I can do it, so my new goal is to better my pace, get under a 9-minute mile, that and no walking. I took a handful of 15-second walks to grab a sip of water and catch my breath, but those walks might stop me from breaking 9-minute pace, so they gotta go!

Baby steps...

That pace, with a few walks in there especially, is definitely something to be proud of! Well done!

I train at more of a 10k distance, but aside from my plethora of 5k's, I've only done one 8k and nothing longer. I've been thinking about what to do this summer/fall, but not hard enough that I've actually started looking at what's scheduled in the area.

Way to go Quatro!!

Great job! I still walk through aid stations in anything over a 5K. Getting a drink and not choking to death is worth it, my average pace per mile holds steady even with them.

I have to walk if I'm drinking. I snort the damn stuff up my nose if I dont!

I dont do water stops on 5K's but 10K's and up, I think it is advisable to do so. Not just for safety reasons (most of our races are hot), but you will be faster if you dont run out of energy. I love runnning in the heat, but you have to prepare your body for it. Even in the cold, you dehydrate.
If you are challenging for the lead in the race, that is one thing. But other than that, is heat stroke really worth it?

Win or die trying!!!

I stopped for water in a race once...it was mostly a waste as I just ended up with more water on me than in me. I haven't bothered since. But, I don't do long distances for races so it's never really been an issue!

Awesome Quatro! I wish I had the motivation to make myself run a 5K. I get really amped to do train for one, then psyche myself out.....probably has to do with residual coach potato tendencies.

Well, my blasted scale has not moved in a month! Still need to lose 5 pounds to meet my under 200 goal. My trainer quit working at the gym I go to, so now I have a new one. I like the new one, but our schedules don't line up as well so I don't feel like I'm getting consistency on my workouts. I am still seeing changes in how my clothes fit and how I look, which is a plus, just wish my number would start to move again.

BTW, my knees no longer hurt when crouching or doing squats (YAY!) and I can do a real push up and almost go all the way to the floor! 6 months ago I could barely do a girly push-up.

Congrats, Quatro. I'm hoping to do a 10k this year, and I'd be thrilled with that time.

I tried to get water in my 5K two weekends ago, and somehow we missed the handoff. I got the cup, but the water in it went straight up and I got a nice cold shower.

@ MBH

Just stick with it Dani!!!
It is consistancy that ultimately wins this race.
If you want to run a 5K, I think that is great! But do what you like and will do over the long haul. Some people do multiple disciplines (run, bike, lift, racquetball, climbing, swimming, etc). Others stick with one thing like yoga or spinning or TRX. I suggest sticking with the trainer but trying different things. Sometimes it just takes one small change in diet or exercise to get over that hump. But you will do it!!

Dani, recently signed up the wife for a personal trainer b/c she stopped seeing results too. She would alternate daily between spin and bodypump classes, but then hit a plateau and stayed there for a couple months. She's lost 5 pounds simply by changing it up, doing something different, and having somebody kick her butt two days a week!

Thanks everybody! It felt good to do it, to prove it to myself, and even better when you hear congrats from friends who are triathletes and/or marathoners! Still trying to figure out the whole "water in the mouth not your whole face while running" thing, but like you said...a brief walk to make sure I don't choke or have heat stroke is well worth it.

MBH, sorry, but that's just funny. I was witness to quite a few missed handoffs on Saturday. Had to dodge a few as well.

Like any hand-off, practice is key. Lots of people pinch the cup to make the lip more narrow and focused, that seems to help.

Sometimes you might not want a drink but just to pour it on your head anyway! That's been my own experience at least. Just watch out for the headphones if you're wearing any

I walked my first 5K this weekend! My daughter and I finished in 50 minutes which I thought was good for our first try. I felt such a sense of accomplishment.

The sad part was that it was a benefit to raise money for Holly Bobo. Holly was abducted from her home in Parsons TN two years ago, she was 19 years old. They don't have any leads in her disappearance and we hope that the extra media coverage will generate some new tips.

COngratulations Heather! Every journey begins with a single step.

Way to go Heather!

Good job, Heather. It's nice that you and your daughter do this together.

Congrats, Heather! Getting that first one behind you is such a great feeling!

And to do it for such a worthy cause is even better

My daughter is my motivator to try new things. In the last two years she has started eating healthy, drinking water(no soft drinks) and exercising daily. I am so proud of her because she is choosing a healthy lifestyle and that isn't easy at any age but for a 12 year old it is awesome! She also cheerleads and takes tap & jazz. I already feel so much better just knowing I completed my first 5K with her. I hope we can continue to do these together and maybe improve our times!

What a great way to spend time together! Enjoying the outdoors, doing something good for your bodies and for the commnunity. Well done.

Heather, you may or may not know it, but you are giving her the best present that you will ever give her. It is one that she will remember forever! I know, because my dad gave it to me and I loved it so much that I gave it to my kids.

That's awesome Heather! Keep it up!

Ok I just had to share some news with my BOL buddies. The 5K we participated in was to raise money to search for Holly Bobo. God heard our prayers! Today - Two years after she went missing a dog found her purse in the woods less than a mile from her home. Please keep this family in your prayers and pray that the clue leads them to Holly. This family is suffering! Here is a link to the story - it just gives me chills- GOD is working I can feel it!

http://www.wsmv.com/story/22014089/holly-bobos-purse-found-by-dog

Wow, such a sad story for that young woman.

What do you think, is the abduction story true? Do you think her brother had anything to do with it?

Her brother was the only witness but he didn't have anything to do with it. I feel badly for him.

After hitting a month-plus long plateau, my scale FINALLY moved 2.5 pounds this morning! Just 2.5 more to go to meet the under 200 goal! I changed my workouts to include a 3.1 mile walk-jog with 2 of my kids this weekend....and I really enjoyed it since it was outdoors, in nice weather, and with my kids. Another plus--helping my son build up his endurance for soccer.

How's everyone else doing?

Nice weather does so much to help with motivation. Congrats!

I've stopped bothering to look at the scale. I think I've been averaging about 3 weeks between checks now, and nothing has happened in quite a while...well, nothing positive anyway! I moved to my summer workout routine today, so that will add an extra day of running, and may be a good shift. We'll see.

Thats great Dani!!!
Acording to my scale I weigh "Low Batt"....
I'm not sure how that translates in pounds.

Even fresh batteries don't contain the power necessary to compute it! Perhaps set down your Thor hammer before stepping on?

I'd really like to leave my hammer out of this if you dont mind.

You know, I sort of expected it to go that route, after I'd already submitted it, but I figured it'd be someone else to go there!

It may be the only thing I'm first at this week!

Size update - bought three size SIX (6) pants over the weekend and one size 4. The size 4 was Anne Klein and I think those run a little large, but heck - SIZE FREAKIN' FOUR!!!

22 pounds to go!

If you scroll down a little on this Facebook page,
https://www.facebook.com/zingbars
I posted my "Before" and "Now" photos - It's not an "After" photo just yet....

Congrats PR - Way to go!!! Heck, if you're getting into size 4's now - you'll be size 0 when you lose 22 more pounds.

That's what I was just thinking!


Congrats, PR! I put on a pair of 6s for the first time in more than 2 years last week and was so happy I actually did a little dance in the bathroom.

Thanks Skittles! I actually don't think I'll get that small - I'm right at my hip-bone now, it's just some stuff in the mid-section and thighs that need to go. and the "girls" could get a little smaller perhaps! I gotta find my Lifetime Care Certificate for my wedding ring so I can get it re-sized because it fits too loose on my finger now.

Now that's some serious droppin'!! Congrats PR!!!
Try not disapear entirely, you dont want the girls to be homeless!

Either you look like an avocado, or I didn't scroll far enough.

No....I dont dont think I've ever seen avocado's like that!
Try clicking on the "Recent Posts by Others".....

B, are those your newest pair of running shoes?

Got carried away, it was a nice day for a run and we could smell tacos cooking somewhere ahead. Turned out to be a damned taqueria truck that was on its way to TX.

I wish I could get into a size 6 and a size 4 would be even better! I am stuck at a size 8 and my problem areas (thigh and rear end) are preventing me from going down. I have started my get serious phase (2 months til beach time) drinking 67 ounces of water daily and doing more cardio at the gym to get my heart rate up. I even ate a salad with no dressing today (it wasn't that bad actually!) If any of you have success stories losing inches in my target areas please send them my way! I need all the help I can get because bikini season is quickly approaching!

Way to go PR and RR Becca you are both so inspiring!Whoop Whoop!

All I do is cardio, Heather. 30-45 minutes on the treadmill 5-6 mornings per week, and I get double sessions on the days that I ride (dressage counts as cardio ). Diet-wise I haven't done anything special. I do track what I eat and make an effort to keep it between 1600-1700 calories per day, and lately I've been making an effort to eat "better" in general - less carbs, more protein, whole veggies & fruit, etc. - but believe me, if I want something, I eat it.

Hang in there! You'll be flaunting that bikini bod before you know it.

Are you doing strength training, Heather? That will help you burn calories even when you aren't working out. Squats, lunges, wall sits, kick-backs, benches with a leg lift... all those work the glutes and hips.

I second the strength training.

My 9 year old had his physical last week and was a bit hyper. At one point, he was hanging with his full 65-pound body from my bent arms and I was able to hold him up for quite some time. Doctor was pretty impressed, but then again, my guns are starting to look pretty darn good.

I have to be really careful with high impact on my knees - both of them pop out of place (not often) but my right one dislocated in high school and it was really painful! I have been using the eliptical machine at the gym and try to do leg lifts while standing and a few squats until my knees feel weak which probably isn't good for them. I think this is why I have such a hard time targeting those problem areas. I hope the extra cardio will help but I guess I could start lifting with my arms for some strength training.

Hmmm you could do leg lifts instead? Or try some Pilates?

Try adding this to your cardio for a few weeks,

The following is to be done M-W-F
You will need a stop watch.
A "set" consists of 1 burpee, 10 mountain climbers and 10 jump lunges.
Start your watch and do repeated sets for 1 minute.
Stop for 15 seconds.
Repeat 10 times.
You are done.

Bankbb1- Thanks all good ideas to give my system a shock! I will try this tonight and see if I can get through 10 sets - I might have to build up to 10 but I am going to try!

How you doin' today Heather?

Sorry to leave you wondering Bankbb1, I have been out of town the last couple days and it is very busy at work! I didn't do the exercises but plan on doing them soon. I should have done them in the hotel room but I didn't - no excuses - I did walk a lot at the mall maybe that counts! LOL!

Burpees and mountain climbers would have required you to touch the carpeting in your hotel room, so you are excused. Ew.....

I just got back from weighing in and I lost a pound! I guess that mall walking did the trick tee hee hee... excuse to go to the mall more often? One more pound to reach my goal to become a lifetime member at WW! Whoo Hoo!

Awesome Heather!!!!

I weighed this morning and I'm 1 pound away from my under 200 goal.

Whoo Hoo Dani what a way to start the week!

Congrats to both of you!! That's awesome!!

I went to the gym yesterday at lunch and the trainer talked me into coming to her body pump class after work. Needless to say I am very sore this morning - I can barely walk and I have to sit very slowly! I hope I see the results on the scales today when I weigh in! Wish me luck!

Body pump is great. Just to warn you, I always hurt worse the 2nd day after trying something new!

DITTO!

Drink LOTS of water today!

The weight loss has slowed down considerably now that I am on the last 25 to go. That may also be because I've been working with weights to build and tone arms, legs and core..., but still I'm getting a little PO'd at the scale!

I have gone down another 5 pounds this past month and I'm ready to rotate some pants out of my closet that I bought back in January.

Here's my latest "Before" and "Now" photo - The picture on the left is mid-March 2012, and the one on the right is from May 1, 2013.

One of the best things about this whole process is that I have not had a migraine in almost a year!

Before and Now...

In the before picture, are you standing next to Joe Mantegna?? Looks like it!

The more you lose, the harder it is to lose more. Don't get mad at the scale, be happy at the results so far and keep up the awesome work, and enjoy the extra benefits you're experiencing.

Princess I am right there with you - so mad at the scales! I worked out twice yesterday cardio at lunch and a 1 hour body pump class last night. My legs are so sore I can barely walk and the scales went up instead of down! I know Matt is right we shouldn't measure our success by the numbers on a scale but it is sooo hard! The WW instructor said I will see the results on the scales but it may take a while. I couldn't work out today which made it worse usually if I have a bad weigh in I take it out on the treadmill!

Awesome progress PR!

Princess Romeo, great pics and congrats on your weight loss; no small achievement.

Thanks everyone! And I'll have to tell my husband that he looks like Joe Mantegna - I never noticed that before!

I weighed in and lost 1.8 this week! Now I am just a half pound away from lifetime at Weight Watchers! I am so excited! I am so glad this thread was started, it keeps me on track to see everyone else doing so well. Getting advice from others that are going through the same struggles really helps me better than WW because it is daily! Thanks to all my BOL buddies!

Way to go!! You are doing so well!

Tear it up Heather!! That is FANTABULOUS!

Congrats!

Here's a long story, but it's a good story to keep in mind on those days that we don't feel like working out.

"Injured in a horrible childhood accident, Bret Dunlap thought his life was good enough. Then he discovered running."

http://www.runnersworld.com/runners-stories/bret-dunlap-discovered-running-and-it-changed-his-life

Fortunately, this only happens on days that end in "y".

Good story!

Photo update!

3-part photo:
Far left is me in March 2012 - the photo that shocked me into action. Size 18W.
Middle is me in January 2013 - 50 pounds lighter and just before starting with training sessions at the gym. Size 10
Far right is me this week - another 22 pounds lighter and now size 4.

As of this morning, the scale showed another 3 pounds dropped, so I have 15 more to reach my new goal!

Before - Then - Now

Wow!! What an amazing array of photos. Congratulations - and personally I don't think you need to lose 15 more pounds.

LOL!!! Thanks! Oddly enough, my BMI is still 10 pounds into the "overweight" category!

AMAZING PR! Wow. So impressed.

Awesome!!

BMI sucks as a measurement, pay it no mind. It tells me I'm about 20 pounds overweight, and even I disagree with that! It doesn't account for muscularity, or bone density, it's all sorts of flawed.

Keep up the great work!

Way to go PR! Now I am inspired to get back on the wagon!

Thanks - and my Personal Trainer tells me that BMI doesn't account for "the girls" up top! LOL!!!!

Get back on that wagon and enjoy the ride!

I will, thanks PR. Luckily I've been maintaining and not gaining back any weight.

Yeah, BMI is mostly BS for anyone that doesnt sit on a couch all day. Mine still says I'm obese. When I was at 230 lbs and under 6% body fat it said that I was obsese. A scale, a tape measure and a mirror (maybe some calipers if inquiring minds really want to know), thats all you need.
For most of us, you know how you look and how feel. You know how your clothes fit. Go with that.

Great job PR!

That is AWESOME PR!

In 2011 I was 180 lbs & a size 16. After joining Crossfit I lost 45 pounds & am at a comfortable 135 & size 6.

It's hard work - but so worth it! Who woulda thought diet & exercise actually worked?

(& by diet - I mean eating good whole foods ... not cutting out food)

By the way... 2013 has not been the year. But, I have not gotten worse either. Currently, I am nursing a badly sprained ankle (total clumsiness, no good story)... of course, just about 2 weeks after purchasing an elliptical to begin the journey.

::sigh::

Don't worry though - I won't give up. I will try again as soon as I can. I just hope the frustration doesn't channel into poor eating habits in the meantime!

Steady up Basil. That stuff happens and its frustrating. If you can swim, try that for a bit. Shop for new workout goodies. Look for healthy recipe's...What ever it takes to keep your head in the game.

Good eating habits is key! Exercise will not help you lose weight - it's all what we put in our bodies.

You can do it Basil!

With a sprained ankle, you can still do "core" exercises. One of the most effective is to lay on your back and do bicycle crunches.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ALYw6hy6Gc

It ain't over yet! You still have 6 months. Just keep your focus. Like others have said, watch your eating and work on core exercises. And hey, if all you do is maintain, you're doing good.

Thank you all. And Dani... you are right about maintaining. I spent 2010, 11 and 12 putting on about 60 lbs. So, to say no more in 2013 is a start....

That's MORE than a start! That's serious progress! Great job!

Thank you WW!

You guys are not going to believe this - 'cause I can hardly believe it myself but....

SIZE 2 Pants from Express!!! They fit!!! Also, size 2 jeans shorts from Old Navy!

12 more pounds to go!

You want to be a size 0???

Seriously though, congrats on the size 2s!

There is no understanding of women's sizes, just sayin'....

Are you skinny, athletic, toned and shapely, curvy, full figured, plus size or obese?

All the numbers are confusing!

WAY TO GO PR! I'm going to be happy for you, and not jealous at all. Nope... not jealous at all..........

Hahaha!!! I will be whatever size I will be when I reach my goal. I do think that sizes are different than they were 20 years ago.

But seriously, the BMI chart still shows me in the "Overweight" category **sigh** and the 12 pounds is still hanging around the mid-section for the most part. Clothes hid it, but not a bikini! LOL!!!

I don't know what the size correlation is now, but 18 years ago a "0" was a 24 inch waist. That's what I wore my sophomore year of college.

Congrats on being so close to your goal!

I don't think I've ever been a size zero. These hips don't lie!

^^ Child-bearing hips?


Knowing what size my wife is, I cannot fathom her being a size 0, she's fragile enough as it is! I know people that wear such a size, but they're less people and more stick-figures.

Why thank you.

Mani is pregnant............again?

Way to go PR!!! By any fitment standard you wish to apply, a size two be small! And forget the dumb BMI charts, they don't account for muscle or more generous pectoral deposits!

Great job lady! Keep it up!

"generous pectoral deposits" - I will have to remember that! LOL!!!

Right now, I have three goals:
1. Be able to do at least one pull-up. I have never been able to do a pull-up in my life.
2. Abs of steel
3. Completely toned upper arms

Considering my initial goal was to hopefully get down to a size 12 or 10, I guess I keep raising the bar!

Some joke regarding the number of children vs. Peepers's numerous birthdays.

that wasn't much effort but I'll let it slide since you're in the 'condition' you're in

You are too kind.

Want some of this bacon-cheese-sardine-fruit loops-ice cream sundae?

If your gym has a "pull up machine", it is a great way to develope the strength needed. Heavy lat pulls will help. TRX or suspension training will help. Core exercises will help.
And as for toned upper arms, remember that 3/4's of your upper arm is triceps. People have a tendancy to focus on biceps for some reason.

Biceps are pretty, triceps are harder to showcase!

Nobody walks by you in the gym and stops to be like "Nice tri's bro!"

In my case, nobody stops to say anything, since nobody else is ever there...

I have abs of steel, they're just hiding under layers of...not steel

Unfortunately, the only way to show the "abs of steel" look is to reduce your overall bodyfat to around 10%.....

6-packs are made in the kitchen, everyone knows that!

Why have a 6 pack when you can have a keg.

So very true!

I'm a terrible cook.

I keep mine in the fridge. Does that count?

I vote Yes.

Woot, woot! I broke 200 yesterday! I haven't even been exercising cuz I'm a slacker and I ran out of money for a trainer....BUT watching my diet, I FINALLY broke that 10 pound goal and the terrible 200. New goal, get below 190!

Food changes can take you a long way before you have to add in exercise to keep you progressing, the same works in reverse too.

Me, I'd rather exercise more and worry less about what I eat. Mostly because I'm going to eat it even if I know it's bad for me and I'll have to run X miles to make up for it. I'd rather run that not eat something tasty and unnecessary!

And way to go! Keep up the good work, and stick with the stair-step goals so you know you're always progressing.

Oh I eat what I want. Mostly I've been adding more veggies and cutting portions. I find that things I used to be able to finish at restaurants, I can barely eat half of. Saves me some money, because now I can just split a plate with one of the kids.

WTG Dani!!!

That is great Dani!! And yes, almost all restaurants give you too much! Many base their entire marketing scheme around that very premise!
Keep hammering away at it Dani. Being consistant always wins the day.

I don't think "mannish" looking arms look good on a woman. Don't get those biceps too toned!

I've always put on muscle pretty easily...I've always been careful not to 'overdo' strength training for that very reason! Being a tomboy all my life AND biceps could give someone the wrong idea! Although it was much fun in school beating almost all the guys arm wrestling and out lifting them.

Been training with weights for 40+ years. The only females I've ever seen get "mannish" from lifting were on juice (testosterone).
Work out to your hearts content ladies, you wont get man arms withoout man hormones.

caveat: One in a million women will have enough testosterone naturally to take on some male secondary sexual characteristics. At 1/1000000 I think your odds are safe enough.

But it is possible to put on enough shoulder & arm muscle to look somewhat scary in a tank top. I've always avoided much upper body strength training for the same reason.

Nah, I think muscle on a woman is sexy. Not 20" bicep muscle, but definition muscle. I like a women that is fit and not a fraid to show it. Kind of like tall women that arent afraid of wearing 4" heels. Be what you are and go with it. Confidence is hot.
Having said that, I think folks should develope themselves to the point they like. Not me or anybody else.

See tho, Becca and I both get extra workout already from hauling hay, feed, mucking stalls, etc...already having wide shoulders (or at least I do) I can be downright scary...people always are thinking I'm a cop for cripes sake!

Speaking of hormones...it's not something you often think about really...but I had a Dr recently say "you've got GREAT testosterone levels" Who knew?

I can do all the upper body weights I want and I'll never have bulky muscles. It's just not in my dna.

How you doin'!?!?

We all have both male and female hormones, low testosterone is a bigger problem in women than most imagine. Good T in women has certain....advantages!

When you've already got broad shoulders for your size it starts affecting the difficulty of finding clothes that fit, too. Especially jackets. I already have to order my riding coats a size too large just to get enough room in the shoulders to be able to move. Suit coats look awful unless I get them tailored down.

Having said all that, I agree completely that fit is WAY better than super skinny. I just want to take those girls home and feed them a cheeseburger. They look hungry.

True, she doesnt. But her arms stay firm and fit. I have seen a very very few women that can develope real muscular size without benefit of hormones, but its rare. It also depends on what your overall % of body fat is at and several other things.

Conversely, there are some men that struggle to develope any kind of dicerable muscle, but most just havent worked at it much.

This describes my boss. We had a meeting of our small running group last night and she was going over some form drills and strengthening exercises, it was a little disturbing for me

She wears a lot of sleeveless stuff at work, I think most of it is to remind everyone here that she's frightening and intimidating!

Okay, having muscle definition is different than being a body builder. When I see a woman with well-defined arms, I don't think "Ew!" I wonder "What is she doing that I'm not?"

Here ya go, Mani!

::runs::

HA!

Last time I try to be supportive...

That may be because of the hat, riding boots, and mirrored sunglasses....

Hey - what happened to Dani's post?

Dani - that is great! I remember how I felt when I broke the 200 barrier! When you are at that weight, you can lose by diet alone up to a point. Then you will need to add exercise, and everything I am reading points to weight training over pure cardio - especially if you want to avoid the "loose fat/loose skin" look.

Also, look into High Intensity Interval Training where you do short but very intense cardio work followed by a longer medium level effort. It's not as dreary as trying to crank out 60 minutes on the dreadmill and helps you burn more fat.

Here are a couple of articles on that:
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/6-ways-to-jumpstart-your-interval-training-today.html

http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/fitness_articles.asp?id=621

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-intensity_interval_training

And now, I cannot believe that I am wearing size 2 pants from Express!!!! Yowza!

Found a T-shirt that I used to wear as it was one of the few that fit even though it was a little tight. Now, if it was just a couple of inches longer, I could wear it as a "Dress"!