Cowboy's Diary

[cowboy48]

muffin ... 18g fat
donut ... 11g fat
Kaiser roll ... 2.5g fat
2 slices, whole wheat bread .... 1.8g fat

bagel ... 1.5g fat ... huge?

Hi,

It can depend on where you are buying them. It isn't all about the fat content. Look at the calorie count on some bagels- it can be 500-600 calories and 50G carbs. Didn't mean to generalize as there are low fat and whole grain bagels but there are also Chocolate Chip ones as well-lol.

 

[overlandflyer]

Hi,

It can depend on where you are buying them. ....

i know what you mean... i get mine from a shop up the street from me that only sells bagels. open at 6am, they usually sell out by noon. they are the nice hard boiled and baked NY Jewish Deli style bagle (i knew the guys from NYC who opened the store originally). i've seen grocery store bakery bagels that only barely resemble the real thing. they make blueberry bagels, but chocolate chip? ... there will always be those who take something generally ok and sugar it up.

 

[cowboy48]

i know what you mean... i get mine from a shop up the street from me that only sells bagels. open at 6am, they usually sell out by noon. they are the nice hard boiled and baked NY Jewish Deli style bagle (i knew the guys from NYC who opened the store originally). i've seen grocery store bakery bagels that only barely resemble the real thing. they make blueberry bagels, but chocolate chip? ... there will always be those who take something generally ok and sugar it up.

Funny how they always seem to take something relatively "healthy" and turn it into junk food. Granola bars are another example-lol.

 

[bensanon]

Cowboy, can you talk a little more about the timeline for change to happen? I.e., to figure out moderation? Months, a year after you hit your goal weight?? I relate to everything in your post including this statement: "My will power is pretty strong but I have to be in that Mode or my willpower sucks." It seems like you credit exercise for bringing about and sustaining the change? Does it help even things out for you?

I exercise almost daily and it's so helpful. I can overdo it and create an imbalance though. That can lead to binges which can then sabotage all my progress. It's happened a couple times so far but I've been able to come back primarily because of the exercise. I started running in February after walking a lot before that. I can run 6-7 miles or more a day now but I still have intense cravings. I could eat a whole pizza and a couple hamburgers still if I let myself. When do those cravings calm down? It's been more than 18 months now since I started losing weight. I'm 14 pounds away from my goal weight of 186.

Thanks for sharing your success. It's helpful and reassuring and validating actually.

 

[cowboy48]

Cowboy, can you talk a little more about the timeline for change to happen? I.e., to figure out moderation? Months, a year after you hit your goal weight?? I relate to everything in your post including this statement: "My will power is pretty strong but I have to be in that Mode or my willpower sucks." It seems like you credit exercise for bringing about and sustaining the change? Does help even things out for you?

I exercise almost daily and it's so helpful. I can overdo it and create an imbalance though. That can lead to binges which can then sabotage all my progress. It's happened a couple times so far but I've been able to come back primarily because of the exercise. I started running in February after walking a lot before that. I can run 6-7 miles or more a day now but I still have intense cravings. I could eat a whole pizza and a couple hamburgers still if I let myself. When do those cravings calm down? It's been more than 18 months now since I started losing weight. I'm 14 pounds away from my goal weight of 186.

Thanks for sharing your success. It's helpful and reassuring and validating actually.

Hi Rob,

Congratulations on almost hitting your goal.

I never really binged per se at any time in my life. I just ate too much and the wrong kind of foods. It is funny but I can go along with life and I don't worry too much about eating perfectly now. Over time I start to put some pounds on. It is when maybe my pants don't fit right or my shirt is getting tight that my willpower kicks in- that is what I mean by that Mode. I just shut down the bad eating altogether. Nothing can get me to eat the wrong foods- not my birthday, Christmas - nothing. That is the Mode that I mean.

Exercise definitely helps me maintain my weight. If I am feeling hungry I may go out for a run. When I come back the hunger is usually gone or maybe it is the time away from the hunger pangs that I need so when I come back from the run I can make a better choice on what I eat. My first impulse when I am hungry is something fast and maybe not so good for me. The exercise helps with that. When I come back from a run I usually eat some protein- cottage cheese, small piece of cheese, some nuts- something like that.

I am not sure when I started with craving vegetables and protein rather than donuts or cake but I think it was a gradual change. I can't really pinpoint that exact moment.

Too much exercise is not good either. You're right you can cause an imbalance. Do you take anything to snack on when you run? Nuts are good for that- you can also get a variety of supplements to eat while you are running. Goo- jellies etc- there are lots out there. I could never stomach Goo and the jellies never helped. I needed some real food especially on long runs. If you eat something while you are running it can help with the cravings. Remember you are burning a lot of calories when you run so some snacks will help you fuel up.

It almost took me longer to lose that last 10 pounds as it did the first 110 pounds. I couldn't believe that it took that long when I was watching what I ate and training for a 1/2 marathon. I wanted to reach my goal so I stuck with it but I am not going to lie - it was tough. Stick with what you are doing- it has worked this far.

You can do this!!

 

[aiminglow]

Hello, Cowboy. (Now I feel as if I'm in an old movie!) It's really great that you've come back to share your experience.
From my perspective, the part about how hard it was to lose the last ten pounds is really interesting - why do bodies do that, I wonder - shows it's really not as simple as "calories in, calories out". And the part about maintenance, too - I look forward to reading through, and to following the discussions.

 

[bensanon]

Hi Rob,

Congratulations on almost hitting your goal.

I never really binged per se at any time in my life. I just ate too much and the wrong kind of foods. It is funny but I can go along with life and I don't worry too much about eating perfectly now. Over time I start to put some pounds on. It is when maybe my pants don't fit right or my shirt is getting tight that my willpower kicks in- that is what I mean by that Mode. I just shut down the bad eating altogether. Nothing can get me to eat the wrong foods- not my birthday, Christmas - nothing. That is the Mode that I mean.

Exercise definitely helps me maintain my weight. If I am feeling hungry I may go out for a run. When I come back the hunger is usually gone or maybe it is the time away from the hunger pangs that I need so when I come back from the run I can make a better choice on what I eat. My first impulse when I am hungry is something fast and maybe not so good for me. The exercise helps with that. When I come back from a run I usually eat some protein- cottage cheese, small piece of cheese, some nuts- something like that.

I am not sure when I started with craving vegetables and protein rather than donuts or cake but I think it was a gradual change. I can't really pinpoint that exact moment.

Too much exercise is not good either. You're right you can cause an imbalance. Do you take anything to snack on when you run? Nuts are good for that- you can also get a variety of supplements to eat while you are running. Goo- jellies etc- there are lots out there. I could never stomach Goo and the jellies never helped. I needed some real food especially on long runs. If you eat something while you are running it can help with the cravings. Remember you are burning a lot of calories when you run so some snacks will help you fuel up.

It almost took me longer to lose that last 10 pounds as it did the first 110 pounds. I couldn't believe that it took that long when I was watching what I ate and training for a 1/2 marathon. I wanted to reach my goal so I stuck with it but I am not going to lie - it was tough. Stick with what you are doing- it has worked this far.

You can do this!!

Thanks for your reply, cowboy. It seems like you have a good approach to maintenance and I can see how what you're doing aligns with your values and priorities in life like being there for your grandchildren.

It's good to know that that change can happen. There are signs for me it is. In the morning, I so much look forward to a nice healthy breakfast. At times I'll want particular vegetables or protein. It's mostly because I know the sugar will make me feel like crap. There are taste and texture cravings though too for a lot of healthy foods so that's good.

I've been splitting my runs in 2 or 3 segments now and I just started eating something during the short breaks. I have a resistance to it honestly. I think it's part of that feeling that I'm after right after I finish exercise. Like a little bit of a buzz. It's probably not a healthy thing. I do drink water. I will focus more on this since you mentioned. Sometimes those are things I do without thinking about what's going on.

I could not agree more with the last 10 pounds. This is insane. I don't know what is going on. If it took this much effort for the first 130 pounds, I would not have made any progress. I'm confused as hell as to why this is so hard and it's honestly making me very angry. My inclination is run harder and faster and cut calories more but I know that'll just increase my risk of binging and slowing my progress. The only thing I can think of is an increase in muscle mass. I seriously am really struggling with it though. I don't know what is going on. I will keep on though, I've come this far, too far, not to.

Thanks for your encouragement.

 

[cowboy48]

Hello, Cowboy. (Now I feel as if I'm in an old movie!) It's really great that you've come back to share your experience.
From my perspective, the part about how hard it was to lose the last ten pounds is really interesting - why do bodies do that, I wonder - shows it's really not as simple as "calories in, calories out". And the part about maintenance, too - I look forward to reading through, and to following the discussions.

Hi Amy,

I am not sure why bodies do that but it is very frustrating-lol.

 

[cowboy48]

Thanks for your reply, cowboy. It seems like you have a good approach to maintenance and I can see how what you're doing aligns with your values and priorities in life like being there for your grandchildren.

It's good to know that that change can happen. There are signs for me it is. In the morning, I so much look forward to a nice healthy breakfast. At times I'll want particular vegetables or protein. It's mostly because I know the sugar will make me feel like crap. There are taste and texture cravings though too for a lot of healthy foods so that's good.

I've been splitting my runs in 2 or 3 segments now and I just started eating something during the short breaks. I have a resistance to it honestly. I think it's part of that feeling that I'm after right after I finish exercise. Like a little bit of a buzz. It's probably not a healthy thing. I do drink water. I will focus more on this since you mentioned. Sometimes those are things I do without thinking about what's going on.

I could not agree more with the last 10 pounds. This is insane. I don't know what is going on. If it took this much effort for the first 130 pounds, I would not have made any progress. I'm confused as hell as to why this is so hard and it's honestly making me very angry. My inclination is run harder and faster and cut calories more but I know that'll just increase my risk of binging and slowing my progress. The only thing I can think of is an increase in muscle mass. I seriously am really struggling with it though. I don't know what is going on. I will keep on though, I've come this far, too far, not to.

Thanks for your encouragement.

Hi Rob,

I honestly don't eat anything before a run. I tried but I got sick 10 minutes into the run. That being said I do eat something during the run depending on how long the run is. Drinking is very important. Same thing though- I couldn't drink Gatorade or Powerade or anything flavored- made me sick. So it was just plain water no matter how far I was going.

Now that I am down to my goal let me tell you something that I should have told myself way back when I was struggling to hit the goal weight. That goal weight is just a number I said I would like to get down to. Nobody told me what I should weigh or this is the perfect weight for you. It was in my mind and I thought it would be nice to get down to ( whatever it is) - mine was 175 at just about 6 foot. Did I meet that goal- absolutely. Would I have been just as happy if I set it to 185 - yup!. Funny how any arbitrary number that I had in my mind made me struggle and frustrated me so much. This was my fault. Am I 175 now- nope. I haven't been on a scale in a long time but I would say I was around 185 now. I felt terrible at 175- it was too low for my height and frame. My doctor told me I should be at 200 or so.

I would have told my old self trying to get to that GOAL to relax. It is just a number. I was like you - made me angry- I tried extra exercise and not eating. Worked eventually but then I felt like crap. Don't run harder and faster and you are right if you cut your calories too low it will make you binge. The one thing I have learned through this journey is moderation. I know I keep saying that but it is true. Not too much one way or the other. Relax!! Enjoy your runs. Don't use them for punishment. Run trails or somewhere different where you haven't run before. Enjoy the scenery. Enjoy life. Don't be so hard on yourself. Keep eating good healthy food and eventually the weight will come off on it's own. You have come a long way. Be proud of yourself because you have done something to be proud of!!

 

[Cate]

I would have told my old self trying to get to that GOAL to relax. It is just a number. I was like you - made me angry- I tried extra exercise and not eating. Worked eventually but then I felt like crap. Don't run harder and faster and you are right if you cut your calories too low it will make you binge. The one thing I have learned through this journey is moderation. I know I keep saying that but it is true. Not too much one way or the other. Relax!! Enjoy your runs. Don't use them for punishment. Run trails or somewhere different where you haven't run before. Enjoy the scenery. Enjoy life. Don't be so hard on yourself. Keep eating good healthy food and eventually the weight will come off on it's own. You have come a long way. Be proud of yourself because you have done something to be proud of!!

Cowboy. I'm so glad that you came back into the forum at this time in particular. There is nothing like hearing from someone who has been successful at weight-loss to inspire others. Your advice is spot on.
I used to always hum "I was a Highway Man, along the coach roads I did ride...." whenever you posted. I did again this morning. It's the song that just jumps into my head when I see the name "Cowboy"

 

[bensanon]

So are you saying not to try to hit my goal weight because it doesn't mean anything? Lol. I get the sentiment and the well-meaning advice, I do. I appreciate it. I have said before I think we're capable of a lot more than we think we are. I can accomplish more and I want to.

 

[cowboy48]

Cowboy. I'm so glad that you came back into the forum at this time in particular. There is nothing like hearing from someone who has been successful at weight-loss to inspire others. Your advice is spot on.
I used to always hum "I was a Highway Man, down the road I would ride...." whenever you posted. It did again this morning. It's the song that just jumps into my head when I see the name "Cowboy"

Thanks Cate. I like that song too-lol.

 

[cowboy48]

So are you saying not to try to hit my goal weight because it doesn't mean anything? Lol. I get the sentiment and the well-meaning advice, I do. I appreciate it. I have said before I think we're capable of a lot more than we think we are. I can accomplish more and I want to.

Nope. That is not what I meant at all. The reality of it is this. You will hit your goal weight on that particular day but the next day you may be 5 pounds heavier or 2 pounds lighter. That is the way it is. You won't stay at your goal weight the rest of your life. It is just a number- a snapshot if you will. My point was that you said it made you angry and frustrated, It honestly is not worth it. I know we're capable of more that we think we are. I have never run- too fat in my youth and as an adult. But yet I have run countless 1/2 marathons, 10 milers, 10K and 5K races in the last 8 years. Believe me that is something I never thought possible. You will hit your goal but don't let it get to you. You will do it!

 

[alligatorob]

There is nothing like hearing from someone who has been successful at weight-loss to inspire others. Your advice is spot on.

Cate is right, its good to have you, with your experience and wisdom here!

 

[bensanon]

Nope. That is not what I meant at all. The reality of it is this. You will hit your goal weight on that particular day but the next day you may be 5 pounds heavier or 2 pounds lighter. That is the way it is. You won't stay at your goal weight the rest of your life. It is just a number- a snapshot if you will. My point was that you said it made you angry and frustrated, It honestly is not worth it. I know we're capable of more that we think we are. I have never run- too fat in my youth and as an adult. But yet I have run countless 1/2 marathons, 10 milers, 10K and 5K races in the last 8 years. Believe me that is something I never thought possible. You will hit your goal but don't let it get to you. You will do it!

OK, so I think you misread my frustrated and angry comments. I don’t punish myself with runs. I’m learning to love life again and I’m very proud of what I’ve accomplished. Please don’t get the wrong idea. I am stressed about my weight though (it went up again this morning!!) and was seeking validation and reassurance through an online support forum from someone who’s been through it. I can approach it differently and am but it still pisses me off when the numbers don't go down. I do also want to mention I found this article helpful. Why You Should Never Tell Someone to Relax

Again, thanks for the encouragement.

 

[cowboy48]

OK, so I think you misread my frustrated and angry comments. I don’t punish myself with runs. I’m learning to love life again and I’m very proud of what I’ve accomplished. Please don’t get the wrong idea. I am stressed about my weight though (it went up again this morning!!) and was seeking validation and reassurance through an online support forum from someone who’s been through it. I can approach it differently and am but it still pisses me off when the numbers don't go down. I do also want to mention I found this article helpful. Why You Should Never Tell Someone to Relax

Again, thanks for the encouragement.

Apparently I did misread it. Sorry about that!! I used to to watch the scale pretty closely. So I would get pissed when it went up too. Eating right- exercising - scale would go up. I used to wonder what the hell was going on. I honestly had to stop doing it. It almost became an obsession with me. I had to walk away from the scale and that is why I don't weigh myself anymore. Some people like my wife needs the scale to make sure she is where she should be. I just don't use it anymore. You need to do what works for you. It has worked for you this far so why change it?

 

[cowboy48]

Cate is right, its good to have you, with your experience and wisdom here!

Thanks, Rob.

 

[Cate]

Hi, Cowboy. I hope I can walk away from the scales one day & know that the weight is not creeping back up again. I think exercise will be the key.

 

[cowboy48]

Hi, Cowboy. I hope I can walk away from the scales one day & know that the weight is not creeping back up again. I think exercise will be the key.

Hi Cate,

It was a big step but I am so glad I made it. You can always sneak a peek on the scale if you want-lol. Exercise had definitely helped me.