Carrie's at "SQUARE ONE"

Hmm...comfort eating....It's all mental, obviously. I think the best thing to do is to be very aware of what you're doing. It really isn't comforting, b/c after you've eaten it, you'll probably feel guilty and worse than you felt before you ate it. I think awareness is key. If you're feeling down or stressed, and you find yourself reaching for too much of a good thing, you know you need to stop, b/c you're not eating b/c your body is hungry. And, how can you destroy that guy when you're sitting on your couch stuffing ice cream in your face. :p

Good luck with the weigh in, hot brunette. :D
 
Updated the ticker today, down 3 from last week, 6 total. Hey, it's something! :)

I started my couch-5k running plan, Oh My God! There's NO WAY I can ever get to jogging 5k, LOL. No, straight up...I can't even WALK it at this point :banghead:

Yeah, yeah, I gotta start somewhere, blah blah. But GOODNESS! That walk HURT...and I usually stay away from being that uncomfortable, in the immortal words of Daffy Duck "I don't like pain, it hurts me." I guess I have to get used to it, I really do want to do this, dang it!

Anyway, today's intake:

8am
1 hard boiled egg

12pm
1 grilled chicken breast
romaine lettuce (undressed, one cup)

4pm
Whole wheat ham and cheese sandwich

8pm
(fixing to have)
1 bowl chili
1 piece bbq chicken
1/2 cup whole wheat pasta

Exercise
30 mins walking on a pretty good incline
 
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Awww, thanks Laura! I appreciate it! It's been a couple of weeks now, so I'm just happy I haven't fallen off the wagon!

8am
hardboiled egg

12:00
1 grilled chicken breast
large salad with romaine lettuce, no dressing.

4pm
sandwich- whole wheat bread, cheese, ham, pesto, mustard, a little ketchup

8pm
1/2 salmon filet with salsa (about 6 oz)
1/3 cup whole wheat pasta

Exercise
35 mins swimming
 
Congrats on your ticker moving in the right direction! (Mine moved in the wrong one for a while, haha.)

Sounds like you are eating healthy and getting some exercise in pretty often. Congrats on wanting to make a change in your life. You're on the right track!!

I'm living proof that even if you DO fall off the bandwagon, you can get back on. Keep up the good work.
 
3lbs!!!!!!! Woooohooooooo! :party: :party:

That's fantastic!

Don't give up on the couch to 5k. Tyly (aka Daisieangel) thought she'd never be able to do it, and she is a little running machine now. If you struggle to walk 5k atm, just keep walking until it gets easier. It may take you longer than the normal C25K plan, but it is definitely doable--and you'll be shedding the pounds as you go, which will help with your fitness. I say, "Go for it!!" The worst that can happen is that you lose weight and become fitter--even if you don't run a 5k in 9 weeks. :) And just remember--no pain, no gain. :D

Do you know what your BMI is? I don't think I've seen your height/weight stats anywhere.

Also, if you should fall off the wagon (and a slip up is inevitable for nearly all of us), like Radiant said, it doesn't mean you failed and it's all over. You just get up, dust yourself off, and get right back on that wagon. :)
 
Hi Carrie

Sorry that I havent been by in ages. Well done for the loss of another 3 pounds. That is great news.

I hope that the couch to 5k program goes well for you. I know that - as Kimberly mentioned - Tyly has done great with it. Another former big girl - Rae (Invariant) is a very keen young runner. Now that she has lost a lot of weight she has taken up running and she finds that she loves it so much - she actually now eats to fuel her running rather than the other way around. She finds herself having to force down food in order to bring her calorie intake to a level to allow her to run the distance that she wants to run. Fortunately she has retained an appreciation for chocolate and ice-cream sundaes so it isnt too great a hardship for her!

Kimberly mentioned a while back that I am the queen of milestones. This is true. I honestly believe that we need to identify all the milestones possible along the way from start weight to goal. Celebrate each and every one. I honestly believe that if I adopted any more I would be celebrating every pound for a new reason.

I celebrate every new low - and since I weigh every day that pretty much gives me quite a few opportunities to celebrate.
In addition I pick every interesting number. An idea of how I do it goes as follows:
I weigh in stones and pounds (a stone is a multiple of 14 pounds). This means that I celebrate on every half stone boundary (i.e. every number of pounds divisible by 7).
For forum purposes I express my weight in pounds - so I also celebrate on every 10 pound boundary as Kimberly does.
In addition - I have my ticker configured to show my BMI. This makes it really easy to celebrate on every change of BMI. On my way through the levels of obesity I celebrated at each 5 BMI boundary as this is where you pass from one level of obesity to another (e.g. you go from morbid obesity to type 2 obesity when your BMI goes under 40). Getting my BMI under 30 and therefore from type 1 obesity to overweight was a great milestone. I spent weeks giggling and saying "I am overweight". Now that I have a BMI under 30 and heading towards 25 and "normal" - I celebrate on each change of number - I am so looking forward to being normal.
If you do this - you are never more than 7 pounds away from a great new milestone. Often you pass one milestone and find that you are just a few pounds from the next milestone.

I agree with all that has been written about the rudeness of the individual that referred to you as fat. As it happens - you are heavier than you would like to be and you are in the process of dealing with that.

In actual fact there is nothing wrong with feeling attractive at the size you are now too. My husband never made me feel like he found me less than highly attractive at my very heaviest. Men who love us and a proportion of strangers will find us attractive at any size. Some men appreciate a fuller figure while others look for a bean-pole. I know that my husband would not want me to ever get too thin (not that this is much of a likely problem). He often comments about very thin girls that he has seen more meat on a butcher's apron.

There are positive words to describe a fuller woman's figure - and there is no harm in reminding ourselves of them - especially when we are larger. One of my favourites has long been rubenesque. The term voluptuous is also nice.

Whatever size you are along your journey - there will be positive words that can be associated with that size. Focus on those and ignore individuals that use less positive words.

Take care
Love
Margaret
 
Congratulations on the loss! I know the discomfort can be frustrating, but you'll find the movement can become pleasure once you become more aware of your body.

Can I make a teeny suggestion that you could use a little more healthy fat in your diet? You're restricting a lot, and I would hate to see you losing the essential stuff that you get from a bit of healthy fat when you're working so hard.

Just a suggestion, take it for what it's worth.

Sophie
 
Hi everyone!
Thanks so much for your wonderful replies. I'm still very new to all of this, so your advice and encouragement means so much.

Sounds like you are eating healthy and getting some exercise in pretty often. Congrats on wanting to make a change in your life. You're on the right track!!
I'm living proof that even if you DO fall off the bandwagon, you can get back on. Keep up the good work.
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RadiantPebble thank you so much for stopping in! :waving: Yay for getting back on the wagon, you are so right about getting back on. The problem I have faced is that I wait too long before I do. I eat one piece of cake or something, and I assumed my whole diet is blown to hell. So what do I do next? I binge eat. A lot. To make up for all the times I had deprived myself, or something. This time, I'm trying not to deprive myself too much, so I won't feel the need to turn to unhealthy food...it might not look like it from what I've been eating the last couple days, but I am trying to blur the lines between "dieting" and eating "normally".

It may take you longer than the normal C25K plan, but it is definitely doable--and you'll be shedding the pounds as you go, which will help with your fitness. I say, "Go for it!!" The worst that can happen is that you lose weight and become fitter--even if you don't run a 5k in 9 weeks. And just remember--no pain, no gain.
Do you know what your BMI is? I don't think I've seen your height/weight stats anywhere.
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Kimberly, I have this friend who is just fabulous, she's fit and smart and gorgeous. And she runs 5k races whenever she can. I just really want to be able to say "sure, I'll do the next one with you!" And of course, that's not the only reason...I'm off to go walking in a bit because of your encouragement! Gotta start somewhere :)

Also, about my lack of a BMI on my ticker...I have found out what it is, it's terrible and I'm not brave enough to post it up there yet, LOL. I am keeping an eye on it though! Can't wait till it goes down!

celebrate every new low - and since I weigh every day that pretty much gives me quite a few opportunities to celebrate.
In addition I pick every interesting number. An idea of how I do it goes as follows:
I weigh in stones and pounds (a stone is a multiple of 14 pounds). This means that I celebrate on every half stone boundary (i.e. every number of pounds divisible by 7).
For forum purposes I express my weight in pounds - so I also celebrate on every 10 pound boundary as Kimberly does.
In addition - I have my ticker configured to show my BMI. This makes it really easy to celebrate on every change of BMI. On my way through the levels of obesity I celebrated at each 5 BMI boundary as this is where you pass from one level of obesity to another (e.g. you go from morbid obesity to type 2 obesity when your BMI goes under 40). Getting my BMI under 30 and therefore from type 1 obesity to overweight was a great milestone. I spent weeks giggling and saying "I am overweight". Now that I have a BMI under 30 and heading towards 25 and "normal" - I celebrate on each change of number - I am so looking forward to being normal.
If you do this - you are never more than 7 pounds away from a great new milestone. Often you pass one milestone and find that you are just a few pounds from the next milestone.
Click to expand...

Margaret,Ohhh, do milestones come with a chocolate baked good? Kidding, kidding! I am keeping a close eye on my BMI. I haven't passed any milestones yet, but I really hope to. Like you mentioned on your diary, it is truly so important especially when you have to go to the hospital. :rotflmao: I am laughing at your "I am overweight" comment, I think if or when I get there, I would do the same. Thank you, as always, for your continued support...it really does make such a difference to have someone who has been there and successfully conquered the mountain to chat with!

Can I make a teeny suggestion that you could use a little more healthy fat in your diet? You're restricting a lot, and I would hate to see you losing the essential stuff that you get from a bit of healthy fat when you're working so hard.
Click to expand...

Sophie I'm going to ask this question on your diary too, sorry for being repetitive! I'm very new at this, so I have no idea about healthy fats. Do you think taking a multivitamin will suffice? I currently take one, and a capsule of flax oil daily. I do have to make some improvements on my diet as it is very restrictive and a little low on calories for my BMR. I do use olive oil when I cook, but maybe eating more fish will help? What do you think?
 
It makes me happy to know my encouraging you to walk is helping. I really have been enjoying my walks lately. After being cooped up all winter (I don't walk in Michigan winters..lol), it is wonderful to enjoy the beautiful spring weather we've been having. While I walk, I take in the beautiful scenery around me, and it's quiet time to think about whatever I feel like thinking about. I find it very therapeutic. I know Margaret does, too.

As to being too ashamed to post your weight or bmi, don't feel ashamed. Pretty much everyone here is at or started at a number they are not proud of. My starting bmi was well over 40, and my weight was 277.5. Margaret's starting bmi was over 50, and her starting weight in the 290s. No one is going to think badly of you if we know where you're at. If anything, it will help us give you better advice, b/c we'll know more about your situation. This is one of the few places where I feel comfortable enough to let my weight be known. I hope you'll feel that way, too. :) We're all in the same boat here--and no one is going to judge you or think less of you b/c of your weight. :hug2:

To me, you're the hot brunette--no matter what your bmi is. :D

P.S. You're only going to get hotter. :drool5:
 
It makes me happy to know my encouraging you to walk is helping. I really have been enjoying my walks lately. After being cooped up all winter (I don't walk in Michigan winters..lol), it is wonderful to enjoy the beautiful spring weather we've been having. While I walk, I take in the beautiful scenery around me, and it's quiet time to think about whatever I feel like thinking about. I find it very therapeutic. I know Margaret does
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Hey, I just got back from my walk by the sea and it was great. The beach is always so soothing for me and the sun was setting, so it really was beautiful. I *ALMOST* didn't find it completely, totally AWFUL. It was just...a little sucky. Music really helps me, actually... it's the "Eye of the Tiger" baby! ;) Do you use music?

Intake today! :

8am
hard boiled egg

12pm
1 chicken breast and salad

4pm
1/2 cup Kashi cereal
1/2 ham and cheese sandwich

8pm
1.5 cups chili- 2 oz lean ground beef, lots of veggies, tomato puree
3 oz steak :drool5:

Exercise
40 minutes walking

So I realize I'm eating too much of the same foods, will make an effort to switch it up from now on. I think I may need some more calories too...? Maybe? I'm adding up to about 1000 now...does that sound about right to you guys? Maybe I'm tallying it up wrong.
 
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Do you use an online calculator for your calories? I use fitday.com. That'll give you a pretty good idea of your calories. It's free, too. If all you're eating is a 1,000 cals, you definitely need to up it at least 500 more.

Glad you almost enjoyed your walk..lol. I don't listen to music when I walk, but I think I'm unusual in not doing it. That's cool you live by the water. I wish I lived closer to Lake Michigan, as I love walking out to the lighthouses. It's so invigorating and peaceful--and gorgeous.
 
Thursday April 24

8am
hardboiled egg

12pm
3 oz steak
veggies

4pm
turkey sandwich with ketchup, mustard, pesto

8pm
3 oz beef short ribs
1/2 baked potato
3 oz salmon

40 mins walking

THANK GOD IT'S FRIDAY! Today's update later.
 
I MUST catch up with my forum-friends tomorrow! But for now, here is today's breakdown before I forget!
I have to admit I was unhealthy today. I totally deprived myself earlier in the day so I could have a sinful dinner. I know this is wrong. I know this. But I did it anyway:

8am
a bite of boiled egg

12pm
1 oz lean beef
salad

4pm
1/2 apple

8pm
1/2 Coors Light
1 glass white wine
1 crab cake
2 shrimp, bite of lobster, 1/4 cup whole grain risotto
1/2 large slice of chocolate cake.

Oh God, that cake was sinful. Is it possible to gain 6 pounds from 4 bites??? That's how I feel right now, LOL. BAD CARRIE!
 
Hey, Carrie. Seriously don't worry about your cake as long as you enjoyed it. Your calories are, as I've been gently nudging at, definitely too low, and you're honestly not going to lose much weight while you're at that level. I was always skeptical of that idea until I found that a week with a few good-sized splurges was usually one where I lost the best. Up the healthy fats with some nuts or nut butters, throw in some lovely fruit, carb up before your exercising with a big dish of whole-grain pasta. You'll get your calories up, have something to enjoy, and be getting nutrients that you're denying yourself right now.

Something that's been working extra well for me lately has been concentrating on fiber. It helps me stay full, helps take away bad cholesterol, and I usually find that the high-fiber choices are the most healthy ones, so that my calories are in good shape too.

You're doing wonderfully, and we'll all be here to help you while you figure out what's right for you!

Sophie
 
And if we knew what your height and weight was, we could better advise you regarding the calories. B.c if you are 5'3" and weigh 300lbs, 1500 cals a day is waaay too low. If you are 5'8" and weigh 180lbs, well, 1500 is about right. KWIM? Don't be ashamed, girl. Like I said earlier, everyone here is or was in your shoes at some point. I weighed 277lbs when I started, and I'm 5'9".

I don't think your dinner was that bad. My food today was terrible. I tend to splurge on the weekends. :blush5:
 
LOL! Ok, ok, I WILL eat more and put my BMI on there! Aw, it's so nice to have smart friends! I honestly didn't really think much of upping my calories. I am 265, 5''5, which puts my BMI at 44.1.

I'm so scared to eat more and completely halt my progress! I lose about 3 pounds a week, and that's more that I ever expected. I don't feel overly deprived, or faint when I exercise. I've read so many threads and responses to the starvation concept- that your metabolism slows down when you have a large caloric deficit, that my head is is just spinning from it all.
So maybe the answer is experimentation, next week I'll up my calories by about 500 a day and see how it goes. I am eternally grateful for your support and help through this. Any advice you have really is welcome.

8am
Special K cereal bar

12pm
large bowl of chili

4pm
1/2 sausage roll (laden with calories *sigh*)

8pm
1/2 subway sandwich
bowl of chili
1 slice whole wheat bread, 1 piece laughing cow light cheese
bite of leftover chocolate cake

Activity
1.5 hours swimming/ treading water
 
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Hi Carrie

I was thinking that I looked comparitively trim when I got my BMI down to under 45. You have to remember that we have been there and done that and a high BMI doesnt seem very high to us around here. Well done for admitting to the facts so that others can give you best advice.

Kimberly has been talking about me at the start because I am 5ft3 and started off not much short of 300 pounds!

You definitely need to up your calories so I am pleased that you have come to that conclusion. I dont count my calories as a rule - but can say that the last time that I did count my calories I weighed less than you do now, I was well into the project (nearly a year) and was eating about 1600 calories and still losing some weight. The danger with eating too low a level of calories is that the body gets used to it and then you are a bit stuck if you stop losing weight. If you can lose weight nicely while eating more you get so that you feel less deprived (so are less likely to abandon it all as too much hard work) and have plenty of scope to scale things back by 100 calories a day if you stop losing weight altogether.

As far as oils go - I was wondering why you chose flax oil capsules. I have omega 3 fish oils and have heard that they are slightly better for you. I was under the impression that the flax oil are geared to providing an alternatives for vegetarians - but you are clearly not vegetarian.

In diet I used olive spread as a butter alternative and use fry light spray when I want to do a stir fry. I do eat quite a lot of fish - which tends to provide some good oils naturally within food.

Well done on the walking and swimming. It truly will get you to where you want to be. Kimberly is right - I spend lots of time thinking when I am out walking. It is a bonus - you lose weight and solve other problems too - all at the same time.

Take care
Love
Margaret
 
Pretty much Margaret has given you all the good advice you need (she always seems to get there first)! Everything is looking really good, though. Just keep at it, and after a while, you'll a) figure out your process, and b) start to trust that process.

Sophie
 
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