Just a little bit more to go ...
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KaraCooks
New member
5lb Challenge: Day #14
SW: 177.4
CW: 177.0 (-0.4)
GW: 172.4
I seem to be going backwards.
I didn't post over the weekend mostly because Sat and Sun I slept in and had breakfast before I even remembered to weigh.
Saturday was an "off" day for me, but I knew it would be. We had chicken wings and veggies and dip and all kinds of good things that we took with us to the park to watch fireworks. And yesterday at brunch I had .. um ... 3 bloody marys.
Today I'm back on track. Made yogurt last night, and whipped up a quick stir fry and some grilled mahi for lunch today. Tonight will be grilled pork chops, sweet potato, and broccoli. I'm determined to stick to 1600 calories this week, so I've planned everything out in advance, including lunch out with a friend on Wednesday.
Cherry - I"m glad you like the food blog. I've neglected it big time the last month and I need to get back to it.
Zephyr - thanks for checking in on me. It's always nice to have people stop in and say "hi".
SW: 177.4
CW: 177.0 (-0.4)
GW: 172.4
I seem to be going backwards.
I didn't post over the weekend mostly because Sat and Sun I slept in and had breakfast before I even remembered to weigh.Saturday was an "off" day for me, but I knew it would be. We had chicken wings and veggies and dip and all kinds of good things that we took with us to the park to watch fireworks. And yesterday at brunch I had .. um ... 3 bloody marys.
Today I'm back on track. Made yogurt last night, and whipped up a quick stir fry and some grilled mahi for lunch today. Tonight will be grilled pork chops, sweet potato, and broccoli. I'm determined to stick to 1600 calories this week, so I've planned everything out in advance, including lunch out with a friend on Wednesday.
Cherry - I"m glad you like the food blog.
I've neglected it big time the last month and I need to get back to it. Zephyr - thanks for checking in on me. It's always nice to have people stop in and say "hi".
KaraCooks
New member
Quick update with some photos. I was going through some old files and found some images from about summer 4 years ago. This isn't my highest weight, but it's probably close. W/in 20 lbs anyway - probably around 235 or 240.
The second set of photos is from February of this year, about 8 lbs lower than I am right now - so about 170.
The second set of photos is from February of this year, about 8 lbs lower than I am right now - so about 170.
usedtobefatmatt
New member
Great work Kara. You have done a great job! Also, i love reading your posts, they are always very informative.
Keep it up!
KaraCooks
New member
5lb Challenge: Day #15
SW: 177.4
CW: 177.8 (+0.4)
GW: 172.4
*grumble* *grump*
Ok obviously I'm doing something wrong. Either I'm slacking off too much on the eating (most likely - it's my weakness) or I'm not getting enough intensity out of my workouts. So I guess what I need is to be even more accountable. I'm going to start logging my calories and macros as well ... if you guys see them, then I'll have to behave.
Food
Breakfast: yogurt and bluberries
Lunch: stir fry veggies and mahi
Snack: apple and cheese
Snack: boiled egg
Dinner: grilled pork chop, roasted broccoli, roasted sweet potato
Dessert: protein powder, a peach, and some honey whirled in the blender w/ a couple of ice cubes
Calories: 1613 38/28/30 (too much fat, not enough protein)
Exercise
I started the Strong Lifts 5x5 program yesterday and I'm a WIMP. I was starting to be proud of the definition in my arms and shoulders, but holy-crap-this-kicked-my-ass. Squats I can do with my eyes closed and bench pressing is fine, too. I couldn't do one single reverse row and I've always been iffy on pushups anyway (still do them from my knees). I feel like such a GIRL. *grin* At least the reverse crunches went well, although I def feel them in my upper abs this morning.
After I did the workout, I did a nice middle-of-the-road 20 mins on the elliptical. Got my heart rate up there and broke a sweat, but didn't push too hard. Just felt good and burned some calories.
Stay tuned tomorrow for the next installment.
SW: 177.4
CW: 177.8 (+0.4)
GW: 172.4
*grumble* *grump*
Ok obviously I'm doing something wrong. Either I'm slacking off too much on the eating (most likely - it's my weakness) or I'm not getting enough intensity out of my workouts. So I guess what I need is to be even more accountable. I'm going to start logging my calories and macros as well ... if you guys see them, then I'll have to behave.
Food
Breakfast: yogurt and bluberries
Lunch: stir fry veggies and mahi
Snack: apple and cheese
Snack: boiled egg
Dinner: grilled pork chop, roasted broccoli, roasted sweet potato
Dessert: protein powder, a peach, and some honey whirled in the blender w/ a couple of ice cubes
Calories: 1613 38/28/30 (too much fat, not enough protein)
Exercise
I started the Strong Lifts 5x5 program yesterday and I'm a WIMP. I was starting to be proud of the definition in my arms and shoulders, but holy-crap-this-kicked-my-ass. Squats I can do with my eyes closed and bench pressing is fine, too. I couldn't do one single reverse row and I've always been iffy on pushups anyway (still do them from my knees). I feel like such a GIRL. *grin* At least the reverse crunches went well, although I def feel them in my upper abs this morning.
After I did the workout, I did a nice middle-of-the-road 20 mins on the elliptical. Got my heart rate up there and broke a sweat, but didn't push too hard. Just felt good and burned some calories.
Stay tuned tomorrow for the next installment.
You have such a positive attitude about your weight loss, which I really admire and aspire to. You've come such a long way, which is awesome. How long did it take you to get from 247 to 174? I'd like to lose about 50 pounds (at least) in six months. I know it sounds intense but it's really important to me. It was good to hear from you
KaraCooks
New member
5lb Challenge: Day #16
SW: 177.4
CW: 177.4 (0)
GW: 172.4
And it's taken me 16 days to get right back to where I started from. I just have to laugh.
Food
Breakfast: yogurt and bluberries
Lunch: butternut squash soup
Snack: celery and hummus
Snack: boiled egg
Dinner: grilled shrimp, tomato-cucumber-feta salad w/ dijon vinegar, watermelon
Snack: popcorn and a Pimms w/ club soda
Calories: 1589 46/28/26
Exercise
Heavy lunges, HIIT cardio on the elliptical
Today is going to be a weird food day. I'm going out to lunch with a co-worker and he will only eat at 2 restaurants where the food choices are not good. I've skipped breakfast and my morning snack and will try to balance out my calories from lunch. In general not the best way to proceed, I know, but I know that the calorie load from lunch will be significant.
---------------
Miriamm - It took me about 9 months I think. To be honest I didn't actually realize I was losing weight until after I'd already a good 25 or 30 lbs because I wasn't actually trying to lose weight. I had just joined a gym and started working out with a friend ... and then went through a really stressful 6 months where I didn't eat much - not out of a plan to diet, but just because of life stress. So I never started actually tracking my loss or working on eating healthy until after I was down about half that weight.
I would recommend the stress diet to anyone *grin* but it worked to kick start me.
SW: 177.4
CW: 177.4 (0)
GW: 172.4
And it's taken me 16 days to get right back to where I started from. I just have to laugh.
Food
Breakfast: yogurt and bluberries
Lunch: butternut squash soup
Snack: celery and hummus
Snack: boiled egg
Dinner: grilled shrimp, tomato-cucumber-feta salad w/ dijon vinegar, watermelon
Snack: popcorn and a Pimms w/ club soda
Calories: 1589 46/28/26
Exercise
Heavy lunges, HIIT cardio on the elliptical
Today is going to be a weird food day. I'm going out to lunch with a co-worker and he will only eat at 2 restaurants where the food choices are not good. I've skipped breakfast and my morning snack and will try to balance out my calories from lunch. In general not the best way to proceed, I know, but I know that the calorie load from lunch will be significant.
---------------
Miriamm - It took me about 9 months I think. To be honest I didn't actually realize I was losing weight until after I'd already a good 25 or 30 lbs because I wasn't actually trying to lose weight. I had just joined a gym and started working out with a friend ... and then went through a really stressful 6 months where I didn't eat much - not out of a plan to diet, but just because of life stress. So I never started actually tracking my loss or working on eating healthy until after I was down about half that weight.
I would recommend the stress diet to anyone *grin* but it worked to kick start me.
Hey Kara,
Sorry to hear you've stalled around 177 lately. If your eating around 1600 calories a day (with exercise) that should get you to your 135 goal weight. It seems like your body is adjusting to it's new weight. Try not too worry to much about what you're eating, eat what you want while your body is adjusting (well assuming you like eating generally healthy food and not bad food like a lot of sweets or fast food).
The only real suggestions I can make though is to try eating more for breakfast and have more fruits for snacks in the morning (maybe an apple or peach). That may help your metabolism get started earlier in the day (yogurt and blueberries might not be enough). Another thing you could try is to exercise for 15 or 20 minutes in the morning before you eat breakfast, it's hard but that will definitely get your metabolism going.
Keep it up and don't worry about it, you're looking great!
Later,
-Jeremy
Sorry to hear you've stalled around 177 lately. If your eating around 1600 calories a day (with exercise) that should get you to your 135 goal weight. It seems like your body is adjusting to it's new weight. Try not too worry to much about what you're eating, eat what you want while your body is adjusting (well assuming you like eating generally healthy food and not bad food like a lot of sweets or fast food).
The only real suggestions I can make though is to try eating more for breakfast and have more fruits for snacks in the morning (maybe an apple or peach). That may help your metabolism get started earlier in the day (yogurt and blueberries might not be enough). Another thing you could try is to exercise for 15 or 20 minutes in the morning before you eat breakfast, it's hard but that will definitely get your metabolism going.
Keep it up and don't worry about it, you're looking great!
Later,
-Jeremy
KaraCooks
New member
Thanks Jeremy.
Actually I'm perfectly good with the yogurt and blueberries for breakfast. I eat whole fat homemade strained yogurt in the mornings, plus a 3/4 cup serving of blueberries, which is extremely filling. It's around 300 calories, 17g protein, 24g carbs, 8g fiber. It's a nice sized breakfast.
I do have an apple in my bag for a snack if I need it, but generally I don't feel the need for a snack until the afternoon.
Actually I'm perfectly good with the yogurt and blueberries for breakfast. I eat whole fat homemade strained yogurt in the mornings, plus a 3/4 cup serving of blueberries, which is extremely filling. It's around 300 calories, 17g protein, 24g carbs, 8g fiber. It's a nice sized breakfast.
I do have an apple in my bag for a snack if I need it, but generally I don't feel the need for a snack until the afternoon.
lisajacobs
New member
Hi Kara
Wow those photos are wonderful, you really are such an inspiration to me. I'm sure you will start dropping very soon, with your knowledge and determination there is only one way for you to go.
I'm keeping my eyes on this journey of yours....
lisa
Wow those photos are wonderful, you really are such an inspiration to me. I'm sure you will start dropping very soon, with your knowledge and determination there is only one way for you to go.
I'm keeping my eyes on this journey of yours....
lisa
Kara,
Oh well that is one kick butt Yogurt! 300 calories 17g protein 24g of carbs 8g of fiber is awesome for breakfast. Better than my bagel. I thought you meant one of those tiny little yogurt things. Carry on then!
What about the early morning workout (Walking/jogging or something like that)? That might help get things started again.
Later
-Jeremy
Oh well that is one kick butt Yogurt! 300 calories 17g protein 24g of carbs 8g of fiber is awesome for breakfast. Better than my bagel. I thought you meant one of those tiny little yogurt things. Carry on then!
What about the early morning workout (Walking/jogging or something like that)? That might help get things started again.
Later
-Jeremy
Thanks Jeremy.
Actually I'm perfectly good with the yogurt and blueberries for breakfast. I eat whole fat homemade strained yogurt in the mornings, plus a 3/4 cup serving of blueberries, which is extremely filling. It's around 300 calories, 17g protein, 24g carbs, 8g fiber. It's a nice sized breakfast.
I do have an apple in my bag for a snack if I need it, but generally I don't feel the need for a snack until the afternoon.
KaraCooks
New member
Heheheh. Yeah. I hate those little yogurt containers. I love making my own yogurt - makes a huge difference in the quality.
I should try a morning workout - but I'm SO not a morning person. I set the alarm and plan to get up an then sleep wins out. *sigh* I really ought to at least get up and do a round of Tai-Chi stretches or something to get the blood flowing, but often it's all I can do to stagger to the shower and stand there until I wake up.
dwwise83
New member
Heheheh. Yeah. I hate those little yogurt containers. I love making my own yogurt - makes a huge difference in the quality.
I should try a morning workout - but I'm SO not a morning person. I set the alarm and plan to get up an then sleep wins out. *sigh* I really ought to at least get up and do a round of Tai-Chi stretches or something to get the blood flowing, but often it's all I can do to stagger to the shower and stand there until I wake up.
I feel you! I rarely made it to my morning workouts, so I just stopped thinking I was a morning person and started going at night.
Yeah it is hard to do it, the 3rd or 4th day isn't so bad. If you could do it for just a week I'll bet you would make that 5 pound mini goal in under 2 weeks. Even if your not a morning person, morning workouts can really help getting your metabolism going in the direction you want it to go (usually a good morning breakfast will do it but you've already got that covered so the morning workout may be what you need).
Heheheh. Yeah. I hate those little yogurt containers. I love making my own yogurt - makes a huge difference in the quality.
I should try a morning workout - but I'm SO not a morning person. I set the alarm and plan to get up an then sleep wins out. *sigh* I really ought to at least get up and do a round of Tai-Chi stretches or something to get the blood flowing, but often it's all I can do to stagger to the shower and stand there until I wake up.
KaraCooks
New member
5lb Challenge: Day #17
SW: 177.4
CW: 177.2 (-0.2)
GW: 172.4
Yesterday was tough because I went out for Indian food with a co-worker. Long story, no other choice of restaurant. I did the best I could at the restaurant and limited the rest of the day as best I could w/out starving myself.
Food
Breakfast: coffee
Lunch: Indian lunch special, included soup, chicken curry, jasmine rice, 1/2 naan
Dinner: open faced tuna salad on whole grain, spinach leaves, radish, cheese
Snack: skinny cow ice cream sandwich
Calories: 1887 40/24/36
Exercise
5k run - alternating 8 mins running w/ 5 mins walking for a total of 47 mins.
I tried to estimate high rather than low on the Indian food. I may actually have eaten fewer calories, but I'd rather over estimate than under estimate. Today I'm trying to load up on fruit and veggies to compensate for yesterday. Also drinking a lot of water because I know I had too much sodium yesterday. Damn restaurant food.
SW: 177.4
CW: 177.2 (-0.2)
GW: 172.4
Yesterday was tough because I went out for Indian food with a co-worker. Long story, no other choice of restaurant. I did the best I could at the restaurant and limited the rest of the day as best I could w/out starving myself.
Food
Breakfast: coffee
Lunch: Indian lunch special, included soup, chicken curry, jasmine rice, 1/2 naan
Dinner: open faced tuna salad on whole grain, spinach leaves, radish, cheese
Snack: skinny cow ice cream sandwich
Calories: 1887 40/24/36
Exercise
5k run - alternating 8 mins running w/ 5 mins walking for a total of 47 mins.
I tried to estimate high rather than low on the Indian food. I may actually have eaten fewer calories, but I'd rather over estimate than under estimate. Today I'm trying to load up on fruit and veggies to compensate for yesterday. Also drinking a lot of water because I know I had too much sodium yesterday. Damn restaurant food.
usedtobefatmatt
New member
I just started the book last night and I'm really liking it. So far, he explains it very well. I'm looking forward to the rest of it.
Matt
Matt