Lukewarm's Weight Loss Diary

Yeah I hope so too. I mean if anything, it feels like a fresh start! And that's worth it in my opinion. You'll always have people for and against things. The nice thing is that doctors and scientists are the ones that create these programs and vitamins. So if a doctor is the one that created it, then I'm sure it's ok ;)
 
Risty yeah I think that I’m going to try a cleanse at some point but I agree that it’s a great way to get back on track after a couple of bad eating days. I know that I’ll have some of those at some point so I think I may keep it as a secret weapon to use against bad habits.

I couldn’t sleep last night so I woke up too late for the spin class. There are no classes scheduled for Sunday either so today and tomorrow are up to me. I’m a little discouraged this morning because I realized that the machines at the gym are inaccurate at least regarding the calories burned. So I think I need to underestimate the reading and aim for like 900 calories burned in order to get the workout I want. I don’t know though I just feel like it’s a huge pain in the ass. Which I suppose is the point. Maybe I should get a heart rate monitor but I don’t know how accurate anything is at this point! I guess if I’m breathing hard and super sweaty at the end of the hour, then I am achieving something. I’m sick of reading all of the threads that everyone posts about how steady state cardio isn’t good for you and you’re just wasting away your muscle and you won’t lose weight…it’s really frustrating. I want to be thin and strong and healthy, and I do not understand how exhausting myself on, yes- a machine, is going to inhibit my progress. Sorry I’m just a little bitchy because I keep reading conflicting advice.

-Breakfast: Garden Veggie Egg Beaters- 60 calories & Oatmeal- 150 calories
-Snack: 3 small oranges- 186 calories
-Lunch: Turkey Chili w/ 0.5 cup Mozzarella Cheese- 600 calories
-Snack: Blackberry Yogurt- 100 calories
-Dinner: Smoked Turkey- 200 calories & Natural Applesauce- 90 calories
-Total Cals: 1386 calories
-Water: 2.5 L

-Movie: LOTR
-Exercise Today: 60 mins. Elliptical "604" calories
-Miles Today/Total Miles: 4.9/166.4 miles
 
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Ah, the whole conflicting advice problem. Been there, done that. What I do is go out and do something that feels good to me. If I feel like I'm going to get results from what I did, then I'll keep doing it to see if I do. If nothing happens and it's been longer than 2 weeks, then I'll change up the routine until I find something that works for me. When you get down to it, weight loss consists of two things. Eating right, and exercising. And while I do listen to advice from others who have done things, I try to avoid getting bogged down in all the scientific "facts" that are floating around, and just do what I know is good for me. Some of the things have merit, and if you can find information in a medical book, or from your doctor, then take it into consideration and use it in your own way. That's what I do.

Hope you have a great day today!
 
Xorie Thanks, you are correct. I do need to focus on simply working hard. And I am, but I do worry that it's not enough. I appreciate the words though because it reminds me that while my approach may not be 'optimal' or the best way to accomplish my goal, it is helping. Thanks girl. Yes I'm going to go have a nice day, I hope you do as well.
 
I took my measurements and the only changes are 1.5 inches off of my bust (of course), and 1.0 inch off of my hips.
 
Isn't it annoying how the first thing to come off is the boobs? :rolleyes: Seriously... It drives me up a wall!
 
I also found that the cardio machines were inaccurate about the number of calories burned. I started using a heart rate monitor and I believe it does give an accurate reading because it bases the calories burned on your stats and heart rate. If anything I think the heart rate monitor underestimates the calories burned while lifting weights, but I think it works well for the cardio. Best of all, you know how hard (or not) you're truly working by having a measure of your heart rate.

I also got a bit discouraged about the steady state cardio I was doing. I had never heard of it not being helpful til I found this forum. I can see the major advantages to trying to increase one's level over time, and some interval training is definitely good, but like you I can't see how its bad either. I did get stuck on a plateau while doing my elliptical regularly, but there are people on this forum who do high intensity interval training and they also hit a plateau. So who's to say? I say keep up what you're doing til it stops working, and then re-evaluate.
 
Blancita Thanks, I agree, I have been using the elliptical for the past week and I feel really good, and for some reason I'm able to push myself harder on it than I do on the treadmill. I'll beware of a plateau, I think I just have to keep increasing as much as I can.

I also appreciate the input on hrms. I think I may invest in one if I don't have good weigh-ins in the next couple weeks. If I don't have decent weigh-ins, then I'm doing something really wrong because I have been putting forth more effort into this weight loss thing lately than I ever have before!
 
Now you've got us curious what the embarrassing post was about! Well, I hope you're OK luke.

Now that I've used a HRM during cardio, I really can't imagine doing it without knowing what heart rate I'm at at a given point. Sometimes you can't tell just by exertion. I've noticed a few times when I'm really tired or dont have a lot of energy because of the lack of carbs or calories in the foods I'd eaten that day, I'm feeling like the work out is really hard yet my heart rate isn't that high. I also noticed its a lot harder work to go through the process of getting your heart rate up to a certain level. Once you're in your target zone, it feels a lot easier to stay in that zone. Not sure what that means but its interesting. But now I cant imagine exercising and not knowing what cardio/heart rate zone I'm in and my exact calorie count.
 
Blancita I'm ok! I think I know what you mean, it was really hard for me to push myself yesterday even though it was the same workout I've been doing for the past few days. I have been using the same machine every day and my heart rate stays pretty consistent but I'm thinking about a hrm. It would be very reassuring to know how much I'm burning and what my exact hr is...I think I may look around on the internet this afternoon and shop one.

Man I'm having bad dreams lately. I wake up all stressed! I need to stop, because it makes me feel exhausted, and then I can't sleep later that night. I know I'm always whining...but I'm going to be positive from this point on, all day long! Maybe that will have an effect on my dreams. I will be emanating good vibes for the remainder of my afternoon and evening. GOOD MORNING! :)

-Breakfast: Apricot Mango Yogurt- 100 calories & Eggbeater Garden Veggie- 60 calories
-Snack: 3 Fla Oranges- 186 calories
-Lunch: Turkey Chili w/ 0.5 Cup Mozzarella Cheese & 2 Tbsp. Lite Sour Cream- 750 calories
-Dinner: Apple w/ Peanut Butter- 400 calories
-Total Cals: 1496 Calories
-Water: 3.5 L

-Movie: Hellboy
-Exercise Today: Elliptical- 60 mins./650 cals/HR- 180-190
-Miles Today/Total Miles: 4.5/170.9 miles
 
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I'm also curious about the post that was edited :p It can't be that bad :p

I'm sorry you're not sleeping well, I know that sucks! I hope you won't be getting bad dreams again anytime soon. Try to find positive aspects to all the negative things and try not to worry. That'll probably help with not having bad dreams. Also try to do some relaxing stuff, like take a bath before bed or go on a nice walk during the day.
 
Morning Sara!! Hey I read you've lost inches, that's a huge accomplishment you know that right??? It's so hard to lose inches and you've done that. Don't stress yourself out so much about your heart rate, what your doing is working for you. The key here is TIME and a lot of patience. Stay on the track you've been on and I'm sure in no time you will start seeing some big changes. Sorry to hear about your bad dreams, NO MORE BAD DREAM!!! :jump: Take it one day at a time, I'm right there with you my friend!
Kim
 
Risty That is great advice, thank you! :) I am having a nice day actually I think a happy attitude makes all the difference. I think I am going to go to the gym earlier than usual, so that I have time to take a sauna after my workout. It’s pure bliss, and my skin looks great after! Yay, and yay.

Miss Ladybug Thank you! I’m pleased that I’ve lost some inches as well, and if they start coming off in my boobs, that’s alright, as long as the inches fall off in other places as well eventually. And they will :) Aw thank you Kim, you’re right, we’re totally in this together. I love this forum!

:eek: Ohhh on a cautionary note, I’ve already eaten my days’ worth of calories! Funny, a happy attitude apparently results in me eating more! :rolleyes:
 
Hey Lukewarm,

I've missed so much, haven't I? From your confession to volume eating (which I indulge in myself every so often - I also try to indulge in veg with maybe a little sweet chilli sauce on it to make it all taste great - I don't know if it's normal but it sure feels great!) to your goal chart for the week (which is a fantastic idea, by the way!)

Congratulations on your gym membership! We can now compare notes! I'm sure you'll like it in the long run as much as I have.
And 2Skinny was spot-on about people looking at you in the gym. It's an enclosed space and watching people is some people's idea of getting through their workout; you never know, they may be fantasizing about how you'd look dressed as Scarlet O'Hara or some other random crap. Nothing to do with you actually..
The nice thing about the gym is once you get used to it, you're more or less a pro. Even though I hadn't been in a week, I didn't feel weird and different. I think that it's simply because of the length of time I've been going. Plus you'll develop confidence in your performance at the gym, so you won't be daunted by seeing ultra-skinny people working out.

I'm so pleased about your spinning class - it sure feels great to do something you never thought you'd do in a million years; hopefully it'll make you realise you can do a lot more than you think..

Are you feeling better now? I know how annoying it feels to read conflicting 'advice' - as you yourself seem to be finding out, it's what works for you that you should focus on. Nowadays I tend to focus on my heart rate during the workout, and getting as sweaty as I possibly can. I don't look at how many calories I'm burning until the end - I don't care if the machines get it wrong and I've burnt less calories than it says. You can only do so much! If you've got people telling you (in so many words) that you're not doing enough, etc, it can be very demotivating.

And don't be worried about feeling negative - we all feel that way sometimes. As you yourself know, I had a long spate of negativity, and it took a while for me to get out of it, and it's only the pressure of exams and the gym that forced me out of it. So don't stress yourself (physically and mentally) - you'll be more than fine. Just keep on with your current gym plan and schedule, and keep on with your cardio, steady state or not. You'll soon see the fat melting away nicely, as Steve says...

And good on you with the inch loss - you're already seeing the results!
 
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RhoRho Thank you for your thoughtfulness. I tried to rep you!...but for some reason I can't? I really appreciate it :) My goal chart, I accomplished quite a few of those goals, but I didn't anticipate buying the gym membership, so that altered my plan a little bit. It's funny because I do feel comfortable in the gym, I focus on myself and truthfully I hardly look at anyone else, and I doubt anyone is looking at me, and if we do look at others, I agree that it's out of boredom or for the sake of having something to look at. I admit that the only place I actually feel a little out of place is in the weights area, but when it comes to my classes and cardio, I feel in my element. Part of the reason I wanted the membership was because of your efforts in the gym!

You know what? I totally feel better. Because when I was through with my workout today I checked myself out in the mirror and I swear that my body has changed in only a week. Or maybe the accumulation of my efforts has finally been enough for me to notice, but I feel really good. I recognized a semblance of the body that I used to have, but more than that I saw this confidence that I had almost given up on. I agree it's all about getting sweaty! I love getting totally drenched and rank because I know that I worked my ass off!

I am so happy you're feeling better now and getting back to the gym and posting and stuff. I missed you! I'm going to work on being more positive :) Thanks again Rho!
 
Aww, I'm so happy to hear you say you joined the gym partly because of me! Really flattered! I think it's a great idea for several reasons - you're paying money for a service, so all their facilities and classes are at your disposal. So you have your work cut out for you in that you don't need to plan for yourself in minute detail what workouts you will be doing each time you want to exercise. Plus if it's a nice gym, which yours sounds like it is, you get to enjoy other of their facilities, such as their sauna, steam room , jacuzzi, Internet café, massage room (you get the idea :D)

Don't worry about the rep - I'm more concerned about your progress.

I think that you'll become used to the weights - to be honest I prefer weight training to everything else, purely because I know I'm training my muscle, which I kNOW is great for fat burning. I love the fact that I'm not doing endless reps and sets - a maximum of 3 sets of 12 reps each is all I need. Cardio doesn't give me that buzz, that 'If I carry on I'm going to be sick' feeling that has you feeling euphoric later on. I'm not crazy, obviously :D

When I started at the gym I used to feel like a lump compared to everyone else, but when I got used to it, and perfected my technique (in weight training again!) I realised that a lot of people actually regularly do things wrong! I watched a woman yesterday on the leg press so far back and locking her knees with each rep - I had to stop myself from screaming at her "Stop giving yourself arthritis". But if I'd observed the same woman when I initially started I'd have thought "Whoa - she looks fit - why am I not like her?! *boo hoo*" So you see - it's all time and perspective..

I'm so pleased you've joined the gym. We can all moan about aching limbs now!
 
Hey Luke; nice bunch of posts in your diary here. I repped RhoRho since you weren't able to. ha ha Seriously though, Rho Rhos's posts are encouraging for us all.

I haven't been to the gym for a couple weeks and I really feel it. But the really cool thing is I just have to go back ONCE and I feel better. I'm not surprised when you wrote after only one week you looked in the mirror and thought you look different. It's so fast acting. Re: heart rate and calories burned...some might call me too laid back, but my theory is if we get our butts into the gym on a regular basis, anywhere from 3-6 times/week, and yes, as long as we get sweaty, we're doing what we're supposed to be doing. I think I read somewhere that quantity actually beats quality for once, when it comes to working out...we want to get to the gym or outside for exercise on a daily basis ideally. I'm still working on developing that habit. I go in and out of it. Well...we all know life gets in the way sometimes, but I want to become the type of person that goes every day. I can do cardio every day, and weights every other day.

I saw in my diary you name your cat Stimpy! Makes me think of the word stumpy...does your cat have a limp? lol
 
Thanks 2Skinny,

That was really kind of you. I need a lot of encouragement myself so it's great to be able to encourage others too, especially L.

You're so right about feeling better after going to the gym just once! I think that your tolerance level actually increases - I'd been moaning about the 3kg for my lats raises, but yesterday I managed to do it without reducing the weight halfway through the workout, which was great!

L, 2Skinny is totally right - as long as you get to the gym, get sweaty and make sure that when you come out you feel like you've done something, you'll see the results, like you already are.
 
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