To happiness...and beyond!

[Davey_Sprockett]

Hey Davey!

Thanks for the wonderful post! I actually posted the rest of my meals today! ANNNND this was the first day I counted calories...I've never done it before, and to be honest, it's a lot of work - and I probably won't do it again!

I do agree that I need to eat more protein...it's odd, I find it hard to incorporate it into my diet. I'm not one to sit and munch on some meat (I know it can come in many forms! but meat is so much easier than soaking, draining, cooking, & creating a meal with beans!) ... I do recognize that I need to make sure I'm eating more throughout the day, and that when i do eat, I'm adding protein.

You seem to know A LOT about diet- which is awesome (I'mma tap into that knowledge!)

What's your opinion of cheese. I find that cheese is the way I get most of my protein. I know it's highly fatty...I am lactose intolerant, but I am able to eat old cheddar, swiss, feta and other goats milk cheese. I don't tend to eat A LOT, but I will have a rice cake and cheese for a snack most days. I have assumed that's a healthy treat, but I'm concerned about my cheese intake...I'm going to become a cheese woman if I keep it up!

Thank you again for the help with the diet!! I do find it a bit overwhelming sometimes!!

Hey again, I don't know that much, I just used to spend a lot of time reading bodybuilding websites and magazines so I've absorbed a bit of information over the last year or so. I used to think I could make my body big and muscly while losing fat, and failed lol. It's something I plan on returning to so the knowledge won't be wasted

If you want to fill yourself up with a meal, but are worried about eating too much include a decent cut of meat (steak or chicken breast is best) include loads of veggies and eat couscous as your carb instead of pasta or potatoes. It's got so few calories that you can have a bit extra, and it still wouldn't be anywhere near as calorific as other types of carbs. Soya beans are also good for women, as they have lots of protein, but not so good for men as they boost estrogen the female hormone so I tend to avoid them (NOOOOOO man boobies lol). Also chillies are a good known fat burner along with green tea, though don't try to make a green tea with a chopped up chilli (I tried and choked so much I nearly lost an eyeball after drinking it). If you don't mind spicy food then mix a chilli in while cooking.

As for cheese, try cottage cheese if that's an option, otherwise try to limit your cheese binges, I'm the same I love it and once I get started I don't stop till either me or the block of cheese is no longer standing!!!

I think I'm rambling a tiny bit due to tiredness, so gonna head off to my warm bed and fresh sheets But I'll be back tomorrow, I'm sure you've got as much to teach me, so I'll be looking forward to exchanging messages with you lots over the course of both of our weight loss diaries!!!

 

[Happychubette]

Hey Tick you're making progress and learning lots. I just google "recipe calculator"and use the first one that comes up for calculating calories. Works for me. Keep up the good work. Congrats on 6 pounds gone for good and enjoy your workouts.

 

[Tik]

Happychubette: Thank you so much for the encouraging post!! ANNNNND the recipe calorie counter! I found one and I'm so pleased with it!! Also, thanks for the congrats on the weight loss! By the looks of your counter- you've done an amazing job!!! Congrats on your wonderful weight loss Have a fabulous Sunday!!


Davey: I hear A LOT of people talking about green tea- I'm going to have to buy some! I love tea, but normally drink the Earl! You're very right about the soy! There's A LOT of estrogen in it! I Actually try to limit myself to it as well, as my natural make up tends to have me high on the estrogen levels (I like to think that this makes me that much more of an awesome woman- I am just filled with SO much woman! hehehe). This Feb I'm going to make an effort to include more protein, and drink some green tea! As for the chilis- I dunno! They scare me!!! Hope you had a great night sleep! And good luck today on your adventures!!

 

[Tik]

Day 6

9:30am - breakfast sandwich (two 7 grain slices toasted, poached egg, sliced tomato, 1tbs of old cheddar grated cheese), 1/2 apple, sm OJ, lrg water



Ok...*giddy with excitement*...teeehehehehehe!
*breathes*

I woke up, and decided to weight myself this morning! Yesterday I couldn't find a digital scales in my travels, so I decided to pinch one from my grandparents yesterday evening! While I probably get karma points deducted for snatching their scale (which they don't ever use), I should get + points for being the wonderful granddaughter that went to visit with them (and I even brought my cat which they absolutely love!)...hehehe...BACK TO THE STORY!

So, i got up, stepped on the scale! And BAM, I was -3lbs from yesterday! *happy dance* ...I am keeping a stable head about me, as I know weight can fluctuate a lot, it might be water weight, maybe I passed a lot of gas in the night! But I'm happy! weee!! I made sure to measure myself on it last night, and I was the same weight as I was when I measured myself at the gym that day...so I feel the scale is as accurate as any scale could ever be!!

But it does make me wonder...that's a -6lbs drop from Wed. When i was assessed on Wed, I was measured using a different scale than I normally do. It was higher than what I've been using the gym scale, so I wonder which is right...hmmm...I'm going to take my current reading, as this seems to be consistent on 2 scales! Plus, I already reached one of my personal goals : to get below 200lbs!

So today rocks already!!

I'm having a bit of lower back pain today- I know it's nothing to do with muscle pain, but more so TOM (which isn't TOM, but it's the same pain)...so I'm not going to push myself to go to the gym this morning! I'll wait until this afternoon/evening to reassess...and if I don't go to get my cardio, I have snatched some exercises from SunShyne's diary to complete at home!

I'm thinking of doing 2 sets of exercises 3 times...each set with three exercises.

First set:
15 squats (with 10lbs weight)
12 wide stance pushups
12 calf raises (w/ 10lbs weight) on both legs with calf stretches

Second set:
15 leg raises on both legs
20 crunches
20 supermans with alternating leg/arm lifts

Then some back stretches!

I would really like to get some cardio in today, as my PT sessions really work on a full body strengthening...so my goal will be to push myself to the gym, but if I don't make it, I at least have a back up

Well, I'm off to continue to plug away at my school work! I have a list of 12 tasks to complete! I was able to get through 6 of them yesterday (mind you, they were the easy 6), so I have a lot to accomplish today!

 

[Tob1]

Day 6

9:30am - breakfast sandwich (two 7 grain slices toasted, poached egg, sliced tomato, 1tbs of old cheddar grated cheese), 1/2 apple, sm OJ, lrg water



Ok...*giddy with excitement*...teeehehehehehe!
*breathes*

I woke up, and decided to weight myself this morning! Yesterday I couldn't find a digital scales in my travels, so I decided to pinch one from my grandparents yesterday evening! While I probably get karma points deducted for snatching their scale (which they don't ever use), I should get + points for being the wonderful granddaughter that went to visit with them (and I even brought my cat which they absolutely love!)...hehehe...BACK TO THE STORY!

So, i got up, stepped on the scale! And BAM, I was -3lbs from yesterday! *happy dance* ...I am keeping a stable head about me, as I know weight can fluctuate a lot, it might be water weight, maybe I passed a lot of gas in the night! But I'm happy! weee!! I made sure to measure myself on it last night, and I was the same weight as I was when I measured myself at the gym that day...so I feel the scale is as accurate as any scale could ever be!!

But it does make me wonder...that's a -6lbs drop from Wed. When i was assessed on Wed, I was measured using a different scale than I normally do. It was higher than what I've been using the gym scale, so I wonder which is right...hmmm...I'm going to take my current reading, as this seems to be consistent on 2 scales! Plus, I already reached one of my personal goals : to get below 200lbs!

So today rocks already!!

I'm having a bit of lower back pain today- I know it's nothing to do with muscle pain, but more so TOM (which isn't TOM, but it's the same pain)...so I'm not going to push myself to go to the gym this morning! I'll wait until this afternoon/evening to reassess...and if I don't go to get my cardio, I have snatched some exercises from SunShyne's diary to complete at home!

I'm thinking of doing 2 sets of exercises 3 times...each set with three exercises.

First set:
15 squats (with 10lbs weight)
12 wide stance pushups
12 calf raises (w/ 10lbs weight) on both legs with calf stretches

Second set:
15 leg raises on both legs
20 crunches
20 supermans with alternating leg/arm lifts

Then some back stretches!

I would really like to get some cardio in today, as my PT sessions really work on a full body strengthening...so my goal will be to push myself to the gym, but if I don't make it, I at least have a back up

Well, I'm off to continue to plug away at my school work! I have a list of 12 tasks to complete! I was able to get through 6 of them yesterday (mind you, they were the easy 6), so I have a lot to accomplish today!

Great Job on the Loss and on visiting your grandparents! You sound like you are going to go the distance!

 

[Sunshyne]

Congrats on getting into the 100's!! That's amazing! You're doing so great

 

[Tik]

Day 6

9:30am - breakfast sandwich (two 7 grain slices toasted, poached egg, sliced tomato, 1tbs of old cheddar grated cheese), 1/2 apple, sm OJ, lrg water
12:30pm - soup, toast, lrg glass of water
1:30pm - organic blue corn nachos, homemade salsa, 2 lrg glasses of water





Alrighty! So after my morning post, I went to have a little nap, as I was pooped! While I was laying there I thought to myself, 'I really should go to the gym'...so, right then and there I decided that I was going to push myself! Because if I didn't- who would? I am solely responsible for my weight loss goal! So I booted myself too the gym and kicked some butt!!

Day 2 - "couch to 5km"
Brisk five-minute warmup walk. Then alternate 90 seconds of jogging and two minutes of walking for a total of 20 minutes. 5 minute brisk walk cooldown.

I kicked it up a notch today! Yesterday I set the pace for 5, today I set it at 6! I did it, but at times my heart rate was above 85%...so I think for the next few days I'm going to stick to 5-5.5! Just so i don't kill myself! lol

Then I did sets of exercises, 3 times each

#1
Stability ball crunches (20)
Wide grip pushups (15)
Dumbbell chest press (12lbs)

#2
Buso ball plank (20sec), buso ball side planks (20 sec each side)
Leg lifts (10 each leg)
Supermans with alternating arm/leg lifts (20)

Then some stretches!

I'm so pleased with my work out today! And that I pushed myself to go! *happy dance*

 

[Tik]

Thank you Tob and Sunshyne!!!!

 

[StuntDouble]

Keep up the good work, you're very detailed and keep up a great pace with what you're doing, I admire that. Keep going, there is no doubt you'll reach your goal with how well you're doing. That's awesome on the PhD, by the way.

 

[healthyjess]

Hey Tik, you're awesome!
Well done on having the courage to post the pic too! I wish I had posted earlier photos so I'd be able to look back on them.

I just love how positive you are, and it's so great to see how you're noticing all the good things that come with living healthy. I made a few lists in my diary so I'd always remember how many good things I'd gained by losing the weight and being healthy.

I think you're just a lovely person! Congrats on everything, you're going so well

 

[cowboy48]

Day 6

9:30am - breakfast sandwich (two 7 grain slices toasted, poached egg, sliced tomato, 1tbs of old cheddar grated cheese), 1/2 apple, sm OJ, lrg water
12:30pm - soup, toast, lrg glass of water
1:30pm - organic blue corn nachos, homemade salsa, 2 lrg glasses of water





Alrighty! So after my morning post, I went to have a little nap, as I was pooped! While I was laying there I thought to myself, 'I really should go to the gym'...so, right then and there I decided that I was going to push myself! Because if I didn't- who would? I am solely responsible for my weight loss goal! So I booted myself too the gym and kicked some butt!!

Day 2 - "couch to 5km"
Brisk five-minute warmup walk. Then alternate 90 seconds of jogging and two minutes of walking for a total of 20 minutes. 5 minute brisk walk cooldown.

I kicked it up a notch today! Yesterday I set the pace for 5, today I set it at 6! I did it, but at times my heart rate was above 85%...so I think for the next few days I'm going to stick to 5-5.5! Just so i don't kill myself! lol

Then I did sets of exercises, 3 times each

#1
Stability ball crunches (20)
Wide grip pushups (15)
Dumbbell chest press (12lbs)

#2
Buso ball plank (20sec), buso ball side planks (20 sec each side)
Leg lifts (10 each leg)
Supermans with alternating arm/leg lifts (20)

Then some stretches!

I'm so pleased with my work out today! And that I pushed myself to go! *happy dance*

Hi Tik,

See I told you that you could do it-LOL. Good for you!! You are definitely on the right track with eating and exercise. The hardest part with the eating and the exercise is keeping at it. When people first start out they are all fired up and ready. By the end of the first month- some people seem to let all their enthusiasm wane. You really are such a positive person, I can't see this happening to you. You are going to do this- I can tell!! You will be running a 5 KM in no time(couch to 5 KM is a good way). I just came back from my run outside. -28 with windchill- I made sure to dress in layers so I wasn't cold. I think I told you that I am training for a 10 KM. I run one long distance a week(along with some 5 KM and 6 KM runs through the week)- that was today. Every Sunday the TIME that I run increases rather than the distance. So I have been running a 5 KM in about 23 minutes. Today I ran 45 minutes and ran about 8 KM. I had a problem going past the 5 KM distance- as soon as I ran 5 KM my body seemed to say ' Okay that is good-lol' and so I couldn't go any further. By increasing the time, the mind kind of stays out it because you don't know how far you are running until you are done. I am running a race for our local Youth Emergency Shelter on March 20. So my Sundays are geared up to the race so I will be running a 10 KM by that date. Today was only supposed to be a 7 KM distance rather than 8 so I guess I am ahead of schedule-lol. I am going to shoot for at least a 50 minute 10 KM. I guess I will see how that goes. You are doing such a great job--keep it up!!

 

[Xenon1]

Hi Tik,

Thanks for stopping by my diary. I'm happy I stopped by yours...we have so much in common!

Before I start a little bit about who I am, my history of weight, and why I think this time can work.

My name is Jill, and I'm currently in the first year of my PhD. I spend a lot of time in front of the computer working.

This is me to a tee! I am just going back to school and I spend hours in front of the computer. Especially with online classes.

My work out plan is as followed:
Mon- PT appointment
Tue- Zumba
Wed- PT appointment
Thu- Off day
Fri- PT appointment, zumba
Sat- solo gym
Sun - Off day/ yoga

^^I was really excited to read this. This is a type of workout regimen that I would totally enjoy. I'm sure you'll be a success with this because it will be more fun and enjoyable than stressing.

I'll be back later to read more of your diary -- I just have to run to catch up on my lectures! All the best!

xx
Xe.

 

[Tik]

Keep up the good work, you're very detailed and keep up a great pace with what you're doing, I admire that. Keep going, there is no doubt you'll reach your goal with how well you're doing. That's awesome on the PhD, by the way.

Thank you StuntDouble!!! I appreciate that you see me completing my goals! Sometimes it's hard (and overwhelming) to think of the road I have to travel to get there! So it's ALWAYS so encouraging and wonderful when someone like yourself, tells me I can do it!! *twirl*

Thanks for the PhD comment! Sometimes I think I'm crazy for doing it! What about you, are you in school!? Or have to managed to slip out of the grasp of that environment and move onto the real world! hehehe sometimes I think I've stayed in school this long to avoid having to "grow up"!

Hey Tik, you're awesome!
Well done on having the courage to post the pic too! I wish I had posted earlier photos so I'd be able to look back on them.

I just love how positive you are, and it's so great to see how you're noticing all the good things that come with living healthy. I made a few lists in my diary so I'd always remember how many good things I'd gained by losing the weight and being healthy.

I think you're just a lovely person! Congrats on everything, you're going so well

Jess! *hugs* I had to give you a hug for all the warm things you've said! Posting the picture was hard, but it'll be good for me! This way I can look back and see the changes!! But, oh my gosh- it's a scary feeling!! hehehe

I am going to have to check out this list you made! I think it'll be very motivating for me to see it! It's nice to see people happy with their weight loss, and all the good that has come out of it!!!

As for being a lovely person? Shucks!! Thanks! You're not to bad yourself missy!!! Thank you again for all the kind words!! It all helps to motivate you, and remember that you have a giant world of support backing your success!! It makes me feel good to accomplish my goals for myself, but it also makes me feel good knowing I can come on here and tell you guys!! hehehe

Hi Tik,

See I told you that you could do it-LOL. Good for you!! You are definitely on the right track with eating and exercise. The hardest part with the eating and the exercise is keeping at it. When people first start out they are all fired up and ready. By the end of the first month- some people seem to let all their enthusiasm wane. You really are such a positive person, I can't see this happening to you. You are going to do this- I can tell!! You will be running a 5 KM in no time(couch to 5 KM is a good way). I just came back from my run outside. -28 with windchill- I made sure to dress in layers so I wasn't cold. I think I told you that I am training for a 10 KM. I run one long distance a week(along with some 5 KM and 6 KM runs through the week)- that was today. Every Sunday the TIME that I run increases rather than the distance. So I have been running a 5 KM in about 23 minutes. Today I ran 45 minutes and ran about 8 KM. I had a problem going past the 5 KM distance- as soon as I ran 5 KM my body seemed to say ' Okay that is good-lol' and so I couldn't go any further. By increasing the time, the mind kind of stays out it because you don't know how far you are running until you are done. I am running a race for our local Youth Emergency Shelter on March 20. So my Sundays are geared up to the race so I will be running a 10 KM by that date. Today was only supposed to be a 7 KM distance rather than 8 so I guess I am ahead of schedule-lol. I am going to shoot for at least a 50 minute 10 KM. I guess I will see how that goes. You are doing such a great job--keep it up!!

Hey cowboy! I won't lie - you are certainly a large factor in me getting my butt on that treadmill and running!!! I was so surprised that I did it! And I know I had a giant smile plastered on my face!! And I totally remembered you telling me about how to avoid the shin splints!!!

I think you're running for a fantastic cause!! And congrats on your run today! You're just kicking out those km's like there's nothin' too it!! (But I think you're a little coocoo for running in such cold weather!!!! hehehe)

Thank you also for the kind words! And letting me know you think I can do it! I'm so happy that I'm still so keen on going to the gym and eating right! You're right, people often get motivated by the new year, and then fall short after a few weeks!! Oh, and I think part of why I'm so positive is because there are people like you on here giving me all the encouragement! I think without it, I might just feel overwhelmed and defeated!! So thank you!

...we have so much in common!
.....I am just going back to school and I spend hours in front of the computer. Especially with online classes.
....This is a type of workout regimen that I would totally enjoy. I'm sure you'll be a success with this because it will be more fun and enjoyable than stressing.
...I just have to run to catch up on my lectures! All the best!

Hi Xenon!
How are you enjoying school!? What are you taking?! I find online classes can be difficult (I don't have the will power to keep up as diligently as I do in a classroom based class! IN fact, I have about 250+ pages to read for my online course tomorrow..and well...*innocent look* ... they'll be ... done!? )

Have you tried zumba at all!!? I think you would LOVE it! It's absolutely fabulous!!! I have a problem with listening to music when I work out...I tend to like to boogey and dance- which is just not safe on a treadmill!! With zumba, I get to wiggle my butt around and wave my hands to awesome music!! It's a BLAST!! If you try it- let me know how you like it!! You can also get videos too- I think they would be fun! But part of the thing I like is the energy everyone else has in the class!! They're all there to have fun!

Good luck on your lectures tonight! You're a much better student than me!! I've been trying to work on a paper all afternoon, and all I've done is surf the net!! hehehehehe

 

[Davey_Sprockett]

Hey there, well done on your weight loss since wednesday, you're doing so well!!! Your exercise today was also great, it's so good that you're motivating yourself to get to the gym without your personal trainer being there.

Your treadmill sessions are going great, keep at it, it gets easier every time you run. Try to go for a minute extra each time you run, it's a gradual increase, but you'll be building up your stamina and in within a few short weeks you'll have doubled the amount you're able to do. Trust me, it's how I built up my treadmill sessions, and I only started on 10 mins, so you're first efforts are way better than mine

 

[gohomejes]

Hey Jill,

First time dropping by here so hi! =)

Kudos to you for taking that first step. I think I takes a lot to 1.) admit you're in an abusive relationship and 2.) actually do something about it. I'm proud of you!

Snacks that I'll eat during the day: Kellogg's Special K bars (90 calories), raw bell peppers or tomatoes sprinkled with pepper and salt (this I think you might have to have an acquired taste for lol, I love raw vegetables), yogurt (fat free yogurt, sometimes I'll throw a handful of Kashi cereal in it - got this idea from the Starbucks parfaits but less calories!), rice cakes (I find these sooooooo boring so I'll spread 1tbsp of peanut butter on it, which I KNOW is fatty but it's only 1tbsp and it's filling. I refuse to cut everything I enjoy out of my food plan =P)

I agree with what your trainer said: "She told me that healthy weight loss is a slow process" Soooooooo true. I always have to remind myself of this because it's so easily forgotten. You are definitely in the beginning phase and it starts off slow. TRUST ME. I remember I used to literally just walk my first mile (and feel completely winded) in 20 or so minutes. It was so frustrating because some dude would get on the treadmill next to me and just take off. Oh mannnn I hated him with a passion! But then I would tell myself that I'm just starting off. I can't be this slow forever. There's just no way. Only way I can go from here is UP.

Kudos to you for being able to change in front of people!!! That takes A LOT!!! I still can't do that to this day. You go girl!!! Lol I love the things you noticed because as I read through them, I noticed how I also did the same things.

Most of all: go you for posting a before picture. Dude, I can't do that. Way to hold yourself accountable! YOU GOT THIS!!!! I think you carry your weight really well, especially in the stomach section. That's where ALL my weight is.

Awesome job, Jill =) You are doing great and I look forward to having you as a friend on this lifestyle change of ours.

(Sorry this is so long. I was reading through your entire thread)

 

[Happychubette]

Good thread. Looks like you've got some great cheerleaders!

 

[StuntDouble]

You definitely can and WILL do it! PhD is hard work, just stay focused and don't lose sight that it'll pay off in the end. And yes, I am working on my Bachelors for Marketing actually, while I work on this invention with a friend. I'm also enlisted with Air Traffic Control (PUBNAT 8) to take the AT-SAT and hopefully attend the school in Oklahoma, so hoping that works out at some point, but it's a very long-and-slow process. Much luck on your continued education and weight loss, the day they meet should be quite the occasion.

 

[Xenon1]

Hi Xenon!
How are you enjoying school!? What are you taking?! I find online classes can be difficult (I don't have the will power to keep up as diligently as I do in a classroom based class! IN fact, I have about 250+ pages to read for my online course tomorrow..and well...*innocent look* ... they'll be ... done!? )

Have you tried zumba at all!!? I think you would LOVE it! It's absolutely fabulous!!! I have a problem with listening to music when I work out...I tend to like to boogey and dance- which is just not safe on a treadmill!! With zumba, I get to wiggle my butt around and wave my hands to awesome music!! It's a BLAST!! If you try it- let me know how you like it!! You can also get videos too- I think they would be fun! But part of the thing I like is the energy everyone else has in the class!! They're all there to have fun!

Good luck on your lectures tonight! You're a much better student than me!! I've been trying to work on a paper all afternoon, and all I've done is surf the net!! hehehehehe

I like school so far. This semester I'm taking calculus 2, intro to computer programming, English and an earth science class--lower level stuff 250 pages :-O *cracks whip* You better get to reading girl!

I haven't tried zumba, but I saw an ad for the dvd ages ago and really wanted to get it. I think I'll get it because I totally love to dance I also love yoga. There's another user here called Luzdafuzz and she's into yoga also. I once sent her some wild videos on you tube with some really crazy positions. I need to get moving so i think I'll start off with some yoga tomorrow....unless there is some mantra against starting early with it

Me? Better student? HA! I have a calc exam tomorrow and I'm only half way through the lectures lolol Congrats on your academic achievements btw and all the best with your PhD!

 

[Sunflower2]

Hey lovelyladyyy, just popping by to throw hugs and fat-free noms at you! I'm hitting the cross trainer after Uni today--You're making me look lazy! xxx

 

[skkroll]

Hey Tik! Just read through your diary and wow - you are off to a great start! Congrats on the weight loss so far And I can't believe on day 2 of the couch to 5k you were running @ 6 mph! The whole time I ran it I was running around 5.5 mph... dang girl! Also, I saw your picture and your midsection looks so tiny already... just imagine what it's going to look like a few months from now! You're doing all the right things, keep it up! Just see if you can try working on cutting out soda all together It might not be easy but it's doable! Trust me, I used to drink 2 cans of Diet Coke after school every day! Now I never drink soda at all.

I love reading your diary because it reminds me of when I first started out on this forum. It's really quite exciting and the support is just awesome. You are very motivating and I will definitely be following your journey!

Have a great day