Author |
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Shadoe
Member
11-04-2004
| Thursday, August 31, 2006 - 4:13 pm
Calamity you say 'working out' but it is really very slow calm moving around. There is nothing fast about it, so there is no way you would wilt. If anything, it's so calming that you could fall asleep if you're not careful. Just think of standing up with your feet 6inches apart,then bend from the waist and just let your hands hang down towards the floor. Think of sitting on the floor with your legs out front, then rest your chin on your chest and just slowly slide your hands down your legs to come to touching your toes. Sure there are others more strenuous but even they are done only to your own level of ability. After just 3 sessions, I know that I intend to get myself one of the packages. The studio I go to also offers a weekly Ashtanga class which has 'reduced' heat. Yankee, you do not have to worry about being a beginner - you should be sure to point that out to the instructor because they will watch over you and help you. They may also make suggestions of lesser positioning if they know of the beginners in the class. If you and Eeyore try out the bikram, be sure not to eat for a couple hours before plus drink a liter of water before the class. When they say you will sweat, they are not kidding. I have gone with shorts, but then with the sweat running down your legs, it's tough to lift your foot and rest it against the inside of your leg - it slips off. I have switched to longer type sweats that are for yoga and come just below my knees. Be sure to take a towel to cover your mat and another to wipe yourself during the class. Also, be sure to have your hair pulled back - your hair will be soaked almost as if you have been swimming or in the shower, so it's best to keep it out of your eyes. After your class, you will feel as if you have peeled off a bad layer; my skin feels better, it even looks better. I don't know about all studios but I am betting they have that soothing yoga attitude - you just feel at home right away. For the price, it's cheaper than a gym and you may just find that it's a better overall workout. I don't think I will cut the gym right out, but I definitely could see myself going to yoga 4 times a week and the gym maybe once.
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Twiggyish
Member
08-14-2000
| Friday, September 08, 2006 - 6:00 am
I'm sticking in there. I've lost 16lbs so far. It's slowwww, but I never lose it fast. I think this diet has been the easiest for me to follow. I don't seem to be craving much of anything. Once in a while, I'll want something salty, so I use lemon juice (on things like veggies..etc) and that seems to work! I've also got Weight Watchers chocolates for those rare times when I crave a sweet. Shadoe, I found a yoga place. I didn't think our little town would have one! I'm going to check it out. Their website listed very reasonable prices, too.
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Shadoe
Member
11-04-2004
| Friday, September 08, 2006 - 1:58 pm
Twiggyish, I am glad you found a yoga place. The best thing about yoga is that you don't need special equipment and can do the poses in your own home. Once you have gone to a few classes, you will know the proper form for the poses and can practise them at home. The best thing about yoga is that it is much more than physical. It also mentally and emotionally rewarding. You may just find that you like the studio and want to continue going there. Just give it a fair shot with a few sessions to get the hang of it. Even the breathing exercises will be helpful. Make it fun too. If you treat it like a chore, it will be a waste of time.
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Sisalou
Member
07-12-2002
| Wednesday, September 20, 2006 - 5:51 pm
Hi guys, I hope you don't mind if intrude. I am just at the end of my rope about my weight. I have gained about 100 lbs in the last 11 years. I can't breathe very well and I can hardly do anything physical cause it kills my back. My weight gain is my excuse to not have to do anything, like travel to go visit old friends. I tell them I am too fat. When I see someone that I haven't seen in a while they always do a double take so I have taken to warning people before hand that I have gained alot of weight. My downfall is grazing on sweets and drinking vanilla dr. peppers! I tell myself that I am eating for comfort but actually I am punishing myself by my eating habits. I have quit smoking for over 3 years and had a hysterectomy 4 years ago so that has always been an excuse for me too. So my goal for my 49th year is to get into the best shape that I can b4 I turn 50. One of these days I will get to have grandchildren (I hope) and I so want to be able to get down on the floor and play with them, etc. Anyways, any hints will be welcome. Thanks for listening. (I am going to post this before I chicken out)
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Nickovtyme
Member
07-29-2004
| Wednesday, September 20, 2006 - 7:54 pm
Sisalou...you have nothing but my support. I know it's tough. Don't know if I'm able to give much advice since I've not been on my best health behavior lately, but maybe if I type it...it will remind me what I need to do. Excercise and cut calorie intake. There...I said it. It worked for me. No magic pills or routines....just good old fashioned making up your mind and doing it.
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Jmm
Moderator
08-16-2002
| Wednesday, September 20, 2006 - 8:14 pm
Sis, I truly understand the excuses, I've gained 50 pounds in the last 12 years myself. I kept telling myself if I ever hit (pick the next 10 pound mark) pounds I'll do something about it. Well next thing I know I'm so far past where I ever imagined I could ever be that I didn't have a clue how to start. One of my best friends started Weight Watcher's and in a year lost probably 45 pounds and has maintained the weight now for several months. I kept complaining to her about gaining weight and finally at the end of school she talked me into joining Weight Watcher's with her. It was the best thing I ever did. I have lost 17 pounds in 16 weeks and while that doesn't seem like a lot the great thing is that I'm keeping it off. I know that it would go faster if I'd get off my butt and exercise, but that's just with the eating changes. And it truly has not been difficult. If you'd be interested in more information about the program, drop me a note either in my folder or by e-mail and I'd be glad to discuss how it works with you. I'm now a firm believer in Weight Watcher's and am looking forward to getting to the point where I can truly keep up with Melodie. LOL
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Gilda
Member
08-21-2006
| Wednesday, September 20, 2006 - 8:50 pm
I've been fighting the battle of the bulge all my life and still fighting.... I am 52, weight 210. My goal weight shd be around 150 lbs. Last yr I went to the gym for 8 months and lost 20 lbs. I just did the machines which included the eliptical. A person who wants to loose weight must first be truthful with themselves and know why they are really overeating. In my case it is due to emotional eating...I deal with problems or situations that arise by turning to food..I was a caregiver for almost 6 years to my mother and had a stressful job... I bought myself an eliptical machine some months ago..I try to get on it couple times week...I start off each day with stretching, eat a good breakfast most days of quaker oats, an apple or banana, couple raisons, walnuts, with yoqurt or skim milk. I either get on my eliptical after stretching or 2 hrs after I eat breakfast. Diets do not work..you have to make it a life style change.....maybe a good idea would be to join Weight Watchers and because you are 100 lbs overweight I would incorporate some walking into my day. Start off slow and increase your walking time on a daily basis. Its definitely not easy to do it....I'm really being honest with you ....looking at my own battle...all the weight does not come off just by wishing it would.....it does take work and time....we have to try and change our thinking....also dont keep foods in the house that will set off a binge....like good bread, cookies, cake etc...also to loose weight you have to eat... 3 balanced meals per day, plus 2 light snacks...the worse thing you can do is skip meals...once you start eating well you wont be hungry.....its going to take time to get use to eating properly...try to perhaps design a meal plan for the week...buy quaker oats, apples, bananas, skim milk, low fat yogurt, walnuts, romaine lettuce, kale, tomatoes, cucumbers, mixed beans, sweet potatoes, brocoli, salmon, chicken,weight watchers bread... I will give you a link to a good site on weight loss and low fat cooking: http://weightloss.about.com/ http://lowfatcooking.about.com/ p.s. I have to thank Mameblanche for introducing me to this site about 1 month ago. I've put on some weight since then cause I am spending more time sitting at my computer, roaming thru cyberspace and eating..................... 
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Gilda
Member
08-21-2006
| Wednesday, September 20, 2006 - 9:05 pm
I wanted to add that it is important to drink enough water each day. I try to drink at least 3 500 ml of naya water and if I can other fluids. I'm thinking of joining weight watchers myself or maybe rejoin the gym. As I am between jobs I cannot afford either membership at the moment but I am at least trying to get on the eliptical.(Im paying out for it on a monthly basis) Perhaps Sisaloe you can also get an eliptical (its easy on the knees) or a treadmill. See if a payment plan is available in your area.
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Mameblanche
Member
08-24-2002
| Wednesday, September 20, 2006 - 9:41 pm
p.s. I have to thank Mameblanche for introducing me to this site about 1 month ago. Ahem, Gilda, you're welcome! cough cough.
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Twiggyish
Member
08-14-2000
| Thursday, September 21, 2006 - 2:23 am
Welcome Sisalou and Gilda! I'll swear by Weight Watchers. I'm doing the online Weight Watchers. I've lost almost 20lbs so far, and I like that I don't have to attend meetings. It's very flexible for me. I'm on the flex point diet. They explain everything on the website. www.weightwatchers.com We're all using different methods here and talking about our progress. So, let us know which one and how it is working for you! As Nick said, exercise is very important, too. Love those links Mame and Gilda!
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Shadoe
Member
11-04-2004
| Thursday, September 21, 2006 - 2:49 am
Sisalou, the very first thing you want to do if you are truly serious about losing the weight is to get the go ahead from your dr. Get a complete physical and make sure that you are not having any other issues that may be contributing to the weight you have. Your dr may have some very good suggestions that are specific to your situation that will get you started as well. Someone mentioned diets - it's true that they should be avoided because you need to make a complete lifestyle change. It really comes down to burning more than you are putting into your mouth. When you cut some of those bad food items out of your diet, it may be hard in the beginning but with time, you will find that you really don't miss them. I cut most of those bad fats and sugars out of my diet - I can't remember the last time I had a soft drink or went to a fast foods place. Now, when I eat some foods, I can taste the fats and usually end up tossing them; I just can't handle them now. Exercise is extremely important, but don't be scared by that word. Change it to 'get moving' instead. Just walking will be a great form of exercise for you; you don't want to shock or hurt your body when you first start. Drink your water always; I don't think I can stress how important that water is to any sort of exercise plan. I can't remember how much water a person should drink but it's something like half your weight in ounces. I drink a minimum of 2 liters a day. On days I do yoga, I drink 1 liter just before class and 1 liter during the 90min class, so yoga days I drink a minimum of 4-5 liters. Now don't be counting your coffee as part of you water - actually, coffee counts as a negative, so you will have to drink even more water to make up for the coffee! Don't focus on the total amount of water and say I can't do it. Just have a bottle of water with you at ALL times and sip at it throughout the day. It's really not that hard at all. Add lemon or something if you don't like the plain water. If you like, I am sure many people here can direct you to some sites online for some good exercise programs. Be sure that you have good footwear for you exercising; you need good support for all activities, so look into getting a good pair of sports shoes because if your feet are sore or tired, even walking will be a chore. Many have had great success with weight watchers and I am seeing more and more items that are listing how many points an item is. I have not done this method, but it may be a good idea for you to check it out. I, myself, don't eat meals as they are too filling. Instead, I eat about 5 or 6 small mini-meals or snacks - I try to eat something every 2 or 3 hours. I am never hungry. You just have to careful that your total intake does not get out of hand. What about vitamins? You should consider taking at the minimum a good multi vitamin, and maybe some supplements that suit your needs. Be patient with yourself; nothing's going to happen overnight, and it will take lots of hard work and gallons of sweat, but when you start to see the changes you will know it has all been worth it. Get your dr's OK, cut out the crappy foods, and get moving, one step at a time.
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Twiggyish
Member
08-14-2000
| Thursday, September 21, 2006 - 7:45 am
Yup, that's it exactly Shadoe. You learn to make healthy foods an eating habit. For example, you can grab a fruit or a whole wheat cracker if you're hungry. You just don't think about grabbing anything else (less healthy) after a while.
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Sisalou
Member
07-12-2002
| Thursday, September 21, 2006 - 3:11 pm
Thanks everyone for the suggestions. Jmm & Twiggy I think I will start weight watchers. I work with a girl that lost 80 lbs doing it and she doesn't seem to be suffering. I like that you don't have to totally deprive yourself of certain things. I tried the Atkins diet a couple of years ago and lost weight but gained back the weight plus some. I can't eat just protein, it makes me sick just thinking about it. This morning I had 2 hardboiled eggs for breakfast and then on my morning break I had some low fat yogurt. I am happy to report no soft drinks execpt for diet dr. pepper and crystal light. That crystal light stuff is good. I also took the stairs instead of the elevator. I did cave at lunch and had an enchilada plate with pinto beans and green beans. But tonight I had broiled chicken and black eyed peas. I will go visit some of the web sites mentioned above and take the tips from all of you to heart. I am also going to set my goals small. Instead of thinking about the 100 lbs. I need to lose I am going to concentrate on the first 20. I know if I can quit smoking I can get a grip on this eating. Jmm, I know what you mean about the next 10 lbs. Well, I have reached the end of my last 10. Thanks all!
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Twiggyish
Member
08-14-2000
| Thursday, September 21, 2006 - 3:38 pm
Sis, just think that you're going to eat healthy. The weight loss is a bonus.
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Jmm
Moderator
08-16-2002
| Thursday, September 21, 2006 - 3:48 pm
Sis, Your first WW goal is 10% of your beginning weight, so you might want to start with that. When I hit my 15 pound loss, just to give myself an idea of what I'd done, I held a 10 pound bag of sugar and a 5 pound bag of potatoes. I was just amazed that I was no longer carrying around that much of my weight 24/7. I plan on doing that at every 5 pound interval, just to keep my motivation up.
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Twiggyish
Member
08-14-2000
| Thursday, September 21, 2006 - 3:55 pm
That's a good idea!!
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Shadoe
Member
11-04-2004
| Thursday, September 21, 2006 - 4:15 pm
Sis, you are already on the road to better health. Every little bit helps - taking the stairs whenever you can, cutting out some of the bad foods each day, and setting realistic goals. When you set those goals too high, you are setting yourself up for failure. The best goal you can make is to get fitter. Don't rush or force anything. You already know all about diets from your own experience with that Atkins thing - sure people can lose weight on it but at what price and for how long? It's way better to keep searching out healthier foods that you truly enjoy eating. It's such a thrill to find healthy food you love; it makes you feel like you're cheating but you're not.
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Jmm
Moderator
08-16-2002
| Thursday, September 21, 2006 - 4:20 pm
That's what I love about WW, Shadoe. It is set up to teach you to make better food choices which makes you healthier. I now grab fruit instead of reaching for a bowl of ice cream or cookies. It's just a brand new way of thinking about food. And may I just say that cantaloupe is much tastier than any cookie ever was. LOL
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Cdbga
Member
10-04-2004
| Thursday, September 21, 2006 - 4:32 pm
Sis, a website that I always recommend is Fitday.com, which is a free diet & weight loss journal. You have to be a member to use it, but membership is completely free. It is basically just for tracking your progress. You can keep a food log (and it is really easy to add customized foods), exercise log, diary, set weight loss and nutritional goals. It won't help you decide on a weight loss plan, but it is a great tool once you decide on one. They also offer PC software, but I've actually found that I prefer the free online tools to the software you have to pay for. I'm currently using a meal plan from E-diets, which has its own nutritional tracker, but I still use Fitday because I can track so much more there. As of today, I've lost 10 lbs. Funny, my downfalls also included Dr. Peppers. But I haven't had one in nearly 3 weeks and I don't even miss them. I LOVE the flavored waters. And the Sparkling Flavored waters are a great subsitute for my Dr. Peppers. I do miss my Starbuck's Mocha Frappucinos *SIGH*, but I treat myself to 1 a week (without whipped cream, of course). I'm eating a lot of fresh fruits and veggies, no caffeine (aside from the weekly Frappucino), very little sugar and strictly whole grain breads. There are so many great substitutes out there these days, that it has been a pretty easy switch. I love bread, but now I eat sugar-free whole grain bread, which I also love. I'm having Sugar-free jelly on my whole grain english muffin at breakfast, and I love it. So, you don't have to feel deprived, it is just about finding something to take the place of the thing you can't/shouldn't have. Oh, my only tip (because everyone has already said everything else!) is for work. Always make sure you take enough healthy food with you, so that if you do get hungry, you have something to munch on that isn't a diet buster. I try to take extra fruit with me, and I keep a granola bar in my purse. If you have a locker or desk at work, you could keep some healthy snacks there. If I get hungry at work and don't have something healthy on hand, I am much more likely to head for the vending machines. It is also good to take a bottle of water and some sort of healthy snack if you go out to run errands or shopping. That really helps me fight the Fast Food cravings!
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Shadoe
Member
11-04-2004
| Thursday, September 21, 2006 - 4:54 pm
Cdbga, I almost forgot about work! I have a cupboard at work that is well stocked with healthy nibble things; when others are in need of something to tide them over, they know I will always have something good and also healthy. If you have a frig and microwave at work, then you are able to take much more to work for eating through the day. Always plan ahead. When you go shopping, pick up some things that will be healthy and handy for at work. Before you leave for work, grab some of those things plus some water.
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Sisalou
Member
07-12-2002
| Thursday, September 21, 2006 - 5:51 pm
More great ideas everyone! I do have a cafeteria and frig and microwave available at work. I am going to try picking up the bag of sugar and potatoes. That is a good frame of reference. Jmm, that is a good way to see how much extra weight this poor old body is carrying. I need to do some smart grocery shopping this weekend. What do ya'll think about peanut butter as a snack with celery / apples? Cdbga, I am going to head over to that web site you mentioned. Have a good night everyone!
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Twiggyish
Member
08-14-2000
| Thursday, September 21, 2006 - 6:13 pm
I buy Smart Balance chunky peanut butter. You can find the low fat peanut butter if you look. In fact, I'm finding most products carry a low fat or no fat product. (Soup, mayo..etc..) You just take more time shopping. You can also go to a whole foods supermarket (health food).
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Shadoe
Member
11-04-2004
| Friday, September 22, 2006 - 1:29 am
If you want to shop smart, don't believe everything on the front of the label; turn it around and read the back. Pay very close attention to the contents and especially the nutrition facts info. Anything that has trans fats, no matter how small the amount, put it back. Watch the sodium one as well, anything high in that area, put back. For peanut butter, it's fairly high in calories - I have Kraft no sugar, no salt variety and it is 90 calories for just 1 tbsp. so that can definitely add up. Remember that you want to be burning off more calories than you are eating. You may want to pick up a good pocketbook that lists the calories/contents of as many foods as possible; I have a couple I like. One is quite thorough and even lists many varieties of Tim Horton's donuts! The book is 'The complete book of Food Counts' by Corinne T. Netzer. To get an idea of exactly what you're eating, try keeping an EXACT list of how much you eat and drink each day for maybe a week. Just eat and drink how you would normally. Then, figure out about how many calories for all the items in each of the days. That way you will have a good idea of the work you have cut out for yourself. I myself was shocked at what I was eating, and getting it into approx 1500 to 2000 calories per day was not that easy, but I have done it now. By reading the labels and adding up the calories for each item in a meal, you can take control. I can think of just a plain chicken breast sandwich for an example. 2 slices of brown bread-190 2 slices of chicken breast-40 2 tsp of butter-50 1 tbsp mayo-50 That's 330 calories right there. I don't buy anything that does not have the nutrition facts on the labels. I want to be able to figure out what I am putting into my body. One thing to remember is that if you cut back too much, all you end up doing is causing your own metabolism to just slow down. The result is a sluggish you and a miserable one because you are starving yourself and getting no results at all. I always start with a good breakfast: I take my porridge to work all made. It's a good chunk of calories, but I take my time eating and sometimes it takes a couple hours for me to finish my cooked oats. 2/3 cup quick oats-240 1/3 cup currants-120 4 tsp demarara raw sugar-60 I know that's 420 calories but it gets me through to lunchtime at work, and I am not hungry at all. For your celery, you can also use low cal salad dressings. My favorite is a raspberry vinegrette which is 20calories for a tbsp. and you can dunk your celery in that instead of the peanut butter. Remember that while all fruits are good for you, some are very high in their sugar so you want to be picky about your fruit as well. orange-62cal apple-80cal banana-122cal peach-37cal pear-100cal I don't know about you but if I had to choose something for 100 calories, I'd go with a pear instead of one lousy tbsp of peanut butter. Once you start actually measuring your foods, you will understand where the weight originated. Eat lots of celery, but pass on all the peanut butter.
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Twiggyish
Member
08-14-2000
| Friday, September 22, 2006 - 5:30 am
Also, I find lemon juice makes a quick flavoring on veggies and other things. I use it instead of salt on some things. I read labels, too. I agree about the peanut butter. For myself, I make a half sandwich with whole wheat bread and take it to school. (Once in a while) It's an easy snack. I do have to account for it with my points, though.
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Liss
Member
05-14-2006
| Friday, September 22, 2006 - 5:53 am
hello, I went back to WW this week. I'd lost just over 100 lbs (and hit lifetime) but I stopped meetings (was sliding before that) and have gained roughly 40 lbs of it back. It was a tough step but I did it. Sis - you CAN do it. at one point in my life I stepped on a scale and weighed 275 lbs. So while I am kicking myself for sliding I can at least celebrate that I stopped myself before I hit that point again. Shadoe is right - MEASURE! I have a cheapy $2 scale and yes I weigh things like potatoes and meat before I count the points for them - and count the appropriate points. I'm a gum chewer - mainly because I need that oral fixation. To tell you entirely too much about myself - I was a thumb sucker as a kid and never really broke that habit until I had braces/a retainer. (at which point I think I switched to food). Better sugarless gum that stuffing. Also (the ww lesson this week at my meeting) find an anchor! Something to attach your motivation to. I have pictures of myself (fat and thin pics. Actually you can see some of them here: weight loss pics ) I just dug out my magnets and book marks because even though I don't feel like I deserve some of them at the moment - I DID lose the weight and it reminds me that I can do it again. For my leader, her anchor is her wedding ring. So long as she can pull it on and off she's fine. When the ring starts to get the least little bit tight - it's uhoh time (because for her she had a panic attack when she couldn't get her wedding ring off and that is what prompted her to go to ww in the first place) Peanut butter - I have to be careful with peanut butter. I love it but really it belongs on my redlight food list (foods that I have a tendency to bing on and therefore must be careful with or not have in the house). I can sit and eat peanut butter straight out of the jar with a spoon.
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