TVCH FORUMS HOME . JOIN . FAN CLUBS . DONATE . CONTACT . CHAT  
 Wikia  Quick Links   TOPICS . TREE-VIEW . SEARCH . HELP! . NEWS . PROFILE
Archive through October 01, 2006

The TVClubHouse: General Discussions ARCHIVES: 2006 Jun. ~ 2006 Dec.: Health Center (ARCHIVES): Who Wants to Lose Weight With Me? (ARCHIVES): Archive through October 01, 2006 users admin

Author Message
Cdbga
Member

10-04-2004

Friday, September 22, 2006 - 11:16 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Cdbga a private message Print Post    
Sis, another thing I was thinking about today that is really important for me is to pick foods I really like for my meals. I work 6am-2pm, so I have breakfast and lunch at work. If I have foods with me that I love, then I am less likely to give in to any temptations that may arise. I am fortunate that our cafeteria is in another building across campus...too far to tempt me. But, every Thursday is "Bagel Day" - management provides free bagels w/ an assortment of cream cheeses. So, I know that on Thursday I need to pack a particularly good breakfast, so I won't feel that I'm missing out on anything by not having a bagel. So, just think about the foods that you like and try to work them in to your meals. Of course, you want to pay attention to nutritional content and pick healthy things, just don't pick something solely because it is healthy. There are healthy things out there that I love and some that I hate. For example, I REALLY don't like raspberries. So, including them in my meal plan is not a good idea. However, I LOVE peaches, nectarines, plums, strawberries, cantaloupe. If I pack cantaloupe & sliced strawberries with my breakfast I am actually excited about eating it (such a good combination, with the sweetness of the cantaloupe and the semi-tartness of the strawberries) and there is not much out there healthy or unhealthy that I'd rather have. I think I am rambling now, but I hope I've made some sense!

And don't be afraid to experiment to find new healthy foods that you like. I recently discovered that I really like asparagus (I sprinkle it with pepper, a salt-free herb mix, drizzle it with Olive oil and pop it into a 500 degree oven for 5 minutes...so good). But I always limit my experimenting to meals I am having at home. So if I don't like it, I'm not tempted to reach for something unhealthy. I just pick something else healthy.

In the past I've always made my own meal plans, but have had varying levels of success with it. This time around I opted to go with Ediets, which provides a weekly meal plan for me. I had 2 main reasons for choosing to do this: 1) I am really frugal, so I knew that if I was paying for the Ediets plan, I would stick to it! 2) I knew that their meal plan would be better balanced and possibly provide me with food options I had not considered. So far I'm really pleased with it (I am just under 3 weeks into it). I picked Thursday as my weigh-in day (works best with my schedule), so every Thursday, I weigh in, then I get my meal plan for the next week. I can go in and make substitutions, so my menu is customized, but I'm making the substitutions from the approved list. Right now, I am on a 1200-1500 calorie/day plan. As I increase my activity level, I can have them increase my calories. I think the most important thing when you choose a diet/meal plan is that you find what works for you. Think about your specific needs, what has worked or not worked for you in the past, and choose something based on that. Whether you opt to go with something structured like Weight Watchers, or Ediets, or any one of the million plans out there or you just choose to create your own, make sure it is something that suits you. I know that I need to have my meals planned, down to portion size (a little background on me...I've been bulimic since college. Being bulimic is like being an alcoholic in that you are always a bulimic even when you aren't actively so. The structure of a meal plan really helps keep me away from those tendencies. But it is also important that I have some flexibility to choose foods I really like, because that also keeps me from those tendencies.). I also don't like to spend a lot of time cooking, so I opted for a "convenience" plan which gives me prepared meals for my dinners (like Healthy Choice, Lean Cuisine, Cedarlane, Amy's). I spend about 15-30 minutes each night getting my breakfast and lunch ready for the next day, and only a few minutes preparing my dinner. The meals are high in sodium, but it is all about balance, and most of what I eat otherwise is low sodium. I've never been one to add salt to anything, so I'm safe there. I have a small salad and fruit with both lunch and dinner.

Goodness, I think I could just ramble on for pages and pages! I just keep thinking of so much to say. But, this will be it for this post, anyway. This is just a food storage recommendation. The biggest problem I have with eating lots of salads and fruits is food storage. This time around I am using the Ziploc double seal bags and it really has extended the refrigerator life of my strawberries, cantaloupe, grapes, etc. Oh, also, don't wash fruits or salad stuff before storing them as it will shorten their storage life. Wash them before you eat them, just not before you store them.

Shadoe
Member

11-04-2004

Friday, September 22, 2006 - 2:14 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Shadoe a private message Print Post    
Twiggyish, I wanted to eat more veggies and found that bags of some frozen mixes are really convenient. There is a California blend and some kind of baby veggie mix as well that are great. Instead of using any salt, I tried some Mrs.Dash and it's amazing. It's a great mix of herbs and spices and flavorings.

I like the idea of planned meals because it makes it all so easy and super convenient. Unfortunately, you don't learn how to put together your own meals. I would rather know the how-to.

Give a man a fish; he eats for one day.
Teach a man to fish; he eats for a lifetime.
Liss, I really like the use of a scale because most times, I don't think people really know how much they are eating. Once you have used the scale for a bit, your eyes get more experienced at recognizing the real size of servings.

One thing that is important - allow yourself to have the odd bagel because if you do not, you will not be happy. One day a week, you should let yourself have something off the norm.

Sisalou
Member

07-12-2002

Friday, September 22, 2006 - 3:14 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Sisalou a private message Print Post    
Wow, more great info. I feel a slight sense of accomplishment simply by not having a dr. pepper for 2 days. I have been drinking about 1 diet dr pepper a day.

I am just going to take it one day at a time. I realized the other day that the large muffin I would eat on my break every day had over 400 calories! That was just a snack.

I did sign up on fitday web site and it seems pretty helpful. I also have a friend that wants to go to weight watchers if I go. I think I will try to get over there next week.

I hope everyone's day went well and hope we all have a good weekend.

Cdbga
Member

10-04-2004

Friday, September 22, 2006 - 3:35 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Cdbga a private message Print Post    
I think the bagel thing goes back to where you'd rather get your calories. Between the bagel & the cream cheese (because I'm really in it more for the cream cheese!) that's over 400 calories. I can have my Special K Red Berries, cantaloupe and an english muffin w/ sugar free jelly for around 300. And it is a much more satisfying meal. I definitely follow the spirit of the advice though. It IS important to allow a splurge every now and then. That's where my Frappucino's come in. They make me happier than any old bagel could!

I also think learning the how-to is important. I do know how to cook healthy meals, I even have a lot of my own recipes. I just know that right now I don't want to cook. When I get farther down the road, I will transition to cooking my dinners (and the meal plan provides for a switch from convenience to cooking, with recipes and everything. In fact, even while I'm on the current plan, I do have plenty of options that aren't pre-prepared meals), but starting out it is just a little overwhelming for me. I know the easier I make the transition, the more likely I am to stick to it.

Nickovtyme
Member

07-29-2004

Friday, September 22, 2006 - 3:50 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Nickovtyme a private message Print Post    
The only thing you have to watch about Diet Soda's is some of them contain alot of sodium.

Is weight watchers for men too? You always hear about women doing it, but rarely men. It seems like a good idea...

Maybe I should start the Love-handle watchers...or the Spare tire watchers...better yet...the gut-watchers...it has a more masculine ring to it. :D

Cdbga
Member

10-04-2004

Friday, September 22, 2006 - 3:59 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Cdbga a private message Print Post    
I think Weight Watchers is for anyone. But you are right that you hear more about it with women. Of course, other than Jared and Subway, I think most weight loss advertising focuses on women. I do like your masculine suggestions, though. You should definitely get your website up and running on one of those!

Liss
Member

05-14-2006

Friday, September 22, 2006 - 4:00 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Liss a private message Print Post    
yes! weight watchers is for men too!!

Sisalou
Member

07-12-2002

Sunday, September 24, 2006 - 1:04 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Sisalou a private message Print Post    
LOL Nick!

Still haven't had a real Dr. Pepper in 4 days but whose counting?

I am still trying to keep my attitude positive so I have done pretty good so far. I haven't been perfect just alot better than usual.

Twiggyish
Member

08-14-2000

Sunday, September 24, 2006 - 3:39 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Twiggyish a private message Print Post    
Sis, that's good. Baby steps.

Cdbga
Member

10-04-2004

Sunday, September 24, 2006 - 3:51 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Cdbga a private message Print Post    
Sis, the Dr. Pepper thing was really hard for me the first few days, too. I have had at least one Dr. Pepper a day nearly every day since college (and college was a LOOOONG time ago)! And I always had one with my lunch at work. One of my co-workers is also a Dr. Pepper fanatic. He works second shift, so he comes in as I am leaving. So, on about the 3rd day of no Dr. Peppers, when I walked out to grab my bottle of water, his cold freshly unopened Dr. Pepper was sitting right beside it (he had no idea I was trying not to drink them)! I wanted it SO badly, but I know if I even have a sip of a Dr. Pepper, I am going right back to having one every day and I REALLY want off the soda track. It is unbelievable to me how many calories I was consuming just from my drinks. But, anyhoo, after the first week I really got past that craving. I don't like Diet Soda at all, but I really like the flavored waters. I'm in experimentation phase with those, too...just trying different brands to see what I really like. I generally have a Springtime flavored water (which isn't carbonated) with my meals at work and Crystal Clear, which is carbonated, with my dinner at home. But I really only have them with meals, because they both have an aftertaste that doesn't sit well if I drink them alone (that Splenda aftertaste). My favorite so far is actually the Aquafina Berry Burst (also carbonated). It has less of an aftertaste, but it is higher in sodium, so I don't drink as much of that.

Positive attitude is definitely important. And your saying that you haven't been perfect, but better is the right way of looking at it. It is always best to look at the positives and not get in a negative mindset. That is something that I really struggle with whenever I have any kind of slip.

I am feeling good today, because I just tried on a pair of shorts that haven't fit me really since I got them, because between the time I ordered them and got them, I'd managed to put on some pounds. Today they fit, which makes me happy. And if they fit, then my dress pants for work will all fit, too. Which means I can go back to looking good at work, instead of dressing down in jeans. In my job/position I am not expected to dress up, I just like to. And I feel so good about myself when I can wear a cute outfit and some heels!

Sisalou
Member

07-12-2002

Tuesday, September 26, 2006 - 9:41 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Sisalou a private message Print Post    
Cdbga, good for you on the shorts. This is my 6th day w/out a dr.pepper.

Twiggy, I am taking baby steps but I am going to keep on plugging away..

Well, gotta go as I am at work.

Twiggyish
Member

08-14-2000

Tuesday, September 26, 2006 - 1:38 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Twiggyish a private message Print Post    
I'm officially down two pant sizes!! I'm not getting bored wtih this diet and that's important for me. =)

Yeah Sis and Cdbga!

Liss
Member

05-14-2006

Tuesday, September 26, 2006 - 3:44 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Liss a private message Print Post    
congrats!!

Nickovtyme
Member

07-29-2004

Tuesday, September 26, 2006 - 6:17 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Nickovtyme a private message Print Post    
Good Job Twiggyish!

Liss
Member

05-14-2006

Wednesday, September 27, 2006 - 4:52 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Liss a private message Print Post    
went to ww tonight. down 1.8 lbs.

Jmm
Moderator

08-16-2002

Wednesday, September 27, 2006 - 5:36 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Jmm a private message Print Post    
Great job, Sisalou, those sodas will get you every time.

Fantastic, Twiggy. 2 pant sizes is awesome, you can do it. And isn't it wonderful not to get bored and to know that you can eat this way the rest of your life.

Liss, Woo Hoo 1.8 is so great. Keep up the great work and remember to keep us posted.

I weighed in last night and am officially down 17.4 pounds and only .6 away from my 10% goal. I just can't believe that I can eat anything I want (just watch the portions and points) and still lose weight. I'm learning a whole new way of eating that I will easily be able to maintain the rest of my life which means that I will be able to maintain my weight when I get where I want to be. That in itself is totally amazing to me.

Last night we discussed and decided on changing our mindset and were asked to come up with a phrase or idea to put on a sticky note and post where we will see it to help keep us on track. I'd like to share mine with you. It is essentially a 2 fact reminder:

Fact 1: Almost all the women in my family are heavy. (This was the excuse I used as my weight spiraled out of control.)

Fact 2: I have chosen not to become one of them.

The operative word in my second fact is "chosen", that's what keeps me tracking my points and eating the right foods ....... I have chosen this and I'm doing it for myself.

Twiggyish
Member

08-14-2000

Wednesday, September 27, 2006 - 6:05 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Twiggyish a private message Print Post    
Thank you guys!

Jackie, that's a great philosophy. My bio family is heavy. I tend to think it's genetic. Anyway, it's not my excuse. It's just a reason to keep up with my diet. I don't want to be like them!

Sisalou
Member

07-12-2002

Thursday, September 28, 2006 - 3:54 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Sisalou a private message Print Post    
Way to go Twiggy and Liss! Congrats!

still no dr.pepper... its a miracle i tell ya

Sisalou
Member

07-12-2002

Thursday, September 28, 2006 - 3:56 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Sisalou a private message Print Post    
That is super Jmm. You give me inspiration. You all do!

Cdbga
Member

10-04-2004

Friday, September 29, 2006 - 6:56 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Cdbga a private message Print Post    
Good for you Twiggy & Jmm!

I'm struggling this week. Just got a bit bored with it all. So I took a break and had a burger and fries yesterday. And I didn't feel guilty at all...a burger fries every once in a while is acceptable, it is having them every day that was my problem. But, I'm back in gear today. Just set my meal plan for the next week and I'm very excited about trying some new things. I went with a fewer pre-prepared meals and worked in a few of their recipes this time. Looking very forward to the Southwestern Crab Wrap & Lemon Garlic shrimp!

Now that the weather here is cooler, I've been able to take Whitney (my dog) back to the trails at Sweetwater Creek State Park. We have been walking at the park almost every day, but in the lake & picnic areas. We get a longer, more challenging walk when we can take the nature trails. But the heat and humidity made that unwise in the summer. But, the weather is perfect for it now. So, the past few days we've taken our evening walks there.

Nickovtyme
Member

07-29-2004

Friday, September 29, 2006 - 8:37 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Nickovtyme a private message Print Post    
Hey Y'all!

Just wanted to report that I'm back down 4 pounds.

I'n January I started at 243 and lost all the way down to 194. Then I started slacking and gained back up to on Monday when I weighed at 204.

I weighed in at 200 pounds this morning.

My goal is to get back down to at least 194 with my overall goal getting down to 185 if possible.

Nancy
Member

08-01-2000

Sunday, October 01, 2006 - 7:33 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Nancy a private message Print Post    
I've been back to w.w. for a few weeks--not very consistent--but i've lost 5 lbs yeah!

:-)

Jmm
Moderator

08-16-2002

Sunday, October 01, 2006 - 7:41 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Jmm a private message Print Post    
Cdbga, I'm sorry you've been struggling, I think we've all been there done that at one time or another. And good for you for having that burger and fries, sometimes you just have to and it will help you stay the course if you're not constantly feeling denied.

Yay, Nick, on the 4 pounds. Just keep it up and you'll be at you goal in no time. You do such a great job with it.

Nancy, Yipee on the 5 pounds, I know how tough that can be and you're on your way. All you need to work on now is being a little more consistent on getting to your meetings. It's kind of like a lot of programs in that the accountability the meetings give you will help keep you on track. Way to go!!

Sisalou
Member

07-12-2002

Sunday, October 01, 2006 - 4:55 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Sisalou a private message Print Post    
I had a real dr. pepper today but like cdbga I'm not going to blow off my goal. The Dr. Pepper didn't taste quite as good as I remember them tasting so I guess thats a good sign.

Hang in there everybody and Have a Great Week.

Jmm
Moderator

08-16-2002

Sunday, October 01, 2006 - 5:00 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Jmm a private message Print Post    
Sis, I know just what you mean. When school starts we always have people bringing us breakfast for the first couple of days, breakfast tacos, kolaches, donuts, fruit, etc. I did really good the first day and just got 1 breakfast taco and some fruit, but the second day I just had to have a donut. After eating right all summer let me tell you that donut was a big disappointment. It tasted greasy and way too sweet, which was actually wonderful because I no longer crave donuts. Yes, I still like them but they'll never be my first choice again - the fruit was a lot better. LOL