March '09 Health and Fitness Thread

[NandaDncer]

Hi ladies and gents,

At the start of this year I decided to try an unusual diet. No tricks or complicated rules, just good 'ol fashioned eating healthy and getting regular exercise.

Well, it's working. Slowly. But I know that this is a life long change, not just a fad diet or detox to lose weight. I haven't been weighing myself but taking measurements instead and I have lost 3cm off my bust, 7cm off my waist and 3 cm off my hips in 4 weeks (I didn't start measuring till feb). I am stoked. I don't even feel like I am trying hard or restricting myself; I have a "day off" every week for treats, and even they are getting pathetically healthy.

The best bit is that I have more energy, feel great and no more "you look so tired!".

What sort of balance works for you? I am in need of some inspiration to keep this positive vibe going.

[monsoondancer]

Yay you!!!! I too am in week 4 of the Satisfaction plan with weight watchers and am averaging around a kilo a week!!! I do a "naughty" day as well so I dont feel so restricted. I feel so much better already!!!

[suzyq52]

I lost eight pounds during the month of February. I am doing this through better diet habits and exercise. I am going to the local gym and working with a trainer once a week. This week I am going to step up the cardio as well as work with the weighted equipment. I also try to do floorwork here at home. I'm hoping to lose thirty pounds total. And, it is a slow process but I have to remember that it took me a long time to gain this weight so it's going to take me a while to get it off. I just can't get discouraged - a one pound loss per week is much better than a gain per week!!!!

[Athenaserpent]

my parents and i are taking the "metabolic balance" programm. you go and they take some blood, they test it and they print out a special food list, with the foods that you should eat and ones you should avoid. then you go through one/two weeks of a strict diet, then one week on-off and finally conditioning (which is lifelong). my parents are both overweight so they'll do the whole thing, i just need the conditioning. to be honest, it's not really a diet, its just healthy quantities of healthy stuff

...lets see how it goes, for all of us

xx
Athena

[_Sarai_]

I weighed myself on my gym scale on Jan 1. Today, after I get out of work, I'm going to go weigh myself on the same scale. I don't think I will see any results though - I've been in a funk lately and I've found that i've been eating a lot of deep friend crap. :-(

I think I will take key measurements today though, bust, thighs, hips, waist and see what they are on April 1st.

[Azhia]

Hi ladies and gents,

At the start of this year I decided to try an unusual diet. No tricks or complicated rules, just good 'ol fashioned eating healthy and getting regular exercise.

Well, it's working. Slowly. But I know that this is a life long change, not just a fad diet or detox to lose weight. I haven't been weighing myself but taking measurements instead and I have lost 3cm off my bust, 7cm off my waist and 3 cm off my hips in 4 weeks (I didn't start measuring till feb). I am stoked. I don't even feel like I am trying hard or restricting myself; I have a "day off" every week for treats, and even they are getting pathetically healthy.

The best bit is that I have more energy, feel great and no more "you look so tired!".

What sort of balance works for you? I am in need of some inspiration to keep this positive vibe going.

Balance is the key word!
It sounds like you're integrating a lifestyle change that will serve you indefinitely, rather than something short and extreme that might cause you to yo-yo.
I also like how you're measuring your progress and aware of how different you feel; more accurate & indicative of the way your body is responding to your new habits, rather than a single number on a human-calibrated machine that fluctuates daily, if not hourly.

I'm about to start Week 7 of P90X Classic. I choose not to follow the diet guide b/c I need my fat (organic butter, oils) and more carbs for the way my metabolism works but other than that I am very happy with the workouts and it's starting to become a daily habit.

[Lauren_]

Hopefully we can all shed our winter insulation and move forward!

I've only lost about 4 pounds, but it's going off rather than on, so I'm cool with that. I fell off the 'body for life' wagon when I got injured and couldn't work out, and quickly gained back everything I'd lost.

I haven't decided whether to commit to that again or just stick with trying to eat sensibly, work out and accept slow progress like Nanda.

Trouble is, I'm at this yucky point in my weight loss where my boobs and hips seem thinner, my waist is still thick, and I look like a sausage. I know from previous weight loss experiences that this phase will last for about the next 10 pounts or so. Plus, I've got loose skin now on my lower belly and my stretch marks seems way deeper and grosser -- and that will only get worse as I lose.

ugh.

[anala]

I have put back 20 of the 40..sigh..I liked being 160, but it was hard...and my mother said I looked haggard...thanks Mom! So 165...here I come. I am in the sausage mode right now too. Ugh..and I cant afford new clothes as I had all my old ones taken in because I hate to shop. Now I am broke and have red welts around my waist!

[ghazallah]

Woo Hoo! I have been afraid to get on the scales for some time. I've had good intentions but have been an exercise lamea$$, which I've managed to turn around the last few days. I've been eating better more often than I thought, because I'm still under 180!! Yeeeee!! I was down to 173 around November, but today (March 1) the scale is sitting at 178. I've been doing my homemade cardio routine that I've always loved that works for me... and so far my foot is letting me do it. Gonna start adding in strength stuff and some extra video and BD DVD stuff too.

I want to lose between 40-50 more pounds ultimately. Thanks for starting this thread, it will keep me motivated and honest! I didn't warm up too good yesterday, and I'm kinda sore today, but I'm going to try to work something in, just the same.

[monsoondancer]

I have a weigh in this afternoon after 2 weeks-Im hoping for the best-I think I have been working hard. Ive been doing at least a 1 hour workout 5 times a week and eating really well. Im crossing my fingers!

Im rewarding myself with a custom ordered costume if I achieve my weight loss goal this year :)

[WildAnmar96]

heck yes i'm in on this thread! I 've been going to the gym for the past month. Four times a week, 3-4 hours each time. I've already lost 8 pounds. SQUEEE :) I'm gonna keep doing this until I can see some definition on my abs.

[jesennia]

hmm does mush diet for a week count? after wisdoms i appear to have lost a bit of weight but it could be hopeful thinking

and in sixty days or less my husband and i are taking large steps to gaining our surfing lifestyle back :)

[NandaDncer]

Balance is the key word!

Balance: a good short word. Balance is easily said, it has only two syllables, and sounds musical and crisp when rolling off the tongue. Balance is symmetry, equilibrium, steadiness and poise, and often used to describe our desire for these things in our lives. Why is such a good, short, easily said and much desired word so damn hard to find?

I looked for it in my thoughts, but thinking about it didn't bring it to me. I looked for it behind the couch, but got bored searching so sat down to watch the Biggest Loser. I asked others if they had seen it, or if they knew where I could find it, but they couldn't tell me. I had to find my balance myself. I knew it was somewhere, possibly just out of reach, just out of sight. I got to my feet and decided to chase it down. I planned then I acted. I put one foot down, then the other in front and I ran. And I just kept on running until I found my balance. Now I have it and I will keep it safe in my pocket. I will hold onto it tightly and make sure it can never slip behind the couch or down the road and away ever again.

[Azhia]

Balance: a good short word. Balance is easily said, it has only two syllables, and sounds musical and crisp when rolling off the tongue. Balance is symmetry, equilibrium, steadiness and poise, and often used to describe our desire for these things in our lives. Why is such a good, short, easily said and much desired word so damn hard to find?

I looked for it in my thoughts, but thinking about it didn't bring it to me. I looked for it behind the couch, but got bored searching so sat down to watch the Biggest Loser. I asked others if they had seen it, or if they knew where I could find it, but they couldn't tell me. I had to find my balance myself. I knew it was somewhere, possibly just out of reach, just out of sight. I got to my feet and decided to chase it down. I planned then I acted. I put one foot down, then the other in front and I ran. And I just kept on running until I found my balance. Now I have it and I will keep it safe in my pocket. I will hold onto it tightly and make sure it can never slip behind the couch or down the road and away ever again.

Saddhu saddhu saddhu!

It's one of those concepts that needs to be experienced, rather than intellectualized. Sounds like you're on the right path!

[Hechicera]

For March and beyond....I'm working on balance myself ,r:; Still with Weight Watchers and the weekly meetings are helping it pay off. I've lost 16 pounds so far and am feeling good--but a little sausagey in the middle as well. And I'm a vegetarian--the horror of feeling sausagey....anyway, I've also started a run/walk three times a week for the last two weeks. I run (erm...trot) two minutes and walk two minutes for 2-3 miles a go.

Thanks to everyone for sharing their progress and challenges--it helps keep me going.

[Azhia]

And I'm a vegetarian--the horror of feeling sausagey....

Thanks to everyone for sharing their progress and challenges--it helps keep me going.

..l;,..l;,

It's great you're part of a group. The collective motivation & support must feel really nice.

[Azhia]

Hopefully we can all shed our winter insulation and move forward!

I've only lost about 4 pounds, but it's going off rather than on, so I'm cool with that. I fell off the 'body for life' wagon when I got injured and couldn't work out, and quickly gained back everything I'd lost.

I haven't decided whether to commit to that again or just stick with trying to eat sensibly, work out and accept slow progress like Nanda.

Trouble is, I'm at this yucky point in my weight loss where my boobs and hips seem thinner, my waist is still thick, and I look like a sausage. I know from previous weight loss experiences that this phase will last for about the next 10 pounts or so. Plus, I've got loose skin now on my lower belly and my stretch marks seems way deeper and grosser -- and that will only get worse as I lose.

ugh.

Go back and try again, Lauren, you can do it!
Since you're already familiar with it, I think returning to it will help the learning curve. You might also feel extra motivated once you surpass the point where you were forced to stop.
I find that keeping to a regimen imposed from an outside source helps instill the habit and discipline during moments of doubt.

[sumayasaahir]

ladies, i now weigh 153 lbs. I know im pregnant (28 weeks), but a 30 lb weight gain is scary number for someone who is 4'11". Plus my eating habits are out of control.

On the plus side, Im done with physical therapy until after the baby. My ankle still hurts and swells, but I can walk with only a subtle limp. Just in time for me to waddle!

[Azhia]

ladies, i now weigh 153 lbs. I know im pregnant (28 weeks), but a 30 lb weight gain is scary number for someone who is 4'11". Plus my eating habits are out of control.

On the plus side, Im done with physical therapy until after the baby. My ankle still hurts and swells, but I can walk with only a subtle limp. Just in time for me to waddle!

There is a lot going on with you physically so I wouldn't be too down on yourself for the weight gain, hon. If you're healing from the accident and generally healthy during your pregnancy, I think that's a positive thing.

[monsoondancer]

So the last couple of weeks ive had a gradual reduction in weight each week, about a pound a week***sigh**** I have so much trouble getting motivated with working 12 hour days-Its hard to get on that treadmill or bike for an hour after work! Im actually going with my body measurements rather than weight as I am putting on muscle! Im doing really well with my eating (I think!) I am doing the point tracking everyday to educate myself on portion control and learn what my body needs to function. I cant wait to fit back into all of my sparklies! Luckily I have a few that I keep for holiday weight indiscretions :( Anybody have any tricks or tips that have found are working for them???

[maliaraqs]

I'm going to jump on this bandwagon because I've gained a little weight over the past month. So I'm officially going on the "stop eating a box of girl scout cookies each day" diet. And it's SOOOOO hard to leave the frozen thin mints alone!

I also miss having leaner, toner muscles and am looking into joining a gym. I know weight training is really important for women at any age and I'd like to start it again. So long as they offer decent child care for an hour at a time, I think it's a go.

[NandaDncer]

Does anyone have ideas for healthy snacks that travel well. My problem is that I spend too much time away from home, running around from work to uni to dancing. To maintain my energy levels I need to eat at least 5 times a day (small meals or snacks) and I am after actually energy, not just something to eat that has no nutritional value.

I am looking for snacks that travel well and don't necessarily need to be refrigerated. I am currently a certified fruit carrier ;-) and I also usually have a muesli bar floating around my bag too. But I'm getting bored with having those all the time and really need something different to change it up.

Any suggestions?

[monsoondancer]

Almonds are great! Snakatas/rice crackers, ummmm small tin of tuna in brine. These are some of the things I have with me at work.

[NandaDncer]

Oh I wish I liked tuna...

But the almonds or little baggies of dried fruit and nuts is a good idea. I could pre-prepare and keep a whole bunch in the pantry ready to go. Not sure rice crackers would give me any usable energy, I would burn that just walking back to the car from work :-)

[sumayasaahir]

I carry a small cooler and have several icepacks in my freezer, its the only way for me

Does anyone have ideas for healthy snacks that travel well. My problem is that I spend too much time away from home, running around from work to uni to dancing. To maintain my energy levels I need to eat at least 5 times a day (small meals or snacks) and I am after actually energy, not just something to eat that has no nutritional value.

I am looking for snacks that travel well and don't necessarily need to be refrigerated. I am currently a certified fruit carrier ;-) and I also usually have a muesli bar floating around my bag too. But I'm getting bored with having those all the time and really need something different to change it up.

Any suggestions?

[Azhia]

Does anyone have ideas for healthy snacks that travel well. My problem is that I spend too much time away from home, running around from work to uni to dancing. To maintain my energy levels I need to eat at least 5 times a day (small meals or snacks) and I am after actually energy, not just something to eat that has no nutritional value.

I am looking for snacks that travel well and don't necessarily need to be refrigerated. I am currently a certified fruit carrier ;-) and I also usually have a muesli bar floating around my bag too. But I'm getting bored with having those all the time and really need something different to change it up.

Any suggestions?

I'm on the road a lot, too. My favorite go-to has been roasted almonds (raw almonds are difficult for the body to digest; just throw them on a pan in a 300F oven for 7-8 minutes) mixed with dried cranberries (you can also add roasted sesame seeds, sunflower, whatever roasted nut you like).
I bring my own tea with me and a packet of dried nori for my "vegetables." All non-perishable to an extent and pretty satisfying. When I need a grain I buy Kettle Chili Lime Chips.

[Nazarah]

I am sitting here in jeans that have gotten too tight. It's not unusual for me to gain a little by this time of year. Plus I've been very stressed, with the temporary/fixable/only money/stuff variety running rampant, as well as the stuff that really does mattter variety, like two people I love reaching the beginning of the end of their lives :(. I know better than to reach for another cookie, but at the moment it's a struggle to care. Thankfully the weather is breaking, and I can fall back on the trick of going for a run instead of eating the cookie. I keep telling myself I'm doing pretty well, considering. I've managed not to be grouchy towards the people I live with, I've given support, and my tight jeans are still my small jeans.

[BELLA_BELLA]

Dried cherries are really good

[monsoondancer]

Hey Nanda- Coles actually sells a seed mix much like what Azhia just described its called:
COLES TRAIL MIX

I have this at work and at home and I eat a handful when I need a hunger edge taken off:)

[ghazallah]

I am sitting here in jeans that have gotten too tight. It's not unusual for me to gain a little by this time of year. Plus I've been very stressed, with the temporary/fixable/only money/stuff variety running rampant, as well as the stuff that really does mattter variety, like two people I love reaching the beginning of the end of their lives :(. I know better than to reach for another cookie, but at the moment it's a struggle to care. Thankfully the weather is breaking, and I can fall back on the trick of going for a run instead of eating the cookie. I keep telling myself I'm doing pretty well, considering. I've managed not to be grouchy towards the people I live with, I've given support, and my tight jeans are still my small jeans.

Those things are all major. They can take a toll on your struggle to care (I call it the Give A Sh*t Factor). I'm with you! Winter is a hard time to lose weight, although paradoxically, moving around and exercising is actually a good way to get warm. (It's the initial warming up of those muscles that's so hard!)

Somehow this week I've lost four pounds. Well, I've had the brutal Period From Hell (they're starting to be 22-25 days apart now, grrrrr), so much of it was probably bloat, but I'll take it! So I've been achy and cranky all week, but I live alone. Spring is just around the corner, hang on! We can do it!