WaistAways - May 2021 Team Chat

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  • eggfreak
    eggfreak Posts: 687 Member
    after a rough Monday (eating wise) on to a better Tuesday - even though working from home this week, I'm going to set up my salad production line and get 4 prepped for the remainder of this week. I've found 3 key things that I like in my otherwise simple salads - a boiled egg, feta or blue cheese (just a little) and chickpeas. I do like lettuce and crunchy stuff but those 3 things make it much more satisfying when I'm done.
    @jugar - I've not had to quarantine for this whole last year and have occasionally thought how I'd LOVE to be told to stay home for two weeks - all that I'd accomplish in the garden right now!! ha! Anyhow, I hope your daughter can savor the time with her horse and that wide open countryside.

  • micki48
    micki48 Posts: 2,323 Member
    I was able to workout today for the first time since injuring my hand! The hip was only a minor discomfort as well so that's really exciting for me. It's amazing just how quickly you can lose core strength and balance though! I was tipping all over the place.
    I think I have found my motivator though. We have a stand-up paddleboard and I'm a total beginner. Last summer I was out in the middle of our bay in the lake, lost my balance and fell off. #1, I didn't have the core stability to recover my balance quickly enough to prevent making a splash, and #2, I didn't have the strength to pull myself back up onto the board. I had to tow it back to shore in order to climb back on. My goal is to find targeted core, stability, and upper body workouts so that by the time the water warms up enough to swim, I'll be ready to tackle that paddleboard and win! I tried a Caroline Girvan ab workout today and I'll try to find some more to mix in.

    Excited!! (for exercise - this is so new for me!)

    Yay for feeling better. The paddleboard sounds like fun. May I suggest Pilates to build those core muscles. Even 10-15 minutes every other day makes a HUGE difference. Some of here subscribe to The Balanced Life with Robin Long. She has free youtube videos, so maybe look her up if your interested and see if you like it. This 56 year old found that I do actually have core muscles. I once told a trainer I was born without core muscles! You should have seen his face. LOL :p

  • ashleycarole86
    ashleycarole86 Posts: 6,329 Member
    All this core talk is making me shudder @micki48 and @PlaneMonkey ... sounds like I'm due to look up The Balanced Life myself lol
  • micki48
    micki48 Posts: 2,323 Member
    Wahoooo! I've read all the posts (I hope) and think I have caught up with everyone's news! Welcome to all our new friends!!!! This is an amazing group. I hope you will get so much out of being part of our group.

    What an amazing month you all have had. I was so impressed with the end of the month statistics. You are #1!!! Way to go team. Let's do it again. I will try to help this month.

    @jugar I missed you too. That's the longest I've been away. It has been a heck of a month, but that is the past. Now forward we go. My son in law is gaining strength back and trying some Pilates too to build back the muscle he lost. He is so skinny now after the ordeal of a GI bleed and 6 transfusions, but I will cook him some good, healthy food.

    Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!! I really have missed you all so much. And I want to say THANK YOU for all those posts I just read. Hearing your progress and stories is so inspiring and has really helped me feel like my head is back in the game/journey. So happy to share this journey with all of you friends!! <3

    Intro - I am Michele, 56, and this is my third May with Team Waistaways! It's a fabulous group. I am co-captain with @jugar and put together the weekly step report. (Thanks again Liselyn for covering for me. I know your plate is already VERY full running this whole operation.). I live in North Carolina in the US. I'm married (almost 38 years) and have a grown daughter (33) and son (29). I have one amazing granddaughter who just turned 3.

    My journey to health has been life long. I thought I was fat in HS (I was not). But like many women, most of my weight gain happened after having children. I did not prioritize my health as I was busy being mom. They are grown, I have no excuse. I am not a "crazy" dieter. I have made it to Lifetime on Weight Watchers, but diets that heavily restrict are not my thing. In fact, DIETING, is not my thing. At this point and with the help of this group, I have learned that this is about life changes. There is no end to this. Maybe the losing part, but the maintaining part always has to be a focus.

    Speaking of maintaining, that is about all I have done (sort of) for the last year and four months. I did not gain the average pandemic gain, but some of the weight I'd lost did find me again. My first year on this team I did very well with dropping 20+ pounds, but like many of us who have lost a bit of weight, that has slowed down. I believe part of it is me not having the mojo I have when I started (I hear you @YinxFed and anyone else) but I am now post-menopausal and that doesn't help. But as @jugar has proven, that doesn't make it impossible either.

    So, I am trying to find something novel (newness always helps my motivation) to get me on the right track again. I NEED to log. I used to be really good at that, but after about a year and a half rebelled and stopped logging. That's not helpful to me as much as I wish I could do that. So, I WILL log from this day forward to my weigh in. I can do that, right? I will also get back to my short Pilates workouts, which I love and NEED. I will also make time to get in 3 good walks a week. And of course attend to my mental health by going out in my yard and talking to my beautiful little plants. That is my happy place indeed.

    Welcome once again to all the new friends and welcome back to all the continuing friends! We are so happy to have you here. I am so happy to share this journey with you all and be back. I will also check in every day, despite my dying phone and wonky MFP!

    xoxo Michele
  • micki48
    micki48 Posts: 2,323 Member
    Oh, I did fit in 12 minutes of Pilates this morning!
  • PlaneMonkey
    PlaneMonkey Posts: 568 Member
    Robin Long Pilates. I'm on it! I've adjusted my workout plan to have a tiny abs session at the end, I could tack on a 10 minute Pilates (I've never done Pilates.....) and still be under a 30 minute total workout time. 30 minutes of suffering isn't really all that bad for the benefits we reap...
  • jugar
    jugar Posts: 10,229 Member
    Welcome back @micki48 !!!! It is so good to "hear" your voice again. And it sounds like we have a couple more people leaning into the Pilates camp - I hope it does you as much good as it has Michele and me. I am enjoying my GMB programs as well. It sounds like we are all moving into a good new season with more energy for the (sometimes dreaded) exercise.

    This morning, I had a good trail ride and a bad coaching session on the giant horse I'm using at the moment. After such a long break from riding, and then getting on a horse approximately the size of an intercity bus, I am not feeling like the rider I used to be! On the trail, no problem - the horses always want to go out there. But in the ring, asking for very specific things, I am quite klutzy at the moment. Ugh! This will pass (I hope!), but it is frustrating. I met a woman I knew 30 years ago when we boarded our horses at the same place - she now boards where I was this morning, and where I'll be moving my horse in July. She is 79 and still riding all the time! I'm inspired. We always had a good connection back then, so maybe there is a renewed friendship and a riding buddy in our near future. I could use one now that I don't have my daughter to ride with.

    Paddleboard. Now that is in my head... I might try one some time!
  • gak71
    gak71 Posts: 192 Member
    Hey new joinies! I am Sam from Munich, Germany. I am 35 years old, work as an advertising creative and live with roommates. I have been on mfp since 2012 and with this group since the end of last year.

    I have been fat forever, I think I was fat in my ultrasound pics too. Boredom eating is my kryptonite and it's ironic that the first time I have been successful at weight loss is at a time when I have been bored perpetually, thanks to the lockdown. I started at 361 lbs and I am 222 lbs as of last week. I plan to get down to 196 lbs by July at the rate of 2 lbs/week, after which, I will focus on body recomposition and try to get down to 10% bf by July 2022. It's going to be very difficult but I am feeling motivated.

    Wow, very impressive! Other than monitoring calories are you following any particular diet?
  • micki48
    micki48 Posts: 2,323 Member
    Well, I logged everything. It was not under, but it got logged so I’ll call that a win. Baby steps. I know exactly what I could have done to be under, but I made different choices at dinner. Grace over guilt.

    Drank my water. ✅ No walk. Had a few big thunderstorms and was watching my granddaughter while her parents went to a follow up dr visit. Her other Grammy was here too.

    Not at my 9k step goal yet, but I can make it. I will make it.

    Not a perfect day, but a pretty good one.

    @happimess01 Sam, you have made amazing progress. So proud of you. I know you can reach your goals. You are so consistent!! Keep up the great work.

    @jugar Yay, for you riding that intercity bus on four legs. You amaze me and kudos to your 79 year old friend for still riding as well. Way to go.
  • jugar
    jugar Posts: 10,229 Member
    Our lovely weightless Tuesday is coming to a close... Wednesday people - are you ready?

    Let's see those numbers flowing in tomorrow:

    @PlaneMonkey
    @AshenMoon
    @EvMakesChanges
    @KellyBgetsFit
    @Pearl4686
    @MoStacy

    Thanks!
  • ashleycarole86
    ashleycarole86 Posts: 6,329 Member
    @jugar I've never ridden a horse. I look forward to trying at a lower weight.. another weight restriction item I can look forward to.
  • jugar
    jugar Posts: 10,229 Member
    @jugar I've never ridden a horse. I look forward to trying at a lower weight.. another weight restriction item I can look forward to.

    It's a blast! And once you get past walking, it is great exercise. And horses are just cool :sunglasses:
  • renewal_2021
    renewal_2021 Posts: 17 Member
    edited May 2021
    Hello all. Yesterday, I managed to stay within my range for calories. However, I couldn't exercise due to a massive headache, which also affected my sleep. On the positive side, I realize how sedentary my lifestyle, lack of water, lack of sleep has affected me for years. Now, I need to bring balanced energy to my life.
    Still feeling blah!
    Intention for today is to get my vegetables, see if I can go for a walk, and sleep well tonight.
    @PlaneMonkey Wishing you luck with getting into those smaller clothes. Keep us up to date. 😊
  • YinxFed
    YinxFed Posts: 1,094 Member
    I had to abandon my walk this morning due to heavy rain. Forgot all about it, updated my calendar to reflect the change then got on with my work.

    My study is at the top of the house and my 2 velux windows provide all of the natural light I need, so although I registered the heavy downfall, I didn't raise my head until just now - seems to have been a spot of hail. Glad I didn't go out now!

    l2tykmil9dnt.jpg
  • jugar
    jugar Posts: 10,229 Member
    @YinxFed
    That's some "spot" of hail! I'm very glad you were not out there getting pelted on the head by that stuff. The walking will wait. Do an indoor Sansone walking video or something :heart:

    @renewal_2021
    So sorry to hear about your headache - those can really stop you in your tracks. WATER! Drink a ton today.

    I just got a bit choked up talking with my dad. He's 92 and I have not been able to visit him since January 2020. The Canada/US border has been closed since March 2020, and I do not want to visit him until I have had my 2nd vaccine. Which won't happen until August 4th. Because Canada is doing the log gap between doses, and there is no way to change the appointment. Grrrr. Anyhow, dad sounds chipper, but my step-mom needs a break. I hope she'll hook up with some local respite care, which she has not yet done. It is time.

    Well it is really rainy out there, so steps are going to take a hit today. I'll do an exercise bike session tonight to make up for it.

    I have decided to start posting my steps and exercise minutes here like everyone else, instead of just entering them on the spreadsheet. Please do the same! Many blank spots on there... If you want to join the team, let us know! If you are already on it, don't forget to post by the end of Saturday (or Sunday if you wait until the last step into bed on Saturday night :wink: ) for the week of May 2 - 9.

    My week so far -
    Sunday - 6663 steps/45 minutes Pilates/45 minutes exercise bike 13.5 mph
    Monday - 8709 steps/40 minutes Pilates
    Tuesday - 14,991 steps/35 minutes Pilates

    Pilates "translates" as 100 steps per minute, exercise bike moderate speed as 130 steps per minute
  • AshenMoon
    AshenMoon Posts: 157 Member
    Happy Wednesday! No change from my last weigh-in (221.7)
  • EvMakesChanges
    EvMakesChanges Posts: 568 Member
    jugar wrote: »

    I just got a bit choked up talking with my dad. He's 92 and I have not been able to visit him since January 2020. The Canada/US border has been closed since March 2020, and I do not want to visit him until I have had my 2nd vaccine. Which won't happen until August 4th. Because Canada is doing the log gap between doses, and there is no way to change the appointment. Grrrr. Anyhow, dad sounds chipper, but my step-mom needs a break. I hope she'll hook up with some local respite care, which she has not yet done. It is time.

    Well it is really rainy out there, so steps are going to take a hit today. I'll do an exercise bike session tonight to make up for it.

    I have decided to start posting my steps and exercise minutes here like everyone else, instead of just entering them on the spreadsheet. Please do the same! Many blank spots on there... If you want to join the team, let us know! If you are already on it, don't forget to post by the end of Saturday (or Sunday if you wait until the last step into bed on Saturday night :wink: ) for the week of May 2 - 9. (THE WEEK IS MAY 2-8, ACTUALLY)

    My week so far -
    Sunday - 6663 steps/45 minutes Pilates/45 minutes exercise bike 13.5 mph
    Monday - 8709 steps/40 minutes Pilates
    Tuesday - 14,991 steps/35 minutes Pilates

    Pilates "translates" as 100 steps per minute, exercise bike moderate speed as 130 steps per minute

    I take it the additional minutes of exercise will be added at the end, yes? As one who is helping keep track, I want to be sure I'm on the same page.

    I'm ever hopeful our step-mother will recall that her spouse has TWO daughters, one of whom actually lives in the U.S. (just South of said closed border), has just had the 2nd vaccine, and has volunteered to give her a break from Dad in the near future, whether in Maine or Massachusetts. I'm hoping to visit in June for Father's Day. We'll see how that all sorts out. Now that he is 93-years-old, it'll be fun to hear how he's doing with being whackier than he used to be (he was a high school music teacher/director who loved gaffing about as the 5'7" Irishman that he is). Tally-ho!

    Onwards to better days with logging, doing my shoulder Physio, and walking. I had a load of sleep time yesterday after the 2nd vaccine on Monday. I think I'm over the hump.

    I'll report my weight tomorrow. I was up at 3 a.m. for 3 hours then went back to bed. I forgot which day I was in and didn't weigh myself before brekky. Sorry!

    Enjoy the day, dear ones.



  • PlaneMonkey
    PlaneMonkey Posts: 568 Member
    Well, I thought I didn't like Robin Long after the first video I watched (but had yet to try at the time) but then I picked another one and actually tried to follow along.... Wow that lady is subtle and STRONG! I think I originally thought I didn't like her cause I was jealous she was on the beach. Brutal! Make the rain stop and the summer hurry up!
    But yeah, I'm definitely going to try another one of hers.

    I was a tad too quick to change up my workout plan as my damaged finger let me know when I tried to do a walk out plank. Ouch! So Pilates might have to be my go to until I can get planks on the go.

    A neighbour also gave us a home elliptical/recumbent bike that hubby loves so I might find myself wandering over to that side of the room as well when injuries get in the way.

    I'm still having willpower trouble controlling portion sizes so exercise has to help burn those calories. Speaking of which, I'm off to walk to the mailbox cause there's another new bathing suit in there. Fingers crossed I picked the right size!
  • jugar
    jugar Posts: 10,229 Member
    Well, I thought I didn't like Robin Long after the first video I watched (but had yet to try at the time) but then I picked another one and actually tried to follow along.... Wow that lady is subtle and STRONG! I think I originally thought I didn't like her cause I was jealous she was on the beach. Brutal! Make the rain stop and the summer hurry up!
    But yeah, I'm definitely going to try another one of hers.

    I was a tad too quick to change up my workout plan as my damaged finger let me know when I tried to do a walk out plank. Ouch! So Pilates might have to be my go to until I can get planks on the go.

    A neighbour also gave us a home elliptical/recumbent bike that hubby loves so I might find myself wandering over to that side of the room as well when injuries get in the way.

    I'm still having willpower trouble controlling portion sizes so exercise has to help burn those calories. Speaking of which, I'm off to walk to the mailbox cause there's another new bathing suit in there. Fingers crossed I picked the right size!
    You are so on the spot, Courtney! Robin really struck me as such a California girl at first, but she grew on me. Sometimes I still roll my eyes, but then I move on to one of her more challenging workouts and the respect grows. She also knows when I have my jaw all tense and everything. She is a witch. And she makes it all clear. But yeah - she has the beach and we don't. Hmmph.

    Be sure to invade hubby's side of the room - and have a good laugh all the way to the mailbox. After watching portions. I agree - that is the hardest part. If your plate is 90% veggies, it is easier to have a huge plate full!

    Today, the habit tracker saved my bacon. I don't eat bacon, but I guess it still needs saving somewhere in the world. I was doing great on my several short workouts per day thing, but then it came time to practice the music I need to know cold, inside-out, and backwards by the time we record in late August. It was almost 5 pm. I pictured another blank check-mark box, and got out the flute and had a fantastic practice session. So happy!!! Pushing through that habitual resistance is so hard to start, so worth doing.

    What are you all pushing through? Or not?
  • ashleycarole86
    ashleycarole86 Posts: 6,329 Member
    Good question. I think for me I'm pushing through finding healthy ways to cope with stress and anxiety. Now that I'm not using food for comfort anymore, I'm pushing through feeling uncomfortable sitting through difficult feelings without turning to food.
  • micki48
    micki48 Posts: 2,323 Member
    I am pushing through logging my food, even though I know my calories will be over. I'm not going to worry too much about it this week. Just get back to logging. Then, I will work on logging and staying under my calories. I am also pushing to make sure I drink my water.

    I am not pushing myself to get on the mat or go out and walk. It's been quite a long time since I walked my neighborhood. I don't even know whose house sold or who is doing what renovations! :o Seriously, I need to make taking a walk a priority.

    Today, I worked with hubby to organize (somewhat) the library. He has been going through boxes of vinyl records that we inherited from my father in law. It's older stuff, but in great condition. Mostly classical. But, we found a REALLY funny exercise record. It is called The Good Housekeeping 's Plan For Reducing Off the Record with The Bob Prince Quartet playing the "exercise music". Recorded in 1960. It was pretty funny. One exercise is to "get rid of your double chin". So, you sit in a chair, put your head back, and open and close your mouth in an "exaggerated chew". LOL. We had a fun time trying these out. LOL Pretty funny.

    My steps today are currently 6,196 so I don't think I will get to my 9K. So far this week they look like this:

    Sun 7239
    Mon 6593
    Tues 9256*

    I have logged all my food the last couple of days. But, did have a yummy Cinco de Mayo dinner tonight at my daughter's house with a couple of their friends as well. Normalcy after a crazy year.

    I did spend some time in my garden telling it how beautiful it is. My beans, radishes, and lettuce are sprouting. All the plants look good. Pulled some weeds. Have a bunch of green strawberries. Hope I get them before the chipmunks.

    @PlaneMonkey Glad you are giving Robin a try. Yeah, she's lucky to be on that beautiful beach. I just pretend I'm there with her. LOL. She really is great at knowing exactly which part of your body you are tensing. It is amazing how much benefit you can get from a short consistent work out. Enjoy those new smaller clothes arriving later this week. Is a fashion show in store for us? And another bathing suit? How exciting!

    That about wraps up this day. On to Thursday!
  • conleywoods
    conleywoods Posts: 999 Member
    Today I'm doing fine, but yesterday was not good at all. Not sure what it was but it just felt like everything was hard. Work felt too long. I had no idea what to make for dinner. Silly stuff that shouldn't have been a big deal. I went for a walk and just couldn't settle down so I ate way too much. It's over now and I've moved on.

    Today I am under calories and I did my ballet workout for 35 minutes.

    @KellyBgetsfit You are doing a really great job making progress even though you haven't been able to workout like you want. Summer will be here soon and you will have more time.

    @happimess01 You have made so much progress! Congratulations 👏

    @PlaneMonkey Hooray for shopping and I hope you find some good stuff.

    @jugar I'm pushing through the feeling that I can't keep it together and should just hire a butler and a personal chef! Ha
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