Exercise and Weight Loss Challenges
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Hi Guys,
Suggestion. As a newbie to kdrama (and I did like the one I watched), I am finding it difficult to find the posts with your comments and recommendations. I am looking forward to trying more. Particularly on the stationery bike. Perhaps a separate thread as we did with recipes and other things that people want to find? I know it is difficult to keep more threads going but I think it would help me.
Thoughts?
PS Thanks for the suggestions!0 -
I too have been thinking about why a break from dieting seems necessary even though we know the consequences aren't always what we want.
My thoughts are:
1. Monitoring fatigue. Logging food everyday gets tedious no matter what method is used. There is often a 'extra' to keep us recording, like days logged in counts, or showing your diary to someone else. Just recording for ourselves, can get 'old' in a busy life.
2. The body wins. On most diets you run around slightly hungry some of the time. Exercise often increases appetite, at least in the long run. I remember when I canoed 35 miles a day for fun. The first week or two, appetites were depressed in the whole group, but at day 10 and beyond, we had to pack more food for everyone. So a deficit calorie intake with increased activity levels, long term, is not a condition that the body likes. We maintain it often by willpower in an environment which is food centric. Maintaining should be easier (and I say should) because we are not trying to maintain a deficit. (at least that is the theory).
3. Feasting is a normal thing in the human experience. All cultures, all histories in the human story, feast. We feast when we gather, we feast when we celebrate. It requires great dedication to not feast at a feast. (and often social pressure comes into play as well) so everything in us says 'enjoy the unusual and good foods in honour of the feasting occasion''. It is very hard to go back to your individual semi-famine in a land of plenty once your brain has eased its control. And we have lost the company of a group famine or deficit.
Pam is correct, I think. It is much harder when drastic change is made. Like Pam, I did not have to make all that drastic a change. Although I guess removing sugars and starches sounds drastic but I was close to it when I started.
Bringing me to:
4. Sugar addictions. I really do believe that the foods in our environment have so much sugar, in all its names, that it is very hard to avoid. And there have been enough studies to convince me that it has an addictive quality. These two factors make staying the course with no breaks even harder because your mind cannot always control the cravings.
A long post! Sorry!0 -
grandmothercharlie wrote: »Beth, I joke that I have lived in Columbus since 1983 and I haven't seen snow yet!
I'm originally from Erie, PA. The average yearly snowfall in Columbus is 26". In Erie, is 100". A few years ago when Columbus got 38" for the year and everyone complained, Erie had 146"! Cleveland area is about 68" and Buffalo area about 83". Erie is right between the two, but because of the way it sits on the lake, it gets the snow if Cleveland gets it. If Buffalo gets it. And it will get it when they don't!
My nephew lives in Tahoe City and they average 189" a year.
I actually like the snow and sort of miss it. The snow is very insulating and seems to make things cozy. I am not as crazy about the ice that we get here OR the bitter cold. So, I guess it is all determined by what a person is used to. Cincinnati's is about 11" annually so 3" is a lot of snow at one time for you guys. Here we consider 6" a lot. Back home, 15"-18" starts to seem like a lot!
Charlie, you are lucky you haven't had snow. I am on the outskirts of Cincinnati, we had a little over 3". I am not a fan of the snow at all.
My son lives in VA, and he had over 13" at his house, he works at a small airport in VA and they had over 3 feet. YUK!
Since you like snow, next time we get snow, I will send it your way. LOL
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I saw a stat today that said that people eat 10% more when in company and 30% more when there are 7 or more people at the table. Yikes!0
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dasher602014 wrote: »I saw a stat today that said that people eat 10% more when in company and 30% more when there are 7 or more people at the table. Yikes!
OUCH!! Those odds do not sound too good. I will have to mentally remember this, and control my eating. Thanks for the heads up!
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Beth: That's a good point - logging fatigue. I didn't experience it during the 18 months it took me to hit goal but I think it was part of the reason my brain couldn't log afterwards. As I approached my goal I was feeling concerned about how many calories to increase, but maintain my goal - and then I just couldn't do it another day - at all. I don't have any problem weighing out my food, or checking portion sizes though.
I see that Cooking Light has started to include sugars in their stats at the end of the recipes. It wasn't that long ago that fat was such a no-no that people threw out egg yolks and added applesauce instead of fats to recipes (never me!) and there was that terrible fat substitute, Olean?? There certainly is a lot of added sugars to most processed foods. Then the rise of all sorts of fake sugars that seem even worse. From what I've read even stevia and agave aren't that great. So I will cook with honey and cane sugar in moderation. We come by our sweet craving from birth - that's the first taste of breast milk. I cut sugar and butter by 25% in my baklava recipe - does that qualify as 'Light'?
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Marney - I'm so glad you enjoyed Splash, Splash Love. I would like to share some kdrama links and recommendations and I'm sure Charlie has a favorites list too. Can anyone start a new sub-discussion?0
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I think any of us can start a new topic but I have only tried in other groups.0
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Beth: That's a good point - logging fatigue. I didn't experience it during the 18 months it took me to hit goal but I think it was part of the reason my brain couldn't log afterwards. As I approached my goal I was feeling concerned about how many calories to increase, but maintain my goal - and then I just couldn't do it another day - at all. I don't have any problem weighing out my food, or checking portion sizes though.
I see that Cooking Light has started to include sugars in their stats at the end of the recipes. It wasn't that long ago that fat was such a no-no that people threw out egg yolks and added applesauce instead of fats to recipes (never me!) and there was that terrible fat substitute, Olean?? There certainly is a lot of added sugars to most processed foods. Then the rise of all sorts of fake sugars that seem even worse. From what I've read even stevia and agave aren't that great. So I will cook with honey and cane sugar in moderation. We come by our sweet craving from birth - that's the first taste of breast milk. I cut sugar and butter by 25% in my baklava recipe - does that qualify as 'Light'?
Pam - I agree that most light recipes are including sugars, I have been using agave in its place, thinking it was better. Now you have me wanting to read up on agave, ...LOL
Like what you did with you baklava, how does it taste? I don't know if its considered Light? But then have you read labels on light things? I looked at a can of progresso soup with "Light Sodium" I looked at a regular can and the difference was only 10 gm's less of salt on the "Light Sodium" I don't know about you but that is not light for me. I'm now making my own soups and chili's with no sodium.
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I am starting a K-drama discussion right now!0
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After an amusing failure of trying to make phyllo when I was teenager, I was fortunate to have a Greek neighbor offer to teach me to make baklava 35+ years ago. First thing she said was go buy phyllo! Over time I have cut the butter (from 4 sticks to 3 sticks) and the syrup. It's 200calories/serving. I can't be shy - it tastes perfect! I've tasted (but didn't finish) many other attempts and they are tasteless, soggy, sweet but no flavor. It is as much technique as ingredients and I have taught classes where we've made pans with various nuts. Also it freezes very well. I have some in my freezer right now!Like what you did with you baklava, how does it taste? I don't know if its considered Light? But then have you read labels on light things? I looked at a can of progresso soup with "Light Sodium" I looked at a regular can and the difference was only 10 gm's less of salt on the "Light Sodium" I don't know about you but that is not light for me. I'm now making my own soups and chili's with no sodium.
Since my youngest finally moved out we have a guest room - cooking classes included!
OMO!! can't wait to rush over to the K-drama discussion!!
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After a five week plateau
and a recent cracker binge
an overnight mini-whoosh of .8!
Resulting in a new low!
Somehow a loss of .8 feels huge
The trick will be to not credit the cracker binge.
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Lill! Yay for you! .8 is significant!0
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I'm feeling back on track. Didn't get any exercise in yesterday though as I had a lunch thing and then spent evening at grandkids so my DIL could have an evening while my son is out of town for two weeks.
This week has once again brought home how important just moving is. Not working out, but being active during the day. I can workout and burn calories, but they don't make up for a day when I'm busy on my feet. I am doing our department's annual inventory this week. Actually, I give lists of the inventory to each division, they then adjust. I have to reenter, manipulate, and create one (rather two) inventories (consumable inventory and a Machinery, Tools, Equipment and Furniture inventory). This requires me to sit at my desk and stare at the computer. My end-of-day burn is so much lower than if I had been moving around like usual. Tough to even achieve much of a deficit even at 1200 calories.
Moral of the story: Exercise is great, especially for fitness, but to burn calories Ijust have to get off my butt and stay off!0 -
Charlie, glad you are feeling better. That was really nice of you to watch the grandkids while the DIL went out for the evening. My daughter loves it when I have her kids and she gets time for herself.
I agree with you, exercise is great, it makes you feel so much better, more active and I don't feel so sluggish.0 -
one of the major problems of winter in rural Ontario when retired. even at the office, my day to day movement was more than can happen here. I have been sewing today which keeps me standing. snowing and blowing out today and just wasn't conducive to outdoor activity.
Glad everyone is feeling better and back on track. We did have the grumbles for awhile there. All of us together.0 -
January 1, 2016 Challenge
January 1 - 178.0
January 8 - 177.6 = -.4
January 15 - 177.2 = -.8
January 22 - 176.6 = -1.4
January 29 - 176.2 = -1.8
YEA! I'm getting there, Still another week of baby steps, I'm working my butt off, should be more, but I will take a loss any day.0 -
Wow, nice first month of challenge, Beth!
Marney, I usually dance when I can't get to the gym or outside. Turn on the music and let go. It is a good workout.
You are so right, too, we did have the grumbles. So, starting right now...positive thinking ladies!
Also, I have invited someone to join us. She has been my friend longer on MFP since almost from my beginning. I met her in a larger group, but the big group isn't her thing. Beth knows her. Her name is Claudine and she lives in AZ. She will be accepting the invitation soon. If you want to have someone here who really varies her workouts, it's Claudine. She will not always be happy with her weight or weight-loss, but she is definitely the workout queen! Like us, she is "mature" with 7 grandkids! Also, she is a very, very disciplined eater. Much more so than I am.
If I don't tell you all enough, I love this group. It is small enough that I feel like we are friends. You don't judge. You encourage me. And I think we each bring something unique to the group. However, Gayle and I both talked and we closed the group to the public. It is now by invitation only.
Speaking of the group, does anyone know what happened to Nancy? I'm going to use my Sunday or Monday weights from now on. So, I'll be a little late posting any progress. Have a great day!0 -
Nice lose Beth!
Yes to dancing. I am a little confused about bone loss. I had a bone scan and the results were low bone density and low risk of fracture. I was assured not osteopenia. (Too early to fight with the spelling.) I thought that is what osteopenia meant. So, upping the calcium and Vit D and thinking about jumping around. I was a Scottish Dancer and English Clog Dancer (danced about 8 hours weekly until I was around 40) so I figure if I find a solid part of my house (a concern along with ceiling height) and start practicing again, I can get aerobic exercise and build bones at the same time. And I am looking at my strength training exercises too.
Glad to hear of a new person! I am watching one too but I don't know her well enough yet, just really like her postings. I love this group too! Maybe messages to Nancy?0 -
Jan 1: 168.5
Jan 8: 167.5 -1
Jan17: 169 +1.5
Jan 22: 166 -3
Jan 29: 166
I guess I cannot expect 3 lbs each week, huh? But I like the whoosssshhhhssss!0 -
Never feel bad about holding steady, Marney. That in itself is a victory!
Interested in your dancing. Columbus is huge in Irish Step Dancing, but I think it is so stiff. I love the Ottawa Valley style of step dancing. I think the English Clogging is more like that, isn't it? A little looser than the Irish Step? When I think of Scottish Dancing I think of Highland Fling. I can definitely see worry about ceiling height with that especially. Me, I don't have a "style." I dance to hip-hop though. I always said that I would know I was old when I didn't like the music my kids listen to. Well, they now listen to the music that they listened to growing up (their oldies) and I'm the one listening to the current stuff. So, who's old in this family, huh? But, any dancing is good. It makes me feel good after a 1/2 hour dancing, too, and I can do it at my desk at lunchtime. Can you dance and be sad at the same time? I don't think so.
I hate strength training, but do a little with light dumbbells. I keep them at work and try to do it twice a week.
From what I can see, Nancy hasn't even opened MFP for over two months, so unless someone has her private email, she won't see an MFP message.
Gayle, do you have her email? I know she is an artist. I assume that is how you met.0 -
grandmothercharlie wrote: »Wow, nice first month of challenge, Beth!
Marney, I usually dance when I can't get to the gym or outside. Turn on the music and let go. It is a good workout.
You are so right, too, we did have the grumbles. So, starting right now...positive thinking ladies!
Also, I have invited someone to join us. She has been my friend longer on MFP since almost from my beginning. I met her in a larger group, but the big group isn't her thing. Beth knows her. Her name is Claudine and she lives in AZ. She will be accepting the invitation soon. If you want to have someone here who really varies her workouts, it's Claudine. She will not always be happy with her weight or weight-loss, but she is definitely the workout queen! Like us, she is "mature" with 7 grandkids! Also, she is a very, very disciplined eater. Much more so than I am.
If I don't tell you all enough, I love this group. It is small enough that I feel like we are friends. You don't judge. You encourage me. And I think we each bring something unique to the group. However, Gayle and I both talked and we closed the group to the public. It is now by invitation only.
Speaking of the group, does anyone know what happened to Nancy? I'm going to use my Sunday or Monday weights from now on. So, I'll be a little late posting any progress. Have a great day!
Yes Ladies, we all had the grumbles, I can not point to the exact cause, but I know I had them.. I am working better.
Welcome Claudine, like Charlie said, Claudine is the workout queen, she's a very sweet lady, and will be a great addition to our group.
This is a great group and I enjoy being a part of it. I do like it a lot better them the larger group, it is more personal. We are a small group of close friends, who care and encourage each other.
No Charlie, I am not sure what happened to Nancy, is her profile still up? I can not remember her screen name.
Well, it looks to be a better day, going into the 50's this afternoon, so I will get out and walk a little. My oldest's birthday is today, and she wants to go to Red Lobster for dinner. I have already looked on their website to see what I can eat tonight, I'm going in good, hope I have the will power to stay that way..LOL
Everyone have a great day!!!!!! 0 -
Beth: Claudine isn't here yet, but she will be wants she is up and running again on the computer. As far as Nancy, I don't know that she has every posted since you got here. The thing that impressed me most about Nancy when she first joined was her goal at the age of 80 was to look good in boots and jeans! For some reason, that just hit me as a great goal!
I have started a new thread that I hope some of you might want to tackle. It is called Healthy Mind as well as a Healthy Body. Care to join me?0 -
Oops, auto correct said "wants" or "once" above? Probably because I voice posted. Same as "every" for "ever."0
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1/01/16: 180.4
1/09/16: 178.6
1/15/16: 174.3
1/23/16: 176.4
1/30/16: 176.8
All I can do is tell the truth and continue to work on mustering the strategies that I successfully used to lose that 50. I intend that 2016 will see me losing my last 16 - 20. Don't want to go much below 160.00. My face is already bony and my wrinkles myriad. Need to focus on low blood pressure, healthy blood vessels, no diabetes, healthy heart, etc. This is not a beauty thing for me. Just want to live to see my grandkids!0 -
Healthy mind can help me a great deal. I need help with slowing my thoughts, focusing my thoughts and calming down! Which sounds really funny when i am retired and have no kids to worry about but I can fuss, and I know things go better when I take time to calm myself.
Gayle, as Charlie said to me, holding the course and staying the same, is a win. Hurray us!
I tried some scottish dance steps and the spring is gone! I danced from 8 years old to 40 and there is a group about 45 minute drive away that I could join, if I can get my fitness up to do it! The scottish dancing that I did is social dancing. Done in sets of 8 people with reels etc but you have to bounce and get through 64 bars of scottish music without a break. And it looks ridiculous to be red in the face, mopping up sweat and puffing like a steam engine when standing in a party dress. Hard to smile and talk to your partner too. Working on it.
My English clog dancing, I only did for about 4 years. I loved it because I danced in shoes with wooden soles and iron horseshoe thingmes on the bottom. For once in my life, the louder you were, the better! Again, done in sets of 6 or 8. It was officially Northwest Morris Clog Dancing. If you know the tune to British Grenadiers, you know the beat. Lots of commonly known march tunes are English Clog Dance tunes. And I got to bang sticks too! I danced once with 200 other cloggers outdoors over sprung concrete, it was fun and very, very loud because it echoed off the downtown buildings! But in my past now. Harder on knees than scottish.
Ottawa Valley step dancing! Now how would you know that, Charlie? Apparently, you can still tell the town, or teacher that a dancer learned from because of very subtle differences. Fun to watch and yes, they always look like they are having more fun than the stiff Irish. My dancing was more like the Irish, not so stiff, but hands and arms were controlled no matter what the feet were doing. There is still a distinct Ottawa Valley accent too.
Keep to the course this week folks. I feel lighter this week even if the scales haven't moved. Maybe all of you will join me in a whoosh! I am going to work for it, rather than hope.0 -
We have a huge Irish/Celtic festival here every year. Irish step is huge, but some Ottawa Valley Step Dancers have entertained. Some fusion groups, too, like The StepCrew. Wow, I would think the controlled beat of a March would be harder than a jig or reel to maintain. It sounds like a lot of fun.
I agree about not letting yourself get so thin you look haggard, Gayle. There can be a very thin line there. Glad you know where that is and that health and fitness should be the real goal. You will get there. Not too far now.
Marney said something about feeling lighter! I love that. Isn't it funny that sometimes we do even without the scale showing it. What is the tape measure saying? I always notice that feeling before a whoosh. Hmmm, not that I can remember a whoosh, it has been so long!0 -
Quick weekly report - havent read anyones posts yet.
Previous low, 183.0
Last week 1/24/16, 183.8
Midweek 1/26/16, 182.2 -- after five weeks, a new low!! :-)
Expecting pattern of bounce-up
This week 1/30/16, 183.6 -- yup.
At least it was expected. :-]
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Well done, Lil. Yes, it bounces but as long as the trend is down, you are good.
I lost a pound today. And Peter 3 in the last few days. And his blood sugar is trending down again. Hurray!
I reached out to the guy Frankmbr who posted on our thread. He cannot find a group of guys of senior years and thought we sounded really supportive, and yes, we are! No, I am not going to ask if he can join. I just thought I would let you know that I am getting to know him and encouraging him. I told him that we normally sort of 'sponsor' new members in but I would be willing to encourage him outside the group.
Old chipmunk cheeks here doesn't have to worry about looking to thin in the face, Gayle, but do set your goals to be reasonable for health and looks. Maybe you are there?0 -
Jan.16-192.5
Jan. 22- 191.5
Jan.29-193.00
