Hi All! Anyone have any tips on dieting and living in the ci

ibelieveinlove7

Hi all! I'm on day 2 of being signed up for myfitnesspal.com. So far I really like it and how flexible it is. I work two jobs and try to find time for my boyfriend, my friends, and writing my thesis so I can finish my Master's degree. I have been overweight my entire life and thought that this electronic way of logging my food might help me out a little. I lost 20 pounds (personal trainer and South Beach Diet) before Christmas but have put 15 of it back on. There are so many reasons/excuses for making weight so hard, that I wanted to see if anyone out there had any tips on overcoming my excuses. Some of my bigger ones are::

-public transportation takes so long - when one of my jobs was slow I went the gym much more and I once timed the commute - I waited for the train for 6 minutes, was on the train for about 15, then it took me 15 minutes more to walk to the gym. Then I changed and put my belongings into a locker.... Then I had about a 45 minute work out of weights and run/walk on the treadmill. Then the commute home is the same except at the stop nearest the gym the wait was 15 minutes for the train (runs less often in the middle of the day), 15 on the train, and a 5 minute walk back to my apartment.
-I have to be at work at 8:30 and with my 45 minute commute to work, plus a shower, plus a workout all before work = way too early!
-Carrying everything around with me to work out (towel, shower stuff, workout clothes...) = big hassle
-Things always come up... Shows, dinner plans (this is included in making time for boyfriend and friends)
-I try to follow the South Beach Diet about 90% of the way (I can't give up bacon!) and try to include the snacks and meal times at the correct times, so it makes working out after work difficult because then I end up eating dinner at like 9:30 and I try to be in bed by 11.
-It is hard to work out in my apartment because I live on the 2nd floor of a walkup and don't want to disturb my downstairs neighbor, who happens to be my landlord...

I've thought this through a lot... And in the end I basically try to avoid the elevator and that's the extent of my workout unless I happen to have a day off. I generally have Thursdays off and use that day to do laundry, go to the grocery store, and cook for the week (lunches)...

So... any thoughts/advice?? Feel free to tell me to just suck it up too.
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jnchorn

Hi there. Welcome! I am not a big fan of gyms. I get outside in my neighborhood and walk 30-40 minutes. Plus this month I am starting Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred. Get a workout video, or just get outside. Walk while you are work on your lunch break. You can do it.

amymrls

Have you ever tried T-tapp? I have had great results with it and it doesn't make a lot of noise. Only 30 min workouts. No boucing around. Just a thought.

http://www.t-tapp.com/

Kminor67

How about taking a walk on your lunch hour? You have to find a way to make it work for you. If it's a problem to get workouts in while you're working, set your goals for two workouts a week (on your days off). If you're still having problems, re-evaluate your activity level. It's never easy, but to get results we have to be willing to do things we've never done before. You'll get there!

kayleeblue

Welcome to MFP! With the commute you have what about getting off a stop earlier and walking the rest of the way home? Or how about ankle weights? Good Luck!

JulyHummingbird

I live in the city (Houston) and take public transportation to work each day. The bus stop is about a half mile from my house - I walk to and from daily. I get off the bus a couple of stops early in the morning and walk in. I walk at lunch (Houston has a great tunnel system under street level for rainy/hot/cold days) and I have a Wii with Wii Fit Plus and yoga. I manage to fit in something every day.

ibelieveinlove7

Wow! Hi everyone! Thanks for the feedback! I have never heard of T-tapp but I will look into it! I'm also not a fan of my gym, but when I try to run outside I feel like I am going to die. Now that it is finally getting nicer in Chicago, I am trying to be an outdoor runner. I'm also a sissy and don't like to be out by myself when it's dark :-\

I've tried working out during my lunch hour (there is a gym close by.. I'm a member with Bally's, by the way) but it is hard going back to work sweaty and stinky! I generally work through my lunch hour (at the job where I get a lunch hour). My other job affords me a 30 minute lunch break and I have to use the time to go buy lunch because there are no fridges for us to keep our lunches in...

Elzecat

if getting to the gym is such a hassle (as it sounds like it would be on public transportation! I feel for ya!) maybe just start with walks/jogs around your neighborhood? You could also buy some small hand weights and do some exercises at home...

and as far as making time for the friends/boyfriend--maybe occasionally they can walk with you? you're still spending time together and you're doing something healthy for all of you.

Good luck!

janalayn

I think it comes down to deciding you are worth the time. Yes, it is a pain to carry the workout bag to work (I do it 5 days a week) and not getting home til after 7:30 is a pain (I work out after work) but I decided it is worth it. I deserve to be healthy so that I can be around for my family and friends for a long time instead of ending up riding a jazzy scooter around WalMart. You are worth the time and effort it takes ... surely your boyfriend and friends love you enough to think your health is important too.

elliecolorado

You don't have to go to the gym to be healthier! I haven't stepped foot in a gym and I do just fine. I walk/jog around my neighborhood or go to parks that have trails where I can walk, jog or bike. I have an elliptical at home, so that helps in the winter when I don't get out as much. I also have some yoga and pilates DVD's that I use in the winter. Besides that I have a yoga ball and some dumbells. I am not a morning person so I either take my running shoes/clothes to work and go run after work or come home and use the elliptical. It hasn't interfered with my life at all. If I know that I am going to be going out I might get up early and work out, but usually if I am going to go out it is later in the evening so I come home and workout then eat dinner and still have plenty of time to go out at night.

snickerpants

Hello!

You don't have to concentrate all your exercise in one go - if you can do small chunks of 10-15 minutes throughout the day.

How about walking up and down your apartment stairs twice when you get home? Once to put your stuff away, once to go back and get your mail and then one more time for good luck!

I also suggest the idea of getting off public trans a stop or two before your regular stop. Walking at lunchtime is a great idea. While these suggestions won't always be practical, I think if you have three or four methods of incorporating exercise into your day then you can be a little more flexible with your schedule.

Also, don't forget cleaning house can be a good workout! (at least in MY house it can be.)

Oooo - I just thought of something else. You can incorporate exercise into dates with your BF too. Choose restaurants that are farther from the theatre or eat early and go for a stroll afterward. Check out menus before you go (if possible) a lot of places now post their nutritional on line.

nicmacc

why dont you exercise with your boyfriend or friends? Organise a walk or get a PT to visit on the weekend? That way you are socialising and exercising!