support group for losing those last 10 lbs.

Shannonigans84

I hope everyone is having a good weekend!

It's chilly but gorgeous outside, I think I'm going to go for a walk later.

Is anyone else nervous about how they'll feel at their goal weight? I'm afraid once I'm there I still won't be happy. Actually I know I won't, I need a lot of toning yet. And my goal is set 5lbs below my lowest adult weight, so it's going to be difficult to maintain the way it is let alone weigh any less than that. So even though I'm almost done it won't be "over" as far just slipping into maintenance mode. It's really daunting that I'm going to be doing this forever! I guess I just wish sometimes it were easier. But I know it's part of life and I have to deal with it.

Hoosiermomma

How does measureing your wrist determine bone size? When I weighed 45 pounds more, I could not wrap my fingers around my wrist and have them touch, now I can. Maybe it would be more accurate if we are not overweight, but if there is much weight, than you are measuring fat not bone.

Thanks for the Chart for all of us! In case you missed it...
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AhetdXDEqVlldE5pSlBQTHZKU2NsM1dqVHVDQkF0SGc
If you are wondering what you body frame size is the following can help...
http://www.ehow.com/how_2346297_determine-body-frame-size.html

I noticed that not everyone has their height on the chart. I like seeing that, it's helpful to compare a bit.
I weigh in on Monday (not Thursday) I have found that this keeps me much more accountable through the weekend and is probably a more "honest" weight for myself.

Hoping to have maintained this week, This was a bad week for exercise so I am hoping not to see any gain. I my exercise calories! :happy:

You can add yourself to the list (at least I did)
In this group that is within 10 pounds or so of your goal the wrist measurement should be pretty accurate I would think.
And, YES! I can see you! :flowerforyou:

olivia3263

So I thought about something on my run today and made an interesting analogy to working out better - some advice we all could use (10 milers get some good thinking in, haha).

I'm a music teacher, and on the side I give piano lessons. I was talking to one of my students about making better use of her practice time. She was only practicing the easy parts of a song, and getting frustrated with the harder parts. She was reverting back to bad habits (looking at her fingers, not reading the music and trying to guess the right notes by ear) and she was plunking through these parts and she couldn't improve - also her frustrations were getting in her way. I told her if she only practiced the easy parts, she would never become a better piano player. It's hard work, and you might not see results right away, but if you break down the hard parts into pieces and make yourself practice good technique, you will improve. Otherwise, practicing what you already can play is a waste of good practice time. Sure, playing the piano is fun, but there is a difference between sitting down to play the piano, and sitting down to practice. When playing you just play. With practicing, you have goals, and accountability in reaching those goals. There is a big difference.

Switch over to my situation: working out. Now I'm a runner, but I'm sure this could transfer to other sports as well. So there is a big difference between 'going for a run' and 'working out'. I could easily go out for a run, put in my 5 miles on auto pilot and breeze through it. Sure I would burn calories, but I won't be improving as a runner. If I want to improve my speed (which I do), I need to actively have goals when I workout - pace, miles, sprints, hills - whatever type of workout I might be doing, I should always try to improve upon something or push myself further with each run if I truly want to get faster and stronger. I work hard to make sure I'm in bed by 9:30 so I can wake up at 5 to get my run in in the morning - why would I want to waste that time with just going through the motions? If I'm going to show up to workout, better make the most of it, right?!

So I pose this as a challenge to you all. Make it your goal to find time for both: that's right, both. Know the difference between actively working out, and doing something active for the fun of it. When you go to the gym, or hit the streets for a run, make sure to be present in all your workouts and set goals for yourself. Then ALSO make time to enjoy your hard work - go for a fun run outside to take in the fresh fall scenery, or go for a long walk, or bike ride - just for fun. I think we need to incorporate both so that we improve our physical fitness, but also remember to enjoy being active and do active things because they're fun. I think both of these elements will ensure we continue to make physical activity a part of our lives, and stave off boredom with our workouts.

Anyway, that's what I was thinking about on my run today. I love when I can make analogies like that, and learn from my teaching moments with the kids. Enjoy your saturday

cbinnd

@olivia3263 - awesome analogy! That was really motivating! Thats a big part of how I lost most of my weight to this point was being active for the fun of it and it does make a difference!

Quick question: I'm really wanting to get into running but the shin splints I get almost instantly have stopped me every time. It's not my shoes, I went in and got them specially designed for my feet. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! I want to make that dream a reality - to be a runner!

dawnemjh

Hi guys!!!

Olivia: great job on your weight loss!!! That is awesome! I am eating more (close to maintenance) for the next 3 weeks or so to see if that will help me!!!

I cant believe its snowing here in Mass..we never get snow this early!! Glad I did my run earlier!! It is gonna be a long winter!!!

Hope everyone is enjoying the weekend!!
now for my 20 minute treadmill walk as part of the weekly challenge!!

ChicGrandma

I'm one of those who can't loose the last 10-15 lbs. HELP!!!!!:frown:

diheatherjones

try eatting apples for a day and drinking minimal water to break the plateau. It could be a water weight issue that has kept you froom loosing weight; having an apple day might help, but dont drink too much water or you will retain it with the apples. it has worked for me in th past

amsparky

Hi all!

I am in need of some encouragement. I have been S T U C K for over a month now with 6# to go. It's driving me INSANE!!! I have increased cals, changed up workouts, tried to be patient, etc, etc. I was losing around 8# a month until Sept - then it all came to a screeching halt!

Any suggestions on what has worked for you?

I'm thinking that once I get to the goal, I will still have another 10# to tone and tighten up (can anyone say 'loose skin' and yuck!!) so it's not like I don't have some wiggle room.

I have food allergies, so I feel like I eat pretty darn good. I've increased my carbs a bit this week, one so I could see if my legs felt better when I run and two because I make a killer homemade spaghetti and I ate all my squash. LOL

Any advice is GREATLY appreciated!!

Al

Kimmy546

What is it about the last ten pounds? lol First ten always come easy and then las ten are stubborn sons of guns... lol. :happy:

cbinnd

Just saw this weeks challenges as I was scrolling thru past posts....

1. I am going to focus on doing squats and lunges. Definitely hate working lower body!

2. I am going to work on cutting down my refined sugar... I have a BAD sweet tooth.

3. I don't really have any clothes to try to fit into... I'm at my smallest adult weight right now, I just need to tone. I'll focus on how I look in my bathing suit, even tho the thought of wearing one (even in the house) when it's this cold outside makes me want to cry LOL

Hope everyone's weekend is going good so far! Keep up the great work!!

debbiequack

I realize that my reply will get lost with the others but I have a serious, and non-inflammatory question:

Why not just bag it and call it good?

The reason I ask is bc I did some research and there really is a weight we are "meant to be" (I can't recall what it's called-- it's not called "set point" anymore, but it's a similar notion). Also, yo-yo-ing has been found to be more detrimental to your health than being moderately overweight so...

I increased my goal to a whopping 155 which is the upper end of normal for my height. I did so with the hopes of being able to maintain it.

Thoughts?

Debbie

Shannonigans84

I realize that my reply will get lost with the others but I have a serious, and non-inflammatory question:

Why not just bag it and call it good?

The reason I ask is bc I did some research and there really is a weight we are "meant to be" (I can't recall what it's called-- it's not called "set point" anymore, but it's a similar notion). Also, yo-yo-ing has been found to be more detrimental to your health than being moderately overweight so...

I increased my goal to a whopping 155 which is the upper end of normal for my height. I did so with the hopes of being able to maintain it.

Thoughts?

Debbie

While that might work for some, I don't feel good when I'm at the higher end of my normal weight. (174lbs or so) I've been yo-yo'ing for years and I've been committed to stop doing it. For me getting down to my preferred weight is better than settling for a higher weight because it's easier.

cbinnd

I agree with Shannon_2003. It's about how you feel. Each person knows at what weight they feel the best. And sometimes you have to go below your best weight to know where you feel the best. It's not about taking the easy way out.... That's how most of us gained our weight to being with.

debbiequack

I agree with Shannon_2003. It's about how you feel. Each person knows at what weight they feel the best. And sometimes you have to go below your best weight to know where you feel the best. It's not about taking the easy way out.... That's how most of us gained our weight to being with.

I guess I'm just wondering (and truly, not trying to be oppositional) that if everyone complains about those last 10 pounds, maybe they are shooting too low? Maybe our bodies are trying to tell us something?

*shutting up now, I promise

cbinnd

I agree with Shannon_2003. It's about how you feel. Each person knows at what weight they feel the best. And sometimes you have to go below your best weight to know where you feel the best. It's not about taking the easy way out.... That's how most of us gained our weight to being with.

I guess I'm just wondering (and truly, not trying to be oppositional) that if everyone complains about those last 10 pounds, maybe they are shooting too low? Maybe our bodies are trying to tell us something?

*shutting up now, I promise

HAHA you're fine... it's a valid question. My thought is that throughout the entire weight loss process you have plateaus for various reasons. I did a little bit in and I knew that it was not just my body saying that was enough because I still felt like crap. So it just depends on the person, which is why weight loss is so tricky.

sissamae

Hello, I have been reading a lot of posts and just have a question that I need clarified. When you are all talking aboutincreasing your calories are you talking about total calories...including exercise calories?? Like eating more than your alotted plus exercise?? I am at 1200+ what ever i earn with exercise. So, normally I eat all of my calories which is usually between 1400-1500. Are you adding 100-200 to this total?? I am just trying to figure out what to try.

It is Saturday afternoon and I haven't worked out since Thursday and probably won't work out until Monday. I have a bladder infection and running or jumping around (even walking) makes me feel even worse! Taking these couple days to regroup and hopefully will be back up to 100% on Monday.

This group is great and full of great advice. Thanks alot to all you have to offer ladies!

amys31

Hello, I have been reading a lot of posts and just have a question that I need clarified. When you are all talking aboutincreasing your calories are you talking about total calories...including exercise calories?? Like eating more than your alotted plus exercise?? I am at 1200+ what ever i earn with exercise. So, normally I eat all of my calories which is usually between 1400-1500. Are you adding 100-200 to this total?? I am just trying to figure out what to try.

It is Saturday afternoon and I haven't worked out since Thursday and probably won't work out until Monday. I have a bladder infection and running or jumping around (even walking) makes me feel even worse! Taking these couple days to regroup and hopefully will be back up to 100% on Monday.

This group is great and full of great advice. Thanks alot to all you have to offer ladies!

Yes I know that net vs intake of calories is confusing..to be honest I get a bit confused too. Here is what I am trying...I am zig zagging my calories based on my weight maintenance which I figured to be 1900 (based on my height/weight/activity level etc)..so this is taking into consideration my activity to some extent...I realized I was eating close to 1200 calories and sometimes working out and burning close to 500-800 some days..that would put me at a net of 500 calories for the day. I was even doing double work outs!!!!

I have been doing this for months and my weight has remained the same..... literally hasn't budged...time to stop the "insanity" and try something new....

What I am doing now is eating 3 days low, 1 day high..I figured this out by subtracting 30% of my maintenance goal (1900) this gets me my "low number" which turns out to be around 1400. So I will do 3 days at 1400 and 1 day at 1900. I am not going to eat back my exercise calories and try that for a few weeks. I want to see if the increase in calories will help.

All we really can do is chart what we are doing and tweak our nutrition/exercise until we get the results we want. As you know we are all different..and I don't believe we should have a "one size fits all" attitude..
If you are interested in finding out more let me know..I can give you the formula I used to get my maintenance number. Im also following Tom Venuto..a fitness professional that doesn't use gimmicks/drugs/ etc.

Hope you feel better!!!

Shannonigans84

Right now I'm eating at my BMR level which is about 1550 calories. I was eating well below that prior with no results. I eat back my exercise calories and try to net within 100 calories of 1550. Some days I eat over 1800 calories with the exercise tacked on there. I'm tall and 1400 calories and below is too low for me. Everyone is different though; it's all about finding that magic number and switching things up. Since I've upped my calories last week I've lost 1.5lbs. If I stall I'm going to only eat back half of my exercise calories. I think eating closer to your maintenance while still in a small deficit is the best way to go to prepare your body for when weight loss is no longer needed. Obviously this is more for those with little left to lose. It takes longer, but it's more likely the weight will stay off.

tbbaddict

Hi everyone,

I hope it's not too late to join. I lost about 8 pounds over the last 6 months and have about 10 more pounds to lose to get to my preferred weight of 105.My biggest downfall is my diet...just do not have any willpower. I'm hoping it will help to keep track of my calories. I've been doing it for a week or so on MFP (I seem to go over my recommended calories all the time). Will try to do better starting on Monday.

I added myself to the weight goal chart. I started reading some of the earlier posts, but let me know if there is anything else I need to do.

holly_v

http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/fat-loss/the-full-diet-break.html

so i read the article (well most of it). i have upped my calories a little, im too afraid to go up so much so fast. i was eating the 1200 that most people do then i upped my calories in aug to 1350 and lost about 4-5lbs since then and i am stuck again, so now im going to try for 1500 and hope for another loss.

Becky1971

OHhhh! Haha, thanks!

I'm not on the list. Does anyone even see my messages, I replied twice early on and never got a response. Had someone on MFP tell me they don't see my messages, so just curious as to whether this is a common thing or not.

you add your self to the chart

Becky1971

*Edit* I added my info, have never used google docs before so had no idea I could edit it myself, quite simple, I like it!*Edit*

I must have missed something somewhere, will have to go back and read over. Sometimes I get a bit overwhelmed when these threads move so fast. Lots of us in the same boat, sure glad to see that!.

Yeah that's what I was thinking, it wouldn't matter with this group.

Thanks, glad to know I'm visible, I really think I was being given a load or garbage lol!

How does measureing your wrist determine bone size? When I weighed 45 pounds more, I could not wrap my fingers around my wrist and have them touch, now I can. Maybe it would be more accurate if we are not overweight, but if there is much weight, than you are measuring fat not bone.

Thanks for the Chart for all of us! In case you missed it...
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AhetdXDEqVlldE5pSlBQTHZKU2NsM1dqVHVDQkF0SGc
If you are wondering what you body frame size is the following can help...
http://www.ehow.com/how_2346297_determine-body-frame-size.html

I noticed that not everyone has their height on the chart. I like seeing that, it's helpful to compare a bit.
I weigh in on Monday (not Thursday) I have found that this keeps me much more accountable through the weekend and is probably a more "honest" weight for myself.

Hoping to have maintained this week, This was a bad week for exercise so I am hoping not to see any gain. I my exercise calories! :happy:

You can add yourself to the list (at least I did)
In this group that is within 10 pounds or so of your goal the wrist measurement should be pretty accurate I would think.
And, YES! I can see you! :flowerforyou:

Becky1971

I'm struggling with knee pain right now, wondering if I need to find some other things to do besides the lunges and squats that are part of my workout. I'm quite bummed, as what I'm doing for a workout has been great. so great that if this is where I stay with weight, that's fine. I actually went up .4 this week from last week, I believe it's muscle, but now I'm two days without working out. Trying to decide if I should just take a few days and rest my knees, or what. I just don't really know. I do know that while I do occasionally have issues with them off and on, I haven't for a long time with working out, I really thought working out had helped. Then I went to a Real Zumba class for the first time a month ago, and we did some jumping backwards, and I have had continued issues since. pretty frustrating. I know that the squats and lunges have been hugely beneficial, the squats are jumping squats in my Jillian Michaels, and I do not want to give up that workout. It's been really awesome.

mallred76

I'd like to join, I have 9 pounds to lose. I'm new to MFP, can you tell me what I need to join?

holly_v

I'm struggling with knee pain right now, wondering if I need to find some other things to do besides the lunges and squats that are part of my workout. I'm quite bummed, as what I'm doing for a workout has been great. so great that if this is where I stay with weight, that's fine. I actually went up .4 this week from last week, I believe it's muscle, but now I'm two days without working out. Trying to decide if I should just take a few days and rest my knees, or what. I just don't really know. I do know that while I do occasionally have issues with them off and on, I haven't for a long time with working out, I really thought working out had helped. Then I went to a Real Zumba class for the first time a month ago, and we did some jumping backwards, and I have had continued issues since. pretty frustrating. I know that the squats and lunges have been hugely beneficial, the squats are jumping squats in my Jillian Michaels, and I do not want to give up that workout. It's been really awesome.

i was getting really bad knee pain at the back of my knee from turbo fire work outs. now i wrap my knee and ice it after a workout and this has helped greatly. i still have the pain but i can at least walk and move now!

olivia3263

http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/fat-loss/the-full-diet-break.html

so i read the article (well most of it). i have upped my calories a little, im too afraid to go up so much so fast. i was eating the 1200 that most people do then i upped my calories in aug to 1350 and lost about 4-5lbs since then and i am stuck again, so now im going to try for 1500 and hope for another loss.

I upped mine slowly. Every three days I changed my goal 100 calories more until I was up at maintenance level. I think if you just jump up there and stay there, you'd probably see a gain at first - but it WILL go away when you return to a deficit. I just avoided the scale completely for the 2 weeks because I knew if I peaked and saw a gain, I would stop the break, and I knew it was what my body needed. So glad I stuck with it though. I'm now able to lose eating a whole lot more calories than I was eating before. VERY worth it, in my opinion.

splackk

splackk I acedently deleted your "how many to go". that column has a formula which doesnt support your goal weight. sorry about that. i can delete the formula for you or youll need to change your goal to one number

No problem at all! Haha, I'm actually not sure if I managed to update myself or some kind soul helped me out, my computer's been having issues and refused to let me update the last two days, so somehow either the changes did go through or THANK YOU to whoever helped me! It seems to be working now for me anyway, thankfully.

sissamae

Hello, I have been reading a lot of posts and just have a question that I need clarified. When you are all talking aboutincreasing your calories are you talking about total calories...including exercise calories?? Like eating more than your alotted plus exercise?? I am at 1200+ what ever i earn with exercise. So, normally I eat all of my calories which is usually between 1400-1500. Are you adding 100-200 to this total?? I am just trying to figure out what to try.

It is Saturday afternoon and I haven't worked out since Thursday and probably won't work out until Monday. I have a bladder infection and running or jumping around (even walking) makes me feel even worse! Taking these couple days to regroup and hopefully will be back up to 100% on Monday.

This group is great and full of great advice. Thanks alot to all you have to offer ladies!

Yes I know that net vs intake of calories is confusing..to be honest I get a bit confused too. Here is what I am trying...I am zig zagging my calories based on my weight maintenance which I figured to be 1900 (based on my height/weight/activity level etc)..so this is taking into consideration my activity to some extent...I realized I was eating close to 1200 calories and sometimes working out and burning close to 500-800 some days..that would put me at a net of 500 calories for the day. I was even doing double work outs!!!!

I have been doing this for months and my weight has remained the same..... literally hasn't budged...time to stop the "insanity" and try something new....

What I am doing now is eating 3 days low, 1 day high..I figured this out by subtracting 30% of my maintenance goal (1900) this gets me my "low number" which turns out to be around 1400. So I will do 3 days at 1400 and 1 day at 1900. I am not going to eat back my exercise calories and try that for a few weeks. I want to see if the increase in calories will help.

All we really can do is chart what we are doing and tweak our nutrition/exercise until we get the results we want. As you know we are all different..and I don't believe we should have a "one size fits all" attitude..
If you are interested in finding out more let me know..I can give you the formula I used to get my maintenance number. Im also following Tom Venuto..a fitness professional that doesn't use gimmicks/drugs/ etc.

Hope you feel better!!!

Thank you for responding. Your information really helps alot. If you can share what formula you used to get your maintenance number I would like to try something like you are trying. Anything I can learn to prepare me for eating healthy and being fit for the rest of my life is wonderful!!

amys31

I'd like to join, I have 9 pounds to lose. I'm new to MFP, can you tell me what I need to join?

You're in!!! Feel free to post questions/challenges, what did/didn't work for you this week, or anything else you want to say or ask a question about!!:-)
Also , we weigh in on thursdays..so you can post your weight :-)

Becky1971

Thanks! I was wondering if I should treat it similarly to when I had shin splints, I have started using compression things while working out, and have worn them at times that they have hurt more than moderately during the day too. I will definitely give the ice a shot.

I'm struggling with knee pain right now, wondering if I need to find some other things to do besides the lunges and squats that are part of my workout. I'm quite bummed, as what I'm doing for a workout has been great. so great that if this is where I stay with weight, that's fine. I actually went up .4 this week from last week, I believe it's muscle, but now I'm two days without working out. Trying to decide if I should just take a few days and rest my knees, or what. I just don't really know. I do know that while I do occasionally have issues with them off and on, I haven't for a long time with working out, I really thought working out had helped. Then I went to a Real Zumba class for the first time a month ago, and we did some jumping backwards, and I have had continued issues since. pretty frustrating. I know that the squats and lunges have been hugely beneficial, the squats are jumping squats in my Jillian Michaels, and I do not want to give up that workout. It's been really awesome.

i was getting really bad knee pain at the back of my knee from turbo fire work outs. now i wrap my knee and ice it after a workout and this has helped greatly. i still have the pain but i can at least walk and move now!