FIT LIFE CHALLENGE - REVAMPED (CLOSED) Week 8

lorika1977

Just checking in quickly to see what's new.

Merlk (Merlanda) - you make me go buy a new food processor for the smoothie!!! I have one that broke and I so want another one. I will definately put that on my (ever growing) list for Santa.

I totally relate to Judy's story .... I lost about 14# in March, then gained half back, then lost some and for the past three weeks just going back and forth gaining and losing the same 2-3#. It is very frustrating but I know the answer is NOT quitting. So, if I get to retirement age and still struggling with these 2-3#, oh well ... but hopefully it won't be the case

Talk to you guys soon!

Loredana

mommyjeans

You are all so inspirational! I love reading everyone's accomplishments as well as the way everyone stays positive about setbacks, seeing them as only a bad day and not a permanent failure.

Despite the snow we had on Halloween weekend, the past week and a half have been perfect fall days. Fall in New England really holds a special place in my heart, and one of my favorite things to do is to take long walks through the crunchy leaves. It's a great way to get some exercise too! Something about the crispness in the air always can inspire me to do anything because I am reminded of how wonderful life truly is, regardless of the struggles we all face. The victories, like a lovely fall day, are sweet and make up for the moments that aren't so great.

mdorman8313

Just checking in quickly to see what's new.

Merlk (Merlanda) - you make me go buy a new food processor for the smoothie!!! I have one that broke and I so want another one. I will definately put that on my (ever growing) list for Santa.

I totally relate to Judy's story .... I lost about 14# in March, then gained half back, then lost some and for the past three weeks just going back and forth gaining and losing the same 2-3#. It is very frustrating but I know the answer is NOT quitting. So, if I get to retirement age and still struggling with these 2-3#, oh well ... but hopefully it won't be the case

Talk to you guys soon!

Loredana

Loredana,

This is the one that I got--the Ninja Master Prep Food Processor. It's a combo Blender/Food Processor!!! I LOVE IT! It makes salsa making a snap, too!

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=14895654&findingMethod=rr

mdorman8313

Just checking in quickly to see what's new.

Merlk (Merlanda) - you make me go buy a new food processor for the smoothie!!! I have one that broke and I so want another one. I will definately put that on my (ever growing) list for Santa.

I totally relate to Judy's story .... I lost about 14# in March, then gained half back, then lost some and for the past three weeks just going back and forth gaining and losing the same 2-3#. It is very frustrating but I know the answer is NOT quitting. So, if I get to retirement age and still struggling with these 2-3#, oh well ... but hopefully it won't be the case

Talk to you guys soon!

Loredana

Loredana,

This is the one that I got--the Ninja Master Prep Food Processor. It's a combo Blender/Food Processor!!! I LOVE IT! It makes salsa making a snap, too!

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=14895654&findingMethod=rr

OH, AND IT WAS PRETTY CHEAP!: $39.00!

I may get a little too excited about this...:laugh:

Merlanda

snarky

Merlanda: That smoothie sounds so good!

Judy: I am going to have to try that recipe with the cauliflower. My hope is that I will have some homegrown cauliflower soon enough. This is the first time I have tried growing it. I hear that it is temperamental, so my fingers are crossed.

Snowflakes: Next time keep your cyber microbes to yourself!!! lol I hope you have a great time away with your sweetie.

Opera_bound: I was thinking about you as I passed on the latte that was calling me. I hope you are making good progress on your paper.


Hope everyone is having a great day!

lorika1977

Hey gang, one of my local MFP friend contacted me and she wants to join us. Tiredofbeinchubimama ( or Andrea) will chime in shortly to tell us about herself. I know we don't have set rules about How many can join the group so I figured friends of friends are ok:) I don't mind keeping track of everybody's weight so the more the merrier.

Trying to watch the snacking tonight ... wish me luck!

Loredana

april1126

I did really good today drank my 8 glasses of water ate under my calories and had a really good workout sweated my butt off.now to do the same tomorrow . Hope everyone had a good day today

Opera_Bound

Snarky: Haha, I'm back in the dreaded coffee shop I was in last night - only dreaded due to the delicious lattes - but I've got my bottle of water filled and in front of me. :happy: I'm 2/3 of the way finished with the paper, which is great, but it's still going to be a late night. :indifferent:

I'd like to share my blonde moment of the day...I've been thinking lately that my suggested daily calorie level seemed a little high from what I was used to when I first started. I thought to myself: No, it's fine, maybe MFP changed some things around. WRONG! :noway: I had my fitness level set for when I was working a retail job on my feet 4-5 days a week. GEEZ! :grumble: I can't believe I didn't think to look at this sooner. The upside is that it's now fixed and I can REALLY focus on sticking to my calories and seeing a change. Sometimes I amaze myself at my level of comprehension!! :laugh:

Anyway...food is still going well for the day. I didn't get in my veggies like I hoped for but a grilled cheese sandwich and black beans will get me through this paper. Water is great, already on glass 9 or 10 for the day.

Best of luck everyone....potty break, stretch, and back to this damn paper! :drinker:

monet13

Having my last cup of water - got in 35 minutes of walk/run, 35 of elliptical, and 20 of weights! I have to say I was dragging but I kept on goinG! Tomorrow will be a lighter exercise night. I also had a great cloths moment this morning - grabbed my brown dress pants, and grabbed an old pair by accident(2 sizes smaller) and they fit! It's like having a closet of new cloths (or old fabulous friends back!). Have a great day tomorrow everyone!

corinneselene

Finally.. finishing the 8 cups of water now! Did not get to the gym today. The morning slipped away then I had class and work. and then I had to round off the evening by cooking myself a late night dinner(9pm- I WAS STARVING!!!) I also managed to stuff the crockpot with a new recipe: Pork Chops with Mushrooms.
It seems as though everyone is doing super well! I love this group- everyone always has something interesting to talk about. I live in Hoboken, NJ and always feel slightly jealous by the new moms who brunch, walk their dogs together and BS.
I may not have a baby or a dog but I like how I feel like part of a cool women's group!

PositivePower

You Guys are Hitting it out of the Park!!! Good Job!!!

Boy do those calories add up fast!!! I eat stuff that is for the most part on the healthy side...but 100 cals here 90 cals there...YIKES. I had a busy day, work...this that and the other..prep for tomorrow's meeting wash my car iron my clothes...I was going to skip the gym since I still have a list of things to do..........But.............I looked at how many calories I had left for the evening and thought...hum I better go to the gym!!! So I just got back from a crazy Zumba class!!! It was soooo crowded over 100 people! But I burned some calories.

I just enjoyed my beef stew...and the Zumba class put me over my 8 glasses:drinker: Our challenges are really helping me alot...I was getting so lazy with my water and only finished my logging food a few times a week. Logging food is making me think twice.

I will catch up with you all some time tomorrow...I have to leave at 5:30am :sad: :noway: Time for a manicure....then zzzz:yawn:

Keep up the good work!!!!!!!

Belinda_81

Had a great day yesterday, got my water in and logged all my food, did 40 minutes on the elliptical before work and went to a Zumba class after work, approx 1000 extra calories burnt yesterday.

BGent

Hello! So, no workout today. I twinged my right shoulder/neck area so taking it easy. I did workout yesterday, logged my food and got in my 8 glasses so I got going for me.

I took naproxen this morning and have placed an ice pack on the area. Let me know if there is anything else I should do to fix it.

Hope everyone has a great day!

gerink

Yesterday was ok - still having problems getting the water in but the migraine didn't help. Today is an off day for running as practice is tomorrow. decided to mark down every time I finish a bottle of water to try and up my water intake - see if that will help. Its yoga and aerobics today and off to the animal shelter for volunteer. Everyone have a great day. :flowerforyou:

snarky

good morning everyone!

I was significantly under on my calories yesterday. I thought that it would even out with my plans for this evening. Every Wednesday I go to a friend's for dinner. It is really hard to guess what the calories are on those foods and sometimes a have a couple of drinks. I just assume that I go over on Wednesdays. I try to plan ahead. I woke up this morning not so sure that I am going to make it... head cold in full effect. aaaaaaaaaaaaahhh! poor me.

I am going to go drink more water, pull myself together, and get to work. :grumble:

Hope everyone has a wonderful day!

cckwmh

yesterday was a tough day for me diet wise. i need to plan ahead when I am not goting to be home to bring food with me. i ended up eating out lunch and dinner. I did make it to my first zumba class, which was surprosingly fun. i do not consider myself a good dancer and was concerned that i would get so caught up in the steps that i wouldn't actually be working out. but i did, and i really tried to concentrate on my core being tight for that little extra.

today is going to be a better day. i enjoy reading everone's post - it keeps me accountable and motivated!!!

corinneselene

cckwmh: I can totally relate. I get so agitated when i forget to pack a lunch or whatnot. Not only am I at the mercy of the restaurants nearby but i end up spending money that I really had no interest in spending.
Snarky: Is your friend a healthy eater as well? It can be incredibly difficult to guess-timate the amount of calories in other food.

I am so happy I was able to complete my water goal yesterday. It is so easy to 'forget' but I guess I feel like you guys are checking up on me so I feel the pressure haha. Got my workout in this morning- check!

lorika1977

Good morning ... or almost lunch of the folks on east coast!
Did good last night - my dinner was really light - just some yougurt with granola. I was under calorie goal (a first in a long time) and I could feel it this morning!
Water intake is pretty good - 6 glasses of water yesterday and 32 oz. of unsweetened herbal tea. I have been drinking more and more tea lately and I have to say that it feels really clensing. I am still drinking my coffee (2 cups a day) but I am drinking decaf in the afternoon.
I did not go to the gym this morning, even though I wanted to run and swim. But it feels good to sleep in and not be up at 4.30 AM.

I have a quick tip for the ladies that have trouble planning their meals. One of my favorite real quick lunches on the go is a veggie burger along with an avocado and some other vegetable (tomatoe, cucumber, red pepper, carrots ... etc). I keep a box of frozen veggie burgers in the freezer at work - those Morningstar burgers or Gardenburgers ... they are delicious and really low on calories. You are making up by eating the avocado next to it, but it is good fat that your body needs.
My mornings are usually madness - I work out, come home usually late, prepare kids lunches, my husband lunch, hop in the shower, get the kids ready or bark orders to put their clothes and shoes on, drive the baby to the preschool ... just crazy. All these before 8.00 AM. I am usually the last one on my list for food. So, you can see me on my way out the door just shoving some veggies and some apples from the fridge and out the door. But I keep oatmeal, nuts, oil and vinegar at my desk and I can put something together while I am at work.
Another tip would be to reserve a lunch to go do shopping for your desk - just go and buy things that you can eat at work but the healthy ones - plain oatmeal, some honey for that sweet tooth, some almonds, dressings if you make a salad, some fruit. A lot of my co-workers have cadies at their desks ... I have a bowl with apples (when I remember to go by some).

Hope everyone is doing well today and how my friend Judy would say - Make Good Choices

And the aformation of the day: My job supports the unfoldment of my full creative potential.
In my case this is true but there might be folks out there not as enthrolled with their jobs. It is not about the job, is the attitude

Have a good one! And check with your later!

Loredana

tiredofbeinchubimama

Hello everyone! I am here for the challenge (: my name is Andrea, I joined this MFP this past Sunday and was lucky enough to find Loredana in a search. I am a new mom and have been putting off losing this baby weight for months now. I actually have no current pictures of myself on this temporary computer we are using while our 's is beiing fixed. So, this picture is my before pregnancy picture that now needs to be my after picture! I am currently 163 and need to be 128. My goal by Dec 31 2011 is 148. I have to admit the portion control is my biggest fight. I have always taken in plenty of water and before the baby, walked our two large dogs every day-unfortunately I can't juggle them all together now. I have started taking turns walking them during the week. They do "jog" on the tread mill, but what dog doesn't love to go out and do some sniffing (:
I am ready to feel like my old self and have my cousin's wedding in May that I am determined to wear a dress that I can feel attractive in.....it's been far too long. I hope to hear from you all and will be checking in (: Have a beautiful day!

daniran

lorika1977: Thanks for the great tip re: veggie burgers. I think I'm going to try them. I'm feeling pretty pumped having joined the group and having to be accountable has actually set me in a different frame of mind. there's a few of us at work that go out into the stairwell at lunch time and go up and down the stairs (we also stretch and walk before and after). Yesterday, I was a day early but dressed for stairs, so I did them by myself. Felt really good afterwards. got home late and decided I wanted pizza - bad.... But, started watching Michael Jackson's "This is it!" and decided I'd get on my portable stair stepper with cords and do some stepping to the music. Made it go by faster because I wasn't thinking "how many steps have I done and how many do I have to go." That kind of helped make me feel better after pizza. Well, I'm off to change and do some stairs. Thanks for allowing me to share this with you. Judy - thank you so much for inviting me! I wasn't sure how things where going to be for me. But, after day one - like I said - I'm pumped! :flowerforyou:

mdorman8313

Having a great day so far today. Good breakfast, good lunch, and I'm on my third 32 oz cup of water. I ordered a HRM and it came in today, so I'm kinda excited to exercise tonight and see the actual amount of calories I burn! Hope everyone's having a great day!

monet13

How much do the HRM's run? Do you have to order them or is there someplace you can find them in a store? Already got my 8 cups of water in today Don't know if I'm gonna get the exercise in as I've got sinus problems and a sore throat Hope everyone is having a good day

Opera_Bound

Checking in for today. I managed to get roughly 2.5 hours of sleep last night. Not exactly the best preface for a motivated and healthy day. I'm already in workout clothes and when I get home around 4:30 I plan on FINALLY preparing all of the fresh foods I bought last sunday, enjoying a light salad for dinner, working out, and the CRASHING in my bed around 8:00pm.

Unfortunately the boys in the office brought in coffee and donuts and I couldn't resist myself.

I WILL NOT GO OVER MY CALORIES TODAY! :bigsmile: It doesn't help that T.O.M. will be here tomorrow...so of course I'm craving all the wrong things.

Anyway, best of luck everyone for today. I'll probably check in later.

lorika1977

How much do the HRM's run? Do you have to order them or is there someplace you can find them in a store? Already got my 8 cups of water in today Don't know if I'm gonna get the exercise in as I've got sinus problems and a sore throat Hope everyone is having a good day

Check out Amazon for Polar Heart Monitor. You will need the watch and the chest strap. I have a basic one and is more than enough. You are probably looking at about $100.00 between the watch and strap. I would look at used ones - I bought a used one and I've had it for 5 years now.
They say the battery should be changed by an authorized Polar center .... I just went to Battery Plus and changes for 5 bucks versus about 40 I needed to mail in the watch and get the battery changed.
Good luck and this is an investment worth making!

Loredana

mdorman8313

How much do the HRM's run? Do you have to order them or is there someplace you can find them in a store? Already got my 8 cups of water in today Don't know if I'm gonna get the exercise in as I've got sinus problems and a sore throat Hope everyone is having a good day

monet,

I got mine off of Amazon and it's a Polar FT4--it came with a chest strap. It was right around $100, so thank goodness for birthday gift cards from a friend!

PositivePower

:happy: Hi Friends!!!!! It makes me so happy to see so many of you checking in!!!! I love that our group is helping to keep you on track to your goals!!! It is really helping me too. It is nice to hear your stories of how your day is working out and I love to share mine too! Together we can lean on each other and this is a place we can spill our guts and move on...especially if we are having a hard day!!!

Today I am kind of having a "Who Let the Dogs Out" Day :laugh: I left the house around 5;50, took a banana..packed a string cheese and yogurt....good right??? Went to a meeting then was starving, since I had only had the banana......so I asked my manufacturer out to breakfast.......my head has been in the right place so dining out has been OK....but today I was starving so I had eggs benedict...oh I wanted potatoes sooooo bad...but quickly order fruit instead. This afternoon on my way home all I could think of was food :noway: I stopped for gas and almost got a taco but instead I had a helping of almonds...then I took my son to lunch and had a Gyro...so good! I only have 93 calories left for the day...but I have running tonight, so I think I am going to pack a salad for dinner since I have to go to my Dad's tonight.

I see my habits changing - but I get nervous when I get that feeling I want to eat what ever I can find. However I think of you all now before I jump into all those calories......THANKS!!!! The other adjustment that is the biggest one for me is..if I am short on calories I fit in a work out when I can...instead of writing off the day and jumping off the wagon!!!

I love the idea of veggie burger and avocado Loredana!!! Yesterday I made a low cal patty melt with one...1 piece of rye bread, 1 piece of chez, veggie burger and about 40cals of butter for grilling..............so good and close enough to the real thing.

HRM - I have a polar 7........love it!!!!!!!!!! $109...cheaper on Amazon but when I want it I need it NOW!!! So I bought it at a sporting goods store.

Welcome Andrea!!!!! And Daniran I am so glad you joined and are seeing the benefits of this wonderful group of Fun Fit (or soon to be) people!

Have a Great night :happy: I'm only half way through my water!!!! I better get chuggin:drinker:

Guerita83

Hello Everyone!!! Logging in and drinking my 8 of water is now a habit just like facebook for some peeps :laugh: Today was my second session with my personal trainer and I can say she kicked my butt with free weights for a whole hour almost made me :sad: , but I did it and followed through, she was actually impressed and kept on stacking heavier weights :grumble: , I think I'll be majorly sore tomorrow and just to think I left with her saying next session will be much harder :frown: , but as they say NO PAIN, NO GAIN :happy: Good night FLC members :yawn: CHeers to more success to come :flowerforyou:

Belinda_81

Morning all.

Yesterday was another good day for me, got my exercise and water in and was under cals, its so good to see others doing well also.

have a great day
Bx

katcena

Hello everyone! Just wanted to check in and see how everyone was doing! It's great seeing such an active group participating in the conversations. All of the support will make success easier!
I have done well this week. Would have liked to fit a bit more exercise in....but got in some weight lifting last night and a TurboFIre Hiit 15 tonight. Been keeping up with my water intake....and made myself a batch of Tuna and brown Rice Pilaf last night. Yummy!

As I was reading over some of the posts from "newer" dieters....I noticed something. I only noticed because I have made some of the very same mistakes when I was starting out on my weight loss journey. I just thought I would mention them, maybe save someone the set-backs that I have already experienced.

First, eat all of your calories for the day. I know reaching 0 is almost impossible (arithmetic-wise)....but within 100 of your goal should be do-able. There are days that I am not too hungry and I have 500 calories left to eat and I know I have to do it because I need to. Eating enough calories is JUST as important and not eating too many. I know...it sounds weird....but basically, look at it this way: if you do not eat enough, or often enough throughout your day, your metabolism will slow down (or shut down) and you will start to GAIN weight no matter how few calories you eat because your body starts to conserve every calorie you take in. It's commonly referred to as "starvation mode". This is the real deal. Eat your alloted MFP calories and try to eat every 2-3 hours if possible. It will do wonderful things, trust me!!

Second, if you are doing any exercise....you must not only eat your alloted calories....but those that you worked off! I see some new people mentioning their trips to the gym, but their diary doesn't show that they have entered those calories they burned...which means they have deprived their body of much needed fuel! Don't look at food as something to be afraid of....it is fuel for your body to keep you ALIVE! This journey is about changing the way we view our food....not being afraid of food, or of eating. Eating keeps us living....food is good for us!

Third, FOOD. If you have 1500 calories to eat in a day....filling your body with empty calories from a day of junk food is going to do you more harm than good. You would be better off to eat an additional 1000 calories in that day of healthy food and go over your calories for the day. Your body can not survive off a day of donuts. It needs protein, vitamins, and minerals to keep you going. I cringe when I see a food diary where someone has stayed below their calories for the day, yet all they ate was donuts, soda, and potato chips.....and yes, I saw exactly that. And please, do not get me wrong here....it is okay to have a random splurge day to eat some junk food if that helps you to stay on track the rest of the week! (I do it! Plus, it actually gives a little rev to your metabolism to shake it up once in a while) BUT, even if it means going over your calories for the day....fit some fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins in there. You cannot sustain otherwise. Plus, if you are working out...be sure to get all of your protein in for the day. Your body needs the protein to build your musles...more muscle means higher calorie burn! So pay close attention to that in your diary if you are looking for better results. If you don't take in the proper carbs, protein, etc.....You will get tired, lose energy, get sick, feel lethargic. And that is the opposite of what you should feel!

Done correctly, this new "diet" should make you feel the best you have ever felt! You should have more energy, not get sick as often, and just feel darned good!
I hope I have not rambled on too much here....and I hope I did not say anything out of line (it is late and I should be sleeping). But after reading the posts tonight I was, frankly, quite worried about some of what I saw. I am sharing because I know what it is like to just be starting out here. I remember all too well the 100's of questions I had.....but I have learned A LOT! And I am very willing to answer any questions anyone has. If you need help or are not sure about something....please feel free to ask me!

mommyjeans

Thank you for the advice and health reminders! I always forget (or am tempted to forget) to eat all my calories because it feels counter-intuitive, but you're absolutely right! While some days I have no issue with eating enough (usually on days when I'm not doing so well on the healthy eating, of course), I generally don't get to exercise until late in the afternoon or after I put the baby down, and I have to remember to consume enough calories to compensate for exclusively breastfeeding.