2 week challenge
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A thoughtful gift is something you notice the person needs or would like:) Mine is more like a gift to me in 50 years I can remember when I looked like that-with lots of airbrushing
So, I think I need some help. I finally uploaded the phase 2 pics, so I have pics now for before phase 1, before phase 2, and before phase 3 and I compared them side by side and there is barely, if any, change.
I am so discouraged because I have done every single workout, really cleaned up my eating and getting protein, cut way back on drinking and I really pushed myself.
I could say that my eating wasn't entirely clean, but I am actually wondering now-maybe I wasn't eating enough? I ate at maintenance and didn't record calories burned for strength training, just cardio or circuits.
I was going to post the pics but I couldn't figure out the mosaic maker, to create one pic with the pictures right next to each other, and they are on my home computer right now...0 -
maybe you weren't eating enough. How did you determine what your "maintenance" calories should be??0
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I just entered my weight and here and said "maintain" and it said I need 1490 to maintain my weight.0
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hmmmm, i just wouldn't rely on mfp for determination of "maintenance" calories.
I used the formula from NROL4W to determine what my "maintenance" calories are. And, that's what I'm using here on mfp.0 -
Calorie level is perenially tricky for me ; /
I definitely buy that I need to eat more but I also still have fat to lose so I don't want to create smalllll deficit. It's hard to say how much that should be but I am going with about 12 cal/lbs.
I don't believe that it really is calories in/calories out and 3500 calories = 1 lbs anymore. It's not that simple. I was just reading these articles today:
- http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/fat-loss/the-energy-balance-equation.html
- http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/fat-loss/setting-the-deficit-small-moderate-or-large.html
It's a little complicated but I buy it.0 -
I will have to read it. Jamie Eason plan has a formula too but it was a range and said to eat on the lower end of the range on non-cardio days. I will read the articles, thanks Kate!0
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Ok, I read the first article and it was really interesting. I still feel like the answer is that you will never really know and we all have to work from averages and guesstimates, but it was very educational regarding the energy in/out balance. I don't think I have any illusions that the energy it takes to go about my life remains unchanged from day to day, but it makes you realize that a 200 calorie difference in either direction is likely!
I went to view my photos and I couldn't narrow it down to 15 so I bought the disc of all 100 images! DH was home though so I couldn't upload any last night, I will tonight!0 -
asjerven, jeno has lost a TON of weight this month....in a very short time. And, she's working on building muscle, too. Maybe she can help in regards to figuring out how much you should be eating??0
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I'm just too swamped at work, today, and can't get my cardio work-out in.
That means I'm finishing up January having been to the gym every day this month, except 4 DAYS. Which is pretty great - I'm not complaining!
I have to take measurements starting tomorrow. I think my clothes are feeling *a little* looser. And, by *a little*, I mean only a little. So, not sure why that is, since I really have focused well on calories in, working out, lifting heavy.
But, I'm prepared to stick it out. I hope more changes come in the next month (and the ones after that), because this really does feel like the slow boat to China....0 -
I'd also like AScheif to report in. She's lost serious weight these last 8 weeks or so. She's building muscle for competition.
I want to know her TRICKS!
(Unless it's raw veggies all the time....then I'm just, well, I'm OUT.)0 -
Amy - yeah, that's what I took away too. And just that these things are so much more complicated than just counting cals!! Yeah, that's important but there's a lot going on and it takes time to discover these things. Looking forward to seeing your pictures!!!
Beeps - way to go on all the days in the gym! That's awesome. IT WILL PAY OFF. Just keep reminding yourself. 6-8 week is what I feel like is when people really start to notice these things!
Also, I think Jen's amazing weight loss might have to do with her body's comfort point. She was super fit before and is just getting back to that after a short time of not being optimal whereas I feel like I am still working to create that fitness to begin with and so my fat is a little more stubborn.
AGREED on the raw veggies. I know I should love them but I just don't. I like cooked veggies but none of them raw!! (still a small child, apparently)0 -
Amy – I can’t wait to see your photos! Very exciting! I will be getting some done for my fitness competition as well and I will be sure to post them!
Chuisle – I think you make a GREAT point that its not just calories in = calories out etc… As an extreme example the calories you get from a donut, are not the same as calories you get from a piece of chicken or fish…
I am sorry if there are people out here who think this way, - but just because you stayed under your calorie intake, but it consisted of skipping a meal, or drinking your calories in liquor, or eating highly processed foods – it doesn’t mean you are going to lose weight, and you shouldn’t expect to.
Beeps – you asked the “secret to my weightloss” here it is…
1) I have stopped counting calories
2) I have increased the amount of food I eat – 6 times a day with a protein and a complex carb at every meal
3) I have cleaned up my diet to consist of clean foods, nothing processed
4) I drink 4 litres of water a day
5) I have a treat meal every Saturday night
It does consist of eating A LOT more veggies, but not just veggies, and certainly not raw veggies as you see from the topic I posted of eat clean recipes, those are just a few examples of the types of food I am eating. Tosca Reno has great Eat Clean cook books that have phenomenal recipe in it.
I will continue to update you guys with my progress and answer any questions you may have. I am not saying that what I am doing is right for everyone – but it works for me!
I will also be taking progress pictures over my next 16 weeks and will post those as well because I know that in the last couple weeks before competition when you begin to “deplete” as they call it, that is not a realistic body type or image – so I want to show the real side of that as well!
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speaking of veggies, I saw this on another post and had to share, apparently many pieces of clip art and salad involve women laughing-oh, salad, you're hilarious!
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I do eat a large salad, every single day, for lunch. So, I guess I *do* eat a lot of raw veggies! (As long as someone else cuts 'em....I eat 'em!)
I drink about 3.5 litres of water a day.
I sleep about 7 - 7.5 hours a day. I go to bed at the same time each and every night (my friends think I'm a lame-*kitten* boring not-night-owl chick! they are right!)
I don't understand the "complex carb" thing....I remember reading somewhere that chocolate cake is a "complex carb" while an apple is a "simple carb". So, what, exactly, are you trying to accomplish with the "complex carb" at every meal, AScheif?? I mean, surely you'd choose an apple over a piece of chocolate cake, right??
I eat 5 meals a day. Sometimes 6 if I still have calories remaining....and that 6th meal is *usually* either edamame beans or air-popped popcorn.
So, I'm pretty close to what you're doing, AScheif. Except, I expect, that I don't cut up any of the veggies myself and I don't grill my own chicken! And, I eat very little fruit - it's just not my thing.0 -
I'm not dissatisfied with my nutrition plan. I've been very honest with my tracking this month and, even though I'm not losing pounds and pounds from the scale, I do *feel* better about the way I am eating and what I am eating!0
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Please don't take this the wrong way, I am just using your last post to clarify what I was trying to say...
First of all that is backwards...
"Complex carbohydrates are high-fiber foods, which improve your digestion. They help stabilize the blood sugar, keep your energy at an even level, and help you feel satisfied longer after your meal.
In contrast, sugar and other simple carbohydrates can alter your mood, lead to cravings and compulsive eating, cause wide swings in your blood-sugar levels, and cause weight gain in most people. In addition, a high consumption of sugar can lead to uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms when you finally decide to improve your diet and forgo the sweets."
Complex carbs are things like whole grains - brown rice, quinoa. - but for example not whole grain bread because that falls into the processed category. Also, on your salad, do you use salad dressing? Even if its a light one of a vinegarette, it contains "non-clean" ingredients. The best thing for your dressing is straight balsamic vinegar. Do you make your own pasta sauce or is it store bought?? do you eat sandwich meat? Cheese? These things are not clean either..there are chemically processed ingredient in a ton of foods out there.
Veggies are also a c.c. The whole idea is you want to keep your blood sugar at a consistent level which revs up your metabolism. Its also important to get enough healthy fats - which is why i take salmon oil pills.
In your post below you say "I eat 5 meals a day. Sometimes 6 if I still have calories remaining....and that 6th meal is *usually* either edamame beans or air-popped popcorn." - That right there goes against 2 of the "rules" I mentioned...1) you shouldn't be counting calories, you need that 6th meal to get you through the night i probably eat over 2,000 calories a day, and secondly popcorn is not a protein & a c.c, neither are just beans by themselves....my last meal of the night is 3oz of chicken and 4oz of veggies, or an eggwhite omlette.
Does this help make my point a little clearer? 0 -
I like your questions, AScheif. Very much!
Thanks for the info on the "complex carbs"....I've been curious about this for a LONG TIME! I dont' eat any bread, right now (I think I had 1/2 a bagel with peanut butter for the ENTIRE month of January!). And, I don't like brown rice, so I rarely have rice anymore....but, when I do, it'll be white rice. So, you're right there - I'm not a "clean" eater in that regard.
As for dressing - I always order it on the side and, I'd bet, at best I've got 1 tsp. in any large salad that I have. So, like you said, that doesn't matter, my dressing isn't "clean" because it isn't balsamic vinaigrette.
I don't eat much pasta. But, I don't like whole grain pasta - so, yes, the nanny cooks with normal pasta. And, she makes her own sauce, although she uses canned tomatoes in any sauce. I never eat sandwich meat. Actually, I never eat SANDWICHES. I hate them.
I rarely eat cheese. Unless it is in a recipe (for example, it was in a cheezy cauliflower bake my nanny made for me this month).
Hmmmmm. I'm for SURE NOT eating "clean". I don't usually check to see if I'm eating a complex carb with a protein, that's for sure.
Just for kicks, what *is* popcorn?? A simple carb, I guess??0 -
I'm also curious, if only YOU are "eating clean" in your household, or if you are subjecting all of your family members to this plan?
lol
I guess I should preface (when I post here) that when I say "eating clean", I must just mean "eating clean for me".
lol
Good for you for giving this a try, AScheif! There is a lady at my gym (who is also a runner) and she and her husband (who is a competitive bodybuilder) are eating clean as a FAMILY - they have 2 little girls, each under age 9, too!0 -
actually, given all the protein shakes and protein bars I eat, that's actually QUITE A LOT of "processed" food that I eat.
Hmmmmmm.....0 -
Aschief- I am curious do you eat yogurt or any dairy? I saw you said not cheese. Also you said brown rice and quiona are ok, but how about whole grain pasta? For your vegetables do you eat frozen occasionally? Sometimes it hard to get fresh produce all the time. And one final question Do you consider any fruit a complex carb, or is it only certain fruits? I know some are high in sugar. Thanks! 0
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I am so sad. I typed a ling response earlier today and it didn't post :frown: So I guess I will do it again!!
Amy - I am that is so great you couldn't pic 15 and had to buy them all!!! Cannot wait to see some!!!
Kate - I will have to check out those articles, thanks for sharing!!
Beeps - as for my weight loss, I think Kate hit the nail on the head. My body reacts wonderfully to me eating cleaner and lifting heavy. Having been on a break for a while, nutritionally and exercise wise, I think my body was really happy to get back to what it likes. But the key for me is definitely the nutrition. But I will share what I haven't yet. Now remember, I'm only 4'11.5 (maybe) :blushing: Sun Jan 1, I weighed in at 118.8 lbs. That day, I set a personal goal for myself that when I left for Mexico I would weigh 110 and be at 20% bodyfat (because I knew for sure I was moret han that!) Thurs Jan 5, I measured at 29.7% bodyfat!!!! I haven't seen that number EVER since I started this journey. I was pi$$ed and I was in tears. That turned my beast mode on. I know what to do, I just needed to get my *kitten* to do it! 2 weeks ago, it was down to 23.4%. Fast forward 30 days total, this morning I weighed in 109.4, which is great, however, I am more concerned that my bodyfat decreases because I feel better when I'm tighter and my belly is not jiggling I am so ready to be consistent and stop with the up and down...I am determined!!
Now I can't remember what else I typed, but I have to go enter my delicious dinner, lol!!0 -
Well, I got into the pictures and changed my profile pic to show you all one. Sadly the others are not really appropriate for MFP. Even ones that might be ok I feel a little weird about sharing since DH hasn't seen them yet! maybe after Valentine's Day!
now maybe I should figure out how to post a mosaic.0 -
Amy, LOVE the picture, you look amazing! DH will definitely enjoy his present.0
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Amy!!!! The pic is gorgeous!!!!! You go girl!0
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Amy, the photo is GREAT!! You look AWESOME. And, I can TOTALLY see "muscle definition"....so, YAY FOR YOU!!!
Really great - can't wait to hear what your husband thinks of his HOT WIFE!0 -
I think you've done remarkably well, jeno, regardless of what it took to get there.
I'm TERRIBLY nervous about today: I have to weigh-in and I have to take measurements. And photos. So, I was SO depressed when I did all this at the end of December. I want to be *realistic*, but I also REALLY want to see PROGRESS. I am hoping I don't dissolve into a teary mess, tonight.
We shall see!
Meanwhile, I didn't sleep well. I fought with my husband on date-night last night (even though the food was YUMMY and I had my first alcoholic beverage in 4.5 weeks!). And, because we ate out last night, I'm pretty sure the salt has me retaining water today, right before weigh-in/measurements. DUMB. DUMB. DUMB.0 -
You girls are all so wonderfully knowledgeable, I love it! I'm glad to get caught up this morning. I had ordered the Eat Clean books last week, I'm hoping they come in soon. And I've been trying to use Sundays as a cooking day to steal recipes from Jamie Eason or Oxygen magazine. But there's still a fair amount of processed food that could be eliminated. For example, if I'm in a jam, I go for lunch meat as a snack because in my mind, it's a better option than say the Cheez Its I love. :blushing: At 5'8.5", I weight in now at 153 with 150 at Christmas being my lowest in years. I can't remember what I weighed when I play college volleyball but it was at least one size less than I am now. But after two kids, where I carry weight has completely changed.
It's frustrating but I know we'll figure it all out. I think someone said this already but it's all an experiment and no one plan will work for all of us. It's the information that we gather that we can use to sort of sift through how our bodies react to this or that. It's oh so much fun isn't it?! :laugh: I think a lot of my problem is, and I hope this doesn't come off as an excuse because I don't mean it that way, but I think because I went from hard core volleyball player to desk job, no exercise, no nutrition knowledge I let myself go for so many years my body just resists my attempts. Now that's not to say that I won't continue to chip away at 'reprogramming' my body. But I think I've let it get to comfortable that it's taking longer than I'd like. Plus, I'm crazy and love to experiment so I don't always give things enough time to work. It isn't even that I don't think XX is working in 3 days so I quit, I'm just sooooo interested in all of this that I love trying out new ways, recipes, ideas that I bounce all over! :bigsmile:
That's the end of my ramblings!
Amy- The picture looks amazing! DH will love it! What a great V-day gift!!0 -
Thanks, girls! I know we are our own worst critic! I think the pictures are good, but in one where the woman said, look at your abs in that one! I was like, that's ribs and belly fat!
I tried the mosaic maker last night and it worked but it turned the last pic sideways and I couldn't figure that out so I gave up before I chucked the computer and did some damage. I think I have PMS...
I did workout last night, day 61 of the Eason plan, I felt pretty good and strong for having taken some rest days.
I will workout tonight but then rest tomorrow.
I appreciate your sharing about eating clean, Aschief, it is a progression for me, for sure. I am eating so much better, lots more fruits and vegetables, hardly ever a lean cuisine! tonight I am making a roasted pear and delicata squash for a side dish to my pork chops. Can't wait to see your pics!
Beeps, I hope yours go well too, maybe it will be good, sometimes drinking has a mild dehydration effect, a day off can give you the "whoosh", let us know!0 -
Jenn - I know what you mean! I got my body fat done a few weeks ago...WAY high, like 26%. when the last time it was 21.4%
But I also talked to trainer who said its not foolproof and bloating *can* make a difference. Regardless, you got to goal. WOOOO you!!! I'm going to get mine done again after another 2 weeks (every 4, along with pictures and measurements).
Amy - we never see ourselves like others do, and I know that my eye immediately goes to the imperfection or problem spot instead of taking in the whole picture. Try to look at them with fresh eyes, I bet you'll find you look pretty good
Beeps - good luck with the weight in/measurement! I'm sure you'll see progress! Don't be too hard on yourself, you've been working really hard.
Asheif - thanks for the explanation. Where beeps read about the complex/simple argument was actually in New Rules of Lifting which pointed out that all grains are *technically* complex and fruits are simple and the phases are actually misnomers for unrefined/refined. But that's just semantics, the point was as you said, eat cleaner.
That said, I'm not ready to take the full clean eating step right now. I like cheese and I like bread etc. It just doesn't seem worth it to me to give those things up but I try to move in that direction in increments. When I read things that say any meal with something not completely clean is a cheat meal I just get so turned off by it. I respect the discipline that everyone who eats like that has but I am not willing to commit to it at this point.0 -
this morning I weighed in 109.4, which is great,
Yipee! you did it!!!0
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