Need to Lose 100 LBS -Robins Thread !

NewCaddy

Thursday Truth: My eating and working out was sidelined pretty much completely while Emma was in the hospital. I tried to make decent choices, but fast food was a staple and caffeine to stay awake. She got out yesterday and is now at home to work on healing. It's good to have her smiling again. Still sore, but walking upright instead of hunched over in pain. So we start again!

Laurie -- Yay on the okay to continue with what you are doing. Is the leak just something they watch? Yes, this summer has gone by fast. Our kids don't go back until after Labor Day, but I would guess the teachers will be headed there shortly. And congrats on the "bye bye obese" weightloss!

Coffee -- I've been one that has gone back and forth with whether to weigh daily or weekly but I know that I do a better job of staying focussed when I do it daily. I've learned to ignore the normal fluctuations and I only change my ticker when the scale goes down below the previous lower mark. But I do know that different people have different things that work for them, so find what works and stick with that.

Karen -- sounds like an overall good health assessment.

Tom -- Middle Child day. I was a middle child for about 6 years before we had two more sisters join us. I probably was a stereotypical one in my younger days. However, that doesn't describe me now. I looked at my whole family to see who was and I don't think any of us fall into that category now. Hmm.. Maybe something to think about. HA! V-J Day...I read somewhere that Russia and Japan have never signed the treatie ending WWII. Interesting huh?

Toots -- so excited for you. I know this has been a long process but you can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Before you know it your family will have officially grown! I love hearing about the process that you are going through, so you have my permission to keep talking -- it's exciting!!!

Susan -- Nice start back at this. You commented about my Mello Yello. I agree, but I'm never going to give it up totally. I am actually allergic to some diet sodas -- asthma attacks -- so those are out of the question. When I get in a groove then I limit my soda to 1-2 a week instead of daily. Hope to wean myself off them again. I do have my bottle of water next to me as I type...:drinker: ...there just drank some more. :bigsmile:

Brenda -- I think that progress is great. Recovering from knee surgery is a big accomplishment...slowly but surely.

Robin -- ugh...what a mess with Dawn! Hope your people problems work out soon for you -- they can be emotionally draining.

Kaye -- what a trip so far!!! Glad you weren't hurt but car troubles are a pain while at home, let alone when you are away. Love the new pictures! You look great.

Kelley --- Vertigo. i've never had it but have a friend that struggled with it a few months. Yuck -- hope it goes away soon.

ebailey -- Sounds like the job is working out well. Great job on the 2 pounds.

BettJo -- I'm glad you felt safe enough to post your story. This thread is full of wonderful caring people that are here for each other. Some people comment really well, some are sporadic (like me) and some find it useful to post but don't comment. You do what you need to make it helpful to you. I love that you can ask questions and you'll get answers/opinions etc.

Grammy -- I'm glad you get to hear the background noises. Unfortunately, you'll have to take teh bad with the good. :laugh: Sorry about tinnitus -- my grandmother had it really bad and I've had some -- hopefully they find a cure soon.

I know that several of you are struggling right now with flat lining, but remember that that is a success too. How many times have we lost and gained (I'm one that did this recently), so while you aren't moving toward your goal right now, remember to take a minute and at least congratulate yourself that you aren't going in the opposite direction. Don't want to become complaicent but don't want to get too frustrated either.

Okay, another Thursday Truth: I've already told you about my stove not working. The dishwasher gave up yesterday. I have lived in this house for 20 days and two major appliances!!! Back to shopping we go!

Lives2Travel

@kah - Thanks for explaining the difference between BMR and TDEE. I don't even know why there are calculators for BMR....I mean the only way your calories burned would be that low is if you were in a coma and then you'd have bigger issues than creating a calorie deficit. Good news for me is my current TDEE is 2015 a day and if I add in exercise calories, I'm at 2315. I know that will be lower when I get to my goal, but it's nice to know I will have a decent number of calories for maintenance.

@teresa - Enjoy the new phone!

@skinnyjeanz - I don't get it either. No one should spend all day drinking coffee or tea or soda, but in moderation I don't see why not have them if you want. I cringe when I hear people cutting out things in the name of weight loss. In my experience, it almost never sticks and makes losing a more miserable process than necessary. I will not be giving up my coffee! I didn't realize we were the same weight. How tall are you and what have you set as your ultimate goal?

@laurie - I live in Charlotte and there's always something going on around here. It seems like there is a 5k or other race every other week. It would be fun to meet folks who post on this board. Maybe someday..... And kudos to you for getting out of the obese category!!

@tlh - Great news about your daughter.

AFM - Busy work day!

August Challenge - At or under daily calorie goal 11/13

Good Days: 11
Not so Good Days: 1
Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Days: 1

skinnyjeanzbound

@skinnyjeanz - I don't get it either. No one should spend all day drinking coffee or tea or soda, but in moderation I don't see why not have them if you want. I cringe when I hear people cutting out things in the name of weight loss. In my experience, it almost never sticks and makes losing a more miserable process than necessary. I will not be giving up my coffee! I didn't realize we were the same weight. How tall are you and what have you set as your ultimate goal?

I am 5'7" with a current goal of 170. Once there I will reasses to see where I want to go. I would think somewhere between 150-160 will be my ultimate goal, but it really depends on my BF%. My doctor said she thinks 150 would be the minimum based on my frame.

I would also love to come to Charlotte to do a race or event--we should keep it in mind as a possible 5k destination for next year.

Morgori

Laurie- That is awesome on your BMI, I have to lose another ~54lbs. to move out of the obese section of BMI chart.

grandmakaye44

Tom, thanks for posting the chart. It looks like I have about 20# to get out of obese. My DIL's calipers measured my body fat percentage lower than the charts indicate. If they are correct, I am not obese. I guess body type figures into it, too.
Tlh, glad your daughter is home. Sorry about the appliances.
Thursday truth: even though it has been a trip fraught with problems, I'm glad I came. We had a fun visit with Daddy this morning. He was glad to see all of us. We don't get to all be together very often. The sorting isn't as bad as I thought it would be. The food is worse than I thought it would be! How do people live with open bags of peanut M&Ms on the counter?
I have posted a new picture of me with sisters and Daddy. I am the oldest. I guess you'll have to go to my profile to see me. This cuts me off.

Onward and downward. Kaye

Teresa_3266

Hi everyone! Just popping in before heading off to watch a little TV before bed. Today was long but good. I ate two snack size bags of Cheetos but was well under my calories today. So, if it's true what so many say on this website that shouldn't hurt me. Still feel like I cheated. :ohwell:

My Thursday truth is that I have been overweight/obese since I was 13 and I am so afraid that I won't ever achieve a normal weight. I talked with a customer tonight about her weight loss journey and how she lost 80 lbs and put it back on, then lost 60 lbs and put it back on, and now is trying again. What if that happens to me!! :noway: I just can't fathom the thought of finally getting to goal weight and putting the weight back on.

Lauriek70

Kaye- Your picture looks great. I would go by the measurements instead of the chart. Congrats on being out the obese category. I can’t avoid the peanut mm’s either. Glad the packing is going well and that you get to spend time with your sisters and dad.

Lives to travel- Charlotte would be a great destination for an event.

Tlh- Glad your daughter is home. I hope you can some rest.

Ddas66-Welcome. Pictures are tough for most of us but the story they will tell is amazing. We tend to ignore the daily, weekly and monthly changes but when you compare pictures you can see the progress you have made.

Tom- I also miss Bellawares and Shrinkwrapt..

Kah (Kelley) Sorry the vertigo is still bugging you and I hope you managed a workout today. Good news that the thumb is coming along and you have been released for bench press and dead lifts. I agree the foam roller is rough. I do hope the swelling goes down quickly for you.

Itstearsinrai-Welcome and thank you for sharing your story.

Soosun- You are right in that weight is not comfortable and neither is change. This process is about change and learning how to make the right choices. This process allows us to learn, make mistakes and start over multiple times. Change takes time but the good news is you will adjust and will become a new habit.

Theresa- I have the same fear as you do with regards to losing the weight and then regaining it once I reach a goal weight. I am not sure there is an answer to prevent this from happening except determination to keep it off. Maybe that is why we experience the plateaus so we can work on maintaining the the loss while our body adjusts to the normal weight. I truly hope that since this weight loss has been slow, I will less likely to regain what I have lost. All I know is that I will do whatever I can to avoid returning to where I was. The nice thing is that I have made friends on here that will continue to support after I reached my goal weight.


Truth- I had the best workout today and it felt great to be able to run. I was excited to run for the first time in my life. Today, was a slow jog, then running drills with walking in between followed by an 8 minute run ending with strength training of squats and lunges. I really don’t like lunges but I managed to do them anyway.

skinnyjeanzbound

@laurie--I forgot about your BMI victory--I am so happy that you are overweight!! :laugh: :drinker:

@teresa--I fear that as well, but if we keep at it, we will be successful in the long run. Though I fear gaining back the weight, the alternative is just staying overweight and unhealthy.

@kaye--great picture and glad the sorting is going well. I could not live with peanut m&m's in my proximity (open or not :blushing: ). They are probably my favorite candy. BF% is so hard to measure accurately unless you have access to a university or medical center with an actual bodpod, and I agree that body type and skeletal frame matter as well. The standard BMI chart says I should weight somewhere between 118 and 159 to be "normal" which is just crazy. I would be anorexic at 118 lbs! I once found a BMI calculator that took into account body frame/type and the numbers were much more realistic for me. I would share but I can't recall which site it was. :ohwell:

@tracy--so glad your daughter is feeling better and your life can begin to get back to normal. Sorry to hear about your appliances crapping out on you. :grumble:

@tom--I miss all of those guys as well as bohemian, angelika, and doug. I just saw doug got back on MFP after being MIA for awhile, so maybe he'll pop in for a visit one day.

@ddas--welcome! :flowerforyou:

@brenda--I think I'm worse when I'm truly exhausted--like with jetlag. However, I can be cranky when I'm hungry--my work friends and I call it "coding out." As in, "I hope we break for lunch soon, or I'm gonna code out" or "did you guys bring snacks to the meeting, so you don't code out?" :laugh:

@kelley--ugh about your vertigo. :flowerforyou: We didn't really get more ipad training, but there was a bit less lecturing and more work time, so that was something. :ohwell:

@soosun--I totally agree that it can be "uncomfortable" to lose weight, and I've seen a lot of stories from people on MFP about how they use their weight as a shield against the world and use it as an excuse to avoid life. I'm pretty extroverted, so I don't think I did that, but I certainly feel my year at this plateau is, at least in part, due to my body's need to get used to my current size--both physically and mentally.

Thursday Truth:
My truth is that I truly don't understand dog owners who don't contain/restrain their animals with a leash or fence. While walking gunner today a loose dog came running up and they ended up getting into a fight. As the owner was running from his yard to get the dog, he's yelling to me, "just tell her no" and "she's usually nice." Um, really?!?! B/c I don't care how well-behaved or friendly you THINK your dog is, the bottom line is that dogs are unpredictable animals and you never know what will set off even the "nicest" dog. Gunner can be super-friendly to other dogs, but he can also be dominant and challenge them.

Gunner seems fine, but he has a a small gash and a couple of punctures on his muzzle that we will have to watch for a few days. I debated taking him to the vet, but it was past closing time which would mean the emergency clinic which is super expensive. I know the other owner is responsible for the cost, but I didn't want to take gunner for something that appears superficial.

In addition, even though both times gunner had a fight he was leashed and the other dog was loose, at some point Animal Control doesn't care about that. If they get too many reports about a specific dog, they have the right to open an investigation to assess whether or not your dog is "dangerous." And though I believe we would win such a fight, they would impound gunner while investigating, and we would have to pay those costs and potentially the cost of a lawyer, if it wasn't going in our favor. It's very unfair that I have to worry about that since I'm a responsible dog owner who leashes my dog and always keeps him fenced. :mad:

Sorry for the rant, but he's my baby. :blushing:

Exercise Goals:
Mon--walk gunner DONE + trainer DONE
Tues--walk gunner DONE
Wed--walk gunner DONE + gym DONE
Thurs--walk gunner DONE
Fri--walk gunner + gym
Sat--walk gunner
Sun--walk gunner

August Challenge:
Cumulative calorie surplus (shortage) = 54
100g of protein = 5/31 days

jtconst

Hello all. Today has been a pretty good day. It feels so good to be able to take my babys out for a walk again. We can only do one lap around the neighborhood which is about 1/2 a mile but I am taking it slow and easy as I want a full recovery on the ankle and no more down time. I started a personal challenge of stability ball crunches yesterday. I started with 50 and am going to increase by 5 every week for two months. It felt just fine doing them yesterday and wasnt to much of a strain and then when I woke up this morning I couldnt figure out at first why my ribs and abdomen were sore and then I started todays crunches. Oh boy was I feeling them today:laugh:
Thursday truth is I cant wait for my husband to come home. He has been gone so much this year and is only going to be home 15-20 days this time. Most of the time I am ok with his job and the traveling. We get to talk every day online so its not like we are out of touch but this time has seemed harder then usual. I think in part due to the injury and then just cause he was home such a short time last time. I am planning a getaway just the two of us to Astoria on the Oregon coast while he is home this time. I have been looking at hotels and of course the one I really love is stupid expensive so I have to decide iff I want the nicer hotel or more spending money while we are gone. Decisions decisions.
Tracy i am glad your daughter is doing better. Now you can focus on your house and the @#@#@ appliances:laugh:
Kah I hope your vertigo was better today. I only had that once in my life and wouldnt wish it on my worst enemy. Way to disorienting.
Kaye I love the picture of you and your family.
Laurie congrats on getting down out of the obese category. I have a long way to go but I know I will join you there someday.

Okay as usual I had more planned but I have forgotten so everyone have a fabulous night and TGIF to tomorrow:drinker: :drinker:

Lauriek70

I found a few articles about weight loss and keeping it off. They do contain good tips for losing the weight slowly as that will help to keep it off. I had to do some research since many of us harbor the same fears about not keeping the weight off.

An article about Weight Loss: Keeping the Weight Off
A good article and many of the things we are already doing.

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=42588

7 Ways to Beat Stress Fat
A good article to read regarding stress fat, it is short and has specific information. Short with slide for each topic, makes sense and talks about cortisol the stress hormone.

http://www.prevention.com/weight-loss/weight-loss-tips/how-prevent-weight-gain-due-stress-and-anxiety?s=8

Belly Fat in Women Taking and Keeping it off
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/womens-health/in-depth/belly-fat/art-20045809

Belly Fat in men: Why weight loss matters
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/mens-health/in-depth/belly-fat/art-20045685?footprints=mine

cblue315

We all have plateaus. My last one lasted more than 6 months, hopefully yours will not be that long. Please do not give up or give in. The scales will move eventually.
Lori


This went out before I had a chance to finish it. I can no longer remember who I was thinking of when I wrote the above. Having a menopause moment.

Thursday Truth - I feel pretty good about myself today. I weigh in tomorrow and after looking at the above BMI chart I am on the edge of moving into a lower category!!!!!!!

Love, hugs and best to all. I reap loads off this thread and feel I do not give enough in return.
Lori

soosun

Tracy i hope your daughter is doing fine after her surgery.
My granddaughter had appendicitis in April and ended up in the hospital twice after her surgery due to a persistent infection. It was a very bad time. the last round she had to be on meds that prevented her from rejecting the second round of meds. She has healed completely, but you never know so you have to be aware. Good luck,hope all is well. It cannot be a picnic at this point.

BettJo64

GRRRRRR I was in my stride and enjoying my walk on my treadmill when the doggone think konked out on me :sad: Hope it's not too expensive to fix and won't be down for long. Hubby's works 3rd shift, so he's gonna check it out for me in the morning. Anyways, hi ladies :flowerforyou: Hope everyone's had a wonderful day and evening. I sure did! I've attempted to eat all the calories I could muster today but still falling short as usual due to my lapband :ohwell: Had a few sick spells which always is just thrilling :grumble: but hey, I keep trying. At least I'm establishing my new eating patterns now before I do get this lapband out. A few of you have suggested a dietician. I forgot to mention in my first post that I have indeed been seeing a dietician, physical therapist, and doctor very regularly. All have been super pleased with me. The dietician is more focused on showing me how to eat once(if) I have the next gastric bypass operation...the Roux-en-Y. She is preparing me for the immediate diet in the hospital and each stage of the way after release. So I am left to my own accord right now since she feels I am doing well when she has looked at my food diary. I feel I've been doing so much better on my own since I've joined MFP and started my low carb lifestyle. I make myself eat when I truly don't have even a little appetite and really no room for food anyways. But I make it work by making my meals last much much much longer because I must stop and digest then resume so often :laugh: This is tremendous work for me ALL DAY LONG!!! I know all will change when the lapband comes off and I can settle down into regular type of eating and digesting with no big production :laugh: Can't wait! Can't wait! But still a little scary, too, since I haven't been without this lapband for 20yrs. Can I do this??

GrammyWhammy

Poppin' in for a short up-date: 14/14 under goal. Worked out 4/4 days.

Thursday Truth: I'm having a hungry caterpillar day. Nibbled my way through most of my calories. Today was 1/2 price cheeseburger day at Sonic and family indulged in them and onion rings. As soon as we got home I looked up the calories for the burger alone: 750 ! ! ! And the rings, one large serving over 1000. I soooo wanted a burger...but not that much...sorta. If I eat a burger, it's going to be a GOOD one (homemade). Still hungry though.

Thanks for sharing the articles, Laurie. I'm especially interested in the one on stress fat.

Going to bed before I eat the burger in the fridge. If I'm lucky, someone will make it go away before morning.

Sleep tight.
GW>Marsha

Brenda_1129

@Jean~ The worst is when I work with my husband. He refuses to stop and eat anything all day and after 12 hours of laying hard wood floor, I need food! I jus tell him that its feeding time and he knows that I am on the brink of being cranky which is never pretty!

Good Morning Everyone! I got a pretty good workout last night. A little under an hour, nothing to crazy but good nonetheless. I have a friend coming into town tonight so there will be no gym time. I have looked up the menu for the restaurant so I already have a good idea what I will be ordering for dinner.

Friday Fitness: My fitness plan may need to be altered as I am most likely going out of the country for a month. I hope the hotel has a gym!

Have a fabulous Friday!
BRENDA

hasjejc

Hi Everyone, I am looking at all your tickers and the amount of weight you have all lost and I feel like crying, I am just at the start of my journey(AGAIN) with about 100lbs to lose..
well done to you all!

Lives2Travel

@skinnyjeanz - I've set my goal as 145 since it's the middle of the BMI range for my height. It may be a bit too aggressive, but I guess I'll see when I get closer. For now, I'm focusing on getting to 170. I'd love for you (and everyone else) to come to Charlotte for a race or event. I've thought many times about doing the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure that takes place in October. Maybe we could think about getting a team together for 2015? I'd even love to do the Komen 3 day some year. It's 60 miles over 3 days and Atlanta is the closest to me, but Seattle sounds very tempting.

Your story about Gunner being attacked by a loose dog made me so mad. I hate that irresponsible dog owners not only endanger other dogs, but give dog owners a bad name. My dog has absolutely no filter when it comes to other dogs. He sees one and assumes "Friend". I never let him greet another dog unless I know it and know it's dog friendly. I've already had a very expensive trip to the emergency vet for a snake bite and don't want to add one for a dog bite.

@kaye - Love the picture of you, your sisters and your Dad. i'm sure it meant the world to him to have all his girls together.

@teresa - I think we all share your fear. I've lost significant amounts in the past and put it right back on. I believe this time will be different because to think otherwise would be like planning to fail. I was lamenting the other day that in July my weight loss graph was flat and had to admit I had been eating at a maintenance level. Someone (and THANK YOU whoever it was) pointed out that spending a month not gaining weight was a victory. I hadn't thought about it like that, but they were right. For me to be able to maintain my loss, even for a month, is something I've not done before. I've always either been losing or gaining.

@kah - Sorry to hear about the vertigo. I had it once for about 6 weeks (they think due to a virus) and it was miserable. Hope you get to feeling better soon.

@laurie - Sounds like you're now hooked on running. Way to go!

@jconst - Glad you're getting mobile again. The Oregon coast is on my list of must see places.

@bett - Hang in there. Hope the removal of the lapband goes well and you have an easy recovery.

@hasjejc - Don't cry, rejoice. You've made the decision to move forward and take control. Look at the number on the scale and realize you will never see it again. You can do this!

AFM - Busy weekend ahead getting ready to leave early Monday morning on another trip to Missouri. The carpenter will be here later today to tear out the old sink and counter top in the laundry room and build the support for the new counter over the washer and dryer. Assuming he gets it done, I will spend most of the weekend painting the new support to match the cabinets. Making progress!

August Challenge - At or under daily calorie goal 12/14

Good Days: 12
Not so Good Days: 1
Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Days: 1

kah68

@Karen~After I saw your post about a weight calculator that took frame size into account, I found this: http://www.healthcentral.com/diet-exercise/ideal-body-weight-3146-143.html It’s not a BMI calculator, but gives you a healthy weight range for your body type—for me it’s in line with what my doctor would like me to weigh. Ugh on the dog in the neighborhood, I hope Gunner is ok—I know what you mean though, I have a group of neighbors that let their dogs out without leashes so they can all play together (I swear they think the neighborhood is a dark park). They are all really sweet, but you’re right you never know when one will turn on you.

@Tracy(tlh)~So glad that Emma is back home and recovering, I’m sure she be back to her usual boisterous self in no time! I’m sorry for the appliances, certainly not expenses you were expecting after just closing on your house. :grumble:

@Tammy(jtconst)~Hooray for being able to return to walking—I know your dogs appreciate it! Enjoy the time with your husband when he gets home, trip sounds like a great idea!

@Kaye~Great family picture! Peanut M&Ms are crack—my co-worker and I were craving some yesterday so we shared a small package, what’s funny is she made me count them! :laugh:

@L2T~We have both the Komen and 3-day here, a friend of mine at work did the 3-day a few years ago--said it was exhausting but so worth it. I think Charlotte in 2015 would be great to meet up for a race!

@Marsha(GW)~Oy, on the burger from Sonic—oh so good, but so high in calories. Not sure I could have turned down their onion rings either! :blushing: I treat myself to a burger periodically, I try to go to In & Out though—the burgers are smaller and if you get it without their tasty sauce, the calories/fat are reasonable.

AFM~I did make it to the session with my trainer, we skipped stuff that was going to exacerbate the vertigo—only had one occurrence and so far today no issues. I’m supposed to check in with my doc this morning, so I’ll be glad to report it’s improved. Today I may meet my trainer for a run but most likely I will just go to his studio to detox in the sauna—tomorrow night my activity will be bowling with friends from church. I was under on calories yesterday. I should have eaten closer to TDEE because of my activity—but I was close. My macros were in sync. I'm not sure what the scale will show tomorrow, but my clothes are looser--something my trainer pointed out as well. Maybe tomorrow will be measurement day, too.

August Goals:

Calories (at or below): 11/30
Macros (within 2%): 10/30

Exercise Goals:

Monday~None DONE!
Tuesday~Trainer DONE! (sort of)
Wednesday~Cardio NOT DONE! (Rest Day instead)
Thursday~Trainer DONE!
Friday~Run or Sauna
Saturday~Bowling
Sunday~Trainer

mnwalkingqueen

Hi -- I am so far behind in reading posts that the thread turned over before I could finish. I will continue reading to catch up with everyone's updates. I start classes next week 2 really hard classes so I may not be able to keep up much here.

Lives2Travel

@Karen~After I saw your post about a weight calculator that took frame size into account, I found this: http://www.healthcentral.com/diet-exercise/ideal-body-weight-3146-143.html It’s not a BMI calculator, but gives you a healthy weight range for your body type—for me it’s in line with what my doctor would like me to weigh.

@kah - That's a useful calculator. I was surprised to find that based on the test of wrapping your fingers around your wrist I'm considered to have a small frame. Of course, I also have ridiculously long fingers (same length as my 6'2" hubby) so perhaps that test is not completely accurate for me.

According to the calculator:

Your ideal weight range-- 144 - 158.4 lbs. (65.5 - 72 kg.). --is based on a formula that calculates what a healthy weight is for most people of your height (68 inches) and frame size (Small). You are overweight by 23.6 lbs.

If I select medium frame, I'm said to be only "marginally" overweight by 12.6 lbs. Woo Hoo!

soosun

I continue to be impressed with all the weight that has been lost by all of you really dedicated dieters......maybe we need a better word than dieters....LOL. Great work being done here and I am inspired to choose the better choice.
This is my first week back, or should I say my first of many weeks of starting to eat right, with no sneaking food. I have been concentrating on just what I am eating each day to stay under calorie or in calorie count area. My only exercise has been walking when out running errands and climbing stair everyday at my house. So more walking for the weekend.
I am also looking forward to weighing myself on Monday. In the past I weigh every day and drive myself nuts, because my weight loss pattern is lose, go two weeks at plateau, then drop lbs again. Trying to keep weight loss stress out of my life by not jumping on the scale every day and believing that it is my god. I want not to be controlled by it but rather be controlled if that is a good word, by my extablishing correct eating habits that will lead to losing fat and building energy.
Am visitng friends for the weekend and we are walking thru The Parade of Homes for fun as exercise. On Sunday I go for an hour walk while shes goes for her run. She cooks legal all of the time. A great place to visit. We are BFFs, went to college together and have remained close throughout our lives. Going on 45 years now. So that is my plan for exercise for the next week, plus staying true to my food program.

kah68

@soosun~No, we don't use the word "diet" here as it refers to weight loss. Diet is just what you eat, so the word "dieting" just doesn't make sense (to me anyway). This is a lifestyle change, some of us refer to it as a "journey." Sounds like you have a fun weekend planned, enjoy!

@Karen~After I saw your post about a weight calculator that took frame size into account, I found this: http://www.healthcentral.com/diet-exercise/ideal-body-weight-3146-143.html It’s not a BMI calculator, but gives you a healthy weight range for your body type—for me it’s in line with what my doctor would like me to weigh.

@kah - That's a useful calculator. I was surprised to find that based on the test of wrapping your fingers around your wrist I'm considered to have a small frame. Of course, I also have ridiculously long fingers (same length as my 6'2" hubby) so perhaps that test is not completely accurate for me.

According to the calculator:

Your ideal weight range-- 144 - 158.4 lbs. (65.5 - 72 kg.). --is based on a formula that calculates what a healthy weight is for most people of your height (68 inches) and frame size (Small). You are overweight by 23.6 lbs.

If I select medium frame, I'm said to be only "marginally" overweight by 12.6 lbs. Woo Hoo!

LOL. I'm sure there is a marginal error rate--maybe go by medium frame. Either way, you are almost there! :bigsmile:

Morgori

Top of the morning to everyone.

Skinny Karen- Here are links to some calculators with body type:

http://www.healthcentral.com/diet-exercise/ideal-body-weight-3146-143.html

http://www.webcalcsolutions.com/Health-Calculators/Full-Body-Analysis.asp?AcctNum=3

http://www.webmd.com/diet/body-calculator

http://www.superskinnyme.com/ideal_weight_calculator.html

Lives2Travel- try the wrist measurement for your frame size.

Happy NATIONAL RELAXATION DAY
August 15 annually celebrates a day that is looked forward to by many people across the country, it is National Relaxation Day. This day is set aside to slow down, unwind and relax!
National Relaxation Day is an important day as we all need a break from the fast paced and often times hectic lifestyles that we live. There are always schedules that we have to follow and appointments, meetings, errands, chores and etc. that keep us busy every day. The often “too busy” days can become stressful.
It has been proven that stress can be harmful to our health, both mental and physical. Most doctors will agree that finding ways to relax and making time for relaxation may reduce some of the stress-related health risks.
What is your favorite relaxation activity?
• Reading a book
• Fishing with a friend
• A picnic in the park
• Walking along the beach
• Taking a drive in the country
• Spa
• Golfing
• Photography
• A movie
• Window shopping
• Lunch with friends
• Drinks with friends
• Watching sports
• Swimming
These are just a few of the many possible relaxation ideas that you may want to use to celebrate today’s holiday.
We are aware that not everyone is able to get this holiday off from work, so while you are at your job, do what you can to avoid stress and do not work late today. When you get off of work, take a deep breath, unwind, relax and begin your National Relaxation Day celebration!

“You cannot expect to achieve new goals or move beyond your present circumstances unless you change.” ~Les Brown

Tom

NewCaddy

GRR...just had all my personals done and my computer restarted (twice) Thinking of you all but not wanting to type it all again.

Thanks for the wishes for Emma. She's doing great -- it's amazing how quickly kids rebound after they turn the corner. She had to be reminded not to lift heavy things (just moving a propane tank by herself) or run so she doesn't re-injure the puncture sites.

Friday Fitness: Continue to be busy with moving (4 days at the hospital when nothing got done). Tomorrow we meet with the trainer at a park. We will do the workout at least 2 more times this week. I plan on walking at lunch time 4-5 days this week.

My calories -- I've over by 371 calories, so need to buckle down and get it back on track.

Last night I tried to buy my appliances and they refused me. If I waited until today I will save an additional 10% -- great salesman!! Michael and I've talked long and hard about minimum cost vs what we really want and have decided to go with what we want (within reason -- they had a really kick @$$ refrigerator but not getting it due to the $6000 price tag -- holy cow!!!) We will be buying 4 appliances at a time so we'll get the "suite" discount that ultimately saves us about $3000 over base cost if we paid for them at separate times. Not looking forward to the paymnets, but it is 18 months interest free.

Hope you all havea great day!!

ddas66

Friday - Fitness
Walking to get fit. Walked 5.9 miles today.
Going to the store to get more yogurt and apples for the weekend.

RobinsEgg

Toots - to add to all the warnings and advice - make several copies of your passports and Driver's Licences and other important I.D.'s - leave a copy behind with a contact person. Leave a copy in lock box at Embassy or bank while in China, etc etc.

AFM - have been washing dishes by hand until I find that special tool... darn. i Am Pages and Pages behind on here. My bad. I am just so very emotionally tired - II think a lot of you understand depression - after such a long time dealing with my health I guess I had sunk into a bad depression but now I have what I needed - I've planned a nice vacation and stopped pressuring myself to get a job. Finances have stabilized. Vacation - leaving with my gentleman friend on Sept. 7 for Flagstaff AZ - will spend 4 -5 days in general area - seeing Grand Canyon and Sedona's Red Rocks. Will rent car, stay at cheap motel, (Lucky we could find something cheap in that area!) Back around Sept. 16 ,,,,,,

Will catch up more tonight,

susan2396

Friday Fitness: This week has been OK. I finally got back in the pool and did a solid 45 minutes of laps, which felt really good. I walked a few days on the treadmill. I plan to hit the gym tonight and tomorrow too. Temps will be in the low 100’s this weekend so I think I’ll do inside exercising instead of outside plus a LOT of relaxation in my pool.

Overall, I’m pleased with week 2. I did gain 2 lbs, which ticked me off, but again I’m not going to let the scale dictate my feelings this time. I’m only weighing in on Friday’s. I wouldn’t have done anything differently. I was under goal every day and exercised. I’m doing what I’m supposed too and pushing through to week 3. No worries!! Of course, works been a little tough this week so I missed checking in with you guys the past few days so checking in now and catching up. Lots of personals.

@ Moodyfeesh14, BettJo64, Nibrociii, SephoraJunkie, Itstearsinrai, Ddas66, Hasjejc – Lots of new faces so welcome and good luck on your journey! If you can, check in with this group daily. They’re awesome! We can be a chatty bunch throughout the week and the weekends slow down, but they’ll give you the support if you want it.

@ Brenda_1129 – Baby steps!! You’ve had to overcome a lot especially after surgery. You’ll be back to your pre-surgery time. I use to love water aerobics. Years ago I was actually a lifeguard and taught water aerobics. It’s a great work out!!

@ RobinsEgg – Yikes on the dishwasher!!!! I know we’ve been single ladies for a long time (you more than me), but don’t you wish some days we just had someone to do this crappy stuff for us. Also, saw your note about vacation, Sedona? I love it there!! You’re not too far from Viva Las Vegas. LOL!!!

@ GrammyWhammy – I saw your note about your Nook charging. I was so livid with Barnes & Noble. I had a Nook too. It worked awesome for 2 years then it just stopped. After going back and forth with them, they determined it was the battery. Of course, the battery could not be replaced so I would have to buy a whole new one. I was NOT happy so I just bought a Kindle. I was so addicted to that thing and couldn’t believe I couldn’t change out a battery. Grrrr!!

@ GramdmaKaye – Oh no!! I’m just glad you guys were OK, but car issues just stink. Sorry this happened to you, but glad you've had a good visit with your family.

@ Skinny/Karen – We’re just 43 days away. Woo Hoo!! My departure flight got pushed back a few hours so now I don’t leave until 5 on Tuesday. I just look at that as more walking time for me. It will be great to see you again and seeing Laurie again in person too. Super excited! Grapefruit Martinis – yum! As for your training, give me a break! What a waste of your time. I would be a tad bit frustrated too. Heck, 3-year olds can maneuver an iPad these days. Hello??!!! Also, sorry to read about Gunnar and what you had to experience. I totally agree with you. Also, these irresponsible pet owners that don’t pick up their poop. Hello??!! I do not want your dog crap in my yard. Kids play in the front yard and we don’t want that. Pick it up!!! I always have my ferocious Izzy on a leash. While she may only be 12 lbs and a little Bichon/Poodle, this crazy dog must have “little” dog syndrome because she would charge right after Gunnar if she had her choice. Now it’s too sniff, play, etc. . . but she goes full force. Plus, God forbid you’re riding a bike or scooter she’ll go after you in a heartbeat. She’s the sweetest thing, but I know her limitations too. Be responsible pet owners!!

@ Tootsanderson – No apologies necessary and keep sharing!! This is such an important part of your life now and for your family’s future. We care and can’t wait to follow your adoption adventure.

@ L2T – I think we’re both on the same page in many ways. Like you said, I’ve been so focused on Cyrus and making sure his life is on track. What about my life? I try to be a “little” selfish with facials, pedicures, etc. . . but I need to do it with my time and balance other things too. I do need that constant reminder. I know I’ve only got 5 years or so before he heads off to college so I’m trying to soak up those years. Regarding a visit, Charlotte always reminded me of a mini Atlanta. I love Charlotte plus it has one of my favorite NASCAR tracks. I’ve got friends who just moved from Vegas to Charleston, SC. I’m really going to miss them. They were awesome! I love NC and have friends all over primarily in the High Point/Winston Salem area and Raleigh, but have some good friends in Charlotte too. They had a condo out on the lake (can’t remember the name), but it was beautiful. Love it out there. A visit there wouldn’t be out of the question that’s for sure. Also, I just saw Skinny/Karen’s post about a race and I would be game.

@ Kah68/Kelly – Sorry to hear your vertigo acted up. It can be pretty scary. I’ve never experienced it, but my BF had her first experience with it and it was so scary to hear her symptoms. She was out of work for almost a week. This was her first time and it was just awful. How long have you battled with it?

@ Jtconst – Sorry about the ups and downs lately. Lord knows I’ve battled them that’s for sure. This month is two years for me too, but really this past year has been losing and gaining the same 20-25 lbs. I really want to get over this roller coaster and lose the 25 lbs then keep going. We both have to keep pushing through. I know we will, but have to bull doze through this period that’s for sure.

@ ebailey – You made me smile about your first big girl check, which was so long ago for me. It does feel good when you hit that first milestone. With any job and I’m feeling it now even after being in the work force over 25 years, the work/life balance is so important and I still struggle with it. I had to chuckle about you losing 2 lbs without trying. Well, I did try and gained those 2 lbs. Grrrrr!!!!

@ Teresa_3266 – I hate the whole phone process. I truly liked my Blackerry, but had to move to the iPhone for work and I’m not carrying around two phones. I still don’t use it for half the stuff it can do for me. Plus, to have those bells and whistles, it cost a fortune!!! I saw your post about losing/gaining. I’ve been there twice I’m afraid. With WW, I lost 75 lbs once and 80 lbs a second time. I never reached goal though. I’m determined to move past those numbers and keep going. It will be a slow pace, but I’m going to keep pushing along.

@ Kateirving – Hugs!!! I’ve been there and still struggling with many of the same things you noted, but I think you’re being too hard on yourself. You need to take baby steps. You’ve got a lot of things going on and perhaps taking on too much at one time. Perhaps focus on two things for the next few weeks and then add something the 3rd or 4th week. Again, with the pending move and that’s major for you, I would not be so hard on the weight loss, BUT with that said don’t sit and eat a half loaf of bread either. LOL!!!

@ Laurie – LOVED your post!! Congrats on the 2 lbs and getting out of obese!!!

For anyone who doesn’t know Laurie or getting to know her, she’s been such an inspiration to me (and others of course). Laurie has been at this lifestyle now for about 4 years (correct me if I’m wrong). She gets it. Sure, like all of us, she would love for the weight to just drop off overnight, but that’s not going to happen. She’s been diligent (for the most part) by eating less and moving more. She’s had plateaus that have lasted MONTHS just like Skinny/Karen, Kah68, L2T, Morgori, etc. . . but they all just keep pushing through. There are so many people in this group that I’m so thankful I’ve had the opportunity to get to know, but more importantly call a friend. It’s because of them I keep trying to push through. I may be at a snail’s pace, but I believe I’ll get there one day because of these beautiful women!!! (and guys like Tom). LOL!!!

@ Soonsun – Congrats on taking control of your finances! It’s a huge battle that most people fight. The past 5 years have been brutal for so many families with the recession. Unfortunately, many of these people have lived outside of their means for years or bought houses they probably should have never been qualified to buy. I’ve had my shares of ups and downs that’s for sure especially after my divorce in 2004. I pretty much hit rock bottom and it took years to crawl out, but I’m somewhat financially stable as a single parent and extremely thankful for everything I’ve accomplished. Also, try not to think about your eating as a diet. This is just a temporary word. The changes you make with your eating, exercise, etc. . . need to be a lifestyle change and not temporary. Diets will always come and go. We need to make these changes permanently.

@ Tlh0407 – I’m so glad Emma is home and healing. I know she gave you guys quite a scare, but glad she’s OK. Luckily, no more vending machines for you. It will be good to get back on track with regular eating and your exercise too. I’ll back off on the Mello Yello. LOL!!

@ BettJo64 – I wanted to give you a little shout out. I was about 3 pages behind on personals, but I noticed you posting again. We get a LOT of newbies, which is great but you also see the majority fall off too. It’s great to see you posting. Keep it up and I look forward to getting to know you.

@ Morgori/Tom – Serious? National Relaxation Day. I may take that to heart and have too much I want to accomplish tonight. I’m moving that day to tomorrow. LOL!

cblue315

Fitness Friday - WdO with the trainer today. Weigh in same as last week. No melt down, I am still below what I was 4 weeks ago. I had planned 520 minutes of exercise over the last 7 days and did more than that!!!!!!

I added a new "later" to my list: I plan to do a Sprint Triathalon in June. 3/4 mile swim, 13 mile bike, 5K.

Thanks for all your posts, I get so much motivation from this group.
Lori, Wisconsin:flowerforyou:

Lauriek70

cblue/Lori- Did you know there are such things as Super Sprint Triathlons? I found out about those this year it includes a 300-400 yd swim, 5-14 mile bike and a 1-3 mile run. The numbers vary based on the event but it is cool and a great way to start. I may actually look into this for next year. There are also indoor triathlons that include swimming, biking and running- I have done that and love it.

Susan-Thank you.

Robin- Whoo-hoo for planning a vacation and it sounds so fun.

Tom-I love National Relaxation day- spent the afternoon just chilling before climbing tonight. Thanks for the calculators they were very useful.

I took a friend climbing tonight and she realized that it is hard work. Now, she has a new goal for her workouts- upper body strength training.

Susan, commented that I have been on this journey for 4 years and she is right. During this time I have experienced many ups and down. It has taken a while to learn a few things that have really been helping to finally get me over the hump of not really losing weight expect the same 5-10 lbs that would continuously change. Then finally this past week, I saw the scale drop again and it continued to do so so I need to think that it was my increased level of activity over the past 2 months that finally made a difference. A life style change will get you started, progress helps with motivation to keep going, increasing your level of activity is important, it can be done, change takes time, we learn from our mistakes and still move forward, stick with a plan and realize that change will come in time and once again increase your level of movement. I am still working towards my goal somewhere between 143-163 but I will get there when the time is right.

Fitness: It can be as easy as going for a walk during the day, even 10 minutes three times a day is beneficial. Start slow and find something you love. For me, climbing is my love and something that I won't give up easily. Tonight's climbs were great and I did challenge myself by climbing higher (10.a and b) levels than I normally do which was great. There was no holding back tonight so it was even better. Tomorrow I plan to swim and maybe bike it just depends on how my morning goes.

Have a great weekend.

skinnyjeanzbound

@laurie--sounds like a great climb! :drinker: And thanks for the links to those articles.

@lori--awesome job exceeding your planned exercise minutes. :flowerforyou:

@susan--my flight leaves JFK at 4:15 pm, so I will be walking around with you. Gunner would probably love Izzy--he gets along with most little dogs b/c he doesn't feel any need to exert his dominance with them even when they are "pushy." He has a little yorkie friend who jumps up and nips his nose--gunner just looks up at me like "really?" but he never bites back. :laugh:

@robin--sounds like a great trip to look forward to! :flowerforyou:

@ddas--awesome mileage today! :drinker:

@tracy (tlh)--sounds like you got a good deal on the appliances, and now you don't have to worry about any of them breaking. <knocks on wood so as not to jinx you>

@tom--thanks for the links! :happy:

@soosun--have a great weekend visiting with your college friend. :flowerforyou:

@L2T--right before I read your post about your "ridiculously long fingers" I used the calculator. According to the test I have a large frame, but thought "well, I have ridiculously short fingers, so I should probably go with the medium frame." :laugh: Too funny.

@holly (mnwalking)--I will also be on here less once school starts in 2 weeks. Will still log and try to read posts every day. However, I will probably not be able to post a lot of personals during the work week. :ohwell:

@kelley (kah)--yeah, sometimes people with nice dogs don't realize that the dog on the leash they run up to to greet may not be as nice. If I use the "medium build" on the calculator you shared, my healthy weight is 148-162--very much in line with what my doc suggests.

@bettjo--I may have missed it in an earlier post, but do you know when you will have the lapband removed?

@tammy (jtconst)--sorry you are missing the hubs, but sounds like you are planning a nice trip.

Friday Fitness:
Well I started lifting lighter weights at higher reps this week and boy am I sore, but it's a good kind of sore that lets me know the switch in routine was a good choice. Wed. I did bench press, deadlifts, biceps, and squats, and it hurt to move all day Thursday. Today, I was still pretty sore, but went and lifted again but did upright row, chest press, triceps, and squats. Every minute of it was painful, but I feel much better tonight. I also did an easy walk/run on the treadmill and made sure to stretch really well afterwards. I keep forgetting to go buy a foam roller, but will get to it next week.

Thanks for the support regarding gunner. His wounds look much better today with no signs of infection. No walk for him today as I'm concerned one of his friend dogs will want to start nosing arond his wounds and provoke him. Tomorrow we may go for a short walk, but steering clear of the house where the fight happened, that's for sure!

Today, I went to a wake for a friend's mother. It was about an hour away, and when my friends and I were leaving the funeral home we realized it was smack dab in the middle of rush-hour. Instead of sitting in traffic, we decided to grab dinner before heading home. I had a pulled pork sandwich but only ate a few of the fries. I logged as best I could, and when I entered the last item, my diary was perfectly at my goal of 1780 calories. :noway:

Tomorrow I will go to a festival by my parents' in chicago. Very excited to see a lot of childhood friends. There will also be a Red Hot Chili Peppers cover band in the early evening. RHCP is one of my favorite bands, so I'm looking forward to that. I should also get to spend some time at the kids play area with my niece either tomorrow afternoon or on Sunday.

Exercise Goals:
Mon--walk gunner DONE + trainer DONE
Tues--walk gunner DONE
Wed--walk gunner DONE + gym DONE
Thurs--walk gunner DONE
Fri--walk gunner NO WALK WHILE HE HEALS + gym DONE
Sat--walk gunner
Sun--walk gunner

August Challenge:
Cumulative calorie surplus (shortage) = -141
100g of protein = 5/31 days