200+ (Week 22) Fling into Spring!

Laceylala

Good article. Now I just wish I could remember all that when the time comes for something salty and not turn to the old standby's. lol.

Speaking of emergency granola bars...I just bought a box of Cran-Lemon Twister Pro Bars. OMG so good. 350 cals for one, super steep I know, but I ate one for breakfast about two hours ago and am just now getting a small twinge of hunger going on. All natural, whole foods, raw foods, vegan. Unbelievably fantastic in flavor and texture. Kindof spendy, but I found them on amazon for a decent price.

www.theprobar.com

cds2327

I'm hip on the Fiber one Chocolate Oat Bars. They have some that are 90 calories, but i get the ones that are somewhere around 150-170 (ish). They are good, and I personally love them because most granola bars have nuts of some kind in them....and I can not eat any nuts (thus giving me snack problems, but ohh well).

pinbotchick

Well....I gained a pound from last week....

As I was recording the numbers on the chart, I noticed that you lost 2 pounds from 1/08 to 1/15, from 2/12 to 2/19, and from 2/19 to 2/26. Have you considered going over your food and exercise logs for these 3 weeks to see what is different from other weeks? Food choices, more or less exercise, relation to TOM, calories consumed and how much you were under or over are areas that I would look at.... I know that you can do this:flowerforyou: You work out so much that you have to be in great shape and your body may be having a similar reaction to Bella not losing while training for the marathon. I think you need a virtual (((((((((((hug))))))))))))) On the plus side you lost 4 pounds the last challenge from 1/01 to 2/12 and so far this challenge you have lost 4 pounds. Maybe you are destined to lose 4 pounds a challenge?

pinbotchick

carolyn - great article. I put it into word and am going to tape to the snack cabinet!!!!!

lacey - the bars look good. I will buy some when I get low on these think thin bars. I only like the peanut butter think thin bars and they pack 240 cal - great to use on running and double exercise days.

akasullengal

Lots of posts to catch up on! Great job everyone- on the losses and for hanging in there to my fellow gainers.

skinny@ss- bwhaha. You are losing like whoa, but you're probably right to keep your weight from yesterday unless the one from this morning sticks.

Today has been pretty relaxing other than the apartment situation. So I looked at 2 places today and I think I'll end up choosing between these 2, but I'm waffling as to what's better.

Option 1: smaller of the 2, and first floor (negative), 10 bucks more a month, but water/trash is included, great complex reviews and my friend who lived there loved it, a bit further out of town, but the more residential area would be nice for walks/runs. Can move in later in the summer, which is nice because I'll be able to pay my reduced rent at my current place for longer, saving up money. Would save money here in the long run I think, and I would ultimately like to purchase a place in a couple of year, as long as my job stays stable.
Option 2: much larger (790sq v. 940sqft), and second floor, so vaulted ceilings, 10 bucks less a month, but water/trash NOT included, pretty good complex reviews, closer to town, this building does not have covered parking (an issue in snowy michigan), and it's close to the highway (you can definitely hear it outside, though the apt i visited which was in the same building, but on the other side, I couldn't hear it inside). An aquantince who lived there really liked it, but had to leave because they raised her rent too much- I'm worried about this (how much it'll be jacked up to after a year), also the extra space in the apt (the stairwell is part of the apt as well) makes me worry about the expense of utility bills (could be hella expensive to cool/heat). Also, I would need to move there sooner- at the latest mid-ish April, which will force me to start forking out money much earlier.

Any thoughts gals?

KendalBeee

Option 1: smaller of the 2, and first floor (negative), 10 bucks more a month, but water/trash is included, great complex reviews and my friend who lived there loved it, a bit further out of town, but the more residential area would be nice for walks/runs. Can move in later in the summer, which is nice because I'll be able to pay my reduced rent at my current place for longer, saving up money. Would save money here in the long run I think, and I would ultimately like to purchase a place in a couple of year, as long as my job stays stable.
Option 2: much larger (790sq v. 940sqft), and second floor, so vaulted ceilings, 10 bucks less a month, but water/trash NOT included, pretty good complex reviews, closer to town, this building does not have covered parking (an issue in snowy michigan), and it's close to the highway (you can definitely hear it outside, though the apt i visited which was in the same building, but on the other side, I couldn't hear it inside). An aquantince who lived there really liked it, but had to leave because they raised her rent too much- I'm worried about this (how much it'll be jacked up to after a year), also the extra space in the apt (the stairwell is part of the apt as well) makes me worry about the expense of utility bills (could be hella expensive to cool/heat). Also, I would need to move there sooner- at the latest mid-ish April, which will force me to start forking out money much earlier.

Any thoughts gals?

I'd probably go with the first one. $10/month difference in rent makes no difference really if water/trash isn't included. Plus the fact they might up the rent once you get in there. The extra space may be nice, but really, its just more space that you have to keep heated/aired and CLEANED. Maybe you can put your name on a list at the first place and let them know you would prefer a 2nd floor or higher apt in case one comes available before you move in.

Laceylala

You guys do crack me up. Shotguns and scales:)

I would sometimes like to take a shotgun to the scale. How's that?

LOL

Laceylala

I've never lived in a big big city, well okay I lived in Portland for over a year, but not in the city center...and I always prefered first floor. Stairs blow, though I get them for safety's sake for females. I always begged for first floor corner apartments for more windows.


Sounds like the first one is the better all around option. stay longer in your current apt, save more money, less money in the long run.

WHY are you moving from where you are now though?

akasullengal

Thanks for the advice gals! I'm leaning heavily towards the first one... just from vibes alone- get really good vibes from the place, and my vibes and rarely proved me wrong.I will get a 1500 pay hike in August, which will help with my payments. I called the energy company and the avg gas/electric bills are 34 bucks more a month at the larger place (no surprise-more to heat). it's hard, as I sort of am in love with the spaciousness of the bigger place, the practical side of me says go with the smaller one that's a bit further out of town (though actually closer to a grocery store, pharmacy, etc). I really like top floor in general cause there's no one above me and a lot of places have vaulted ceilings (though this particular complex doesn't in the 1 bdr. boo.). Once I put my name in though, I have a reserve on the one place, but if another one pops open in the mean time, I can snag that, so if it's another location/floor, I might move up. Also, the smaller 2 bedroom might not COMPLETELY be out of my pricerange, so I'm keeping that on the table. Also, saving more money here gives me an option to either move to a 2 bedroom in a couple of years or purchase a condo/small house if my job is still secure, and I think I'd rather do that.

Lacey- I'm moving because I currently live with 2 roomies (who own this condo), and they are finishing up their doctorates this summer and don't plan on staying in Ann Arbor past the mid-ish fall, so I need a new place. I'd love to stay and rent the one I'm in from them (they are probably going to rent it out), but it'd be too steep for me alone. In reality, I had planned to move out around the summer anyways because I'm ready to live on my own again. BTW, housing prices totally suck here. Uber depressing. I miss NC prices. *sigh*

So, enough about my housing dilemma. Any plans for the weekend? Nothing much here. It was beautiful today... and there's a chance of snow tomorrow. BLECH. WTF. Will do my normal rec center/grocery shopping Sunday. I have to think about what my recipe(s) of the week will be. Also, will probably put my deposit in for the apartment tomorrow (squee).

akasullengal

bumping above old thread

Laceylala

carolyn - great article. I put it into word and am going to tape to the snack cabinet!!!!!

lacey - the bars look good. I will buy some when I get low on these think thin bars. I only like the peanut butter think thin bars and they pack 240 cal - great to use on running and double exercise days.

I've only tried the Cran-Lemon Twister and they are 350 cals!!! But like I said, I ate one for breakfast this morning and they were great. I think it'd be a great after work out dinner on the nights that Jeff and G eat before I get home.

Laceylala

Well since I somehow double posted the above, I'll delete the second and give yall a run down of my food tonight. Wow.

Fries and ketchup that I gobbled as fast as I could as I was starving (350ish)
Cheeseburger and salad with truffle oil dressing omg good (550ish)
macaroni and cheese (225ish since I only ate bites of it)
Hales Stout Nitro Cream beer pitcher that my husband and I split (he had way more). OMG that was fantastic! (300ish)
Green tea icecream (350ish)

So..what does that come to? 1775 calsish?

And only worked out twice this week. Ohhhh yeah....

Tomorrow I will do the walk of shame into the gym, and weigh. And then proceed to work my butt off.

It was good though. Oh so good. But I knew half way through the burger I needed to stop because I was full and couldn't. What is it about going out to a restaurant that makes me refuse to not eat everything I buy?? I mean we got all that food for $40 after a hefty tip which was a stellar deal considering, but we hit at happy hour and that is why. Otherwise the bill would have been like $55 plus.
Still though...I wish I could just feel comfortable leaving food on my plate!

dixiegal2484

ok so this is what i finally realized today as i was eating my lunch at work. i am off the wagon and it is six miles down the road. i realiazed that the longer i have been doing this the less committed i have become. i was sitting in the break room eating lunch (not really thinking or caring about what i was eating which is really sad i know) and i looked down and noticed that the only healthy choice i had made was the yoplait light yogurt. and for some reason i can not motivate myself enough to go to the gym. so needless to say i have not lost much weight this challenge but i have somehow lost inches is some places. any ideas on how to stay on track and motivated? i am going to try harder maybe it will work this time. even though i hav stayed under my calories i still have not made the best choices in food.


i just had another thought. if i let this revelation defeat me and i give up just because i got a little off track, then i have let my weight win. well i will tell you all something. i am going to get the best of my fat and flab before it get the best of me. i know i can do it but i just have to learn to stick with it. thanks for letting me vent guys. i feel better now that i have that off my chest.

tomorrow is a brand new day and a chance for better choices in life!

dixiegal2484

Still though...I wish I could just feel comfortable leaving food on my plate!

i know what you mean lacey i am the same way when i go out .

makeitallsue

Hello everyone.....a note on leaving the food on the plate....we don't go out often...but I always ask for a box and I put half of it in the box right away to bring home...stretches that splurge to 2 days:bigsmile:
Hang in there Dixie...I guess I am lucky....after the first month...I just love exercise...I am at a point now that I will not allow myself to go a day without it...don't get me wrong...on some days it is just stretching, or walking the dog, other days it is leave the mat dripping with sweat...I just like the challenge that I can give myself every day...makes me understand the type of woman I can be....which is any type that I set my mind too!!! You can do it, embrace the hard...my Departed Grandpa always told me....Nothing Good is ever Easy...if it's hard and your struggling and working at it....your doing all the right things and you are going to relish the end results way more than if it were just handed to you. Do what ever it takes to put yourself first,,,love yourself and know there will be bad days...but Man O Man are you going to feel FANTASTIC on those good days and I Promise if you stay at it, there will be WAY more good days than bad! Hugs:flowerforyou: :flowerforyou:

What a drag to have to move Kristina, I agree with everyone else...the first one sounds better....Good Luck and I hope your dream place falls in your lap!!!
Carolyn....We do live on a farm...not a huge one... 40 acres, we let someone else farm it,(soy beans and corn) my husband and son hunt the wooded areas, Bella(my lab mix) and I walk it...LOL....We do the target shooting with cans....I just was a little tiffed yesterday and had a crazy moment with the scale:laugh: :laugh:

Hey the last wrestling tourney for my son was last night...He came in 2nd in his weight class...we're so proud of him! My daughter gets inducted into National Honors Society this Wednesday...so proud of her too!

As for me....I finally made that Docs appointment that I have been putting off...we're doing all the blood work and such, checking everything...even a mamogram...taking care if it all...even got my hubby set up for Wednesday...so we're getting it done together!

Have a fantastic weekend everyone...I'll check in when I can...catching up on the outdoors today (cleaning the barn...YUCK!!) and tomorrow is baseball....:flowerforyou: :flowerforyou:

makeitallsue

Have any of you heard of the chia seed? Sounds like a wonderful little natural product...here is just a little about what I learned...thought I'd share. I am trying some...I'll let you know how it goes....




What are the top ten ways you benefit from eating chia seeds? The top 10 benefits of eating chia seeds seen here are in no particular order. Which one is most important to you?
1. Lose Weight Without Starving
The Chia Seed is a dieter’s dream come true. The tiny, healthy seeds can be made to taste like whatever you want, and their unique gelling action keeps you feeling full for hours. Hunger is a main enemy of real weight loss, and you don’t want to fight it with jittery expensive pills. When a chia seed
is exposed to water, it forms a coating of gel, increasing its size and weight. Since the gel made of water, it has no calories. It’s also difficult to remove from the seed, meaning that it helps your body think it is full, without adding calories!
2. Balance Blood Sugar
Keeping balanced levels of blood sugar is important for both health and energy. Blood sugar may spike after meals, especially if you eat high-starchy foods or sweets. This can lead to ‘slumps’ in your day where you feel tired and out of energy. By balancing your blood sugar, you not only lower your risk for type 2 diabetes, but you also ensure steady, constant energy throughout your day.

But how does the Chia Seed help with this? Both the gelling action of the seed, and it’s unique combination of soluble and insoluble fiber combine to slow down your body’s conversion of starches into sugars. If you eat chia with a meal, it will help you turn your food into constant, steady energy rather than a series of ups and downs that wear you out

3. Help Prevent Diverticulitis / Diverticulosis
With the abundance of over-processed foods and white flour on the market today, rich sources of fiber are harder to come by. These foods of convenience have contributed to the rise of diverticulitis. Irregularity is a
big factor in this risky condition. To help ensure regularity, you need plenty of soluble and insoluble fiber in your diet. If you don’t want to eat celery, and whole-grain everything…or piles of bran flakes, the Chia Seed is here to help. Each seed is coated with soluble fibers which aid its gelling action. The exterior of the seed is protected by insoluble fiber. The insoluble fiber is unable to be digested (it does not contribute any calories, or break down) so instead, it helps keep food moving smoothly through the digestive process. Soluble fiber, and the gel coating of the seed keeps the colon hydrated and ensures the easy movement of food.
4. Add healthy omega-3 oil to your diet
Omega-3 oil is usually thought of as “that healthy stuff in fish”. But, what if you don’t want to eat fish every day? What if you’re a vegetarian, or simply worried about pollution adding harmful substances to your fish dinner?
Chia is the richest plant-source of this healthy oil. By weight, chia contains more omega 3 than salmon, and it still tastes like whatever you want! Omega 3 oil is important in heart and cholesterol health. It’s also recently been targeted as a weight-loss helper. USA Weekend magazine also reports on a study where overweight dieters who included omega 3s in their eating plan lost 2 more pounds monthly than the control group, who did not. 5. Feel more energized all day long
Don’t want to feel like taking an afternoon nap? Your energy levels have a lot to do with what you eat. Chia is one of nature’s highest plant-based sources of complete protein. Usually protein from items like peanut butter
and some beans are incomplete, meaning you have to combine them with other foods to get the full benefit. Not Chia though, it’s protein is complete to raise your energy levels. The combination of complete protein, vitamins, minerals and blood-sugar balancing gel all work together to make sure you have steady, never jittery energy.
6. Bake with less fat
Do you enjoy making baked goods at home, but hate all the butter and oil that has to go into them? Chia gel can substitute for half the butter in most recipes! The food will bake the same and taste the
same (or better) from the addition of the chia gel. All you need to do is divide the amount of butter or oil in half, and then use the same amount of chia gel to fill in. The anti-oxidants in chia can even help keep the food tasting fresh longer. Everything from cookies to cakes to muffins, pancakes and waffles can be made with chia gel as your butter replacement. Which recipe will become your new favorite?
7. Add age-defying anti-oxidants
Anti-oxidants have been in the news lately due to their super healthy benefits. You know that blueberries and several exotic fruits (that aren’t always in season) have them, but did you know that chia is extremely high in anti-oxidants too? These helpful substances are what makes the Chia Seed stay .
fresh for so long. At room temperature, they’ll stay fresh and ready to eat for over two whole years! And that’s all without a single chemical or preservative. This amazing ability is not found in other seeds like flax or sesame, because those seeds don’t have the same rich anti-oxidant content.
Anti-oxidants help prevent free-radical damage in your body. Free radicals lead to problematic conditions such as premature aging of the skin and inflammation of various tissues. Fight free radical damage by staying fresh and healthy with nature’s anti-oxidant powerhouse
8. Cut cravings for food
Being deficient in minerals or vitamins can create a craving for food. For example, if you’re low on calcium, you may feel compelled to eat lots of cheese and ice cream. This happens because your body knows that cheese is a source of calcium, and it hasn’t been getting enough. But what if dairy and whole
milk are a “Diet don’t”? You can always add calcium to your food by sprinkling on the chia. By weight, chia has more calcium than whole milk. It also has magnesium and boron, essential trace minerals used in the absorption of calcium and other vitamins. By balancing your vitamins and minerals with chia, you can curb cravings that might tempt you.
9. You can pack in more flavorful punch
How can a seed with NO flavor help the foods you already like to taste better? First, because they have no taste of their own, chia seeds will never cover up or add to the flavor of your food. Second, when the seeds hydrate, they magnify the taste of whatever they were added to. Put them in pudding?
Chocolaty! Swirl them into a smoothie? Fruity! The same thing goes with dressings, dips, salsas, sauces and more. These two factors combine to let chia seeds take on the taste of whatever you add them to. They distribute and never dilute, the flavors you love. 10. Save your money
Why should eating less cost you more? You already know diet pills are expensive, and ‘box meal plans’ can run up to $500.00 a month. If you’re buying ‘calorie counting packs’ or other individual portions in the store, you can also end up paying more because more preparation and materials go
into these foods. More than enough chia for 1 month costs less than a dollar a day. You can use as much or as little as you want to achieve your own desired results. There are no preparations required for these simple seeds, not even pesticides need to be used to grow them. They’re always safe and 100% chemical free. A measuring spoon is all you’ll need when you’re ready to take advantage of chia for yourself. It doesn’t get any easier or more inexpensive.

KendalBeee

Still though...I wish I could just feel comfortable leaving food on my plate!

i know what you mean lacey i am the same way when i go out .

me too. My parents always taught me not to waste my food. I still don't really like going to restaurants cause I feel like I am wasting money. So instead I normally come home with leftovers and try to make 2 meals out of it. That way I feel like I've gotten more for my money and I don't overeat all the crazy calories at once.

pinbotchick

Good morning Super Heroes - I feel great this morning. I limited myself to 1 slice pizza and 1 beer around the campfire last night. For dinner, I had baked salmon. I got several compliments at the restaurant - from people that haven't seen me in awhile. I love telling them "the old-fashioned way with well balanced meals and exercise!!!" It was rather cold to be walking a mile to eat and to sit around the campfire - it was only 30 out and pretty windy. Note to self - don't brag to your drunk, smoking, 5'10", non-exercise fan brother on how well your doing - a race will ensue and you will lose... D@mn those long legs!!!! It may have been me laughing so hard at his power walking technique that caused me to lose. At least on the way home both DH and bro were c/o shin pain - to which I could laugh and say "Mine feel great"...

I have nothing really planned for today except really cleaning my closet out to get rid of the saggy bottom pants and the tent tops (*sighs*). If I get rid of them, I can never go back - right? I've heard about a place to donate them at a local church that lets people come get them for free. Rural MI is suffering hard times with really high unemployment - I want to help all that I can. I fit into some size 16 shorts that I never dreamed would fit again.

I got an email about a family reunion for last June or early July in Canada. The people all came here last July when I was near my highest weight for the reunion. It will be nice to see the difference a year can make - many of my extended cousins and their kids will be there.

Have a great weekend.

Amber - you asked how to stay motivated. Hmmm? I just know that I can't go back to what I was eating and drinking. I felt miserable and depressed. I love how I feel now after exercise - I am so much happier. My body aches less. Sometimes, I stop on the stairs and smile as I realize I am running up/down them every other foot leading and having no pain. I used to hobble on the steps and take them 1 at a time due to knee pain. Early on, my motivation was knowing that I had to change or I was going to keep being miserable. Now, I realize that I have gotten much closer to my mom and she loves seeing me every day for our exercise sessions. Reading the success stories on MFP makes me realize anyone can do this. Getting into clothes that used to be too small keeps me going. I cont to eat everything but try to watch the size (portion control). Sometimes, I have bad days and go over but I know that I can get back on track. I review my food log every night - if I am under cal and have eaten at least 6 servings of fruits and veges, I treat myself to a not so good snack (1/2 candy bar, single serving of chips, etc.). I have been at this 6 months now and cont to make small changes all the time. I didn't exercise this much or eat so well in the beginning. I have just tried to tackle on thing at a time. Early on, it was hard but I forced my self to do 30 min of exercise a day (if I did 60 min one day, I could take the next off). Then, I added eating 4 fruits and veges a day - now I aim for 6 to 8. I stopped drinking every night and try to limit alcohol to 2 nights a week.

Deb - I ordered a package of the chia seeds and will let you know what I think of them - they should be in next week.

KendalBeee

ok so this is what i finally realized today as i was eating my lunch at work. i am off the wagon and it is six miles down the road. i realiazed that the longer i have been doing this the less committed i have become. i was sitting in the break room eating lunch (not really thinking or caring about what i was eating which is really sad i know) and i looked down and noticed that the only healthy choice i had made was the yoplait light yogurt. and for some reason i can not motivate myself enough to go to the gym. so needless to say i have not lost much weight this challenge but i have somehow lost inches is some places. any ideas on how to stay on track and motivated? i am going to try harder maybe it will work this time. even though i hav stayed under my calories i still have not made the best choices in food.


i just had another thought. if i let this revelation defeat me and i give up just because i got a little off track, then i have let my weight win. well i will tell you all something. i am going to get the best of my fat and flab before it get the best of me. i know i can do it but i just have to learn to stick with it. thanks for letting me vent guys. i feel better now that i have that off my chest.

tomorrow is a brand new day and a chance for better choices in life!

I feel the same way some times. I just keep telling myself that this is going to be a VERY long process for me to lose all the weight I need to lose. The quick fixes won't permanently take it off. I've been doing this since the end of September and have only lost 29 pounds. There have been weeks where I gained weight. But at least now I am aware of what I'm eating and what I'm putting in my body. I know what it'll take to lose the weight that I will gain.

Being informed is probably the biggest asset anyone can have to lose weight. Give yourself cheat meals/day and try to stick to it. I let myself buy breakfast and lunch one day a week at work....not on the same day but still....I notice that my body feels bad after I've had that 1000+ calorie meal for lunch and then I CRAVE water. Just try to take the emotions out of eating....ask yourself if your body needs *insert food you are about to eat*


of course I'm giving you this speech after I just had snack day yesterday at work where I pigged out on brownies (3-4 of them), a doughtnut, meatballs, oreos, peanuts, cheese danish and all kinds of other crap lol eh....it was one day...considering it'll probably take me a year or two to take off this weight, whats one day every now and again??

mish3131

HAHAHAHAHA!!!! Ok, I decided to weigh myself again today cause I was no longer bloated. Back to 199.6!!!! YAY!

So, I am definitely going to weigh in on Saturdays from now on. It works better for me.