2 week challenge

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  • amysj303
    amysj303 Posts: 5,086 Member
    Amy - As long as you work out a lot you should be fine :) Do you take out your exercise calories? Just wondering :)

    When I bumped it up to 1600/day I decided not to subtract workout cals.
  • ramalem
    ramalem Posts: 1,066 Member
    Morning ladies!

    I had an overindulgent weekend.... bronze star for me. Starting to give into some cravings and use the "but I'm pregnant excuse" which needs to stop now. I really need to get my focus back to healthier eating as working out has been tough for me the past weeks. I've been going over on my carbs everyday. I eat a ton of fruit, so it's not all refined carbs, but bread, tortillas, rice etc have been the only things that have sounded good to me unfortunately. I'm not going to beat myself up over it, but really make an effort to get more clean eats in this week. Luckily I've only gained .5 lbs so far, but I know it's going to catch up to me if I keep eating the way that I am and not being active.

    Kc- I ended up moving my weigh in days from Monday to Wednesday and it seemed to work out much better.

    Beeps - When I had braces my mom still made me eat my veggies. No excuses. I credit her fully for my love of all fruits and veggies now :smile:

    Better - Your day sounds pretty awesome to me ha ha. You'll get there!

    That's all I can see for now.

    Goals for this week: (I'm trying to make my goals more realistic as I know that lifting 3x/week right now just isn't going to happen)

    -lift 2x
    -running or elliptical cardio session 1x
    -at least 30 minutes of walking any day I don't make it to the gym
    -water
    -clean up eating

    Have a great Monday!
  • ChLoE1130
    ChLoE1130 Posts: 1,696 Member
    Ram- I am going to give you my unsolicited advice on weight gain and pregnancy from my experience. I stressed constantly about my weight (which I totally regret). I craved carbs big time in the beginning, it helped with the nausea (I never actually got sick, just felt a little blah in the mornings). By the second trimester I was back to eating healthy and then the last month it was back to sweets (ice cream specifically). I made sure to stay active with at least walking almost everyday up until the end. I ended up gaining 50 pounds! And now less than 6 months later its all gone. And I am so mad at myself for spending nine months worrying about it and not just enjoying everything. So my advice to you is to stay as active as you can and give in to the cravings, this is the one time in your life your can justify them :happy:
  • ramalem
    ramalem Posts: 1,066 Member
    Thanks for the advice Chloe - always nice to hear what others went through. I definitely am going to give in, I just would like to try and control some of them while I'm not working out :) Good for you for getting all the weight off, that's amazing! :drinker:
  • RisOnTheRun
    RisOnTheRun Posts: 624 Member
    No star for me this week. I logged everything at least, but I was over by like 1700. I'm sick, my baby's sick, and I was just generally stressed, which lead to some overindulgences. The good news is my weight isn't really up. Maybe being up all night with a sick kid burns more calories....

    I'll have to catch up on everything later.
  • Better_Balance_2011
    Better_Balance_2011 Posts: 3,711 Member
    Ram, I agree with Chloe. I still logged most of my pregnancy, but I ate more than usual. I had ice cream almost every night (I'd get the Party Pail!). I ate chips and salsa. I wanted carbs too. I tried to run, walk, or swim a few days a week and gained 30 pounds. I lost it in 4 months. I think as long as you are sensible, you'll be fine! Enjoy! :smile:

    I still am feeling blah. I had a protein shake for lunch and honestly am not hungry. I'd love to get some exercise in tonight, but Eric has to do taxes, so I'll be on baby duty. And it's raining so no walking or running probably......
  • teresand77
    teresand77 Posts: 34 Member
    Hi, can I join the group late? I asked the same question a few months ago and then fell off the wagon basically instantaneously :). I'll introduce myself again since if you blinked you missed me! I live in Southern Arizona, have an almost three year old son and have been married 8 years. I am a part time environmental engineer and teach fitness (mainly cycle and yoga) as a side job. I love to work out but really have issues keeping my eating in check. I had an eating disorder in my 20s (I am 36 now) so I don't like to restrict myself too much because I'm always conscious of that coming back.

    My weekly goals are:
    -- Drink at least 64 oz of water a day
    -- Get at least 20% of my calories from protein (ultimately I'd like to up that to 30% but I need to start slow)
    -- Overall calories for the week are 15,000
    -- Limit my night time snack (after my son is asleep) to 200 calories. That time of the night is when I tend to overdo it.
    -- Eat like a normal person when my husband is out of town. He's a pilot and when he's out of town I tend to not make real dinners! I end up grabbing toddler snacks like goldfish or cereal for dinner. Not good for me or my son who is already a very picky eater.

    Nice to "meet" you all!

    Teresa
  • Beeps2011
    Beeps2011 Posts: 12,161 Member
    yoo hoooo!!!!!!!

    zgolub, that "yoo hooo" is for YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Please report in for *star* challenge and then I can put the chart up!
  • Beeps2011
    Beeps2011 Posts: 12,161 Member
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  • shander7
    shander7 Posts: 613 Member
    I have a new goal to be ready for.. going to LA in 2 weeks! Woohoo!! It will be a short trip, but it will be awesome!! My sister is going to be a contestant on Wheel of Fortune!! So crazy, right!? I want to look good in case she makes it to the Bonus Round and I'm on camera :P haha! I've never been to California (or anywhere west of Michigan!) so I'm beyond excited right now!! Any advice on how to de-bloat??
  • Better_Balance_2011
    Better_Balance_2011 Posts: 3,711 Member
    Hi Teresa and welcome.

    Fun Shander!

    Thanks for the spreadsheet Beeps.

    I can't believe what a difference 24 hours makes. I feel so much better than yesterday. Ended up having a low calorie day yesterday as I just wasn't really hungry till around dinnertime. I also got home a little early so put day care pick up on Eric so I could get in a quick workout. I did level 2 of 6 Week 6 Pack and it made me feel better. That and all the water and good food and my icky weekend bloat is nearly gone. I'm on track for some more really good days. Not sure I'll be getting a workout in today, but I'm off Wednesday so will probably do some stroller running. I'm doing a circuits class Thursday instead of my normal pilates-strength class so I'm looking forward to something different.

    Hope you all have a great day!

    Have a great Tuesday ladies!
  • Beeps2011
    Beeps2011 Posts: 12,161 Member
    shander, the best debloat I have EVER experienced was when I had that brutal fever/chills spell about 3 weeks ago....I just had no appetite and my belly was SO SUPER FLAT. Obviously, not recommended that you get "sick", but I do think liquid cleanses (i.e. little to no food) do have their place!!

    Better - you sound AWESOME!! I need some of your good cheer to rub off on me!!
  • shanaber
    shanaber Posts: 6,423 Member
    My goals for this week are:
    - keep eating well and getting in all the protein
    - run 5 days and run early before it gets hot (although is is supposed to cool off again)
    - run 9-10 miles on Saturday (that half marathon is coming up too soon!)
    - strength train 3x

    I used to get up and run early before it got too warm out and before work got crazy busy. Now work is REALLY slow and I am a bit bored and that leads to me doing even less... I find excuses not to get out the door early for a run or not at all, even though I know that once I get out there I will feel better all day long and sleep better too.

    I still haven't lost anything since changing the macros and upping the calories but I haven't gained either so I will just keep at it :)
    Beeps - I am there with you on trying to just get 5 lbs off - then I will worry about the next 5! I am pretty sure they are glued on with super glue tho!

    Shander - that sounds great to get to go to the Wheel of Fortune! I hope your sister wins!! I definitely think you should try to get to the beach (Santa Monica isn't far from Hollywood) even if just for an hour or two. Another great place is the Grove - it is a shopping, eating, entertainment complex. It is a fun to shop or window shop (many of the places are very pricey) or just walk around and people watch!

    KC - I am just under 5'2"

    Welcome Teresa!

    I am going out to dinner and a concert in LA on Wednesday with a friend - hoping not to overindulge too much and stay 'near' my calories.

    Have a wonderful week everyone!
  • KellyBgetsfit
    KellyBgetsfit Posts: 1,713 Member
    Yesterday=FAIL. 300 calories over AND a million carbs AND no workout. Honestly, I was bummed that I regained the pound I worked so HARD to lose and I needed to go to the store but never made it - hence, the bad food choices.

    Today is a new day. I WILL go to the store so I have food . Today i want to do P90X upper body and T-25 ab intervals. I even set aside a time to drop everything and workout.

    Shannon- FUN! I always tell my husband he needs to go on that show.

    Ashley-way to recover! Sounds like an excellent Monday.

    Shanaber-Great goals!
  • zgolub
    zgolub Posts: 90 Member
    Ram, I'm with CHLOE.
    The extra 10lbs of baby weight that are hanging on 6 months later are a slight nuisance, but definitely not worth all the worry. Pregnancy is a special time and while healthy eating should be a focus, an occasional (or more than occasional) indulgence to soothe those cravings is fine. Enjoy the time, don't stress so much. Just indulge within reason and make sure you get in lots of fruits, veggies and whole grains...and of course your Pre-natal vitamin.

    Get out and move, stay strong and active, enjoy spring!
  • zgolub
    zgolub Posts: 90 Member
    Kc- don't let one pound get you down.

    Keep at it, you will soon see even better results. Great plan to make sure you have healthy food to make healthy snack choices. You sound really pumped for this week...it inspires me too!

    I am working a ton (60 hours) of a night shift job this week. So, hard to plan many workouts. I'll plan on 2 jogs, and 3 20 minute callisthenic sessions at home. and of course, plan to log in calories and not go over the weekly allotment.

    Hope to also find some time/energy to see my 6 month old cutie pie as much as I can. Peek-a-boo sit ups will be utilized :)
  • zgolub
    zgolub Posts: 90 Member
    Ram, quick question, are you breastfeeding? If so, do you add 500 cal into your daily allowance?
    Sorry if this was discussed already, I'm late to join in.
  • Beeps2011
    Beeps2011 Posts: 12,161 Member
    For transparency:

    I have increased my calories....I really am hitting "maintenance" more days than "deficit" and I want my mfp logging to reflect that!

    I won't change my "April challenge" calories ('cause that's a no-no!), but you likely will see a lot more "SILVERS" or BRONZES because of my own mfp logging.

    Today, I lift!
  • amysj303
    amysj303 Posts: 5,086 Member
    Today, I rest!

    I have worked out every day since last Wednesday, pretty impressive for me. I am getting stronger, I can do several pushups now. My pullups don't seem to be improving, however...

    Last night I went for a jog and logged it because I meant to have a low-cal day but I just kept eating.

    Welcome back, Theresa, sounds like good goals!

    I weighed this morning and was just down .5 from last week, which is ok, but last week was up 2 lbs from the prior week...
  • ChLoE1130
    ChLoE1130 Posts: 1,696 Member
    zgolub- I think your breastfeeding question may be directed to me instead of Ram. I have my goal set at 1750 and I do not log exercise or breastfeeding cals. When I first had the baby I did 2000 and then dropped it by 50 every time my weight loss stalled.

    I have been doing ok this week. I did have a glass of wine Monday and Tuesday and I will most likely have another tonight. It has been a rough week at work. But, my eating has been pretty good. I did plan on having a healthy dinner of leftovers last night but when I got home it was gone. My little sister ate it, she babysits on Tuesdays. So my dinner wasn't as good as planned. But, I have worked out everyday this week. So that's a win:happy:
  • Beeps2011
    Beeps2011 Posts: 12,161 Member
    Amy....YAY on the "several push-ups"! Pull-ups are H-A-R-D. I only even try them a couple times a year because I STILL CANNOT DO ONE!

    Chloe - h*ll YA working out everyday is a "win"!! For SURE! that is NO easy task, mama!!

    My quads are killing me. They shouldn't be. the lower body work i did, today, was weighted hip thrusts and T-bends. Gawd-d*mmit if I am STILL getting TOO MUCH QUAD and NOT ENOUGH GLUTE!!
  • shanaber
    shanaber Posts: 6,423 Member
    Beeps - I did plie dumbbell squats last night and should feel it in my quads but instead feel it in my glutes!

    I have never been able to do a single unassisted pull up but can now at least lift my body enough that it is noticeable - I am positive if I keep trying I will be able to do it one day! On the bright side I have no issue with push-ups any longer! My husband actually noticed and commented on 'how muscular my arms have gotten' - I can't believe it has taken him so long to notice but I am really excited he did!

    I was over on carbs and calories yesterday - just so hungry! I am trying really hard to be good today since I am going out tonight but I am pretty sure I will be over again today too. Hopefully the rest of the week will be better!
  • jenomaha
    jenomaha Posts: 631 Member
    Beeps, are you pushing through your heel with those hip thrusts and squeezing your glutes at the top of the thrust?? I did one legged weighted hip thrusts on Sunday (shoulders on the bench, rest of the body off the bench) and my glutes are still screaming at me!

    I've had a great week. I tried Insanity at my gym on Monday and it was an hour of pure torturous plyometric/body weight hell! I still hurt! Not sure if I will do it again. It was a challenge and a nice switch. Yesterday, I tried Pilates on a reformer and I was amazed at what a good workout it was. Classes are expensive though, so I probably won't do that again either. Then today, I did the elliptical for a little bit while my son played bball, so I've really switched things up this week!

    Sounds like everyone is moving along nicely!! Keep it up, ladies!! Sorry I don't have time to comment on everyone, I'm trying to pack and get things ready for my trip and I have to teach at 6:30 tomorrow morning and then do weights!!
  • Beeps2011
    Beeps2011 Posts: 12,161 Member
    jenomaha - I am pretty positive my hip thrust form is spot-on. I've now been doing weighted hip thrusts for >1 year and, yep, I SQUEEZE my glutes at the top and I place my feet properly and PUSH through heels.

    I swear if I had MORE time, though, i would also do hip thrusts single leg style....right now, my work-out is running close to 75 minutes!! That is L-O-N-G when you are sneaking out of work to drive to a gym to do THAT over the lunch hour.

    Dumb or NOT dumb, I joined another mfp challenge!! It is 14 weeks. I want to lose 6 lbs. This *is* doable!!
  • KellyBgetsfit
    KellyBgetsfit Posts: 1,713 Member
    Good Morning! I've had a few good days. I'm feeling pretty proud...but yesterday I saw a friend who has lost 20 pounds in just over two months and weighs 115. I know, I know...and she admits she ate VERY LOW and has lost muscle mass....but I'm still a little jealous. She has a very small frame and probably weighed 100 pounds when we were in high school. I am only 5'0 and would be happy at 120.

    Beeps- I know ti's common for the quads to take over in a lots of booty exercises because they are a stronger muscle group. No ideas how to stop it though.

    Shanaber- I know I focus more on a balance week rather than day. it helps me. If my carbs are high one day, the next day..or two days later, I try to eat lower carbs. Same with calories.

    jen- Great Job

    Chloe-I think you are doing great with steady, consistent loss.
  • amysj303
    amysj303 Posts: 5,086 Member
    kc, I know the feeling, my sister lost about 20 pounds in a month when she upped her wellbutrin dose. It was crazy. I saw her in November and she couldn't wear my size 4 jeans and then a month later she is wearing her daughter's 0s. I know she did by, basically not eating-but I was a little jealous...

    I was pretty good last night. Actually had one beer. We tried to go to the asian noodle place but they weren't open yet, so we went somewhere for a beer, then went back, they still were closed so we went to a pho place without a liquor license and so I just had water with my bowl.

    I will have to look up that move, Jen, I can't picture it!

    That is a really long workout Beeps, I couldn't do it!

    For pull-ups I read that I should be doing "reverse pullups" so I jump up and try to lower myself as slowly as I can. I have been trying to do pullups, not chinups, but I am not sure if I should try for chinups because they are easier? Also, I could get some resistance bands, that is the other way to train up to them.
  • Better_Balance_2011
    Better_Balance_2011 Posts: 3,711 Member
    Hey ladies. A lot to catch up on so I'll just quickly check in. I've had a good week. I've been under almost all days, slightly over Tuesday, but more than made up for it on Monday. I'm thinking I may try to make Mondays very low, like I think I had around 1000 calories. I never felt super hungry that day; had the protein shake for lunch and a sensible dinner. Maybe I'll try that at least every other week till vacation. Which is about 7 weeks away!

    I also saw a 1 pound loss yesterday! It has me motivated again. That's the lowest weight I've seen this year. So I've got 2.5 pounds to lose in 7 weeks to hit my goal. I can do it!

    I got a nice run and some walking in yesterday and the weather was pretty nice. A little chilly, but nice and sunny.

    Well I had a dr. appointment this morning so should technically be working so I better run. Have a great Thursday!
  • jenomaha
    jenomaha Posts: 631 Member
    Beeps – Wow, 75 min?!?! I’d lose my concentration, lol! I figured you’d have the form on those hip thrusts, you are big on that…so since that’s right, I don’t know how to stop the quad thing. But, if you want to add the single leg thrusts in, maybe switch out the two legged ones during one of your sessions to save some time. Just another possibility 

    Better - That is fantastic!! You will meet that goal for sure!! Way to go!

    KC – Glad to hear you have been having a good week. Keep up it up!!
    Amy – I still need to try pho. Is it anything like Pad Thai?! And I’ve trained for pull ups with the bands….that’s some serious stuff there!! You can do it!!
    Here is a pic of the way I do the single leg hip thrust, but I have a barbell across my hips- http://www.shape.com/fitness/workouts/heavy-lifting-sculpt-stronger-leaner-slimmer-body/slide/6

    Alright, ladies, the weekend will be here before we know it!! Enjoy!!!
  • abigail1977
    abigail1977 Posts: 544 Member
    Wow am I far behind! Been dealing with sick kiddos. My youngest was out of school Thursday & Friday & then my older one got it over the weekend and missed Monday & Tuesday from school so I am way far behind at work. They had a nasty cough & runny nose accompanied by a low grade fever & all over yuckiness. My husband had it too for a bit. Thank God it never hit me. I am hanging in there. Anyways, I cannot wait for Easter Sunday to come. I need sugar! Hopefully I won't go too overboard, but I am not making any promises. :)

    Now I need to go back & get caught up on everyone.
  • shanaber
    shanaber Posts: 6,423 Member
    I ended up doing ok last night. We went to a great restaurant and I ordered a vegan pizza (Spinach, Artichoke Hearts, Wild Mushrooms & Kalamata Olives Topped with Basil Pesto Oil) with mozzarella cheese added. I don't usually eat pizza but this was delicious! It was huge - can't believe how big it was and intended for 1 person. I ate 2.5 slices, was stuffed and brought the rest home. Only had 2 glasses of wine - one with dinner and one at the concert. Only issue for today is I got home so late and I had to be up early this morning for work. Still trying to make it out the door for a run. Have strength training tonight and I am hoping to get in a quick nap so I am not falling asleep during my session :yawn:
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