How am I doing??

Hi!

The first thing that popped out at me was the high levels of sodium. Sodium has a tendency to cause water retention, which could cause the scale to stay put.

Agree about the sodium. A couple of other ideas:

Have you adjusted your goals to account for weight loss?

Also, if you measure exercise calories using an HRM, then be sure to subjectract your BMR calories from what your HRM reports.

My husband has had 2 heart attacks (before 40) and his cardiologist says for him to cut the cheese out as much as possible. I agree the sodium will help you retain water and that isn't good. Good luck & keep us posted on how your are doing.

Bobbi

I agree with the previous posters...your sodium is awfully high and your diet seems to be lacking in veggies. FWIW, there are better protein shakes out there with less sodium and more protein. I use one that is egg white based, rather than whey based and although the egg white based are typically higher in sodium (mine has 380mg), it also has only 4g carbs and delivers twice the protein...24g.

Good luck w/ your journey!

Here is what I'm thinking....

I'm in a similar boat as Im in an office biggest looser contest right now and have been battling it out for first place with an evil (actually she's about the nicest person I know) girl who posted a 5 pound loss this past week....7 weeks into the contest. UG! only 1 more week left so I've been researching everything I can do to win...anyway.....

1. Way to much sodium...you are holing on to a lot of water and haven't been going berserk (like me) on the low side of calorie intake (this is the root of my issue by the way). From everything I've read the body has symbiotic relationships between sodium,calcuim,potassium and magnesium. These are the electolytes that keep the electrical system working properly. t can be dangerous if you cause a whacky imbalance but with sodium it could take a while. Continue your exercise and knock your sodium to about 1000 per day.

2. To flush out excess water eat foods that have diuretic properties. Though I'm on h\the verge of popping lasix to win this contest (kidding) you can eat and drink foods that will help to flush out some water. The best of all of these is water itsself...from what I've read distilled is the best because the minerals in spring water impede the process to a small degree. Some other fluids that are good are crainberry juice (100% with no sugar) and green tea.

3. Eat foods that increase your metabolism. The whole weight loss thing is calories in and calories out....BUT...if you dont watch it you can screw up your metabolism and make it much slower which is what I've done. Eat foods to help kick it up a notch like lots of potein...staying away from refined sugars and carbs. Also, apparently grapefruit is some sort of wonder fruit as it affects blood sugar in a positive way so as to help with weight loss. Other metabolism boosters I found on the net include broccoli, brussel sprouts, tomatoes and hot peppers....all for different reasons.

4. Work out like a fiend.....lots of cardio if your concerned about doing it quickly or...if less concerned with loosing quickly...high intensity interval traning and working with weight. When I'm done with this stupid contest its what I plan to do but for now its run run run.


Anyway...hope some of this was new to you and good luck!

Hi Blondie,
I just saw and accepted your friend request. I'm glad I could help you with some suggestions.

I will definitely let you know how the trainer's program he sets up for me works. He has seen how hard I have been working at the gym and actually offered to help me free of charge since he knows it is all I can do to scrap together the monthly gym fee. He will be working with me starting next Saturday, since he covers the weekend hours at the gym and has to be there anyway. (he sees his paying clients during the week) I am really looking forward to learning/training with him.