Need to Lose 100 LBS -Robins Thread !

Sorry I didn't get to everyone in my previous post. I will catch up with the rest of you this weekend.

I do want to give a hearty welcome to all of the newlings!

Thursday Truth:
Just limping along here figuratively and literally. That's right. For no apparent reason my plantar fasciitis started acting up yesterday. I wore my cute Coach sneakers 2 days in a row (with my orthotics, of course) so I fear this means they are no longer wearable. Today I wore my brand new Asics runners and my foot is a thousand times better. I'm hoping I will be able to run on Sunday.

In addition to the foot pain, I seem to have contracted whatever virus has been roaming the halls and classrooms at the HS. Lots of chest congestion and a bit of the sniffles. As of right now, it seems to be a mild case, but I canceled PT this afternoon so I could just have a day off (after work). One more day of work and then I'm off for a full week. Hooray!!

March Challenge:
At or under calories 5/7 days every week and at or under as a weekly average.
Week 1: At/under calories 4/7 (but one day I was only over by 7 calories) UNDER FOR WK
Week 2: At/under calories 5/7 OVER FOR WK

All-in strength challenge=core work 3 x/week; PT 1-2 x/week; run 3 x/week:
Week 1: 1/3 core; PT DONE; 1/3 runs (sick most of week though)
Week 2: 1/3 core; PT DONE; 1/3 runs
Week 3: x/3 core; PT; x/3 runs
Week 4: x/3 core; PT; x/3 runs
8k at end of month (not sure what day) in 55 minutes (Thanksgiving 8k = 56:49, NYE 8k = 57:47, 1/25 = 55:41; 2/28=55:15)

Grading Goals:
1. 64/64 AP essays DONE
2. x/16 AP analysis activities
3. x/12 America Poem analyses
4. 16/60 Gatsby tests
5. x/64 Wuthering Heights journals

Exercise Goals: (week 3)
Sun--walk gunner DONE
Mon--meeting
Tues--PT DONE + walk gunner NOT DONE
Wed--meeting
Thurs--PT NOT DONE + walk gunner DONE
Fri--rest day
Sat--walk gunner

2015 Mantra = Just 15 minutes

Hi Tom, Sorry to hear what you have been battling both health and work wise. It is good to see you back. I can understand about work keeping you busy since I have been right there with you. Work and after work meetings are keeping me busy right now and I hope it slows down soon. The pizza sounds great so glad you enjoyed it.

Susan, Kelley, Robin, Tom, Karen and other runners/ walkers who are interested- The 9/11 Run for Hero's is September 12 in Chicago sponsored by the Travis Manion foundation. Karen are you in town that weekend, let me know and we can plan accordingly? Atlanta also has a run around that weekend as well.

Angelika-Your story is amazing, glad you are back. Congratulations on the adaptation.

Once again I have been extremely busy and trying to get things done. Last night, I did swim early in the evening. Tonight, I took the day off from exercise and it was very nice to stay home.

Wish is for all those struggling, may you find your way back and the determination to stay the course.

Truth- We all get tired along this journey and our bodies adapt. However, it is important that we find new things to challenge ourselves and to push ourselves to new limits. My challenge right now is finding the desire to complete the triathlon in April and determine the true reason as to why I am doing it. The first reason that pops into my head is not good enough for me to do this. It makes me sad- the reason is that I want to try something my trainer has done. That is not the personal motivation I need and every time I think about training or get some tips I start getting freaked out. This is not good. Plus, the weather here is not cooperating for outdoor bike riding and running. I hope that changes soon so I can get back on the bike before April.

Hope everyone has a terrific Friday.

@Tom glad to see you back.
I'm afraid today has ended up being an incomplete log. This evening was the celebration of the 173rd birthday of the Women's organization for our church. We had a wonderful time, and the food was great. The rest of the day was good, and the meal was okay, too, but it fell apart when I went to the dessert pot luck table. Unfortunately, there are a lot of amazing cooks on our group. I didn't feel like I was over indulging, but even 1 tablespoon adds up when you try several different ones. I have no idea how to log it.
This afternoon we went to the doctor to have DH's stitches removed. It's an hour away and we made a quick Costco run so it took all afternoon. I will have to pedal for exercise tonight.
Welcome to all of the newcomers. Looking forward to getting to know you.
Onward and downward. Kaye

@grandmakaye44‌ Those church dinners are hard to maneuver through at my church also. Our church is having one soon so I'm glad you said something as Ii can now be thinking of a plan.

@sineanbroc‌ Just like Kaye's tablespoons at the dessert table can add up so can the "small bites" of exercise.

Friday Fitness: We are going to the remodel job today. Lots of lifting and carting boards, tubs, hot water heater, etc. putting up at least 3 walls. I'm going to walk at least 1/2 mile before I leave this morning.

Have a beautiful day today. You are loved beyond measure.

Good morning, instead of a Friday fitness post, I’m going to do a question that I hope you all can help me with. My BMR is 1894 (I’m now using age 42 since I’m only a couple weeks away). My TDEE (used little to no exercise because I add exercise calories) is 2267. I’ve done the TDEE – 20% and set my calorie goal at 1820 (I know that math is a bit off but pretty close to the 20%). Over the past month I’ve been pretty darn close to that with my net calories most days. Except this week, I’ve been pretty good about my water intake as well – for sure getting in 50 oz but usually 75 oz. My exercise, except this week, has been a mixture of cardio and weight training. When I do cardio, while I do not run, I put my full effort into it. My weight in the same 30 days has only gone down 1.8 pounds. SIGH. What would a recommendation be? GRRR.

@Kelley…jealous of your spring as we went back down to seasonal weather and will see the 30s-50s this week.
@Tom…I did get some poultry in yesterday to celebrate – chicken cordon bleu. Yumm!
@Mel…great job on being prepared for the upcoming week. I told my husband we needed to get going on that and start using up what we have instead of buying more. Although the main reason is I was just able to secure 40 lbs of ribs (my husband’s favorite thing in the world) and 40 lbs of hamburger ($4.49 for 93/7% which beats our prices here by a couple of bucks) that will need freezer space in April and May. Even if it’s the higher end in calories, homemade is always better, I’m just too lazy sometimes to not use the processed stuff – I’m working on that.
@Lori…What a hard lesson your son is learning, but hopefully this time he learns it well and appreciates his parents’ sacrifices. I agree that God has a plan (not always easy to remember when going through trials but…).
@Laurie…that Run for Heros sounds wonderful and while Chicago isn’t all that far away, after two trips this year (and my son going to DC through the school) I don’t think I’ll be making it. I hope all that can make it have a wonderful time. I hope you can find some internal motivation for this triatholon. I know it’s something you can do.
@ledbetter…today should be a great workout for you.
@Ms Fluctuation Frustration...you can do this!

AFM…more cake to finish up today. I have the decorations done and I got them all baked and crumb coated yesterday. I wasn’t sure I was going to get that done since I used a suggestion from some of my fellow bakers. They suggested using water under the cakes to help them rise evenly. I was so concentrated on that that I somehow forgot to turn the temp on my oven to 325 instead of the 350 it defaults to…cracked cakes on the first two…UGH. Luckily, I had enough batter to make some extra and it ultimately turned out. I will be taking the extra cake to somewhere as a donation (my family is about caked out).

I appreciate any advice you all can give me. Have a great day and here’s to a weekend that we all can stay on track.

I have my macros set at 40/30/30 but I'm not hitting them. Just staying under calories.

kah68 wrote: »

tlh0407 wrote: »

I have my macros set at 40/30/30 but I'm not hitting them. Just staying under calories.

Macros are comparable to what most of us are using, I think. Try not to worry about calories so much and concentrate on one of the macros (i.e. under on fat or meeting protein requirement) and see how you do over the next two weeks. Given your exercise routine I think you can get by without concentrating on calories but watching your macros closer--oh, and increasing that water! I'm working on increasing my water too (so far 48oz. today).

Then the next question is ... how accurately are you logging the calories ... and you might consider lowering your intake by 100 calories to see if it makes a difference. Those BMR and TDEE numbers are general averages and, unfortunately or fortunately, we are not average.

I've been struggling also ... and in fact, have gained weight in the past 30 days ... but I know I have over eaten. Good luck.

Good morning everyone,

Happy International Day of Happiness: happinessday
International Day of Happiness

“We tend to forget that happiness doesn’t come as a result of getting something we don’t have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have.” ~Fredrick Koeing

Tom

ARGH! - Had a whole post ready and hit the wrong button and lost it all.

@tlh0407‌ - My penny's worth is to eat about 10% more protein than carbs. It helps me feel full longer and I do not have the blood sugar spikes and lows that often cause me cravings. I also think MFP overestimates on exercise calories.

Friday Fitness - I am feeling really good about my swimming. Did a 1/2 hour this morning and am already decreasing my lap times by about 20 seconds.

@kah68‌ - I do not know what I would do without my laptop for even a day. So glad you have it back.

Happy Happiness day to all.
Lori

TGIF!!! I’m so glad this week is over. It’s been good, but just busy trying to get caught up after the long weekend away. Of course, I was NOT a happy camper last night. Yesterday was drizzling all day with temps in the 40’s. I thought for sure Cyrus’ baseball game would be cancelled. Of course not. I froze my patootie off. It was miserable. They used the excuse it’s turf so they can play. Well, the ball was wet and the kids were freezing. Real smart league leaders. NOT!!! Luckily, they pulled out the win 7-6, but I was so ready to get home. It was a LONG day. Tomorrow they have pictures and a game at Noon, but the weather is supposed to be sunny and 75 - thank goodness!!! I’ll than be spending the rest of the day cleaning, cleaning and more cleaning plus a ton of laundry getting ready for our house guest next week. Food wise it’s been OK. Not 100% on target that’s for sure, but taking baby steps. Logged some. Moved a little. Ate less. It’s a start.

@Kelley – It’s not the bottom of my heel, but actually the back of my ankle. It’s the strangest pain. When I’m over 300 lbs, the plantar facititis comes back, which I haven’t had in forever. I’m over 300 now (sigh), but it’s not the bottom at all but the back of my ankle.

@MountMary/Barb – Good job staying under yesterday. One day at a time.

@Tanya – Seriously? Mine is the FitBit Charge HR and it keeps getting pushed back and now May delivery. I ordered it directly from FitBit. They are giving me 20% for the delay so that’s a good thing. I have the FitBit One, but hate clipping it to my bra and hoping I like the wrist option better. Plus, I have nothing for my HR and really want to start monitoring that as well. I never wanted to wear the chest strap so hoping I’ll like this one. Thanks for the recap. Keep us updated on how you like it.

@Lori – Thanks. Totally agree. We will be and can be victorious. It’s just taking some of us much slower than others. Glad to read the hubby post too. I know it’s not easy, but you have to try and if you get to a crossroads again than some serious decisions have to be made. Keep fighting though. 34 years is nothing to give up. Hugs to you too regarding your son. I know some very tough conversations will be taking place. I’ve always believed God will never give us more than we can handle, but sometimes you just sit and wonder. Plus, I always remind myself how lucky I am to have a roof over my end, a good job, a car that runs (most of the time) and overall good health even with what the scale reads. There will always be someone who has it a lot worse than me that's for sure. I'm very lucky. Hang tough my friend.

@Angelika – Wow! You’ve had a LOT going on. Having awful neighbors is just brutal. I’m so glad you were able to move and into a house too. It makes a world of difference. Congrats on your son! He’s a lucky boy to have found his forever home. It takes very special people to foster and unfortunately there’s some out there not so special. Hope your DH has a speedy recovery. I know it could have been so much worse.

@Laurie, @Kelley and anyone else interested – I hate Karen cannot join us for the race, but Atlanta’s a pretty good hub for decent flights (normally). Also, I would be willing to offer up my house as a place to stay (if your comfortable with that) to help save costs. You can fly in, take the MARTA train north and I can pick you up. I’m totally open and would love to play host.

@Brown_Eyed_Frog – You’re not alone. I can’t tell you how many candy wrappers, cookie bags, donut bags, etc. . . have been hidden or eaten after hours. I’m a single parent and for me I always thought food was a reward. I work hard. I’m doing this by myself. After I put my son to bed it’s finally me time and that means eating. It’s been a vicious cycle for many years. I’m not quite over it, but slowly learning. I’ve always said eating less and moving more is important, but even more important is the mental side of this journey. Keep fighting for yourself!

@Tricia8008 – I can totally relate. I started in August 2012. I’ve lost 50 lbs. Gained back 25 and kept off 25 for a solid year. Unfortunately, it’s come back and I’m back to the starting weight. Sigh. I am learning though because of this group. They’re an amazing support system. Yes, I’m not happy I’m back at this weight, but I know what I need to do and with their continued support I WILL take it off again. You can too!!

@Morgori/Tom – The Unknown quote is so true. WOW!

@Amanda, @Tracy – I’m in the same boat. My teeth were a mess and full of cavities. I haven't had any in years, which is good. My son has done pretty good though, but also has some sealants as well. I think your exactly right. We didn’t go to the dentist as often either and thanks to our insurance my son goes on a regular basis. @Amanda - Also, I’m in the same boat with sleep. I’m staying up way too late for the time I need to get up. They say the lack of sleep can be a hinderance on weight loss. I’m going to use that as my excuse going forward. Sure, lack of sleep and not the extra food and lack of exercise is causing me to not lose weight. Oh brother. LOL!!

@Melifornia – Eeeewww!! Ground Beef from 2012 is no good – throw it out!! I’m doing the same thing this weekend. Everything is getting cleaned out. Menu is being made for the week with recipes and shopping to follow. I keep bags of almonds, walnuts, jerky, etc. . . so it’s the portion I need. Yes, it takes work to plan, but it helps keep me on track that’s for sure. Good for you!!

@Karen – I’m glad the scale is being kind. We all know it has a mind of it’s own that’s for sure. Sorry your feeling a little under the weather. Tackle that crap immediately so it doesn’t go full blown.

Wow, the thread is moving fast!

@Melifornia.. I do the same thing from time to time to 'kickstart' myself into healthy eating again. Recipes, list, groceries, portions... I do the same with the smoothie baggies in the freezer! it makes it so fast and easy in the morning.

@Susan... or anyone following my fitbit posts. So that first day was a fluke, as it's settled quite nicely now and I'm finding the numbers to be very comparable to my force data. I do find the HR accurate on it. A new feature I found is that you can set (on website dashboard) to tap display screen twice and it will display one set of data without you having to press the button through the sequence. I picked HR so I can tap during a workout to make sure my HR is in the right zone. I also tried the "track activity" function, which lets you choose run, walk or hike. It's just like the MapMyRun app, so that's one less app I have to use! It shows the map of your route, time, distance, splits, your average HR, plus how many minutes in your HR zones. Then it will show that session in relation to the rest of your day (how many exercise calories, AM etc). It is really packed full of features, and I'm really glad I decided to buy it. Again, the only thing I don't like about it (or have to get used to) is having to wear the band snug, I really liked to wear my force quite loose. I have carpal tunnel syndrome and I am feeling a bit of an ache in that wrist. I will have to take it off more often (Fitbit suggests this anyway) than I did my Force... which was 10 min a day for my shower.

Just adding... I noticed that my hike today was not synced to MFP, and I cannot figure out how to log it. The log function will not let me choose that session. Boo... need to figure that one out.

@Laurie... in your Thurs. truth you mentioned finding new activities to challenge you and push you to your limits. This will sound silly but lately I have been challenging myself to climb trees! I talk about geocaching all the time. (containers hidden all over the world and people use a GPS to find them, sign in and log their experience online) Well, some of these containers are hidden up in trees. A year ago I was 50 lbs heavier and HATED the tree climb caches because I had to walk away from them, I couldn't climb up, I was weak, too heavy. Now, I can climb 80 ft up a huge pine tree, and am enjoying it so much. It's quite an accomplishment, and it is such a rush of adrenalin to be up so high. I've even asked my trainer at physio to give me more upper body exercises (I told him I wanted to work up to a pull up- not that I wanted to climb trees ) so I can pull myself up into a tree where the lowest branch is at about my shoulder level. Unheard of a few months ago!

AFM... this week has not been good... I started having cluster headaches on Sunday night after months without any. They are whiplash headaches and originate in the back of my neck just below the skull bone. I've been waking up with a tight band of pain across my forehead every morning this week, and the pain moves all around my head all day long. I've been going to bed at about 8-8:30 pm all week, as long as I'm asleep I don't feel it. I take 2 meds at bed that knock me out and allow me to sleep. I've had a heating pad on my neck and cold cloth on my forehead every night too. Today, finally... the headaches stopped. All of a sudden, gone. It is such a relief, the neck and shoulder pain persists but at least I can bear that better than the headaches. I need some more acupuncture treatment I think. I didn't believe it worked when I had those sessions a few months ago, but now I'm beginning to think it helped. The chiropractor who did it is now gone, and the new chiro does not do it. The new accupuncturist has limited hours so far and none jives with my work schedule. Apparently my physiotherapist does it too, so I will have to ask her for treatment next time I see her.

Hi everyone-
Well, I'm officially on Spring Break. Although I'm happy about it, today was bittersweet. We went out after work with some current and former work friends. One was my friend who I've mentioned is back to battling cancer. This was the first time I've gotten to see her in person and talk to her about her prognosis and it's not good. She's back on chemo--doing an oral treatment this time where she's 7 days on and 21 days off. When asked for how long/how many rounds, her response was "until it stops working."

Basically, this time the cancer is no longer considered curable, just treatable. Her doctors feel any attempt to completely eradicate the cancer will result in such a poor quality of life that it's not worth trying. I couldn't bring myself to ask how long they think it will keep the cancer in check. She's 28 years old.

I managed to hold it together and have a good time just hanging out with her, but I bawled the whole way home and 2 hours later I'm still crying. Trying to get it all out of my system now, so I can keep my composure during the fundraiser in her honor tomorrow.

My food today absolutely sucked and I'm having a hard time even caring about that right now. I know I'll be back at it tomorrow, but can't worry about it at the moment.

Friday Fitness:
Ugh. Other than a short walk or tow with gunner, I've gotten in zero exercise this week. My foot is feeling better today, but still not 100%. My cold hasn't gotten any worse, so that's good.

March Challenge:
At or under calories 5/7 days every week and at or under as a weekly average.
Week 1: At/under calories 4/7 (but one day I was only over by 7 calories) UNDER FOR WK
Week 2: At/under calories 5/7 OVER FOR WK

All-in strength challenge=core work 3 x/week; PT 1-2 x/week; run 3 x/week:
Week 1: 1/3 core; PT DONE; 1/3 runs (sick most of week though)
Week 2: 1/3 core; PT DONE; 1/3 runs
Week 3: x/3 core; PT; x/3 runs
Week 4: x/3 core; PT; x/3 runs
8k at end of month (not sure what day) in 55 minutes (Thanksgiving 8k = 56:49, NYE 8k = 57:47, 1/25 = 55:41; 2/28=55:15)

Grading Goals:
1. x/64 AP essays
2. x/16 AP analysis activities
3. x/12 America Poem analyses
4. 45/60 Gatsby tests
5. 1/64 Wuthering Heights journals

Exercise Goals: (week 3)
Sun--walk gunner DONE
Mon--meeting
Tues--PT DONE + walk gunner NOT DONE
Wed--meeting
Thurs--PT NOT DONE + walk gunner DONE
Fri--rest day
Sat--walk gunner

2015 Mantra = Just 15 minutes

bump

So I missed Friday, but to get back on track. Saturday is about successes, and this week I've had a couple. My friends went out for yogurt (the kind that I add brownies to), and I declined. They made a whole bunch of food that smelled wonderful but was wrapped in carbs, and when I stood their smelling it I took a deep breath and grabbed a container of cut cauliflower I'd prepared earlier in the day.

If I'd had the yogurt or the pot-stickers, I know I would have taken the opportunity to keep eating and it would end in a binge. So for me, these were very positive things. The same friends did bring home some beef jerky and encouraged me to have some though, so that's extra nice.

Ok folks, I've been absent from the thread for more than a week, and it took me HOURS to catch up (& I still think I missed a few things). I'm not going to try to do personals because I'm on my iPhone.
AFM - in the last 2 weeks, so much has happened and I have to say my stress level is definitely UP! Last Monday we had to put our Elektra down, after 5 months of trying to get her better (& $2k in expenses) she was worse off than when we started, unable to stand, lift he head, eat or even poop without help. So Monday we took her in and had her euthanized. It was a difficult day. Thurs last week was my hubs 67th birthday. He's been having problems with his breathing for weeks (he has COPD/emphysema) and it was getting worse. We saw his GU doc on Thursday and she told him to go to pulmonary & get a treatment but he didn't. We went out to the County Line BBQ for dinner with family & friends and had a great time. Friday night when he picked me up from work he told me he wanted to go to the emergency room on Saturday for a breathing treatment. When we got there they admitted him & transported him to Austin in an ambulance. He was in the hospital for 5 days with pneumonia. They sent him home with oxygen which he uses all the time now. Now I have allergy related chest congestion & I hope I'm not coming down with bronchitis again! Trying to deal with my hubs with patience & understanding and still keep my sanity is wearing on me and I need a break bad.
- So, then yesterday my niece had her baby boy Aiden. I just tried to visit and got there just when quiet time started so I have to leave then come back, GRER!