Long duration fairly intense cardio works

I got a bicycle and ride the crap out of it

Joined the Map My Ride Challenge and am having fun with it

Yesterday was a good ride

Sleeping well. This seems to have a direct impact on the other things that I do. When I consistently sleep well, it's easier for me to keep stress in check, log on MFP, make healthy food choices and to be active.

MostlyWater wrote: »

And consistency. You don't get fat after one big meal and you don't get thin or strong from one workout.

That's a good one! I totally agree. You can't make exercise or tracking calories an optional thing. You just do it!

I buy about 8 - 10 pounds of vegetables a week and eat them with a protein each day. Have not thrown out any vegetables this year because I refuse to let them go bad. Avoid bread and sugar. I love cheese and eat it most every day, but avoid most other dairy products. My carbs stay low because of the calories I get from veggies protein and fats. I don't pay attention to carbs. Work at a desk, so I get no physical activity during the day. I go to the gym at least 5 times a week. The gym helps me earn more calories, stay strong and is a stress relief. I feel great after a workout. I have not been losing weight for a while because I do tend to have a beer or 2 after a workout, but I am less concerned about losing weight than I am about eating better. I'm convinced that I won't gain if I continue what I am doing and I enjoy the food I am eating. One thing about me that is important is that I love all food. Whatever I eat, I enjoy. I don't have any food restrictions except for those I place on myself by choice.

Portion control. I'd give details but I don't want to Food Trigger anyone.

evinston wrote: »

Move more, eat less...I don't freak out if I blow it. I think "hmmm, I wonder what triggered that". I attempt to figure it out, accept it, and move on. And, believe it or not, talking to myself really helps. "Alright girl, you know what you have to do; and, you know you can do it. Get busy."

Very Inspiring!!!

Having a trip scheduled somewhere warm works GRrreat for me April I go on a Cruise in Mexico, The off to Spain in June!!!

MrsMaui27 wrote: »

Having a trip scheduled somewhere warm works GRrreat for me April I go on a Cruise in Mexico, The off to Spain in June!!!

I lived in Spain for a year, attended the Universidad de Valladolid. Get yourself a good guide book. There is so much history, theatre, symphonies, and food & wine.

Here's a tid bit: when the European Union coin was first minted, Portugal and Spain were not separated. Rightfully, Portugal wanted the border drawn on the coin to show they were two distinct countries.

Enjoy your trips.

BRaye325 wrote: »

Logging daily on MFP is working for me. Yesterday I just hit a 365 day logging streak!

Well done, sir!! Nice feeling, isn't it?

Definitely portion control.

I would say the biggest key to my success (CICO being the method!) is prep work. I'm really good (no actually, I LOVE) eating the same food every single day; for example, I've eaten my breakfast omlette almost every day for the last 10 years! And I have regular lunch choices. These require no thought, just prep work. I have found meals that fill me up, are satisfying and I don't feel the need to have daily grazing festivals. I log every day.

So my husband and I prepare and eat really good, satisfying dinners almost every night. I mean, dinners that are better than restaurant: tuna steak, sushi, salmon, chicken on the BGE etc. I rarely feel the need for "cheat" meals (I hate that word). I never feel deprived for something better because, for us, it doesn't get better than our salmon!!

I lost steady weight with zero plateaus at 2 lbs/week. I just hit my goal range with almost 50 lbs gone! And since I've not been on a diet, for the first time in my life I'm 100% confident I can keep it off. I will have to log 80% of the time to maintain fer sure.

Even as I sit here and eat a piece of Red Velvet cake for breakfast on Christmas morning. HA HAHA.

I'm 54 years old.

Kellygirl will you please add me as a friend. I'm on the road and the updated MFP would like me to log in - in order to send you a message. I'm guilty of not remembering all user names and passwords.

I have lost 62.5 pounds and have another 30 to go. I think I can do it while improving my quality of life. I am right there with you regarding the restaurant. Rarely have I had a restaurant serve me with fine crystal, china, and linen - while playing my absolute favorite dinner music.

I'd really like to get back to that.

bubbajoe1066 wrote: »

Well, whats works for me ..so far... cutting out all added salt and sugar, all pasta,bread,white rice, drinking plain old water and lots of it ..and walking...walking and more walking...i bought myself a fitbit and for someone who is not much of a techno geek...i love this thing..i haven;t worn a watch in at least 35 years..took me a few days to get use to it..everyone on this journey really should have one or something like it... the other thing that is a huge help is i'm chief cook and bottle washer...(matter of survival the women of this family are terrible cooks) so i can pretty much make what i want.... i cook potatoes and rice and pasta for them and make myself salads and veggies.... its tough but so far i haven't been tempted .and i log everything i eat...surprised the heck out of me how much i look forward to doing that each day and making sure i'm under my calories for the day

I just transitioned from a HR monitor to the Fitbit Charge HR at Christmas and love it so much. I really only have 5 to 10 vanity pounds left to lose but this thing is going to make it so much easier, both in motivation and information!

I'm also the chief cook in the family, which makes it so much easier to control the day right??? And......my husband lost weight without really trying because he actually eats what I cook!!! LOL

I'll repeat this here for all the new members of MFP and this group.........numero uno for me as far as what works is pre-logging meals. Since I am the chief cook I know what's on the menu and I can log everything in the morning and then all I have to do is stick to it............not always easy, but it's much easier than looking back on the day and realizing I blew it at breakfast!!!!

Consistency. Portion Control. Plain and simple. No matter where I am, no matter what's going on, I don't stuff myself, and I get whatever exercise I can. Whether I'm going to weigh more or less, I'm going to take care of myself.