Women 200lb+, Let's Be Extra Awesome This August!!!
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Just a few shout outs!
@CupcakeCrusoe - congrats on your milestone. I agree with bringing treats into the house. Sometimes I have control and sometimes I do not, but when I don't and bring them in, it is really setting myself up.
@rpbarkernc - you look amazing!! How inspiring!
@grandrory - welcome!
@changeforeverlj - beautiful view! The walks and outdoor exercise are definitely the highlight of 2020.
@speyerj - congrats on hitting your goal and thank you for always chiming in with knowledge and advice. You are a role model for all of us.
@BrownSugar174 you are doing a terrific job. I wish things were different and we could meet up when you come to DC to move your daughter in. Maybe when you come back for a visit next summer.
@orangequilt nice progress!
@KeriA you are also doing so well, and through stressful times. Thank you for always supporting us with your kind words and perspective.
I can't respond to everyone right now but I am cheering you on. I read a cool quote from Eight Weeks to Optimum Health by Andrew Weil, which I wanted to share: "Consider that the heart first pumps oxygen-rich blood to itself through the coronary arteries, then sends it to the rest of the body. If it did not do so, it would be unable to supply all the needs beyond it. Self-love is not selfish or self-centeredness but the basis for extending love beyond yourself." The best gift we can give ourselves and our loved ones is our own health and self-care.5 -
@rpbarkernc - you look amazing. Congratulations on hitting your goal weight!
@aliciap0116 - I'm so glad that your son's school came to a decision that feels safe. And I am really sorry about the pay cut. That has got to be a hardship on your family and demoralizing for everyone in the company. I'm very sorry. But good for you for practicing self care and it appears to be showing up on the scale too!
@grandrory - You don't have to have a specific eating plan. At the end of the day, eating fewer calories than you burn will result in fat loss. If 1200 calories/day feels doable - than that is your eating plan. If it's hard to stick to you have a couple of options: Increase the calories limit - understanding that the weight loss will be slower, but having a plan that you can sustain will ultimately get you to your long term goal faster. Another option is to review your macros. When I started out at a 1000 calorie deficit a day, I was sooo hungry! All the time. After reading a bit, I heard that for most people protein is actually more satiating than other macros (fats and carbs). So I switched up my macros a bit - striving for a 30% Carb, 35% fat, 35% protein and found it more sustainable, even though I wasn't eating more calories. Other people swear by volume eating - having lots of salads, raw veggies or rice cakes that provide a satisfying crunch along with fiber to fill you up. That didn't work as well for me - I would be hungry again in 30 minutes. But eating a high protein snack - Greek yogurt, beef jerky, deli turkey, rotisserie chicken breast - that kept me going for a couple of hours. Give yourself some time to experiment - try things for a week or more to see how they feel over time. When something doesn't work, view it as an opportunity to learn what might work better next time. Be extra forgiving of yourself and don't forget to celebrate and reward your success.5 -
Wednesday weigh in
Highest weight: 435 (11/1/18)--lost 50 lbs. by the end of 2018 but got off track and gained back almost 31 lbs.
SW: 415.8 (4/17/19)
7/31: 220.6
8/5: 220.6
8/12: 216.2
8/19:
8/26:
8/31:
Aug. GW: 213.6
GW: 160 (then reevaluate)
Weekly exercise goals (I'm in the middle of revising these right now):
- bike ride or exercise bike 5 times per week - 5/5
- strength training (including core specific exercises) 2 times per week - 2/2
- chair yoga 4 times per week - 4/4
- steps onto aerobic step platform twice a day at least 3 times per week - 4 days last week
- bonus: 2 hikes last week
I'm in the middle of revising my exercise plan in hopes I can improve my functional fitness. Areas I want to focus on include climbing stairs, balance, posture, and overall strength but especially improving core strength. I also want to improve the distance I am able to go when biking and walking or hiking. I've researched the above areas and have some ideas on what I want to modify and/or add to my routine. The changes I made last week were scheduling doing steps on my step platform so I do that more consistently and NOT doing a short walking video 3 times a day 5 days a week. Since I am retired and mostly sedentary, I was doing the video 3 times a day to break up my sitting time (like @aliciap0116 is thinking of doing with 10 minute walks). That really helped me get more movement in my day without a big time commitment. However, as I mentioned in an earlier post, I've been riding my bike much more than in the past and that seems to take more out of me. I was having a hard time being motivated to continue with the walking video. I decided to pause that for now. I think I'll start back up with it when winter gets here but for now I want to take advantage of being able to ride outside for as long as I can. If I can get in a few outside walks or hikes each week as well I think that should be okay.
I know I don't comment too often but I do read all your posts and am so inspired by all of you. I've been at my parents a bit more the last few weeks as their doctor appointments have started up again after being paused for a few months due to Covid-19. The long drive to their house and back means I get behind some days on reading here but I really love it when I do get the time to get caught up with everyone's posts.
Hope everyone is well!8 -
I’m feeling really frustrated right now. My last “whoosh” took me to 226, but that was 10 days ago & I haven’t budged since. I’m considering making my goal more aggressive after this weekend if I don’t see a drop. Perhaps that will jump-start things again. I know I need to exercise, too & that would help move things along... but it’s so uncomfortable 😩 It’s over 100F every day; we haven’t even been leaving the house!
On the positive side, I’ve pretty much completely kicked the sodas to the curb. I had a can of Coke today, but it was the first in a week whereas previously I was drinking two or three cans daily. I’m using a zero-calorie caffeinated drink enhancer; it actually tastes really good!🥤8 -
Hi new here! My name is Shawna im about to be 30 and im a mom of 4! I want to lose at least 40 lbs but more like 60 is where I need to be.6
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@ChrysalisCove - I'm glad you mentioned that it was 100 degrees where you live. That is probably why your weight isn't budging. I retain water like a sponge during a heat wave. Are your rings tighter than normal? Do your ankles look puffy? That's water retention. Just hang in there. You'll get another whoosh soon.6
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@rpbarkernc - you look amazing. Congratulations on hitting your goal weight!
@aliciap0116 - I'm so glad that your son's school came to a decision that feels safe. And I am really sorry about the pay cut. That has got to be a hardship on your family and demoralizing for everyone in the company. I'm very sorry. But good for you for practicing self care and it appears to be showing up on the scale too!
@grandrory - You don't have to have a specific eating plan. At the end of the day, eating fewer calories than you burn will result in fat loss. If 1200 calories/day feels doable - than that is your eating plan. If it's hard to stick to you have a couple of options: Increase the calories limit - understanding that the weight loss will be slower, but having a plan that you can sustain will ultimately get you to your long term goal faster. Another option is to review your macros. When I started out at a 1000 calorie deficit a day, I was sooo hungry! All the time. After reading a bit, I heard that for most people protein is actually more satiating than other macros (fats and carbs). So I switched up my macros a bit - striving for a 30% Carb, 35% fat, 35% protein and found it more sustainable, even though I wasn't eating more calories. Other people swear by volume eating - having lots of salads, raw veggies or rice cakes that provide a satisfying crunch along with fiber to fill you up. That didn't work as well for me - I would be hungry again in 30 minutes. But eating a high protein snack - Greek yogurt, beef jerky, deli turkey, rotisserie chicken breast - that kept me going for a couple of hours. Give yourself some time to experiment - try things for a week or more to see how they feel over time. When something doesn't work, view it as an opportunity to learn what might work better next time. Be extra forgiving of yourself and don't forget to celebrate and reward your success.
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I'm breaking up my weight loss journey into 30-day challenges, I've just completed my 5th month and went down 4,1kgs (9.02 lbs) my total loss for 5 months is -23.1Kgs -50.62lbs. I'm walking 7 days a week 45 mins a day and eating 1400 calories (but always below) and I'm intermittent fasting. Drinking 2 litres of water a day.
I never ever thought I would be able to last this long, however, being part of the Fitbit community has made a huge difference to my journey. I've logged in every day of my journey and post my weekly weigh-in, I comment and post when I can, the advice of people that are ahead of my journey is priceless I avidly follow them and hope that people who are starting will follow me because together anything is possible! Thanks Ladies, I love reading your posts<37 -
I’m posting my Sunday update way late! I’ve been trying to tag more people and post earlier. But I’ve had a weird week – a falling asleep at 7 PM, waking up at 12 AM and realizing you really need to eat dinner so you do, then maybe going back to sleep to wake up at 4:30-5:00 AM sort of week. Last night was the first night I was able to stay up so I can eat dinner and then get interrupted sleep.
The past week been a good week overall. I think I tightened up a bit and that’s what made the difference. Or I was just due for the permanent whoosh. I think that @speyerj is right about the warmer weather causing more water retention. I think I noticed it as well, but I know I’ve been lax on my eating habits too so I also thought I might be grasping at straws.
Michelle
46 years old
Height: 5' 6"
SW (09/08/2019): 239.2 lbs
August SW (8/1/20): 161.4 lbs
8/2/20: 159.2 lbs
8/9/20: 157.4 lbs
August GW: under 160 lbs, solidly. By that I mean no more than a day a week above 160. For this week, I was above 160 only one day. And pretty darn close two or three other days of the week.
GW: 150 lbs – I’m hoping to get to it by the end of September. I think it might be a bit of a stretch. I’ve said before, but I now do not think 150 is the end of the road for me. I look like I have at least 20 pounds to lose.
Goals for August:- Running: Run or run/walk at least three days a week. I got this one in: a hill workout on the treadmill last Sunday, ran on the treadmill on Tuesday (not preferred but it was the day of the tropical storm), then ran over 9 miles yesterday.
- Cross training: At least three days a week of cross-training. HIIT on the bike Monday, Wednesday and Friday! I have read that HIIT workouts may help reduce abdominal fat. I do not believe in spot reduction generally. But I could make a case for HIIT perhaps making a marginal difference, if it is done on a consistent basis and one is patient to wait for results.
- Weight training: Start incorporating strength training in the routine. I’ve been doing planks and squats every other day, and increased the reps and/or length of time held.
- Water: Keep drinking water, at least 128 ounces a day – Done
- Skin: Be more regular with taking care of my skin. Still really bad.
My last post in July was about not being able to see the difference in my body from the beginning of the year to now, despite all evidence to the contrary. Body dysmorphia is real. This is not my thought, but I wonder if people who do lose weight all over have a more difficult time seeing changes than those who do seem to lose in any particular area first. Maybe if proportions remain the same, it’s harder to see changes.
@brownsugar174 – I completely understand not trusting scale lows. One of the things about weighing on a daily basis – it sort of teaches you to roll with it and believe it a bit more. Unless you are cheating, the scale weight is your weight and when we are low it’s probably just an exceptionally “dry” weight. Once you see the low, even if you go up you do sort of know that low is within your reach sometime soon. Celebrate the scale lows, and know that it is a result of your hard work and your plan. Believe what you are doing is working!
@CupcakeCrusoe – I’ve been on Ravelry for a long time. Since 2008! I don’t know my raveler number, I recall that you can look it up but I’m not sure where. I’m loungekitten over there. I’ve been inconsistent in the past few years with posting projects. All my group forums have been inactive for years. I don’t mind the changes at all, and I was surprised to hear last week that there was such a kerfluffle about it. As someone who frequently has to manage change processes, I can appreciate people’s reactions – as a matter of fact we are installing a software upgrade at my organization this week. I looked up the Sharon Show. Boy, that Sharon sounds like a piece of work!
@aliciap0116 – I’m so sorry you’ve had so much to deal with lately. All you can do is take it one day at a time. For you and all the parents, I can’t say that I have kids but I understand, I’m close with my sister and I see her struggles and she would tell you she thinks it’s easy for her. My niece and nephew are in 3rd and 5th grade – so old enough to be independent, and subjects not so difficult she and her husband would have difficulty helping them. I’m hoping this will be over soon for your sake!
I would love to tag more people but with all my issues lately I’m just going to be posting at this point, so late. Next week is going to be another super busy week – lots of training for new hires, I actually had to add a second session for one of my classes in the middle of the week. I am grateful for my job, I’d be out on the street in a month or two otherwise.
We can do this! Just about half-way there!
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@ChrysalisCove - I'm glad you mentioned that it was 100 degrees where you live. That is probably why your weight isn't budging. I retain water like a sponge during a heat wave. Are your rings tighter than normal? Do your ankles look puffy? That's water retention. Just hang in there. You'll get another whoosh soon.
It’s always over 100 here in summer. We haven’t been out in it & I’m not bloated. It is a deterrent to us getting out & active, though. Normally we’re out in the water (pools, rivers, etc) all summer but this year they’re all closed. I’m probably moving less since we started lessons back up (we homeschool).5 -
changeforeverlj wrote: »I'm breaking up my weight loss journey into 30-day challenges, I've just completed my 5th month and went down 4,1kgs (9.02 lbs) my total loss for 5 months is -23.1Kgs -50.62lbs. I'm walking 7 days a week 45 mins a day and eating 1400 calories (but always below) and I'm intermittent fasting. Drinking 2 litres of water a day.
I never ever thought I would be able to last this long, however, being part of the Fitbit community has made a huge difference to my journey. I've logged in every day of my journey and post my weekly weigh-in, I comment and post when I can, the advice of people that are ahead of my journey is priceless I avidly follow them and hope that people who are starting will follow me because together anything is possible! Thanks Ladies, I love reading your posts<3
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@grandrory Thanks! I've got the Blaze, its already four years old, but I absolutely love it and you can link it to fitness pal, I think 5lbs a month is a really realistic goal, looking forward to follow your journey!
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Hi all, I am joining mid month. I am back to mfp after about a year and (sigh) 30 lbs. I re-committed on Monday and so far so good, although I know this is just the beginning. What has worked for me in the past is setting NS goals, I find WL is a reward in itself, I am more in the need for a reward when I've stuck with it for a month and am not seeing a lot of WL. So my first goal is to stick with it for a month, this means tracking and exercising everyday.
Goal for the week: No evening snacking.
Age: 51
Height: 5'8"
SW: 233.6
CW:231.6
GW:180
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Since I didn't come on here yesterday I am going to post 1st then read and reply to you.
This week my focus has been taking care of medical business. I have an in-person apt later today. I have also had some other distractions. So I am watching what I eat and logging but my exercise and water is down. Like is typical for me I popped up after my loss and have been varying since. The good news is I didn't go back up in the last 'decade' and have been coming down towards my recent low weight each day. I am just waiting for it.
I haven't really wanted to meal plan this week but did it last night and have a shopping list to take with me to go by on the way home from the Drs. I need to be more formulaic about this to be sustainable. I have actually been making some great dishes. Some I have made before and some new. A few are normal everyday type meals but alot of more special dishes. It has been fun during that time I thought I was temporarily on furlough and would be back to work. Now it isn't a hiatus this is more permanent. I need to focus elsewhere and make meal planning and shopping easier like @AlexandraFindsHerself. Yes on healthy home cooked meals for my family but they don't have to be special as much of the time. I have come up with some real gems but my creative juices are waning as far as cooking goes as I turn to what I want to do now. So thinking back on this week I realize why I wanted to avoid meal planning. How many times has this pandemic forced us to adjust to new conditions and situations? It is tiring. I usually enjoy a little change in my life but this is too much. I think I actually needed more time this week as I face these changes and decisions. What is hardest I think is waking up every morning without a clear routine of things that have to be done.
The real question is do I put my efforts towards getting that one last job before I retire knowing I am facing the pandemic economy and ageism but armed with stellar credentials and stick to the plan of being able to prepare better for retirement by getting finances in a stronger position and make repairs to our home? Or do I focus on retiring now and maybe find part-time work when I can or a business? I am feeling some hesitation for the former. If I put my head into the game I know I can do that but part of me wants to put my head in a new game. I would like to get back to doing my art while I can. Anyway I will be picky about what jobs I apply for until September. Then I will have to do 3 contacts a week. When I work full-time and commute my health suffers. Right now most work will be remote but what happens later? So I am in the process of making a life decision so I need to put some focus on that now and not all on what I have been focusing on. Weight loss is still priority. After this week exercise will come up too. Meal planning will need to be streamlined. So I am not really in the focused get things done mode but in the self reflective decision making mode. We are meeting with my son online this weekend about retirement finances. He loves this stuff. I think he wants to retire early.7 -
Boyfriend is really coming to terms with his PTSD, so of course he's having a time of it right now. He spent most of this morning fighting down a binge. I'm really proud of him for not giving up on life and working to get healthier.
Thursdays are my usual day to go to the store. There's not as many people there, which, being autistic spectrum, I prefer, and I got a clip to hold my pen on my clipboard so I can check things off as I go and that made it nice. It's the little things that make work feel easier or harder, really. I had a vicious migraine yesterday that got in the way of the usual inventorying, but I managed to do it this morning and go in good order. I am plateaued, but I rather expect it just now. I lost several pounds last week, after all. Tonight is chicken fettucini alfredo, with pan-seared zucchini. That works for me because I don't have to stand too much and my ankles, especially that problematic left one, are rioting. My foot pain is much better than it was forty pounds ago, but I'm still carrying about eighty pounds too much and the arthritis does not like it at all. That is a continuing motivator to keep at it. (As is the thoroughly petty reason of Christmas, and showing up much lighter, and seeing my ex and my disliked sister.)
So tomorrow I will precook for the week and put the sunroom and the pantry and the laundry room in order, and there will be tacos.5 -
I am very ashamed of my starting weight of 240 pounds because for decades I wore size 10/12 clothes. I never had to watch what I ate or to keep a food diary. I was active, walked a lot, and participated in the exercise groups in the Y and local gyms. Then after menopause, everything changed.
My immune system went haywire, I developed GERD, IBS, Fibromyalgia, depression, urinary incontinence, hemorrhoids, migraines, dry mouth, insomnia, and hair loss. In the midst of all these problems, I experienced back to back stress caused the vehicle homicide or our 13-year-old daughter, flood and toxic mold damage to our home, several contractor con scams, work terminations, funeral expenses for my mother, assault and kidnapping, legal disputes, and injuries caused by accidental falls. All these things happened within a period of 20 years and my weight increased from 140 pounds to 240 pounds. I transition from being an active working adult with various hobbies and social activities to a disabled senior barely able to walk ten feet without horrible pain.
In June 2020, I told my doctors that I decided to discontinue taking their Rx pain medications and would rely on exercise, diet, and vitamin supplements. My mother became dependent on Rx and OTC pain drugs and these medications totally destroyed her digestive organs. Also, I felt that many of my doctors were dishonest and unethical because they consistently referred me to more and more specialists or gave Rx medications that caused disrupting side effects. I had one doctor that advised a colectomy to treat hemorrhoids and another a gastric bypass for weight loss.
I purchased a Cubii elliptical and began keeping a precise food diary. I limit myself to 1450 calories per day but sometimes, due to eating snack food or a sandwich, I will eat 200 calories more. My August goal weight is 220 pounds, so far I've lost 16 pounds. Each month, want to reduce my weight by 5 pounds or more and I am crossing my fingers that limiting myself to less than 1500 calories per day of healthy non processed foods will allow me to accomplish this goal.14 -
@KeriA - I really loved your post. So thoughtful, so insightful. Especially the part about needing routines during this time. And I hope you sort out what to do next regarding your next role. A had a friend about your age who was laid off last year and it took her a while to find a job. While she was searching, she was doing a lot of skiing and other things she loved. While talking to a stranger on a ski lift about her life now and her future plans the woman turned to her and wisely said, "Maybe you are already in retirement, but just don't know it yet". As it turned out, she ended up finding a job (at my company - I helped her land it) but after about 9 months of returning to work, she realized, "Actually, it is time. I want to be retired." And so she did and has said it's been the best decision she ever made. Not to say this would apply to you, but sometimes we don't know what we want when we have it. Sometimes we have to lose it to understand it was what we wanted all along.3
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@mphollins - Oh my. I just want to reach through the internet and hug you. You have been through a lot. But you are going to get better if you stick with it. I promise you that. And you are doing so well so far. Don't worry about being a few calories over your limit - you are still eating at a deficit and it's consistency that really matters. I hope you have a lot of hope for your future because your life is going to be a lot easier with each pound you shed.
This is from a woman who 115 pounds ago had searing nerve paid shooting down her leg that made even sleep impossible. Now, my nerve pain is completely gone. So are a lot of other health issues. And I recently ran a half marathon at a 10:27 pace. So yes, you can do this.4 -
I've read everyone's posts, but don't think I can possibly catch up posting lol. So we'll just stick to today:
@grandrory - my husband is a snacker too. I usually do pretty well not indulging, but definitely have been snacking more the last few weeks and am trying to scale it back again.
@changeforeverlj - well done! Those bite-size goals and challenges are a great way to do it!
@mmdeveau - Nice long run! I also think the heat/humidity have had me retaining some water too (though I've also been a little lax in my habits lately, so it is hard to say). But it has been in the 90's and humid out here for a few weeks.
@astroamy - Welcome! NS goals are my favorites too - keeps you going when the scale isn't budging.
@KeriA - That's a lot of change and touch decisions to get through. Be easy on yourself where you can, and save your extra energy for thinking and running through mental scenarios.
@AlexandraFindsHerself1971 - So sorry your boyfriend is having a difficult time - I hope he continues to work through it. I'm sure having a supportive partner helps! Supper sounds delicious, I may have to cook alfredo this weekend.
@mphollins - You have been through so much. Don't feel ashamed about your weight - life happens and weight changes for all of us. I don't think there is anything shameful about being a higher weight in any circumstance, much less when your life has been continually turned upside down. It sounds like you have a healthy, reasonable plan, with a moderate rate of loss. (Though it is only a calorie deficit that will help you lose weight, not the type of food you eat. You could eat 1500 calories of ice cream a day and lose weight. Eat what you enjoy and that fills you up!) You've got this!
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