Downsizers - March 2021 Team Chat
Replies
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@iradi8 What a sweet, sweet victory this is. I'm happy for you and can understand your fear...it's a new place! You are a role model for your kids.
@Bluetail6 For those of you who don't know, my son lives in Anchorage, very close to Bluetail6. I have talked to him 3-4 times in the last couple of days and he has not once mentioned the weather and the big potential storm.....ahh.. it makes me laugh. That's all I would be talking about!lindamtuck2018 wrote: »Tuesday’s check in
✅Steps 6,068
❌Sleep
✅Water
✅Track
Ok, my sleep patterns are becoming a issue for two reasons. One it affects my mental health which is just as important as my physical health. Not enough sleep affects my moods. Five years ago it got to the point I ended up in hospital with depression so I try to stay on top of my sleep. I also sometimes end up eating when I can’t sleep. This is the second night this has happened since Saturday and this will hamper my weight loss. It is also a slippery slope to binge eating again. I know all the sleep hygiene stuff as over the years it has been beat into my head. They bumped up my doctors appointment to today to try and to come up with a solution. Sleeping pills is not an answer. I watch my husband lay his head on the pillow and fall right to sleep. It frustrates me to no end that he can do this and I can’t.
My walk was lovely yesterday. It is beautiful out again today so I am going to attempt a longer walk. I am going to use the exercise bike first. I decided to do weights twice a week. I will do them again tomorrow. I will try every Tuesday and Thursday after that.
Happy Hump Day!
Linda, I have no idea if this would be something for you to check out, but I was low on progesterone and have been taking a pill for 2 weeks now. I noticed the difference the first night! I got a deep sleep without feeling drugged. It also seemed to help with a level of anxiety that I didn't realize I had until I took the pill and feel better. It might be something to check out if you aren't finding any other reason for your sleep issues.2 -
@Megan_smartiepants1970 - if it’s not one thing it’s another. Hope the vitamin B helps. Have you ever had zipfizz? It’s an energy powder you mix in water that is a bunch of vitamins, not caffeine. It has a lot of vitamin B and it really does give me a boost. You can get it at Costco or Amazon
@lindamtuck2018 - sorry you are having sleep issues. I hope you find a solution.
@iradi8 - CONGRATULATIONS 🤩🤩🤩
@rlaskey2 - I really need to explore skinnytaste. I hear so many good things
@lelbarou - I’m so happy that you don’t have COVID and you are starting to fell better. Take care of yourself
@Bluetail6 - hope you only got 6 inches of snow and that it was the light fluffy stuff that is easy to shovel3 -
lindamtuck2018 wrote: »Question
I know I am not the only one who has sleep issues. What are somethings you do to improve your sleep? Is there anything you think you can change to improve sleep quality? I am interested to here from both those with sleep troubles and those who sleep like a baby.
Yup. Same here. Ok, here’s what I do.
No caffeine past 3:00.
Dessert finished by 8:00.
Phone/iPad goes off at 9:30.
Wash up, get ready for bed at 9:30
No television.
If I think I need melatonin xr, I’ll take one.
Play NOTHING MUCH HAPPENS on Spotify or Apple podcasts, set timer for an hour.
Fall asleep.
That’s what has been working for me for the past two months. Good luck. It took quite a while before I found a routine that worked for me. Keep at it, you will find what works got you.3 -
@Megan_smartiepants1970
My son has been harassing me (with love- as he says) that he consistently has almost double the amount of steps that I do. This has caused me to do an extra workout to win (um, I mean challenge him to do more).
Bike 45 minutes, 11.81 miles, moderate effort
Steps- 8,757 (includes a 35 minute walk)3 -
TheresaM787 wrote: »@Megan_smartiepants1970
My son has been harassing me (with love- as he says) that he consistently has almost double the amount of steps that I do. This has caused me to do an extra workout to win (um, I mean challenge him to do more).
Bike 45 minutes, 11.81 miles, moderate effort
Steps- 8,757 (includes a 35 minute walk)
My daughter and I both have watches(she has my old garmin) and I have a fitbit so we challenge each other on our walk or whatever ...it is kinda fun
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3/9,3/10 no intentional exercise. @Megan_smartiepants1970
@iradi8 Congratulations reaching onederland!
@rlaskey2 Glad your neck is feeling better. Maybe you could try PiYo(sp?) if you haven't already.
@Tazaria87 It is so great that your parents are doing MFP with you and you all can support and encourage each other. Enjoy your new smaller clothes!
@lelbarou So glad that you don't have Covid and hope you got outside to enjoy the sunshine.
@Bluetail6 Hope the severe weather missed you. If not, then you will be incinerating those calories clearing snow.
@lindamtuck2018 hugs to you! Insomnia just saps you. Hope the doctor offers some constructive solutions.
@Megansmartie_pants1970 hope you get to feeling better and can walk today.
Ripped the skin off the bottom of my right big toe on Saturday. Will see dr. on Friday to see what he clears me for. The last time this happened it escalated into 6 skin grafts and 1 surgery. I may be called a "cured" diabetic but still have all the nerve damage so do not feel lower leg and feet injuries.
Yesterday I went through my closet and dressers and threw out or put into totes for donation all the clothes that no longer fit me. It brought a lot of emotions to the surface and felt surreal. I never think of myself as being any smaller and people do not comment on my weight loss yet I have gone from 2x tops and 18w pants to M tops and size 6/7 pants. I saved all my L tops and size 10 pants in case I gain weight again. Am afraid of regaining the weight.
Today started to eat at maintenance and have exceeded my calories. Will start over tomorrow and chalk it up to waiting too long to take a diet break.2 -
Hello All:
So, it finally started snowing... We have about an inch accumulated so far. I am really hoping for more as there is nothing like snowshoeing in fresh powder. Anyway, at least here, not much, but it is still snowing. I just cleared off the 2 bird feeders.
@363days
Your son probably knew it wasn't going to be such a big dump of snow here. I haven't checked on the Seward Highway were the bulk of it was supposed to drop. Full disclosure: I was born in Alaska, so I love, love driving in the snow. Also, I drive a big truck with studded snow tires that I can throw in to 4-wheel drive when I need to. I don't take it for granted. I am very grateful. I remember the days when I had to use snow berms to slow down at a stop sign...
@azkunk
We have a snow blower for the driveway and sidewalks. I shovel the upper and lower decks while getting stared at by our cat and dog.
@Beautyofdreams
I might burn a few calories shoveling the decks or snowshoeing. I let hubs and snow blower do the rest, lol. Also, I am very sorry about your big toe. I sincerely hope it doesn't digress into skin grafts. I'm donating clothes that are too big as well. I'm not keeping anything "just in case." I like that you are thinking about the diet break. I know you have been at it a bit longer than I have. I haven't taken a break; but, I have been futzing around with upping my calories. I want to eat more, yet still stay in deficit. I am enjoying figuring it out.
@lelbarou
What the heck... I'm very, very glad it isn't Covid as well!!
If I missed anyone, I'll be back in a couple of hours.
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03/10
Steps = 4,723
Everything hurt today, so I didn’t exercise.
Under calories- that’s good
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@iradi8
Congratulations on reaching Onederland!!!! That’s so awesome!
@lelbarou
I’m happy your test came back negative. It can be stressful waiting for those results!
@lindamtuck2018
Oh man, I’m sorry to hear sleep continues to be such a challenge. You’re absolutely right that our mental health is just as important as our physical health, and they often impact each other. I usually don’t have many sleep issues, but when I do, I focus on- Routine: bed time, process leading up to bed, waking up the same time – even if I went to sleep later than usual, keep the same routine throughout most of the week, and if I sleep in, don’t sleep in any more than one hour
- No caffeine after supper
- No napping (so I’ll be more tired at night)
- Entertain myself with non-screen things an hour before bed
- Warm relaxing shower before bed.
I hope you find something that works soon.
@megan_smartiepants1980
When I was on Dr. Bernstein, their program is B6 and B12 injections. I felt SOOOO good with that, that I’ve restarted taking both orally. I think it makes a real difference. I hope you find it makes a difference for you too!
@azkunk
I’m going to give zipfizz a try!!
@theresaM787
Haha, that’s funny. It’s awesome your son’s activity level motivates you to do more! Where ever we can find motivation, we should take it!!
@beautyofdreams
Doesn’t it feel great to go through those clothes, and put those too-big-clothes in the ‘I don’t need these anymore’ pile? It’s one of my favorite things to do! Congratulations on all your progress. I hope things go well with your toe and you don’t need that extensive treatment as you did last time you had a similar injury.
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I've been quiet, I know. I've been practicing being 'gentle' with myself, and allowing myself to not be "perfect".
I put together my new sit/stand desk this past weekend, and I've been using it SO much this week. Most times I'm on a call or meeting, I raise the desk so that I'm standing. My legs and butt feel much better at the end of the day.
I attended a new yoga class last night, and it was so great. I remember taking a class in University, and realized after I stopped going, how much it was actually helping me. I attended a special class about 6 or 7 years ago for a friend who was getting her instructor cert., and though I support her, it was awful. She was a very skinny person, and most of the moves were way outside my abilities. So, I was a little hesitant to try again, but I found this studio based in my city which is for bigger people. They are offering an 8-week beginner virtual class for ALL body types. I figured this was the perfect way to try it out and test my abilities. I'm a perfect amount of sore today, and excited to keep on going!
It wasn't a super great day today... found out my car needs about $2500 in fixing... I had planned on buying a new vehicle once I hit 299 pounds, but after plateauing for the last 3 months, having 65ish pounds to go, and car issues coming up, I'm thinking I'll have to identify a new 'present' for myself come 299. I knew this could happen, but I was hopeful my car would be fine.. My BF and I also broke up today. It was the right thing, but it's weird how our minds work. I was the one that instigated the conversation of breaking up, but when he agreed today, it still felt like rejection. Why are we such weird creatures?! LOL I just started dating for the first time in my life this past summer (yes, I'm 41 and yes, it's true). He was my second BF ever, and I have lots of learning to do.
Work has been much better. I do expect the scale will be up tomorrow. I often have a gain right at the beginning of that TOM, and the stress from the past couple weeks is bound to have an impact. Light at the end of the tunnel though!
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@Beautyofdreams - I hope it’s not as bad as last time. Take it easy until you get cleared by your doctor. Your weight loss is amazing, my plan when I get to goal is to keep 10s and never allow myself to get any bigger
@TheresaM787 - I am currently bribing my son with extra time on his electronics if he hits an average daily step count of 8000. Otherwise he is a total couch potato
@Bluetail6 - I hope you get to snowshoe. I have always wanted to do that but not much opportunity for that here in the desert 🌵
@heatherbluebell - it’s really good. I like the fruit punch flavor.
@Megan_smartiepants1970 - does your daughter keep up with all of your steps? You set that bar pretty high! Speak of steps, mine are below
3/7: 6479 (rest day)
3/8: 9921
3/9: 4420 (watch died)2 -
@mszoueb
Congrats on the new decade:) You had a great food/activity week and it shows. That sandwich sounds so good!
Thank you both for your support, much appreciated. Sending you many congrats on reaching onederland iradi8, I started around a similar weight to you and still have a fair bit to go until I'm under 200, but hoping I'll be close by end of year.
I'm hoping to use halloumi again this weekend in a similar way, will have to check how long it keeps after opening first and what ingredients I have.3 -
Hi hi
Getting in real quick before we start with the class.
My steps:
8 March 🚺♀️ 11.504 steps
9 March 13.625 steps
10 March 14.409 steps
And today the scale told me that I'm in 131.8 kg! 290.5 lbs !!! I'm happy.4 -
Quick check in. I just got back to the house. It is snowing like crazy, crazy. I'm gonna go to bed and pray that the snow blower is enough tomorrow. Otherwise 3 guesses who will be shoveling along with hubs...😂
@azkunk
Didn't get to snow shoe today, last minute things have been coming up a lot lately😉.
The first time I ever visited the desert, all I could think about was water. Where is the water!! My husband is from desert country.2 -
Check in for March 10
logging -yes
exercise - yes
@Megan_smartiepants1970
9957
Thanks everyone who wished me well and said Yay! to me not having Covid!
I was pretty sure I didn't have it but right now I feel it's important to rule it out!
I took a couple of walks, not to long, but it added up! Sat in the park for a little bit which
was nice too! Quite warm for march. It was 55 degrees F or 13 celcius so I saw a bunch of people in t-shirts! Yep, warm for us Canadians after a long and cold winter!
I'm very busy working, but it's going quite well. I like my new EILTS class. Everyone is so intelligent. I have to admit, I prefer this type of student. Very intelligent, hard-working and educated. Ihave quite a few doctors, teachers, business people etc. But I like my 1-2 as well. It's very very different, but variety is the spice of life, right?
Have a great Thursday everone! The week is winding down and soon it's the weekend!
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lindamtuck2018 wrote: »Question
I know I am not the only one who has sleep issues. What are somethings you do to improve your sleep? Is there anything you think you can change to improve sleep quality? I am interested to here from both those with sleep troubles and those who sleep like a baby.
I have bouts of insomnia from time to time but generally I just don't sleep much - last night was 3 hr and 38 minutes with an average of 5 hrs and 11 min so far this month which sounds about right as it seems like it's usually just shy of 5 hours and offset every once in a while with good night over 6 hours. Certainly not ideal but I just seem to be wired this way. I guess the one benefit of getting too little sleep is that I rarely have trouble falling asleep or getting tired - the trick is staying asleep (I don't have sleep apnea). Since you indicated you're pretty well read on all the different techniques, I won't go into the different tips and tricks here for sleeping but I can share a few suggestions that work for me to avoid eating during the wee hours which might be helpful.
I only have a few goals that I follow related to diet and exercise (4 each) and number 1 on the Diet list is 'Avoid eating before 6 am and after 9 pm (daily)' - notice I said 'Avoid' rather than 'No' because it's important not to set yourself up for failure because sometimes you just need to eat, and since Goal # 2 is "Track food intake and stay under my daily 2,000 net calories (after deducting exercise) at least 4 days / week and don’t exceed 2,500 calories / day (unless it’s a ‘special occasion’)" means that if I'm going to stay under 2,000 calories for the day, I'm going to need to work it off with exercise.
First technique - take your mind off food. Find something to occupy your mind and time while you either relax enough to get back to sleep or get to your regular breakfast time:- Have a cup of tea - sip slowly
- Read a chapter in a book
- Take care of chores or other to do list items (quietly as others are sleeping) - organize paperwork, clean / organize a room, go through your inbox and toss old emails no longer needed, etc.
- Watch a movie or tv show that you recorded, do a crossword puzzle or play solitaire, sew, knit, whatever you're into to kill time or try to wind back down if you can
Second - If you feel like you need to eat, allow yourself to do so, but only from a limited menu that can't do much harm. Start with fruits or vegetables and try to wait 15 minutes in between if you need to go back for seconds, or log item # 1 and before allowing yourself something else, exercise until you burn off enough calories to earn the 2nd item. I find having an apple, a couple of carrots or 1/2 of a red or yellow pepper can take the edge off while not adding up to much - have some tea with it and you may find that does the trick.
Once I get to 6 am, the shackles come off and I can have breakfast and if I've been up for several hours, I'm usually pretty hungry by then for something substantial - often my go to meal is usually an egg on a whole wheat English muffin with some fresh spinach and avocado or roasted red pepper and a few dashes of Tabasco. This morning I had sautéed some mushrooms, onions, cherry tomatoes and spinach with 2 eggs on top of some whole wheat naan bread with a 1/4 of avocado with a small amount of cheese - very delicious and will keep me satiated until lunch for sure. On the nights where I do get some good sleep, I'm usually fine with some Greek yogurt or high fiber cereal and fresh berries.
Anyway the bottom line is figure out alternatives to eating and for the times where you can't help but eat, figure out a game plan for what's allowed and what's not ... until you get to a 'normal' meal schedule. Good luck!
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So, I didn’t weigh in this week. I did this crazy run over the weekend where I ran 6.5km every 4 hours for 48 hours. I ran a lot, but I also ate a lot, plus my stress hormones would have shot through the roof. I decided to take it easy on myself this week. Tracking again today.2
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Hi! Will check in a little later. Need to go exercise and get a walk in before it rains.0
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@lindamtuck2018 yes! I did walk the dog - she’s loving it lol
@Megan_smartiepants1970 I forgot to log my steps yesterday, 3/10: 8,601!
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@Beautyofdreams - I hope it’s not as bad as last time. Take it easy until you get cleared by your doctor. Your weight loss is amazing, my plan when I get to goal is to keep 10s and never allow myself to get any bigger
@TheresaM787 - I am currently bribing my son with extra time on his electronics if he hits an average daily step count of 8000. Otherwise he is a total couch potato
@Bluetail6 - I hope you get to snowshoe. I have always wanted to do that but not much opportunity for that here in the desert 🌵
@heatherbluebell - it’s really good. I like the fruit punch flavor.
@Megan_smartiepants1970 - does your daughter keep up with all of your steps? You set that bar pretty high! Speak of steps, mine are below
3/7: 6479 (rest day)
3/8: 9921
3/9: 4420 (watch died)
Since she sits a lot during home school she is behind me but just barely...She has to do a PE log in school so our walks help with that 1 -
Steps 3/10: 12,8850
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@Beautyofdreams Do you have steps for 3/7 and 3/8?
@lcfa5317 Do you have steps for 3/9?
Sorry if I missed it0 -
Weigh Day Thursday
PW: 234.0 (this was a 0.6 gain from the previous week)
CW: 229.4 (very excited about this)
YTD: -16.03 -
@megan_smartiepants1970 I went shopping both of those days so walked at least 20 minutes at a leisurely 2.5 miles per hour but didn't keep track of distance. So no steps for this week.1
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@888Angie888
Wow! Amazing loss! You certainly made up for last week. You have done so well this year.
@Megan_smartiepants1970
Sleep Apnea could explain low energy levels.
@azkunk
Sounds like a great day with your daughter. After reading your post I am craving fritos. You get to start today fresh.
@363days
I will keep this in mind to ask the doctor.
@TheresaM787
Routine sounds good. I try to do the same thing every night but with the grandkids over last weekend I haven’t followed it in a week. I think it is great your son challenges you.
@Beautyofdreams
I hope you heal without having to go through such an ordeal. I also got rid of my big clothes. Unfortunately, as I gain weight from August to early January everything got tight. Luckily, I am back to losing weight but it is slow.
@Bluetail6
Enjoy that snow and you will burn lots of calories shovelling.
@lcfa5317
Feel better!
@heatherbluebell
Keep up with being gentle with yourself. Yoga sounds like it is really working for you. I have tried it in the past but my size hampered my ability to do it. Now with my knee replacement I can’t do a lot of the poses. Sorry about the car and the boyfriend. It is exciting to shop for a new car.
@Z10Rtza
Nice Steps!
@lelbarou
It was a little warmer here in London at 15. It’s even warmer today but I almost got blown away on my walk. Hope you get to go for one yourself. Glad you are enjoying your work. Is it all virtual?
@kdlgiannoulis
Was this a race or competition you ran?3 -
Wednesday’s check in
✅Steps 6,124
✅Sleep
✅Water
✅Track
I squeezed in the bare minimum of sleep last night. I will take the new sleep aid tonight and see if I can start getting a regular sleep pattern.
I am really late today as I spent 2 hours video chatting with my youngest granddaughter as soon as I got up. She is waiting for me to chat again. I never got on the bike because both times I checked it was in use. I did the longest walk I have done in awhile. Today I did weights, bike and walked. I didn’t get as far as yesterday as my leg bothered me. I used the weight chart and did some different exercises today. A couple hurt my shoulder but it is my own fault for not keeping up with physio. I think I really like the weights.
Off to chat with my granddaughter. Have a great Thursday!4 -
lindamtuck2018 wrote: »Question
I know I am not the only one who has sleep issues. What are somethings you do to improve your sleep? Is there anything you think you can change to improve sleep quality? I am interested to here from both those with sleep troubles and those who sleep like a baby.
I have bouts of insomnia from time to time but generally I just don't sleep much - last night was 3 hr and 38 minutes with an average of 5 hrs and 11 min so far this month which sounds about right as it seems like it's usually just shy of 5 hours and offset every once in a while with good night over 6 hours. Certainly not ideal but I just seem to be wired this way. I guess the one benefit of getting too little sleep is that I rarely have trouble falling asleep or getting tired - the trick is staying asleep (I don't have sleep apnea). Since you indicated you're pretty well read on all the different techniques, I won't go into the different tips and tricks here for sleeping but I can share a few suggestions that work for me to avoid eating during the wee hours which might be helpful.
I only have a few goals that I follow related to diet and exercise (4 each) and number 1 on the Diet list is 'Avoid eating before 6 am and after 9 pm (daily)' - notice I said 'Avoid' rather than 'No' because it's important not to set yourself up for failure because sometimes you just need to eat, and since Goal # 2 is "Track food intake and stay under my daily 2,000 net calories (after deducting exercise) at least 4 days / week and don’t exceed 2,500 calories / day (unless it’s a ‘special occasion’)" means that if I'm going to stay under 2,000 calories for the day, I'm going to need to work it off with exercise.
First technique - take your mind off food. Find something to occupy your mind and time while you either relax enough to get back to sleep or get to your regular breakfast time:- Have a cup of tea - sip slowly
- Read a chapter in a book
- Take care of chores or other to do list items (quietly as others are sleeping) - organize paperwork, clean / organize a room, go through your inbox and toss old emails no longer needed, etc.
- Watch a movie or tv show that you recorded, do a crossword puzzle or play solitaire, sew, knit, whatever you're into to kill time or try to wind back down if you can
Second - If you feel like you need to eat, allow yourself to do so, but only from a limited menu that can't do much harm. Start with fruits or vegetables and try to wait 15 minutes in between if you need to go back for seconds, or log item # 1 and before allowing yourself something else, exercise until you burn off enough calories to earn the 2nd item. I find having an apple, a couple of carrots or 1/2 of a red or yellow pepper can take the edge off while not adding up to much - have some tea with it and you may find that does the trick.
Once I get to 6 am, the shackles come off and I can have breakfast and if I've been up for several hours, I'm usually pretty hungry by then for something substantial - often my go to meal is usually an egg on a whole wheat English muffin with some fresh spinach and avocado or roasted red pepper and a few dashes of Tabasco. This morning I had sautéed some mushrooms, onions, cherry tomatoes and spinach with 2 eggs on top of some whole wheat naan bread with a 1/4 of avocado with a small amount of cheese - very delicious and will keep me satiated until lunch for sure. On the nights where I do get some good sleep, I'm usually fine with some Greek yogurt or high fiber cereal and fresh berries.
Anyway the bottom line is figure out alternatives to eating and for the times where you can't help but eat, figure out a game plan for what's allowed and what's not ... until you get to a 'normal' meal schedule. Good luck!
Jim this is some great information. I don’t know how you survive on so little sleep. I can’t function with less than 6 to 7 hours. I am going to cut up some peppers so they are right at hand if I wake up. I used to do diamond art which is something you can’t eat and do at the same time. I am going to order some for the nights I can’t sleep. Again, thanks for all the tips.1 -
@Megan_smartiepants1970
Sleep Apnea could explain low energy levels.
But I sleep 8+ hours a night plus sometimes during the day ...I have to go do labs again next month and then go from there1
This discussion has been closed.