And my goals for Feb are -- keep my calories down a little better (hmm I think this was my goal for january too...) and increase my daily activity so I can lose 2-3 lbs of fat this month. I really dialed up the activity during December and even though I ate a LOT I was losing pretty well. Activity dropped a bit in January and so did my losses. Try to do at least 1 run per week.

Also...i should probably see a doctor or PT about my foot. Every time I run on it or walk a lot, it starts to hurt in the same place. Feels better after a few days and then as soon as I do something on it it hurts again. I'm a little worried that I'm re-injuring something or not letting a fracture heal or god only knows.

WA, good luck with kicking the smoking habit. I've heard that nicotene is as addictive as crack, so I know it'll be tough, but you can do it!

Tameko, you're so right about the importance of protein. I posted a topic about this a while back. Once I realized that you have to do more than just count calories but also watch protein intake, it was a turning point for me. I try to always get within 10 grams of the protein goal every day and I feel better, I'm not as hungry all the time, I've built more muscle, and it's helped me keep the weight off.

WA, good luck with kicking the smoking habit. I've heard that nicotene is as addictive as crack, so I know it'll be tough, but you can do it!

Tameko, you're so right about the importance of protein. I posted a topic about this a while back. Once I realized that you have to do more than just count calories but also watch protein intake, it was a turning point for me. I try to always get within 10 grams of the protein goal every day and I feel better, I'm not as hungry all the time, I've built more muscle, and it's helped me keep the weight off.

I noticed that if I don't eat a good amount of protein in a meal my energy level actually drops and I feel inclined to eat more. which sucks because I honestly do like to eat a nice veggie sandwich once in a while. Or some french toast.


V - come back over the weekend and tell us where you're at! If you ever get the urge to smoke sit down at the computer and MFP instead!

I am struggling with calories. I do ok stopping myself around 1700-1800 calories but that's hardly ANY deficit unless I work out.

Congratulations, V! Sounds like you've given cigarettes a good kick to the curb. :bigsmile:

I'm having an easy week for once this week -- just school and one evening rehearsal on Friday -- so I'll be able to get in some good workouts. I think I'll jump rope tonight.

Hope everyone is having a good week!

Happy February! This is my first successful day of NOT going over my allotted calories! It may not sound like much, but it's been so hard to do!

We all know how hard staying under a calorie goal can be so GREAT JOB!

Hi Ladies,
Hope everyone had a great weekend ...yea Giants and that your week is off to a good start. My week is killer with meeting every night through Thursday. I don't know how often I'll make it to the gym this week so I'll be dusting off some of my dvd's. I don't want to start slacking.

Enough about this yucky week and on to the good news...I made it through the weekend WITHOUT smoking. :happy:

Thank you all for your support and I'll keep checking in and let you know how I'm doing. :flowerforyou:
V

Congrats on not smoking for the weekend V! That is awesome! I know how hard it can be to kick the habit. I am an ex-smoker myself (5 years this july). Just remember that if you fall off and have one it isn't the end of the world. Just put it out and continue not smoking.

i'm planning to take some time today and plan out my meals - i did that at the very start. i need the regiment back. what are some of your go-to meals? especially for lunch - lunch is killer for me!

have a great day everyone!

Do you like a light lunch? I've been eating soup lately because it's low calorie and filling. Making your own it most ideal, but out of the can is okay if you watch your sodium the rest of the day.

i'm planning to take some time today and plan out my meals - i did that at the very start. i need the regiment back. what are some of your go-to meals? especially for lunch - lunch is killer for me!

have a great day everyone!

Yes, I have to do just that or I eat crap all week. I plan out my meals for the week every Sunday night. I occasionally veer from the plan if there's like a teacher's appreciation lunch brought in for us or I get a sudden invite to go out to dinner but 99% of the time I stick to what I've planned.

Here are my favorite filling, low calorie lunches:

1/2 cup of hummus with pretzel chips or Crunchmaster rice crackers and raw veggies

Spinach salad with a hard boiled egg and/or baked tempeh, imitation bacon bits and Vidalia onion dressing, baby carrots

Imagine Bistro Black Bean Bisque -- smooth and yummy, very filling, and lower sodium than most canned soups. You can probably find it at Whole Foods. I also eat some baby carrots or an apple with it on the side.

R.W. Garcia soy flax seed tortilla chips (they sell them at Harris Teeter), with homemade guacamole made from a small mashed avacado, medium salsa, and 1/4 cup of black beans. Like you, I don't like the "chunks" in salsa but I've found that I'll eat them when they're mixed up in guacamole. Lots of protein, fiber, and good fats and seriously yummy!

Heck yeah V!!! Way to goooooo!

Congratulations, V! That takes a lot of strength. Don't sweat the 2 lbs. You'll take those off in no time. I see that you're very close to your goal weight. Unfortunately, those last few pounds do come off slowly.

I've been miserable for the last week with a nasty sinus infection and severe sore throat. I start my 2nd round of antibiotics today. I'm going to take advantage of having today off school to get some light exercise (maybe do some pilates) and lots of rest. I've continued to exercise right through this illness, even though I haven't always felt like it. I figure it's safe as long as I don't have a fever or chest congestion and it's been good for my mental well-being. I'm also trying to drink extra water and eat lots of good healthy food. Let's hope one more round of meds finally knocks this out!