aubreyjordan Member

I love Splenda and have been using it in my coffee for years. I don't find that it has an after taste. I do not like Sweet n Low, which is the pink packet. I have not tried Truvia, which is another calorie free option.

You can always play around with the numbers. Try active for now, and if you find that you are losing more than projected and/or find that you are very hungry at the end of a day, switch it up to very active. Or vice versa, start with very active, and if you're not losing after a few weeks, drop to active. It's all trial…

I do spin as well 2 to 3 times a week for ~40-50 minutes at a time. I'm pouring sweat and my heart rate averages in the 130s to 140s, peaking in the 150s to 160s (I have a heart condition and am on medication that keeps my heart rate down, so I usually peak in the 150s). I burn anywhere from 350 to 450 calories (based on…

I did it for about 2 months, eating back some exercise calories as well. I'm now doing 1520 + some exercise calories and I feel a lot better. It was really hard for me to stay at 1300. There were several days that I would just eat over because I was hungry (not binge, but just eat more). But it depends on you how long you…

I measure mine dry and make 1 serving at a time. But I use instant rice, so it cooks within 10 minutes.

200 seems really high. But protein shakes/bars are probably your best bet. I was buying more Quest bars and saw they have a protein powder you can sub for flour in a lot of recipes. Crazy expensive, but it's out there.

I have seen a woman dying her hair in the locker room at my gym as well. There is this guy that kind of looks like Donald Trump that comes and does the back machine and tricep press. He will do over 100 reps at a time and go between the two. Just those 2. And God forbid you try to use one of those machines while he's on…

I tried the powdered chocolate with 25g of protein and it was okay. The powdered banana was downright awful. I drink a pre-made shake after a workout. I like the banana cream, strawberries and cream, and vanilla bean. I don't use them as meal replacements, just post-workout snack.

I tried the strawberry and hated it. They exchanged it for chocolate and it was OK. Didn't curb my hunger. I drink GNC's Lean Shake 25, premade, after a workout. Lots of protein, low calorie (170) and taste good. The powders aren't nearly as good.

Take pictures and measurements monthly. My scale barely moved but when I measured and took pictures there was a noticeable difference.

I find that working out does curb my appetite for the remainder of the day, but I have a protein shake afterwards.

I'll be 26 in a few weeks. Have logged in for the last 65 days. I post, like, and comment :)

I love the Y. I have been to a few gyms over the years, and the Y has always been my favorite (been a member at 3 different locations, as I have moved a lot). It is definitely cheaper in a small town compared to the large metropolitan area I am in now. I pay $53/mo for a single membership. I had no start up fees because I…

A quick google search brought up tons of websites. http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/20-best-healthy-protein-pancake-recipes.html

I have that one from Walmart as well. Sometimes it won't register I've added anything until I take it off and then it's -x grams. I also hate that it defaults to ounces instead of grams.

I second the microwaving for 10-15 seconds. My favorites are the cookie dough, double chocolate chunk, and cookies and cream (haven't nuked this one). GNC has them buy 3 get 1 free right now, so you can get a variety. That's what I did when I first tired them.

Walking, even if just for 5-10 minutes at a time, is a good place to start. Gradually increase time/distance. The elliptical and bike are low impact machines you can try when you've built up some resistance. But for starters, walking is a great place to begin. And it's free!

Best description I've ever heard, LOL. As for calorie burn, have you tried HIIT - High Intensity Interval Training? You get a better calorie burn for a shorter amount of time. You can find HIIT exercises for any machine. The elliptical you use looks exactly like the one at my gym, and there are several pre-set exercises…

Do you have the Charge HR? If not, Fitbit does the calorie adjustment based on steps and I wouldn't go by that. I have the Charge HR and it said I burned 274 in Spin today. Doesn't seem like a lot, but remember MFP tends to over-exaggerate calorie burn on exercises. If you log exercise in MFP it will sync over to Fitbit…

Champion has several with underwire. I don't remember about the backs, though. I like them better than the ones I had gotten at Victoria's Secret.

For C25K there are several apps that will tell you when to start/stop running. I use the one by Zen Labs and it just interrupts my music briefly.

Good luck! My best advice is to be fitted for a pair of running shoes. Have someone analyze your gait and arch. Incorrect shoes are a big part of injury.

My first was a butterfly on my lower back, right side. I now have another butterfly on the left side, a bit higher up, and "Faith, Hope, Love" in Chinese down my upper spine. I want a shoulder tattoo

I don't have answers to all your questions, as I'm a newb too. But I'll share what I've learned. Eating - whatever works best for your body. Some people can eat before exercising, some can't. I usually eat something about an hour or two before hand. There are apps for C25K that tell you went to start and stop. On my phone,…

I've started it, but I have to take a break again. Although I got fitted for running shoes and inserts, I am still getting shin splints and bad lower leg pain. I cannot seem to get past W1D2. I've been doing it on a treadmill, so maybe I'm setting it too fast (first time 6.0 mph, second 5.5 mph). I am able to do the…

Green Tea?

Have you lost more than 10lbs since you made your goals? About every 10lbs lost you need to re-calculate your goals. The less you weigh, the less you need. Also, make sure you're weighing everything. Even things like bread or pre-packaged snacks. They are rarely the same amount of grams as the nutritional information…

I also got shin splints, even with new shoes I was fitted for. I found out I have high arches and got an arch support insert. It has made a world of difference! I've also started Kinesio Taping for extra support. I also recommend C25K. Stick with the program, don't push yourself to do more, sooner. That's how I ended up…