shirley_beans Member

I can't speak to its weight loss benefits because I wasn't very good about logging while I did the program, but it absolutely turns non runners into runners! I remember struggling to run a mile back in gym class, but after the C25K I can comfortably run a 5k and have since run 3 organized races :) I also noticed changes in…

This response is so refreshing because it's encouraging and positive. Recently I posted about all the negativity/sarcasm around here, and people jumped down my throat. Glad to see some people like to be nice :) It feels just as good as losing weight!

It's just that so many people are sarcastic and mean! You can certainly disagree respectfully.

Personally I believe the poster's aversion towards plastic is a bit extreme, but why do so many people on MFP feel the need to attack others for their opinions? If you disagree, there is no need to comment. If you think he's a troll, there's still no need to comment. He certainly isn't endangering himself so just let it…

This is, unfortunately, SO true.

Coffee certainly suppresses my appetite, but I also think that coffee/tea is a habit. Most people enjoy rituals and routines to help them get through the day. I know a cup of green tea helps me get out of bed on a cold winter morning, just as the thought of an iced coffee at lunch during a particularly hot summer day makes…

My advice is to stick to the plan. At first I thought it was too easy, but as the weeks progressed it became more challenging. Three days a week is an ideal place to start for beginners because it's easy to commit to and ensures that your muscles don't get any injuries due to overuse. You will be shocked by how fit and…

The way I understand weight loss is calories in, calories out so I think you would lose weight in theory. However, since those foods are calorie dense but low in fiber and high in sugar, you would probably feel hungry all the time, and it would be difficult to stay under your calorie limit for the day. & if you did manage…

I was 100% a couch potato and hated running until C25K. After completing the program, I am still running 3-4 times a week and loving it! There are great apps available, but you can do the program without one-there is an option for either time or distance at c25k.com. I recommend running for time if you're like me and never…

http://onceamonthmom.com/ This website has everything you need to create monthly menus using seasonal ingredients. The best part is that you can choose from a variety of menus-traditional, paleo, whole foods, diet, vegetarian, etc. Not only does the site provide the menu and recipes, but it gives you a shopping list, too!…

Try the C25K program...it gradually builds you up to running comfortably. The idea is to increase distance gradually and run every other day with two days off at the end of the week. But try resting, icing and elevating for a few days before you start :)

Thanks for the advice, everyone :)

*bump* I finished today. Ran my first 5K in 37 minutes. Any suggestions on where to go from here?!

It was only my second time running in the new shoes. They didn't hurt the first time, but do you think they could be the culprit? I'm debating going back to my old shoes, but at the same time want to see if the pain comes back in the new ones. :/ confused

I used to HATE running. I'm on week 8 and loving it. Just follow the program and don't do days back to back (my mistake). For the running parts only run as fast as you need to for it not to be considered walking...a good rule of thumb is that you'd be able to talk to a running partner and not be out of breath. Good luck :)

Oh my gosh I LOVED this comment. You're so right...people on MFP really get on their high horses about eating clean. Life is about balance, and you articulated that so well. Obviously we can't survive on Doritos, but a bag here and there won't hurt.

Really...nobody has advice? :(

Yes. Everyone is going to say you're not getting enough protein, but that isn't the case with me, and might not be for you, either. I find a little pasta kicks the craving, as well as the occasional Morningstar product. (Cue all posters after me yelling for suggesting processed food high in sodium...be quiet folks, live a…

I think people say that to make them feel less guilty for not losing their excess pounds! Just ignore them and keep it moving...your goal is realistic, healthy, and your progress is amazing :) Don't let the haters keep you down.

Thanks :)

Thanks for all the advice! All those who commented about the overload of sugar and carbs and lack of healthy fats are right on. After reading the comments, I realized that I actually wasn't hungry on New Year's Day and took a look back at that entry...sure enough, I was under the carbs limit and had half the amount of…

Feel free to add me as a friend if you'd like to see my diary for ideas. I've been mostly veggie since June, with the exception of two or three times that I gave in to a bite from someone else's plate. Both times it happened I realized I wasn't missing anything. Sometimes the brain just tricks you into thinking you do. I'm…

Chili Baked Ziti (Whole wheat noodles, 2% milk cheese, spinach mixed in) Eggplant cutlets Italian Stuffed shells (mix spinach in to cut down on the cheese) Mexican Stuffed shells (pinto beans, low fat cream cheese, salsa, and pepper jack sprinkled on top) Homemade veggie burgers Veggie Lentil Meatloaf Falafel Stuffed…

I combine it with ricotta cheese when I make stuffed shells, baked ziti, lasagna, etc. Another thing I do a lot is use it in echilladas.

P.S. I don't eat back all of my exercise calories during the week...there's a lot of debate about that, but I figured I would disclose that info for what it's worth. I generally eat back only about 100 calories, if at all, and that's only when I've done an intense workout.

I've lost 7 lbs. in the past 6 weeks (not amazing progress, I know, but it's steady!) and I've cheated EVERY weekend, including a four day weekend when I was on vacation. That being said, I usually only cheat Saturday and begin getting back on track Sunday.

I just went back to work, as well. Since I'm a teacher I do not have the liberty of going to the bathroom whenever I please. What I've been doing is timing my water. If I know I have a break in my class schedule coming up, I'll start drinking water 45 minutes before. Hope this advice helps!

Good luck with your health...this must be very difficult news for you. I would not worry about bingeing for one day...in fact, I doubt you will see a change in the scale at all. Lots of us have "cheat days." I have about one a week (usually on the weekend) and still managed to lose 3 pounds in the past 3 weeks. Just get…

Simple to make and low calorie...thanks for sharing

Generally unless you're obese (which you're not) between 0.5-1.0 lb per week is a safe and realistic goal.