larnsperger Member

Key is forcing yourself to start. It helps if you can find something you enjoy. Hands down walking has always been my go to exercise. It also helps if you can find a buddy. That really kept me going when I otherwise would have given up! Exercise isnt necessary but it sure helps my attitude and mental health. You can do…

sounds great!

i make this dressing all the time and use it on almost everything: 1/2 c. olive oil 1/4 c. balsamic vinegar 1-2 cloves of garlic pressed dried basil dried oregano black pepper Mix all together in salad dressing shaker. I use 1 tbsp. on salad and count the calories as a tablespoon of olive oil. I keep it on the kitchen…

SERIOUSLY????? I get sick and tired of the "eat more" crowd telling everyone and anyone how harmful it is to eat 1200 calories per day! Really people in third world countries are dying for that many calories per day! In America the land of obesity and excess 1200 calories does seem like starvation mode, but it is far from…

Commenting on food diaries isn't something I would do unless asked specifically. I find it equally exasperating when the "eat more" crowd posts about all us 1200 calorie people, and when you look at some of their journals their food choices are high protein bars, shakes etc. It's not my business how other people choose to…

Your diary is within your calorie range, but perhaps keeping the fruits to one per day and adding some leafy greens, in their place. I find it difficult to lose if I have too many carbs even if they are fruit. Nuts are another thing that can sometimes slow the scale for me. I try to keep it to almonds and I try to limit…

You are definitely one of the few normal voices here at MFP. Your pics support your posts. You eat real food and you aren't a slave to the gym, AND you've been maintains for a long time! Great story, great inspiration! Keep inspiring!

That is really great! Congrats, lots of hard work and dedication!

Scales can be a PITA especially when you insist on visiting them often. My advice would be to track your measurements once a month and only weigh once per week. However we all create our own hells and I was someone who was addicted to the scale and it dictated my mood. Finally I figured out that I was doing myself no…

I would guess at least 30 minutes.

Most ridiculous term! Can you be "Skinny" and unhealthy? Sure based on your diet you probably can. Just because a female has cellulite and a few rolls and weighs 130lbs. Does NOT make her skinny fat. Got news for you I'm 54 and if you think gravity and cellulite, loose skin, doesn't take over at some point for all of us no…

A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!! You look great. What an inspiration, wishing you continued success!

I think it is true that people are either from the "eat to live" or "live to eat" camp. Personally I was raised in an "eat to live" environment and I come from an extended family of this thinking. We are all (aunts uncles cousins etc.) of "normal" weight. Meals were simple, there were 3 per day and an after school snack. I…

These sizes mean nothing other than the fact that manufacturers have no standards. I'm 5'6" and I started ay 172lbs and wore a snug 12 or a more comfortable 14. I'm now 132lbs and I wear a 6 or 8 depending on cut. I can tell you had I been able to wear a size 8 at 172lbs. I wouldn't be on MyFitnessPal :)

I'm on maintenance. I' find it much harder because as someone else mentioned I do better with lots of structure. I've been on maintenance before. In the past I've maintained my calories M-F and allowed myself freedom for the weekends. This time, I left my calories at 1200 for a few weeks and I continued to lose which I…

If your food diary is accurate you seem to be eating under on your calories almost everyday. You also are lacking protein. I personally cannot lose without eating good protein. I'd make my own breakfast sand which and ditch the processed one. Make sure you are drinking your water and logging everything. Also are you using…

I have been on it for 10+ years for heart failure. I have noticed no weight gain with it. Everyone is different if its new and your gaining I'd mention it to your doc.

Hi, for what it's worth, I started here May 2012. I started out with 1200 calories on doctor's recommendation. I was pre diabetic, and I already deal with heart failure. So the last thing I needed was diabetes. My cardiologist told me to start at 1200 calories and walk 30 minutes per day. Which is exactly what I did, some…

You look great!

Plateau is usually 4 weeks or more. I weigh daily but for other (medical) reasons, and it can be frustrating seeing that same number pop up every morning. Even when I was in losing mode I would see the same number sometimes for 10 days before I'd see a loss. Frustrating but normal. I'd rather stay the same, than see an…

Not sure why you wouldn't rely on the Polar HRM for your calorie burn, as it is based on your height and weight. I find mine to be a bit more accurate than MFP. As a rule the HRM shows less calories burned than my elliptical with it's built in calculation. As for the other, I wouldn't eat under a net of 1200 calories per…

Welcome - Your diary is not public so not sure what your 1200 calories looks like. It's important not to consistently eat under 1200 calories if you can help it. How about adding nuts or avocado ? Good sources of fat and protein will help bring the calorie count up. Good luck!

Looked at your diary and your choices look healthy. I'm not one of those who thinks 1200 calories/day is too low, maybe you could add in more protein. Some nuts, or avacado to bring your calorie count up a bit. You say you are working out several times per week, which would require a bit more food. I can only tell you what…

Stunning what a transformation!

Sorry for asking a stupid question, but what plan are you referring to? I'd ditch the scale as well, if your clothes fit better that is a Victory. Have a good week!

Not sure what your 1200 calories amounted to when you were eating them. I started on 1200 calories per day in June 2012 (doctor recommended). I have lost almost 40 lbs. I will say that I do measure and log everything I eat, the good the bad and the ugly. I keep my food choices to chicken breast, eggs, tuna, salmon,…

I have the FT4 Love it! I'm sure you cannot go wrong with either model.

Running is an excellent way to tone the legs, so is an elliptical. Squats and lunges are hands down great ways to tone up that area, and you can add weights as you get stronger. You don't mention what you are eating? If you are doing that much cardio consistently I would think you'd begin to see some results, but not if…

Sounds like you have a VERY tight schedule. You are really motivated working two jobs and being a mom that's obvious! As someone else suggested I would work on my diet first and foremost. If the gym is on the work property I'd go for 30 minutes at lunch even if it were just to walk on a treadmill. If it isn't on site,…

Congratulations on your success thus far. You didn't say whether or not walking is an option for you, if it is I would suggest you take a 20 minute walk everyday at whatever pace works for you. Walking is an amazing weight loss tool, which doesn't require more than shoes and determination. I love the mental boost that…