IowaJen1979 Member

I often run 2 days in a row, but try not to have them to close together. Sometimes I run before work and sometimes after, so if I ran after work, I would not run the next morning but would do it after work. (Does that make sense!?!?!) I do Zumba on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday and then run 3 days a week during the week. As…

Yeah! Good for you! The next run will feel soooo easy! I just finished Week 6 and did a 22 minute run on Tuesday, which was challenging but I finished. To anyone nervous about W5D3 - that's OK. I was super freaked out. I ended up doing the run outside in horrible weather (high 80's, VERY humid) because the air conditioning…

Americans eating too much quinoa is putting stress on South American residents. :-( http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/20/quinoa-boom-bolivian_n_2724251.html

I never eat back all of my exercise calories unless I feel like I need some extra fuel that day. I usually eat 1200-1400 calories a day. If I don't exercise it's closer to 1200. That's what my doctor recommended. I stalled recently so I started adding 2 strength training workouts per week and I started losing again. Just…

I actually sit down each week and plan out everything that I'm going to eat, then make a list and only buy what's on my list. I live alone, too, and work all day, so I cook everything on the weekend and eat leftovers throughout the week. It works for me, and maybe it will work for you! And it saves money because you're not…

I just tried the Fiber One Protein bars. 130 calories, tastes like a candy bar, makes you feel full! I also eat apple slices, low fat cheese, deli meat, yogurt, cottage cheese... I try to keep it below 150 calories and high in protein to make me feel full. At night I crave junk food, so I like to eat Skinny Cow, Pringles…

I'm game! I just finished my second 12 week challenge and am looking for another.

If you like blue cheese dressing, I would definitely recommend making this: http://www.skinnytaste.com/2010/04/low-fat-creamy-blue-cheese-dressing.html I'm the same way - I love salads but HATE low calorie dressings. They all taste terrible. And if you eat regular dressing, it counteracts your healthy salad. This dressing…

I'm just finishing up my second 12 week challenge. I would live to join!

I really love the support here! I gotta say, when I mentioned to my friends back in January that I was cutting back on alcohol they didn't discourage me but they didn't necessarily understand. This is great! Makes me feel so sane. :-)

I gave it up, too, for many reasons. First, I was a binge drinker and didn't like the pattern I had established. Second, I really wanted to lose weight. I REALLY wanted to be successful, and alcohol is a trigger for me. Not only does it pack on the calories (because I was a binge drinker - I consumed A LOT) but it leads to…

Yup! I was one of those people. On the elliptical every day then eating pizza, ice cream, chips, etc. at home. Now I eat right and do cardio five times a week. I've lost almost 50 pounds and have not touched a weight. I wanted to get a good routine established before I started branching out.

Definitely skinnytaste.com and emilybites.com. I keep the recipes I like in a recipe app on my iPad. Almost every recipe I've made from these websites does not taste low calorie - they are so delicious! My faves for dinner: from Skinnytaste: meatloaf cupcakes with mashed potato frosting crockpot honey sesame chicken…

I think you need a new gym! This is not the case at my gym, but if it was, I would hate it!

When I turned down happy hour so I could workout!

Unfortunately you can't spot reduce. I agree that you should try different pants. If they are squeezing the fat from your lower belly upwards, there is no place for it to go but over your pants in the form of a muffin top.

I like this one: http://www.jennieo.com/recipes/223-Best-Ever-Turkey-Meatloaf But if you feel adventurous, this meatloaf cupcake with mashed potato frosting is delish. :-) http://www.skinnytaste.com/2011/08/skinny-meatloaf-cupcakes-with-mashed.html

I've been losing steadily for 4 months and still going strong. When I hit a plateau I'll deal with it. I've discussed this with my doctor and she has no concerns. I trust her opinion. :-)

This is a tough one! Every few weeks I find myself having the same problem, so I cave. I allow myself a "cheat day" or "cheat meal". After I satisfy my cravings I'm able to dive back in and fight them off. At first I was worried about doing this because I thought I would snowball and never get back on track, but as long as…

Not true. I have lost 40 pounds netting less than 900 calories. My body definitely doesn't think that it's dying. It feels happy and healthy.

I don't understand - if you're eating back all of your exercise calories and you're not losing weight, why you don't you try to not eat back your exercise calories rather than eating more?

100%!!!! I bought a food scale a few months ago and I just don't know how I lived without it! I never have to guess or wonder if I'm eating the right portion. I have learned that portion size can make all the difference in the world and it's so important to be as accurate as you can. Thanks for posting!

My first reward was a new purse. After my next goal I'm getting a massage. :-)

Definitely a troll.

I've never heard of that before! Sounds great! Or sour cream with taco seasoning. :-)

I also use Good Seasonings packets (just add water, vinegar, and oil) to make my own sometimes.

Skinnytaste Low Fat Blue Cheese: http://www.skinnytaste.com/2010/04/low-fat-creamy-blue-cheese-dressing.html Super easy to make, delicious, and better for you than store bought. You would never guess it is low fat!

My go to's are skinnytaste.com and emilybites.com. I always find good stuff there!

Evanston. Chicago's neighbor to the north.

I am the wrong person to ask! I bought an old cruiser on craigslist for $30, but it's perfect for me to tool around town and go to and from work. I mounted a quick release basket in the front and I have paniers for the back.