sdirks Member

Personally, I would just go into your goals and use the custom setting to add 400 calories to your daily requirement. That way, your recommended protein, carbs, etc, for the day will be listed right away, rather than after you manually enter the "exercise of breastfeeding" (lol). It gets really annoying, having to enter an…

Awesome accomplishment! 51lbs is amazing! Welcome to MFP, too. :wink: If you haven't poked around yet, check out the sticky posts: anything from Banks or SHBoss (same person). MFP works because it's a community, not a diet: we've all seen that diets aren't long-term solutions. It's really important to understand exercise…

I really like this video so far: http://www.amazon.com/10-Minute-Solution-Results-Pilates/dp/B000GEIRAU It's available for instant viewing on Netflix, which is really convenient for me. I Like the "Waist Slimmer" section. I used to be a ballet dancer and I can really feel the muscle tone and control coming back in my core…

Sounds like my life 3 years ago, when I was putting myself through school. Yikes! I packed on a lot of weight, too. For me, stress was a major cause of the weight gain. And poor food choices. And lack of sleep. Sleeping less than 7 hours a night can cause you to retain 1lb a week, so get as much sleep as you can to see the…

Pleis, demi or grande, really target your inner thighs. You won't see that much toning in your stomach from doing pleis. Although, they're great for your posture... and your backside!

You need to eat your exercise calories. MFP has already programmed a calorie deficit into your daily goals. Exercising and then not eating back those calories only further starves your body. It's like asking your car to coast on fumes: a disaster waiting to happen. Look at the "Goals" tab under "My Home." It will show you…

I'd recommend some pilates workouts: CRUNCH Gym puts out a pretty decent series. If you have Netflix, there are tons of pilates dvds available to watch instantly. I've also heard good things about the cable exercise channel (I wouldn't know, don't have cable). Look for anything that focuses on core strengthening. Pilates…

I have a similar problem, but my entire body is affected when I work out or sweat (ie - summer). In my case, it's a skin problem. If you like, you can double-check with your dermatologist, as there may be a topical treatment to help reduce the itching, at least. It's probably nothing serious or dangerous... but for me, it…

Casper hit the nail on the head: you're a man, you're looking to lose a significant amount of weight... 2lbs a week should be a-okay. Keep in mind--if you're going for the dramatics to impress the office--that sodium causes a ton of water retention. Watch your sodium like a hawk and drink plenty of fluids and the scale…

Simple Answer: exercise less or change what you're eating. Your body needs fuel, end of story. Add a fruit smoothie with protein powder to your breakfast: there's 300 calories Add a handful of unsalted or raw nuts to your salads or cereal: there's 150 calories. Marinate your meats in spices, vinegar, and a splash of lemon,…

If you have Netflix, they have a shocking number of yoga and pilates videos available for instant viewing. I'm in love, too! This one is my favorite: http://www.amazon.com/Pick-Your-Level-Weight-Pilates/dp/B000GEIRBO It has 3 levels (beginner, intermediate & advanced) all on the screen at once, so you can do beginner core…

I do 3, 20-30 minute yoga sessions on weekday mornings. I also usually have 1 workout on a weekday night and 1 or 2 weekend afternoon workouts. My schedule is hectic and I often work late hours, so I work out when I can. I can't do yoga on an empty stomach--just makes me feel like I'm going to throw up, so I always do my…

My cat and dog used to do this. Steve could jump up on the dog's back and open the bathroom door. The curiosity thing about cats is totally true! I miss that cat.... :cry:

Great that you're watching your sodium intake. Too much sodium can cause you to retain water; lowering sodium can help you drop 2-5lbs, especially in the first few weeks of adopting healthy eating habits. A lower sodium, lower carb option is to eat wraps instead of sandwiches. Whole wheat, tomato and spinach wraps have…

You might as well work in my office, lol! It's been dead all week. Big conference at HQ, so only 60% of the staff is here. I spent all morning rehashing my wedding budget with my fiance via text message. Most exciting part of my day was finding out my caterer can do low-fat pistachio cupcakes. :tongue:

Thanks! I found this video for instant viewing on Netflix and did it this morning--loved it! :smile:

Go Netflix! If anyone has a netflix membership, check out the insane number of pilates and yoga videos they have available instantly. I won't have to buy dvds or get stuck in a routine now: phew! I was worried I'd have to shell out $20 a month on fitness dvds and ultimately just get bored.

This is Banks. Read his posts. It will take about 30-45 minutes to read all of the major ones. Then you will understand WHY 600 calories a day is so dangerous and unhealthy. You will also be armed with the knowledge to lose weight in an effective, healthy and lasting manner. We don't condone starvation or other unhealthy…

Still confused? Read the post I keep in my sig. Starving your body and depriving it of the fuel it needs is so rarely the right answer. Yes, they do it on "Biggest Loser." With a TEAM of doctors and trainers. It's television: "Biggest Loser" is as realistic as the Disney Channel, IMHO.

Way to go! You both look so happy! :flowerforyou:

I know the feeling! I'm 5'8". My goal is 145lbs, but I'm more focused on losing inches than pounds. Remember that muscle weighs more than fat, and takes up less space on the body. Focus on a shape that you find flattering and healthy-looking. Genetics are a hurdle, but your mind is stronger!

Consulting your doctor is a good idea. If you'd like a ball-park now, I'd suggest looking at other members of your family. What height/weight ratio do you think flatters them? Use the BMI calculator under "Tools" to get an estimate of your family members' BMIs, then calculate what weight would yield that BMI range for you.…

Forgot to mention: I have a health condition and am medically restricted from cardio and aerobics (no kick boxing, no step classes, no spinning, no martial arts, and NO 30-day shred). I can do low-impact and low-intensity only, like walking, yoga and tai chi.

Stephanie, you look awesome! You have so much more confidence in the new pictures--it's what really sets them apart for me. Keep it up, pretty lady! :flowerforyou:

Eat them. Just eat them. See the post from Banks that I have in my signature. It's one of the most straight-forward, no-nonsense, easy-to-understand walk-throughs around. If you're still unsure, check the sticky posts under General Diet & Weight Loss. Those posts will talk what-to-eat until you're blue in the face, lol…

You're right--I don't think any of us CHOOSE to be overweight. I think it's something that happens over time because we get busy or depressed and start forgetting to make our health a priority and take care of ourselves. I see this especially in my fiance. He had to want something better for himself before any real change…

I have a weekend of (shockingly healthy) feasting planned--my man lives 1800 miles away and we rarely see each other because of our jobs, so I've got to make it count! Tonight (Friday): London Broil with crimini mushrooms, roasted garlic bechamel sauce & a 2005 Bordeaux fresh pear with dark chocolate covered almonds & my…

oooh, I make a frittata that's almost identical. It's ssoooooo good, right?! :smile:

we're having fresh pears, dark-chocolate-covered almonds and a nice reserve port for desert tonight! still delish, but a bit lighter on the fat & sugar. gotta start the weekend off right! :heart:

Um, this is true. Not in a narcissistic way, even. When you like the way something looks, you're more likely to take better care of it to prolong it's use and appeal. It's basic human psychology at work. Looking sexy? Heck yes.