Tree72 Member

It's really tough to say what percent of results is due to which changes. For me exercise is very, very important. Exercise improves my mental outlook and makes it possible for me to make the other changes (attitude and diet) that are necessary to lose weight. I don't think the exercise caused the pounds to drop off, but…

Talk to them and find out what's really happening. Maybe there's some reasonable explanation. Or maybe they're having trouble and afraid/embarrassed to ask for help. Sometimes people do things like this when they are suffering with depression and don't feel up to dealing with it.

Hmm, I was wondering what to fix for dinner. This will require a trip to the store. I'm thinking sharp cheddar, definitely some caramelized onions, and maybe some bread and butter pickles.

You can always get back on track. Don't worry about what you have done; you can't change the choices you've already made. Just focus on making good choices the rest of the day. Have a healthy dinner, and see if you can fit in some exercise, maybe a walk. If you can't, just try to get good rest tonight and start fresh in…

PB2 is great. I love to use it to add some protein to my breakfast on days I have oatmeal. I still eat regular PB too, but this gives me even more options.

My calves are pretty large at 15.5". I've only lost an inch or so as I've lost the weight. My calves are very muscular and defined. You can see the little upside-down heart shape on the back of them. I definitely get compliments, and even my trainer said she envies them. :) I blame genetics plus ballet for years starting…

Chili, with or without beans A dish my mom always called slumgullion that is similar to what many call chili-mac: brown onions, mushrooms and ground beef in a skillet. Add a can of diced (or whole crushed) tomatoes, a small (8oz) can of tomato sauce, a can of corn (or cup of frozen). Add a teaspoon of oregano and a…

Awesome story! Thanks for sharing it with us. It's a great reminder that all of us can use from time to time.

Box jumps. I really hate jumping, and heights, yes, even that small of one, scare me. It's totally a mental thing. I also hate lunges off a step where the back foot stays elevated.

I'd have to say it was the congealed pig blood. When I was travelling in China we went to a "fish head hot pot" restaurant. You basically cook at your own table. It starts with broth placed into a basin set into the middle of the table (which is heated). To that they add large fish heads. Then you select other items off…

I'm just getting started myself. But if I'm understanding the book correctly, it's kind of up to you. There are none prescribed during the first phase, but you can do workouts other than the 2 or 3 times a week of prescribed lifts. He talks about it a bit in the last chapter. It will depend on your current fitness levels…

If I'm home alone, definitely open. Otherwise the cats are banging the door and yowling.

Fage 2% is my favorite. I usually buy the huge tub and add my own fruit or flavorings. It's heavenly with just few drops of vanilla and a dash of cinnamon. Then I scoop it up with apple slices. Also makes a tasty veggie dip with a bit of garlic, salt, and dill added.

How low carb do you need? My current favorites are the Slim bars by NuGo. They vary a bit from flavor to flavor, but average around 20g carb to 15g of protein. They don't use any artificial sweeteners either, which is a big plus for me. The brownie crunch is pretty tasty. *Edited to add, only about 2g of those carbs are…

Just create your own exercise. You'll have to give it a name, but you could just call it something like "HRM adjustment" or something that makes sense to you. Then it will show up on your list of most used and will be easy to select.

How much fat are you getting? If it's less than 25 to 30% of your daily calories, I'd seriously consider increasing it. There's even a book ("The Good Mood Diet" by Dr. Susan M. Kleiner) that talks about the importance of having enough fats in your diet (among other things.) I haven't read the book, but have read a few…

I definitely keep track of exercise that's less than 30 minutes. And it's quite difficult for me to burn more than 10cal/minute. Seriously, on the elliptical doing intervals at level 11 and keeping it over 6mph, I only burn like 9.5 cal/minute. If I followed a rule like that, nothing I do would ever count. The only…

Personally love kilts, both traditional and modern. Also I live in a town where you'll sometimes see guys just hanging out or going out for the evening wearing them. (Our town slogan is "Keep Austin Weird", so YMMV.) So, I say if you feel like wearing one, go for it. :drinker:

Wow, not sure how I missed this earlier, but thanks so much for sharing the inspiration and information. I've been wanting to lift heavy for a while and just started with NROLFW this last week. Congratulations on your amazing transformation.

List your favorites or how you'd have it/customize it: 1. oatmeal - Steel cut oats with brown sugar, nutmeg, and half and half. For more decadence, add berries and toasted nuts. 2. toast - Garlic! 3. ice cream sundae - vanilla ice cream, chocolate syrup, toasted pecans, and lots of whipped cream 4. frozen yogurt -…

It's taken me about 2 years to lose the weight I have so far (about 80 pounds). I'm currently estimating it may take me another year to lose the last 15 to 20 that I have planned to lose. I've accomplished what I have by significantly increasing my physical activity. I now spend 60 to 90 minutes in the gym 5 days a week…

We have cats, and I'm a klutz. Seat and lid are always down when not in use.

I don't have a scale at home. So I weigh at the gym, fully clothed. But I have 3 very similar outfits, and the same shoes, so it shouldn't make any difference in amount lost or gained.

Lol, definitely know people like this. An acquaintance of mine managed to light his house on fire because he dumped the still warm coals from his barbecue into the trash bin too soon. Mind you, he has a PhD in Chemistry....

I like what my body can do now. I used to want to hide. Now I view my body more as a tool that lets me do all kinds of things that I want to do. I'm still working on getting more fit and stronger, but I'm in much better shape than I have been in years. I don't focus too much on looks, but I never really have. I'll never be…

I'm 5'5" and currently right around 165. My waist (just a bit above belly button) is 32" and hips (widest point around buttocks and belly) is 42". Hoping to shave at least 2, and maybe up to 4, inches off each of those measurements as I lose the last 20 pounds to reach my goal.

For a relatively substantial snack that's still less than 200 calories, I'll either have 3/4 cup of low fat Greek yogurt (usually Fage 2% for me) and 100g of fresh berries, or I'll have a small or medium apple sliced with a tablespoon of peanut butter. Either of those will hold me over for a couple of hours.

I have yet to meet a cooking method I don't like with sweet potatoes. Just plain baked, or with a bit of butter are my favorites. But I also love them cut into cubes and roasted. I spritz with olive oil and then toss on some mixed seasonings which usually include a teaspoon or two of dark brown sugar, a bit of salt, ginger…

I work out a lunch, so always shower before heading back to work. I'd say my gym has sort of average facilities. I have to supply my own toiletries. But we do have individual shower stalls with frosted doors. I'm at the gym to work out and then get on with the rest of my day. If you don't want to see naked people, you…

Anyone who would like more support can add me as well. I'm also 5'5" and I started out at 246 and am currently in the 160s, been fluctuating between 163 and 168 for a while now. I'd like to lose about another 20 pounds to get to 145. I've taken the slow but sustainable route. It's taken me about 2 years to lose the 80 or…