michelec64 Member

Congratulations! That is the best feeling filling up those bags. An even better feeling is going shopping knowing that you're no longer limited to just one corner of the store, but have the run of the place. That day will come for you sooner than you think. Keep up the good work.

Weekdays I'm at the gym when the doors open at 5 a.m. It can be a grind sometimes but that is really the only time I can get my workout in, and I always feel better after it's done knowing it won't be hanging over my head all day.

I had been going 6 days a week, but cut back to 5 last summer when I reached my goal weight and went into maintenance mode. I feel a little weird recommending a specific minimum because everyone has different needs and goals, but I would say you can't go wrong with at least 3 times a week and then taking it from there. If…

Congrats...and keep it up.

Ten minutes earlier, at 4:20. Not a morning person so it was brutal the first couple of months, but it's been over a year and most times I'm up before the alarm even goes off.

By all means go sign up. Talk to the instructors/staff about your concerns (that's why they're there) and they can walk you through how to use the machines, and maybe set you up with a customized program. As far as what other people may think, 90% of gym goers are serious about being there and are so focused on what they…

Yep. Don't get me wrong I enjoy watching TBL for the most part, but it's anything but a reality show. The contestants don't have the constraints of work, school, or taking care of their families while trying to lose weight. And granted there's a lot behind the scenes that we don't see, but it seems like little time is…

I did lose my double chin, but now I have a bit of a turkey neck. Thank goodness for scarves (LOL).

New Balance 494 Walking Shoe. Excellent support and very comfortable. The 494 was actually discontinued by NB a few years ago, but thanks to an online NB clearance outlet I've been able to still get them and have a little stockpile of 3 pairs.

I've been on vacation the last couple of weeks, so I've been going mid-morning when it's just retirees and housewives and it hasn't been too bad. I expect Saturday morning will be crowded though. Back to work on Monday which means I'm back to going when they open at 5 a.m., along with only a dozen or so other diehards.

The fear of going back to 200 lbs and feeling like crap all the time.

I have Leslie's 1, 2, and 3 mile walk DVDs. I play them when the weather's too bad to get to the gym. Her workouts are pretty straightforward and easy to keep up with, there's no elaborate steps or jumping around. What I also like about her DVDs is that she encourages you to work at your own pace, as long as you're moving.…

I had a hysterectomy years before I started working out so I can't speak too much on the exercise factor, but you will definitely need to take it easy for at least the first couple of weeks. Whether it is abdominal or laproscopic a hysterectomy is still major surgery, so you have to pace yourself accordingly. If you push…

If you're on the walking/running track with a buddy or two, be sure to leave enough room for others to get around. It's frustrating when a group is taking up the whole width of the track, even when people keep having to squeeze through them to get past. If you're not sure about something, it's okay to ask for help. Most…

Hit the gym for 60 minutes of cardio as I do most days. Not placing any limits on what I can/cannot have for dinner because it's just one meal. As long as I don't bring home leftovers and get back to my normal healthy eating on Friday it's all good. Whatever approach you decide to take, just be sure to enjoy your…

This week is my 5-month maintenance anniversary. I've only made 2 changes since getting out of weight-loss mode: I only weigh-in once a week, as opposed to daily; and I've cut back my workouts from 6 days a week to 5. I still use the diary religiously because while I think I have the hang of what and how much I should be…

Go to the recipe section on the "Food" tab. Input the number of servings and ingredients and it will give you the number of calories for reach serving.

2 pounds on either side of 140 (138-142). My first couple of weeks of maintenance I shot up to 144, but I made some tweaks with calorie counts and workouts and for the last 3 weeks I've been hovering at 140-141. I'm still on a learning curve, but I'm confident I'll get it right eventually.

I'm another one who watches cooking shows while at the cardio station, but considering that each machine has its own individual TV I don't think it's an issue. And there's particular machines in the row that I prefer using because they run smoothly, the height of the TV is set just right so I don't have to strain my neck…

I'm only a month into maintenance mode. I still don't trust myself enough not to log in daily, but I'm making my way toward taking a similar approach. I got a little lax with the calories the first couple of weeks, and as a result my new clothes felt a little big snug last week. But instead of freaking out I just decided…

I would say continue to be encouraging, but don't take it personally if she continues with her habits. In the end your co-worker is going to have to want to make this change for herself, that's the only way it's going to happen for her. In some ways she sounds like me a few years ago. The doctor was telling me I needed to…

^^^THIS Do the best you can, but don't stress out over it. Vacations are all about straying away from the daily routine. It's okay if you don't log your calories right down to the last teaspoon of salt. Just pick up where you left off when you get back home. Have a great time.

I'm in the 4'11" club. For me my ideal weight is 140, which I'm currently at. Anything under 135 and I start looking skeletal (as it is my collarbones are already quite visible). I've always been buxom with a thick torso, so the BMI "ideal" range for me just ain't happening.

You paid good money for your membership so you have just as much right to be there as anyone else. Do your workout and don't give anyone else a second thought. With the exception of a few busybodies with nothing better to do, everyone is so focused on their workout that they're not really paying attention to you anyway. So…

Yep, I'm also one of those folks who doesn't feel like it's a good workout unless my t-shirt is soaking wet. I'll never be mistaken for one of those ladies at the gym who are just there to look pretty.

I am so not a morning person but between the long hours at the office, and 1 hour commute each way that goes with it, early morning is the only time I can get my workout in. I wake up at 4:20 a.m., head to the bathroom just long enough to take a bio break, brush my teeth and splash water on my face; throw on my workout…

I'm all about PG Tips. A few years ago a co-worker gave me a box from her trip to the UK, and I was hooked. Can't find at any stores here so I have to order it online, but totally worth it. I also like Ahmad of London's Earl Grey and Mango teas.

During the week I pre-journal breakfast and lunch since I pack them the night before. I find that helpful because then it gives me an idea of how many calories I have to work with for snacks and dinner. I'm less structured about it on the weekends, usually updating the journal as I go.

I'm 47. Including pre-MFP I've lost a total of 60 pounds. I was able to do this by eating healthier and working out 5-6 times a week. It's so funny but when I tell people that, they look so disappointed like they want to hear a magic answer. I haven't had this much energy in years and I feel great. The key is to be patient…

Great job! Keep it going.