WillowThorn Member

I've had "Shake it off" by Taylor Swift on repeat quite a bit. Also fallen in love with Whistle (While you work it) by Katy Tiz, Addicted to a Memory by Zedd, and Stronger by Clean Bandit

I get what they're saying, but I don't find this particular ad that offensive. It's just par for the course, I guess? Because of the way it's lit and colored, I feel that the emphasis is less on how thin she is, and more about how tough she is. I actually think it would be more shaming if it was a man - like a man couldn't…

I should also add - being flat footed, you should talk to a podiatrist about inserts. I was having arch issues and got good custom inserts (better than the $40 ones that were offered at running stores) that my health insurance helped pay for....those made a HUGE difference in my comfort while running. If you can work it so…

Expect to pay about $70-100 on a good pair of running shoes. There are plenty of cheaper shoes, but they don't last as long and don't offer the same support for your feet. Think of it as an investment! The beautiful thing is that this can be the only thing you buy for this particular exercise routine. No monthly fees, no…

C25K grad here too! I had to stop it a couple times and restart due to a few things (one of which being I ended up with shin splints and foot pain because of bad shoes) but once I finally got things figured out and went through the program, I completed it and can now run comfortably! Once you run that first race, you…

May I ask what challenges you're referring to? (so sorry if I'm missing something obvious) Hello, by the way! I saw your friend request post in the main forum and found myself here.

The biggest thing for me to help improve my running was discovering that you're supposed to run at a pace where you can still carry on a conversation. I always thought you were supposed to run hard - nope! Slow down, get your heart used to carrying you at that faster-than-walking pace, and before you know it you'll be…

In addition to low-impact exercises like swimming, you can do seated and lying down exercises. There are plenty of weight training exercises where you don't have to stand up. Just look into body weight exercises, and weight training with dumbbells for suggestions. Once you work yourself to the point where you're ready to…

I use MFP, StrongLifts 5x5, RunKeeper, 10k free, and Zombies, Run! 3. During my runs I have all 3 of those last apps running at once!

Thank you for this thread. The first time I tracked my food I noticed my potassium was low too. I went to my Nutrition Science professor for advice and she told me not to worry about it - but didn't really tell me why. Now that I'm tracking again it's still low, and I was beginning to worry I'd have to eat 10 lbs of…

Back, upper arms and thighs. I carry some in my stomach as well, but not a ton in back. It has made identifying whether I'm an "apple" or a "pear" difficult!

Well the way I understand it, you may not want cross trainers for Zumba because you can hurt your knees with those (because of the twisting). I've heard certain kinds of dance shoes are better or to use something on your trainers to reduce friction. As for the other exercises...when you buy your shoes they should be…

If you're counting calories carefully (weigh your food!) and maintaining a deficit, you will lose weight. Exercise doesn't hurt either! Just be careful that your deficit isn't too high (meaning you eat too little) as this is counterproductive. Aim to eat between 1300-1500 calories a day, depending on your activity level,…

Hello! Just finishing up my first year in the 30s and I've finally (*finally!*) got the kick in the pants I needed to get my life in order. First order of business is to lose the weight at last. After a month, I'm down 11 lbs with about 57 to go! This isn't my first time on MFP, but so far it's my most successful. I'm…

Ugh my weight was one of the things keeping me from cosplaying (that, and my skills as a seamstress are somewhat lacking). I don't really go to cons anymore, but maybe I can throw something together for Halloween! I have so much respect for heavier people cosplaying or costuming as skinny characters though. Seriously,…

Right now, ice. I tend to fall on my butt while walking on icy roads. Running....well. Otherwise, maybe other people's dogs? I've never met an unfriendly one though. Oh, cars too. This! Yes, I forgot to mention geese in my post. I have been chased by these guys. At the park I run at they tend to be alllll over the trail…

I really like frozen mixes, like bags of stir-fry vegetables. That way you get a nice variety with little effort and they're really good. Frozen fruit and veggies are really good, it just depends on how you like to prepare them. For example, I don't really like frozen broccoli because I prefer my broccoli crispy (frozen…

Try just drinking lots of water. I worked overnights for a few years and had access to junk food and the two combined did not do my health any favors....until I switched to water. Just take a sip whenever you feel a need to snack. It helps keep you awake too. For when you really do need to eat something, try something like…

Ow, I've been there. It does get better! I know the very last thing you want to do when you're depressed is exercise...but it really really really helps! It releases endorphins that help improve your mood, help you feel more relaxed, and you get to feel proud of yourself that you did something good for your body.…

Spinning is a lot of fun! Prepare to sweat like crazy though. It's the first class I've ever been to where people are literally dripping sweat onto the floor. *Bring a towel!* A water bottle is a must as well. The only other thing that I'd recommend is to be careful when standing up while using the pedals (which is a move…

If you were in upstate NY then you should have had no problem finding fresh foods. Wegman's is a supermarket chain that we have and pretty much everybody shops there. Lots of fruits and veggies. Like others have said, the availability of good food really depends on where you are.

I'll cook it in a skillet with stir-fry sauce. It's delish :-D Alternatively, add onion or garlic powder (or onion flakes, if you don't feel like cutting an onion), pepper, red pepper flakes (spicy!), italian seasonings, fresh grated parmesan cheese (more flavor than the powder kind), olive oil....things like that :-) With…

Congratulations! Thank you for sharing this with us!

ah the hip bones. I remember feeling them for the first time the last time that I lost weight. I'm looking forward to being able to poke them again haha! Congratulations! Awesome list.

What worked for me when I started was when I would get hungry I'd chew on a stick or two of gum. The act of chewing and the slight flavor tricks the brain I think. I try to save that for when nothing else works (first I'll drink water, then I'll wait 10 minutes for my stomach to feel full - sometimes just not thinking…

Sometimes it is hard to get out the door. Find a fitness blog or something. Looking at that when you know you should go to the gym but are struggling to get yourself up will help. I'm always able to go after looking at a site like that for 10 or 15 minutes. Other times - just think about your goals and what you're working…

Yes, after I met the deductible. The inserts are specially made for your feet and last about 10 years. They're expensive (without the insurance), but ultimately cheaper than ~$80 a year, and work better. It's an investment in your health, if nothing else! A podiatrist may be able to suggest other options for you as well.…

You might not have enough support in your shoes. I suggest seeing a podiatrist - they can hook you up with inserts that support your arches (or whatever you need) better than those cheap gel ones that don't really do anything. I just got a pair myself, and it's amazing the difference. My feet feel great. Alternatively, go…

29/F from NY here! New to MFP but would love to socialize. Anyone feel free to add.

crap. Well I better sneak out the back door before they notice that I'm still here.