AJL437 Member

Way to go!! What a great way to start the day!

Vodka/Soda, Bud Select 55, small glass of white or red wine

For me - my mantra is: "Just focus on today". Just for today - work out and log your calories. That's it. Just do that today. I also have a workout buddy and someone I weigh in with once a week. That support system has been a tremendous help. For motivation - I have a pair of pants I have been trying to fit in that I try…

It could be a function of how far under your calories you are staying and if exercise was not part of your routine before. Your body may be entering starvation mode because you are not eating enough. This will lead it to retain water and calories. Also - sodium can be an issue depending on what you are eating too. Try…

Greek yogurt with nuts, deli turkey, celery and peanut butter, a salad

You have to hit the 1800. It's the right goal. Don't overthink it - just get some solid protein sources - almonds, lean meats.

I had a bad knee too. I kept cranking up the resistance on the stationary bike for intervals to build strength. You can also swim or do squats in the pool. Another one I like is a wall sit. You position your back against a wall and lower until you form a 90 degree angle - your thighs parallel to the ground and hold it.

For snacks - I like whole almonds - a 1/4 cup is 170 calories and very filling. I also enjoy celery with hummus or peanut butter; slices of cold cuts like salami or turkey, chopped up carrots with a little green onion, ready pac salads from the supermarket, and green drink smoothies.

Thanks everyone for all the tips. I am going to up my hydration and Vitamin E! I appreciate it.

I didn't say I was afraid of it. I am glad that you like it. If I can prevent it, I'd like to.

The Fitbit is not for you. It does not have a heart rate function. It is a pedometer.

What type of person are you? Is it easier for you to cut something completely or to have a little big of it so you don't obsess? I agree with the pre-planning. That has made the biggest change for me. In the morning, I log everything I am going to eat. My husband and I love pizza on Friday nights. I log in eating half the…

I bought the Fitbit Ultra off eBay for $50 because I wondered the same thing. The Ultra is the older version of the FitBit ONE. I love it. I use it solely as a pedometer. It syncs easily with My Fitness Pal and automatically when I have within 15 ft of the computer I have the bottom hooked up to. It's really helped me see…

I bought the Ultra off eBay for $50 and I love it. It shows steps, stairs, mileage and little cheerful messages. It's small enough to fit in my bra. I highly recommend it.

I make quinoa burrito bowls - you can make the quinoa in advance. sauteed onions and garlic, add rinsed canned black beans and seasoning - I used smoked paprika and cayenne pepper. Sautee about 15 min or so. Again - you can make this in advance and then just heat up. We layer it quinoa, then a green usually swiss chard or…

I can't really afford to buy new things for the weight loss. Once a month, I post an update on facebook. Getting all the likes and way to gos is a huge motivator and reward. I also go shopping into my closet to see which clothes fit me now. Getting back into those clothes is such a huge reward !

Salami

I also really like mini quiche dishes. It's great for all leftover veggies. I like celery with dips like hummus or white bean spread. I use lettuce instead of bread for sandwiches. I eat a lot of meat. I love turkey burgers, tuna steaks, chicken, and some red meat. I found quinoa is a great option for me - more filling…

I agree with what everyone said here. I have 100lbs to lose. When I think about that, I get overwhelmed and want to quit. I don't see how it is even possible. However, when I just think about today and today only. I can do it. I can walk for an hour and log my calories today. I can do that. When I started, I didn't even…

Figure out your dinner menu in the morning when you are motivated and log it in then. You can even prep it on the weekend so you have ready to eat meals when you get home and are tired.

Congratulations! Way to go!

A couple things: 1. I have a calendar reminder that goes off every morning that says "I am getting skinnier every day." Having that little mantra hit me in the face in the morning really helps. 2. I ONLY focus on today. I actually don't think about the long term or my future goals. I just think about today. I made two…

Lots and lots of protein so you do feel fuller. Give yourself time to feel full. I think it takes 20 minutes for your stomach to send your brain a message you are full. If I really feel hungry after eating, I will set a timer for 20 minutes. If in 20 minutes, I am still hungry, then I'll have some protein. Repeat until I…

I agree!

I think grocery stores are a great deal. I wouldn't try for variety - just figure out 2 -3 meals you won't mind having over and over that you could reasonably get at a gas station or grocery store - ie. hard boiled eggs, veggies, hummus, etc.

That is so untrue! Maybe you have to abstain from trigger foods because you won't be able to have just one. Others of us are moderators - we can reasonably add in our drinks or cupcakes to the calorie limit. Gretchen Rubin of the Happiness Project has some great blogs on abstainers v. moderators. Perfect is the enemy of…

I am in! Starting weight 286.6

You can do it. I find that if I say to myself " Am I eating because I am hungry? If not, why?" Bored, sad, etc. Then I can better deal with it. I can more easily overcome boredom once I identify it. I chew a piece of gum as the first line of defense and then if I still really want that bag of chips. I put out a portion and…

I turn my head to the side and take a breath in through my mouth and then blow it out my nose as I swim. I am not sure that is "correct" but it works for me. Wherever you swim may have lessons. It'd be worth taking one. I found a lot has changed in how they teach kids to swim nowadays - especially the front crawl - in…

This is incredibly helpful! Thank you for sharing. It really answers the question. I wear a 46 bra and 4X Capris so Nike isn't really gonna work out. Thanks!