yes_i_can

I really wasn't offended by it, but it sounds like some of you know what I mean. It's great that people notice and want to pay you the compliment - I do appreciate it. BUT, I always wish they would leave it at, "You look really great". Then, if you want to talk about the details, you will... "Thanks, I've been working…

Woohoo!! I had one of those moments this morning too... I hadn't really noticed how much I'd gained in the past year until January when I tried on a skirt that I hadn't worn in a long time and I couldn't get it on. That was the wake-up call to get my butt in gear. This morning, I pulled it out of the closet and it's even a…

Sodium definitely makes a HUGE difference - up to 5 pounds with me. So, I would say lower your sodium as much as possible, up your water intake, and eat lots of low-sugar/starch veggies (i.e. no corn, peas, avocado, etc.) and things should get back on track. Good luck!! (Edited - don't ya hate typos?? ;)

I also had mixed thoughts on the matter... I used to drink about 4 Diet Cokes a day (for at least 13 years), and people would mention all the aspartame studies occassionally, and I just kept thinking - at least I'm not consuming all that sugar, and I don't like the taste of regular soda anyway. Well, one day I didn't have…

My cheat day doesn't involve food... I let myself have a few cocktails! (But, I'm also even more strick about food and increase my water on those days)

I agree - set a schedule for yourself for weigh-ins, or if you continue to weigh-in often, make sure you start understanding your normal patterns. I weigh myself probably 5 times a day (I just can't help it!), but I only really put merrit on my Friday morning weigh-in. On top of that, the water could be the issue - NOT the…

I love my Pearl Izumis. They're seamless inside, so if you have wider feet you don't get that problem of skin going between the body and the foot pad. I would recommend going to a specialty store though... they'll analyze how your old shoes are worn, how you walk, the shape of your foot, etc. and let you know what would…

Great job!! :) Make sure that as you go you do recognize the work you've done and the progress you've made. About 6 years ago or so I lost 85 pounds and, like you, I never really saw the difference. That made it all the easier to gain it back - if you still see yourself at the weight you were, you won't notice if you start…

I step on at least 5 times a day. HOWEVER, I don't let the number scare me. I only really pay attention to the results on M-W-F mornings.

It used to be that when people I thought to be thin already would comment about how they have want to lose weight, I would make a comment to the effect that, "But you're so skinny and lucky you don't have to worry about that." I thought I was paying a compliment. What I've recently realized is that many do not take it that…

Sorry - didn't see this 'til now!! For the bloating, the only thing I think you can do is up your water intake and avoid salt and processed foods. For cramps though, try a good quality liquid Vitamin B Complex. For me, it definitely makes a difference for the cramping, cravings, and such.

So?? How's it going for everyone that decided to give it a try? As an ex-Diet Coke addict (103 days clean :tongue: ), I can tell you it feels great to get it out of your system and not be craving it all day long. I hope you're all finding success!!

I always stretch before and after. That said, it really isn't great to stretch cold, so if you've been stagnant most of the day, I would recommend walking for 5 minutes or so, then stretching, finish your work-out, then stretch again.

This might sound cheesy, but I have a bracelet that I add bobbles to for every 10lbs I lose. It's a constant reminder of how far I've come (or how far I have to go since there's only 3 so far). I'm trying to make them each reflect something I'm doing or feeling at the time. So far I've got a 4-leaf clover (it was near St.…

I lost about 85lbs 6 years ago or so through a program that required no exercise. When I got to my goal, I was thin, but not fit. AND, because I hadn't been exercising, it was hard to maintain that weight when some of the food restrictions started to come off. If you've built muscle and fitness while getting to your goal,…

I recommend going into a specialty tea store and smelling everything. My favourites: Chai - for something with a kick Cleanse - yes, it cleanses, but most have an earthy, spicy flavour as well Jasmine Pearls (aka Dragon Tears) - a very light, fresh taste Vanilla Pear - tastes a bit sweet and creamy without needing the…

I have to tell you, taso42, I went to the site in your signature (http://shouldieatmyexercisecalories.com/) because I was recently looking at information on calorie intake for a friend. Thank you for my first laugh of the day!! It's been a rough one so far, and I needed that :tongue:

I'm more of a tea drinker, though I'm adding more coffee lately. I drink both black though. What is it about the tea that you don't like? I've had just about every type and flavour under the sun, so maybe I can suggest something if I have an idea of your taste (or distaste, as it is)...

I used to use a trick to get myself going in the morning that, now that I think about it, I'm going to start again. Lately I've been doing my exercise after work, but then lots of excuses come up - appointments, tiredness, errands, etc. SOOooo... My trick: I use my cell phone as my alarm. I set the "snooze" to be only 1…

Hi there! I'm from "big town", Ontario (T.O.), and am a newby to MFP as well. I'll add you shortly! If you're looking for a good program to get into running, check out www.c25k.com.

Gin & Soda with a splash of lime juice is my drink of choice! Depending on the proof of the gin, it comes in around 85-110 calories.

What a great message for a Tuesday morning. Now there's definitely motivation to live up to that glowing opinion! :)

Most recommend to do it that way - small snacks throughout the day. I've heard that will keep your blood sugar and metabolism more constant, letting you feel better and burn more throughout the day. You never end up feeling hungry and getting tempted that way as well!

You look amazing!! I'm so glad to see the pics... I'm on a similar journey. Started at 240 back in February, down to 208 right now, with a final goal of 150. My mid-term goal is to be under 180 by my vacation in July, and I've been trying to gage what that will look like on my 5'6" frame - now I know :wink: Keep up the…

I do, but I also know that the day before it starts I'm guaranteed to be up a pound or two, and then drops off then a day or two into it. So, yes, I weigh-in, but I don't get too stressed about it if I see a number I don't like!

I have the same problem... Over 200lbs and I was hardley eating anything - usually just one meal a day. Otherwise, I was busy, stressed, etc. and forgot to be hungry!! You'll be surprised at how quickly you'll start to lose once you start eating more (provided the "more" is the right kinds of food). I think it was within a…

I'm on Week 3 - add me too! :tongue:

Is it diet soda that you drink? I used to have at least 5 Diet Cokes a day and if I skipped a day, I would get headaches, get tired, etc. - like withdrawals! Caffeine doesn't affect me (I could have an espresso 5 minutes before going to sleep), so I'm convinced it's the aspartame. At any rate, I did a kick-start diet back…