healthekate Member

I absolutely loved reading your story. Well done, and congratulations on this new life you have created for yourself! Good luck with marathon training!

I do agree that we should all eat as we please. What and when we eat is entirely a personal choice; what works best for one might not work for another. However, I took a look at your diary and just have this to offer: If I were you, I would cut down on the processed foods and white flour. Incorporate more whole grains, and…

I'm 5'6" and started at 168. Honestly, if I could get into the 120s I'd be really happy, but my (more realistic) goal is to maintain at 130-135, which is a really healthy and manageable goal. Currently I'm maintaining at 145-150, so I still have plenty of work ahead of me!

I lost 8.5 pounds during April while doing 30DS along with limiting calories, doing other exercise videos, and jogging/walking lots. You will be fine! 30DS tones and burns calories; it's not really weight lifting.

I did the Shred along with other exercise DVDs, plus jogging, walking, and limiting calories. I did not always do it every day, but instead brought it into my mix and usually did it at least 4 days/week. During that month, I lost 8.5 pounds, though I'm sure it was everything combined -- not just the Shred. I KNOW the Shred…

I absolutely know what you mean. I do A LOT of walking, and I have noticed a change since I started losing. It really can feel threatening, especially if you're in a remote area, or if it's dim or dark out. I get it, and it sucks that it's something most women have to deal with in the world. Keep your chin up; you'll get…

Great work!

Great resources. Thanks!

I don't eat before my morning workout unless I feel like I need the energy, in which case I have a small piece of fruit to get me through it. However, the most important thing is to feed your body after the workout, and a piece of fruit isn't enough. You have to get protein in your body, and adding a simple carb (like a…

Regular yogurt, although you can strain out the whey to make Greek style (see above comment). Mine is actually thicker than the yogurt I used to buy, which was quite thin.

Dinner was my biggest meal when I started losing, so no, I don't think it will hinder your weight loss. Later, though, I read this quote: "Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper." From there, I made the switch to eat more calories at breakfast than at lunch; more at lunch than at dinner.…

I've done this without a gym membership. I prefer exercising at home and outside. You can do it! Saves some cash, too! :)

After looking at your diary, I would be willing to bet that you're not eating enough calories. This happened to me; your body will rebel if you don't give it the calories it needs on the days you exercise. I recommend allowing yourself a high-cal day (eating at maintenance calories). You must choose only healthy foods for…

There are no real directions to follow here. Start with Level 1, and progress when you're ready. If you feel like you're strong enough to combine levels, do that. I usually do Levels 2 and 3 together now, but when I started, Level 1 was a killer for me. It really will change your body, and you'll start to see results…

It's a really good idea to have a responsible cheat day once a week to avoid a plateau. It's sort of the same concept of calorie cycling; it keeps your body from entering starvation mode, and it keeps the body guessing. It's really important that you only eat healthy foods, though. No McD splurges! Keep your sodium levels…

bump

I started at 168 and I'm down to 141. My goal is 128. I'm new to MFP and would love to buddy up! :)

1. Walking to and from work every day, rain or shine, instead of driving (2.5 miles each way). 2. Counting calories and understanding my body's nutritional needs. 3. Workout DVDs available on Netflix Watch Now, and then Jillian Michael's DVDs when those became too easy. 4. No longer going out to eat (except on special…

Good for you! Thanks for sharing the positive energy. I am feelin' it too! :)

Ugh! You're singin' my number. I hit 142 and had to work VERY hard to lose another 1/2 pound. This week, I'm trying to cycle my calories and I actually cut out some of the cardio after reading some articles that seemed to indicate that strength training is much more effective at this stage. Still doing some pilates…