CaffeinatedConfectionist Member

Gogol Bordello - when I was trail running the fast pace of the music always helped me maintain my own pace. But oddly I also listened to a lot of audio books, because if I found one that was really engaging I could zone out my own discomfort.

Hey all, feel free to add me. Gaming is one of my hobbies, both video and tabletop. In fact, I'm currently playing fallout 4 and have plans to play the Dark Souls board game this afternoon during the super bowl. It doesn't get much geekier than that. I'm also into comic books, sci fi and fantasy novels and TV shows, and…

100%, for me. Exercise does wonders for my mental health, not only because of the actual physiological effects of working out and being outdoors, but also because of the increase in self-esteem and self-confidence that I feel when I am the best version of myself.

I've been having an issue very similar to yours, but I agree with the above posters that it's probably not related to the run. I've had the symptoms three separate times and there's no correlation to my cardio or lifting. The doctor ruled out gallbladder or organ issues and said that it is likely due to stress, either…

I'm 32, been on MFP since I was 25 or so. It's a helpful tool if you're ready to start making changes and there are a lot of knowledgeable people on the forums (once you learn how to sort through all the BS). Feel free to add me!

For me it started with incorporating consistent physical activity into my life. I started with walking at a local park. That led to me buying a treadmill and learning to run. Learning to run escalated into getting a gym membership and taking classes like Body Pump, TRX, and Kettleworx, although it took me a few weeks to…

It's all about finding balance and an approach that works for you. I love baking and confectionery (obviously) and I would not feel like I was being myself if I gave up those hobbies - really, cooking, baking, etc, is my form of creative outlet (I also enjoy cooking with a whole-foods type approach, although I also…

I'd be cranky if I had broccoli for breakfast, too ^.^ I'm cranky because it's not 5pm yet...!

Brilliant!

Mint chip is my current favorite, at least until I find mocha chip. But it's literally killing me that they haven't come out with a chocolate peanut butter flavor. Literally.

Neither - Image all the way! (eta that while you can't compare universes with Image like you can w marvel and dc, I've yet to read anything bad that they've published and it's hard to argue with a publisher where the creators actually retain copyright and ownership or their material. Even if I'm not a big fan of Robert…

There's like 30 calories in a carrot. How long do you spend chewing your food...? O.o ETA: I used to spend a lot of time trying to find substitutes for my favorite snacks. Tried 'em all. None of them were appropriately satisfying and pretty much all of them disappointed (roasted chickpeas may be pretty tasty on their own,…

Right? I'm lucky to be home by 5:30 or so, and then I still need to work out. Dinner for me is usually 8-9, bed somewhere between 9:30 and 11:30 depending on how I feel. Up at 5:30, bah. There is almost always dessert immediately before bed. And others have already covered this well, but yeah, meal timing is entirely based…

Glad to see this thread got more or less back on track :D I lose on 1800-1900 calories, though I aim for a weekly average rather than eat 1800 daily, so that I can eat more on weekends. I average 1500 during the week so that I can have several high calorie days involving going out to eat or drinking or what-have-you. I…

I'd recommend starting with a program for beginner weightlifters, such as Stronglifts 5x5, New Rules of Lifting, Strong Curves, Starting Strength, etc. These are programs that are designed around big, compound lifts and will help you maximize "newbie gains" - people tend to have a window when they first start lifting where…

This!

Usually somewhere around 4-7lb for me, but more if I'm eating extra sodium, working out strenuously, or drinking (because duh, cramps, where's my booze? ^.^). So sometimes it's up by like 10lb. The scale is a tricksy bish who is not to be trusted.

Interesting, thanks! I will have to look into PHUL, because I'm not at all familiar with that program. ETA: After a quick google of PHUL it does look like it might be a better fit for me than Wendler, just in terms of how I prefer to lift, but since I don't currently have access to machines I'd have to sub the cable…

I have only done some cursory reading into each program, but from what I understand PHAT is aimed at increasing mass and strength through the mix of power and hypertrophy days, whereas Wendler appears more focused on gains in strength? My primary goal is to increase strength; adding mass is secondary, although still…

Get yourself out of your comfort zone more often. Do things that make you uncomfortable. Take chances. The more we do things like that the more comfortable we get in all sorts of environments and can find ourselves doing things or being comfortable in situations we would never have imagined we could handle. And take an…

I missed this post when it first came out, but I've been toying with the idea of switching up my program. I'd been thinking of PHAT or Wendler, but clearly I have a bit more researching to do first ^.^ Just wanted to say thanks for the tremendously helpful list of resources!

In for responses. I've been thinking about switching to something like this, also.

I use JayBird Freedom earbuds for running. I've never had them fall out - they have a curved piece that fits to your ear to help hold them in place, and give you a variety of sizes to fit different sized/shaped ears:

Right? It's so awesome! I totally slacked on it this week, though, which means Tuesday is going to kick my butt

Hot damn, how did I miss this thread the first time around? (all facetiousness aside, I'm glad you found something that works for you, which is great, and you seem a lot happier/less defensive in your recent post. But the arguments from June are still valid, relating to the fact that it is not necessary to adhere to such a…

Yes please. Especially frozen, during this current obnoxious heat wave

I came in here prepared to give a serious answer until I saw the OP's username ^.^

Definitely feel free to add me :) I lift between 2-4x per week, depending on the week. I just finished up my lifting notebook that I started in 2014. Based on the number of pages, I average 3x a week, which isn't bad (finishing that notebook was incredibly satisfying, btw). I also don't have much weight to lose, although I…

I used Jefit for a while - it seemed fine, but I also didn't utilize it all that much. I ended up reverting to the notebook method out of laziness.