jcramer1227 Member

Yeah, after high school I gained all kinds of independence when I left home. I ate what I want, when I wanted it. Which meant fast food. It has become a habit that I'm slowly breaking. I would love nothing more than to set a specific schedule like that, but, in my experience, it works better for me to "wing it." I know you…

Definitely bookmarked that thread! Thanks :) I'll have to take a look when I tweak my allotment.

Hmm...sounds like a pretty good option. I will have to try that. I will admit that I really like seeing the big burns (who doesn't, right?) but perhaps to get out of this rut, it might be a great option to get the ball rolling.

Thank you for some great advice and encouragement! I do pretty well in the kitchen, but most of the time just lack motivation to actually do it lol It's one of the many things I'm working on when it comes to my poor eating habits!

Yeah, I have learned over the past few months that the totals on foods/exercise are inaccurate sometimes. I like to use an average method when I calculate calories burned. I use the counter on whatever I'm using (treadmill/elliptical) and I use what MFP gives me and I use a couple online calculators...average that. I will…

Just to clarify why I chose "lightly active." The way it was easiest for me to understand calculating my numbers was to take exercise out of the equation. If I didn't workout at all, I consider myself lightly active. I have class during the week and work as a server 3-4 days of the week. I suppose that may bump me up to…

I mix up my cardio and it's not a set schedule. I typically do between 45 and 60 minutes of either elliptical, stationary bike, treadmill, or Zumba. I usually do a mix. One day will elliptical/Zumba and the next might be bike/treadmill. There are some days when I don't have as much time (class and work) so I may only get…

Jessica, I have seen Supersize vs. Superskinny :) It's definitely an interesting show!! It's so crazy how it feels like I have changed so much about my lifestyle since I started in late November 2012...but I have so much more to learn.

Just to answer your question on the strength training: it's simply because I haven't done full blown research yet. I do have a free session with a personal trainer at my gym, though. I want to use that to get some insight on which machines will be best for me to start and then actually learn to use them properly! I could…

I'm 29, will be 30 by the end of the year, yikes! :P I'm usually ok with fruits (just ran out the other day...grocery store time). Veggies, however, are very rarely in my diary. I'll probably have to take a more active role in adding those damn veggies.

You think so? I've heard the "eat more to lose weight," but mostly for people who are eating 1200 calories. My BMR seems so high. I guess I just figured since it's not an exact number that eating very close to it would be ok....perhaps I could be mistaken.

You are definitely right. This past week and few weeks ago were pretty restaurant-heavy. But I've cut way back since I began this journey of mine. Slowly but surely, fast food will be a thing of the past :)

Sometimes I come and browse the success section of the boards just to lift my spirits. It's not often I find a story that so well resembles my own. You have done a fantastic job and have given me inspiration to continue my journey. Thank you and congratulations!!

Thanks for the 2 cents :) I did end up leasing after a little more research and it worked in my favor. Woohoo! Not too worried about mileage...I average about 5k/year. It even knocked 2k off my negative equity!!

The biggest thing I would say is this: Don't worry so much about cutting out sweets and treats completely. Concentrate on moderation. I have been horribly sick for almost a week and haven't worked out in about 2 weeks. Through all this, I continued to monitor my calorie intake. I still show a loss after all that…

From photobucket, click the IMG link (not the HTML). Then make the IMGs lowercase. Should work like a charm.

I don't have one myself, but I hear an HRM (hear rate monitor) is a great way to see your calories burned. I'm planning on getting one, but for now I use calorie burn calculators online. I've noticed that MFP can sometimes overestimate how many calories you actually burn. Btw, HRMs can be bought at Wal-Mart for sure, I…

Omg, MN? I live in St. Cloud....small world!

Fantastic! I absolutely love these success stories. I'm glad your friends convinced you to post :) The other posters are right, you definitely don't look like 210...you wear it well, my dear. So crazy you mention tearing your ACL. The same happened to me in highschool (also softball...coincidence!). I've been gaining…

What a transformation! You look beautiful :) You are also right...we DO have the time! That was something I always told myself ("I don't have time for this.") False. It takes less time to eat smaller portions ;) Thank you so much for posting and congratulations!

Hi! Just happened across your post and I'd love to share this journey with you. Feel free to add me :) A little about me: My name is Jessica, I'm 29 (as of yesterday :D), and I have about 100 pounds to lose all together (7 pounds down so far!). I have it split up in a couple intermediate goals. Anyone else can feel free to…

Lol, have to double-take :P Btw, love the profile pic.

I really appreciate all the responses so far. I've gotten some perspective, some insight, some...randomness (my favorite part). I'm off now to celebrate Yule with my mother. Happy Yule and Happy Holidays to you all :) And don't forget: Love yourself and stay strong :heart:

You said it, sister!

My niece shares my bday and my stepsisters bday is only a couple days after. So many December babies! People love to get it on in the spring I guess ;) New life and all.

Gotta love the pic :P

I can't even imagine. I love my mother with all my heart and, as time goes on, I hate thinking of her not being with me. So painful. I would like to wish you a happy early birthday, though. Mine is the day after yours. *I totally read "mother" not "grandmother." I'm sorry :/

Hehe :) Well, I have kinda short, stubby legs. Only being 5'4" I hope I'm in the Boob-losing category. Otherwise I'm going to be a little oddball :P You know, one those top-heavy wobbly things lol

Thank you. Pretty well put imo. I'm certainly no expert on dealing with a family member's fight through cancer, but having helped them through other medical issues, I'm always sincere in my respect for others in their fight. I'm sorry about your mother.