ltkasmala Member

When I was in my mid 20's (so about 30 years ago!) I did some bodybuilding for about a year and a half. No, I did not get bulky but I had some serious shoulder action going on that some might not like. I deliberately worked out with guys because I knew they trained more intensely so I was lifting some fairly heavy weight.…

I would suggest using smoothies instead of those replacement shakes. While most probably have more calories per serving, you can customize them pretty much with anything you want. Adding protein powder, chia seeds, etc. can provide additional health/nutrition benefits. And they seem to keep me full for several hours…

I actually do better on weekends than during the week as I am not bombarded with junk food from co-workers and PTO members! Also, if you are looking at the way you eat as a "diet" that is kind of self-defeating. When I started this journey five years ago, my take on it was a "lifestyle change". Diet implies limits that…

I am a pescatarian (vegetarian that eats fish) so my selection is VERY limited. They were recommended by someone. I notice they tend to be higher in calories and other macronutrients than me just eating food I'd prepare myself. I know they are convenient and supposedly well thought out but I'd rather invest a few extra…

I suffer from insomnia thanks to menopause. Medications simply do not work any longer. Going in for a sleep study later this week. Sadly, it is affecting my ability to loose weight right now. I have a long commute and teach (will be going back to work in 17 days) so the combination is not really good.

Funny thing.... I just disconnected my Fitbit from this site yesterday. I am off for the summer and outside of my exercise, do not move as much as when I am working. After sitting and watching TV for a half hour, my Fitbit had clocked about 1500 steps. I've heard others make the same comments. I'm going back to entering…

I used to have a Fitbit Flex; now I wear an Alta. I don't think any of them are to be worn in the water longterm. You can get them wet, that is, washing your hands and getting some water on them with the intentions of drying off soon after. I had a co-worker that swimmed regularly and that was her biggest complaint--you…

I am a teacher that has to commute 25 miles each way to work and back. By the time I get home in the afternoon, I'm too tired. It's that or don't work out!

I think once you establish a regular eating pattern (a combination of eating certain foods/recipes you like often with just knowing the difference between what is and is not really a healthy choice) you need to rely on the logging food less. Just my experience...

I cook most of what I eat from a recipe. It takes a little more time but entering it yourself can make the entry more accurate and you can recall it easier for future reference. I've had to Google some things and then put in myself. Is it telling you anything? I'd think scrambled eggs would yield something.... I just tried…

First, great job! :) I am also a teacher. When I starting loosing large amounts of weight five years ago, I almost couldn't keep myself in clothes. Changed sizes every 4-5 weeks! My daughter introduced me to thrift stores (I see someone else suggested Goodwill). While you have to plan on taking some time to try everything…

I agree with what posts I read. The year before I came on here seriously, I must have set an account up and entered my, then, current weight. My doctor was pretty insistent I needed to do something. The following summer, I decided to get serious about life style changes and loosing weight. I came on here again and in that…

First, good job. I recall someone saying if you don't think loosing 50 pound isn't an accomplishment, carry a suitcase around that weighs 50 pounds! I'm sure you feel the difference. Strength training isn't necessarily for builiding "lots" of muscle, but you obviously need your muscles active to assist in burning calories…

I read some place about five years ago (when I first started this journey) that for about every 10 pounds you loose, you "should" go down a size. I'm sure that's a rough estimate, but it's some kind of guide, at least. Hope that helps!

I switched to a vegetarian lifestyle five years ago and haven't switched back yet! I kept approximately the same macro intake (30% protein/40% carbs/30% fat) though some days it really is hard to eat enough protein (carbs and fat no problem!) I do still eat fish, which technically makes me a pescatarian, as well as eggs…

As mentioned in other posts, weigh at the same time of day if possible (I like the morning myself) and use the same scale.

If the high cholesterol problem runs in your family, there may not be much diet and exercise can do for your numbers. I've been on Zocor myself for almost ten years. About two and a half years ago, my overall cholesterol was about 190 with the medication, though my HDL was around 65 and my LDL was at about 115. My primary…

Stress.... and having chocolate within 50 feet, any direction!

Five years ago I turned to a pescatarian diet (vegetarian that eats fish). I also still consume some dairy, mainly cheese and coffee creamer, and eggs. I wasn't a big fan of meat to start off with but made the change due to heart issues that run in my family. I did loose a lot of weight within a year. I'd suggest not…

I took this journey seriously five years ago and lost almost 85 pounds. Sadly, I have menopause/hormone issues that started three years ago and these have caused me to slowly put weight back on. And it doesn't seem to be budging regardless of what I do either.... I do know this, when I started out I, too, thought I ate…

Feel free to add me also. Just turned 57 and while I was able to maintain my weight for two years, it is starting to creep back on due to menopause. I'd appreciate women my age and/or that can relate to this situation. It really is making it hard to re-loose the weight regardless of what I try.... Also, I'm with the other…

I don't like "diets" that eliminate particular food groups (or macromolecules). After hitting menopause three years ago the weight is starting to creep back on and I'm really struggling to get it back off. My doctor actually told me "this is just what happens as you age". Seriously? Others keep telling me to eliminate…

I used to go to Planet Fitness and never understood why a fitness place encouraged the eating of what I would consider "junk food". It's all good I guess! Enjoy! ;)

For calorie burning, you can use the treadmill more effectively but it does require fairly steep inclines and moving at various paces. I have arthritis in both knees so sometimes the higher impact just doesn't work. To me, the stationary bike just takes too long to burn the number of calories I want. Even the difficult…

I agree with the others on using YouTube. There are a number of execise channels that are really good. Also, not everyone is into Pinterest but it is a good resource for finding pre-created routines that either use your own body weight or various circuit training routines with various types of equipment.

I was unemployed for about 2 months during which time I "stress" ate constantly and put on about 10 pounds. Needless to say, my clothes are tight. Not interested in sizing up and/or a new wardrobe! That's my motivation! ;)

Your body does follow a circadian rhythm pattern which is why some people generally wake up at the same time every day and go to bed the same time at night. If you are accustomed to that, you should already be used to that part. As far as eating, I agree, your body doesn't know the difference between dinner and breakfast…

Try mixing up your exercise routine(s). Your body may getting used to what you normally do and simply isn't burning calories efficiently any more. I deliberately do a variety of workouts and for different time lengths--some days work out longer than others (Zumba, Walk at Home, Tae Bo, Kettleball, general stretching and…

Yes... I've been trying to get more friends... Please send me a request! I'll be glad to add others, as well, but can someone tell me how to do that? I never see anything except "send message" when I go to other people's profiles! Thanks!