chrisc16

The sodium levels in diet drinks in fairly low (diet coke/pepsi have 40 mg), so salt-wise you should be fine. Water is best, but diet drinks are probably fine in moderation.

30 minutes or more a day (or thereabouts) of cardiovascular exercise (bike riding, running, etc - anything to get your heart rate elevated above your normal resting rate) will increase your metabolism, and keep it elevated for several hours after you finish exercising.

I prefer dark chocolate York peppermint patties, usually 2 or 3 (3 is only 150 calories).

You should be eating AT LEAST 1200 calories daily so you body has enough fuel to properly maintain itself. 700 calories is dangerous, if maintained for an extended period. Go see a good nutritionist so they can provide you with a reasonable diet plan.

Natures Own whole wheat. It's 50 calories per slice and low in sugar and sodium.

I don't pay anything. I bicycle around the neighborhood about 5 miles a day, and use resistance bands for strength training 3 times a week. Apart from the cost of the bands, about $85, it's zippo!

Two spoons; one spoon of peanut butter, and one spoon of jelly. Repeat (only once or twice).

I take a krill oil pill, and multivitamin daily. I also take a protein shake for breakfast twice a week. Don't have to over do it!

You should weigh yourself once a week, in the morning, empty your bladder first.

This sounds like a load of crap to me.

Cardio does what the name says; it strengthens the cardiovascular system. Keeping your heart rate elevated will also accelerate fat loss by burning stored fat as fuel during this exercise. Hope this helps.

I'll be thinking of your dog. I had to put our dogs down, within several months of each other, last year. It was one of the hardest things I have ever experienced. Good luck to Charlie.

Just look at the "trend". Is it going down? If so, that's good.

I use Bodylastics resistance bands, and love them for resistance training. You can go to http://www.strengthbanduniversity.com/ and check out some exercises to do with your bands. Good luck!

Most likely muscle, relax and enjoy. As long as you are eating right and working out, don't worry.

I wouldn't fast, cycle your calories instead - this often times will kick start your metabolism. One day, eat your calorie maintenance level, the next eat 20% below that number. Do this for, say 5 days and see what happens. Good luck.

You can check this site out for no BS info on dieting. It's what got me started. http://www.theloseweightdiet.com/

Hang in there - the important things come first. You'll be fine.

I'm not a BBW, but you look good to me :)

Sometimes calorie cycling will help. Day one - eat below your maintenance level, day two - eat a bit more than your maintenance level, etc for a few days. This might help start your weight loss again. Good luck!

It's not a lot - usually about 40 mg per 12 oz can. Pretty much everything contains some salt, unless your drinking 24 cans a day, I wouldn't worry too much.

Watching my blood pressure readings slowly decline the more weight I lose.

You should get at least 1200 calories a day or you might go into "starvation mode" and your metabolism will start to slow down a bit.

Hmmm, my breakfast usually consists of; Cheerios (dry), a banana and baked potato (plain) - later in the morning. I stagger these to reduce hunger. Along with 3 cups of coffee.

I think as long as you are under the calorie total for the day, you are fine. That being said, portion control IS important. Hang in there, tomorrow is another day.

I take krill oil, same benefits as fish oil but: smaller pill, only 1 pill a day, and no fish aftertaste.

It's the total package for me, and personality is at the top (sense of humor to be exact). You could be the most physically attractive woman alive and be ugly inside - where it counts most. Physical beauty fades over time, it's whats inside that counts most.

Start tracking your sodium (salt) and potassium intakes. Sodium will make you retain fluid while potassium counteracts the sodium in your system. Bananas and potatoes (carbs, I know) are good sources of potassium.

Once you get past your plateau, I would continue on with the calorie deficit as usual. If you stall out again, zig zag. This site has some no nonsense info: http://www.theloseweightdiet.com/

Every day begins a new day. Don't let what happened in the past dictate what you do in the here and now. Keep the fire and keep the faith, with perseverance comes success. Hang in there...